Totally Pucked

Hartford Minotaurs Hockey #1

by Paris Wynters

Hockey god Wyatt “The Hammer” Clanton has one goal—hold onto his spot in the NHL. After one too many reckless fights, his team captain suggests he rebuild his image. The solution? Coach a kids’ hockey team. He never expects Nora, the one-night stand who rocked his world, to show up with a kid of her own.

Struggling single mom Nora Thoma is finally putting the pieces of her life back together after ditching her ex. One scorching night of passion with a pro athlete was supposed to be a risky escape, right? Wrong. Because now the man who gave her a toe-curling taste of paradise is volunteering as an assistant coach for her son's hockey team.

Wyatt's fighting to keep his hockey career and Nora's fighting to give her son the life he deserves. But behind closed doors, their red-hot chemistry is out of control. When a photo leaks and secrets come tumbling out, Nora’s left with two run from her past...or trust Wyatt to fight for the family he never knew he needed. Wyatt’s ready to risk it all to protect the woman and boy who thawed his frozen heart. Because this time, he’s playing for keeps.

Game on!

Totally Pucked is a single mom, he falls first hockey romance perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn, Hannah Grace, and Emily Rath!

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Sports, Romance, Hockey Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2023

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐
Genre ~ sports romance
Series ~ Hartford Minotaurs #1
Setting ~ Connecticut
Publication date ~ July 31, 2023
Est Page Count ~ 277 (31 chapters)
Audio length ~ 6 hours 12 minutes
Narrators ~ Kat Riley, Michael Gallagher
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ hockey, NHL, single mom, miscommunication, steamge

*Possible spoilers ahead*

Nora & Wyatt
Nora is on the run from her abusive ex husband, Michael, with son, Jake. Yay that she finally found the strength to get away. They’re all the way across the country, but he manages to find them and keep demanding money from her over and over and over again. Dude, get a job.

The Hammer is a good nickname for Wyatt off the ice, too, since that is how he likes to do it in the rear door. And his reasoning why, blah. Listen y’all, to each their own, but I can’t believe that’s how first time steamage is happening. Maybe I’m just too old and been married for way too long. Don’t be mad at me if that’s how you roll.

Anway, I didn’t like anyone. No one at all, so I will not be continuing with the series. I don't even know why I'm giving 2 stars, instead of 1.

Narration notes:
Oof with his lady and kid voice. She did fine.


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[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t all that good either.

[Drew · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is actually so bad

[Adelaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just fantastic, the story and everything was so good. I adored Wyatt and Jake. The story kept me interested and I finished it in about 4 hours. I had gotten it from the Stuff Your Kindle Day and I can’t wait for the next book of the series to come out!! Nora was an amazing character and everything just was so good.
4.75/5 stars!!

[Dawn Torow · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is single handedly the worst book I have ever had the displeasure of reading. Poorly written, I can't seem to find a plot, the main character is horribly insufferable. I have spent the past six hours of my life wanting to put a bullet in my mouth because of this book. The MMC is such a POS, literally ALL OF THEIR ROMANTIC PROBLEMS WOULD BE FIXED IF THEY WOULD JUST COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER. Spicy scenes were not even steamy, it is like the author was pretending to be closed door but put it in such a way that was what a person who has never had sex would think sex was like. Holy hell this was bad I am so sick of this.

[Micronova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hockey romances have been on trend so the bar is pretty high for this genre. That being said, this book was okay.

Nora is a single mom who fled an abusive marriage with her young son Jake. Wyatt is a star hockey player. They meet in a bar after one of Wyatt’s hockey games and after some heavy flirtation and petting they go their separate ways. Wyatt ends up in a little trouble after a public display of aggression and ends up having to volunteer to coach a youth team that Jake happens to be a member of. Hence, Nora is reintroduced into Wyatt’s life.

Throughout the book Nora finds herself in predicaments with the ex husband that quite frankly just aren’t believable. ( I say this coming from my own experience with DV. ) Wyatt holds tight to his stance of they can only be friends and then literally overnight, he’s in love and wants to be a father figure. There’s a misunderstanding that leads to third act breakup and of course the ex husband shows up and tries to use the kid as leverage to get a payout from daddy big bucks hockey star.

