Rivalry Ignites, Stakes Rise

Christopher Jacobs and TJ "Beck" Beckett, both star players for Colchester University's hockey team, are summoned by their coach with the promise of a captaincy. Instead of a clear winner, the coach announces the team will vote between them. Jacobs, the hardworking, scholarship kid, and Beck, the privileged, charismatic defenseman, have always clashed—on and off the ice. Their rivalry is legendary, fueled by class differences, mutual annoyance, and a simmering, unspoken tension. The captaincy becomes more than a title; it's validation, a future, and a chance to prove themselves. As the summer begins, both are determined to win, setting the stage for a battle that will test not just their skills, but their hearts.

Summer Camp, Summer Tension

With the team's summer training camp underway, Jacobs and Beck are thrown together as mentors for high school hopefuls. The campus is nearly empty, amplifying their interactions. Beck, used to charm and ease, finds himself challenged by Jacobs's intensity and work ethic. Jacobs, in turn, is infuriated by Beck's effortless popularity and apparent lack of seriousness. The competition for captain heats up, but so does something else—an undercurrent of attraction neither wants to acknowledge. Their banter grows sharper, their pranks more personal, and the line between hate and something more begins to blur, even as both cling to their old animosities.

Challenges and Cheap Shots

To decide the captain, the team devises a series of outrageous challenges: drinking contests, streaking, and pick-up games for phone numbers. Each dare is designed to test leadership, popularity, and nerve, but also to humiliate and push boundaries. Jacobs and Beck trade victories, each determined not to show weakness. The challenges become a battleground for their pride, but also a way to spend time together, to see each other in new lights. The games are ridiculous, but the stakes feel real—every win or loss is a blow to ego, every laugh a crack in their defenses.

Streaks, Drinks, and Dares

The dares reach a fever pitch with a naked race across campus, a public spectacle that leaves both men exposed—literally and emotionally. The team's laughter masks a deeper truth: Jacobs and Beck are starting to see each other as more than rivals. The forced vulnerability of the challenges, the adrenaline, and the constant proximity chip away at their walls. After a particularly charged night, the tension between them becomes almost unbearable, and the line between antagonism and attraction grows dangerously thin.

Kiss That Changes Everything

When the team dares them to play "gay chicken"—a contest to see who will back down from a kiss—neither expects the result. The kiss, meant as a joke, is electric, shattering their assumptions and igniting a desire neither can deny. Both are left reeling, questioning their sexuality, their feelings, and what this means for their rivalry. The kiss becomes a turning point, the moment when everything changes. What was once a game is now a secret, burning need that neither can ignore, even as they try to pretend nothing happened.

Confusion, Denial, Desire

In the aftermath of the kiss, Jacobs and Beck spiral into confusion. Jacobs, who always thought he was straight, is forced to confront feelings he's buried for years. Beck, who's always been the life of the party, finds himself wanting something real for the first time. Both try to deny what happened, seeking solace in old habits—workouts, hookups, bravado—but the memory of the kiss lingers. Their interactions become charged with subtext, every argument a prelude to something more. The struggle to define themselves and their relationship becomes as intense as their battle for captain.

Locker Room Secrets

Unable to resist, Jacobs and Beck begin a clandestine affair, sneaking around campus and the dorms. What starts as physical quickly becomes emotional, as they discover new sides to each other—vulnerability, humor, ambition, fear. The secrecy adds excitement but also strain; both are terrified of being discovered, of what it would mean for their reputations and futures. Yet, in the quiet moments, they find comfort and understanding, realizing that what they have is more than just sex or rivalry. The locker room, once a place of competition, becomes their sanctuary.

Lines Crossed, Hearts Exposed

As the summer ends, Jacobs and Beck's relationship deepens. They meet each other's families, confront their own insecurities, and begin to imagine a future together. The challenges that once divided them now unite them, as they face the reality of coming out—to their team, their friends, and themselves. The fear of rejection is real, but so is the hope of acceptance. Their love, forged in competition and conflict, becomes a source of strength. The final challenge is no longer about captaincy, but about honesty, courage, and choosing each other.

Family, Fears, and Futures

When Beck's family unexpectedly returns home, he is forced to come out to his powerful, traditional father. The confrontation is painful, dredging up old wounds and fears of rejection. Jacobs, too, must face his own family, balancing his love for Beck with his responsibilities at home. Both men grapple with what it means to be true to themselves, to each other, and to their families. The process is messy, but ultimately liberating, as they learn that love—real love—means facing the hard truths and standing together, no matter the cost.

