Trick Shot by Kayla Grosse Summary, Characters and Themes
Trick Shot by Kayla Grosse is a steamy, emotionally rich holiday romance with a surprising amount of heart.
Set against the snow-covered backdrop of New York City during Christmas, it follows three characters—Leo, Riley, and Jace—as they navigate attraction, vulnerability, and unexpected connection. What starts as a flight delay turns into a night of emotional intimacy, sexual exploration, and self-discovery. With witty banter, layered characters, and a tender approach to polyamory, the story explores what happens when you let your guard down and allow yourself to be truly seen—and loved—for who you are.
Summary
Trick Shot opens with Leo, a confident, successful sports agent, stuck at the airport during a Christmas Eve snowstorm.
While waiting for his delayed flight, he meets Riley—a quirky, plus-sized advertising professional with a sharp wit and a streak of bad luck. She’s trying to get home after a frustrating run-in with her smug ex-boyfriend, Chad.
Mistaking Leo for his famous twin brother, NHL star Lucas McKnight, Riley is charmed by his laid-back vibe and flirtatious banter. Leo doesn’t correct her assumption, choosing instead to enjoy the rare anonymity and connection.
Their playful chemistry quickly deepens. When flights get canceled, Leo offers Riley a place to crash—his lavish penthouse decked out for the holidays. Riley hesitantly agrees, drawn to him despite her insecurities and inner voice questioning how someone like Leo could be interested in her.
But Leo isn’t just interested—he’s captivated. More than that, he sees something in Riley: honesty, warmth, and a confidence she doesn’t yet know she has.
Enter Jace—Leo’s best friend, occasional lover, and quiet emotional anchor. He picks the two up from the airport and immediately feels intrigued by Riley.
Their dynamic is instant: Jace’s calm, easygoing nature balances Leo’s intensity, and Riley finds herself both comforted and curious.
As the evening progresses—with drinks, dinner, and twinkling Christmas lights—the flirtation grows. Riley starts to sense that Leo and Jace are more than just friends, and she’s right: they’re lovers with a history of occasionally inviting someone else into their world.
Leo eventually reveals this to Riley in a moment of respectful honesty. He and Jace are sexually and emotionally connected, and while their bond is solid, they’re open—when the right person comes along.
Riley, hesitant but intrigued, is given complete agency. She takes time to process, but the safe, non-pressuring way both men treat her helps her trust them—and herself.
She’s used to feeling overlooked or objectified, but Leo and Jace see her as more: beautiful, worthy, desirable.
From this foundation of trust, the night turns sensual. A series of emotionally tender and sexually charged moments unfold—each scene more about connection than just heat. A standout moment: Leo gently shaving Riley’s legs, an act that becomes symbolic of vulnerability, body positivity, and care.
It’s not just about sex—it’s about making her feel comfortable, seen, and sexy.
As the night progresses, the trio explores each other physically and emotionally. Jace’s quiet confidence and warmth, paired with Leo’s dominant and attentive energy, help Riley break free from years of self-doubt.
She embraces her body, her desires, and the idea that she can have more than she’s settled for in the past.
But amidst all the passion, Leo wrestles with guilt. Riley still believes he’s Lucas, and he’s falling hard for her. By morning, the emotional stakes have risen. He knows he has to tell her the truth if there’s any hope of something real.
In the Epilogue, Riley learns Leo’s true identity. While surprised, she isn’t angry. Instead, she recognizes the genuine affection and care behind his choices. Rather than walk away, she leans into the connection.
There’s no hard commitment, no overpromised future—but there’s hope. And that’s what Trick Shot is really about: taking the risk to be vulnerable, to explore love outside the lines, and to believe you’re worthy of it all.
Characters
Leo McKnight
Leo McKnight, the sports agent twin of NHL star Lucas McKnight, is a multifaceted character who carries a significant emotional weight throughout the book. At the start, Leo is characterized as a successful and dominant figure—assertive in his career and relationships.