I found the story to be predictable. I didn’t hate this book. As I said, it was okay but nothing memorable.

I received an advance reader copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katrina (Catching up on Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a three-star read for me. It had some entertaining moments, but also a few cringey ones—especially during the steamy scenes, which included more butt play than I cared for. The story follows Wyatt, a professional hockey player, and Nora, a single mom navigating life with a difficult ex. After a night out, Wyatt and Nora hook up, only to unexpectedly cross paths again when he ends up coaching her son’s hockey team. What starts as a one-time thing slowly turns into something more. One aspect that really bugged me was Nora’s ex-husband. His repeated attempts to get money from her felt over-the-top and unnecessary. It didn’t add much to the story—just frustration. Overall, a decent read with some sweet moments, but not one I’d rush to revisit.

[nia · Rating 2 out of 5]

he's BLONDE

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Wyatt and Nora

Romance trope: sports romance; single parent
Series: Hartford Minotaurs Hockey
Length: 277 pages

Plot: Nora has recently moved to the area after leaving her abusive husband. She meets Wyatt, the bad boy of the local hockey team and they hit it off - they'll keep it casual, a friends-with-benefits sort of thing. But Wyatt is catching feelings while Nora is trying to keep her life together between financial difficulties, her ex coming after them, and trying to trust this new person in her life who only wants to take care of her and her son.

Commentary: I liked this story. My biggest quibble is her handing off the letter to her son and never following up on it. He's too young for her not to have asked him about it later. I think most people would have checked and so would have known what it was. Of course, that would have scuppered the plot, so it had to be done, I suppose.
I do find the misunderstanding at the end to be suspect as well - they're hot and heavy and he knows how busy her life is and he really thinks that she has time for a side piece? Or that she'd go back to her ex or let her kid spend time with him? That was spacey at best.

Still, I did enjoy the story and would read more in the series.

Next book in the series: The Perfect Snipe

[♡ Rosella Swan ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an arc for this and I adored it. I love sports romance and single parent trope. The meeting and misunderstanding then realisation was hilarious. The plot was solid though hockey terms and stuff was kind of confusing at times. There were some parts really fleshed out and then some rushed. Jake was so cute and I loved his and Garrett's relationship. I absolutely loathe Daniel and what happened to him was not enough. The pinacle of Garrett meeting Daniel and then what happened and that heartbreaking scene and then fear, I was choked up hoping everything was going to be fine. I loved the dual POVs and the relationship development and going with the smooth flow of their thought process and falling in love. That's why the fallout was brutal but the HEA was amazing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cass_saag · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh man this was terrible. Just terrible. From the second page I was cringing so hard. We get it!!!! You do cross fit!!!!!!!!!!!! I was gonna actually highlight stuff and make a detailed review on why this is an awful book but it’s not even worth the effort.

[Mandy Robitaille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good single mom hockey romance. I loved Wyatt and seeing his character growth was great during the book. And I love that he was able to bond and connect with Nora's son through hockey. Plus, the added drama with a crappy ex and this was *chef's kiss*

[Brooklynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

In one short chapter, darlin’ was used SEVEN times.

[Anastasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

all he wants to do is do it in the butt. that’s all i got from this book, nothing more to say x
(ps if that’s ur thing this is ur thing)

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora and Wyatt story was beautifully written. I enjoyed this story so much. It had it all hockey, love, & lots of hurt. It was great to see they both got the ending they both deserved. 🤍

[Livy dow · Rating 1 out of 5]

What did I even read. I’ve never given a book such a low rating. But I do not enjoy this book. I finished it to give it a chance.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this in my Romance Reveal box, not sure what the new obsession with hockey is with some people, but since I paid for it, I read it.

It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either, just okay.

[Dorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This is my first time reading a book by Paris Wynters and I am hooked. Her play with words will reel you in and have you begging for more. This story had so many ups and downs. I was stressed out and happy at the same time. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. This book touched on a lot of internal battles that anyone can relate to. Bravo Wynters. This book was sooooo freaking good!!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. I listened to some of the audio and read the rest. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

[NELLA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d say it was a solid

3.5 ⭐️ for me. The pacing was weird, there were several missed words and other editing mistakes that threw me off. Then it’s flow was off. Nothing happens then supposedly stuff is happening behind the scenes where they are actually developing a relationship yet we don’t see any of it. We see them have like 2maybe 3 lil spicy scenes and that’s it. Then the crap hits the fan and it’s bad. They are so done and both acted a fool then with 8 minutes left in the book they get back together and become boyfriend girlfriend suddenly. There was no depth to their supposed relationship because all the issues they had arose from them both keeping secrets and not trust each other! They didn’t know each other at all. Then epilogue he’s on his knees with a ring? Come on. I didn’t get a good feeling reading this , not big love story there. Just 2 traumatic pasts and 2 people that supposedly hook up with no P and V action until the end. Yeah…not cool. And how are we knee deep in awfulness until the last 8 minutes of the book them BAM supposed HEA. So abruptly done it felt like the author gave up on the storyline completely. The coach was a real piece of trash, his teammates were cool. I actually thought they were the best characters in the book. The time line jumps all over the place. It’s randomly weeks later, and the entire relationship part they were building happens off page so your left confused of how they are doing at all other than 🍑 play!

[Jetscarbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not a fan of this book. spoilers ahead on why this book did not work for me

The OTT drama with the ex made no sense. He was supposedly an successful businessman except he owed people money- so he gets on a plane to come stalk his ex h to get money from her (even though he KNOWS she’s a broke single mom) 🙃 Then he kidnaps the boy only to take him to the hockey game (where you have to buy tickets to get in) What was his end game? It was a goofy plot.

Now comes the awkward spicy parts. H doesn’t do v-jay smex at all. Only backdoor. 😂😂😬 The reason? He was cheated on and she tried to pass off a baby that wasn’t his. Ummm okay. Seriously, all the backdoor smex was just not good. Reading about licking backdoors is not sexy, IMO. Plus, it happened so much in this book. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. 🤷‍♀️ I guess it was finally true love when he entered the v-jay at the end.

“Darlin” in said over 15 times. Ugh I hate nicknames

The two MCs were so against being in love so the drastic 180 to their InstaLove was just not believable.

This was not my vibe

[Yvonne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, this was really, really, really bad. The writing, the characters, the dialogue, the spice, the plot. All of it. Most two dimensional story I’ve read.

And these characters constantly making assumptions after hearing/reading one thing. So ridiculous 🙄 it’s like miscommunication on steroids 😂

And he calls her “darlin’” what he 60?

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Please be aware that there may be triggers in this book as it does have a character who was in an abusive relationship.**

This is the first book I’ve read from Paris Wynters, and I loved this book and the characters so much that it certainly won’t be the last!

This is a story about two people who’ve been hurt by those closest to them and finding a way to start over again.

Wyatt was very easy to like, well before it was revealed what happened in his past relationship. Even when he was reluctant to be around children, he could easily see himself in some of them, and wanted to help.

Nora was great! I couldn’t help but root for her, but there were a few times that I didn’t like some of her choices.

The two of them together were absolutely fantastic! I loved how Wyatt was with Nora’s son Jake. Completely heart melting!!!

This book shows the importance of intimacy. It’s not just the stuff between the sheets, it’s also about sharing your hurts, fears, and even the things you’re embarrassed about. True intimacy comes with complete honesty, and I’m over the moon that Nora and Wyatt get there!

Besides Nora, Wyatt, and Jake, there were a few other outstanding characters that I need to give credit to! Cat, Nora’s best friend, is everything she needed and had no problem sacrificing for her bestie. Ian, Wyatt’s teammate and best friend, was also there for Wyatt when he needed it, but I think he deserves his own book! And then there’s Leo, Wyatt’s captain, his is another story that I’d jump at the chance to read! Despite having gone through tragedy and trying to raise his kids, he still helps those around him, including Wyatt.

So, to make myself perfectly clear, I’d absolutely read another Paris Wynters book and I’m truly hoping she give Ian and Leo a chance to tell their stories!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.

[T. Vand · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

My opinions are my own. This is an honest review.

