Strange Breathless Days

by Hannah Layne

In a small northern Michigan college town, two things are very important - hockey and staying warm.

Kara Linden, the determined athletic trainer, has her hands full trying to keep Blaze McKade, the reckless new recruit and captain's twin brother, from crashing and burning. Neighbors and reluctant partners in damage control, their secret attraction quickly turns into a risky romance neither of them can ignore.

Meanwhile, Blaze's brother is battling demons of his own, and struggling to keep it together on and off the ice. As pressures mount on all fronts, Kara is the only one who can pull Blaze back from the edge when tragedy strikes. But when the stakes get higher than ever, she'll have to fight for their love and the future they both want.

Genres: Sports Romance

316 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besides, how do you reign in a tornado like Blaze McCade?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is a love letter to northern Michigan college towns and that alone earns the rating. The story itself is so compelling and was a nice read that I tackled in 2 days.

Blaze and Kara’s romance is a bit unconventional and forbidden, but just by learning their personalities you can tell they’re made for each other. Watching their story unfold and seeing how they show up for each other in the harder moments really warms the soul.

A massive thank you to Hannah for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Christy Semmerling · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome debut novel and I’m looking forward to the next in the series! The characters were easy to relate to and I loved how the two main characters switched back and forth from chapter to chapter to reveal each one’s perspectives. Certainly a well developed and enjoyable read.

[Grace Perreault · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly enjoyed this book because it took place in Houghton. I read it in less than 24 hours while I was in Houghton! The vibes and scenes were set. I will definitely read more from Hannah when she releases more from the series. The plot was redundant and dull, however I still enjoyed the story:) I discovered this book from the authors TikTok. Felt cool to support a small author.

[Samantha M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I'd love it! Hockey romance that takes place in the UP!

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re from the Midwest, especially Michigan, and love hockey romance, this is a must-read. The setting is so nostalgic and constantly reminds you that Michigan is a wonderful place to experience life, especially in the UP. It’s so refreshing to have an author encapsulate what it’s actually like to experience your 20s (both the good and the bad) in a Michigan college town, let alone the small-town quirky charm of the UP and its regulars. Kara and Blaze have an unconventional romance but are ultimately perfect for each other. It was so much fun to read and experience them figuring out their dynamics and how to support each other during hard life events.

Thank you Hannah for letting me read an advanced reader copy! Cant wait for the rest of the word to experience Blaze and Kara

[Kaytlyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small Town hockey Romance that leaves with a gut punch

When I first picked up this book. Michigan ✔️
Romance ✔️
Hockey✔️
What i wasnt prepared for was the grief on the page. Everyone knows a little something about grief and everyone Navigates it totally different. This book showed how different people walk through grief.

I love the setting. Michigan girl myself. Love the Romance and the small town feel. Im more open door Romance myself. Could have used a little spice. But overall it was a good read.

[Shelby Lasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

finished this in a day! easy to read and fall in love with the characters. definitely did not expect the plot twist, but i feel like it made it more relatable. might (definitely) had shed a tear or two. also loved how it was based in the upper peninsula, and mentions of the Soo (my hometown). all very spot on and reminded me of life in college / young 20s. excited for more from the author! congrats on your debut novel!!

[Cassandra Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely in love with this book! The way Hannah captures different emotions and feelings and then feeds off them is incredible. She does such an amazing job at showing how the reality of things affects not only you as a person but the people around you and that you love. This book got me out of a year long reading slump and I so grateful for it!!!!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book needs a heavy editing hand. There were many grammatical errors which made it difficult to read; commas were misused often, either overused or underutilized. I think with a good editor, the writing would feel smoother, less choppy.

Overall, I’d be willing to read another by this author with the caveat of needing a trusty red pen in hand.

[Alisha Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

well worth the emotions

This book was very close to my heart due to it being based in my home state and love of hockey! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series and hopefully I don’t end up crying during that one.

[Tonya Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book full of Romance, Heartbreak, and great banter between and MMC and FMC. Also, being from Michigan it was great seeing all the references to the great state in this book. Can't wait to read others by this Author!

[Sarah Ta Codere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Husky 2009 alum here and current resident of Calumet!! Love love loved this book!!! It was so fun trying to figure out the different places in the book. Can’t wait for the next one!
Hannah, if you need ARC readers, I’m your girl!!!

[Lexi Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️very cool to have a book based out of where I live. I do wish there was a little more detail in the beginning but other than that it was a great read😊 For a first time author I’d say Hannah did pretty dang good!

[Armanda Spitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this hockey romance! All I knew about this book, was that its in Michigan and a college hockey romance. There is death/grief that the characters go thru and I didn't expect that.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional roller coaster!

Raw, a little gritty, and emotional, college town hockey romance that blossoms between the wild child player and the stable and steady team trainer.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating although not what I typically read this book had a lot in it. Made me laugh and cry very well written and takes place in Michigan. I very much enjoyed reading this

[Lauren Goyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don't need to be a hockey fan to enjoy this book!

I am a sucker for stories where the bad boy falls in love. This book will make you swoon, laugh, and cry. I can't wait for book 2!

[Hannah Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I really wanted to read so I wrote it. :)