Some people come into your life and turn it upside down; others flip it right side up. Trey Malachek is NHL royalty—drafted, unsigned, and one tequila-fueled meltdown away from becoming the Malachek family’s most embarrassing cautionary tale. Growing up a Malachek means toeing the line, doing as you’re told, when you’re told. It means winning isn’t a goal; it’s expected. And they only play hockey the way it’s intended. And they expect the same of Trey. Spoiler: Nashville did not go as planned.
Enter Slone. Patient, annoyingly perceptive, and absolutely not in Nashville to babysit a beautiful disaster in the form of a six-foot hockey player with his hand on the self-destruct button. He steps in any way—because that’s what Slone does. And because he’s completely infatuated with the sexy hockey star. The next morning brings a Don’t Panic note, hangover cures, eggs, and a solution—a temporary, exclusive, and mutually beneficial arrangement. Simple. Right?
Except no one’s ever taken care of Trey like that. No agenda. No audience. He should’ve walked out the door; instead, he asked for hot sauce. But Slone notices everything. The charm that’s really a deflection. The bravado that’s too loud. The confidence that’s really a front. The smile that’s working overtime and the man underneath all of it. And Trey, who has spent his whole life as a Malachek performing for people who never saw past the name and the legacy, has no idea what to do with someone who’s actually paying attention to him. Because Slone isn’t looking at the name at all. He’s not looking at the legacy. He’s looking at the man—and seeing his future.
In Sara Hurst’s evocative novel, ‘Dangle’, we follow Slone, a character surrounded by everything that should bring joy—clubs, vibrant scenes, and a bustling social life. Yet beneath the surface, he grapples with profound loneliness. This narrative doesn’t merely flirt with LGBTQ romance; it delves into the human experience, exploring the quiet ache of wanting to be truly seen and understood.
Into Slone’s carefully cultivated world steps Trey, beginning an arrangement rooted in mutual need. As their lives intertwine, readers watch their connection evolve from convenience to something far more meaningful. Slone’s initial reluctance to engage emotionally is tested as he awakens to feelings he has long buried. The novel skillfully depicts how vulnerability and trust can forge deeper connections, highlighting that real intimacy often blossoms in the spaces between grand gestures.
‘Dangle’ is more than a romance; it is a poignant tale about recognizing when one’s crafted life no longer fits the evolving self. Hurst captures Slone’s journey with sensitivity, illuminating the courage it takes to embrace change. The work urges you to reflect on the significance of chosen family, emphasizing that true meaning is sometimes found not in accumulation but in the presence of someone who genuinely matters.
About the Author
Sara Hurst
I’m a geeky, extroverted introvert. I love being out in a crowd and having a good time, but getting me there can be a pain. Most of the time, you will find my nose buried in my phone, reading or rereading a book, or lately, buried in my computer doing research or writing whatever scene/character is nagging at me that day.
And yes, I know that makes me sound mental. It’s okay. I’ve come to terms with it. LOL!
Besides a good book, I love technology, building things, and learning as much as possible about almost any subject.
I’m a wife and mom of three kids, two dogs, and two cats—a lover of baseball, football, hockey, motorcycles, spin classes, and roller coasters.
I’m an ALLY to all and believe there’s never too much romance. As a voracious reader all my life, I’m a reader of romance from all angles and facets of life, and I want my books to show that.
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