CAGE: A single-dad, roommates-to-lovers, hockey romance. (The New Bradfords)

Sometimes fate sends a sign, and sometimes it sends a bloodhound with a hot hockey player holding its leash, dragging it off you.

Owen Stone is not your usual hockey player . He’s a six-foot-two single dad with dark hair, ocean eyes, and muscles for days. He’s also a last-minute trade trying to find a home for his seven-year-old daughter, his psychic sister, and his adoring bloodhound. Naturally, my hockey-star cousin tells him to move in with us. I’m a sucker for a good dog.

Gina Bradford hits me right in my weakness. She’s tall for a girl, with strawberry-blonde hair, bright green eyes, and a sweet smile. She’s also a champion dog groomer, judge, and owner of a pure-bred show poodle, who is also a notorious towel thief.

When my new teammate invites me to be their roommate until I find a home for my crew, I should’ve said no. I’ve survived the worst, and I’ve achieved my dream of playing in the NHL .
My focus is on winning games and taking care of my daughter, not romance .

Until our dogs start acting like fated mates whose sole purpose is to push us together. And a charity calendar forces us to work together. And a highway accident strands us overnight in a hotel with only one room … and only one bed .

We said it was just once . We’ve both been hurt. But once is never enough.
My daughter loves her, and even my psychic sister predicted the girl of my dreams would be holding a dog.
It takes a little faith and a lot of courage, but what we’ve found is more than a cage. It’s a love that shows up, even when you’re not looking for it.

( Cage is a hockey romance with a broody single dad, an FMC obsessed with dogs/not love, roommates-to-lovers, close proximity, “just once,” chosen family, and loads of spicy fun. No cheating, no cliffhanger, and no third-act breakup.)