Sharp Blue Morning

by Hannah Layne

Kasey Linden thought ending things with her boyfriend would bring her peace. Instead, TJ’s obsession only grew darker. When fear starts bleeding into every corner of her life, the last thing she expects is a lifeline in the form of Ramsey Cole, Redrock University’s newly appointed team Captain and her new project partner.

Ramsey Cole is barely holding on. Last semester’s loss shattered his focus, and now his scholarship is on the line, so when their semester-long mapping project lands them together on a grumpy old hockey legend’s property, he’s determined to stay focused. But when he learns of Kasey's predicament, Ramsey suggests a desperate a fake relationship to keep her safe.

Pretending to fall for each other was supposed to be simple but things get complicated when the line between what’s fake and what’s not starts to blur.

When TJ’s obsession spirals into violence, Ramsey has to choose, risk his future on the ice or fight for the girl who’s become his everything.

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2026

Reviews

[Vicki Hylarides · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love these characters so much! Can’t wait for book 3!!

Also - Ramsey is THE BEST! 🥹🥹🥹 His love for Kasey is the stuff dreams are made of - a golden retriever with a fierce protector built in! And Devon!!! So many layers being peeled back with him! I have loved his development through the 2 books

[Sarah Lassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I love Ramsey and Kasey SO much! I was so happy to go back to the Keweenaw and revisit all of my favorite places. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and that combined with a crazy ex pumped the heat up in this book quickly. I also loved that they took a natural resources management class as a natural resources grad, this book just made me so happy and I read it SO fast. The characters are so likable and relatable, and I feel like it’s reliving my days at MTU through the characters of Red Rock all over again. Another five star, thank you for the ARC Hannah!!

[Darcy Koetsier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Ramsey is my new book boyfriend. He’s amazing. I love that this continued the lift bridge series. Could be read as a standalone but does wrap up some things from the first book. This book made me smirk more than once, pulled at your heart strings and I definitely audibly gasped at a few points. Golden retriever mmc with a feisty take no crap fmc that creates a fake dating relationship. Not to mention it’s set in Michigan and includes hockey. Let’s just say, ruin the friendship.

[Sarah Ta Codere · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO MUCH FUN!!! I finished this in less than a day. Absolutely could not put it down. I could feel Ramsey & Kasey’s chemistry oozing off the page. As a Yooper and MTU Grad, I love all the Copper Country Easter Eggs!! I’m going to have to reread both books and see how many I can find.
Thanks Hannah for the ARC!! Can’t wait for book 3!!!!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book!!!

I could not put this book down! I had the whole book done within 48hrs which is a HUGE accomplishment for me. But I love that this book series is based in Michigan in the beautiful Upper Peninsula which is my home. She captures the love and caring hearts of the Yoopers.

[Annie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharp Blue Morning is a great trip back to college and attempting to figure yourself out. This is an unexpected discovery of found family, opening your heart up and a couple twists I didn’t see coming. Not a spicy hockey romance, but packed with yearning and a protective golden retriever of an MMC.

🚩 for stalking, parent loss discussed through grief and memories

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was blessed with the ARC & I loved this book. It felt so familiar with the Houghton/Hancock, MI setting. A cute love story, some drama & suspense, and a twist I really didn’t see coming. I love me a golden retriever man, and Ramsey was perfect. Can’t wait for book 3!

[Lexi Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living for the small town U.P. being represented such a sweet and wholesome book!🩷 Ramsey has my heart he’s such a sweetie

[Hannah Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book and it took a reallllly long time to edit because I kept getting lost in the story and rereading my favorite scenes, so yeah I'm a fan and I hope you all will be too. :)