Cross Check

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you feel about the novel’s slow-burn romance, which unfolds over several years? Did the extended timeline make Grant Everett and Amelia Green’s eventual relationship more satisfying for you, or did you find the pacing and length challenging?

2. The hockey romance subgenre has become incredibly popular, with authors like Elle Kennedy and Hannah Grace leading the way. In what ways does Cross Check stand out or subvert your expectations?

3. What was your initial reaction to the unequal punishments the league handed down to Amelia and Grant after their relationship was exposed? How effectively did the novel build the tension around this injustice and lead to the final resolution where the players collectively fought back?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Amelia is fiercely protective of her career, initially believing a relationship would compromise her professional ambitions. Have you ever felt that you had to choose between a personal desire and a professional goal? How did you navigate that decision?

2. Grant waits years for Amelia, respecting her boundaries while holding onto hope. Can you recall a time when you’ve shown great patience for something or someone important to you?

3. The DC Stars teammates form a “found family” for Grant, supporting him through professional and personal crises. Can you think of a time when a group of friends felt like family to you?

4. What did you think of the “secret of the day” exchange between Grant and Amelia? In your own relationships, what are some of the small rituals or traditions you use to build closeness and trust with others?

5. The novel explores the immense pressure of public scrutiny. Have you ever felt the need to hide a part of yourself or a relationship to avoid judgment from others?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The author’s note mentions real-life trailblazer Becky Hammon as an inspiration for Amelia’s character. How does Amelia’s journey reflect the real-world double standards and biases faced by women in male-dominated professions? Where do you see these same challenges playing out in society today?

2. The DC Stars locker room, with its romance book club and emotional support, offers a model of non-toxic masculinity. How does this contrast with the toxic behavior displayed by characters like Brady Williams? What does the novel argue about the importance of men as allies in challenging misogyny?

3. A gossip website shatters Grant and Amelia’s privacy by publishing secret photos of them. What commentary does the novel offer on the role of media and online culture in the lives of public figures? Do you think the story accurately portrays the cost of fame in the digital age?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Grant is presented as a subversion of the typical professional athlete archetype. In what specific ways do his emotional intelligence and vulnerability challenge traditional notions of masculinity in the sports world? How does his character drive the central romance forward?

2. The narrative unfolds over many years, using flashbacks and time jumps to build the relationship. What effect did this non-linear structure have on your reading experience? How did it shape your understanding of Grant and Amelia’s bond and the stakes of their relationship?

3. How does the secret relationship between Grant’s sister Hannah and Coach Brody Saunders serve as a parallel to the main romance? What does Grant’s initial, reaction to their relationship reveal about his own biases and eventual growth?

4. The title “Coach” evolves in meaning throughout the novel. How does the use of this title track the changing dynamics between Grant and Amelia?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were designing a Heroes and Legends Night jersey to honor someone you admire, who would you choose? What makes that person a hero or legend in your eyes?

2. Let’s picture Grant and Amelia five years after the epilogue. What new tattoo might one of them get to symbolize their life together? What would the design be, and what deeper meaning would it hold for them?