Fiji: Lonely Among Lovers

Soren, a veteran hockey player, finds himself the odd man out on a couples' vacation in Fiji, surrounded by friends who are all happily paired. Nursing wounds from a recent breakup and facing uncertainty in his career, he feels adrift and out of place. The tropical paradise only amplifies his loneliness, as he watches his friends bask in love and companionship. Soren's internal struggle is palpable—he's haunted by the end of his relationship with Bryce and the looming threat of his hockey career's end. The arrival of his close friend Ollie offers some comfort, but Soren can't shake the feeling that he's lost, both in love and in life, as the waves lap at his feet and the laughter of others echoes behind him.

The Night That Changed Everything

Jet, a rising musician and the younger brother of Soren's friend Matt, recalls the night he first met Soren. Their connection is immediate and electric, sparked by Jet's heartfelt song at a charity event—a song that inspired Soren to come out publicly. Their flirtation at a club leads to a passionate night together, one that leaves both men changed. For Jet, it's the first time sex feels meaningful; for Soren, it's a moment of clarity about who he is and what he wants. Yet, the night is tinged with uncertainty, as both men are on the cusp of major life changes—Jet's band is about to take off, and Soren is grappling with his identity and career.

Forbidden Fruit Returns

The tranquility of the Fiji trip is shattered when Jet arrives unexpectedly, his presence stirring up old memories and unresolved feelings for Soren. Jet is no longer just Matt's little brother—he's a successful rock star, and the only man Soren has truly connected with since coming out. Their reunion is awkward, charged with the weight of their shared past and the secrets they've kept from their friends. As they navigate the group dynamics, both men are forced to confront the reality of their feelings and the reasons they've avoided each other for years.

One Night, Many Regrets

The narrative flashes back to the morning after Soren and Jet's first night together. Both are reluctant to let go, but circumstances and misunderstandings drive them apart. Jet encourages Soren to reconnect with his ex, Bryce, believing it's what Soren truly wants. Soren, torn between the comfort of the familiar and the thrill of something new, chooses safety over risk. The revelation that Jet is Matt's brother adds another layer of complication, making their connection feel even more forbidden. Their parting is bittersweet, marked by regret and the sense that they've missed out on something extraordinary.

Awkward Reunions and Old Wounds

Back in Fiji, Soren and Jet struggle to navigate their renewed proximity. Their conversations are laced with sarcasm and defensiveness, each trying to protect themselves from further hurt. The group's celebratory atmosphere only highlights their isolation, as both men grapple with the pain of past decisions. Soren's apology for how things ended is met with Jet's honesty—he wouldn't take back their night together, but he wishes they'd handled things differently. The emotional distance between them is palpable, even as they're physically close.

Tampa: Collisions and Confessions

The story revisits a pivotal night in Tampa, where Soren attends one of Jet's shows while on the road. Their reunion is fraught with longing and frustration, as both men realize the depth of their connection but are unable to act on it. Soren is back with Bryce, and Jet is on the cusp of stardom but deeply lonely. Their brief encounter is charged with what-ifs and missed opportunities, leaving both men more heartbroken than before. The night cements the idea that timing and circumstance are working against them.

Heartbreaks and Hangovers

Soren's internal turmoil intensifies as he watches Jet move on with his life and career. The pain of seeing Jet with someone else is sharp, but Soren tries to convince himself that he made the right choice by staying with Bryce. The group's camaraderie in Fiji is both a comfort and a reminder of what he's missing. Soren's longing for Jet becomes a constant ache, one that he tries to drown out with distractions but can't escape.

Escaping the Past

Jet's reasons for coming to Fiji are revealed—he's running from a painful breakup with Harley, a closeted boy band star. The relationship was always doomed by secrecy and contractual obligations, leaving Jet feeling used and unworthy of real love. Fiji is supposed to be an escape, but the presence of Soren complicates everything. Jet's vulnerability is laid bare as he confides in Soren, and the two begin to tentatively rebuild their connection, finding solace in each other's company.

Jet's Secret Pain

As Jet and Soren spend more time together, they begin to open up about their struggles and fears. Jet reveals the challenges of life on the road, the pressures of fame, and the loneliness that comes with it. Soren shares his anxieties about aging out of hockey and the uncertainty of his future. Their honesty draws them closer, and they agree to make the most of their time together in Fiji, setting boundaries but allowing themselves to have fun and rediscover each other.

Fun, Flirting, and Jet Skis

The pair's agreement to have "fun" leads to playful flirtation and steamy encounters, including a memorable jet ski escapade. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the physical connection reignites the emotional bond they've both tried to suppress. The group's antics provide comic relief, but the real joy comes from Soren and Jet's ability to be themselves with each other. For the first time in years, both men feel seen and valued for who they truly are.

