New Beginnings, Old Wounds

Gavin Gillis, a widowed single father, moves to Brooklyn with his daughter Jordyn and punk-rocker sister Reggie, seeking a new life and job as an athletic trainer for the Brooklyn Bruisers hockey team. The city's energy is both exhilarating and intimidating, and Gavin's heart is heavy with the memory of his late husband, Eddie. The move is a leap of faith, driven by the hope of healing and providing stability for Jordyn. Yet, the past lingers, and Gavin's sense of responsibility wars with his longing for connection and fun. The city's promise is real, but so is the ache of what's been lost, setting the stage for a journey of rediscovery and unexpected encounters.

Chance Encounter on Hicks

On a lonely night, Gavin wanders into a local sports bar, seeking solace and maybe a taste of the life he's forgotten. There, he meets Hudson Newgate, a recently traded defenseman for the Bruisers, sidelined by injury and feeling adrift. Their chemistry is immediate—playful banter, shared frustrations, and a mutual attraction neither expects. The hockey game on TV mirrors their own struggles: both are new, both are searching for belonging. The night is charged with possibility, and for a moment, both men glimpse the thrill of letting go and being seen.

The Night That Changed Everything

After drinks and a heated ping-pong match, Gavin and Hudson's flirtation boils over. They leave the bar together, anticipation thick in the air, only to discover they're neighbors—living across the hall in the same building. The revelation is a gut punch, especially for Hudson, who is deeply closeted and terrified of the complications. The night ends abruptly, desire giving way to awkwardness and regret. Both men are left reeling, the promise of connection now tangled in fear and proximity.

Neighbors and Secrets

Gavin and Hudson's new reality is fraught with tension. Gavin, mortified and curious, soon learns Hudson's true identity as a Bruisers player and realizes the depth of the secret he's stumbled into. Hudson, meanwhile, is consumed by anxiety—about his career, his reputation, and the risk of being outed. Their daily lives now overlap at home and, soon, at work, as Gavin starts his new job with the team. The walls between them feel paper-thin, both literally and emotionally, as they struggle to navigate the fallout of their almost-hookup.

Avoidance and Awkwardness

Hudson goes to great lengths to avoid Gavin, skipping training sessions and dodging conversations. Gavin, determined to be professional, is frustrated by Hudson's evasiveness, especially as he's tasked with treating Hudson's injury. The tension is palpable, and the longer they avoid each other, the more the awkwardness grows. Meanwhile, the team's camaraderie and the demands of the job force them into each other's orbit, making avoidance impossible and confrontation inevitable.

Past Grief, Present Tension

Gavin's life is further complicated by his late husband's family, who threaten to upend the stability he's fought for. The specter of loss and the fear of losing Jordyn haunt him, even as he tries to build a new life. Hudson, too, is haunted—by the instability of his career, the pressure from his overbearing father-agent, and the loneliness of being the perpetual "new guy." Both men are forced to confront their vulnerabilities, their need for support, and the ways their pasts shape their present choices.

The Unraveling Game

As the hockey season intensifies, so do the stakes for both men. Gavin's competence as a trainer earns respect, but his proximity to Hudson is a constant source of stress. Hudson's injury and performance anxieties mount, and the team's fortunes mirror his own internal chaos. The boundaries between work and personal life blur, and the unresolved tension between Gavin and Hudson simmers beneath every interaction, threatening to boil over.

Family Ties and Fears

Gavin's relationship with his sister Reggie and daughter Jordyn is a source of strength, but also a reminder of all he stands to lose. The arrival of Eddie's mother in New York brings old wounds to the surface, forcing Gavin to defend his right to be Jordyn's parent. Hudson, meanwhile, grapples with his own family legacy—his father's expectations, the shadow of his trades, and the longing for a place to belong. Both men are tested by the demands of family, chosen and biological, and the sacrifices love requires.

The Truth Comes Out

The inevitable confrontation arrives: Gavin and Hudson are forced to work together on Hudson's rehab, and the truth of their connection comes to light. The risk of exposure is real, and both men must decide what they're willing to risk for honesty and healing. Vulnerability becomes their only path forward, but it comes at a cost—trust must be rebuilt, and the fear of judgment looms large.

Lines Crossed, Hearts Exposed

As their professional relationship deepens, so does their personal one. The line between trainer and player blurs, and the attraction they've tried to suppress resurfaces. A moment of honesty leads to a night together, but the aftermath is complicated by the realities of their situation—team gossip, the threat of being outed, and the emotional baggage they both carry. The stakes are higher than ever, and both men must confront what they truly want.

