Divorce, Scotch, and Stereotypes

Aleksander Emerson's marriage ends not with a bang but a sigh, and he flees San Jose for a fresh start in Seattle. Coming out as pansexual, he's met with public misunderstanding and PR chaos, his identity reduced to stereotypes. The off-season is a lonely echo chamber of staged dates and self-doubt, until his old hockey friends—the Queer Collective—descend on his new home, determined to disrupt his isolation. Their chaotic energy is a lifeline, reminding Aleks that real connection is possible, even as he struggles to believe it for himself. The night spirals into thrift store antics and blindfolded dress-up, a ridiculous but necessary break from the monotony of his post-divorce life. Aleks is searching for something real, something with zing, but he's not sure he'll ever find it.

Firemen, Dresses, and Chaos

The party at Aleks's house is a riot of hockey players in drag, margaritas, and accidental fire. When a 911 call brings firefighters Gabe and Sanden to the scene, they're met not with flames but with a backyard full of drunken, half-dressed athletes convinced the firemen are strippers. Amid the chaos, Aleks—drunk and in a flapper dress—makes a fool of himself, hitting on Gabe with wild abandon. The night is a blur of laughter, embarrassment, and unexpected chemistry. Gabe, amused and intrigued, helps herd the drunken athletes to safety, but a spark of something real passes between him and Aleks—a zing that neither can ignore, even as the night ends in a haze.

Zing on the Balcony

Aleks wakes hungover, haunted by a dream of being carried by a sexy fireman—only to realize it wasn't a dream at all. The evidence of the night's chaos is everywhere: singed grass, missing eyebrows, and a lingering sense of embarrassment. When Gabe and Sanden return to check on the aftermath, Aleks is mortified but can't help feeling drawn to Gabe's easy confidence and warmth. Their banter is laced with flirtation, but Aleks's insecurities bubble up. He wants something real, but the fear of being misunderstood or not enough holds him back. Still, the zing is undeniable, and as they part, both men are left wanting more.

The Stripper Fireman Dream

Aleks's mind replays the night's events, blending fantasy and memory. He dreams of Gabe as a stripper fireman, the embodiment of everything he craves but feels he can't have. The dream is vivid, sensual, and leaves him aching for something more than the empty hookups he's been avoiding. When he wakes, the reality of his loneliness hits hard. The fireman wasn't just a dream—he was real, and Aleks made a fool of himself. The shame is sharp, but so is the longing. He's tired of being on the sidelines of his own life, and the memory of Gabe's touch lingers like a promise.

Hockey, PR, and New Beginnings

Aleks throws himself into his new life with the Seattle team, but the shadow of his divorce and public coming out follows him. The PR machine is relentless, pushing him into staged dates and photo ops that feel hollow. On the ice, he's determined to prove himself, but off the ice, he's adrift. The Queer Collective rallies around him, offering support and camaraderie, but Aleks can't shake the feeling that he's still performing, still not truly seen. The memory of Gabe—real, unfiltered, and uninterested in hockey—becomes a touchstone, a reminder that authenticity is possible, even if it's terrifying.

The Game, The Glance, The Ice

Gabe, goaded by Sanden, attends Aleks's first home game, more for the eye candy than the sport. The arena is electric, and when Aleks spots Gabe in the crowd, their playful banter through the glass reignites the spark between them. The game becomes a stage for their flirtation, each trying to get the other's attention. Aleks is distracted, his performance on the ice a mix of showmanship and nerves. The chemistry is palpable, and as the game ends, the possibility of something real—something more than a one-night zing—hangs in the air.

Awkward First Dates

After the game, Aleks and Gabe meet at a bar, their friends acting as not-so-subtle wingmen. The initial awkwardness is thick, both men unsure how to navigate the transition from flirtation to something deeper. Aleks, newly divorced and inexperienced, is nervous; Gabe, confident but wary, senses Aleks's hesitation. Their conversation is a dance of vulnerability and bravado, each testing the waters. When they finally steal a moment alone, the tension breaks in a kiss that is electric, but Aleks panics and flees, overwhelmed by the intensity of his feelings and fears.

