GAME CHANGERS BOOK TIMELINE

If you've ever tried to keep track of where everyone is and when - across six books, overlapping timelines, and one TV adaptation - this page is for you. This timeline documents the chronological events across the entire Game Changers series and the Heated Rivalry TV show, so you can follow the story the way it unfolds chronologically. At the moment, it covers the first 4 books, and I'll be adding chapters from Role Model and The Long Game soon!

This page is inspired by the amazing timeline post on Reddit by u/royal_rose_ 🫶🏼

2008 Dec
2
December 1, 2008
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 1
Featured in S01E01
Shane & Ilya first time meeting
Regina

At the World Junior Hockey Championships, seventeen-year-old phenom Shane Hollander formally introduces himself to his Russian rival, Ilya Rozanov outside the practice rink. Ilya acts dismissive and arrogant, even though he's curious about his 'rival', especially his freckles. Later, Russia defeats Canada for the gold medal. During the post-game handshake, a devastated Shane is forced to face a smirking Ilya, sparking a fierce rivalry that will define both of their careers.

2009 Jun-Dec
2
June 1, 2009
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 2-3
Featured in S01E01
Treadmill race & a spark of attraction
Los Angeles & Ottawa

In LA for the NHL Draft, Ilya is picked first overall by Boston Bears, while Shane goes second to Montreal Voyageurs. Later that night, they engage in a tough unspoken treadmill race in the empty hotel gym. Sharing a water bottle afterward, a lingering brush of their fingers sparks a confusing attraction in Shane. Six months later at the World Juniors in Ottawa, Shane leads Canada to gold. During the handshake line, Shane gives Ilya’s hand a knowing squeeze, which pushes Ilya's curiosity of Shane to the next level.

2010 Jul
2
July 1, 2010
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 4
Featured in S01E01
Shower scene & first hookup
Toronto

A year later, Shane and Ilya are reunited in Toronto for a joint CCM endorsement shoot. While getting cleaned up in the locker room showers afterward, Ilya catches Shane looking at him. Ilya tests the waters by touching himself in front of Shane, then asks Shane for his hotel room number. "I might open." "I might knock." That night, Ilya knocks on Shane's hotel room door, and they hook up for the very first time. Their first time is driven with passion and curiosity, and that's their first of many times in the coming years.

2010 Sep - 2011 Jan
2
September 1, 2010
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 5-6
Featured in S01E01
Reunited at All-Star Weekend
Montreal & Nashville

After playing their very first NHL game against each other in Montreal, the rookies reunite in Nashville for the All-Star weekend. During a joint press conference, Ilya struggles with a difficult question from the press, which Shane steps in to help Ilya. Secretly at the press conference, Ilya pressed his foot against Shane's under the table, a small touch that makes Shane feel a connection with Ilya. That night, Ilya slips Shane his hotel room number. Shane visits Ilya's room, where their frantic need for each other takes over. They share an intensely hot, breathless encounter, and end with Ilya asking whether Shane has bottomed before ("What color?" "Is big?"). They make plans to meet again in Montreal in two week's time, and they exchange numbers under the aliases "Jane" and "Lily".

2011 Feb - Jun
2
February 1, 2011
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 7-8
Featured in S01E01
First time bottoming & Las Vegas rooftop
Montreal & Las Vegas

In Montreal, Shane panics at the thought of Ilya visiting his apartment and books a secret hotel room to meet with him instead. There, they finally go all the way. Ilya’s surprising tenderness easily shatter Shane’s defenses, resulting in a mind-blowing first time bottoming for Shane (happens earlier than the TV show!). Months later at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas, Shane wins Rookie of the Year. He finds a brooding Ilya smoking on the rooftop, dreading his return to Russia. They still struggle with communication between each other, which results in Shane misreading Ilya's emotions, and Ilya frustrated with Shane. At the end, Ilya pushed Shane against a wall for a desperate kiss, but eventually Shane pulls away, terrified of being caught in public.

