Yes, it’s party time in the Lair! Today we celebrate the launch of the third book in my New Jersey Ice Cats series – A Perfect Catch! So grab a delicious snack, a hot/cold/alcoholic drink and a hot hockey hunk and let’s have some fun.
For those of you who have been following the series – a huge thank you to you all – this is Ike and Tracy’s story. Eisenhower ‘Ike’ Jelinek is the Ice Cats goaltender and older brother to Tru Jelinek (A Perfect Trade). Tracy Hayden runs her own business providing services to people who are relocating and is Maggie’s younger sister (A Perfect Distraction). As you’ll have seen from the previous books, these two stubborn people have a shared past, which didn’t end well. Now, the time has come to see if there is a chance for them to have a shared future.
Here is the blurb:
He’s the perfect catch…for now!
When it comes to romance, Tracy Hayden is not looking for a rematch. She’s had epic passion—and problems!—with professional hockey player Ike Jelinek. Brilliant on skates and magic in bed, his too-traditional-for-her views were like a bucket of ice water on their affair.
Then an injury takes Ike out of the game, and everything changes. Suddenly he needs her services-providing business—even though he once claimed it was their biggest problem. Tracy’s determined to be professional, despite the sizzling attraction between them that won’t go away. Maybe they need a second fling to fix that!
I’m thrilled that RT Book Reviews gave A Perfect Catch 4 stars! They say: Sugden’s novel is fun, in spite of Ike sustaining an injury. The quirky, fun hockey players add lots of color to the story and the chemistry between Ike and Tracy is seriously hot.
And here’s a sneak peek:
Tracy had just reached Ike’s room when she heard him roar.
“I don’t need a freaking straw in my drink and I don’t want you to cut up my food.”
A young blonde volunteer in a striped uniform rushed past Tracy, her face flushed. “Perhaps you’ll have better luck with him.”
Tracy smiled sympathetically, then strode into the room. “Someone’s in a foul mood.”
“You’d be miserable, too, if you weren’t even allowed to use a freaking knife and fork,” he growled, crossing his arms awkwardly over his broad chest. The bandages that covered his arm from fingers to shoulder hampered his movement.
The flowery pastel-blue gown should have looked silly on such an obviously masculine body. Instead, it emphasized his honed chest and arms, making him look more manly, rather than less. But Ike didn’t need to know that.
Nor that he’d made her pulse skip. “Good job I’m here to give the staff a break from your charming personality.”
He narrowed his gaze. “Do not push me.”
“Seriously?” Tracy rolled her eyes. “That might work on a sweet young thing like that candy striper, but I’m immune.”
Ike’s green eyes turned fiery, challenging her to take him on.
She tamped down her body’s instant heated response. Besides, she shouldn’t tease a wounded man. Especially one whose pride probably hurt as much as his arm.
Even better, today is actually a double celebration! It’s also the day that the French version of A Perfect Trade – La Proposition Idéale – is released! I do love those French covers (and no, I don’t have his email address either!)
So, as it’s time to party, we’re going to open up the ballroom, stoke the logs in the huge fireplaces and turn on the champagne and chocolate fountains! Sven has laid on an incredible buffet of finger food with something to tempt every tastebud. Lars has got his brother, Nils, to play DJ, so we’ll be all set for great music. Paolo has sent the pesky bird off on his travels with dire threats if he returns befor emidnight. The Romans are organising the party games and Zach and the hockey hunks have promised to look after your every party need.
Over to you. As it’s a double celebration, I’m giving away two prizes. One each to two lucky commenters – an exclusive New Jersey Ice Cats notebook.
1. What are you wearing?
2. Which song would you like Nils to play for you?
3. What’s your favourite party game?
4. What drink and snack would you like brought to you?
5. What dire threat do you suggest for the pesky bird?