Scott By R.j. Scott, V.l. Locey Instant

: A hockey player for the Owatonna Eagles whose life is spiraling. Crushed by the death of his brother and facing abusive, dismissive parents who blame him for the tragedy, he turns to steroids to improve his game and win his father's approval. When his drug use is exposed, he faces expulsion from the team and is kicked out of his home.

The two meet during mandatory grief counseling. With Scott homeless and desperate to meet his probation terms (which include random drug testing and counseling), Hayne offers him a place to stay in his attic art studio. 🔥 Key Themes & Tropes Scott by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey

: The massive shift in Scott's parents' behavior and his own internal acceptance mostly happen off-screen toward the end, leaving some readers wanting more on-page development. : A hockey player for the Owatonna Eagles

Reviewers and readers generally praise the book for its heavy emotional pull, though some point out structural flaws: 🌟 What Readers Loved The two meet during mandatory grief counseling

: Hayne uses his art to process grief, and Scott slowly becomes the "light and color" that helps rebuild Hayne's world.

: The book handles heavy topics like substance abuse (steroids), intense grief, and toxic family dynamics. 💬 Critical Reception & Reviews

: According to reviewers at Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews , the book introduces so many heavy issues that some aren't explored fully.