Kisses, Panic, and Confessions

Aleks's flight from the bar leaves both men reeling. Oskar, ever the meddler, tries to talk Aleks down, while Gabe is left questioning what went wrong. The next day, Aleks is consumed by regret and self-doubt, convinced he's ruined his chance at something real. The fear of not being enough—of being too inexperienced, too broken—paralyzes him. But the memory of the kiss, the zing, won't let him go. Both men are forced to confront their own insecurities, realizing that the only way forward is through honesty and vulnerability.

Do-Overs and Dancing

At a mutual friend's engagement party, Aleks and Gabe cross paths again. The air is thick with unresolved tension, but this time, Aleks is determined not to run. He confesses his fears and inexperience, and Gabe responds with patience and understanding. They agree to a do-over, starting slow with a dance that is more intimate than any hookup. The physical chemistry is undeniable, but it's the emotional connection—built on honesty and mutual respect—that sets the foundation for something lasting. For the first time, Aleks allows himself to hope.

Slow Hands, Fast Hearts

Their next date is a study in contrasts: slow, deliberate intimacy and racing hearts. Aleks, nervous but eager, lets Gabe guide him through his first real experience with a man. They take their time, exploring each other with hands and mouths, building trust and pleasure in equal measure. The experience is transformative for Aleks, who realizes that sex can be more than performance—it can be connection, affirmation, and joy. For Gabe, it's a chance to nurture and protect, to be the steady presence Aleks needs. Their bond deepens, and the future begins to take shape.

Rival Schedules, Real Feelings

As their relationship grows, Aleks and Gabe struggle to find time together amid the demands of hockey and firefighting. Their schedules rarely align, and each stolen moment becomes precious. They navigate the challenges of public scrutiny, team dynamics, and personal insecurities, learning to communicate and compromise. The introduction of a team dog, community charity work, and shared meals with friends and teammates help ground their relationship in the real world. Through it all, their feelings intensify, and both men begin to imagine a future together, even as doubts linger.

Firehouse Pizza and Alley Kisses

Aleks brings pizza to Gabe's firehouse, meeting his coworkers and sharing a moment of levity amid the chaos. The camaraderie is easy, and the chemistry between Aleks and Gabe is obvious to everyone. A stolen kiss in the alley cements their connection, and both men realize they're becoming integral parts of each other's lives. The blending of their worlds—hockey and firefighting, public and private—brings new challenges, but also new joys. Their relationship is no longer just about sex or zing; it's about partnership, support, and building something lasting.

Animal Rescue and Allergies

When a fire at a local animal shelter brings Gabe and Aleks together on a rescue mission, their teamwork is put to the test. Chasing down stray animals, dealing with allergies, and navigating the chaos of emergency response, they find humor and connection in the midst of stress. The experience deepens their appreciation for each other's strengths and vulnerabilities. Aleks's idea to help the shelter through a team charity event showcases his growing commitment to community and to Gabe. Their relationship is no longer just about private moments; it's about making a difference together.

Team Dogs and Community

The team adopts a shelter dog, and Aleks spearheads a fundraising campaign, blending his public persona with genuine care for others. Gabe is drawn into the hockey world, attending games and supporting Aleks both on and off the ice. Their relationship becomes a model of mutual support, each man encouraging the other to pursue his passions and give back to the community. The challenges of public scrutiny and demanding careers remain, but their partnership is strengthened by shared purpose and love. Together, they learn that real connection is built on more than chemistry—it's built on trust, respect, and shared values.

The Best Date Wars

Aleks and Gabe engage in a playful competition to outdo each other with epic dates, from stargazing in a pickup truck to private dinners atop the Space Needle. Each date is a celebration of their unique bond, blending romance, humor, and adventure. The rivalry is good-natured, a way to keep their relationship fresh and exciting amid the grind of daily life. Through these experiences, they learn to appreciate each other's quirks and strengths, building a foundation of joy and laughter that sustains them through the inevitable challenges ahead.

Public Eyes, Private Fears

As Aleks's hockey career heats up, so does public interest in his personal life. A PR-driven fake date with a model threatens to derail his relationship with Gabe, who is hurt by the choice and the secrecy. The incident forces both men to confront their fears about public scrutiny, priorities, and trust. A dramatic kiss-cam incident at a game becomes a turning point, with Aleks publicly claiming Gabe as his boyfriend. The experience is both terrifying and liberating, cementing their commitment to each other and to living authentically, no matter the cost.