I've been reading a lot of hockey romances lately and this is one of my favorites. Wyatt "The Hammer" Clanton and Nora Thoma are awesome couple. Nora is a single mom who hooks up with Wyatt one night and later learns he's one of her son's youth hockey assistant coaches (she just moved to the area so didn't know prior). Wyatt is working with the team in order to fix his image (a trend I've noticed in a few novels recently).

One of the things that I love about this story is Wyatt is not a grump. While I love my enemies-to-lovers, grumpy sunshine, sometimes I need a break. This was perfect. Both characters were fun loving, strong, vulnerable.

The steamy scenes were steamy, but they were balanced with the rest of the story, so they don't take over the book the way they do in some other stories that are dominated by $ex scenes.

The story was very tight, easy to read, it wasn't a beast of a novel like a few recent ones which is nice because I was able to finish it in one sitting. There was a good balance of backstory and a nice building of intimacy. I loved the secondary characters as well.

Some cons (not really, but I know some people might not like it):
- There is a third act kind of break up. It feels more like the spewed "I never want to see you again" during an actual fight rather than a real breakup. It really didn't bother me too much and it felt natural.
- It seems to be a trend in a few hockey books lately, so this is NOT the only book that does this but...mentioning a lot of the team players. I remember a few names because they seem to be friends of Wyatt's, but I don't remember all the other people.

Overall, I loved the story and would recommend it for anyone loving steamy hockey romances.

[Luisa Rivas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story but I had some credibility problems. What I liked is how the story evolved, the characters first falling into a friends with benefits relation and developing feelings. The emotional aspect was spot on, as Jake starts to coach a youth hockey team where Nora’s son Jake plays, and develops feelings for Nora’s son too.

Nora is recently divorced from a monster of a husband who terrorized her and their son. She escaped from California to Hartford and started a new life. Her bestie Cat convinced her to go watch a hockey game and she catches the eye of the Minotaurs center, Wyatt “The Hammer” Clanton. Later they also meet by chance at a bar and have a moment. Neither of them want a serious relationship due to past problems but they do agree to a friends with benefits relation.

Then enter Nora’s ex, and this is when I had credibility issues. He comes demanding money and yet he’s a successful and connected businessman? How can she fear losing custody over a shady, low life scum like him? This part of the story didn’t make sense to me.

The one real character was Wyatt, who has anger management issues, and has been in several scrapes where he acts before he thinks. His reputation has taken some hits, and he’s been traded to the Minotaurs and is under advisement to behave. And during the plot, he has several incidents where he acts impulsively and repents after. And yet, he’s a good guy with good feelings and when he meets Jake, he’s taken with the little boy and turns protective.

The story flows and is entertaining, they have several misunderstandings, there are hissy fits, Jake acts out and shows Wyatt what it means to raise a little boy, and we get to see how a family gets put together by love.

[Erin Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨

Totally Pucked - Paris Wynters

4/5⭐️

3.5/5 🌶️

This book will be out July 31, 2023

✨✨✨✨✨✨

Nora moves across the country with her son to finally be away from her abusive ex husband. Sadly though he keeps popping up at bad times and being very demanding. When Nora goes out to see a hockey game one night for fun she ends up having a one night stand with Wyatt, a player in the team. Next thing Nora knows when being her own son to hockey that his coach is just that man, Wyatt. With trouble lingering it will test them both on what they want.

🔥

I really enjoyed this one! I loved how strong of a women Nora presented herself as but still had her moments of letting it all go. Wyatt was just too good. “The hammer” truly showed how much he can love. If you’ve been loving hockey romances, definitely read this one!

📚📚📚

If you enjoy reading about:

~ hockey

~ he falls first

~ single mom

~ badass FMC

~ abusive ex

~ sworn off relationships

~ 🍑 play

….you should definitely check this out!

📚📚📚

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you @Booksirens and @pariswynters for this ARC copy an honest review. ❤️

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[Vanessa Ortiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I don’t know about making your mark on the world, but you’ve made your mark on me.”

Forced to rebuild his image and maintain his position in the NHL, Wyatt “The Hammar” Clanton is tasked with coaching a kids’ hockey team. He isn’t thrilled to be there and is completely shocked to see his one-night stand in attendance - alongside her son. Nora Thoma is a single mom struggling to create a new life after leaving her abusive ex. She never expected her one risky night of escape with a stranger would collide with her real life - in the form of the assistant coach for her son’s hockey team. Their chemistry is electric and when a photo leaks in the press
they are forced to decide how to move forward with their relationship. Will Nora’s past force her to run away from her potential happy ending or can she trust Wyatt to fight for their future as a family?