However, behind this polished exterior lies a man struggling with his own identity and self-worth, particularly in the shadow of his famous twin brother. Leo’s initial choice to impersonate Lucas is a coping mechanism, allowing him to escape the pressure of fame while also creating a unique opportunity to connect with Riley without the baggage of being in the public eye.
Throughout the book, Leo evolves emotionally, especially as he opens up to Riley and embraces vulnerability. His dynamic with Jace, his lover and best friend, showcases a balance of affection, support, and shared values.
The connection he shares with Riley begins as a physical attraction but deepens as they navigate their non-traditional relationship. Ultimately, Leo’s journey is one of emotional growth, coming to terms with his own desires and insecurities, and realizing that he wants more than just a fleeting encounter.
Riley
Riley starts off as a woman overwhelmed by life’s challenges—her ex, Chad, has emotionally scarred her, and she’s navigating a career that doesn’t leave her much room for joy. She is initially introduced as insecure about her appearance, which contrasts sharply with the confident Leo and Jace.
However, Riley’s arc is one of profound self-discovery. As she spends more time with Leo and Jace, she begins to see herself through their eyes—not just as someone they are attracted to, but as a person of value.
Her insecurities about her body and her self-worth gradually fade as she receives genuine affection and care. Riley is thrust into a situation that challenges her views on relationships and intimacy, particularly when she is introduced to the possibility of a polyamorous dynamic.
Her transformation from being uncertain and hesitant to confident and open-minded is one of the book’s central emotional threads. By the end of the story, Riley is not only empowered sexually but emotionally as well, as she chooses to embrace the new possibilities of a future with Leo and Jace.
Jace
Jace is the most stable and emotionally grounded character in the story. He serves as Leo’s confidant, lover, and support system, acting as a steadying presence throughout the emotional and physical events that unfold.
Unlike Leo, Jace does not struggle with identity issues, and his role is to help facilitate trust and emotional connection between Leo and Riley. Jace’s calm and nurturing nature contrasts with Leo’s more dominant energy, and together, they form a balanced duo.
Jace is both protective and respectful of Riley’s boundaries and desires. While Leo is more forward and intense, Jace’s approach is one of patience and humor, making him more approachable for Riley in some ways.
He’s also deeply invested in ensuring that Riley feels valued and comfortable as the trio explores their shared dynamic. His character arc is not about personal transformation, but rather about being a steady emotional anchor for both Leo and Riley.
His role in their relationship is crucial as he brings balance, emotional maturity, and a sense of calm to the increasingly complex situation.
Themes
The Emotional and Psychological Complexity of Non-Traditional Relationships
Trick Shot explores the nuances of non-traditional romantic dynamics, particularly polyamory and open relationships. At its core, the novel challenges the conventional notions of exclusivity in relationships, showcasing a dynamic where love and desire aren’t confined to a traditional narrative.
Leo and Jace have been lovers for years, but their willingness to invite Riley into their intimate lives represents a layer of emotional maturity and vulnerability. The theme emphasizes not only the sexual but also the psychological complexities of navigating polyamory, including the emotional labor involved in ensuring all partners feel validated, loved, and respected.
As Riley joins the fold, she must confront her own feelings about intimacy, jealousy, and what it means to be part of a non-monogamous union. She learns that love doesn’t have to be confined to one person.
Self-Love, Empowerment, and the Reclamation of Identity
Riley’s journey in Trick Shot is one of self-discovery, moving from insecurity and self-doubt to a place of self-love and empowerment. The themes of body positivity and acceptance are at the forefront of her narrative, as she comes to terms with her own insecurities—particularly around her body and her worth in relationships.
Her ex, Chad, left her emotionally scarred, affecting her confidence and how she viewed herself. However, through the care and affection of Leo and Jace, Riley begins to reclaim her sense of self.
Her transformation is both emotional and physical, as she learns to embrace her body, her desires, and her right to be loved as she is. The novel’s portrayal of Riley’s arc highlights the importance of feeling seen and valued in relationships, which ultimately helps her to heal and thrive.
