Linda O'Connor

Author: Linda

  • Another Countdown Begins!!

    It’s the start of another countdown!! Woohoo! This time, it’s the second book of the Laugh-out-Loud Hockey Caper Romance series, Love and the Hockey Heist.

    My latest series is a fun one! I love doing escape rooms with the challenge of clues to decipher and puzzles to solve. I thought I’d weave that type of white-collar crime mystery into a romance. Add in a smart, sassy doctor and a swoon-worthy professional hockey player, and the stage is set for a fun, clever hockey caper. The stories in this series will all be stand-alone, kisses-only romantic comedies with all the feel of a sexy romance – sweet with heat!

    I’m excited to share the cover. I wanted the cover to be similar to the first story in the series, so I kept the same layout and font. I tried to keep it simple but eye-catching. I hope the font and the slightly off-beat hearts speak to the romantic comedy aspect of the story and the trophy is hockey – trust me, it is! 😀

     

    Love and the Hockey Heist is up for pre-order. The big day is June 12! Can’t wait to share this story with you. Stayed tuned – tomorrow I’ll tell you all about it.

    E-book Buy links:  Amazon.com  |  Amazon.ca

    Paperback buy links:  Amazon.com  |  Amazon.ca

     

     

     

  • Thank you!!

    I want to send a big thank you to everyone who picked up a copy of Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues (Laugh-out-Loud Hockey Caper Romance)! I’m excited to celebrate the release with you! 😀

     

    E-Book Buy link ~ Amazon.com  |  Amazon.ca

    Paperback Buy link ~ Amazon.com  |  Amazon.ca

  • Release Day!!

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues is live!! Woohoo!! I hope you love Abigail and Del’s story!

     

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues cover

     

    Following the clues and falling in love…

    When she was younger, Dr. Abigail Clark dreamed of playing professional hockey, but the world wasn’t ready for a female player. That stung. She skated as far away from hockey as possible – until she lands a job in the emergency department of a hockey-crazy town and buys the house of the late beloved Zamboni driver. A tin box is discovered during the renovation of her new home, and Abigail brushes it off as a time capsule left by the previous owner – that is until someone tries to steal it. Turns out, the odd collection is more than just sentimental hockey memorabilia.

    Abigail inadvertently embroils Del Braebury, captain of the local pro hockey team, into helping her sort it out. Her history with hockey players is rocky at best, but he comes in handy when she needs to access parts of the rink that are off limits. Del is happy to be tangled up in the clues of the hidden hockey loot. In the process of solving the mystery, he hopes to win Abigail’s heart!

     

     Buy links ~ 

    Amazon.com  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Paperback Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Hidden-Hockey-Clues-Linda-OConnor/dp/198895522X/

  • Day 1 ~ Become a Serial Fundraiser!

    It’s the last day of the 10-day Countdown! Tomorrow Love & the Hidden Hockey Clues goes live!  Abigail is heavily involved in charitable work. Today I’m sharing tips for supporting your favourite charity.

    LOVE & THE HIDDEN HOCKEY CLUES is Book 1 of the Laugh-out-Loud Hockey Caper Romance series ~ following the clues and falling in love! May 14 is the day. Woohoo!!

     

    Abigail is a serial fundraiser – she moves on to the next project as soon as one is finished. She puts time and effort into helping to raise money for causes that are important to her. And that’s the first tip – volunteering your time and energy is one of the most valuable gifts you can give a charitable organization. Find something that touches your heart and offer to volunteer. Chances are you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

    If you’re more comfortable donating money, that’s always welcome, too! Pick a cause that you’d like to support. I find that I gravitate toward education, homeless shelters, food banks – and medical research, of course. I tend to prefer that my money is used locally and nationally, but supporting international causes is just as worthwhile. Look at what is happening in Ukraine right now and how urgently they need our support. Do your research. Make sure that they are accountable and transparent so that you can be assured that your money is going toward their mission. Some suggest that at a minimum, 75% of the money that is donated to the charity should be used for its goals and not for its officers or expenses. If claiming the donation as a tax deduction is important, make sure that the charity is registered with the government so that they can issue a tax receipt. Some people think that 100% of the value of your donation is tax deductible, but generally that’s not the case. The deduction to your income is usually equivalent to about 12-15% of your donation.

    Whatever you support, know that charitable work and donations make a huge difference to a community. Giving back and paying it forward are the best investments you can make for the future!

