First Throw

The Space Between Us Series, Book 1

By Lyra Halden

She only meant to survive her first judo class—she didn’t expect to fall for the woman who could throw her to the mat and steal her heart just as easily.

Elin only came to the dojo as a favor to her best friend. She expected sweaty mats, awkward stretches, and maybe a few bruises.

She did not expect Hanna Lorenz.

Hanna is everything Elin isn’t: disciplined, unreadable, terrifyingly competent — the ice-queen captain of the women’s team. Their first encounter? Hanna throws Elin flat on her back in front of everyone. Their second? Banter sharp enough to bruise Elin’s pride almost as much as her ribs.

It should have ended there. But Hanna keeps showing up — offering rides home, sharing quiet moments by the river, looking devastatingly good both in uniform and out of it. And Elin, chaotic disaster that she is, can’t stop wanting more.

What starts as reluctant training partners becomes late-night confidences, slow-burn tension, and kisses that leave no room for denial. But Hanna carries secrets — and when she disappears without a word, Elin is left wondering if she was ever more than a distraction.