Checking Hearts: an Mm Sports Romance

Luka Novak has it all—on the surface. As one of Riverside University’s top hockey defensemen, he’s known for his flawless slapshots and game-winning plays. But beneath the surface, Luka is failing two classes and on the verge of losing his scholarship. When his coach forces him to get a tutor, Luka expects an easy way out—someone who’ll do the work for him. Instead, he gets Ashwin Desai: brilliant, sharp-tongued, and determined not to make things easy.Their first tutoring session is a disaster. Luka calls Ashwin a bad teacher; Ashwin calls Luka lazy. They should hate each other, but there’s an undeniable pull between them. As late-night study sessions turn into stolen glances and accidental touches, something begins to change. Luka starts showing up early, not for chemistry, but because he can’t stop thinking about Ashwin.There’s just one problem: Luka has always dated girls and never questioned it. But Ashwin, with his clever mind and deep understanding of Luka’s confusion, makes him reconsider everything he’s ever known about himself.Ashwin has a reputation for playing games with straight boys—getting them to fall for him and then walking away. It’s easier that way. No one gets hurt if you never let anyone in. But Luka is different. He’s stubborn, honest, and willing to fight for what he wants. When he looks at Ashwin, there’s no doubt—he’s fascinated by him.What starts as tutoring quickly becomes something neither of them expected: something real, something terrifying. But when their secret relationship is exposed—thanks to a viral photo and tweet—Luka’s private struggle becomes public. His teammates, the media, and opposing crowds turn their attention on him, forcing him to face a difficult choice: hide who he is to keep playing the sport he loves, or fight for Ashwin, the boy who taught him the power of honesty and vulnerability.As Luka navigates the challenges of being the first openly gay player on his team, he must decide if he’s willing to risk everything for the love that has changed his life. Because sometimes the best plays aren’t the ones you plan for—they’re the ones you never see coming.