Brenna and Jake come from opposing worlds - she's the coach's dutiful daughter, he's the rival team's star player. Their families are competitors, making their budding relationship taboo. The story shows how they learn to overcome their prejudices and are drawn to each other despite all obstacles.

Behind Jake's confident facade lies a young man struggling with high expectations for his athletic career. Brenna learns to recognize and stand up for her own needs and desires. Both characters show strength and vulnerability throughout the story and grow through their relationship.

The game - both on the hockey field and in Brenna and Jake's relationship - is a central motif. Through pretending to be in a relationship, both discover new aspects of themselves and find out what truly matters in life. The book shows how a game can turn serious with happiness at stake.