A talented but financially struggling creative professional. She enters the story with a firm resolve to continue hating Jason, believing she can maintain professional distance despite the intense emotions his presence reignites. 3. Key Themes

The narrative unfolds primarily in Lake Placid, New York , where Jason has sought refuge following a personal tragedy that ended his professional hockey career.

Kristel Ralston is a prolific Ecuadorian author known for her "enemies-to-lovers" tropes and fast-paced contemporary romances.

Ava, an illustrator and writer of children’s literature, is facing financial hardship after her publisher closes unexpectedly. Driven by necessity, she accepts a high-paying job in Lake Placid, only to discover her new employer is Jason—the man she has tried to forget but still deeply resents.