Second Chances, New Rules

After a period of distance and soul-searching, Gavin and Hudson tentatively reconnect. They set new boundaries, determined to be honest with themselves and each other. The team's support, both subtle and overt, gives them courage, and they begin to imagine a future where love doesn't have to be hidden. The process is messy and imperfect, but hope takes root as they learn to trust in second chances.

Healing on and off Ice

Hudson's physical recovery mirrors his emotional one, as he learns to accept help and let go of perfectionism. Gavin, too, finds healing—in his work, his family, and his willingness to open his heart again. The team becomes a found family, offering acceptance and camaraderie. Together, Gavin and Hudson discover that healing is a team effort, and that love, like hockey, is a game best played with others at your side.

The Cost of Hiding

The pressure of living in the closet weighs heavily on Hudson, threatening his happiness and his relationship with Gavin. The cost of hiding becomes too great, and both men are forced to reckon with the consequences—missed opportunities, strained relationships, and the risk of losing each other. The choice to live authentically is fraught, but ultimately necessary for true connection.

Forgiveness and Forward Motion

Forgiveness—of self and others—becomes the key to moving forward. Gavin forgives himself for the mistakes and losses of the past, and Hudson learns to forgive his own fears and failures. Together, they make peace with their histories, choosing to focus on the possibilities ahead rather than the pain behind. The act of forgiveness opens the door to real intimacy and joy.

Love in the Open

The turning point arrives when Hudson chooses to come out, first to the team and then to the world. The response is not without challenges, but the support and acceptance they receive is transformative. Gavin and Hudson are finally able to claim their love openly, building a life together that is honest, messy, and real. The freedom to be themselves is hard-won, but sweeter for the struggle.

Building a Life Together

With the barriers between them gone, Gavin and Hudson turn their attention to building a life together. They navigate the complexities of blended family, demanding careers, and the ever-present challenges of adulthood. Their love is tested, but it endures, grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and the willingness to keep choosing each other every day. The future is uncertain, but they face it as a team.

The Team Behind the Team

The story widens to include the broader community—the team, friends, and family who have supported Gavin and Hudson along the way. The importance of chosen family is celebrated, and the bonds forged on and off the ice prove unbreakable. Together, they create a network of love and support that sustains them through life's ups and downs.

Home, Finally

In the end, Gavin and Hudson find what they've both been searching for: a sense of home. Not just a place, but a feeling—of safety, acceptance, and love. The journey has been long and fraught, but the destination is worth every step. Surrounded by family, friends, and each other, they are finally home.

Characters

Gavin Gillis

Gavin is a single father, widowed young, who moves to Brooklyn in search of a new start for himself and his daughter, Jordyn. His relationship with his punk-rocker sister Reggie is both supportive and chaotic, providing a lifeline as he navigates grief and the challenges of solo parenting. Gavin is deeply empathetic, often putting others' needs before his own, but beneath his calm exterior lies a well of longing—for love, for fun, for the self he lost in the wake of tragedy. His journey is one of rediscovery, as he learns to balance responsibility with vulnerability, and to open his heart to new possibilities. His connection with Hudson forces him to confront his fears and desires, ultimately leading him toward healing and hope.

Hudson Newgate

Hudson is a professional hockey player whose career has been marked by instability—multiple trades, injuries, and the constant pressure to prove himself. The son of a legendary agent, Hudson is driven but deeply insecure, haunted by the fear of never being enough. His sexuality is a closely guarded secret, and the burden of hiding weighs heavily on him. Hudson's initial reluctance to pursue a relationship with Gavin is rooted in fear—of exposure, of rejection, of losing the fragile sense of place he's built. Yet, beneath his guarded exterior is a man desperate for connection, loyalty, and love. His arc is one of courage, as he learns to trust, to accept help, and to claim his place both on the team and in Gavin's life.

Reggie Gillis

Reggie is Gavin's younger sister, a punk musician with a rebellious streak and a heart of gold. She provides comic relief and emotional ballast, helping Gavin navigate the challenges of single parenthood and new beginnings. Reggie's unconventional wisdom and unwavering support are crucial to Gavin's journey, and her own arc is one of growth as she balances her wild spirit with the responsibilities of family.

