Maverick and the Big Game follows a young boy as he prepares for the championship hockey game, who is excited but nervous about messing up and disappointing his team. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Absolutely. Maverick and the Big Game is very personal to me. The character of Maverick is inspired by my own son, and many of the emotions he experiences—like nervousness before a big game, the desire to make his family proud, and the lessons about teamwork—come directly from moments we’ve shared. As a hockey mom who’s spent countless hours at the rink, I wanted to capture the heart, pressure, and joy of youth sports from a child’s perspective, but with all the love and encouragement that exists behind the scenes, too.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
One of my favorite scenes is when Maverick takes a deep breath and finally steps onto the ice for the big game. It’s a moment of bravery and self-trust, and it’s such a turning point for him. You can feel his nerves and his excitement, and it’s a beautiful reminder that courage doesn’t mean not being afraid—it means doing it anyway.
Will there be a follow-up book to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes! There will definitely be more adventures with Maverick. The next book will focus on Maverick learning new life skills—both on and off the ice. He’ll face a new kind of challenge that tests his confidence in a different way, while still building on the friendships, lessons, and hockey love that started in Maverick and the Big Game. We’re also expanding the world around Maverick to show more of his life, his team, and even his dreams beyond hockey.
Maverick has played in many hockey games, but today is different—it’s the championship game! As he laces up his skates, Maverick feels excited, but also a little nervous. What if he misses a shot? What if he lets his team down?
Follow Maverick as he faces one of his biggest challenges yet and learns that being brave doesn’t mean not being scared—it means playing your best, no matter what!
Luka follows a hockey player navigating the aftermath of a traumatic injury who crosses paths with a woman who forces him to power through his pain and enter the world of community outreach. What made you write a romance story within this setting?
Who doesn’t love a romance with a damaged hero and a feisty heroine LOL!
When we were writing “Lincoln”, the first book in the series, we’d set Luka up as a ridiculously handsome, happy-go-lucky playboy who spoke several languages. He was so endearing and charming that even the women he broke up with had nothing but nice things to say about him. That kind of perfect life had to come with a price tag eventually. Reading about a few players in real life who had suffered injuries from skate blades, it seemed like the obvious source for Luka’s downfall. But was he so vain that having his perfect face marred would be enough to send him off the rails? It also raised the question of could someone really have had such a perfect life, or was there something he’d been hiding even from his teammates? Those are the questions we want readers to be asking themselves.
We’d set up how active the Quakes organization is in the community, including a charity gala event where they raised money for the Quakes Foundation in “Lincoln”. Before the accident, Luka even tells they guys he’s excited to be helping out with a reading program since Spanish is one of the languages he speaks fluently. We wanted to carry through with that idea of what if he backs out of it. How would a struggling non-profit react? It made for a great, conflict ridden beginning of their story. We also wanted to reflect the real life commitment to their city our actual NHL team has shown throughout the years.
We also wanted to shine a light on two very real tragedies in the hockey world and raise awareness of ways to prevent them. One was the tragic death of former NHL player Adam Johnson, whose neck was fatally cut in a game in London and subsequently died on the ice. Since then, cut-resistant gear has been given more attention but there’s still a lot that can be done to make the game safer. The other is head trauma, which is a concern not just in hockey but other sports as well. There is developing new technology that reduces impact and has sensors to monitor the impact and send real time alerts to the training staff.
What comes first for you–the plot or the characters–and why?
With our hockey books, characters come first and then we figure out how they meet and their story. That’s the fun of writing a series like this is riffing about future storylines in the process of writing one book. We had no idea Luka would end up where he did in his book when we first introduced him, but as crazy as it sounds, we had to get to know him better to know where his story would take him.
Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?
That’s the great thing about two main characters – there’s something for everyone! On one hand, we relate to Liliana. She takes no prisoners and is protective of her kids. Lily wants to do more with her life by making a difference.
On the other hand, we’re also drawn to Luka. We all have wounds, internal and external, that change our perspective on who we are at once point in our lives. How we handle them is the thing and the fact that Luka falls down in that department from time to time makes him relatable to a lot of people.
You didn’t really think we were going to choose one of our children over the other, did you? LOL.
Where will the third book in this series take readers? When can fans look forward to seeing it released?
Yes! Matthew, our very angry D-man on the Quakes blue line, is next up. Without giving anything away, readers will literally get to see there are two sides to every story and Matt’s is both emotional and hilarious. At the very least, we use a plot device that we can honestly say we haven’t seen in any other hockey romances. His book releases on July 15th, 2025 in both eBook and paperback at your favorite online retailer.
