Broken Puck

Red Creek Ravens #2

by L. Ann, Claire Marta

LIFE WAS GOOD UNTIL SHE SHOWED UP AND TOOK WHAT WAS MINE

Bailey Linnett
Thief, Liar, Stunning
She thought this was a game
Taking things that didn't belong to her
Making me feel things I shouldn't—not for someone like her.

Rush Carter
Confused, Angry, Lost
I never meant to hurt him
I only wanted to ease his pain
He sees my presence as a betrayal—an act of war.

Red Creek Raven’s hockey captain has painted me as his enemy, and no matter what I do, he’s determined to make me bleed.

There's a fine line between pleasure and pain ... and Rush Carter is happy to cross it.

Please check the TW at the start of the book.

Genres: Hockey, Dark Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, High School, Enemies To Lovers, Dark

439 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2023

About the author

If you are looking for gentle romps through the flowers, with lovers holding hands and never making mistakes, then my books are not for you.

I don't write heroes or heroines, I write people with baggage, history and problems. My characters are flawed, they're messy, they make disastrous mistakes that are hard to come back from. My stories are not sweet or kind, they are dark and, at times, cruel. They deal with uncomfortable subjects and I do not apologise for it.


If you like plot twists, characters you don't think you'll ever grow to love but eventually do, sarcasm, dark paths and messy relationships, then come on in. The water may be deep and shark-infested, but I know the way out ...I promise.

You can find L. Ann at the following locations:-

NEWSLETTER ➙https://lannauthor.com and get a FREE E-BOOK!

AMAZON -- https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B078...

FACEBOOK -- https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/

READER FB GROUP -- https://www.facebook.com/groups/lanns... - join her Reader Group on Facebook and be in with a chance to pick up ARCs and swag before anyone else.

BOOKBUB -- https://www.bookbub.com/profile/l-ann

INSTAGRAM -- https://www.instagram.com/lee_ann_aut...

TWITTER -- https://twitter.com/LeeAnn_Author

VIP Reader Group - https://clubdamnation.com

Reviews

[Melluvsbooks]

DNF @ 20% - bored - don’t care about the mental health character arc - I can see where this is all headed - these kids feel like they are just playacting with the rough kinky sex. It doesn’t really make sense for the characters. Figured out the “whodunnit” immediately.

Meh

[Nonna 2K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the double cliffhanger at the end of Filthy Puck would be it in terms of the anxiety I felt for Rush and Bailey.

I was so wrong! I’ve seen how the minds of L. Ann and Claire Marta work. What was I thinking when I thought my anxiety had peaked?

Broken Puck picks up where Filthy Puck left us. Rush and Bailey in turmoil. Situations happening that show no clear conclusions.

Add in some revelations from left field and the Rush-Bailey story twists a completely different way.

Relationships are broken and forged.
Family is everything and nothing.
Fights-both emotional and physical.
Will they or won’t they?

Rush Carter.
Broken down.
Spiraling.
Lashing out.
Will he find peace and be able to
move on?

Bailey Linnett.
Battered.
Thrown away.
Devalued.
Will she find the strength to get her life back?

L. Ann and Claire Marta bring complex characters to the page. Characters who stumble, fall, fail, but find the strength to catch their footing, stand up, and succeed.

Darkness has a way of grabbing hold of a person and bringing fears to the forefront. The need for control, in whatever way possible, becomes a must.

Predator or prey?
Love or hate?
Friend or enemy?

The Red Creek Ravens appear to have several more stories to tell and I am signing up for the ride.

[Fantasy Book Review Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the duet and must be read after Filthy Puck. Picking up right where book one ended, the authors gave us instant anxiety. It was like coming out of a loop and straight into spirals on a roller coaster in the dark. You didn’t know what was going to happen until you were right in the middle of it.

If you thought Rush and Bailey had a lot to overcome after the events of last book, it has nothing on this one. We are given growth of the characters as well as realistic responses to the situations they are put in. You can tell the authors researched each event before using it in the story.

The dual point of view allows the reader to fully understand the depths of emotions from each character. The plot points are woven so intricately into the story that when the chapter ends with a bombshell, you are often left gasping, hoping the next chapter picks up immediately where the other left off.

When the identity of our main bad guy was revealed, I found myself thinking about all the little things in the story that showed his true nature. Lee and Claire have taken imbedding information to a new place, finding ways that naturally fit in the story to give us clues we need later.

Once again the hockey aspects of the story were well researched and well written. The authors fed my hockey loving soul with phrases, techniques and fights.

This duet has quickly become one of my favorite hockey romance books. The authors never fail to deliver a story full of angst, anger and spicy to make you sweat.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah!

