Kiss and Puck

Palm Springs Raptors #1

by Charlotte Byrd

They’re three professional hockey players who never learned to share. She’s a good girl who follows the rules.

To get back at my cheating fiancé, I had a one night stand with two hot guys I met at a bar.

Ash and Soren are witty, confident and incredibly easy on the eyes. They said and did all the right things, and I couldn’t stop. They are attractive, charming strangers who I will never forget but who I also never want to see again.

Fast forward a few weeks later. I move out of LA and start my first job after graduate school as the official sports psychologist for the Palm Springs Raptors AHL hockey team.

It's all going well until I spot two familiar faces on the Ash, the laid back surfer dude, and Soren, the arrogant Scandinavian.

They are the two guys from the bar! What are they doing here? How is this happening?

When we get some time alone, they promise to keep our night together a secret. But the chemistry among the three of us is irresistible. We can’t stay away from one another.

And things are about to get even more complicated when someone else comes into the picture. Ryder is a tall brooding hockey player from South Boston and the wrong side of the tracks.

He wants me to himself, but is he’s willing to share? Can the four of us make it work or is all of this going to blow up in my face?

This is an addictive hockey romance with no cheating!


hockey romance
new adult
angsty/steamy
workplace romance

Genres: Hockey, Why Choose, Sports Romance, Sports, Hockey Romance, Romance, Slow Burn

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2023

About the author

Charlotte Byrd is the bestselling author of numerous contemporary romance novels. She lives in Southern California with her husband, son, and a crazy toy Australian Shepherd. She loves dark books, hot weather and crystal blue waters.

BLACK EDGE Series (5 books!)

Mr. Black bought me at a secret auction on his yacht. I’ve never done anything like this before. What happens when one night isn’t enough?

Read now:
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Write her here:
charlotte@charlotte-byrd.com

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Reviews

[tiffany dai jel 🐝✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kiss and Puck

Can an ending simultaneously leave you in shock while also giving you blue balls? Charlotte I have to say… that’s definitely a talent!


star rating: 3.5
spice rating: 2🌶️🌶️

Did these characters upset me? Yes, they very much did. I hate these characters? Maybe. Maybe I do. I haven’t quite made up my mind yet. Will I read the next book to see where this goes? Yes, I definitely will.


Full RTC

[Anika Prots · Rating 1 out of 5]

Somehow this felt both rushed but I’m getting the feeling it’s going to drag on since their relationship carries through 5 books. I feel like I was tricked.

[Payton Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just starting to get into why choose books but i am definitely liking them! Harper is the main character in this book, as she is the team's sports psychologist who is working to help the team win. She previously has slept with two of the players one night before she started and keeps things professional with them. Not too much later, she meets another player and develops a friendship that turns into something more.

I loved the drama of this book, the cliffhanger, and all the different elements of this book. The skating scenes were so cute with the kids. Overall, this book balances the story so well and I can't wait to continue!

[AmyLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiss and Puck is book one in the Palm Springs Raptors series. It's a why choose, hockey, workplace romance. Harlow is the new sports psychologist for the Raptors who doesn't know that the steamy night she spent with Ash and Soren is going to haunt her because they are also AHL players for the Raptors. This one is angsty, full of steam, and all the emotions. Then throw in Ryder another player and what a whirlwind. The connection and attraction between Harlow and these guys is off the charts hot. That cliffy though?!? UGH! I need book two asap please!

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiss and Puck continues the story of Harlow, Ash, and Soren who surprisingly learn she is the new sport’s psychologist for their AHL team after they had shared a one night fling together. Harlow attempts to set professional standards between them. Ryder, another team member, rescues her on several occasions until a moment of weakness makes them close. Their complicated relationships has great characters, strong emotions, steamy chemistry, and a jaw dropping cliffhanger. The next book in the series is Pucking Disaster.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[M · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was honestly so bad. Like a watered down version of Pucking Around where all of the characters are unlikable and super cringeworthy.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I wasn't really sure I would like this story..Because I don't really choose to read books with more than two people in a relationship.I always think that someone is going to get hurt and it will be a character you fall in love with.
But I have to say I really enjoyed Kiss and Puck By Charlotte Byrd.
Harlow keeps getting herself into awkward situations in this story digging herself deeper and deeper into a mess.
After ending a bad relationship Harlow spends one passionate night with 2 strangers just for fun she never expected to see either of them again.
Time passes and Harlow is about to start a new job as the Psychologist to an AHL Hockey team who have lost their way..They need to get back to winning and believing in themselves and that is were Harlow will help them get to the root of the problem.
But Harlow's joy of getting her new job is shattered when the two men Ash and Soren who she spent that one night with play for the Hockey team she is employed to save.
But the problems don't stop there when a 3rd player Ryder strikes up a friendship with Harlow and they have a mutual attraction.
But Harlow cannot pursue anything with anyone and no-one must discover what she did with Ash and Soren or she will ruin her career before it has even begun.
But Ash and Soren are not willing to play fair and let her forget what they did together and the plot thickens.
This is a well written story and it is a slow burn because there are 4 books in this series so nothing is resolved yet.
The dialogue was so good and Charlotte Byrd impressed me with her story telling ability.
I was riveted ,intrigued and it is super sexy at the end.
I am already anticipating book 2..
Excellent.
5 Stars.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure that I was going to like this book but Charlotte Byrd has written such diverse and likeable characters that I really enjoyed it.
Harlow couldn't believe her eyes when the hocky player lifted his helmet, she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her, it was definitely Ash and he looked angry, was Soren also here ?
Dr Harlow Jacobs was living her dream, she had achieved her doctorate in sports psychology and had been accepted as sports psychologist to the Palm Spring Raptors, a great ice hockey team that seem to have lost their way, her job was to get them mentally fit so that they could rise up the league. She had left behind her waring parents and her cheating boyfriend and was about to start her dream job but there was a fly in the ointment, actually two flies in the shape of Ash and Soren , two hunks with whom she had enjoyed a totally out of character threesome, what did it matter, she wasn't hurting anyone and she would never see them again............. until she did.
The attraction was obviously still there but Harlow was worried about people finding out, her job was on the line, could she trust them to keep quiet ? enter tall, dark and ruggedly good looking Ryder, another team member and another team member to whom Harlow was attracted and who she found easy to talk with, could things get any more complicated ? Oh yes they could.
This book ends on a cliff hanger but it leaves you longing for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.