As the hottest left-winger in the league, I was the handsome golden boy for the L.A. Quakes. But after suffering horrific injuries during a game, my life is on a breakaway to disaster. My biggest fear is a darkness from my past is about to repeat itself. All I want to do is hide from the world, but fate has another plan.
Feisty beauty Liliana Alvarez doesn’t suffer fools lightly, especially when it comes to her kids in her new non-profit outreach. She’ll drag me, kicking and screaming, if necessary, from the hole I’ve crawled into if it’s the last thing she does. For some reason, she is patient enough to wait for me to heal and something sparks between us, wounds, and all. But her abusive ex-boyfriend threatens to shatter our hopes of a happily ever after.
Can enemies-turned-lovers help save each other or is the ice tilted against us?
Luka: Hockey Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Beauty & The Beast, Tortured Hero, Curvy Heroine Different Cultures, Stalker Ex-Boyfriend
Luka is a gut-punch of a sports romance wrapped in raw emotion and resilience. It follows Luka Ribic, a star hockey player whose life takes a brutal turn after a devastating injury. His face and his sense of self are permanently scarred when a skate blade slashes across his temple during a game. What follows is a slow-burn, tension-filled journey as Luka grapples with his trauma, drowns his pain in whiskey, and isolates himself from the people who care about him. Then, there’s Liliana Alvarez, a fiercely determined woman who doesn’t take crap from anyone. She calls Luka out on his broken promises and drags him (sometimes literally) into her world of community outreach, where his past, his fears, and his future collide in ways he never saw coming.
Luka’s character is layered and heartbreakingly real. The opening scene slams us straight into his nightmare, his body hitting the ice, the crack of his head, the searing pain of the blade. The injury isn’t just physical, it’s mental. His panic attacks, his self-loathing, the way he pushes his friends away, it all feels painfully authentic. One moment that sticks out is when a little kid in a grocery store takes one look at Luka’s scarred face and runs away in fear. That hit hard. It’s a reminder that his struggles aren’t just in his head, his reality has shifted, and the world sees him differently now.
Then there’s Liliana. If Luka is fire, she’s an explosion. She storms into his life, calling him an “arrogant shit” to his face, and honestly? He needs it. Their first interaction is hilarious. She’s furious that he bailed on a reading event for underprivileged kids, and she doesn’t care that he’s a pro athlete with a sob story. But as the book unfolds, their chemistry goes from sharp and combative to something deeper. One of the most satisfying moments is when she calls him out on his self-pity, but later, she’s the one to defend him when she learns about his injury. The way their relationship shifts from enemies to reluctant allies to something more is so well done that you don’t even realize when you start rooting for them.
The writing is sharp, the emotions hit hard, and the banter is top-tier. There’s humor in the darkness. Luka’s dry wit, the way his teammates refuse to let him spiral too far, Liliana’s family roasting her for not realizing she was about to meet a hockey legend. The book does a fantastic job of balancing heavy themes like trauma, self-worth, addiction with the lightness of friendship, love, and redemption.
Luka is perfect for fans of sports romances with grit, heart, and plenty of heat. If you love a broken-but-badass hero, a heroine who doesn’t take any nonsense, and a love story that burns slow but explodes when it counts, this one’s for you. And if you’re into hockey? Even better.
Sean McLaine, a high school junior, faces the kind of challenges that resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt outmatched or overlooked. As a late-blooming soccer talent, his ambitions outstrip his physical growth, leaving him to contend with teammates who wield his smaller size as an advantage against him. At school, he’s practically invisible, a shadow moving through crowded hallways, unnoticed by classmates and seemingly forgotten by girls—except for one. Yet as Sean immerses himself in soccer, a pivotal question emerges: Can he balance his relentless drive for success with the budding promise of something more meaningful? Or will his dedication to the sport demand a sacrifice too great to bear?
One Happy Accident, by Gary Simonds, is a stirring exploration of ambition, resilience, and self-discovery. With Sean at its heart, the novel captures the grit and determination of a young athlete striving to achieve greatness on the field while navigating emotional and personal hurdles. From the first chapter, Simonds weaves a world that feels immediate and real, where raw perseverance often eclipses innate talent, and the divide between ambition and struggle is razor-sharp. Adding depth and nuance to Sean’s journey is Kayleigh, a thoughtful and layered peer whose presence introduces themes of connection, growth, and unexpected transformation. Their dynamic brings warmth and introspection, offering readers a lens through which to explore the profound impact of relationships on our lives.