2013 Dec
2
December 1, 2013
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 9
Featured in S01E02
Meeting Ryan Price & hookup at Shane's condo
Plane over Pennsylvania & Montreal

On a flight to Montreal, Ilya distracts his teammate, Ryan Price, who has anxiety about flying. For the first time, Ilya sexts Shane before the game, creating tension that leads to an intense hookup at Shane's secret condo. This time, the sex is hot and emotionally charged, with Shane coming without being touched. Afterwards, Shane waits with Ilya for his taxi, and they talk about the upcoming Winter Olympics.

2014 Feb
2
February 1, 2014
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 10
Featured in S01E02
Sochi Olympics & Ilya pushes Shane away
Sochi, Russia

During the Sochi Olympics, the tense political climate surrounding Russia's anti-gay laws adds to the pressure of Ilya in Russia. Shane runs into Carter Vaughan and Scott Hunter from Team USA on the beach (instead of in a cafe like the show), and talks about going to watch the men's figure skating competition. Meanwhile, Ilya faces intense professional and personal pressure, and is berated by his father after a devastating loss to Latvia. When Shane attempts to check on Ilya, an overwhelmed Ilya pushes him away.

2014 Jun
2
June 1, 2014
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 11 & Las Vegas Remix
Featured in S01E02
Las Vegas NHL Awards bathroom & hotel hookup
Las Vegas

Ilya's team - Boston Bears - wins the Stanley Cup. Shane and Ilya haven't texted or spoken until NHL Awards in Las Vegas. They present an award together and, which involves taking selfies together on stage as part of the script. They then have a heated confrontation in a bathroom where Ilya sets the terms for their hookup. Ilya wins MVP that night, and in his hotel suite, as part of their deal, Ilya asks Shane to undress and touch himself while he watches, before they have sex. An awkward conversation about Russia after the sex prompts Ilya to ask Shane to leave. Shane realises afterwards that they haven't even kissed.

2016 Oct
2
October 1, 2016
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Prologue
Featured in S01E04
Secret hookup becomes regular
Montreal

The timeline flashes forward, revealing the nature of Shane and Ilya's regular, secret hookups. After a humiliating home loss to Boston, a frustrated Shane goes back to his secret condo in Montreal where he waits for Ilya to arrive. In public, it's all rivalry; but in private, they keep finding themselves back to each other sexually and passionately. The hookups give Shane a mix of shame, desire, and comfort - a "horrible, fucked-up thing" that leaves Shane resolving to end it, even though he understands with certainty that "as long as this was being offered, he would never be able to say no".

2016 Oct - Nov
2
October 2, 2016
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 12-13
Featured in S01E04
Ilya's penthouse, tuna melts & Shane panics
Philadelphia, Montreal, Washington & Boston

Shane enjoys a day out with Hayden and his children at the Montreal Biodome, where Hayden tells Shane that his wife is pregnant again, while Ilya watches a TV feature on Shane's new lakeside cottage and watches Shane do yoga. A month later, for the first time, Shane meets Ilya at his home, a penthouse in Boston. After sex, Ilya asks Shane to stay the night. Ilya makes Shane tuna melts, gives him ginger ale, and they share an awkward conversation about hockey and girls. The day continues with more sex. Ilya calls Shane by his first name while coming, which causes Shane to panic, lie about missing a team meeting, and leaves abruptly.

2016 Nov - 2017 Jan
2
November 1, 2016
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 14
Featured in S01E04
Dating Rose Landry & the Club scene
Montreal, Detroit & Boston

JJ calls Shane to ask him to go to Djon-Djon, where the cast of the X-Squad movies are hanging out. Shane meets and is charmed by actress Rose Landry, and starts dating afterwards. As paparazzi photos of them on dates surface, a deeply jealous Ilya tries to distract himself at a Montreal nightclub Ultraviolet. Shane is also at the same club with Rose. Shane and Ilya spot each other across the dance floor, leading to a night of mutual jealousy, anger, and hurt. The painful evening ends with Ilya going home alone, furious and unable to deny the possessive, non-casual nature of his feelings for Shane.

One week after last chapter
2
December 1, 2016
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 15
Featured in S01E05
Shane comes out to Rose & amicable breakup
Montreal & Boston

During a date, Rose gently confronts Shane, recognising his lack of physical interest in her and suggesting he might be gay. The conversation allows Shane to be vulnerable and admits something to himself. Though their romance ends, Rose and Shane stay being good friends. That same night, Ilya is with his casual partner, Svetlana, but can't stop thinking about Shane, who he will reunites at the upcoming All-Star weekend.

