Plot Summary
Homecomings and Unlikely Favors
Foster Grant, a driven college hockey captain, returns home to his twin brother Seth's teasing and a request: look out for Seth's best friend, Zach, who's transferring to Foster's university for grad school. Foster, who's always kept his distance from Zach due to Seth's "hands-off" rule, is reluctant but guilted into agreeing—if Seth does his laundry. The favor is more than a simple ask; it's a subtle plea for protection, as Zach has faced bullying at his old school. Foster's sense of responsibility is piqued, setting the stage for a year where boundaries, loyalty, and attraction will be tested.
New Beginnings, Awkward Encounters
Zach Sawyer, anxious and introverted, navigates the overwhelming Colchester campus, enduring travel mishaps and a humiliating bird-poop incident—witnessed by none other than Foster. Their first real interaction is awkward, laced with embarrassment and chemistry. Zach, determined to be self-sufficient, rebuffs Foster's offer of help, not wanting to be a charity case. Yet, the encounter leaves both men unsettled and intrigued, hinting at the emotional and social challenges Zach will face as he tries to find his place in a new environment.
Classroom Tensions, Unspoken Rules
Foster and Zach's worlds collide in a sports psychology class, where Zach is the TA. Foster, used to being the center of attention, is fascinated by Zach's mix of confidence and awkwardness. The class dynamic is tense—Zach struggles to command the room, and Foster's teammates question his authority. Foster, despite his own doubts, finds himself defending Zach, feeling a protective urge that blurs the lines between obligation and attraction. The classroom becomes a microcosm of their larger struggles with identity, belonging, and the expectations placed on them.
Fumbling for Confidence
Tasked with leading a class discussion, Zach is quickly overwhelmed by the jocks' pointed questions about team dynamics and individual goals. His academic knowledge falters in the face of real-world examples, and he's rescued by Foster, who steps in to explain the practical side of teamwork. The experience leaves Zach feeling exposed but grateful, and Foster's support plants the seeds of trust. Their dynamic shifts from wary distance to tentative alliance, as both begin to see each other's vulnerabilities and strengths.
On Ice and Off Guard
Foster invites Zach to a hockey practice, hoping to help him understand team mentality. On the ice, Foster is in his element—confident, competitive, and commanding. Zach, watching from the stands, is both confused and captivated by the aggression and camaraderie. Afterward, they share pizza and conversation, delving into the psychology of sports and the motivations behind individual and group behavior. The evening is charged with unspoken attraction, and both men are left questioning the boundaries of their growing connection.
Pizza, Psychology, and Chemistry
Over pizza in Zach's dorm, the conversation turns personal. Foster challenges Zach to express his own preferences, breaking through his habit of deferring to others. They discuss their academic and athletic ambitions, their families, and their fears. The chemistry between them simmers beneath the surface, manifesting in teasing, awkward confessions, and moments of unexpected intimacy. Both are drawn to each other's authenticity, and the night ends with a sense of possibility—and a mutual reluctance to let go.
Boundaries and Bi Revelations
Foster, feeling the pull toward Zach, struggles with Seth's warning to keep his distance. When he invites Zach to an LGBTQ mixer, he reveals his bisexuality—a fact that surprises Zach and challenges his assumptions about jock stereotypes. The revelation deepens their bond, but also raises new questions about trust, privacy, and the risks of being out in a hyper-masculine sports environment. Their friendship edges closer to something more, as both begin to lower their defenses.
Out of Comfort Zones
At the mixer, Zach is overwhelmed by the crowd and Foster's popularity, but finds solace in a new friend, Ray, whose bluntness and asexuality offer a refreshing perspective. Foster's teammate Jacobs expresses jealousy, hinting at the complexities of male friendship and attraction. After a misunderstanding, Foster reassures Zach of his genuine interest, and they agree to push each other out of their comfort zones—starting with a day of "college experiences" that includes skipping class, swimming in a freezing bay, and sharing vulnerable moments on a rooftop at sunset.
