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Portsmouth Whalers #1
The Big Puck
The good news is I was recently named head coach of the Portsmouth Whalers hockey team, the youngest coach in the NHL for their newest expansion team.
The bad news? Brace yourself. I wish I had when I found out my half-brother just took his life. When I got up off the floor I also found out he left me with a mountain of debt— and his baby daughter.
Even though my Aunt Hildie promises to come live with me in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to help me take care of the kid, she won't be coming until after her hip surgery.
The I show up on the first day of pre-season training camp in a dented up old Jeep with a stroller full of trouble.
Lucky for me--and luckier for the kid--the sister of one of my players is at the rink and she offers to help me out.
She's a little young and a little crazy, but It’s only for a month. What could go wrong?
She’s laid-back. and I'm an in-charge type.
( I'm grumpy and she's sunshine.)
She loves kids and I don’t know what to do with the little girl.
She teaches me.
My girlfriend objects…
( Adult language and sexual content.)
The bad news? Brace yourself. I wish I had when I found out my half-brother just took his life. When I got up off the floor I also found out he left me with a mountain of debt— and his baby daughter.
Even though my Aunt Hildie promises to come live with me in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to help me take care of the kid, she won't be coming until after her hip surgery.
The I show up on the first day of pre-season training camp in a dented up old Jeep with a stroller full of trouble.
Lucky for me--and luckier for the kid--the sister of one of my players is at the rink and she offers to help me out.
She's a little young and a little crazy, but It’s only for a month. What could go wrong?
She’s laid-back. and I'm an in-charge type.
( I'm grumpy and she's sunshine.)
She loves kids and I don’t know what to do with the little girl.
She teaches me.
My girlfriend objects…
( Adult language and sexual content.)
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2023
184 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 27, 2024
Hated this… Hero has a long distance girlfriend until around 60%…
He invites the girlfriend over (while the heroine is living with him) to basically rekindle their relationship. AKA… get over the heroine by fucking his gf.
He kisses the heroine and then his girlfriend arrives and he’s kissing his girlfriend a minute later. And the heroine sees them together. Lots of ick.
He nearly has sex with his girlfriend that night, even though he admits internally he isn’t interested, and is only interrupted when the baby cries.
He then continues his sham of a relationship for the next day and kisses the OW in front of the heroine several more times. He does finally break up with OW that night, but he also insults the heroine in the process of denying his feelings. He’s a chickenshit, pathetic manchild of a Zero.
He invites the girlfriend over (while the heroine is living with him) to basically rekindle their relationship. AKA… get over the heroine by fucking his gf.
He kisses the heroine and then his girlfriend arrives and he’s kissing his girlfriend a minute later. And the heroine sees them together. Lots of ick.
He nearly has sex with his girlfriend that night, even though he admits internally he isn’t interested, and is only interrupted when the baby cries.
He then continues his sham of a relationship for the next day and kisses the OW in front of the heroine several more times. He does finally break up with OW that night, but he also insults the heroine in the process of denying his feelings. He’s a chickenshit, pathetic manchild of a Zero.
July 26, 2023
Stephanie Queen scored a hat trick with The Big Puck. It has so much to offer, a grumpy/sunshine pairing, forbidden love, and my favorite sport hockey. This story focuses on the coach and the sister of one of his star players. Spence’s angst jumps off the page and tugs at your heart. Lainey masks her past hurts with unbridled optimism. The pull between them is palpable, and it’s only a matter of time before Spence can’t resist Lainey. However, they have to overcome a few obstacles before they can be together. I highly recommend setting aside uninterrupted time to read this, because you will not want to put it down. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2023
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
It was good for a sports romance with the additional trope of single dad and age gap. Spence was raising his niece and starting as the new head coach of the Whalers, new franchise team of the NHL. His aunt was supposed to help with childcare during the NHL season but she ended up injuring her hip. A chance encounter with his star player has Spence hiring Lainey as his nanny for the season. Lainey is the sister of his star player. There is an attraction from the beginning and the both fight it. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist their mutual attraction.
It is a good book. Written well. Does end in HEA.
It was good for a sports romance with the additional trope of single dad and age gap. Spence was raising his niece and starting as the new head coach of the Whalers, new franchise team of the NHL. His aunt was supposed to help with childcare during the NHL season but she ended up injuring her hip. A chance encounter with his star player has Spence hiring Lainey as his nanny for the season. Lainey is the sister of his star player. There is an attraction from the beginning and the both fight it. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist their mutual attraction.
It is a good book. Written well. Does end in HEA.
