The Way Home to You

by K. Lanthier

SHE CAME HOME TO HEAL A BROKEN HEART. HE PLANS TO MAKE IT BEAT FOR HIM.

After an unexpected breakup leaves her confused, Marlowe Martin accepts a one-month work contract in Frostpine, her hometown in Ottawa. It feels like the perfect chance to reconnect with her family, take on a new professional challenge, and give herself the space to heal.

What she did not expect was Miles Rainworth, Captain of the Ottawa Wolves hockey team, her brother’s best friend, and her forever crush, suddenly seeming ready to claim what he once walked away from.

Marlowe is torn about letting him in, but this new Miles is focused, relentless, and completely certain that she is the woman he wants, the one he intends to win back. His attention pulls her into a whirlwind she promised herself she would never fall into again, and she finds herself caught between longing and caution. One question keeps echoing through is she ready to risk her heart again, or will she walk away before he has the chance to hurt her twice?



Set in a snowy small town filled with family, holiday warmth, and second chances, The Way Home to You is a cozy Winter/Christmas romance with a guaranteed HEA. This fast-burning hockey novella features a boy-obsessed captain fighting for the girl he never forgot, and a woman who isn’t sure she can risk wanting what she once believed was out of reach. It’s full of swoony, festive moments that will make you smile.
It is the first book in a planned, interconnected series.

Genres: Holiday, Christmas, Second Chance, Romance

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

K. Lanthier writes dark, spicy, and dangerously addictive romance stories packed with sizzling tension, bold heroines, and men who would burn the world for them. When she’s not busy making her readers blush, she’s probably buried in a book, sipping way too much coffee, or plotting her next obsession-worthy couple.

Follow her for swoon-worthy stories, intense chemistry, and just the right amount of trouble.

Reviews

[Tropes_and_Taboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way Home To You by K. Lanthier
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Interconnected Standalone * Dual POV * Hockey Romance * Christmas * Second Chance * Obsessed MMC * Small Town Vibes* Mild Enemies to Lovers * Found Family * Soulmates * Brother's Best Friend * Period S3x (blood mentioned) * He Falls First * 120 pages

I ADORED this book for so many reasons. And yes, I occasionally read green flag men, but not often, since I usually like them grey or even black. But Miles… oh Miles… you are the brightest, most neon green flag out there, and I. Devoured. You. There’s just something about a man aquarium and seeing them skating around a full arena that does 'something' to our ovaries. Honestly, I'm shocked our FMC wasn’t with child from all the winks and kisses he blew her way from the ice.

Our MMC is also a bit cocky… okay, A LOT cocky. He knows he’s gorgeous, but he only has eyes for his soulmate: his best friend’s sister. And the way Miles smirks? I found myself mimicking him every time, and I swear I grew new cheek muscles with how much I grinned. This story is just adorably cute.

I also loved our FMC. She’s brilliant and kind. A little unsure at first thanks to a recent breakup and past miscommunication with Miles, but we really see her growth. She’s mature, capable, and doesn’t hold onto grudges. It’s so obvious why Miles is head-over-heels.

The side characters? FUN and full of personality. The moment I realized we’d be getting more books in this world, I practically cheered. And then there’s Gracie, the sweetest little puppy. There's a scene with her that had me stifling laughter so I wouldn’t wake my husband. You’ll know the one!

There IS spice, not overwhelming, but definitely not closed door, and it truly enhances their relationship. And that period scene? THAT is how a woman should be treated. Take notes, fictional and real men.

Full disclaimer: I did receive an advance copy of this story and I am. providing an honest review as always.

[Ava Ly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun quick holiday read!! Marlowe returns to her picture perfect snowy hometown, fresh off a break up, and forced face the true love that broke her heart all those years ago- her brother’s best friend… who happens to be an Adonis of a man AND a star hockey player?! A girl can dream..

This story is charming and has all the hallmark vibes with the added touch of some spice 😉 I’m also dying to know more about our fmc’s brother 👀👀

Absolutely recommend for a fun holiday vibes read

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️

[Devika Ragbeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short Novella was devoured in no time. And when I say short it’s less than 50 pages and worth the quick read. So add it to your TBR NOW.

Marly & Miles had me in a choke hold with just their first reunion. The way this man had an intense love for Marly was everything. I NEED to know more of their story and I cannot wait for the next installment to come out.

AND PLEASE don’t get me started on how badly I need Tommy and Nikolai’s story. I will be waiting patiently.

** I also loved Gracie. ❤️

[Dawn Barnstable-Pick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, this book had potential. I had a lot of icks with it though. I am sure someone would like it but it definitely was not me. I liked the side characters for Nickoli and Tommy WAY better. But unfortunately once I got that ick it was hard for me to move past it and made a 50page book feel like 500.

[RachelAnyFranny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheesy and not quite Christmassy enough. I mean the period sex was a bit of a strange choice, but Miles was a delightful green flag. Honestly would've preferred if this had been about Tommy and Nikolai but the writing is borderline bad so I don't think I'd read more of this 😂

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually such a good book. I enjoyed it a lot, mainly because the MMC is down bad and not afraid to shout it from the rooftops, which is not something we see a lot. There was next to no angst, and real talk, I wanted more of them - I wanted this to be a full blown novel.

[Katy Clement · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute, happy, holiday romance novella 🩷