What sets One Happy Accident apart is its ability to intertwine universal themes of resilience, mental health, and community without losing the emotional intensity of its characters. Sean’s story compels readers to confront enduring questions: Where do we find strength when our dreams feel unattainable? How do we reconcile hope and determination with the inevitable setbacks of life? Simonds writes with precision and heart, crafting vivid soccer scenes that pulse with energy and moments of vulnerability that linger long after they’re read. The dialogue sparkles with authenticity, blending humor and insight in a way that grounds the narrative in a deeply human reality. Each character feels alive, their flaws and triumphs forging a powerful connection with the reader.
For those who appreciate tales of perseverance and emotional complexity, One Happy Accident is a must-read. Soccer enthusiasts will revel in the thrilling depictions of the game, but the novel’s appeal extends far beyond the pitch. It is, at its core, a story of hope and inspiration, one that leaves an indelible mark long after the final page is turned.
Unrivaled, by Norman Jetmundsen and Karin Fecteau, chronicles the legendary 1899 Sewanee Tigers football season, a feat of athleticism and endurance unmatched in sports history. This small Southern college’s team embarked on a grueling journey of 12 games in six weeks, including an astonishing streak of five games in six days across 2,500 miles. They remained undefeated, outscoring opponents 322-10. The book dives deep into this epic season, providing a vivid portrayal of the players, the societal context, and the sheer grit required to achieve such greatness.
From the moment I started reading, I was hooked by the palpable passion and depth of historical detail. The writing brings the era alive, especially when describing how the players contended with brutal physical conditions. Chapter 7, “The Season,” is a highlight, vividly illustrating the no-huddle, non-stop nature of football in 1899. The way the players managed to triumph despite minimal protective gear and relentless injuries is simply inspiring. It gave me chills to imagine men like Henry “Ditty” Seibels and Ormond Simkins pushing through bone-deep exhaustion with an unshakable will.
The book also does a fantastic job of weaving in broader cultural narratives. For example, the chapter on the societal ties between the Civil War and Southern football traditions was eye-opening. Jetmundsen shows how the region’s pride and resilience were mirrored on the gridiron. This made the Tigers’ victories feel even more monumental.
What stood out most to me, though, were the unsung heroes. The chapter on Cal Burrows, the team’s African-American rubdown man, was incredibly moving. It underscored the invisible labor that made the team’s success possible. It’s humbling to think about how much these contributions mattered, even though they’ve often been overlooked in the broader story.
Jetmundsen and Fecteau’s Unrivaled is a testament to the human spirit. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves sports history, particularly those who appreciate a good underdog tale. Whether you’re a fan of football or simply someone who enjoys tales of resilience, this book will stick with you.
In High and Out, a professional hockey player facing the end of his career fights to overcome addiction and the personal demons threatening to destroy him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My oldest son had just turned six, the age I decided I was going to be a professional hockey player when I grew up. Addiction and personal demons were a part of the ending to my amateur hockey career ten years ago. I’ve had a rough relationship with hockey since then but my Mom was diagnosed with stage four cancer late last year and I wanted to write something for her that she could read during her treatment and recovery. Unfortunately she passed away before she was able to finish reading it but she loved it and even cried when I showed her the book trailer and she wasn’t a cryer.
Did you include anything from your own life in Jason’s experiences?
Mostly all of his experiences were either from my life or from my childhood dreams. I really wanted to be Jason and for a long time I thought I could and would be him. I somehow ended up more like a mix of Carl and Dr. Sutton though.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Love, change, family, and forgiveness. Without those themes, we are doomed and stand no chance. Ultimately it’s about fate too, I suppose.
What is the next book you are working on? When can fans expect to see it released?
After my hockey career ended, I spent the next ten years in financial services, selling insurance and retirement plans, so I’ve started a fun drama in that space that I’d like to have released within the next year. I’ve also got some western ideas and a couple historical fictions I’d like to write. Then we may also have to check back in on Jason from time to time and see how he’s doing… and I may have already started on that as well.
An intimate look behind the scenes and into the life of a professional athlete: Jason Wagner has worked his whole entire life to have a chance at getting his name etched on the Stanley Cup. Being a hockey player is all he knows, it’s all he’s ever wanted to be, and for as long as he can remember, it’s all he’s been. Fast-forward to now: He’s almost thirty, has just finished his last season on his NHL contract, and has yet to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup. His fear of being forced into an earlier than anticipated retirement briefly subsides when he signs a two-year, multimillion-dollar deal with a real contender. The events that follow take him in different directions that ultimately put him onto a new path of discovering who he really is and what he actually wants to be in life. It’s a tough and gritty love story about change, family, and forgiveness.