November 26, 2023
This turned out to be a delightful surprise, full of charm, laughs, humor, & love.
To say I liked this book is an understatement - I smiled through a great part of it; got moved to tears a few times; but mostly found Lainey irresistibly charming, sweet with a lot of spice and sass, and such an obviously perfect foil (and choice) for Spence's growly, prickly, and stoic personality that was a cover for his huge heart and need for someone exactly like her to soften his rough edges while loving him unconditionally. Spence was blessed with a keen talent and eye for ice hockey, and when he physically could not play professionally anymore, he discovered his love of the sport, an inherent drive to succeed in the face of adversity, and most of all, his infinitely superior observation skills of the talented players he coached made him an exceptional NHL head coach.
However, what made Spencer Logan a great man was the way he stepped up to fulfill his deceased half-brother's final request to be a father to his infant niece, whereupon he legally adopted an orphaned Krissy (her remaining parent, serving a prison sentence, signed over her parental rights to her daughter), found the best job he could for career longevity while ensuring he could raise his new daughter in the town where he'd grown up. Every decision he made, as well as every act he carried out, was done with Krissy's welfare in mind, including the large Victorian home he had renovated and redesigned so he and Krissy could live comfortably with his Aunt Hilde, his intended caregiver for Krissy. Spence is a former hunky hockey-player who would always look the part, since he'd always be really tall, muscular, fit, extremely handsome, and not completely broken (he had a career-ending shoulder injury, which meant he walked, moved with athletic grace and ease). He envisioned himself raising Krissy alone - yeah right. Lainey immediately saw through his gruff exterior, watched him for a second with the baby, and upon discovering Aunt Hilde needed recovery time from a hip surgery, made the instantaneous decision to help him, even volunteering to become Krissy's nanny until his Aunt Hilde could manage Krissy by herself.
The storyline was well organized, detailed, with excellent transitions between meeting characters, moving between settings, and learning about Spencer's challenges that extended to a hostile, irrational CEO-GM boss who not only knew practically nothing about running a successful hockey team franchise, but had zero social skills, mindset or personality to effectively handle or coach a group of men who were some of professional hockey's best talent. I recommend this book and the installments that are to come. This writer's got promise! Four stars.
To say I liked this book is an understatement - I smiled through a great part of it; got moved to tears a few times; but mostly found Lainey irresistibly charming, sweet with a lot of spice and sass, and such an obviously perfect foil (and choice) for Spence's growly, prickly, and stoic personality that was a cover for his huge heart and need for someone exactly like her to soften his rough edges while loving him unconditionally. Spence was blessed with a keen talent and eye for ice hockey, and when he physically could not play professionally anymore, he discovered his love of the sport, an inherent drive to succeed in the face of adversity, and most of all, his infinitely superior observation skills of the talented players he coached made him an exceptional NHL head coach.
However, what made Spencer Logan a great man was the way he stepped up to fulfill his deceased half-brother's final request to be a father to his infant niece, whereupon he legally adopted an orphaned Krissy (her remaining parent, serving a prison sentence, signed over her parental rights to her daughter), found the best job he could for career longevity while ensuring he could raise his new daughter in the town where he'd grown up. Every decision he made, as well as every act he carried out, was done with Krissy's welfare in mind, including the large Victorian home he had renovated and redesigned so he and Krissy could live comfortably with his Aunt Hilde, his intended caregiver for Krissy. Spence is a former hunky hockey-player who would always look the part, since he'd always be really tall, muscular, fit, extremely handsome, and not completely broken (he had a career-ending shoulder injury, which meant he walked, moved with athletic grace and ease). He envisioned himself raising Krissy alone - yeah right. Lainey immediately saw through his gruff exterior, watched him for a second with the baby, and upon discovering Aunt Hilde needed recovery time from a hip surgery, made the instantaneous decision to help him, even volunteering to become Krissy's nanny until his Aunt Hilde could manage Krissy by herself.
The storyline was well organized, detailed, with excellent transitions between meeting characters, moving between settings, and learning about Spencer's challenges that extended to a hostile, irrational CEO-GM boss who not only knew practically nothing about running a successful hockey team franchise, but had zero social skills, mindset or personality to effectively handle or coach a group of men who were some of professional hockey's best talent. I recommend this book and the installments that are to come. This writer's got promise! Four stars.
August 5, 2023
Stephanie Queen scored a hat trick with The Big Puck, a Portsmouth Whalers hockey romance. It has so much to offer, a grumpy/sunshine pairing, forbidden love, and my favorite sport hockey. This story focuses on the coach and the sister of one of his star players.