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: bully, revenge
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

Really just a fantastic rollercoaster of a ride of an ending! Really loving all the characters as well as the breadcrumbs for future books. Felt like *maybe* there was a bit too much smexy added for filler? But was still a fantastic read and I'll definitely be coming back for more!

[Carina Hales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to start this book and I literally couldn’t stop reading! What a great book. Beautifully written with fantastic characters. I loved the friendships that Rush had with his team, and Baileys with Nicky and her old friends at CBA. Kellan and Zoey are just like I thought they would be- I’d love a book for them too!

Rush really matured in this book and was full of redemption, his mum would have been so proud. Bailey suffered and went through so much, but had the grit to carry on. The twists and turns were heart stopping in this book, I was completely hooked. I was gutted when the book ended, I need more! I need to know more about Dom, Nicky and the gang and the aftermath of the events!

I can’t wait for the next book in this series, it has definitely left me desperate for more! Fantastic 5 star read.

[Michelle #michellebookishmeltdowns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should I cry? Yell? Scream? Throw things around? Take a moment to breathe and process ? Stand up an applaud?

Yes, yes and YES. Fuxk… I need a minuttteeeeee.. 😂

Coming into book 2, I still thoroughly hated Rush. Well done ladies on the bully and making me ragey. 🙃 I wasn’t sure I was going to like him again and then I don’t even know what happened. Literally my brain:
We hate Rush!
We don’t hate him..
We don’t? Wait what…
Awweee we don’t
Rush you’re the sweetest
Yes! Kick his ass! Team Rush all the way!
Omggggg I love you long time 🥹

This book took me through a ringer of emotions and writes characters way to good to LOAAATHHEEEEE. IYKYK 😒

And the PLOT BOMBS! The fuxk?! 😳 well… surprise! And they keep on coming with this one. Brace yourself! 🤪

This was wildly entertaining, fast paced with twist after twist, a beautiful journey of healing and coming together. And lord have mercy on my vag!na some of the “cuming together” is delicious 🥵🥵🥵

Rush - dark, deviant, delicious filthy sweet puck boy. Ugh

These authors nailed it again. 👏🏻👏🏻 Can’t wait to read about the rest of the team!

[Julie Workman-Bookaholic Sisters Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, ladies, that was absolutely amazing!!!

Broken Puck starts where Filthy Puck finished and my angst was already nearing 100% so I knew that when the emotions hit me I'd feel it more, and my god did I, they repeatedly sucker punched me in my gut
The revelations that unfolded shocked me to my core, my emotions were changing so fast it made my head spin.
Rush and Bailey have my whole heart. their duet is epic.
I can't wait for more of this world.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! Y’all this book right here! Ugh! So many feelings on this one. The first one ended in such a way that I immediately jumped into the second one at 1 a.m. mind you, and I’m not disappointed for loosing sleep. It was so good. The emotions I felt with this one. Ugh 😩 it took me days to write this review. I had to get my head on straight. I’m afraid to really say much cause I don’t want to give anything away but you won’t be sorry you picked up this series. And L. Ann and Claire Marta I have a bone to pick with you. What do you mean ending it like that?! WHAT?!!! Now you gotta do book 3 and do it quickly. I’m in love with Rush but I feel like Seven may be my man as well. Give it to me, please! Sooooo good ladies. Keep it up!!!

[Malaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in love with Bailey and Rush’s story!! I love them so much! They sucked me in, broke my heart, SHATTERED ME, and made me fall in love again. Rage messages were sent. Tears were shed.

[Courtney Surface · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picked up right where book one left off and it pulled me in and wrapped me up in the story immediately same as the first book! Rush’s growth in this book is amazing and the character development was so great! Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat especially towards the end! Loved the plot twists!!

[Tommie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Puck - L Ann & Claire Marta

My Review:
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Pages: 441
Genre: Romance
Tropes: Bully Romance, Found Family, Hockey Romance, Friends To Enemies To Lovers

This book grips your heart even more than the first. There is a villain trying to destroy everything working behind the scenes. Someone who you would never suspect. Bailey has been reduced to living in fear, afraid to even be seen. Rush has no clue who is behind the attacks and is fighting his own battles trying to win back his hockey position and protect Bailey at the same time. I never wanted a villain to be revealed, tortured and removed from this world as badly as I did this one. Pure evil incarnate.
This book had quite a few dark undertones but it also had joyous ones too as found family who also became protectors, those who weren’t blood family became protectors.

This book is my favorite of the two. It reinforced my faith in the characters humanity, in good winning out over evil.