2017 Jan
1
January 1, 2017
Book 1: Game Changer - Chapter 1-3
Featured in S01E03
First meeting at Straw+Berry & developing feelings
New York

Kip Grady is nursing a hangover during his shift at Straw+Berry when NHL superstar Scott Hunter walks in. Kip serves Scott the "Blue Moon Over Brooklyn" smoothie. Convinced the smoothie broke his on-ice slump, Scott returns multiple times to get his smoothie from Kip. At his third visit, Scott gives Kip two prime tickets to his Admirals game, which Kip attends with his best friend, Elena. On his road trip with the team, Scott realises that his return to the smoothie shop isn't just about hockey superstitions; he starts developing feelings for Kip.

2017 Jan - Mar
2
January 2, 2017
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chpater 16-18
Featured in S01E05
Reconnect at All-Star game & relationship breakthrough
Tampa Bay, Montreal & Boston

Shane and Ilya are on the same team for the first time, but they haven't texted each other since the tuna melt-down. At the bar, they have a conversation in months, where Shane reveals that he and Rose are not compatible. After a weekend of charged moments, including an on-ice kiss on the cheek from Ilya, they have a raw, honest conversation where Shane comes out and admits his feelings for Ilya. Ilya also reveals that he couldn't return to Russia if he comes out. He also reveals that his mother has passed away and his father has Alzheimer's. At the end of the night, they call each other by their first names before Shane leaves. This night marks a turning point in their relationship.

2017 Feb
1
February 1, 2017
Book 1: Game Changer - Chapter 4-6
Featured in S01E03
Reconnecting at gala & first sex
New York

Kip works as a server at a charity gala where Scott is speaking. They pleasantly surprise each other, and Scott nervously invites Kip to grab a late-night burger after the gala, unlike Mexican food like in the show. Over food, Scott admits he struggles with his privacy and never picks up guys. Recogniszing Scott's reality, Kip boldly suggests they go somewhere private. They head to Scott's penthouse where they share a passionate first night together. Though Scott is inexperienced, their chemistry is undeniable. Afterwards, Scott asks Kip to stay the night. In the morning, Kip leaves Scott's place as Scott goes to practice. Their connection grows from there.

2017 Feb
1
February 2, 2017
Book 1: Game Changer - Chapter 7-12
Featured in S01E03
Developing feelings, a tuxedo, and an injury
New York

Scott and Kip’s secret relationship quickly develops. After Kip visits Scott's penthouse, they spend a romantic Valentine's Day together, where Scott cooks dinner, opens up about his late mother, and realizes he is falling in love. Meanwhile, Scott’s teammates notice his unusually good mood during a road trip in Philadelphia, incorrectly assuming he is dating a woman. Back in New York, Kip confesses to Elena that he is seeing Scott. During a game, Scott takes a brutal puck shot to the ribs. A panicked Kip rushes to Scott’s apartment to care for him, icing his nasty bruise, cooking for Scott, and proving their bond is growing beyond a casual fling.

2017 Feb
1
February 3, 2017
Book 1: Game Changer - Chapter 13-18
Featured in S01E03
Equinox Gala, first "I love you" and a painful fallout
New York, Detroit, Winnipeg

Kip attends the Equinox Gala as Elena's date, forcing him and Scott to pretend they are barely acquaintances in public. Elena talks to Scott while they share a dance at the gala. Afterwards, they share a passionate night at the penthouse. Before leaving on a nine-day road trip, Scott asks Kip to stay at his place and finally says "I love you" to Kip (who says it back). While Scott is away in Detroit and Winnipeg, they share steamy, intimate video calls to bridge the physical distance. However, tensions rise when Scott returns and tries to give Kip a $50k check to pay off his student loans for his birthday. Kip refuses the money, frustrated by the relationship's imbalance, but they reconcile when Scott promises to take him on a real date.