Spence gets his big chance to be the head coach for a pro hockey team, Portsmouth Whalers, at exactly the wrong time. His troubled brother died, leaving his baby daughter, Krissy, for Spence to adopt and raise. Spence steps up, but when his Aunt Hildie falls and breaks a hip, he loses his only babysitter. Lainey, a kindergarten teacher, just broke her engagement to a borderline-abusive jerk, and heads north to Maine with her brother, Jason, the new center for the Portsmouth Whalers. When Jason and Lainey run into the new coach while riding the elevator of the team's headquarters; it is love at first sight: Lainey grabs the baby and gives her a good cuddle. Upbeat, fun Lainey is quite a bit younger than grouchy Spence, but when she moves into his house to work as his nanny, the sparks between them is real.
This story had just the right amount of sass and heat. Lainey’s outlook on life creates a bright light in a world that is dim. Spence is grumpy and all business, needing someone like Lainey in his life. Lainey recognizes his hurt, knowing that he holds all his past hurts in. Spence’s anxiety tugs at your heart, while Lainey hides her past hurts with unrestrained optimism. The pull between them is clear obvious, with it being only a matter of time before Spence is unable to resist Lainey. Before that can happen, they have to overcome a few obstacles before they can be together. I highly recommend The Big Puck to other readers who enjoy sports romance and look forward to more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Spence gets his big chance to be the head coach for a pro hockey team, Portsmouth Whalers, at exactly the wrong time. His troubled brother died, leaving his baby daughter, Krissy, for Spence to adopt and raise. Spence steps up, but when his Aunt Hildie falls and breaks a hip, he loses his only babysitter. Lainey, a kindergarten teacher, just broke her engagement to a borderline-abusive jerk, and heads north to Maine with her brother, Jason, the new center for the Portsmouth Whalers. When Jason and Lainey run into the new coach while riding the elevator of the team's headquarters; it is love at first sight: Lainey grabs the baby and gives her a good cuddle. Upbeat, fun Lainey is quite a bit younger than grouchy Spence, but when she moves into his house to work as his nanny, the sparks between them is real.
This story had just the right amount of sass and heat. Lainey’s outlook on life creates a bright light in a world that is dim. Spence is grumpy and all business, needing someone like Lainey in his life. Lainey recognizes his hurt, knowing that he holds all his past hurts in. Spence’s anxiety tugs at your heart, while Lainey hides her past hurts with unrestrained optimism. The pull between them is clear obvious, with it being only a matter of time before Spence is unable to resist Lainey. Before that can happen, they have to overcome a few obstacles before they can be together. I highly recommend The Big Puck to other readers who enjoy sports romance and look forward to more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
June 9, 2025
Review: The Big Puck by Stephanie Queen
Book 1 in the Portsmouth Whalers series
The Big Puck kicks off the Portsmouth Whalers series with a heartwarming and trope-filled sports romance.
After adopting his infant niece, Krissy, Spencer Logan returns to his hometown to take a temporary coaching job with the Whalers. His goal? Secure the permanent position to give his new family some much-needed stability. But with a baby to care for, he also needs a live-in nanny.
Enter Laine Hall—the younger sister of Spencer's star player, Jason. When she offers to help, Spencer agrees before fully thinking it through. It’s not the smartest idea: she's his player’s sister, much younger, and he’s technically her boss. Still, the chemistry is undeniable, even as they both try to resist the pull until the end of the season.
This book is packed with fan-favorite tropes: age gap, grumpy/sunshine, single dad, forced proximity, boss/employee—and even a touch of forbidden romance. It’s a slow-burn with minimal spice, but totally worth the wait.
I especially loved the contrast between the leads. Spencer is serious and guarded, while Laine is vibrant, sassy, and full of life. She totally stole the show for me—especially during her birthday scene, which was a standout moment.
If you're a fan of sports romance with heart, humor, and just the right amount of tension, The Big Puck is a must-read.
Book 1 in the Portsmouth Whalers series
The Big Puck kicks off the Portsmouth Whalers series with a heartwarming and trope-filled sports romance.
After adopting his infant niece, Krissy, Spencer Logan returns to his hometown to take a temporary coaching job with the Whalers. His goal? Secure the permanent position to give his new family some much-needed stability. But with a baby to care for, he also needs a live-in nanny.
Enter Laine Hall—the younger sister of Spencer's star player, Jason. When she offers to help, Spencer agrees before fully thinking it through. It’s not the smartest idea: she's his player’s sister, much younger, and he’s technically her boss. Still, the chemistry is undeniable, even as they both try to resist the pull until the end of the season.
