Released
Ice and Instinct, Book 2
Between the Glass
Renee Lavoie did not become the best sports journalist in the league by falling for surfaces. She has watched Ben Kowalski charm every room since her first press scrum, and she knows the grin is armor. He is the Portland Wolves' funniest player, their emotional backbone, and the saddest person nobody notices. When a story that could end both their careers forces them together, Renee has to decide what matters more: the truth she was trained to chase, or the man she was never supposed to want.
Forbidden AttractionForced ProximityWorkplace Romance (Forbidden)Slow BurnEmotional Walls
🔥 Heat Level: Medium (Slow Burn)
Emotionally grounded intimacy with emphasis on vulnerability and trust. On-page scenes that deepen emotional connection.
Further reading
If this book lives in your taste, these blog posts go deeper.
Trope Deep Dive
Why Forbidden Romance Works
Journalism ethics meet a player who can't stop performing. The blueprint for Ben and Renee.
Craft Note
How Sports Romance Earns the Misunderstanding Trope
Why Renee's professional skepticism reads as integrity, not contrivance.
Craft Guide
Writing Emotional Sports Romance
A breakdown of the technique that turns funny-guy armor into honesty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Between the Glass steamy?
Yes. Between the Glass has explicit intimate scenes with a literary approach. The heat serves the emotional arc: physical intimacy reveals vulnerability and shifts the power dynamic between Ben and Renee. Heat level is 3/5 peppers.
What tropes are in Between the Glass?
Between the Glass features forbidden attraction (journalist and player), workplace romance, slow burn, and emotional walls. The core dynamic is two skilled communicators who struggle to communicate honestly with each other.
Is Between the Glass enemies to lovers?
Not in the traditional sense. Ben and Renee have genuine professional friction, but the antagonism lasts only two to three chapters. The core dynamic is forbidden romance complicated by journalism ethics, not sustained hostility turning to love.
Do I need to read Unassisted before Between the Glass?
Not required. Between the Glass works as a standalone romance. However, reading Unassisted first gives you context on Declan and Elena, who appear as supporting characters, and enriches the team dynamics.