Jordyn Gillis

Jordyn is Gavin's seven-year-old daughter, wise beyond her years and fiercely independent. Her relationship with her father is tender and complex, shaped by loss and resilience. Jordyn's adaptability and curiosity mirror Gavin's own, and her presence grounds the story in the realities of family life. She is both a source of joy and a reminder of all that's at stake.

Eddie (deceased)

Eddie, Gavin's late husband, is a constant presence in Gavin's thoughts and choices. His love for hockey and his role as a father shape Gavin's motivations and fears. Eddie's family, particularly his mother, represents the ongoing struggle for acceptance and the complexities of grief. Eddie's memory is both a comfort and a challenge, as Gavin learns to honor the past while embracing the future.

Reggie's Bandmates

The members of Reggie's punk band provide a backdrop of chaos, humor, and unconditional support. They embody the theme of chosen family, offering Gavin and Jordyn a sense of belonging and acceptance that contrasts with the judgment and rigidity of Eddie's family.

Henry (Head Athletic Trainer)

Henry is the head athletic trainer for the Bruisers, serving as Gavin's boss and guide as he navigates the world of professional sports medicine. He is pragmatic, supportive, and quietly progressive, providing a safe space for Gavin to be himself. Henry's leadership is instrumental in fostering a culture of acceptance within the team.

Jason Castro

Castro is a Bruisers player known for his toughness on the ice and his surprising emotional intelligence off it. He becomes a bridge between Gavin and Hudson, offering advice, camaraderie, and a model of vulnerability. Castro's own experiences with loss and resilience mirror the protagonists', deepening the story's exploration of grief and healing.

The Brooklyn Bruisers

The team as a whole represents the challenges and rewards of building community. Their initial skepticism gives way to support, and their acceptance of Gavin and Hudson's relationship is a testament to the power of camaraderie and loyalty. The Bruisers are more than teammates—they are brothers, mentors, and, ultimately, family.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative and Alternating POV

The story unfolds through alternating perspectives—Gavin's and Hudson's—allowing readers intimate access to both men's inner worlds. This structure heightens the emotional stakes, as we witness their parallel struggles with grief, fear, and desire. The dual narrative creates dramatic irony, as each man's misunderstandings and vulnerabilities are laid bare, building tension and empathy.

Proximity and Forced Intimacy

The plot leverages the classic device of forced proximity—Gavin and Hudson are not only neighbors but also colleagues, making avoidance impossible and confrontation inevitable. This device amplifies the tension, as every encounter is charged with unresolved desire and the risk of exposure. The physical closeness mirrors their emotional entanglement, driving the story forward.

Secrets and the Threat of Exposure

Both protagonists are keeping secrets—Gavin about his past and his feelings, Hudson about his sexuality and fears. The constant threat of being outed creates suspense and shapes their choices. The eventual revelation of these secrets is both a crisis and a catalyst for growth, forcing the characters to choose between safety and authenticity.

Found Family and Community

The theme of found family runs throughout the narrative, as both men find support and acceptance in unexpected places—Reggie's band, the Bruisers, and the broader Brooklyn community. This device underscores the idea that healing and happiness are collective endeavors, not solitary pursuits.

Sports as Metaphor

The world of professional hockey provides a rich backdrop and a metaphor for the characters' journeys. The physicality, teamwork, and unpredictability of the game mirror the challenges of love and healing. Injuries, trades, and the pressure to perform become stand-ins for the emotional risks the characters must take.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

The narrative employs foreshadowing—through conversations, dreams, and small gestures—to hint at future developments and emotional turning points. Symbols such as the shared wall between apartments, the ice rink, and the act of physical healing serve as touchstones for the characters' internal journeys.

Analysis

The New Guy is more than a sports romance—it's a nuanced exploration of grief, vulnerability, and the transformative power of connection. At its core, the novel asks what it means to start over when the past is still a living presence, and how we find the courage to risk our hearts again. Through Gavin and Hudson's intertwined journeys, the story examines the cost of hiding—whether from grief, from love, or from one's own truth—and the liberation that comes from being seen and accepted. The narrative celebrates the messy, imperfect process of healing, emphasizing that true strength lies in vulnerability and that love, in all its forms, is a team effort. The book's lessons are clear: family is chosen as much as given, authenticity is worth the risk, and home is not a place but a feeling—one built, day by day, with the people who see us, support us, and love us as we are.

Last updated: November 22, 2025