This book is packed with fan-favorite tropes: age gap, grumpy/sunshine, single dad, forced proximity, boss/employee—and even a touch of forbidden romance. It’s a slow-burn with minimal spice, but totally worth the wait.
I especially loved the contrast between the leads. Spencer is serious and guarded, while Laine is vibrant, sassy, and full of life. She totally stole the show for me—especially during her birthday scene, which was a standout moment.
If you're a fan of sports romance with heart, humor, and just the right amount of tension, The Big Puck is a must-read.
August 4, 2023
No TWs that I could tell.
Spencer Logan is the grumpiest of grumps and he has every right to be, he just lost his brother to suicide. His life was completely flipped upside down with gaining custody of his niece Krissy, moving back to his hometown of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and getting his first coaching position with the Portsmouth Whalers a newly created NHL team. He is protective of Lainey from the get-go and never lets anyone disrespect her.
Lainey Hall lost her mum young and left her cheating fiancé behind but doesn't let that stop her bright and bubbly personality. She left Charleston, South Carolina to move with her brother Jason to his new team the Portsmouth Whalers. She is a people pleaser but not afraid to say no and do what needs to be done.
For me, the chemistry between Spencer and Lainey was oozing out of the pages. Loved how their personalities meshed with each other although Spencer was in denial about it, up until Shonda's departure. Enjoyed when Lainey took charge and pushed Spencer to both kiss her and admit his feelings. Aunt Hildie and Tina were the best with their little trick.
There were a couple of spicey scenes but nothing too explict; their romance was well balanced.
Spencer Logan is the grumpiest of grumps and he has every right to be, he just lost his brother to suicide. His life was completely flipped upside down with gaining custody of his niece Krissy, moving back to his hometown of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and getting his first coaching position with the Portsmouth Whalers a newly created NHL team. He is protective of Lainey from the get-go and never lets anyone disrespect her.
Lainey Hall lost her mum young and left her cheating fiancé behind but doesn't let that stop her bright and bubbly personality. She left Charleston, South Carolina to move with her brother Jason to his new team the Portsmouth Whalers. She is a people pleaser but not afraid to say no and do what needs to be done.
For me, the chemistry between Spencer and Lainey was oozing out of the pages. Loved how their personalities meshed with each other although Spencer was in denial about it, up until Shonda's departure. Enjoyed when Lainey took charge and pushed Spencer to both kiss her and admit his feelings. Aunt Hildie and Tina were the best with their little trick.
There were a couple of spicey scenes but nothing too explict; their romance was well balanced.
October 5, 2023
This book is full of so many of the best tropes! Single dad/nanny, age gap, forbidden 'friends' little sister (I use friend loosely), grumpy/sunshine--and the current trope everyone is digging hockey romance.
Sports romance is not something I read all the time, occasionally if a series I am reading has one of the books that are sports romance but it is not something I pick up specifically looking for an entire series centered around sports romance--but with Hockey Romance being the big thing at this time I couldn't resist picking this one up and I am so glad that I did!
There are some trigger warnings to be aware of including an off page unaliving that is pertinent to the story--I did feel that this was maybe over talked about/mentioned in the beginning, like the character was hyper-focused on thinking about it (understandable but it towed the line of being too much internal discussion on it), this little gripe I had wasn't enough to make me stop reading or enjoying the book--but I think for anyone this is a trigger for or for anyone that it is a borderline trigger for this is an important note.
Overall the story was cute and the characters were fun and I cannot wait for the rest of the series--I definitely am a Hockey and Nanny romance convert!
Sports romance is not something I read all the time, occasionally if a series I am reading has one of the books that are sports romance but it is not something I pick up specifically looking for an entire series centered around sports romance--but with Hockey Romance being the big thing at this time I couldn't resist picking this one up and I am so glad that I did!
There are some trigger warnings to be aware of including an off page unaliving that is pertinent to the story--I did feel that this was maybe over talked about/mentioned in the beginning, like the character was hyper-focused on thinking about it (understandable but it towed the line of being too much internal discussion on it), this little gripe I had wasn't enough to make me stop reading or enjoying the book--but I think for anyone this is a trigger for or for anyone that it is a borderline trigger for this is an important note.
Overall the story was cute and the characters were fun and I cannot wait for the rest of the series--I definitely am a Hockey and Nanny romance convert!
