Today, book two in the Atlantic City Hustlers series comes out! SIMMERING ICE is finally here, and I'm so excited!
Physical therapist Annie Davidson is getting over a bad relationship, but she's been feeling the sweet, slow burn of desire for pro hockey player Alec O'Meara. After the tragic death of his wife, Alec likes to keep things loose on and off the ice. But the red-headed Annie challenges his beliefs and makes him think about taking their relationship to the net. Her insecurities that she's not good enough, and his anxiety over a long-term commitment may keep them apart unless they can find a way to break through the defenses they've built around their hearts.
When we were looking for hero inspiration for Alec, I was in the midst of fantasy football season, so I chose one of the guys on my team - Clay Matthews of the Green bay Packers. What can I say? When inspiration strikes, you go with it and don't question it. Mixing sports is fun :-)
I've been a hockey fan for years. It was one of the first sports I watched. I grew up, and still live in Flyers country but have favorite players on every team in the league. It's so much easier to follow all the teams now than when I was growing up, thanks to NHL Network, social media, and yes, a few seasons of playing fantasy hockey.
Alec shares a few traits with my most favorite hockey player of all time, Rod Brind'Amour - work ethic (1st into the building, last one to leave) endurance (He was considered one of the League's "ironmen," with a consecutive games streak of 484 played, a Flyers franchise record), talent, and being a strong team leader. One of the most important things they share is that they take the time to talk to fans. When Rod was a Flyer, my dad took me to an open practice they held. Rod was one of the few players who stuck around afterwards and spoke to every single fan waiting for him (including me). Other players jetted off, but not him. He made us feel like we mattered, and that he appreciated that we were there. His actions that day cemented him as my favorite player. Alec is like that too.
I love writing about sports because I really do love watching them and talking about them. If you like them too - drop me a line and let's chat!
I hope you love Alec and Annie's story!