Jealousy, Parties, and Promises
As Foster and Zach grow closer, jealousy and insecurity surface—both from Foster's teammates and within themselves. Foster's protective instincts are tested when he learns about Zach's past with a bully from his old school. They make a bet about understanding team dynamics, leading Zach to attend a hockey game in Foster's jersey. The gesture is both a public declaration and a private promise, signaling a shift from casual friendship to something more committed.
College Experiences, Shared Firsts
The hockey game brings old wounds to the surface, as Foster confronts Zach's former bully on the ice, resulting in a fight and a suspension. In the aftermath, Zach seeks out Foster in the locker room, and they share their first kiss—a moment charged with relief, desire, and the weight of everything unsaid. Both are shaken by the intensity of their feelings, and the boundaries between friendship, obligation, and romance blur irreversibly.
Rivalries and Reckonings
Foster faces the fallout from his actions—team disappointment, family scrutiny, and self-doubt. Zach, grappling with his inexperience and the risks of their relationship, confides in Ray and begins researching how to be a better partner. Their mutual longing is palpable, but so are their fears of inadequacy and rejection. As they negotiate the terms of their intimacy, they confront the realities of power, vulnerability, and the need for honest communication.
Locker Room Confessions
Foster and Zach's physical relationship deepens, but so do their anxieties. Zach's virginity and Foster's reputation as a player complicate their dynamic, leading to awkward but heartfelt conversations about consent, expectations, and the meaning of sex. They experiment, fumble, and learn together, each bringing their own insecurities and hopes to the table. Their connection becomes a safe space for growth, healing, and the exploration of new identities.
Kisses, Consequences, and Confusion
As their relationship intensifies, Foster grapples with the decision to come out to his parents, fearing their disappointment and the impact on his hockey career. Thanksgiving brings both families together, and Foster's public declaration of their relationship is met with surprise, confusion, and ultimately acceptance. The experience cements their bond, but also highlights the challenges of balancing personal happiness with external expectations.
Vulnerability and New Truths
With the truth about Zach's past finally revealed, Foster promises to protect him—but Zach insists on agency and self-reliance. They negotiate the boundaries of support and independence, learning to trust each other's strengths. As the hockey season heats up, Foster is scouted by agents, and the prospect of a professional career looms. Both are forced to confront the reality that their time together may be limited, and must decide what they're willing to risk for love.
Negotiating Desire and Doubt
The demands of hockey and academia pull them in different directions, and communication falters. Zach, fearing abandonment, withdraws, while Foster struggles to reassure him without sacrificing his own dreams. They navigate jealousy, miscommunication, and the pressures of impending adulthood, ultimately realizing that their relationship requires active effort, compromise, and the willingness to be vulnerable—even when the future is uncertain.
Learning, Longing, and Letting Go
As Foster's hockey career takes off, Zach faces the prospect of being left behind. Both must learn to balance ambition with intimacy, and to accept that love is not always convenient or easy. Through setbacks and reconciliations, they discover that true partnership means supporting each other's growth, even when it means letting go of control. Their journey is marked by shared firsts, hard-won trust, and the realization that love is a choice made every day.
Family, Thanksgiving, and Coming Out
Thanksgiving becomes a turning point, as Foster comes out to his family and claims Zach as his boyfriend. The moment is both awkward and affirming, as familial expectations are upended and new bonds are forged. The experience underscores the importance of honesty, self-acceptance, and the courage to live authentically. For Zach, it's a lesson in belonging; for Foster, a step toward integrating all parts of his identity.
Facing the Future Together
With graduation and the NHL on the horizon, Foster and Zach must decide what their future holds. Offers from professional teams threaten to pull them apart, and both wrestle with the fear of losing what they've built. Through honest conversation and mutual reassurance, they commit to making it work—no matter the distance or uncertainty. Their love becomes a source of strength, grounding them as they step into the unknown.
Skating Toward Forever
In the final chapters, Foster leads his team to a historic victory, and is offered a contract with a team close enough for Zach to visit. They celebrate their triumphs—on the ice and in their relationship—by skating together, symbolizing their willingness to meet each other halfway. Their story ends not with a promise of perfection, but with a commitment to face the future together, one year at a time, trusting in the symbiosis they've created.
