Ex-NHL star Sean Avery talks Steamy Debut Romance Novel (Exclusive)
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Former NHL enforcer Sean Avery is trading the ice for ink, co-authoring the debut romance novel Summer Skate with Leslie Cohen. The book, released by BenBella Books, delves into the passionate world of professional hockey adn explores complex relationships, marking a surprising new chapter for the controversial athlete. As of September 11, 2024, at 15:40:19 UTC, the novel is generating buzz for its explicit content and Avery’s candid discussion of the creative process.
Avery, known for his aggressive playing style and outspoken personality during his 13 seasons in the NHL with teams including the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, and Dallas Stars, explained that the project began unexpectedly. Initially approached about a category he wasn’t familiar with, Avery quickly embraced the opportunity after a conversation with Cohen. And I had no idea that the category was so big, and he educated me on it, and it didn’t take long: I said, ‘Yeah, absolutely.’ but also, I said, you know, it’d be nice to write it with a woman. As, listen, we all need a woman’s touch, okay? You know, nothing should be ever done without a woman’s touch from my personal perspective, because they’re just, you know, more gracious and patient and smoother than men,
he shared.
The writing process involved intense discussions about sex and character interactions, with Avery and Cohen spending nights dissecting the nuances of their story. I mean, there were times where you would waffle the actual acoustics of us talking, because it’s like, oh my god, we were saying these things,
Avery recalled. Me and Leslie, we were always laughing about it but we had intense conversations.
He also noted the value of Cohen’s perspective in shaping the narrative, learning the difference between his assumptions about female desire and her insights.
Avery described the collaboration as an eye opener
and acknowledged the necessary friction that arose during the creative process. It was nice to have somebody be able to say,yeah,that might be a little too much,or I don’t know,I’m not sure if everybody likes that sort of thing,
he said. So we had battles. But again, like great teams, you know, people don’t see the battles that go on inside dressing rooms. But to get something to be great and a bond to be strong, you have to have friction and tension. that’s where the juice comes from, so I really enjoyed the process.
BenBella Books
From Hockey Rink to Romance novel
The novel’s protagonist, Carter Hughes, draws inspiration from Avery’s own life, though the character is not a direct replica. I didn’t go to American University, and Carter did. He’s much taller than me, you know, he’s not a small player.He’s a high draft pick. I wasn’t a high draft pick,
Avery clarified, outlining the key differences between himself and his fictional creation.
| Character | Sean Avery |
|---|---|
| University | American University |
| Height | Taller |
| Draft status | High Draft Pick |
| Sean Avery | Not a High Draft Pick |
Did you Know?
Sean Avery was suspended by the NHL for making derogatory comments about a referee’s mother in 2008, a controversy that significantly impacted his career.
Avery and Cohen are already planning a sequel, indicating a long-term commitment to the series. We got a lot of runway with this guy,
Avery stated,and we promptly began writing a follow-up book after putting the final touches on Summer Skate.
he expressed excitement about exploring Carter Hughes’s entire career and incorporating elements of romance, hockey, and the challenges of young fame.
Pro Tip:
Readers interested in the intersection of sports and romance may also enjoy works by authors like Jaci Burton and Kristen Callihan.
I’m excited to go through Carter’s entire career,
the author concluded. And I hope that we’ve sprinkled in enough for everyone, the romance, the hockey, the trials and tribulations of being young and famous and maneuvering those waters. There’s a little bit of everything for everybody.
What aspects of this unexpected career shift intrigue you the most? do you think athletes can successfully transition into the world of romance writing?
The romance novel industry continues to thrive, with sales consistently exceeding those of many other genres. Contemporary romance, in particular, has seen notable growth in recent years, driven by increased diversity in depiction and a willingness to explore complex themes. The emergence of athlete-authors, while uncommon, taps into the public’s captivation with celebrity and offers a unique perspective on storytelling. This trend aligns with a broader movement of public figures leveraging their platforms to explore creative endeavors beyond their primary fields.
Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Skate
What is Summer Skate about?
Summer Skate is a romance novel co-authored by Sean Avery and Leslie cohen, exploring the passionate world of professional hockey and the complexities of relationships.
Who is Sean Avery?
Sean Avery is a former NHL player known for his aggressive playing style and outspoken personality. He played for teams including the Los Angeles Kings,New York Rangers,and Dallas Stars.
Is Summer skate Avery’s frist book?
Yes, summer Skate marks Sean Avery’s debut as a novelist.
What inspired Avery to write a romance novel?
Avery was initially approached about the genre and, after learning more from Leslie Cohen, decided to collaborate on the project.
Are there plans for a sequel to Summer Skate?
Yes, Avery and Cohen have already begun writing a follow-up book, indicating a long-term commitment to the series.
