Blue Line Hockey Series by Stephani Hecht

At one time Devon Canton and his two brothers were the talk of the NHL. Set to become the next superstars of the sport, they had lucrative contracts and numerous endorsements within their reach. Then the bottom fell out of their world and everything changed. Now struggling to make ends meet, they have been reduced to playing in the minor leagues. To make matters worse, they all end up playing for the same dead-end team, the Battle Creek Hawks... moreAt one time Devon Canton and his two brothers were the talk of the NHL. Set to become the next superstars of the sport, they had lucrative contracts and numerous endorsements within their reach. Then the bottom fell out of their world and everything changed. Now struggling to make ends meet, they have been reduced to playing in the minor leagues. To make matters worse, they all end up playing for the same dead-end team, the Battle Creek Hawks. Not only hasn’t that team won a game in three years, but their arena is falling down around them and is in danger of being condemned. Then Devon and his brothers hit a new low when they get thrown out of their first game for getting into a brawl…with each other. Battle Creek Times sports reporter Saul Davis knows the instant he see the three brothers beating the snot out of each other that he has a story. It only takes a little digging to find out how far the once promising hockey players have fallen. Intrigued, Saul tries to pin down Devon for an interview, only to be rudely rebuked. Unfortunately for Devon, that only makes Saul more determined to get to the bottom of the story. Then Saul uncovers something about the brooding hockey player that could not only destroy the man’s reputation, but also ruin any chance of him every playing on the professional level again. Saul knows he should go ahead and run the story, but as he finds himself growing closer to Devon, he realizes that his feelings for the other man are too strong to ignore. When a rival reporter also discovers Devon’s secret, Saul recognizes that he may have to make the most painful decision of all – his own journalism career or Devon. less

When Trey dreamed of one day playing professional hockey, he always imagined it would be for one of the top ranking NHL teams. He never fathomed he’d end up on a last place, farm team and struggling to live from one paycheck to the next. Instead of limousines, endorsement deals and accolades, he’s stuck with a rundown rink, jeering ex-fans and a crappy second-hand truck that only runs fifty percent of the time... moreWhen Trey dreamed of one day playing professional hockey, he always imagined it would be for one of the top ranking NHL teams. He never fathomed he’d end up on a last place, farm team and struggling to live from one paycheck to the next. Instead of limousines, endorsement deals and accolades, he’s stuck with a rundown rink, jeering ex-fans and a crappy second-hand truck that only runs fifty percent of the time. Then his life goes from sucky to sucky-er when he’s blackmailed into coaching a group of kids from the local rink. Trey’s never been good with dealing with other people, let alone their mini-versions, so he’s certain it’s all going to end in one huge disaster. As a member of the Battle Creek police force, Wade is proud of his town. Sure their local hockey team may be in last place, but with the new goalie, things seem to be looking up. When he finds out his nephew is being coached by that very same goalie, Wade can’t wait for a face-to-face encounter. He’s not prepared to find himself instantly attracted to Trey. Especially when it becomes apparent that Trey is hiding something from his past. Trey wants to get closer to Wade, but knows to do so could spell disaster for not only him, but the rest of his family. Will Trey be able to give into his desires or will the past continue to hold him down? less

After years of hard work and sacrifice, Kip Cooper's dream of playing for the NHL is finally within reach. Soon he'll be able to leave behind his farm team to taste fame, fortune and the respect that comes with being number one. So he's not about to allow anyone or anything get in the way. But try telling that to his libido, because despite everything, he can't keep his mind off his teammate, Sergei. Too bad Sergei is young and openly gay... and Kip isn't... moreAfter years of hard work and sacrifice, Kip Cooper's dream of playing for the NHL is finally within reach. Soon he'll be able to leave behind his farm team to taste fame, fortune and the respect that comes with being number one. So he's not about to allow anyone or anything get in the way. But try telling that to his libido, because despite everything, he can't keep his mind off his teammate, Sergei. Too bad Sergei is young and openly gay... and Kip isn't. When a chance encounter leads to a night of passion, Kip realizes he has to make a choice: Sergei or his dreams. less

All his life Jochen has had one dream and one dream only—to become a professional hockey player. Now after years of hard work, he’s close to his goal. Well…maybe a better term would be “almost there” since he’s playing for a minor league team and is barely making a livable wage. Still, he’s not complaining since he feels like it will only be a matter of time before he’s called up to the NHL. He just needs to make sure that he doesn’t allow any distractions to get into his way... moreAll his life Jochen has had one dream and one dream only—to become a professional hockey player. Now after years of hard work, he’s close to his goal. Well…maybe a better term would be “almost there” since he’s playing for a minor league team and is barely making a livable wage. Still, he’s not complaining since he feels like it will only be a matter of time before he’s called up to the NHL. He just needs to make sure that he doesn’t allow any distractions to get into his way. Then a huge distraction plows into his life when Jochen volunteers to help out a summer youth clinic. There he meets Rebel, a very sexy, cute and tempting goalie. The problem is both of them are deep in the closet. They both fear that coming out could hurt their careers. Besides all they’re doing is having a little fun on the side and they don’t feel like it anybody’s business. Then just as they least expect it, their secret comes out in the most explosive way possible, forcing Jochen to admit just how much Rebel means to him. Will their love be able to survive the fallout, or will they lose everything they ever wanted? less