Secrets, Sunburns, and Surrender

As their vacation continues, Soren and Jet struggle to keep their rekindled relationship a secret from their friends, especially Matt. The tension of sneaking around adds excitement but also stress. When Matt confronts Soren about Jet's feelings, Soren is forced to admit the truth—to himself and eventually to the group. The act of coming clean is both terrifying and liberating, paving the way for a deeper, more honest connection between Soren and Jet.

Lines Crossed, Lines Drawn

The end of the Fiji trip looms, and both men are forced to confront what comes next. Soren's contract negotiations reach a turning point, and Jet's career demands his return to the road. The prospect of long-distance is daunting, but neither wants to let go. They make promises to stay connected, even as the realities of their respective worlds threaten to pull them apart. The pain of impending separation is softened by the hope that this time, they'll fight for each other.

The Music of Missing

Back in their separate lives, Soren and Jet struggle with the challenges of a long-distance relationship. Jet throws himself into recording and touring, while Soren battles to regain his form on the ice. Miscommunications and insecurities arise, especially as Jet is forced to work closely with Harley again. Both men are haunted by the fear that their love isn't strong enough to survive the distance and the demands of their careers.

Harley's Shadow

Harley's presence looms large as Jet collaborates with him on a new song. The process is fraught with tension, unresolved feelings, and the ever-present threat of scandal. Soren's jealousy is tempered by trust, but the situation tests their relationship. Jet and Harley finally confront the truth about their past—what they had was comfort, not love. Jet's clarity about his feelings for Soren marks a turning point, allowing him to fully commit to their future.

The Truth About Us

Soren and Jet have the conversation they've been avoiding—what does their relationship mean, and what do they want from each other? They agree to be exclusive, to fight for their love despite the obstacles. The honesty and vulnerability they share solidify their bond, and both men realize that what they have is worth any sacrifice. Their love is no longer a secret or a source of shame—it's something to be celebrated.

Colliding Worlds

Jet surprises Soren by singing the national anthem at his hockey game, a public display of love that cements their relationship in the eyes of their friends, family, and fans. The gesture is reciprocated as Soren supports Jet's career, attending shows and cheering him on. Their worlds, once so separate, begin to merge, and both men find strength in each other's support. The challenges of fame and scrutiny are daunting, but together, they feel unstoppable.

Choices and Chances

Soren faces the end of his hockey career with grace, choosing to retire on his own terms so he can be with Jet. The decision is bittersweet, but it opens the door to new possibilities—traveling with Jet, exploring new passions, and building a life together. Their friends and family rally around them, offering support and celebrating their love. The couple's journey from missed chances to chosen family is complete, as they embrace the future with hope and excitement.

Forever, Finally

Soren and Jet marry in a simple courthouse ceremony, surrounded by their chosen family. The wedding is a culmination of their journey—a testament to the power of love, forgiveness, and second chances. Their vows are heartfelt and honest, reflecting the struggles they've overcome and the joy they've found in each other. As they look to the future—honeymoons, tours, and whatever life brings—they do so with the certainty that they are each other's home, each other's epic love.

Characters

Soren Sorensen

Soren is a thirty-something professional hockey player whose life has been defined by discipline, loyalty, and a deep-seated fear of vulnerability. His coming out was inspired by Jet's music, marking a turning point in his personal and professional life. Soren's relationship with Jet is transformative—Jet awakens a sense of joy and authenticity in him that he's never known. Soren's journey is one of learning to let go of control, embrace uncertainty, and fight for the love he deserves. His loyalty to friends and his struggle with aging out of hockey add layers of complexity, making his eventual choice to prioritize love over career both poignant and hard-won.

Jet (Jethro/Jay) Jackson

Jet is a talented, quick-witted rock star whose bravado masks deep insecurities and a longing for genuine connection. As Matt's younger brother, he's grown up in the shadow of others' expectations, but his music is his true voice. Jet's relationships are marked by a pattern of seeking comfort in the wrong places—until Soren. With Soren, Jet learns to trust, to be vulnerable, and to believe he's worthy of epic love. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he navigates fame, heartbreak, and the challenge of balancing ambition with intimacy. Jet's humor and resilience make him magnetic, but it's his honesty and emotional depth that ultimately win hearts.

Matt Jackson

Matt is Jet's older brother, a pioneering NFL player who broke barriers by coming out and winning the Super Bowl. His role as Jet's surrogate parent shapes his overprotectiveness and occasional inability to see Jet as an adult. Matt's journey is about learning to let go, trust his brother's choices, and embrace the evolving nature of family. His relationship with Noah and their adoption of Wade and baby Jackson exemplify the novel's themes of chosen family and unconditional love.

