Rising Star (Chicago Breakers #1)

Two years ago, it was supposed to be one night. Two years ago, Chicago Breakers captain Grady Volkov broke his own rules. One night. No names. No expectations.

A rookie who was too talented—and too unforgettable—to be a mistake.

Roman Wilder left a note the next morning. I’m learning from the best. Grady never forgot him.

Now Roman is back in Chicago after a blockbuster trade—and this time, he’s impossible to ignore. Younger, flashier, openly ambitious, Roman is quickly framed as the future of the franchise.

His chemistry with Grady on the ice is undeniable. Off it, the attraction Grady has spent the past two years controlling refuses to stay buried. He tells himself it’s temporary. Careful. Private.

Contained.

As the season tightens and the media begins framing Roman’s ascent, Grady is forced to confront the truth he’s been avoiding: leadership in this league doesn’t last forever—and love doesn’t survive being treated like a liability.

The real question isn’t whether Roman deserves his rise.

It’s whether Roman came to Chicago for the Breakers… or for Grady.