Behind The Smiles

Leyla Vermoeren knows the power of persistence. As a rising star in the Professional Women's Hockey League, she's worked tirelessly to carve her place in a world that often sidelines women like her. Signing a high-profile endorsement deal with hockey giant CCM is supposed to be her moment in the spotlight-but instead, it pulls her into a whirlwind she never expected.

Aarne Virtanen is the NHL's golden boy, Finland's pride, and the face of success. Yet, behind the charming grin that captivates fans and the media alike, he's grappling with the weight of fame and a self-imposed vow of celibacy after a series of reckless choices. When CCM pairs him with Leyla for a headline-grabbing campaign, Aarne expects just another routine PR gig.

But then the headlines turn personal.

When an innocent photo sparks rumors of romance, Leyla and Aarne are thrust into the limelight as hockey's newest "it" couple. Determined to set the record straight, they reluctantly play along for the cameras, trying to navigate the awkwardness of forced closeness. Yet, as they skate through photo shoots, joint interviews, and the intensity of shared vulnerabilities, something deeper begins to bloom.

Both are hiding behind their smiles-Leyla from the struggles of always having to prove herself, and Aarne from the fear of letting anyone close again. As the lines between performance and reality blur, they'll have to decide: is the connection they're building worth the risk of breaking their carefully constructed walls?

Behind the Smiles is a heartwarming and swoon-worthy sports romance about two hockey players finding love in the most unexpected place-the chaos of their own lives.