Nhl Booktok Controversy Novels & Stories

Specifically to the pages sitting next to his keyboard – a cover page visible with what appeared to be a very muscular torso sketched in pencil. “Cole.” He reached for the pages. Too slow. “Was that a romance novel?” He slammed his laptop shut like that would somehow help. “It’s literary fiction with romantic elements.” “There was a shirtless hockey player on the cover page.” “...Research.” Sienna looked at me. I looked at Sienna. For one second – one brief, ridiculous, beautiful second – the weight of everything lifted and we were just two girls in a boy’s apartment discovering that the 6′4" redheaded goalie with the deadpan delivery was secretly writing love stories.

A scoff followed after, almost like she didn’t believe the words coming out of my mouth, “You can’t be serious. It’s hockey!! A game of champions. Blake University has had the best team for years. We almost made it to the playoffs last year even, there’s no way you came in here without wanting to— “No.” I shook my head, “I think hockey is a game for losers.” “Aria!!” I remained defiant on my stance, “You heard me. I think hockey sucks, the concept of the whole game sucks, I think it’s a waste of student resources and the school’s money. I did my research and the school pumps a whole load into the team, which I think is pathetic. So you heard me loud and clear—Hockey is a game for losers.” I

I called her on the way home and gave her an idea of what happened. “Shhhh, it’s okay. Come here,” she soothes. “I thought you didn’t like the big bad wolf,” she adds, barely holding back a giggle. “This isn’t funny, Zo. I can’t explain it. I don’t know why I care. I’ve never even had a conversation with him, but there’s just something…” I drag my hands down my face, pulling at my eyes like a kid making scary faces. “There are already videos of that hit online. I saw the whole thing. Everything looked crazy tonight. Hockey is tough, but it’s not usually that bad. The league made a statement, and the other guy just has a fine to pay.”

POV: JAXON The book released on a Tuesday. By Wednesday, it was a New York Times bestseller. By Thursday, the backlash began. It started with think pieces. "How Dare He Profit From His Family's Crimes?" "Jaxon Romano: Redemption or Blood Money?" "The Ethics of Publishing a Criminal's Story" Some of it was fair criticism. I had been part of that world. I had hurt people. But some of it was cruel. Vicious. Attacking not just me, but Isla. The kids. Our entire family.

“Tell me something right now. Who handed you that paper? Because those aren't interview questions. Those are targeted, malicious lies designed to humiliate a guest on your stage.” “Mr. Sinclair, please, we are on a live—” “I don’t give a damn what we’re on,” I growled, my voice rising just enough to command every speaker in the room. The NHL executives in the front row were shifting in their seats, their faces pale. I felt Arthur’s grin falter from the corner of my eye. Good.

"That's not my decision to make." "Then make it his decision. If he's really the victim you say he is, he'll want his side told." She paused. "Third, I want you to understand something. Once I publish, there's no going back. Gregory and his wife will see it. The university will see it. The NHL will see it. Everyone you've ever known will see it. And some of them won't believe you. Some of them will call you a liar, a conspirator, a girl who fell for a monster and can't admit it." Her eyes were steady. "Are you ready for that?"

Bailey says before ending the call. As I drive home, I catch sight of Nolan's latest post on social media, pulled up by one of the hundred notifications on my phone. Sometimes the truth comes out in the most unexpected ways. Praying for Luca's recovery. The comments beneath the post are vicious. "Hayes should be expelled from the league!" "This is what happens when you give someone too much power." "Guess the golden boy finally showed his true colors." I close the app before I can read more. “Hockey can go to hell for all I care. I have Bailey, that's enough for me.” I whisper loud for myself to hear.

"And I'll recommend that the league drop the investigation." "Thank you." "Don't thank me yet." Dr. Chen pulled something out of her desk drawer. A book manuscript. Thick. Printed. The cover page read: "Love on Ice: The True Story of Hockey's Most Controversial Couple. By Emily Chen, Ph.D." Damian's blood ran cold. "What is that?" "My book." Dr. Chen set the manuscript on the coffee table. "I've been writing it for six months. Interviews. Research. Analysis. It covers everything—your rivalry, your relationship, the blackmail, the shooting, the wedding."

I couldn't afford to falter now. With Timothy's encouragement in my mind, I focused on the breathing technique he had taught me. Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts. It was a simple but effective. "Your Honor," I began, my voice trembling only slightly. "I will present evidence that Timothy's breach of contract was a result of the hockey club's fraudulent practices and mistreatment." I recounted the events that had led to Timothy's departure from the club. The relentless pressure and the blatant disregard for his well-being had pushed him to a breaking point. It was a story of exploitation and abuse, a tale that should never have been tolerated in

“No, but now that you mention it, your I*******m game is tragically outdated.” “I’m a hockey player, not a model.” “Still. I should run your account.” “Pretty sure half your selfies are already featuring my sweatshirt, so technically, you are.” She grinned, leaning into my shoulder. And just like that, I didn’t want to tell her anymore. Not because I didn’t trust her. But because I didn't want to burst our current bubble. Still, the paper in my pocket felt like it was burning a hole through the fabric. “Hey,” I said, clearing my throat.