July 30, 2023
Spence gets his big chance (head coach for a pro hockey team) at exactly the wrong time. His troubled brother has died and left his baby daughter for Spence to raise. He steps up, but when his Aunt Hildie falls and breaks a hip, he loses his only babysitter.
Lainey, a kindergarten teacher, has just broken her engagement to a borderline-abusive jerk. She heads north to Maine with her brother, Jason, the new center for the Portsmouth Whalers. When Jason and Lainey run into the new coach in the elevator of the team's headquarters, it's love at first sight: Lainey grabs the baby and gives her a good cuddle. Upbeat Lainey is quite a bit younger than grouchy old Spence, but when she moves into his house to work as nanny, the spark between them is real. On the way to the happy-ever-after, the author treats us to an exciting and realistic view of pro hockey (the games and the behind-the-scenes intrigue, tension, and politics.) A fine story of family, friendship, and love.
Lainey, a kindergarten teacher, has just broken her engagement to a borderline-abusive jerk. She heads north to Maine with her brother, Jason, the new center for the Portsmouth Whalers. When Jason and Lainey run into the new coach in the elevator of the team's headquarters, it's love at first sight: Lainey grabs the baby and gives her a good cuddle. Upbeat Lainey is quite a bit younger than grouchy old Spence, but when she moves into his house to work as nanny, the spark between them is real. On the way to the happy-ever-after, the author treats us to an exciting and realistic view of pro hockey (the games and the behind-the-scenes intrigue, tension, and politics.) A fine story of family, friendship, and love.
August 14, 2023
Spence recently became the head coach for the Whaler’s hockey team. He is back in his old town, taking care of his niece and trying to get his life together. He is in a long-distance relationship and is in search of a nanny for Krissy. Lainey is the younger sister of Jason (hockey player) and followed him to Maine to start over after a bad breakup with a somewhat abusive jerk of a fiancé. She does not believe that she is worthy of anything as her ex filled her head with nonsense. When Lainey runs into Spence at the facility, she is all too willing to look after Krissy.
Spence is a grump, where Lainey is the sunshine! How can Spence have a relationship with someone who is so much younger than him and not have it be scandalous for his job? Lies, deception, hope, passion, trust and a little chemistry made it hard to put this book down.
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spence is a grump, where Lainey is the sunshine! How can Spence have a relationship with someone who is so much younger than him and not have it be scandalous for his job? Lies, deception, hope, passion, trust and a little chemistry made it hard to put this book down.
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2023
Wow! This one had just the right amount of sass and heat! I loved Lainey’s outlook on life. She is this bright light in a world that is dim. Spencer’s grumpy and all business and needs someone like Lainey in his life. Lainey is so optimistic about life and is the perfect nanny for Spencer’s niece he’s adopted after his brothers death. She can see his hurt and knows he holds all these past hurts in. You can feel his pain jump out at you. Lainey has past hurts as well but she doesn’t carry the baggage as heavily as him.
The build up of their relationship was so intense and easy to fall for. I loved the chemistry. They both had some hurdles to get through before they could come together. The forbidden relationship, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity is always my favorite! Stephanie definitely scored big with this one! I couldn’t put this down and that’s a big plus in my book!
The build up of their relationship was so intense and easy to fall for. I loved the chemistry. They both had some hurdles to get through before they could come together. The forbidden relationship, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity is always my favorite! Stephanie definitely scored big with this one! I couldn’t put this down and that’s a big plus in my book!
August 5, 2023
Such a fun book to read! Spencer has the weight of the world on his shoulders as he moves to his hometown of Portsmouth to coach the Whalers, and NHL expansion team, in it’s inaugural season.
He is naturally a grumpy and reserved guy, but he is in over his head with everything in his life outside of hockey. The newly adoptive dad to his baby niece, Krissy, needs help.
Help arrives in a waif-like package if the form of Lainey Hall, the younger sister of his new star player. She offers to watch Krissy for Spencer and he’s desperate, but he’s skittish because she’s so beautiful and unbelievable sunshiny.
Close proximity, teammate/player’s younger sister and single dad tropes all come together for one entertaining experience with this sports romance. A tad of suspense and some sizzle round out the adventure.
He is naturally a grumpy and reserved guy, but he is in over his head with everything in his life outside of hockey. The newly adoptive dad to his baby niece, Krissy, needs help.
Help arrives in a waif-like package if the form of Lainey Hall, the younger sister of his new star player. She offers to watch Krissy for Spencer and he’s desperate, but he’s skittish because she’s so beautiful and unbelievable sunshiny.