The Kiss Cam Incident

The fallout from the PR stunt and the kiss-cam incident brings Aleks and Gabe's insecurities to the surface. Jealousy, hurt, and miscommunication threaten to pull them apart, but honest conversation and vulnerability bring them back together. Aleks's public declaration of love at a press conference is a bold step, signaling to the world—and to Gabe—that he's all in. The couple navigates the challenges of fame, fan expectations, and their own doubts, emerging stronger and more united. Their love is no longer a secret; it's a statement.

Family, Friends, and Forever Plans

With the season ending and the off-season beginning, Aleks and Gabe turn their attention to the future. They navigate house hunting, discussions about fostering teens, and the blending of their chosen families. The challenges of commitment, compromise, and vulnerability are ever-present, but their love endures. Surrounded by friends, teammates, and the chaos of daily life, they learn that forever isn't about perfection—it's about choosing each other, every day. Their story ends not with a grand gesture, but with the quiet certainty of two men who have found home in each other.

Characters

Aleksander Emerson

Aleks is a professional hockey player whose life is upended by divorce and a public coming out. He's charming, competitive, and deeply insecure beneath his bravado. Haunted by the fear of not being enough—either for his team, the public, or a partner—Aleks struggles to reconcile his desire for real connection with the pressures of fame and expectation. His journey is one of self-discovery, learning to embrace vulnerability, and finding the courage to love again. Through his relationship with Gabe, Aleks grows from a man defined by performance and PR to someone capable of deep, authentic intimacy. His arc is marked by humor, self-doubt, and ultimately, hope.

Gabe Crosby

Gabe is a firefighter who thrives on adrenaline and service, but beneath his confident exterior lies a history of rejection and resilience. Disowned by his family for being queer, Gabe has built a chosen family of friends and colleagues. He's practical, nurturing, and fiercely loyal, with a dry wit and a deep capacity for love. Gabe's relationship with Aleks challenges him to open up, trust, and risk his heart again. He dreams of fostering teens, providing the safe haven he never had. Gabe's journey is about learning to balance independence with vulnerability, and discovering that he deserves to be someone's first choice.

Oskar Voyjik

Oskar is the quintessential hockey bro with a heart of gold. Outspoken, irreverent, and always ready with a joke, he masks his own insecurities with bravado. Oskar acts as both wingman and truth-teller for Aleks, pushing him to take risks and embrace love. His own journey from playboy to committed partner serves as a mirror for Aleks, showing that transformation is possible. Oskar's loyalty is unwavering, but his meddling can sometimes complicate matters. He represents the messy, chaotic, and ultimately supportive nature of chosen family.

Sanden

Sanden is Gabe's firefighting partner and closest colleague. Quick with a joke and always ready to lend a hand, Sanden provides both comic relief and emotional grounding. He's skeptical of hockey players but comes to respect Aleks through his devotion to Gabe. Sanden's own romantic journey is hinted at, suggesting depth beneath his easygoing exterior. He embodies the importance of friendship, loyalty, and the everyday heroism of first responders.

The Queer Collective

The Collective is a group of out queer hockey players who provide camaraderie, support, and a sense of belonging for Aleks. Each member brings their own quirks, histories, and baggage, but together they form a safety net that allows for vulnerability and growth. Their antics—ranging from thrift store dress-up to emotional interventions—highlight the power of community in overcoming isolation and fear. The Collective's presence is both grounding and disruptive, pushing Aleks to confront his own limitations and embrace authenticity.

Rebecca

Rebecca is Aleks's high school sweetheart and former wife. Their marriage, though loving, is ultimately undone by diverging life goals and Aleks's struggle with his identity. Rebecca represents the comfort of the known and the pain of letting go. Her presence lingers as a reminder of what Aleks is leaving behind—and what he hopes to find in the future.

Tripp and Dex

Tripp and Dex are members of the Collective whose loving, playful marriage serves as both inspiration and comic relief. Their dynamic—marked by teasing, support, and shared chaos—offers Aleks and Gabe a glimpse of what queer partnership can look like. They embody the possibility of happiness after struggle, and their presence helps normalize the idea of love and family beyond heteronormative expectations.