[Ariana Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harlow, Ash, and Soren

Thrown back together after a one night stand that they never expected to have such lasting feelings about they’re all struggling to find their balance and their boundaries.

Harlow is trying to prove her worth to herself and the team as the new sports psychologist. Ash has a bruised ego from being brushed off. And Soren seems to just roll with it and you don’t really understand much of his feelings.

In comes Ryder and a draw that Harlow doesn’t want anything to do with. But it is happening anyway.
The majority of the story is building on their lives as they are now and a slight developing of relationship between Harlow and Ryder.

It’s definitely only the start of the series. But I did wish there was more communication on page between the characters. It’s a lot more internal dialogue and feelings about situations that we’re experienced.

However, that cliffhanger that we get left on was just plain rude! But seriously. My stomach bottomed out and I can’t wait to dive into the next one.

I received an ARC of this for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Palm Springs Raptors series and it continues Harlow’s story. Harlow now had three men wanting her and her attention Ash, Soren and now Ryder which is now making things even more complicated especially as she is attracted to them all but with her new job on top of everything else going on she is so busy but with the chemistry between them all being so hot, intense and off the charts she does wonder how they will make it work and be together without compromising there jobs, careers and keeping it a secret so that nobody finds out which would put more pressure on them all and now rules will have to be put in place so that they will all be protected without everything going up in flames around them all and then you get a cliffhanger ending that will have you needing the next book to see what the outcome will be for them all in the end. I must admit this genre is not one that i would normally read as i am a one woman man but because it was written by Charlotte Byrd I who is one of my favourite authors i wanted to give it a try and i am glad that i did and really enjoyed reading it and looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Suzanne Normandeau Legault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enthralling reading. A very unexpected and intense connection is formed between a woman and two very talented hockey players Ash and Soren after a very hot one-night stand. However, their respective professions were never mentioned that night but very lasting memories were. Imagine the surprise when Harlow Jacobs, sports psychologist shows up as their team therapist; especially, since Harlow left them with a bogus number and therefore unreachable. With very powerful characters, the players have issues of their own that Harlow is asked to help with as well as help the team. A third player is thrown into their mix, Ryder whom Harlow is also attracted to and ends up making the same mistake ( as she called it), as she did with Ash and Soren. The interesting part is how Ryder is going to accept it, when he walks into Harlow’s office and sees all three together again in a very compromising position. Charlotte’s writing is powerful and addictive! Can’t wait to read the next instalment Pucking Disaster!

[Ash · Rating 2 out of 5]

I somehow finished this book, but if you’re expecting a saucy little hockey romance, think again. The novella prior is a necessary read, and if I hadn’t read that I would have assumed Harlow was a moron for being hung up on Ash and Soren, since they’re raging assholes to her the entire story. Then we toss in a nice guy named Ryder, who has a little bit of lead up before their closed doors scene, only for it to immediately be shot down.

As a doctor, she’s HIGHLY unethical.

My largest peeve with this book though was the editing. It was so poorly edited. I stopped submitting them once I hit 6 or 7 reports. There are commas in places there shouldn’t be. Sentences characters spoke that should have an end quote but don’t and lead into their own thoughts. It’s very hard sometimes to follow who is saying what as there’s no clues to it…

I feel like this is partially the authors fault, but it was proofread by Renee Waring, which will probably now make me check prior to opening a KU book to see if she was the reader or not because this was BAAAAAAAD.