From Enemies to Lovers

With the new school year, Jacobs and Beck decide to stop hiding. They come out to their team, bracing for backlash but finding unexpected support. Their relationship, once a secret, becomes a source of pride and inspiration. The team, once divided by their rivalry, rallies around them, recognizing the strength and leadership both bring. The journey from enemies to lovers is complete, but not without scars. They learn that love is not about perfection, but about choosing each other every day, in the face of doubt, fear, and adversity.

Outed and Unapologetic

The aftermath of coming out brings new challenges—rumors, scrutiny, and the pressure to be role models. Jacobs and Beck navigate the complexities of being a gay couple in the hyper-masculine world of college hockey. They face ignorance and prejudice, but also find allies and friends. Their relationship, tested by adversity, grows stronger. They refuse to apologize for who they are, embracing their love with humor, resilience, and defiance. The world may not always understand, but they are unapologetically themselves.

Homecomings and Hard Truths

As graduation approaches, Jacobs and Beck must confront the realities of their futures. Beck faces pressure to join his family's business, while Jacobs feels the pull of home and responsibility. Both must decide what they want—not just for themselves, but for each other. The choices are hard, the sacrifices real, but together they find a way forward. They learn that love is not about grand gestures, but about the small, everyday acts of commitment and care. Home is not a place, but a person.

Building a Life Together

With the support of their families and team, Jacobs and Beck begin to build a life together. They dream of starting a hockey camp for underprivileged kids, combining their skills and passions. The process is daunting, filled with obstacles and uncertainty, but they face it as partners. Their love, once forged in rivalry, becomes a foundation for something bigger—a shared purpose, a future built on trust, respect, and mutual support. Together, they prove that love can change everything.

New Year, New Dreams

A New Year's trip to Montreal with friends becomes a celebration of how far they've come. Surrounded by teammates, old rivals, and new allies, Jacobs and Beck reflect on their journey—from enemies to lovers, from secrecy to pride. The future is still uncertain, but for the first time, they face it with hope and excitement. Their relationship, once a source of confusion and fear, is now a beacon of possibility. As the clock strikes midnight, they make a silent promise: whatever comes next, they'll face it together.

Facing the Future, Together

With graduation looming, Jacobs and Beck stand on the threshold of adulthood. They have faced their fears, claimed their love, and built a foundation for the future. Whether on the ice or off, they are a team—partners in every sense. Their story is not just about winning games or titles, but about winning each other. As they look ahead, they know there will be challenges, but also joy, laughter, and love. Together, they are unstoppable.

Characters

Christopher Jacobs

Jacobs is the quintessential underdog: a scholarship kid from a working-class family, he's built his life on discipline, hard work, and sacrifice. His identity is tied to hockey, not just as a sport but as a lifeline—a way out, a source of pride, and a measure of his worth. Jacobs is fiercely competitive, often to the point of rigidity, and struggles with vulnerability. His rivalry with Beck is both a source of motivation and frustration, masking a deep-seated attraction he's long denied. As the story unfolds, Jacobs is forced to confront his own fears—about sexuality, failure, and intimacy. His journey is one of self-acceptance, learning to let go of control, and embracing love, not as a weakness, but as his greatest strength.

TJ "Beck" Beckett

Beck is the golden boy: wealthy, charming, and seemingly carefree. Beneath the surface, however, he is restless, searching for meaning beyond the expectations of his powerful family. His rivalry with Jacobs is both a game and a shield, allowing him to avoid confronting his own insecurities. Beck's journey is one of growth—from a self-absorbed party boy to a man willing to fight for what (and who) he loves. His attraction to Jacobs forces him to question his identity, his future, and his place in the world. Beck's greatest fear is not failure, but irrelevance; through his relationship with Jacobs, he discovers purpose, passion, and the courage to define his own legacy.

Cohen

Cohen is the team's heart and comic relief, always ready with a joke or a dare. He orchestrates many of the challenges that push Jacobs and Beck together, often under the guise of team bonding. Beneath his playful exterior, Cohen is deeply loyal, perceptive, and supportive. He senses the tension between Jacobs and Beck before they do, and his antics, while sometimes over the top, are motivated by a desire to see his friends happy. Cohen's role is that of the catalyst—he stirs the pot, but also helps the protagonists confront truths they might otherwise avoid.

