Facing Off by Sookh Kaur

***Charmed & Bound's January 2026 Charmed Box Pick***

NHL’s hottest, cocky captain. The ballerina who hates hockey players. One month to land her biggest audition…if she doesn’t strangle him first.

Adrian Hughes is her brother’s captain, the league’s biggest playboy—and Sonya’s personal nightmare. He flirts nonstop, but this grumpy black cat ballerina isn’t letting anyone in.

Until, one month before her principal dancer audition, a fall lands her in the hospital—and suddenly Adrian refuses to leave her side.

He gives up his gym for her training.
Cooks for her. Checks her for concussions.
Holds her through her first panic attack, and takes her to a rage room when she needs to break something.
Every gesture chips away at her walls, and she hates herself for noticing.

For a man who never takes anything seriously, Adrian Hughes is making her feel safe, seen… and maybe, just maybe, letting him in isn’t the worst idea.

One month. One last chance. Can she trust the arrogant hockey captain to save her career without risking her heart?

Binding: Paperback