Anti-Freeze: A New Zealand snowed-in novella (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781067064464)

The storm of the decade is heading her way, and Marie is underprepared in every possible way...

Solo-mum Amy-Marie Stirling has turned a new leaf and is behaving herself, doing her son's rugby coach a huge favour by turning up as his plus-one to a mid-winter charity gala-in sequins, no less. So why is fate throwing everything but the kitchen sink at her? Could it get any worse than sharing silver-fox Coach Steve and her fine-dining experience with an unexpected ex at the table?

Why, yes. Yes it could.

Suddenly, this all-expenses-paid trip to Taupō for the longest night of the year is looking like a who's who of Marie's past misdemeanours, and the weather is not playing ball for a quick escape.

Steven Ford had a simple plan to keep his hands to himself... After all, his fake-date is just that. Pretend. But Marie's been getting under his skin on the sideline all season, and now the honey-blonde bar owner is holed up in his room-sharing her most personal secrets-the last thing he finds himself concentrating on are the rules.

ANTI-FREEZE is a prude (him) vs player (her) forced proximity novella connected to Stephanie Ruth's Boutique Series, set in beautiful Aotearoa, New Zealand. Each book stands alone, but reading them in order provides a deeper experience. Intended for readers who enjoy their slow-burn, feel-good romance on the steamy side, and promising a happily ever after.

Authors note: Although this novella ends in an HEA, it also contains references to domestic abuse (historical, from child's point of view), the grooming of a teen (historical), the trauma associated with teen birth (historical), and the emotional distress associated with choosing to give a child up for adoption (ongoing and on-page). You will also find on-page alcohol consumption and references to alcoholism, plus steamy open-door consensual sex between full-grown adults.
* Please note that the legal age for consensual sex in Aotearoa is sixteen (historical, in this case) and read at your own discretion.

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Author: Stephanie Ruth
ISBN-10: 106706446X
ISBN-13: 9781067064464
Publisher: Tī Kōuka Publishing
Language: English
Published: 01/17/2026
Pages: 148
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.34lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.00w x 0.34d