The next day from last chapter
2
March 1, 2017
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 19-20
Featured in S01E05
Ilya in Russia & emotional calls with Shane
Detroit, Buffalo, Moscow & Montreal

Shane grows worried when Ilya disappears from his team. He learns Ilya is in Moscow after his father's death. They connect over a series of deeply emotional phone calls, with Shane offering comfort. During one call, Shane invites Ilya to vent in Russian. Ilya confesses his love for Shane without him understanding. The next few days, they have multiple phone calls and video calls which strengthen their emotional bond. Sadly, Ilya realises because he's never supposed to have fallen in love with Shane, and he decides that he must end things to protect them both.

2017 Mar - Apr
1
March 2, 2017
Book 1: Game Changer - Chapter 19-22
A failed public date leads to rising relationship tensions
New York

Feeling isolated, Kip celebrates his birthday with friends while lying about his relationship status. The pressure of the playoffs makes Scott distant, and his attempt at a public "date" to the MET ends in disaster as Scott gets recognised by fans and get swarmed by them. Photos from the date appear online, and Scott's panicked reaction creates a significant rift between them. Kip becomes increasingly frustrated with being a secret and hiding his life, while Scott feels trapped by his career. The growing distance and lack of communication leave their relationship on the brink of collapse.

2017 Apr
2
April 1, 2017
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 21
Featured in S01E05
Shane's injury & Ilya's visit at the hospital
Montreal

At their final game of the season, Shane gets seriously injured by Cliff Marlow, and is taken off the ice on a spinal board. Shane is only semi-conscious after the impact, but he hears a panicked Ilya asking whether Shane is ok. The next morning, Ilya visits him in the hospital, where Shane asks Ilya to spend the summer at his cottage. Unable to end things when faced with a vulnerable Shane, Ilya gives a non-committal "maybe". Ilya leaves after their conversation is cut short by Shane's nurse entering the room.

2017 Apr - May
1
April 2, 2017
Book 1: Game Changer - Chapter 23-24
A fight, a drunken mistake, and a breakdown
New York, Detroit

After days of tense silence, Kip and Scott agree to talk, but their fight leaves Kip heartbroken. He gets drunk and shares a brief, instantly-regretted kiss with Kyle, the flirty bartender at Kingfisher. Meanwhile, Scott is miserable over their fight, feeling the pressure of the playoffs while the weight of his falling out with Kip. During a game in Detroit, an opponent's homophobic slur causes Scott to snap. He gets into a major on-ice fight, a culmination of the stress, exhaustion, and pain from his conflict with Kip, leaving him feeling humiliated and completely out of control.

2017 May
1
May 1, 2017
Book 1: Game Changer - Chapter 25-26
Reconciliation begins as Scott decides to come out
New York, Detroit

Kip receives surprising support from Kyle, gets accepted into NYU's grad program, and learns his father knows about and supports his relationship with Scott. Feeling hopeful, Kip agrees to talk when Scott shows up at the smoothie shop, who's desperate to fix things. Realising he can't lose Kip, Scott makes the life-altering decision to come out while still being a star hockey player. He starts by telling his agent, who despite against the idea, is ultimately supportive. Despite the pushback and his own fear, Scott knows it's the only way forward for his own happiness and for his relationship with Kip.

2017 May - Jun
1
May 2, 2017
Book 1: Game Changer - Chpater 27-29
Featured in S01E05
Winning Stanley Cup & Kissing Kip in public
New York

Scott fully commits to their future by coming out to Kip's delighted parents and his supportive teammates. His friend Carter even arranges a private, romantic dinner for their first real date in public. With his personal life settled, a focused Scott leads the Admirals to victory in the Stanley Cup finals. In a moment of pure joy mixed with the emotions of seeing his teammates opening showing affection to their loved ones on ice, Scott calls Kip down from the stands. In front of thousands of fans, his team, and the media, Scott kisses Kip passionately in the penalty box, revealing their relationship to the world and solidifying their future together.

2017 May - Jun
2
May 3, 2017
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 22
Featured in S01E05
Skip kiss & "I'm coming to the cottage"
Ottawa & Boston

While recovering at his parents’ home, Shane watches Ilya’s team lose in the playoffs, and he realizes he wants to fight for their relationship. A month later, Ilya is texting Shane as he watches Scott Hunter win the Stanley Cup. Their world is upended when Scott Hunter publicly and passionately kisses his boyfriend on the ice during the celebration. This moment gives Ilya the courage and hope to call Shane and says "I'm coming to the cottage."