Once again a MUST READ book and MUST READ series.

#lannauthor #authorclairemarta #redcreekravens #hockeyreads #filthypuck #brokenpuck #bibliophile #bookedforthenight #readingnow #imreading #momswhoread #readmoresmut #booktok #readeralert #readerholic #bookobsessed #bookstagram #bookcollection #bookshelfie #bookishlove #booknerd #booknerdalert #booklover #momswhoreadsmut #momswhoreadspicy #hockeyromance #darkromancereads #kusteamyreads

[ERICA LANGENFELD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Puck picks up right where Filthy Puck leaves off, which I love that we don't miss anything "off page." Again, another fantastic book with real-life, raw characters and mindful, intentional writing. I love that these characters have baggage. Don't get me wrong, I love a good book with fairy-tale themes and a guaranteed HEA. But what I love more is when an author gives us real life. Both Bailey, Rush, Bailey's parents, Rush's parents, and heck.. even Jamie... they all feel real because of the very real issues they face. I can't appreciate that more as a reader. I thought that Bailey's journey through processing her trauma was well written and an accurate depiction of how someone may cope with that experience.

The character arc's were amazing, the additions of Zoey, Kellan, and other Churchhill Bradley Academy students was awesome, and I was so upset when the book was over because it was SO good.

I look so forward to the next book because the entire time, I kept telling myself "i really hope we get a book about ______"!

Thanks again for the ARC! It's always a pleasure!

[Kimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Arc Review*

Did I stay up all night reading this? Absolutely
Do I have any regrets? Not a single one.

This was the perfect conclusion to Rush and Bailey's story. I adored their whole relationship. I loved the fact they were always there for each other despite what was going on between them.

"Our hearts and lives have been woven together through ink and paper since we were eight years old."

The role reversals in this book got me all hot and bothered, IYKYK 🥵

The twist and turns gave me whiplash (in a good way) I was fully invested from start to to finish.

I cannot wait to see what this author duo has in store for us with Seven's book, I love him.

P.s Rush and his knife can crawl into my bed any day 😉

[Savannah Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you thought book one was a roller coaster, this is a circus funhouse, complete with misleading mirrors, clowns, and jump scares. You are not prepared for the absolute mind blowing experience that the conclusion of this duet is. Claire Marta and L. Ann write so insanely in tandem, you'll find yourself struggling to read anything by anyone else after you finish this. I was so book hungover that all I could say when I finished, for HOURS mind you, was "wow" and "best hockey series I've ever read, hands down". I was just REELING, wrung out, full of love and hope, and awe for the journey this series took me on. You will not see it coming. But you'll love it, and be ready to dive back in the second you're done.

[Shirley Monas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a continuation of Filthy Puck…if you haven’t read that one, stop and read that one first. This book wraps up Rush and Bailey’s story. It picks up right where Filthy Puck ended. So many things happen in this book…the suspense is REAL. I found myself trying to find suspects and figure out who done what throughout this book. More intense hockey scenes, more dark scenes, I literally was screaming at some points. There’s quite a bit that happens in this series and I don’t want to spoil it for readers. All I can say is…be prepared to set some time before you start this…because you won’t want to stop. The authors did an amazing job keeping it all suspenseful and wrapped it up nice and neat. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!!!

[Katie Kellogg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dove right into this book after finishing Filthy Puck. It picks up right where the last book ended. After a devastating event, Rush and Bailey’s lives are torn upside down once again. Bailey is struggling and Rush is the only one able to keep her grounded. After having his eyes opened, he’s determined to make things right and earn back Bailey’s trust.

This book was full of so many twists and turns, I don’t know which way is up anymore. I couldn’t read it fast enough, yet I didn’t want it to end either. Claire and Lee Ann have once again created a masterpiece. I am looking forward to reading the next Red Creek Ravens story and every story they write together in the future. 🖤

[Romance_book_obsessed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was a wild ride!
You have to read the first book in order to pick this one up! This one starts where the cliffhanger leaves off. Both main characters are damaged and separated. Rush definitely screwed up and he wants to make things right, but now Bailey is different.

A lot unfolds in the conclusion to this couple’s story. Lots of drama, maybe too many plot twists. Overall, I couldn’t put this down and had to find out what happened!

Check Tw and know that there is open door spice involving knife play, primal play, and violence.

Not much hockey but the jersey made a comeback!

[Jessica Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️
4/5🌶️

Seriously Rush and Bailey’s duet is absolute perfection. I loved the story, the character growth and the spice. Bailey aka bug is struggling a lot in this book with the chaos from the end of book 1 and her family life just imploding. Watching Rush realize how awful he was to her and now just trying to be there for his Bug is just everything. I’m sad it’s over already but so read to read Seven’s book! If you are a dark romance girly looking to break into hockey romance this is the series for you!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way to end their story. Book two picks up where book one left off and man!!! You will loath certain characters.