From a very young age, Aldrich knew two things—he’d grow up to play professional hockey and he’d make his mentor fall in love with him. After years of hard work, both are within his grasp. Not only has a professional team called him up from his farm club, but the man he’s dreamed of for years has finally noticed him. Then everything is brutally torn from him when he suffers a career-ending injury and finds himself dumped before the relationship has even really started... moreFrom a very young age, Aldrich knew two things—he’d grow up to play professional hockey and he’d make his mentor fall in love with him. After years of hard work, both are within his grasp. Not only has a professional team called him up from his farm club, but the man he’s dreamed of for years has finally noticed him. Then everything is brutally torn from him when he suffers a career-ending injury and finds himself dumped before the relationship has even really started. Depressed, he retreats to his childhood home where he runs into his former best friend and hockey buddy, Nobel. They rekindle their friendship and grow closer…in more ways than one. Aldrich is shocked to realize that not only has he been overlooking what could be the best thing in his life, but love may have always been right in his own backyard. less

While growing up, Zimon always lived in his older brother's shadow. While his sibling went on to join the military and become a war hero, things grew even worse when Zimon's life spiraled out of control and he found himself in a dark place where he almost lost his life... moreWhile growing up, Zimon always lived in his older brother's shadow. While his sibling went on to join the military and become a war hero, things grew even worse when Zimon's life spiraled out of control and he found himself in a dark place where he almost lost his life. Then Zimon's brother fell in love and changed all the rules in their once, nice, neat life and now Zimon finds himself in the role of supporting his brother in his newest dream, opening and running the biggest hockey rink in the metro Detroit area. While Zimon had never envisioned his future being the manager of a front service desk of a rink, it beats working as a shot-boy at the gay club, so he jumps at the chance for the new job. Bryce never imagined that, while at the height of his NHL career, he'd find himself becoming part owner of a rundown hockey rink. Yet, that's exactly what happens when a group of his friends get it in their crazy heads to start the new business. One day, when he's in town, he decides to check the place out. When he clashes with the bratty, yet cute man running the front desk, Bryce is both annoyed and intrigued. Will Zimon and Bryce ever be able to get over their differences? Or will the final buzzer sound before they find a way to happiness? less

Derry Cronwell has only wanted two things in life, to be able to play professional hockey and the freedom to make his own choices in life. When he finally manages to land a spot on the Hawks’ farm team, he hopes to finally have both of his dreams come true. There are only a couple of problems... moreDerry Cronwell has only wanted two things in life, to be able to play professional hockey and the freedom to make his own choices in life. When he finally manages to land a spot on the Hawks’ farm team, he hopes to finally have both of his dreams come true. There are only a couple of problems. First, Derry’s brother, Pat is the captain of the Cougars—the Hawks’ biggest rivals—Second, Derry is terrified that his deepest secret will finally get out—that he’s gay and has a massive crush on Hawk’s defenseman, Fallon. Fallon and the Cougars have a grudge that goes back for years, so the last thing he wants is one of their bratty little brothers on his team. But as he gets to know Derry, Fallon finds himself drawn to the timid offense man. Then Fallon finds out just how bad Derry’s private life is, and he knows he will do anything to help the other man. Will Fallon be able to rescue Derry from all his demons? less

Is there ever a time when you really can’t redeem yourself? And if so, then what’s left to live for? At one time, Brock was the dream child of the Canton family. Not only was he the oldest, but he was predicted to be the number one draft pick for the NHL. All those dreams were shattered when Brock suffered a career-ending injury. Depressed over his loss, he became lost in an addiction to drugs... moreIs there ever a time when you really can’t redeem yourself? And if so, then what’s left to live for? At one time, Brock was the dream child of the Canton family. Not only was he the oldest, but he was predicted to be the number one draft pick for the NHL. All those dreams were shattered when Brock suffered a career-ending injury. Depressed over his loss, he became lost in an addiction to drugs. Not only that, but he betrayed his three younger brothers to the point that they never want to see him again. But that was then, and now Brock is clean and sober. While his brothers still don’t trust him, they give him a job at the rink they own. It’s there that Brock meets Jimmy, the only openly gay player in the NHL. Sparks instantly fly between the two of them, but will Brock be able to fight his addiction and past long enough to find his HEA? But then again, it is Christmastime, and they do say that is when miracles happen. less

Sometimes, your worst enemy can become the one you love the most. Leo may be one of the best goaltenders in the minor hockey league, but he has one chink in his armor—Dern. A forward from Leo’s rival team, the two of them get along like fire and paper. Leo lives to stop Dern from scoring, and Dern relishes in getting a puck past Leo. Then one night while Leo is out clubbing, he runs into Dern. Instead of squabbling, the two of them of end up heating up the sheets... moreSometimes, your worst enemy can become the one you love the most. Leo may be one of the best goaltenders in the minor hockey league, but he has one chink in his armor—Dern. A forward from Leo’s rival team, the two of them get along like fire and paper. Leo lives to stop Dern from scoring, and Dern relishes in getting a puck past Leo. Then one night while Leo is out clubbing, he runs into Dern. Instead of squabbling, the two of them of end up heating up the sheets. But is it just a one-night stand? And if not, do the two of them have a chance of changing from enemies to lovers? less

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.—Ralph Waldo Emerson It’s that special time of the year, but Trey Canton is not in the Holiday Spirit. It’s the tenth year since his mother passed and he misses her more than ever. Worse, his lover, Wade is out of town, so all Trey has to lean on for support is his ugly, naked cat, Puck. Little does Trey know that Wade has a surprise for him... moreDo not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.—Ralph Waldo Emerson It’s that special time of the year, but Trey Canton is not in the Holiday Spirit. It’s the tenth year since his mother passed and he misses her more than ever. Worse, his lover, Wade is out of town, so all Trey has to lean on for support is his ugly, naked cat, Puck. Little does Trey know that Wade has a surprise for him. Will it brighten Trey up? Or will he forever suffer from the Holiday Blues? less