Icebreaker

If Nathan Hawkins represents the ideal man, how does Hannah Grace define ideal masculinity? Examine at least five traits that Nathan is described to have: two physical and three emotional.

In the bedroom, Nathan and Anastasia engage in affirmation and dominance-submission play. How do these scenes inform the reader’s understanding of either Nathan’s or Anastasia’s character outside of the bedroom?

Aaron Carlisle is clearly the novel’s central antagonist. That said, Anastasia believes that he is not entirely a bad person. What does she mean by that, and what are her justifications for believing this? How does her perspective change by the end of the novel?

In the beginning of the novel, Anastasia dislikes all hockey players despite not knowing them. What are some of the stereotypes of hockey players that influence her position, and in what ways to the Titans players subvert those stereotypes?

Coach Faulkner and Coach Brady are defined by the circumstances of becoming and/or being parents. What advice would they have for Nathan and Anastasia, who are in similar situations at the end of the novel?

Dr. Andrews diagnoses the reason why Anastasia’s parents put too much pressure on her skating. How does their dynamic with Anastasia either mirror or contrast with the pressure that Ian Hawkins puts on Sasha? Use specific examples to compare and contrast these two relationships.

Choose a nontraditional family relationship portrayed in the novel: for example, Henry and Anastasia’s non-romantic love. What needs or desires does the relationship satisfy for both characters?

The line between being possessive and being protective is very thin. Compare two moments from the novel when a character believes they are being protective but might be acting too possessive instead.