Characters
Foster Grant
Foster is the charismatic captain of the Colchester University hockey team, defined by his ambition, confidence, and deep loyalty to family and friends. Outwardly, he embodies the jock stereotype—competitive, popular, and physically imposing—but beneath the surface, he's sensitive, introspective, and yearning for authentic connection. His bisexuality, kept private from his parents but known on campus, adds complexity to his identity, as he navigates the pressures of masculinity, athletic expectations, and the fear of disappointing those he loves. Foster's relationship with Zach challenges him to be vulnerable, to prioritize love alongside ambition, and to redefine what it means to be strong. His arc is one of growth—from self-assured athlete to emotionally open partner, willing to risk everything for the person he loves.
Zach Sawyer
Zach is a brilliant, socially awkward psychology grad student whose life has been shaped by a need for control and self-protection. His introversion, analytical mind, and past experiences with bullying make him wary of intimacy and reluctant to trust. Yet, beneath his reserved exterior lies a deep well of empathy, humor, and resilience. Zach's journey is one of self-discovery—learning to assert his needs, embrace vulnerability, and accept love without fear of losing himself. His relationship with Foster is both a catalyst and a safe haven, allowing him to explore new facets of his identity, sexuality, and capacity for joy. Zach's growth is marked by small acts of bravery—standing up for himself, reaching out for help, and ultimately choosing to risk his heart for the promise of something real.
Seth Grant
Seth, Foster's fraternal twin and Zach's best friend, is the emotional anchor of the trio. He's compassionate, responsible, and often puts others' needs before his own. Seth's hero complex drives him to look out for Zach, sometimes to the point of overprotection, and his relationship with Foster is marked by sibling rivalry, loyalty, and unspoken understanding. Seth's struggle lies in learning to let go—trusting Zach to make his own choices and accepting that his brother's happiness may not always align with his own expectations. His arc is one of acceptance, as he navigates the shifting dynamics of friendship, family, and the boundaries of care.
Christopher "Topher" Jacobs
Jacobs is Foster's closest friend on the hockey team, known for his humor, competitiveness, and occasional jealousy. He represents the complexities of male friendship in a hyper-masculine environment—supportive yet sometimes threatened by change. Jacobs' interactions with Foster and Zach reveal his own insecurities and the challenges of adapting to new dynamics. His arc is subtle but significant, as he learns to accept Foster's relationship with Zach and to redefine his own place within the team and their circle of friends.
Ray (Laura)
Ray is Zach's unexpected friend—a blunt, monotone, and unapologetically odd presence who challenges social norms and offers a different perspective on relationships and identity. Her asexuality and aromanticism provide a counterpoint to the romantic and sexual tensions of the main plot, and her friendship with Zach is built on mutual respect for boundaries and authenticity. Ray's role is to ground Zach, offering support without judgment and reminding him that there are many ways to be whole.
Coach Hogan
The head coach of the hockey team, Hogan is a figure of authority and discipline. He pushes his players to their limits, demanding excellence and teamwork, but beneath his gruff exterior lies a genuine concern for their well-being. His relationship with Foster is both challenging and supportive, serving as a catalyst for Foster's growth as a leader and as a man. Coach Hogan embodies the pressures and rewards of competitive sports, and his expectations force the team to confront their own limitations and potential.
Professor Lawrence
As Zach's advisor and the professor of sports psychology, Lawrence is a steady presence who encourages Zach to step outside his comfort zone and confront his fears. He represents the best of academia—challenging, nurturing, and open-minded. His willingness to accommodate Zach and Foster's relationship, and his belief in Zach's potential, provide a model of acceptance and mentorship that contrasts with the more rigid structures of sports and family.
Morris
Morris is the bully from Zach's past—a hockey player whose aggression masks his own confusion and self-loathing. His harassment of Zach is rooted in rejection and internalized shame, and his actions serve as a catalyst for Foster's protective instincts and Zach's journey toward self-assertion. Morris is less a villain than a cautionary figure, illustrating the damage caused by toxic masculinity and unaddressed pain.
