Book Review: Hat Trick

Title: Hat Trick

Author: Jeff Adams

Publisher/GR Link: Queerteen Press, GR

Genre: YA, MM

Vice: Jocks, Contemporary, YA

Rating: 4 out of 5

Lock this book up : 3 out of 5 stars, sex is sweet and supports the storyline

Length: Novel

Satisfaction: HEA (though hard earned)

Cover Impressions: Cute

Best Line: "I've been wanting you, you have no idea."

Synopsis: 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?

Impressions:  I've heard great things about this book, but I didn't realize it was YA.  I have to say, that didn't change how I felt about it.  I found this book to be very cute, and a sweet, enjoyable romance between two great characters.  

Simon has a lot on his plate, with a homophobic dad and an asshole of a brother.  Connecting with Alex, and having the support of his best friend Jackson, are the only highlights- beside the joy he finds on the ice.

Though Alex and Simon face quite a few challenges outside of their romance, their connection is really unwavering.  For this reason, though there is a lot drama outside of their romance, I found this to be much more sweet than angsty.  

If you are looking for a sweet read for yourself, or a great recommendation for a teen in your life, this is a great high school jock book for you.  If I were a high school student, just coming out, I would find this  one of the best things in my reading pile!

Definitely Recommended

Review posted on Amazon and Goodreads