Simon has dealt with his crush on fellow hockey player Alex for months and is surprised when Alex admits the same. The two navigate a relationship while still struggling to come out, and if the secret gets loose, they could lose their family and their team.
Publisher’s Description
Simon Roberts’ plan for his senior year is simple — help his high school hockey team win the state championship and earn a college scholarship so he can get away from his dysfunctional family, especially his belligerent father and obnoxious older brother.
When the Central High Falcons open their season with an away game, Simon is forced to deal with the problem he’s struggled with for months — his crush on teammate Alex Miller. After the game that night, Alex makes an unexpected announcement — he’s gay, and in love with Simon.
Simon’s elated but scared to openly acknowledge that he’s gay, especially with so much at stake in their senior year. Now that they’re out to each other they have to decide what to do next. Should they date? Should they keep things between them secret? What about the team? Can Simon and Alex hide that they’re more than friends from the guys they spend so much time with?
Then a simple kiss is witnessed and their secret is out. The team fractures, and Simon’s family explodes as news about the gay hockey players quickly spreads. The guys must figure out how to move forward with everyone watching. Being the center of attention was in no way part of Simon’s plan for the year.
Can Simon juggle school, commitments to the team, his new relationship, and an unexpected tragedy all before the end of the hockey season?
Genre: Contemporary
Representation:
Gender:
Cis boys: Simon, Alex
Sexual Orientation:
Gay/Queer: Simon, Alex
Romantic Orientation:
Homoromantic: Simon, Alex
Race/Ethnicity:
White: Simon, Alex
Religion
Christianity
Trigger warnings: assault (tagged as hate crime), abuse, death, family rejection