Close proximity, teammate/player’s younger sister and single dad tropes all come together for one entertaining experience with this sports romance. A tad of suspense and some sizzle round out the adventure.
July 31, 2023
The Big Puck is book 1 in the Portsmouth Whalers Hockey Romance series. It features Spencer and Lainey. Spencer starts as the Coach for the Portsmouth Whalers hockey team, at the same time he also adopts his late brothers baby Krissy. His aunt was supposed to come and help him but needed hip surgery so had to postpone her visit. On his first day as coach Spencer has to takes the baby with him and its here he meets Lainey. She is the younger sister of one of the players, she volunteers to help look after the baby and takes the job of live in nanny.
I really enjoyed this story, it was very well written. I love Lainey, she a little ray of sunshine and worms her way into grumpy Spencers life. A great grumpy/sunshine age gap romance.
I really enjoyed this story, it was very well written. I love Lainey, she a little ray of sunshine and worms her way into grumpy Spencers life. A great grumpy/sunshine age gap romance.
August 9, 2023
4, but with reservations.
On the surface it's a fun read and a prime example of the grumpy/sunshine trope. However, I was getting some serious Stepford Wife vibes from Lainey. And it was disconcerting that Spencer seemed to expect her to be on call 24/7-- and she seemed okay with this! I wished Spencer interacted more with Krissy-- he mostly seems to hold her, with the occasional feeding or diaper change, but I don't recall any playing (being out of the house for work only excuses so much).
Thr main villian was a bit one note for me; I kept envisioning him as one of those cartoon villains who twirls a long skinny mustache.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
On the surface it's a fun read and a prime example of the grumpy/sunshine trope. However, I was getting some serious Stepford Wife vibes from Lainey. And it was disconcerting that Spencer seemed to expect her to be on call 24/7-- and she seemed okay with this! I wished Spencer interacted more with Krissy-- he mostly seems to hold her, with the occasional feeding or diaper change, but I don't recall any playing (being out of the house for work only excuses so much).
Thr main villian was a bit one note for me; I kept envisioning him as one of those cartoon villains who twirls a long skinny mustache.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 15, 2023
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
We have a grumpy older man who recently adopted his late brothers daughter, brings has a new job being the head coach of The Whalers and is in need of a nanny.
We have a Ray of sunshine, who has left her cheating fiance and has travelled with her brother for a new start where her brother will play for the hockey team. Seeing the coach with the baby she immediately helps and ends up looking after she with board included with her pay.
Both are attracted to each other but he sees the age gap as a problem and is also protective over her.
We get some kissing, one slightly spicy sceen, but the rest is fairly clean and it is a sweet romance with a happy ending.
We have a grumpy older man who recently adopted his late brothers daughter, brings has a new job being the head coach of The Whalers and is in need of a nanny.
We have a Ray of sunshine, who has left her cheating fiance and has travelled with her brother for a new start where her brother will play for the hockey team. Seeing the coach with the baby she immediately helps and ends up looking after she with board included with her pay.
Both are attracted to each other but he sees the age gap as a problem and is also protective over her.
We get some kissing, one slightly spicy sceen, but the rest is fairly clean and it is a sweet romance with a happy ending.
January 6, 2025
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the first book in the Portsmouth Whalers series. Each of these hockey romance books in the series can be read as a standalone.
Spence is the youngest NHL coach in the league. He's out to make a name for himself and the new team. He just has to watch out for the owner of the team, who's out to get him fired.
Lainey tagged along with her hockey, playing brother for a new start since her ex-fiancé cheated on her. Her first day there, and she falls in love with the most adorable little girl. Getting a job as a nanny wasn't in the cards, but she is so glad she found them.
I really enjoyed this book. Great start to a new series, and I can't wait to meet the rest of the team.
Spence is the youngest NHL coach in the league. He's out to make a name for himself and the new team. He just has to watch out for the owner of the team, who's out to get him fired.
Lainey tagged along with her hockey, playing brother for a new start since her ex-fiancé cheated on her. Her first day there, and she falls in love with the most adorable little girl. Getting a job as a nanny wasn't in the cards, but she is so glad she found them.
I really enjoyed this book. Great start to a new series, and I can't wait to meet the rest of the team.
January 19, 2025
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Single father
- Age gap
- Close proximity
Spencer thinks his life is going well - after all, he was just appointed the youngest head coach in the NHL's expansion team, The Portsmouth Whalers. But soon his life is upended - he is suddenly the guardian for his infant niece. His aunt said she'd move to Portsmouth and help him - after she recovers from hip surgery.
