What happens when the hot-as-sin boy next door returns home for the summer, and he finally sees me as more than just his little sister’s best friend? McKenna: It was my last chance for a hot girl summer before I left to play college volleyball. But when my best friend’s older brother decided to come home from college, my plans quickly shifted. Griffin Turner was a divinely sculpted hockey player who had held my heart for as long as I could remember. It only took one summer for us to fall fast and hard. When tragedy struck, Griffin shattered what was left of my already broken heart, leaving me to face a future that was far from what I had envisioned. Two years later, I’ve picked up the pieces and built a life I’m proud of. That is until my brother’s first NHL game, where I am forced to watch as my past, present, and future collide. Griffin: It’s been two years since I walked away from the love of my life, and since then, I’ve worked my ass off to become the best forward in the NHL. When McKenna Wilder's aquamarine eyes connect with mine once again, the overwhelming emotions hit me like a slapshot to the chest. I wasn’t the man she deserved when I walked away from her—I’d become only a shell of the man she once knew. But I’ve poured everything I have into overcoming my demons. And now that I’ve discovered the truth, I’m determined to prove I’ll never let them go. What It Was is the first interconnected standalone novel in the Off Ice series. Readers will love this spicy romance featuring a hot-shot hockey player and a tempting volleyball player and their journey through love, loss, heartbreak, and second chances. "I read the entire book in a single sitting without ever getting up. Not even once. Grayce's story gripped me from start to finish, and even now, a few days later, I am still thinking about Griffin and McKenna and their love." - Samantha Brinn, author of Because of You "I was absolutely blown away by Grayce's debut. I could not believe I was reading a story that was written by a first-time author. The writing was captivating, the plot was full of life, and the connection I felt to every single character was already past surface level within the first couple of chapters. If you're looking for a book that challenges you emotionally, digs deep into your soul, and has you feeling every emotion under the sun, please read What It Was. This was SO MUCH MORE than a hockey/best friend's brother love story. This story has so much depth and so much heart. Griffin and Kenna's chemistry was undeniable, and their relationship was so complex, heartbreaking, and beautiful. The dynamics between characters were so intentional and well thought out. Every single detail had meaning. There wasn't a moment in this book where I got bored. I devoured it in a day. Out of the 51 books I've read thus far in 2024, Grayce's book is at the top of my list. For a debut indie author's book, I never thought I'd still be thinking about this book weeks after I've read it." - Ginsa Michelle, author of Meet Me in the Vines Grayce Rian is a contemporary romance author from the Midwest. Her stories perfectly combine spice, angst, and sweetness to make readers swoon. When she's not writing about your new, favorite book boyfriend, you can find her with her high school sweetheart, chauffeuring their three kids to every activity imaginable, or with her nose buried in a book. To get updates on Grayce's upcoming projects, connect with her on social media: @graycerianauthor.