The Cruelest Kind of Hate By Celeste Briars

Hockey’s golden boy, Gage Arlington, is a world-renowned goalie and lovable jerk who expects his second season playing on the Riverside Reapers to go smoothly. Until his luck changes one game and he sustains an almost-career-ending injury. Now facing three months of recovery time, his sole focus is to get back on the ice. With a (supposedly) foolproof plan, he enlists the help of a certain dance instructor to rehabilitate him, only to find out that she’s none other than the girl who hates his guts and t-boned his car to prove it.

Dance instructor, Calista Cadwell, has been strapped in a never-ending rollercoaster loop her whole life. And when her mother falls terminally ill, she’s left with no choice but to become her brother’s primary caretaker. With a bank account that needs some serious CPR and an insane schedule, her great-sister status seems to be on the verge of tanking. But all her fears come true when she discovers her brother’s being bullied by his hockey teammates. So, when an arrogant, hip-hindered hockey player comes begging for her help, she forms a plan of action.

Gage and Calista strike a she’ll help him with his recovery in return for some hockey lessons for her brother. Over time, clashing heads devolve into clashing tongues, and Calista’s disdain toward Gage begins to change the more she’s with him. However, when Gage’s true feelings threaten to complicate their business transaction, Calista finds herself at a does she put herself first and chase after love, or does she become another cog in a family-oriented machine?

Will Gage be able to win the heart of a girl who’s too afraid to love, or will this be the one game he’s destined to lose?

The Cruelest Kind of Hate is a hilarious hockey romance featuring a lovable hockey goalie, a sassy heroine, a deal made between enemies, spice hot enough to make you question your religious values, and a slow journey of mutual healing that ultimately ends in love. It’s the third book in a series, but can be read as a standalone.

The Cruelest Kind of Hate is a dislike to lovers, hockey goalie x dance instructor, black cat x golden retriever, forced proximity, he falls first and harder, banter galore, hockey romance with no cheating, no third-act breakup, and a heart-warming happily ever after.