Not sure what to do, he takes the offer of one of his player's sister, Lainey, to help him with Krissy, his niece, until his aunt can arrive. But soon Spencer is in turmoil for more than just his life change. He and Lainey have very different personalities. It doesn't help that he's attracted to her, which could be a problem since he has a girlfriend....
- Single father
- Age gap
- Close proximity
Spencer thinks his life is going well - after all, he was just appointed the youngest head coach in the NHL's expansion team, The Portsmouth Whalers. But soon his life is upended - he is suddenly the guardian for his infant niece. His aunt said she'd move to Portsmouth and help him - after she recovers from hip surgery.
Not sure what to do, he takes the offer of one of his player's sister, Lainey, to help him with Krissy, his niece, until his aunt can arrive. But soon Spencer is in turmoil for more than just his life change. He and Lainey have very different personalities. It doesn't help that he's attracted to her, which could be a problem since he has a girlfriend....
July 27, 2023
Spencer and his late brother’s daughter Krissy meet Lainey a sibling of one of his players at his first meet with the team. She’s bubbly and there’s an instant chemistry with the grumpy clueless coach that’s endearing . She volunteers to become his Nanny and live in to look after his niece . He’s adopted the little one and needs help because of his Aunt’s hip operation and being unavailable to babysit They hit a few bumps along the way and it’s no plain skating but this book’s a keeper .. loved this whole wonderful story and a lover of Hockey right in my crease . Good writing , fluent and compelling .
I read an arc of this fantastic book and the review is my own words voluntary
I read an arc of this fantastic book and the review is my own words voluntary
July 30, 2023
Wow! This book became quickly became a favorite of mine early into reading the first chapter. There is some big time sexual tension, between aa a Grumpy Hockey Hunk & Miss Sunshine, but then thrown into their sizzling chemistry is a sweet baby, a great Auntie & one sneaky bad guy that makes this book so very good from start to end. One chapter finishes and you must read on because you want to know what is next for this couple in this tension packed romance. Stephanie has tied her hockey series together seamlessly; there is a St. Paul U tie in & familiar Boston Brawler player included in the book. Stephanie’s books are always a must read for me.
August 5, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems, and I'm willingly leaving an honest review.
This is the 1st book in the NHL Portsmouth Whalers series.
It's told from the POV of both characters, grumpy older guy and new coach Spencer Logan, and one of his player's younger sister, Lainey Hall.
Literally left holding the baby, Spencer is grateful for any help he can get!
Lainey sees that the new young NHL coach of her brother's new team has his hands full with a baby and a team to coach, so she steps in to help with Krissy.
Wonderful storyline, great characters, and loved the HEA.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series
This is the 1st book in the NHL Portsmouth Whalers series.
It's told from the POV of both characters, grumpy older guy and new coach Spencer Logan, and one of his player's younger sister, Lainey Hall.
Literally left holding the baby, Spencer is grateful for any help he can get!
Lainey sees that the new young NHL coach of her brother's new team has his hands full with a baby and a team to coach, so she steps in to help with Krissy.
Wonderful storyline, great characters, and loved the HEA.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series
June 24, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
Even though the main characters in this book have a quick attraction to one another, it is a very slow burn. Finally, when they decide to give in, it's so abrupt that it doesn't make sense and feels completely out of place.
The details in this book that should be expanded upon are cut short. The details that aren't derivative to the plot are too lengthy.
I wanted to enjoy this so much. I mean, a grumpy/sunshine, single dad hockey romance? What more could I have asked for?! Apparently, a lot...
Even though the main characters in this book have a quick attraction to one another, it is a very slow burn. Finally, when they decide to give in, it's so abrupt that it doesn't make sense and feels completely out of place.
The details in this book that should be expanded upon are cut short. The details that aren't derivative to the plot are too lengthy.
I wanted to enjoy this so much. I mean, a grumpy/sunshine, single dad hockey romance? What more could I have asked for?! Apparently, a lot...
September 5, 2024
Anything hockey I love! I found a new hockey romance series to indulge in. Spence Larson is the grumpy single dad. He is the new guardian of a sweet, baby named Krissy. Spence's brother died and named Spence as Krissy's guardian. He is starting a new job as the youngest coach in the NHL. He needs help and hires Lainey Hall as his nanny. Sparks start immediately, which Spence refuses to acknowledge and Lainey and Spence act as enemies. This is a great book to read if you love sports romances. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 28, 2023
The Big Puck by Stephanie Queen was a delight to read.
The characters are entertaining and funny. Spencer and Lainey are perfect opposites.