2017 Jun
1
June 1, 2017
Book 1: Game Changer - Epilogue
Featured in S01E06
Scott accepts MVP speech and Scott Hunter night at a gay club
Las Vegas

Weeks later, Scott wins the MVP award. In a powerful and moving acceptance speech, he speaks publicly about being gay, the hardships of the closet, and his love for Kip, who is in the audience. He declares that Kip has made him a better person in every way. Later, they celebrate at a gay nightclub hosting a "Scott Hunter Night". Joined by his proud teammates and a surprising appearance of Ilya Rozanov, Scott and Kip dance and kiss freely, no longer hiding. They are finally able to celebrate their love openly, surrounded by friends and a new, supportive community.

2017 Jul
2
July 1, 2017
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 23-24
Featured in S01E06
Spending time at the cottage & being honest with each other
Ontario

Shane picks Ilya up at the Ottawa airport for their two-week private getaway at Shane's cottage. Once there, they immediately starts making out, and also reveals that they haven't been with anyone else for months. They promise to be honest to each other about their feelings. Their time at the cottage is filled with domestic bliss - grilling (too many) burgers, working out, jet skiing. Despite being scared by a stupid Canadian wolf bird at a bonfire, Ilya opens up to Shane for the first time about his mother's suicide and the pain he has carried ever since.

2017 Jul
2
July 2, 2017
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 25
Featured in S01E06
Planning for future & first "I love you"
Ontario

Their gaming session is rudely interrupted by a phone call from Hayden. During the call, a mischievous Ilya gives Shane a blowjob while on the phone. Later, their conversations turn serious as Ilya reveals his desire to leave Boston, possibly for a Canadian team, to escape political pressures. This sparks an idea from Shane: A long-term plan for Ilya to sign with Ottawa. They could build a public friendship through a joint charity, allowing them to be close while working towards a future where they can be together. In the evening, Ilya says he could marry Svetlana for American citizenship. Shane asks him not to, and starts coming up with a plan so that they can have a future together. In a later intimate conversation, Shane admits that he wants to be with Ilya, and Ilya finally saying "I love you" to Shane, who says it back.

2017 Jul
2
July 3, 2017
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Chapter 26-27
Featured in S01E06
Shane coming out to parents & introducing Ilya
Ontario

After spending time together on the dock, Ilya kisses Shane when they hear a noise in the house. They turn and see Shane's father, David, who immediately leaves and drives away. With the secret out, Shane, with Ilya's support, decides to come out to both his parents. At the parents' cottage, he reveals he is gay and in love with Ilya, with Ilya labelling them as 'lovers'. Though shocked that the relationship dates back to their rookie season, Yuna and David are ultimately accepting. Relieved, Shane and Ilya return to their cottage as boyfriends, reaffirming their commitment to their plan and each other, with Ilya telling Shane that one day he will propose to Shane at a dock covered in candles. Shane says that he's in for the long game with Ilya, and they are going to face the future together.

2018 Sep - Oct
3
September 1, 2018
Book 3: Tough Guy - Prologue & Chapter 1
Lonely hockey player & indie musician
Toronto

After being traded to the Toronto Guardians, clinically anxious defenseman Ryan Price meets his new coach, Bruce Cooper, who expects him to act as an enforcer to protect arrogant and problematic star center Dallas Kent. Ryan feels utterly isolated, struggling with his designated violent role and dealing with sexual dysfunction from his anxiety meds, which makes him not even able to come while watching his favourite androgynous porn star, Kamil Kock. Meanwhile, indie musician Fabian Salah rides the subway, internally raging against the homophobic, macho hockey culture surrounding him. Despite his disdain for jocks, Fabian shows a softer side by chatting with a young girl, showcasing his vibrant, unapologetic personality just as he prepares to finally cut ties with his toxic ex, Claude.

