I've spent my life hiding in the quiet corners of the library. It's safer surrounded by books where the happily-ever-afters are guaranteed. Real life romance? Not so much.

But apparently, I'm tired of my hermit life because I do something spectacularly stupid and agree to get on stage. In front of people. All to catch my longtime crush's attention.

The only problem? I'd rather hug a grizzly bear than speak in front of a crowd.

Enter Eric Anderson. Hockey legend, walking temptation, and the last person I expect to come to my rescue. His solution? Confidence lessons. His methods? Flirting. Touching. Kissing. I'm supposed to practice being bold, and Eric's all too happy to teach me.

But somewhere between his panty-melting grin and the way he looks at me like I'm the last cupcake in the bakery, I forget that he's not the one I'm supposed to want. He makes me feel bolder, braver and dangerously close to falling for the wrong guy.

Now I'm standing center stage in more ways than one. And when you've spent your whole life in the shadows, stepping into the light is the scariest thing of all.