The Intersection of Identity, Fame, and Personal Privacy
A subtle but critical theme in Trick Shot revolves around Leo’s struggle with his identity as the twin brother of a famous NHL star, Lucas McKnight. Leo’s choice to impersonate his brother is not just a superficial act; it reflects his internal conflict with living under the shadow of someone who is constantly in the public eye.
This theme addresses the tension between personal identity and societal perception, particularly the pressure to conform to expectations placed on public figures. Throughout the novel, Leo’s sense of self-worth is challenged by his need for privacy and authenticity.
His relationship with Riley—and ultimately his decision to reveal his true identity—becomes an important moment of self-acceptance. The story suggests that fame, while bringing opportunities, also comes with an emotional cost, particularly when it impedes one’s ability to define oneself independently of external pressures.
Sexual Liberation, Exploration, and the Complexity of Desire
Trick Shot delves deep into the complexity of sexual exploration and the fluidity of desire. Riley, a woman who has been in traditional monogamous relationships, embarks on a journey of sexual liberation when she is introduced to Leo and Jace’s unconventional bond.
The themes of consent, mutual respect, and vulnerability are vital here, as the trio explores their sexual connection in a space where boundaries are constantly discussed and re-negotiated. The novel doesn’t shy away from showing the emotional and physical intimacy that unfolds, focusing on the importance of communication and respect when engaging in any form of intimate or sexual relationship.
For Riley, this experience marks a significant departure from her past, where she was unable to express or even understand her desires. In the context of this polyamorous encounter, she learns that sexual fulfillment is deeply intertwined with emotional connection, and that it can be an empowering, transformative experience when approached with care.
The Impact of Past Relationships on Future Possibilities
The theme of how past relationships shape our ability to move forward is explored primarily through Riley’s journey and her evolving relationships with Leo and Jace. Her traumatic breakup with Chad left her feeling emotionally scarred and wary of her own worth.
This history with her ex prevents her from fully embracing her desires at first, as she struggles with feelings of inadequacy and fear of being hurt again. However, the healing process begins when she is shown affection, care, and respect by Leo and Jace.
Their relationships with her are a stark contrast to her past with Chad, marking a transformative shift in Riley’s emotional landscape. This theme is key in showing that healing from past wounds isn’t about forgetting them but learning how to use them as a foundation for future growth and relationships.
By the end of the story, Riley is ready to face new possibilities, leaving her past behind to embrace a future filled with more honest, authentic connections.
The Fragility and Strength of Emotional Vulnerability in Romantic and Sexual Relationships
The theme of vulnerability is pervasive throughout Trick Shot, both emotionally and sexually. Characters like Leo, Jace, and Riley all struggle with exposing their true selves at different points in the narrative.
Leo’s initial reluctance to reveal his identity to Riley demonstrates the tension between emotional vulnerability and the desire for privacy. Similarly, Jace’s role as a steady support to Leo and Riley showcases his emotional vulnerability as he navigates the complexities of polyamory.
The emotional and physical intimacy shared between the three characters is not only about sexual exploration but also about the courage to let go of past fears and embrace the unknown. The novel underscores the idea that true intimacy—whether sexual, emotional, or both—can only flourish when individuals allow themselves to be open, real, and raw with each other.
This theme suggests that emotional vulnerability is both a source of strength and fragility in relationships, with the capacity to build deeper, more authentic connections when approached with care.
The Intersection of Trust, Care, and Consent in Exploring Unconventional Relationships
Another vital theme in Trick Shot is the role that trust, care, and consent play in the exploration of unconventional relationships. Leo and Jace’s relationship is built on mutual understanding and respect for each other’s boundaries, which is essential as they invite Riley into their world.
The novel demonstrates that consent is not a one-time event but an ongoing conversation, particularly when navigating non-traditional or polyamorous dynamics. Riley’s journey is largely about gaining trust in herself and others, learning to express her desires and boundaries clearly while respecting the dynamics at play between Leo and Jace.
Throughout the story, every sexual encounter is imbued with an emotional layer, where consent is a form of care that fosters deeper intimacy. This theme reinforces the importance of ensuring all parties feel heard, valued, and respected, regardless of the nature of the relationship.