2018 Oct
3
October 1, 2018
Book 3: Tough Guy - Chapter 2-3
Surprise drugstore reunion and Ryan's flight anxiety
Toronto, Nashville

While working his night shift at the Savers Drug Mart cosmetics counter in full makeup, Fabian is shocked when a massive, bearded Ryan walks in to pick up a prescription. Fabian immediately recognizes Ryan as the hockey player who billeted with his family thirteen years ago. The reunion reignites their friendship and feelings for each other from all those years ago. However, Ryan’s mind is soon dominated by his severe fear of flying. Boarding a flight to Nashville, Ryan desperately clings to his anxiety coping mechanisms: texting his sister Colleen and clutching his frayed, beloved copy of Anne of Green Gables. Backup goalie Wyatt Hayes kindly distracts Ryan, solidifying a rare, genuine locker room friendship.

Sixteen months later (2018 Nov)
2
November 1, 2018
Book 2: Heated Rivalry - Epilogue & My Dinner With Hayden
The Irina Foundation - A new chapter for Shane & Ilya
Montreal

Sixteen months later, Ilya is playing for Ottawa. He and Shane maintain their on-ice rivalry, but behind the scenes, their plan is in motion. Shane has come out to his teammates and has recently told Hayden about his relationship with Ilya, leading to a tense and confrontational dinner party with Hayden and his wife, Jackie. The evening escalates with endless chirping between Ilya and Hayden, but ultimately forces a new understanding and acceptance from Hayden after he witnesses the depth of Shane & Ilya long-hidden love. Later, the couple's first public step is a press conference announcing the Irina Foundation, a joint charity for mental health in honour of Ilya’s mother. They officially reveal their "friendship" to the world, marking a new chapter in their journey toward one day being fully and openly together.

2018 Nov
3
November 1, 2018
Book 3: Tough Guy - Chapter 4-7
First show, awkward flirting, and Testing the Waters
Toronto

Fabian hosts "Bargain Brunch" - complete with waffles, skin masks and Baby Duck 'champagne' - where his friends tease him about his ex Claude. Across town, Ryan reluctantly fights a rookie, hating the crowd's "Pay the Price" chant. Later, Ryan rushes to the Lighthouse club in his suit to watch Fabian perform and is mesmerized. Afterward, Fabian accidentally says, "as if I'm going to fuck a hockey player" to his friend Vanessa, unaware that Ryan is right behind him. Ryan politely ignores what Fabian has said and insists on carrying Fabian’s heavy gear home. Before saying goodbyes, they exchange numbers and plan to hang out again soon.

2018 Nov
3
November 2, 2018
Book 3: Tough Guy - Chapter 8-10
Spontaneous ramen date and a kiss on cheek
Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal

Encouraged by his sister, Ryan buys some IKEA furniture. Wyatt helps him build it, subtly revealing him being an ally for Ryan by showing Ryan a photo of his lesbian sister. Feeling confident, Ryan bumps into Fabian at a cafe, leading to a spontaneous date at a ramen restaurant where they both order tonkotsu ramen. Over dinner, Ryan opens up about his flying and social anxieties. The night ends with Fabian giving Ryan a kiss on the cheek. Later, Ryan scores a rare goal, and is thrilled to learn that Fabian watched his game. Later, during a day off in Columbus, Wyatt takes Ryan to a comic book shop, giving Ryan a much-needed distraction from his feelings for Fabian, and his dread of Dallas Kent's upcoming team party.

2018 Nov
3
November 3, 2018
Book 3: Tough Guy - Chapter 11-13
Confessing teenage crushes leads to sudden panic
Toronto

Ryan attends Fabian’s open mic set at the Indigo Cafe, and also meets Fabian's friends - Vanessa and Marcus. Vanessa deliberately mentions a vibrator she gave Fabian, teasing Fabian in front of Ryan. After Fabian's magical set, Ryan walks Fabian home. Walking home in the freezing rain, they talk about their types of men. Fabian also mentions how Ryan showing up to his recital when they were teenagers means everything to him. With the heavy rain, Fabian invites Ryan into his apartment. They then confess their mutual teenage crushes, with them admitting wanting to kiss each other on the Halifax ferry years ago. Fabian gently initiates intimacy. However, feeling that he's not good enough for someone as vibrant as Fabian, Ryan panics and abruptly leaves Fabian, who has tears in his eyes. Fabian is left heartbroken until Vanessa points out that Ryan is just scared, prompting Fabian to reconnect via a sweet short text - "Hi", which results in them making plan to meet again.