This book had me wanting to bite my nails. Bailey and Rush are tested hard. And Bailey learns a lot. Twisted and jaw dropping. This one had my emotions all over the place in the best ways.

Their story is amazing and they mesh so well. This is another book I finished in one sitting cause I couldn’t stop!

You need to pick up this duet. A hockey romance that you don’t realize there’s hockey. It’s phenomenal!!

[Mrs A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picks up from the ending of book 1! This was a fantastic conclusion to to this story. So many twists and secrets and revelations that held my attention throughout. My emotions were all over the place. Easily One of my top reads this year.

Such an emotional journey for both Bailey and Rush. Love their character growth in this book. The side characters are also really well written and I love the friendships that are formed especially for Rush and his team. Would love to see some of these characters get their own book.

Loved this book, can’t wait to read more in this series

[Lisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so well written. So phenomenally believable in dealing with the fallout from the end of Filthy Puck. So darn realistic, I felt what Bailey felt, what Rush felt, what both of them went through individually and together. From the lowest lows; the fear, the anger, the hurt, and the highest highs, the hope, the excitement, the peace, the steam, and the eventual love that has been there the whole time. I was on the edge of my seat through this entire book and it’s another from these two that will stay with me a while.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Broken Puck and enjoyed every second of it.

The second book picked up right where the first one finished and thank god because I needed answers!

Nothing was easy for Bailey and Rush, the ups and downs keeps the reader on their toes and my emotions on a constant roller coaster.

I have to say that I loved the side characters and wished I could delve in deep with their stories too.

Overall, I loved Bailey and Rush’s story. The plot was engaging, the characters were written so that the reader becomes invested in them and the spice was… well, spicy 🌶️ 🥵

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tables are somewhat turned in this one. Book two is just as amazing as the first one, just a little different. Rush is even hotter, and Bug is having more issues, especially with the reveal of some secrets. It is also important that you check the trigger warnings on this one. I can not stress that enough. If you are good, then dive in and enjoy! (Especially, the last scene in the woods...iykyk)

[kait (kaitjaycreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! What a roller coaster ending to this duet! This picks up right where Flothy Puck left off. This has darker themes to it. And can I just say I loathed Jamie throughout this diet, but it was solidified in this!! Broken Puck is more centered around Second Chance for Rush and Bailey. I love the way L. Ann and Claire Marta’s minds work!!! Love loved loved it. The spice was of course *chef’s kiss!!!

[Amparosazma · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster ride

Did not not see that villain coming I'm very happy with how this ended still spicy still check your trigger warning a whole bunch of secrets come out but no epilogue the authors will drive me crazy with this I can't wait for Seven story witch promises to be just as spicy dark goodness like this on so not ready to leave Red Creek yet please read this book

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there is one thing that L. Ann and Claire Marta always manages to excel at, it’s creating one hell of a rollercoaster of a story!

Broken Puck picks up where Filthy Puck left off, therefore you’ll really want to read Filthy Puck first.

Filthy Puck and Broken Puck take us on a wildly tumultuous ride of heartache, hate, anger, pain, love, and “spice” with our MMC and FMC, Rush & Bailey. From childhood pen pals to enemies and then lovers, with both of our main characters experiencing so much drama and turmoil in their lives, you won’t be able to stop reading!

And another thing that our authors always achieve in their storytelling; you FEEL all the things! They have such an incredible way of really making you feel like you’re a part of the story.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So many twists and turns to this book. Absolutely loved it, can’t wait for the next book in series. I can’t say much in the review as don’t want to spoil it for people but if you read the 1st book, be prepared for this one. Loved Rush and Bailey. Even like Hank and thought Seven was a good friend to Rush

[Sarah Strawinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The twists and turns in this book, I loved them. I hated the “villain” in this book from the beginning, there was something off and I didn’t like them. I loved Rush and Bailey’s story. I can’t wait to read the next book.

[RavenRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished book one at Midnight but of course I had to jump into book two right away, soooo I got little to no sleep lol I love books that suck you in and keep you there and that is what this story and these character's did. It was also nice to see a little bit of Eli Travers kids in this series, I hope to see a little more of them in the future. I can't wait to see what these amazing authors come up with next!

[Debra Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angst action and drama

I loved this book. It had all the aspects I enjoy reading. A good back ground and characters I could relate to. Some mystery and angst. I couldn't put it down.