Romance novel debut by Sean Avery puts spotlight on ex-wife Hilary Rhoda

Time of India

15-05-2025

Former NHL player Sean Avery is co-writing a hockey romance book, Summer Skate (Credit: Getty Image)
The headlines may focus on
Sean Avery
's new
romance novel
,
Summer Skate
, but much of the real discussion centers on someone who isn't co-writing the book; his ex-wife,
Hilary Rhoda
. While Avery is preparing for his literary debut, it's Rhoda's name that continues to echo in the background of the controversy.
A former supermodel and public figure in her own right, Rhoda has largely stayed out of the spotlight since her divorce from Avery. However, Avery's resurfacing through a genre aimed at women has brought their past back into focus. For many, Rhoda represents a silent figure whose experiences have added weight to the backlash now unfolding.
A history of personal turmoil emerges
Avery's pivot to romance fiction might seem unexpected, but public reaction goes beyond genre. His relationship with Rhoda was marked by serious allegations. Legal documents detail claims of emotional abuse and an incident involving their child. A restraining order filed by Rhoda underscored the severity of their personal history.
These facts have reshaped how readers view Avery's new book. In a genre where emotional nuance and healthy relationships are central, many are struggling to separate the author from the man. For readers who see Rhoda's past with Avery as part of this narrative, skepticism toward the book is about more than plot; it's about credibility and character.
The question behind women-centered fiction
Former NHL player Sean Avery is co-writing a hockey romance book, Summer Skate (Credit: Getty Image)
Romance novels often portray complex women, navigating love, chaos, and identity. Rhoda's name keeps resurfacing not because she's in the book, but because her story complicates Avery's presence in the space. Can a man accused of harming a woman create stories that center women's emotional lives? That's the question many are now asking.
Some fans of the genre see this as more than a publishing choice. It feels personal. Avery's co-author, Leslie Cohen, is also under fire; not for her writing, but for aligning with someone whose reputation among women is deeply fractured. Rhoda's lived experience becomes a touchpoint in the conversation, even if she's never mentioned in the novel.
The controversy may cast a long shadow
As the book moves toward its fall release, the cloud of public judgment remains. Rhoda herself has not spoken publicly about Summer Skate, but the public narrative hasn't let her go. Her past with Avery isn't just background noise; it's a lens through which many readers now view the project.
Rhoda, despite being outside the literary conversation, has become central to how this story is being told. Her silence speaks to the dignity with which she has navigated a painful history. In contrast, Avery's spotlight has brought attention not just to his writing, but to the woman once closest to him. That proximity has become a measure of trust; or the lack of it.
Read more:
Emily Ferguson the wife of Karlsson balances motherhood and media spotlight
Rhoda remains the quiet center of the storm
While Sean Avery aims to rebrand through romantic fiction, it is Hilary Rhoda who quietly embodies the emotional core of this controversy. Her experiences have shaped the public's response to Summer Skate, reminding audiences that behind every story are real lives. In this case, it's the life of a woman many now view as the unspoken protagonist.
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