2018 Nov
3
November 4, 2018
Book 3: Tough Guy - Chapter 14-17
Nightclub dancing and intimate, supportive first hookup
Toronto

After getting a stylish haircut from a salon. Later, he goes to Dallas Kent’s gaudy mansion party but quickly leaves the toxic environment to meet Fabian at the Force nightclub. Fabian, wearing a sheer lace tank top, pulls Ryan onto the dance floor. They share a passionate sidewalk kiss and head to Ryan’s apartment. Ryan vulnerably confesses his sexual anxieties, but Fabian is supportive and makes sure Ryan is comfortable. Fabian comes with Ryan jerking him off. Even though Ryan doesn't come that night, he's content and falls asleep next to Fabian. They then spend a lazy and sexy morning together before Fabian goes to work at the drug store later that day.

2018 Nov - Dec
3
December 1, 2018
Book 3: Tough Guy - Chapter 18-21
Amazing sex and becoming boyfriends
Toronto, Columbus

Ryan watches Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov's press conference announcing their charity partnership. Dallas Kent and Troy Barrett make gross, homophobic comments about Shane and Ilya, prompting Ryan to have the courage to say to Kent and the whole locker room of players "I'm gay" and voice his disgust to Dallas and his homophobic remarks. Later, Ryan and Fabian spend an intimate night where Fabian wears black lace underwear and a cock ring, as well as testing out a vibrating dildo. That night ends with Ryan finally fucking Fabian. Later on a Sunday, Ryan officially meets Fabian’s friends at their "Bargain Brunch". Ryan immediately charms the group by bringing a hundred-dollar bottle of Moët champagne. However, the stark reality of Ryan’s violent career rears its head when Fabian watches a game where rival enforcer Duncan Harvey brutally headbutts Ryan. Ryan refuses to fight back. When Ryan goes to Fabian’s apartment after the game, a tearful Fabian officially asks Ryan to be his boyfriend, cementing their relationship despite his fears about the sport.

2018 Dec
3
December 2, 2018
Book 3: Tough Guy - Chapter 22-25
The Honeymoon Phase & The Breaking Point
Toronto, Halifax, Philadelphia

While Ryan finds joy playing floor hockey with kids at a community center, Fabian struggles with his boyfriend's career after falling down a dark YouTube rabbit hole of Ryan's bloodiest fights. Later, Ryan's only friend on the team, Wyatt, tells him that he's being traded away to Ottawa in short notice (leaving on the day). The couple shares a sweet Christmas, exchanging meaningful gifts: Fabian gives Ryan a colorful hand-woven scarf, and Ryan surprises Fabian with a stunning Mikimoto black pearl and diamond necklace. However, the romance fractures when Fabian realizes Ryan is secretly relying on Toradol injections to play through a severe back injury. Desperate to protect his NHL spot, Ryan stubbornly defends the toxic hockey culture, claiming the sport is all he has. Refusing to watch the man he loves destroy his own body, a heartbroken Fabian walks out saying "take care of yourself, Ryan Price".

2018 Dec
3
January 1, 2019
Book 3: Tough Guy - Chapter 26, 27 & Epilogue
Hockey retirement, album release reunion, and happily-ever-after
Toronto, Halifax, Philadelphia

A miserable, spiraling Ryan is shaken when fellow enforcer Duncan Harvey dies of a suspected overdose. At the funeral, a conversation with Ilya Rozanov about hockey's toxic toll prompts Ryan to officially retire from the NHL for good. Ryan surprises Fabian by attending his album release show wearing his woven Christmas scarf (and Fabian is wearing the Mikimoto necklace). The two reconcile with Ryan shares his retirement plans with Fabian. They declares their love for each other. In the summer epilogue, Ryan finds true fulfillment coaching at Rozanov and Shane Hollander’s charity camp, where he accidentally catching the two of them making out. The book ends with Ryan and Fabian discussing getting a townhouse and moving in together.

