Detroit has always felt like home to Vanessa Starkovich. The ice, the city, her twin brother Vladislav. He's the one person who knows what happened to her in college and why she spent the last two years in Germany.
She's back now. She's not looking for anyone. She doesn't feel ready.
Then Malou, her best friend's four-year-old, who has the biggest crush on the Motor City Pogues' Finnish goalie, crashes into his post-game interview and suddenly Vanessa understands why.
Kasperi Karjalainen adopted a stray cat behind the rink. He drives an old red Volvo that smells like crayons when it's hot. He carries his grief quietly. And somehow he's the only person who makes her nervous system feel…quiet.
The problem is Kas is Vladislav's teammate. And telling him has to happen on Vanessa's terms.
On Home Ice is a slow burn contemporary hockey romance about second chances, quiet healing, and the people who make us feel safe enough to stay.
On Home Ice arrives October 1, 2026. Pre‑order on Kindle now, and follow Alyssa on TikTok and Instagram for cover reveals and playlist drops before launch day.