     

    A bit about Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues ~

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues coverFollowing the clues and falling in love…

    When she was younger, Dr. Abigail Clark dreamed of playing professional hockey, but the world wasn’t ready for a female player. That stung. She skated as far away from hockey as possible – until she lands a job in the emergency department of a hockey-crazy town and buys the house of the late beloved Zamboni driver. A tin box is discovered during the renovation of her new home, and Abigail brushes it off as a time capsule left by the previous owner – that is until someone tries to steal it. Turns out, the odd collection is more than just sentimental hockey memorabilia.

    Abigail inadvertently embroils Del Braebury, captain of the local pro hockey team, into helping her sort it out. Her history with hockey players is rocky at best, but he comes in handy when she needs to access parts of the rink that are off limits. Del is happy to be tangled up in the clues of the hidden hockey loot. In the process of solving the mystery, he hopes to win Abigail’s heart!

     

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues is up for pre-order. The big day is May 14! Can’t wait to share this story with you tomorrow!!

     Buy links ~

    Amazon.com  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Paperback Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Hidden-Hockey-Clues-Linda-OConnor/dp/198895522X/

  • Day 2 ~ Video Trailer Sneak Peek!

    It’s day 2 of the 10-day Countdown!! Time for the You“two”be book trailer video. LOVE & THE HIDDEN HOCKEY CLUES is Book 1 of the Laugh-out-Loud Hockey Caper Romance series ~ a delightfully funny hockey romance! May 14 is the big day. Woohoo!!

     

    Check out the book trailer video!

     

     

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues coverA bit about Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues

    Following the clues and falling in love…

    When she was younger, Dr. Abigail Clark dreamed of playing professional hockey, but the world wasn’t ready for a female player. That stung. She skated as far away from hockey as possible – until she lands a job in the emergency department of a hockey-crazy town and buys the house of the late beloved Zamboni driver. A tin box is discovered during the renovation of her new home, and Abigail brushes it off as a time capsule left by the previous owner – that is until someone tries to steal it. Turns out, the odd collection is more than just sentimental hockey memorabilia.

    Abigail inadvertently embroils Del Braebury, captain of the local pro hockey team, into helping her sort it out. Her history with hockey players is rocky at best, but he comes in handy when she needs to access parts of the rink that are off limits. Del is happy to be tangled up in the clues of the hidden hockey loot. In the process of solving the mystery, he hopes to win Abigail’s heart!

     

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues is up for pre-order. The big day is May 14! Can’t wait to share this story with you. Stayed tuned – tomorrow Abigail will be sharing tips for picking a reputable charity.

    Buy links ~ 

    Amazon.com  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Paperback Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Hidden-Hockey-Clues-Linda-OConnor/dp/198895522X/

  • Day 3 ~ Enjoy an Excerpt #MFRWHooks

    It’s day 3 of the 10-day Countdown!! Here’s a #MRFWHooks from LOVE & THE HIDDEN HOCKEY CLUES, Book 1 of the Laugh-out-Loud Hockey Caper Romance series. A box found during a renovation turns out to be more than just run-of-the-mill hockey memorabilia. Dr. Abigail Clark manages to rope Del Braebury, captain of the local professional hockey team, into helping her sort it all out. Following the clues and falling in love…

    It’ll be live on May 14. Woohoo!

    A bit about Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues ~

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues coverFollowing the clues and falling in love…

    When she was younger, Dr. Abigail Clark dreamed of playing professional hockey, but the world wasn’t ready for a female player. That stung. She skated as far away from hockey as possible – until she lands a job in the emergency department of a hockey-crazy town and buys the house of the late beloved Zamboni driver. A tin box is discovered during the renovation of her new home, and Abigail brushes it off as a time capsule left by the previous owner – that is until someone tries to steal it. Turns out, the odd collection is more than just sentimental hockey memorabilia.

    Abigail inadvertently embroils Del Braebury, captain of the local pro hockey team, into helping her sort it out. Her history with hockey players is rocky at best, but he comes in handy when she needs to access parts of the rink that are off limits. Del is happy to be tangled up in the clues of the hidden hockey loot. In the process of solving the mystery, he hopes to win Abigail’s heart!

     

    Enjoy an excerpt ~

    Abigail put her purse on the floor at her feet. “I found a date for next Saturday.”

    “Yeah, I got that, but rewind a moment.” Sierra put up a hand. The black curls framing her face bobbed with the movement. “You’re going with some random guy from the gym and to seal the deal, you kissed him?”

    Abigail rolled her eyes. “It wasn’t to seal the deal. It was to get a five-thousand-dollar donation to the hospital.”

    Her three friends did simultaneous double takes. If she didn’t feel so sheepish about the whole thing, it would’ve been funny.

    “He paid five thousand dollars to kiss you?” Bailey’s eyes were wide. “I mean I know you have sex appeal, but that’s impressive.”

    Abigail laughed. “He had a bet going with his friends. They promised to fork over five thousand if I said yes and five thousand if we kissed before the night was over.” She shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “I just sped things up.”

    “Abigail Sarah Clark, it seems we need to have a little talk about appropriate behaviour with the opposite sex.” Sierra gave a good stink eye.

    Abigail sighed. “I know, I know. It was an impulse. His two friends were so smug. I was goaded.” She’d had to quash her own pang of embarrassment over the kiss. “He is quite easy on the eyes, though.”

    Bailey leaned forward with a wide smile. “Deets.” Her heart-shaped face, porcelain skin, and fine features belied the adventure in her blood.

    Abigail laughed. “Close to one-hundred-ninety centimetres tall, black wavy hair, and an angel face with a sexy five o’clock shadow.”

    “What’s his name?” Piper asked softly. Her warm brown eyes held more worry than censure. Abigail could imagine she was the most appalled, though she’d never say so for fear of hurting Abigail’s feelings.

    “I don’t know.”

    Again with the simultaneous double takes.

    Sierra blinked rapidly and held up her hands. “What do you mean, you don’t know? Didn’t he give you his name? Didn’t you ask?”

    Abigail cleared her throat. “Not exactly. In my head I was calling him Muscles. I don’t think he introduced himself when he came over and then after that kiss…” She bit her lip. “You know that emoji with the big saucer eyes and flushed cheeks?”

    Her friends nodded.

    “That was me.”

    Bailey laughed and wiggled her eyebrows. “Good kisser, check.” She made a big check mark in the air.

    “Over the top,” Abigail said with a nod. “I was in the locker room before I realized I’d forgotten to ask his name, and when I came out he was hanging with his friends again. I didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of knowing that I didn’t know, you know?”

    “So you have a date for Saturday, and you have no idea who he is except that he’s a good kisser?” Sierra asked. Her hands might as well have been on her hips.

    “Pretty much,” Abigail said, a tad sheepishly. “I’m sure I’ll see him again at the gym before next Saturday. I’ll ask him then.”

    “What’s the name of the gym?” Bailey asked.

    “Break Point.”

    Piper’s eyes widened. “Isn’t that owned by one of the Edge players? I heard the team hangs out there.”

    Sierra’s jaw dropped. “You kissed a hockey player?”

    “What? No.” Although they certainly were built. And they dropped ten grand like it was Monopoly money. “Oh, jeez.”

    Bailey laughed delightedly and pulled out her cell phone. “The woman who has vowed never to date a hockey player, who disses hockey players at every opportunity, who shows nothing but disdain for women who date hockey players…is going out with a hockey player. Wouldn’t that be karma?” She searched for pictures of the Brighton Edge players and handed it to Abigail.

    Abigail took Bailey’s phone reluctantly and scrolled through the team members. Her heart dropped when she found him. She held the phone out to show the others.

    Bailey whistled, Sierra’s eyes narrowed, and Piper tried unsuccessfully to hide a sympathetic smile.

    Abigail was going to the dinner and dance with Del Braebury, captain of the Brighton Edge hockey team.

     

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues is a sweet with heat romcom with a twist! It’s up for pre-order. The big day is May 14! Can’t wait to share this story with you. Join me tomorrow for a sneak peek at the video trailer!

     Buy links ~

    Amazon.com  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Paperback Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Hidden-Hockey-Clues-Linda-OConnor/dp/198895522X/

    Enjoy the next awesome book hook on the hop!

     

     

  • Day 4 ~ Tips for Preparing for a Renovation!

    It’s day 4 of the 10-day Countdown!! LOVE & THE HIDDEN HOCKEY CLUES. Book 1 of the Laugh-out-Loud Hockey Caper Romance series will be released May 14. Woohoo! Abigail is in the middle of renovations of her house when a box of hockey memorabilia is discovered. Today she’s sharing some renovation tips!

    Renovations are awesome – said no one ever in the midst of it! But the final result is often worth the hassle of the process. A lighter, brighter, up-to-date, more functional space is the reward for suffering through the gazillion decisions that have to be made and the inconvenience and disruption to any sort of routine. Not to mention strangers showing up to your house at 7:30 am (or worse, not showing up at all!) Here are 4 tips for packing up and preparing for the renovation:

    1. When you clear out the space and pack up your belongings, label the boxes. Record the contents of each box in detail because, you know, as soon as you pack away the ice cream scoop you’re going to need it! It’ll also make unpacking much easier to do in stages if you can put your hands on what you need.
    2. Use this time to edit your belongings. It’s an excellent opportunity to declutter. Many charities will recycle gently used clothing, toys, musical instruments, and furniture. Often theatre groups are looking for vintage clothes, silk flowers, or fabric remnants. And just think – the more you give away, the less you have to pack!
    3. If you’re packing up a kitchen, go to your local liquor store and ask for free boxes. Shipping boxes for wine bottles have handy dividers that making packing glasses and stemware a snap.
    4. Pick out as many finishes as you can before the reno starts – big things like flooring, backsplash tile, paint colours, fixtures, and cabinet style, but also small things like cabinet knobs/pulls and décor pieces like mirrors and lighting. The more decisions you make before you start, the easier it will be and the less pressure you’ll be under when the deadline arrives and the contractors have to have the info. Knowing what appliances you want is a must before designing a kitchen, but having the appliances on site is even better. With supply chain issues, getting things delivered in a timely manner is a real problem. Now is not the time to be a procrastinator!

    I hear renovations are a lot like childbirth – the pain in the midst of it is totally worth the end result and soon forgotten after the fact. Good luck with yours!

     

    A bit about Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues ~

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues coverFollowing the clues and falling in love…

    When she was younger, Dr. Abigail Clark dreamed of playing professional hockey, but the world wasn’t ready for a female player. That stung. She skated as far away from hockey as possible – until she lands a job in the emergency department of a hockey-crazy town and buys the house of the late beloved Zamboni driver. A tin box is discovered during the renovation of her new home, and Abigail brushes it off as a time capsule left by the previous owner – that is until someone tries to steal it. Turns out, the odd collection is more than just sentimental hockey memorabilia.

     

    Abigail inadvertently embroils Del Braebury, captain of the local pro hockey team, into helping her sort it out. Her history with hockey players is rocky at best, but he comes in handy when she needs to access parts of the rink that are off limits. Del is happy to be tangled up in the clues of the hidden hockey loot. In the process of solving the mystery, he hopes to win Abigail’s heart!

     

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues is up for pre-order. The big day is May 14! Can’t wait to share this story with you. Stayed tuned – tomorrow I’m sharing an excerpt!

    Buy links ~  

    Amazon.com  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Paperback Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Hidden-Hockey-Clues-Linda-OConnor/dp/198895522X/

     

  • Day 5 ~ Inspiring Women in Hockey!

    green number 5It’s day 5 of the 10-day Countdown!! LOVE & THE HIDDEN HOCKEY CLUES, Book 1 of the Laugh-out-Loud Hockey Caper Romance series will be live on May 14. Woohoo! Today, I’m shining a spotlight on 5 women who are inspiring for their contribution to hockey! 

     

    I’m often asked where I get my ideas. In Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues, Abigail wants to skate as far away from hockey as possible because of her history with the game. She wanted to play high level hockey but just couldn’t make it work as a female in a male-dominated world. This never happened to me. Haha. However, I was always struck by how few females were a part of the NHL. Not necessarily as players, but as part of the whole organization. I know there is a big push for a female professional league, and I am in awe of Marie Philip Poulin, the outstanding Olympian who turned down an offer from the Montreal Canadiens affiliate team, the Trois Rivieres Lions, because she preferred to develop women’s pro hockey. What a leader and role model for girls and women in the sport!

    During the time I was writing and editing this story in 2021-2022, 4 other females were in the news because of their “firsts” in hockey. They are:

    • Aisha Visram was hired as an athletic therapist for the LA Kings becoming the first female behind an NHL bench.
    • Emilie Castonguay was named assistant general manager for the Vancouver Canucks, the first female assistant GM.
    • Goalie Taya Currie of Parkhill, Ontario was the first woman drafted into the Ontario Hockey League, our premiere stepping stone into the NHL. She was selected in the 14th round by the Sarnia Sting.
    • Leah Hextall became the first female to be hired as a full-time NHL play-by-play announcer.

    It’s a bit hard to believe that in 2022 these are firsts for pro hockey, but these women will be inspiring to all the youngsters coming up the ranks in the hope of being a part of the hockey world. Change is slow, but hopefully, histories like Abigail’s will be a thing of the past!