Jason Wagner, a renowned pro hockey player, faces a crisis both on and off the ice. As he grapples with the possibility of his career ending, he clashes with his agent and fights to secure a new contract. With his dream of lifting the Stanley Cup slipping away, Jason must confront the harsh realities of his sport and the demons that haunt him. Alongside his professional challenges, Jason contends with personal struggles, including an estranged brother, a new love interest with a troubled past, and a dangerous addiction that threatens to destroy him. Will he achieve his dreams and find happiness, or will the pressures of his sport and personal struggles prove too much to overcome?
In High and Out, author Justin Weber crafts a captivating slice of life and sports fiction novel that masterfully explores the highs and lows of a professional hockey player’s journey. Initially, the book’s laid-back tone may suggest a leisurely pace, but it soon reveals a poignant and unflinching portrayal of the struggles athletes face, both on and off the field. The sports industry’s toxic underbelly is laid bare, and Jason’s heart-wrenching struggles will leave readers emotionally invested and eager to see him overcome the odds. Weber demonstrates remarkable skill in crafting vivid descriptions of ice hockey gameplay. The action is so detailed and immersive that lovers of the sport will be engrossed in the glorified action. The book’s emotional rollercoaster is expertly woven, oscillating between moments of joy and sorrow, creating a deep sense of empathy in readers. Weber’s writing is both sensitive and courageous, refusing to shy away from the harsh realities of Jason’s journey.
High and Out is a gripping novel that delves deep into the life of a professional hockey player navigating the tumultuous waters of his career and personal life. Justin Weber’s storytelling is both poignant and vivid, offering readers an authentic glimpse into the highs and lows of the sports world. Through Jason Wagner’s journey, the novel explores themes of ambition, resilience, and the search for redemption. It is a must-read for sports enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted tale of personal struggle and triumph.
Piper’s Perfect Pick follows a young girl frustrated with trying to excel in sports who takes the advice of her cat to try out boxing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I absolutely love to box, even though I didn’t start boxing until I was 60 years old. The first time I punched a boxing bag I felt empowered. I thought, “Oh, I like this. I want to learn this sport!” So I did! Now I box 4-5 days a week.
Before I started to box, the only thing I knew about boxing was what I saw in the Rocky or Creed movies, which was pretty scary to me!
What I didn’t realize was that boxing is really about discipline, focus, and strategy, not just about throwing punches. It’s an amazing sport that is not well understood.
I wondered, “What if I had started to box when I was younger, say 8 or 9?” I probably would have been so much stronger, both mentally and physically. I would have had much more confidence in myself.
I started to think about how I wanted kids, especially little girls, to know that boxing is a great sport for them to try.
I thought, “Why don’t I tell them?”
Then…ding, ding, ding! The idea for Piper’s Perfect Pick came to me.
My rescue cat, Camelot, was the inspiration for Piper’s cat, Tater Tot. Before Cami got comfortable living with me, he would swat at my face whenever I walked by. I called him my little boxer!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Penny Weber?
I loved working with my illustrator, Penny Weber. We have a great relationship – after all, we are both a Peni/Penny! I had been looking for someone who did realistic illustrations, instead of cartoony ones. When I saw her portfolio I knew she was the one.
We are each other’s biggest fan – she loves my writing and I love her illustrations.
The only direction I gave Penny was the approximate age of my main character and the desire for her and her family to be of mixed race. Other than that, she had free rein. I had complete trust and faith that she would illustrate this book superbly – which she did!
Penny is already lined up to illustrate two more upcoming books of mine.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I write books to encourage, motivate, and empower children, so my debut picture book needed to showcase all of those themes.
It was important to show that Piper’s family encouraged and supported her.
It was important that Piper showed resilience and determination to follow her own path, even though it was an unexpected choice.
And it was important that children feel personally empowered after reading Piper’s story. If she could do it, then they could too!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book, Heart Trouble for ZZ, is due out November 3, 2024. I have three more books coming out in 2025.
In a world of frustrated sports attempts, Piper yearns to find her true calling. But just when she is on the verge of giving up, her cat, Tater Tot, inspires an unexpected idea: boxing. Piper discovers her passion while learning that courage isn’t just about throwing punches.
In this compelling tale of resilience and determination, Piper teaches us an invaluable lesson: true strength lies in the willingness to explore the unknown, to never surrender to failure, and to keep pushing the boundaries until we uncover our own unique path. Sometimes, what we love most is not what we expect, and Piper’s story serves as a powerful reminder that our passions are waiting to be discovered, only if we persevere and never stop searching.
In Piper’s Perfect Pick, witness a heartwarming transformation that will leave you cheering for Piper and inspire you to keep exploring until you, too, find the one thing that sets your soul on fire.
