A.L. Heard

I’ve been in a couple book clubs, and I love hearing people discuss books! Especially if they loved or hated it – the conversation is way more dynamic when someone is really passionate about the story and characters.

When I wrote The Trade Deadline, there was a balance of plot, romance, and character development I was constantly juggling. Here are some of the questions I kept in mind while working on the story.

1) How did you feel about the incorporation of social media posts,interviews, and newspaper articles? How do you think they added to (or detracted from) the overall story?

2) How did you think the title of the book would come into play? How did you feel when it did?

3) What were your initial thoughts about Anders and his relationship with Lars? Did learning more about Anders change your perspective?

4) What were Ryan and Lars like as individuals at the beginning of the story? Where did they end up, and what role did they play in helping the other reach that point?

5) What do you think the Baltimore Crabs’ chances are of winning a Stanley Cup with Lars on the team?

6) What do you think Anders will do once he retires from hockey? How will that impact his relationship with Lars?

7) What strengths and weaknesses do Lars and Ryan each bring into their relationship? How do they balance or challenge each other?

8) What was your favorite scene and why? Are there any moments in the story you feel are missing that you’d like to see?

9) Who was your favorite side character and how did they impact the story?

10) Do you think Lars and Ryan’s love story is a Happily Ever After or a Happy For Now? What problems do you foresee in their future or what issues do they still need to work through to guarantee that HEA?

11) Compare Ryan’s and Lars’ media personas with their actual personalities. Why have they portrayed themselves this way to fans?

12) Which character do you feel you related to the most in the story and why?

13) The story takes place over the course of a single season: was that time span satisfying?

14) How does the book explore the idea of second chances—professionally,emotionally, or romantically?

15) After this book, how do you think attitudes towards queer players will

change in The Trade Deadline universe? How might this impact characters and stories that come later in this series?

Let me know your thoughts – did I miss any big discussion questions or topics?