Harley Valentine

Harley is a member of the boy band Eleven and Jet's former lover. His inability to come out publicly, due to contractual and societal pressures, creates a toxic, on-again-off-again relationship with Jet. Harley represents the pain of living a lie and the damage secrecy can inflict on love. His eventual acceptance of Jet's new relationship and his own limitations is a bittersweet but necessary step toward healing for both men.

Ollie

Ollie is Soren's closest friend in the hockey world, one of the few openly gay players in the league. His support during Soren's coming out and his perceptiveness make him a grounding presence. Ollie's relationship with Lennon and his easy humor provide comic relief and emotional support, embodying the strength of chosen family.

Lennon

Lennon, Ollie's partner, is a journalist with a keen sense of intuition. He often acts as a bridge between characters, offering insight and support. Lennon's own experiences with love and acceptance inform his advice to Jet and Soren, making him a quiet but essential part of their journey.

Damon

Damon is Soren's agent, balancing business acumen with genuine care for his client's well-being. He pushes Soren to confront hard truths about his career and future, serving as both a reality check and a source of encouragement. Damon's relationship with Maddox and his role in the group highlight the importance of honesty and accountability.

Maddox

Maddox is Damon's partner, known for his irreverent humor and ability to diffuse tension. Beneath his jokes lies a deep loyalty to his friends and a willingness to support them through thick and thin. Maddox's presence ensures that even the heaviest moments are balanced with laughter and lightness.

Luce

Luce is Jet's manager, a stabilizing force in the chaos of the music industry. His tough love and unwavering support help Jet navigate fame, heartbreak, and creative challenges. Luce's own relationship with Marty and his mentorship of Jet underscore the novel's themes of found family and the importance of having someone in your corner.

Bryce

Bryce represents the comfort of the familiar and the fear of change. His relationship with Soren is marked by routine and a lack of true connection, serving as a foil to the passion and authenticity Soren finds with Jet. Bryce's presence in the story highlights the dangers of settling and the courage required to pursue real happiness.

Plot Devices

Dual Timelines and Flashbacks

The novel employs a dual timeline structure, alternating between the present-day events in Fiji and key moments from Soren and Jet's shared past. Flashbacks to their first night together, the aftermath, and their painful reunion in Tampa provide crucial context for their current emotional states. This structure allows readers to experience the evolution of their relationship firsthand, deepening empathy and understanding.

Symbolic Objects and Songs

Jet's songs serve as both plot catalysts and emotional touchstones, reflecting the characters' inner lives and the progression of their relationship. The guitar Soren buys at auction becomes a symbol of hope and longing, while specific songs ("He's Mine," "Hat Trick Heartbreak," "Someone Else's Perfect") encapsulate pivotal moments and feelings. These objects and lyrics bridge the gap between past and present, love and loss.

Chosen Family and Group Dynamics

The ensemble cast of friends—athletes, musicians, partners—creates a tapestry of support, humor, and occasional conflict. The group's traditions, inside jokes, and interventions provide both obstacles and lifelines for Soren and Jet. The theme of chosen family is reinforced through their collective celebrations, interventions, and unwavering loyalty.

Public vs. Private Selves

Both protagonists grapple with the tension between their public personas and private desires. Soren's status as a professional athlete and Jet's as a rock star force them to make difficult choices about visibility, honesty, and self-preservation. The novel explores the costs of secrecy and the liberation that comes with living openly, both in love and in life.

Foreshadowing and Circularity

Early references to "hat tricks," "forever love," and the longing for a home foreshadow the couple's eventual union. The return to Fiji for their honeymoon and the full-circle nature of their journey provide a sense of closure and fulfillment, reinforcing the idea that love, when fought for, can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

Analysis

Hat Trick is a celebration of queer love, chosen family, and the courage to pursue happiness against the odds. Eden Finley crafts a narrative that is both deeply romantic and refreshingly honest about the messiness of relationships, the pain of missed chances, and the transformative power of vulnerability. The novel's dual protagonists, Soren and Jet, are fully realized individuals whose journeys toward each other are marked by growth, self-discovery, and the willingness to risk everything for love. The story deftly navigates themes of identity, fame, and the tension between public and private selves, offering a nuanced portrayal of what it means to be seen and loved for who you truly are. The supporting cast enriches the narrative, embodying the strength and complexity of found family. Ultimately, Hat Trick is a testament to the idea that epic love is not about perfection or timing, but about choosing each other—again and again—despite fear, distance, and the scars of the past. The novel's emotional arc, from loneliness and regret to joy and commitment, resonates with anyone who has ever longed for a place to belong and a person to call home.

Last updated: March 2, 2026