Christmas Encore by Tess Thompson

Some love stories never take their final bow.
He left her without a word. Now he’s back—with scars, regrets, and a love he can’t outrun.

Fifteen years ago, Roan Hayes vanished from Sugarville Grove, leaving behind the girl he loved and a town that never forgave him. Now, a career-ending stuntman injury sends him home, determined to start over quietly with a gritty new gym. But his fresh start collides head-on with the past when he discovers his business shares a wall with hers.
Reese Monroe has been back in Sugarville Grove for years, running her beloved Sugar Plum Dance Studio after a dazzling ballet career that ended too soon. Outwardly, she’s thriving—teaching young dancers, filling her days with music and movement—but privately, the pressure to stay in control still haunts her. The last thing she needs is Roan walking back into her world… still magnetic, still stubborn, and still capable of upending everything.
As their lives—and their businesses—intertwine, old sparks burn hotter than ever. But forgiveness doesn’t come easy, and trust is even harder. Can Roan prove that first love deserves a second chance, or will past heartbreak take its final bow?

Christmas Encore is a tender, slow-burn small-town Christmas romance about first love, hidden wounds, and the kind of chemistry you never forget. Perfect for fans of heartfelt, clean & wholesome holiday love stories with plenty of small-town sparkle and a happily-ever-after.