This was a promising story but of course my least favorite trope - miscommunication - came out in full force. The miscommunication was rampant in this book but I do appreciate that Nora acknowledges that she was at fault due to her not telling the truth. I thought it was a bit odd that she agreed to a relationship with Wyatt even though she had questions about his past -
specifically, about him potentially having a child. It felt like a lot of time elapsed throughout this story but somehow I was still left wanting more interactions between the MCs. I really like the ending but it felt a tad bit rushed.

🏒 Single Mom
🏒 He Falls First
🏒 Hockey Romance

[Jessica ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏒hockey romance
🏒single mom
🏒shared trauma

This story is about Nora, a single mother to Jake, who travels across the country to get away from her abusive ex and her past. She goes to a hockey game one night where she catches Wyatt’s eye, and he catches hers. He’s a hockey player for the Minotaur’s with a troubled past.

This is a new to me author, whose book I got during a stuff-your-kindle day deal. I am highly impressed. I finished this book in a few hours, it was that good. The only parts that didn’t resonate with me were a couple of the spicy scenes, just because it was not something I am personally in to, but that is my own opinion. The writing was amazing, perfectly paced, nothing left unfinished. The romance between Nora and Wyatt felt real, like two normal people falling for each other slowly yet quickly at the same time. Both characters also were easy to relate to.

For me, Nora was EXTREMELY easy to relate to, unfortunately. Because I have been in her shoes. I too have had traumatic experiences with an ex and this book reminded me of why I need to go to therapy still. In a good way though, because seeing Nora stand up for herself by the end was therapeutic. I love this book and will be adding the next book to my upcoming books list.

If you are looking for a hockey romance about a single mom with a traumatic past that eventually is able to fight her fears and find her strength and find a hot hockey player in the process, this book is for you bestie. 😉

[Diego Busmail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars, because while it offered a quick and easy read, the pacing felt rushed to the point of undermining the story’s potential. The premise had promise, but important elements were either glossed over or missing entirely, which made the narrative feel underdeveloped.

There was definite sexual chemistry between Nora and Wyatt, which added some appeal, but both characters were difficult to connect with emotionally. One particularly frustrating aspect was Michael, Nora’s abusive ex-husband, who still had an alarming amount of control over her life. The psychological trauma he inflicted was addressed, but not explored with the depth it deserved, leaving the storyline feeling somewhat superficial.

I also found the friends-with-benefits-to-love transition between Nora and Wyatt to be extremely unrealistic. They started a casual relationship, and almost immediately afterward, they were professing love and committing to something deeper, with very little emotional groundwork laid.

On a more positive note, I appreciated how Wyatt bonded with Jake, Nora’s son. Their interactions were touching, especially given that Wyatt related to Jake’s experiences, having gone through something similar at the same age. It added a layer of vulnerability to Wyatt’s character that I wish had been further developed throughout the story.

[Sara T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Paris Wynters this is my first of your books, but it will not be the last. Totally Pucked is a hockey romance that follows Nora, a single mom of Jake trying to rebuild her world after a not so great past, and Wyatt is a media nightmare hockey player. Nora is strong and stubborn, and Wyatt has some issues from the past he is also working through. These two beautifully broken and perfectly imperfect main characters set up for a story filled with humility, trust, and healing.

I am trying hard to formulate just how much I loved this book into words and am failing. But I loved it. The dynamics throughout this book and the pace of progression was perfection. It was equal parts witty banter, heartwarming, and spicy! Paris, may I call you Paris? The spice!? Whew! 👁👅👁 If you are someone who loves hockey romance, growth in your characters, happily ever afters, some drama, then read this! Or if you are like me and just have a great appreciation for a great love story, then READ THIS!!!! I hope this series continues with Cats' story with one of Wyatts' teammates because I just don't want this adventure to be over 💙

Also honorable mention to Grandma Rosa! Everyone needs a Grandma Rosa 🙃