Mr. and Mrs. Grant
Foster and Seth's parents are supportive but not always attuned to the nuances of their sons' lives. Their reactions to Foster's coming out are a mix of surprise, concern, and eventual acceptance, reflecting the generational and cultural shifts around sexuality and family. Their presence grounds the story in the realities of familial expectation, tradition, and the longing for unconditional love.
Damon King
Damon is the sports agent who offers Foster a path to the NHL. He represents the promise and peril of professional ambition, as well as the importance of finding allies who understand and support one's full identity. Damon's belief in Foster's talent and his experience with queer athletes provide a model of what is possible when authenticity and excellence are allowed to coexist.
Plot Devices
Dual POV and Alternating Narration
The novel employs a dual first-person narrative, alternating between Foster and Zach's perspectives. This structure allows readers to experience the same events through different lenses—one shaped by athletic confidence and external pressure, the other by intellectual anxiety and internalized fear. The alternating chapters create dramatic irony, deepen emotional resonance, and highlight the ways in which misunderstanding and miscommunication can both hinder and enrich intimacy.
Forced Proximity and "Hands-Off" Rule
The initial "hands-off" rule imposed by Seth, and the favor he asks of Foster, serve as both a barrier and a catalyst for the central romance. The tension between obligation and desire drives much of the early plot, forcing both men to confront their own motivations and the limits of loyalty. The gradual erosion of these boundaries mirrors their journey toward trust and vulnerability.
Sports as Metaphor for Teamwork and Identity
The world of college hockey is more than a backdrop—it's a living metaphor for the challenges of collaboration, competition, and self-discovery. The dynamics of the team, the rituals of practice and games, and the pressures of performance all serve to illuminate the characters' struggles with belonging, ambition, and authenticity. The recurring motif of "team dynamics" becomes a lens through which both Foster and Zach learn to balance individual goals with collective well-being.
Academic and Social Hierarchies
The contrast between the athletic and academic spheres highlights the different forms of power and vulnerability experienced by the characters. Zach's role as a TA, his struggles with authority, and his outsider status underscore the ways in which social hierarchies shape identity and opportunity. The interplay between classroom and locker room, intellect and physicality, creates a rich tapestry of conflict and connection.
Symbolic Firsts and Shared Experiences
The novel is structured around a series of "firsts"—first kiss, first time, first fight, first public declaration—that serve as both plot points and emotional touchstones. These shared experiences, often framed as "college experiences" or bets, provide a framework for the characters' growth and the deepening of their bond. The motif of skating together at the end symbolizes their willingness to meet each other halfway, embracing uncertainty for the sake of love.
Foreshadowing and Parallelism
Early references to rivalry, ambition, and the risks of vulnerability foreshadow the challenges to come. The parallel journeys of Foster and Zach—each learning to assert themselves, to trust, and to let go—are mirrored in the structure of the story, with key moments (such as coming out, facing bullies, or making public declarations) serving as both culmination and new beginning.
Analysis
Power Plays & Straight A's is a contemporary romance that deftly explores the intersection of ambition, vulnerability, and love in the crucible of college life. At its heart, the novel is a meditation on the courage required to be seen—truly seen—by another person, and the risks and rewards of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Through the dual perspectives of Foster and Zach, the story interrogates the pressures of masculinity, the complexities of sexual identity, and the ways in which family, friendship, and community shape our sense of self. The use of sports as both setting and metaphor allows for a nuanced exploration of teamwork, competition, and the longing for acceptance. The novel's greatest strength lies in its refusal to offer easy answers; instead, it embraces the messiness of growth, the necessity of honest communication, and the beauty of choosing love in the face of uncertainty. Ultimately, Power Plays & Straight A's is a celebration of queer joy, resilience, and the transformative power of connection—a reminder that the bravest thing we can do is let ourselves be known, and loved, for who we truly are.
Last updated:
