I am super excited to report the release of Offsides, the long-awaited sequel to my young adult hockey book for kids, Face-Off. The book was published TWENTY-SIX YEARS after the original publication of Face-Off. What a fascinating experience this was for me, revisiting characters I created at sixteen years old and releasing a brand new book on hockey. I had such fun bringing Brad and T.J. into the present with cell phones, texting, and social media.
Here is the blurb for the sequel. Twin hockey stars Brad and T.J. have finally resolved their differences and forged a friendship on and off the ice. What should have been the best year ever takes a nasty hit when the boys’ parents announce their divorce, and Brad makes a mistake that could impact his game eligibility. Meanwhile, T.J. faces off against their father, who opposes his decision to delay college and pursue junior hockey.
Adding to the tension are a rebellious kid brother, girlfriend trouble, and recruiting pressure. The turmoil threatens to drive the twins apart just when they need to work together the most. With a championship title and their futures at stake, T.J. and Brad must fight to keep from going offsides.
This hockey book for kids and teens is available in paperback and e-book formats.
Get Your Copy!
I have re-branded my YA hockey books as being part of the Hockey Rivals series. Face-Off was listed in Best Books for Young Readers Grades 7-10, was recommended on the reading list of the Hockey Hall of Fame Junior Education Program, and is still selling as strongly today as it was in the early 1990s. Here are what some young readers had to say about the first book, which starts when T.J. is forced to transfer schools and winds up playing on the same hockey team as his rival brother:
I loved it because I love hockey. The story kind of relates to my family because I have a twin and two younger brothers . . . can you please make a sequel?”
– Matthew from Vermont
“Face-Off was a great book. The reason I picked it out was because it was about hockey. I think that there should be a sequel to it.”
– Wesley from Maine
“I would really enjoy another one of your books. The book you wrote was the first book I ever sat down and read the whole thing. I don’t read much, but this time I did.”
– Richard from Missouri
“This is, by far, one of the best books I have ever read. Face-Off has an excellent climax and a superb plot . . . This is one book I think every hockey fan should read. Your book shows how in hockey, it’s not a one-man show and it takes a whole team to win. I know a sequel to Face-Off would be great. I couldn’t change any part of this story to make it better if I tried.”
– Adam from Ohio
Well, it took me a while to write that sequel – for a lot of good reasons that I explain in the back of Offsides – but better late than never. I may even make it a trilogy with a book 3.
In the meantime, if you know any teens or tweens who love sports, especially ice hockey, please consider getting them a copy of the Hockey Rivals books. They are targeted at ages 12-18, but I’ve had 9-year-olds write to me about Face-Off. Adult hockey fans have told me that they enjoy the books also.
Buy The Hockey Rival Books on Amazon
Here’s how you can help with the Offsides launch:
* If you or your child/grandchild reads the Hockey Rivals books, please consider leaving a short review on Amazon, Goodreads, and any other sites that you use.
* Know any hockey moms, hockey dads, or hockey coaches? Please send this link to them.
* Share the Hockey Rivals books on social media, blogs, etc.
* Read and share the excerpt of Offsides below.
Stacy Juba has written sweet and sassy chick lit novels, mysteries about determined women sleuths, and entertaining books for young adults and children. Her books include the Storybook Valley chick lit series and the Hockey Rivals young adult sports novels.
Stacy is also a freelance developmental editor and online course creator. Sign up for her free masterclass, How to Create Your Editing Game Plan.
Stop by her other websites and blogs: Shortcuts for Writers and Hockey Rivals.
