The Center of Attention (Playing the Part) Paperback – February 10, 2026

Leah Ashley has always been the center of attention. As the head cheerleader, party girl, coach, and big sister to all the people on her squad, she wouldn't have it any other way. Until she's forced out of the spotlight and into a hard spot that she never thought would take years to get out of. Family now out of the questions, and her whole life ahead of her, none of her choices seem to feel like the right one.Alexander Marino has never wanted anything but a spot on a national hockey team. That, his friends, his sister, and hopefully one day a family. It's never seemed like a question to him when it comes to caring for the people he loves. Besides being the center on his hockey team, the only attention he wants is from someone who won't give it to him. But after his heart gets broken so his dreams can come true, Xander has to face the hard truth. Is loving someone worth sacrificing yourself? When Leah and Xander meet after college to help their best friends get married, more than just questions emerge between them. Leah is learning that love can be more than a personal prison. Xander is learning that people can change, even when he didn't think they needed to in the first place. Their second chance has expired, but do third chances exist? Read more