Sean Avery once NHL’s most controversial figure now writes bold romance book with bestselling author Leslie Cohen

One of the league's most controversial enforcers, Sean Avery, a former NHL player, has penned a romance book. BenBella Books and Simon & Schuster published the book Summer Skate on September 9, 2025.

With author Leslie Cohen, renowned for best-selling romantic novels, Avery wrote it. Jessica Riley, a writer, and Carter Hughes, a hockey player, are featured in the narrative as their surprising love develops in the Hamptons. Avery is now planning a sequel.

Sean Avery and Leslie Cohen bring Hockey to romance

Sean Avery played twelve seasons in the NHL with teams like the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and Los Angeles Kings before retiring in 2012. Away from the ice, Avery worked as a model, actor, restaurant owner, and even interned at Vogue.

He also wrote a memoir called Ice Capades in 2017.

His new project came after his agent suggested he try sports romance. Leslie Cohen, who wrote books like This Love Story Will Self-Destruct, teamed up with him to co-write Summer Skate. The novel was published on September 9, 2025, and is described as “sexy and addictive.” The main character, Carter Hughes, is a rookie hockey player soon to join the New York Rangers. The female lead, Jessica Riley, is a married author who takes time off in the Hamptons, where she meets Carter Hughes.

Sean Avery said in an interview with People.com:“I’m a bit of a showman. It’s in my blood. I think I’ve found my sweet spot, and I’m starting to really settle into it and have fun.”Also Read: Minnesota Wild Superstar Kirill Kaprizov Turns Down NHL’s Most Rewarding Offer Of All Time

Sean Avery and Leslie Cohen share their creative process

While writing Summer Skate, Sean Avery and Leslie Cohen had long talks about relationships and intimacy. Avery admitted he learned new things about what women want from romance stories. He joked that sometimes their conversations were so intense that they laughed afterward. Avery said:“Like great teams, people don’t see the battles inside dressing rooms. But to get something great, you need friction and tension.”Sean Avery also made clear that Carter Hughes is not based on himself. Carter went to American University, is taller, and was a top draft pick, unlike Avery. Still, Avery’s own hockey experience shaped the details in the book.Leslie Cohen brought her romance writing skills, while Avery added his hockey background. Together, they built a story that mixes sports, desire, and personal struggle. Right after finishing Summer Skate, they began writing a sequel. Avery said he is excited to show more of Carter Hughes’ career and the challenges of balancing love and hockey.