Quinn and Little D (Asher)

Quinn and Asher represent the next generation of queer athletes, navigating their own challenges with identity, performance, and love. Their stories intersect with Aleks's, offering both cautionary tales and hope. Quinn's struggles with pressure and injury mirror Aleks's own fears, while Asher's bluntness and loyalty provide comic relief and grounding.

Frank

Frank is the team's PR manager, tasked with managing Aleks's public persona and navigating the minefield of media scrutiny. He represents the tension between authenticity and performance, pushing Aleks to make choices that balance personal happiness with professional obligations. Frank's machinations—though well-intentioned—often complicate Aleks's journey, forcing him to confront what matters most.

Madden

Madden is Gabe's former roommate and confidant, offering advice, perspective, and unconditional support. He serves as a sounding board for Gabe's fears and hopes, reminding him of the importance of chosen family. Madden's presence underscores the theme that love and belonging are not limited to romantic relationships.

Plot Devices

Dual POV and Alternating Narration

The novel employs a dual point-of-view structure, alternating between Aleks and Gabe. This device allows readers to experience the emotional arc from both perspectives, deepening empathy and understanding. The contrast between Aleks's high-profile, performative world and Gabe's grounded, service-oriented life creates tension and richness. The alternating narration also highlights miscommunication, internal conflict, and the slow-building trust that defines their relationship.

The Queer Collective as Greek Chorus

The Collective functions as a modern Greek chorus, providing commentary, comic relief, and emotional intervention. Their presence disrupts Aleks's isolation, challenges his assumptions, and pushes him toward growth. They serve as both mirror and foil, embodying the messy, supportive, and sometimes chaotic nature of chosen family. Their antics—ranging from thrift store dress-up to emotional interventions—underscore the importance of community in queer lives.

Public vs. Private Identity

The tension between public image and private truth is a central plot device. Aleks's struggle with PR, media scrutiny, and fan expectations mirrors Gabe's fear of being thrust into the spotlight. The use of fake dates, staged photo ops, and the kiss-cam incident dramatizes the challenges of living authentically in a world that demands performance. The resolution—public declaration and mutual support—underscores the novel's message about the power of vulnerability and truth.

Miscommunication and Second Chances

The story is driven by moments of miscommunication, panic, and retreat—Aleks fleeing after their first kiss, the PR-driven fake date, the uncertainty about future goals. Each misstep is followed by honest conversation, do-overs, and the willingness to try again. This device emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, growth, and the understanding that love is a process, not a destination.

Symbolic "Zing" and Physical Chemistry

The recurring motif of "zing"—that electric spark of attraction—serves as both a plot device and a symbol of authentic connection. It distinguishes real intimacy from performance, reminding both characters (and readers) that love is as much about chemistry as it is about compatibility. The physicality of their relationship—kisses, touches, shared space—mirrors their emotional journey from guardedness to openness.

Found Family and Chosen Community

The theme of found family is woven throughout the narrative, from the Queer Collective to Gabe's firehouse and former roommates. These communities provide support, challenge, and a sense of belonging that both men have lacked. The blending of their worlds—hockey, firefighting, friends—serves as a plot device for growth, healing, and the creation of a new, shared home.

Analysis

Foolish Puckboy is more than a sports romance; it's a meditation on the courage required to live authentically in a world that demands performance. Through Aleks and Gabe, the novel explores the messy, nonlinear process of healing after heartbreak, the challenges of coming out in the public eye, and the transformative power of vulnerability. The story subverts traditional romance tropes by centering queer joy, community, and the importance of chosen family. It refuses to offer easy answers—Aleks and Gabe's journey is marked by missteps, doubts, and the slow work of building trust. The novel's humor, warmth, and emotional honesty make it both engaging and deeply resonant. Its ultimate message is that love is not about perfection or grand gestures, but about choosing each other, every day, in the face of fear, uncertainty, and the demands of the world. In a culture obsessed with image and achievement, Foolish Puckboy is a celebration of the ordinary, extraordinary work of loving and being loved, just as you are.

Last updated: August 16, 2025