    A bit about Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues ~

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues coverFollowing the clues and falling in love…

    When she was younger, Dr. Abigail Clark dreamed of playing professional hockey, but the world wasn’t ready for a female player. That stung. She skated as far away from hockey as possible – until she lands a job in the emergency department of a hockey-crazy town and buys the house of the late beloved Zamboni driver. A tin box is discovered during the renovation of her new home, and Abigail brushes it off as a time capsule left by the previous owner – that is until someone tries to steal it. Turns out, the odd collection is more than just sentimental hockey memorabilia.

    Abigail inadvertently embroils Del Braebury, captain of the local pro hockey team, into helping her sort it out. Her history with hockey players is rocky at best, but he comes in handy when she needs to access parts of the rink that are off limits. Del is happy to be tangled up in the clues of the hidden hockey loot. In the process of solving the mystery, he hopes to win Abigail’s heart!

     

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues is up for pre-order. The big day is May 14! Can’t wait to share this story with you. Stayed tuned – tomorrow I’m sharing tips for preparing for a renovation!

    Buy links ~ 

    Amazon.com  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Paperback Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Hidden-Hockey-Clues-Linda-OConnor/dp/198895522X/

  • Day 6 ~ Delicious Dessert Recipe!

    number 6It’s day 6 of the 10-day Countdown!! LOVE & THE HIDDEN HOCKEY CLUES is Book 1 of the Laugh-out-Loud Hockey Caper Romance series. A box found during a renovation turns out to be more than just run-of-the-mill hockey memorabilia. Following the clues and falling in love…

    It’s going live on May 14. Woohoo! Today I’m sharing a recipe for a decadent fruit parfait.

    Abigail and her friends attend Italian cooking classes. It’s a chance for them to get together and relax and I specifically chose Italian food for the story because I admire the tradition that Italian families have for passing down their recipes. It seems like it gives the younger generation a real sense of pride to be taught how to prepare classic dishes which are important for the family. It would be cool to share an Italian recipe, but since I’m neither Italian nor have I ever taken an Italian cooking class, I thought it’d be safer to stick with an easy, delicious dessert. This one can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free cookies.

    If you’re looking for an easy recipe for an elegant dessert, this is it! It’s a parfait and who doesn’t love parfait? It has a mixture of textures with a tangy smooth cream cheese, the crunch of cookies and soft fruit. Yum! I’ve made it with shortbread cookies and ginger snaps and both are delicious. You could also use granola if you’re serving it for a fancy brunch. The layers of cream cheese are alternated with fruit and you can use one fruit or a mix of your favourites.

    Decadent Fruit Parfait

    1 package (250g) cream cheese, softened

    ¾ cup icing sugar

    ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt (I use zero fat)

    4 teaspoons lemon juice

    2 teaspoons vanilla

    ½ cup whipping cream, whipped

    10-12 coarsely crumbled cookies

    2 cups of fresh fruit – blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, kiwi

    Using an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese, icing sugar, and Greek yogurt. Add in the lemon juice and vanilla and beat until smooth. Whip the whipping cream until stiff peaks form and then stir into the cream cheese mixture. Fill six parfait glasses (you could use wine glasses too) with a layer of the cream cheese mixture, then fruit and cookie crumble. Repeat one or two more times ending with fruit and cookie crumble on top. Makes 6 servings.

     

    A bit about Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues ~

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues coverFollowing the clues and falling in love…

    When she was younger, Dr. Abigail Clark dreamed of playing professional hockey, but the world wasn’t ready for a female player. That stung. She skated as far away from hockey as possible – until she lands a job in the emergency department of a hockey-crazy town and buys the house of the late beloved Zamboni driver. A tin box is discovered during the renovation of her new home, and Abigail brushes it off as a time capsule left by the previous owner – that is until someone tries to steal it. Turns out, the odd collection is more than just sentimental hockey memorabilia.

    Abigail inadvertently embroils Del Braebury, captain of the local pro hockey team, into helping her sort it out. Her history with hockey players is rocky at best, but he comes in handy when she needs to access parts of the rink that are off limits. Del is happy to be tangled up in the clues of the hidden hockey loot. In the process of solving the mystery, he hopes to win Abigail’s heart!

     

    Love and the Hidden Hockey Clues is up for pre-order. The big day is May 14! Can’t wait to share this story with you. Stayed tuned – tomorrow we’ll be spotlighting 5 inspiring women in hockey!

     Buy links ~ 

    Amazon.com  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09YJXZS7H/

    Paperback Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Hidden-Hockey-Clues-Linda-OConnor/dp/198895522X/