2019 Nov
4
November 1, 2019
Book 4: Common Goal - Chapter 1-8
Retiring goalie meets flirty bartender & an offer of sexual experiments
New York

Veteran goalie Eric Bennett is forty and facing an impending retirement. At Scott and Kip’s engagement party at Kingfisher, he meets 25-year-old grad student and bartender Kyle Swift. Kyle is instantly drawn to how attractive Eric is, but writes him off after noticing Eric’s wedding ring. Unbeknownst to Kyle, Eric is actively harboring his own attraction to men, and decides to finally embrace his bisexuality. During Eric's birthday party at his luxurious townhouse, Kyle stays late to help clean up. The undeniable chemistry boils over as Kyle admits his weakness for older men. After Kyle mistakenly assumes Eric is a closeted cheater, Eric sets the record straight. Realizing Eric wants to explore dating men, Kyle makes a bold proposition: “I’d be happy to. Anytime. No strings attached”, offering to safely guide Eric through his sexual firsts with men.

2019 Nov - Dec
4
November 2, 2019
Book 4: Common Goal - Chapter 9-14
Takes up offer, Fake boyfriends & first hookup
New York

Eric takes Kyle up on his offer, starting with a practice run at a gay bar called Fortune. When a guy named Alex hits on Kyle, Kyle playfully shoos him away by introducing Eric as his boyfriend, celebrating their "monthiversary". The evening ends in Kyle giving Eric his first kiss on the street. Soon after, Eric invites Kyle to his townhouse for a dinner of shakshuka, while Kyle makes Eric non-alcoholic mojitos. The night turns passionate as Kyle gently takes control and leads in the bedroom. He introduces Eric to the mind-blowing world of edging, which results in an intense orgasm. Later, Eric asks Kyle whether he wants to visit Jeanette's art gallery with him, but says it's not a date. Kyle says yes after confirming that they will get empanadas afterwards.

2019 Dec - 2020 Jan
4
December 1, 2019
Book 4: Common Goal - Chapter 15-20
Drag shows, deep confessions, and blindfolds
New York

The line between casual hookups and dating blurs. After an art gallery visit, Kyle opens up about a past affair with a married boss that led to him leaving Vermont. Eric agrees that older men shouldn't date much younger guys. Although coming from a place of being a protective friend, Kyle can't help but feel rejected. Later, at a charity drag show, Eric gets jealous seeing Kyle dance intimately with another man. Eric leaves, but Kyle chases him into the freezing cold, sharing a desperate kiss before they hook up at Eric's house. The next morning, Eric confesses he is retiring soon. After being apart for weeks over the holidays, Eric realizes how much he misses Kyle. They reunite for coffee and end up at Kyle's apartment, where Kyle introduces a blindfold and Velcro cuffs, reassuring Eric, “Your only job tonight is to feel good”. The explosive session only deepens Eric's growing romantic feelings towards Kyle.

2020 Jan - Jul
4
January 1, 2020
Book 4: Common Goal - Chapter 21-24 & Epilogue
Hockey retirement, grand reunion & Together officially
Buffalo, New York City, Washington D.C.

During the All-Star weekend in Buffalo, Eric comes out as bisexual to a supportive Ilya Rozanov and finally tells Scott he’s retiring. Back in New York, Eric officially announces his retirement to his teammates. After a tough loss to Toronto, a miserable Eric visits the Kingfisher. To cheer him up, Kyle takes Eric on a scenic hike at Blue Mountain where they spot wild deer and eat pancakes at a diner. However, the perfect day ends in heartbreak when Eric refuses to come up to Kyle's apartment, insisting he isn’t right for him, "I'll never forgive myself if I let you waste your time on me. Your youth". An angry Kyle yells, “Fuck my youth! And fuck you for thinking I can’t make my own decisions” and storms off. Two months later, following his final playoff game, Eric realizes he wants Kyle forever. He rushes to the Kingfisher to ask Kyle to be his boyfriend. Kyle happily accepts. By July, Eric and Scott have bought Kingfisher. Having just returned from a romantic trip to Greece, Eric and Kyle attend Scott and Kip’s wedding as a couple. As they dance together, Kyle smiles at the man and whispers, "You saved your best years for me, gorgeous."

2020 Jul - 2021 Oct
6
July 1, 2020
Book 6: The Long Game - Chapters
The Long Game chapters coming soon!
Ottawa & Montreal

The Long Game chapters coming soon!

2020 Nov- 2021 Feb
5
November 1, 2020
Book 5: Role Model - Chapters
Role Model chapters coming soon!
Ottawa

Role Model chapters coming soon!