Grant

Grant, the former team captain, is the standard against which both Jacobs and Beck measure themselves. Openly queer and unapologetically himself, Grant serves as a mentor and confidant, especially to Jacobs. His success on and off the ice is both an inspiration and a source of envy. Grant's relationship with his boyfriend, Zach, models a healthy, loving partnership, providing a blueprint for Jacobs and Beck. Grant's presence is steadying, his advice grounded in experience and empathy.

Zach

Zach, Grant's boyfriend, is an academic rather than an athlete, offering a different perspective on masculinity, love, and acceptance. His outsider status allows him to see through the bravado and posturing of the hockey world, often providing comic relief and sharp insight. Zach's relationship with Grant is a touchstone for Jacobs and Beck, showing that love can thrive even in unlikely places. He is both a confidant and a provocateur, unafraid to call out nonsense or offer a reality check.

Baby (Beck's Sister)

Baby is Beck's younger sister, a Harvard student with dreams of her own. She is often underestimated by their father, who clings to outdated notions of gender and legacy. Baby's relationship with Beck is close—they confide in each other, share frustrations, and support one another's dreams. Her presence in the story highlights themes of family expectation, gender roles, and the struggle to be seen for who you are. Baby's intelligence and ambition mirror Beck's, and her encouragement helps him find the courage to pursue his own path.

Coach Hogan

Coach Hogan is the architect of the team's culture, demanding excellence but also fostering camaraderie and growth. His decision to let the team vote for captain sets the story in motion, forcing Jacobs and Beck to confront their differences and, ultimately, their feelings. Coach is both a disciplinarian and a mentor, guiding his players through challenges on and off the ice. His support is subtle but unwavering, and his belief in Jacobs and Beck is instrumental in their development as leaders and as men.

Rossi

Rossi is a background presence, often providing a calming influence amid the chaos. He is observant, quick to notice changes in mood or dynamic, and offers quiet support to both Jacobs and Beck. Rossi's role is that of the steady friend—the one who listens, offers advice when needed, and helps keep the team grounded.

Seth (Grant's Brother)

Seth, Grant's twin, is less involved in hockey but becomes part of the extended friend group. His skepticism and dry humor provide a counterpoint to the more exuberant personalities. Seth's outsider perspective helps highlight the absurdities and challenges of the hockey world, and his eventual acceptance of Jacobs and Beck's relationship is a small but meaningful victory.

Beck's Father

Beck's father is the embodiment of old-school expectations: wealth, legacy, and control. His initial resistance to Beck's sexuality and career choices is a major source of conflict. However, his eventual willingness to listen, compromise, and support Beck's dreams marks a significant transformation. His journey mirrors that of many parents—moving from fear and disappointment to acceptance and pride.

Plot Devices

Dual POV, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity

The story is told in alternating first-person chapters from Jacobs and Beck's perspectives, allowing readers intimate access to their thoughts, fears, and desires. This dual POV is essential for understanding the depth of their rivalry and the gradual shift to mutual attraction. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed with nuance, using forced proximity (summer camp, shared challenges, secret hookups) to break down barriers. The escalating dares serve as both plot propulsion and metaphor—each challenge strips away a layer of pretense, forcing the characters to confront their true selves. Foreshadowing is woven through banter and internal monologue, hinting at deeper feelings long before the characters admit them. The narrative balances humor, angst, and romance, using the structure of sports fiction to explore broader themes of identity, masculinity, and love.

Analysis

Face Offs & Cheap Shots is more than a college hockey romance; it's a meditation on the ways we define ourselves—through rivalry, achievement, and, ultimately, love. The novel subverts traditional masculinity, using the hyper-masculine world of hockey as a backdrop for a tender, vulnerable love story. Jacobs and Beck's journey from enemies to lovers is both a personal and communal transformation, challenging the expectations of family, team, and society. The book explores the fluidity of sexuality, the importance of self-acceptance, and the power of partnership. It celebrates the messy, awkward, and joyful process of coming out—not just as queer, but as fully human. The lessons are clear: love is not a zero-sum game, vulnerability is strength, and the families we choose can be as vital as those we're born into. In a world hungry for stories of hope and authenticity, this novel delivers with heart, humor, and heat.

Last updated: December 28, 2025