Face Off for Love Series

Tyson Collier lives out and proud in Las Vegas, a far cry from the oppressive small town he grew up in. He swore he'd never go back in the closet, not for anyone or anything. Working as an ice crew member for the Las Vegas Gamblers is a dream job. Tyson is surrounded by hunky hockey players--athletes are totally his type even if they're straight. Semyon "Semka" Novikoff has focused his whole life on playing professional-level hockey. He can't ever come out. Not as a Russian national. His life and livelihood depend on keeping his sexuality a secret. Playing professional hockey in the United States is an experience like no other. The vast freedoms he enjoys are many. Except the freedom to be publicly gay. When Semka suffers a concussion, Tyson volunteers to help him with daily life. Over the course of the first few weeks, their friendship blossoms. Semka takes Tyson into his confidence and reveals his sexuality. Tyson takes Semka to bed. What started as a simple gesture of kindness becomes a secret relationship with an expiration date. Once Semka is medically cleared to play, the relationship is over. Semka can't risk losing his job or his life, and Tyson won't be with someone who can't openly present themselves to the world as part of a couple. When Semka and Tyson part ways, both men find themselves missing the other, but they can never be. At least, that's what they tell themselves.

Ryan Macklin's wife walks out, leaving him and their three-year-old daughter in the lurch. Ryan's obligations to his hockey career careen head-first into his responsibilities as a father. Avery's Down Syndrome adds a layer of complexity to the challenge of finding immediate and also longterm, practically full-time care for her. When Nicholas, a teacher from Avery's school, offers to take on the role of caregiver, Ryan scoffs. It's not that he doesn't think men are suitable caregivers--he's seen his teammates in action--but Avery needs a mother-figure, right? Or does she? Avery flourishes under Nicholas's care, and Ryan's house becomes a home for the first time in the four years he's lived there. Nicholas Pruitt's education is his top priority. Ryan Macklin's plea for childcare comes to his attention and he determines that working twenty-four/seven caring for Avery Macklin will allow him more time to attend online classes and do his homework than his nine-to-five at the specialty school for children with Down Syndrome does. Ryan's appreciation of any little consideration brings out the nurturer in Nicholas even more than Avery does, as precious and clever as she is, and he finds himself doing things specifically to bring that sparkle to Ryan's eyes--but he's straight, right? Or is he? Nicholas notices Ryan checking him out and he begins to wonder about Ryan's sexuality. Taking a chance and stealing a kiss, Nicholas and Ryan both discover that the answer is no. But when Nicholas's grades take a dip and Ryan refuses to follow in his dad's footsteps, all contract negotiations are off. Or are they?

When Landon Callahan returns home after the bitterest defeat a professional hockey player can suffer, he must lick his wounds alone. Being gay isn't acceptable at home or in hockey.   He can't wallow alone or for long, however. Landon's summer plans include remodeling the house he inherited from his paternal grandfather, but he can't manage it alone.   The burn scars that mar one shoulder and half his back sent Maddox West's fiance fleeing for good. And what he thought were dates end up being one night stands.   Maddox is so done with men. His brothers-in-arms are the only men he can truly depend on. In order to return to firefighting, he's got to put his body to some real world testing. Bowling and physical therapy only go so far.   Landon hires Maddox to help with his remodel. Despite their age difference, they find common ground and develop a fast friendship.   The skill and speed of the younger players only serves to make Landon feel old and a stride behind. As a result of Maddox's youthful exuberance, Landon feels younger and freer than he has in years. So much so, he breaks his personal Golden Rule of no sex in his home state and not only confesses his homosexuality, but embarks on a sexual relationship with Maddox.   The weight of betrayal and hurt has sat heavy on Maddox's heart since his fiance walked away. Landon's simple and easy friendship is a balm to Maddox's spirit and his pure appreciation of Maddox's body and simple, sweet desire spark an equally basic need in Maddox. Landon will return to Houston at the end of summer, so why not indulge in a summer fling?   Landon and Maddox have almost daily, sometimes enthusiastic, sometimes tender, sometimes non-vanilla sex and life is good. Great even.   Until the day Landon's mother walks in on them.   Landon freaks out and sends both his mother and Maddox on their way.   But after weeks of sex and friendship, Landon finds he doesn't want to live without either any longer. He's so over his mother's complete condemnation of homosexuality, and his career is almost at an end. What's the worst that could happen? He has to retire a year or two early?   The question is, can he convince Maddox to give him a second chance.