Lainey is like a puppy who holds on and won't let go. No matter what, she kept coming back to prove herself.
Spencer's journey to finding happiness again was full of road blocks, but with Lainey by his side refusing to give up it was only a matter of time for him to break down.
This story was a joy to read.
The characters are entertaining and funny. Spencer and Lainey are perfect opposites.
Lainey is like a puppy who holds on and won't let go. No matter what, she kept coming back to prove herself.
Spencer's journey to finding happiness again was full of road blocks, but with Lainey by his side refusing to give up it was only a matter of time for him to break down.
This story was a joy to read.
August 1, 2023
This is Another great new series by Stephanie Queen. Spencer has been named the head coach by the new NHL expansion team. He is the youngest coach in NHL and has moved back to his hometown after his brother has committed suicide and left him to raise his baby daughter. He comes to encounter Lainey who has just broken up with her cheating fiancé and is also the sister of his star hockey player. She has offered to be his live in nanny. This is an age gap, grumpy/sunshine hockey romance with an HEA.
August 26, 2023
Opposites attract
She's always optimistic, he's always wearing a scowl. One little girl brings them together. Will her persistence pay off? Will he be willing to take a chance?
The chemistry between these two was hot. I loved how she never let things get her down and always saw the bright side of things. I didn't blame him for being gun shy since he had a lot riding on his career, but loved when he went all in. Good read!
She's always optimistic, he's always wearing a scowl. One little girl brings them together. Will her persistence pay off? Will he be willing to take a chance?
The chemistry between these two was hot. I loved how she never let things get her down and always saw the bright side of things. I didn't blame him for being gun shy since he had a lot riding on his career, but loved when he went all in. Good read!
October 21, 2023
Decent but could have been better.
Very PG-13 romance. The sex scenes are mostly fade off scenes. They don’t actually get together until the last like 10% of the book if I’m being generous. There was no background on her last disastrous relationship except a token blurb. She’s very one dimensional and there’s a lot more depth to him. There was no passion. No hook. It could have been a lot better.
Very PG-13 romance. The sex scenes are mostly fade off scenes. They don’t actually get together until the last like 10% of the book if I’m being generous. There was no background on her last disastrous relationship except a token blurb. She’s very one dimensional and there’s a lot more depth to him. There was no passion. No hook. It could have been a lot better.
February 29, 2024
sluggish and slow
Had high hopes for this book but it was just so protracted and sluggish that I wanted to give up. However kept going and have to say the final chapter was probably the best. Coach was dour, and the handling of his current girlfriend was dire. The nanny was all brightness and young and don’t know why her ex was given a presence or dialogue as there was no real explanation to it. Disappointing.
Had high hopes for this book but it was just so protracted and sluggish that I wanted to give up. However kept going and have to say the final chapter was probably the best. Coach was dour, and the handling of his current girlfriend was dire. The nanny was all brightness and young and don’t know why her ex was given a presence or dialogue as there was no real explanation to it. Disappointing.
October 28, 2025
Low spice hockey romance
Spice level - 1 🔥 out of 10
Slow burn - 5 out of 10
This is fairly formula. The one thing that stands out in the story versus other hockey romances is the backstory about this team being brand new.
Typically, I don’t like hockey stories that are about coaches instead of players. But this one’s pretty good.
So if you want a slow burn with low spice, you might like this book.
Spice level - 1 🔥 out of 10
Slow burn - 5 out of 10
This is fairly formula. The one thing that stands out in the story versus other hockey romances is the backstory about this team being brand new.
Typically, I don’t like hockey stories that are about coaches instead of players. But this one’s pretty good.
So if you want a slow burn with low spice, you might like this book.
August 1, 2023
Stephanie Queen
The Big Puck: a Grumpy Single Dad Saved by the Nanny Hockey Rom-Com (Portsmouth Whalers Hockey Romance)
Lainey and Spence
Lainey is a ray of sunshine! Spence is a grumpy, brooding broken man. I love their story! And the epilogue!!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Big Puck: a Grumpy Single Dad Saved by the Nanny Hockey Rom-Com (Portsmouth Whalers Hockey Romance)
Lainey and Spence
Lainey is a ray of sunshine! Spence is a grumpy, brooding broken man. I love their story! And the epilogue!!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2023
What a cute story! Lainey is little miss sunshine who is charming, beautiful, and great with kids. Spence is a grumpy, single-father hockey coach with a permanent RBF. Mix those two together and what do get…a super cute love story. Very much a slow-burn romance. I hope they make a series out of this book, I would love to see the other players get their own HEA.
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