The Kicker

I'm Nico Langetti—Richmond Rhinos kicker, professional pressure-eater, and the guy who can hit from fifty… as long as nobody asks me to commit.

Because I don't do relationships.

My father taught me freedom is the only way not to get hurt. And I've lived by that rule like it's gospel—no strings, no promises, no messy feelings that can blow up in your face.

Then my mother texts me one sentence that ruins my life:

I'm coming tomorrow. I want to meet your fiancée.

My fiancée—who doesn't exist.

Until Veronica Tirado walks into my world looking like she's one bad day away from shattering. Smart. Proud. A nurse for the Rhinos. And freshly wrecked by the kind of man who doesn't just break hearts—he breaks boundaries. He drained her bank account, tossed her life onto a lawn, and left bruises where love should've been.

So I make her an offer.

One week.

One fake engagement.

One tiny little lie to keep my mother off my back.

In exchange, Veronica gets a safe place to stay, a lock on the door, and a break from the chaos chasing her.

Simple. Controlled. Temporary.

Except fake kisses for Mamma Langetti feel a little too real.

So does the way Veronica fits in my space… in my bed… in my head.

And her ex? He doesn't take losing well.

I can buy security. I can throw money at problems. I can protect her body.

But what about her heart—when she doesn't trust men anymore?

And what about mine—when the only rule I've ever had is never fall?

Because the more we pretend, the more I realize I don't want to let her go.

And the most dangerous lie of all?

Is the one I tell myself—that this isn't real.

THE KICKER is a new adult sports romance packed with fake engagement, forced proximity, grumpy/guarded hero, damaged heroine, caretaking/protective hero, found family vibes, slow-burn tension, and danger from her past that makes their "pretend" relationship feel a little too real.