[ReadsBetweenKatNaps · Rating 2 out of 5]

One word… whiplash

So as the saying goes, I’m not Willy Wonka so I’m not going to sugarcoat it. While I like the premise of it, it just never fully developed well IMHO. This series was tough for me to get through. In all my years I maybe DNFd 3 books and this series was close so many times. I kept reading hope it would change. Between the errors in the character names, error in the team name, how one character would be supportive and then a total ahole in the next breath. The main character kept going back and forth back and forth back and forth. It was literally like Groundhog Day repeating the same process way too many times. So many situations were handled as if the characters were teenagers and not grown adults. I kept reading thinking this is where it should go, but nope heading over there like….squirrel! I wanted to like the FMC and the MMCs, but it was a struggle, even the supporting characters were tough to like. All the smirking, rolling of the eyes, I don’t know this just missed the mark for me by a mile.

[Genevieve Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep seeing people saying how this is “just like Pucking around” but honestly, the books came out within a few months of each other so I call BS. Onto the review!

Harlowwwwwww. This strong, powerful, SUCCESSFUL woman is living everyone’s dream right now! She has a career she loves and had a wild night with two delicious men. Only problem? Those men happen to be on the team our girl now works for as a sports psychologist.

Ash… my dude.. broody, arrogant, and delicious. Of course he sees her and shits himself. Did he have to give her such a hard (no pun intended) time? Not really. But when you think you belong in a legitimate different league, that can happen.

Soren.. the joker, Mr laid back, and the third member of the 3way. Also shocked as fuckkkk to see Harlow but not as cruel to her tbh.

Ryder… okay so he has my heart because he’s from Boston but he also didn’t have to be a dick (again NO PUN INTENDED) after he and Harlow slept together. But he was. Justified? A little.

THE CLIFFHANGER. Absolutely rude but thank god for KU because I now don’t have to wait.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st reading: Decently well written, though with a few punctuation and formatting errors (in the e-book). Very basic plot and simple character development, more than two-dimensional but only just.
This book definitely doesn't equal the high caliber of the Highest Bidder series. I'm not judgmental about what goes on in the story, unprofessional or not. My annoyance comes from the MFC Harlow telling herself - and the guys - what she's doing is wrong, and then doing it anyway. Yes, people make mistakes. One time, I get it. But twice? Three times? Give me a break and get yourself a backbone. Or maybe a moral compass.
Also, this book in my opinion was too short, i.e., I feel like this is going to be one of those stories that's been broken into three sections - and unnecessarily padded - in order to get more sales. If that's how it turns out, I'm going to be seriously pissed off.
However, because of the frigging cliffhanger, I now have to buy the next book. *Cue eye roll*

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ultimate slow burn story.

It’s Harlow’s first day as the sports psychologist of the Palm Spring Raptors, a hockey team. She just got her doctorate and broke up with her boyfriend of four years. She went out and had a one-night stand with two guys, never to see them again. It’s a fresh start all around, or so she thought. On the ice observing the team she sees Ash, one of the guys from the one-night stand. Then she sees Soren, the other guy from the one-night stand. None of them knew each other’s professions that night. Then comes Ryder, and the attraction is intense. It takes a while but she gives in after a dinner with her parents which crushes her. Feelings are all over the place with how many mistakes she’s made. Ash approaches her and Soren is with him, and omg, she can’t resist once again. This story ends up in cliff hanger of epic proportions.

[Patricia Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiss and Puck by Charlotte Byrd
Charlotte Byrd does it again. I loved this first book in this series. I have to say this story has moved up to my number one. The way she leads you into the story is wonderful. It all starts with the novella, where she catches her boyfriend of four years cheating on her in her own bed. a very hot threesome with Harlow, Ash, and Soren. It is delicious.
In book one she gets a job with the Raptora, a hockey team as a sports psychology therapist in Palm Springs. Harlow is so excited to move and start fresh. Then she finds out that the two men from her threesome are Raptors. I love the way Byrd writes from Harlow's own views and how she feels about the situation. This book does not disappoint. I highly recommend this book. I was given a free book from BookFunnel and voluntarily left an honest review.

[Karen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my word, this book is hot! This is not a troupe I usually read but I love this series, it is so well written and draws you in from the start, wondering what Harlow will do next.

Harlow had a one-night stand with two men, Ash and Soren, she gave them a fake number as for her it was one night only, and she didn't know who they were.

When Harlow starts her new job as a sports psychologist for an ice hockey team with big hopes, the Palm Spring Raptors, she doesn't know that her one-night stands were two of the hockey players in the team, she swears them both to not say anything about their one night and they agree.

But then she gets close to Ryder and sleeps with him, and Ash overhears a conversation, she is in big trouble, how can she get out of the situation?

Brilliant book and I can't wait for the next one.

[Jennifer Squillante · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would actually give this a 2.5 star rating.

I was really interested in the storyline, that is what grabbed my attention.
This book implied it was a why-choose, and it was really just the Harlow and Ryder story. The synopsis and the book do not align.

I really loved Ryder, though he was written well for the most part. but my real reasoning for the low rating was Harlow. She was redundant and whiney, which I could understand at the start of the novel, but half way through, there has to be some growth with the character and I felt that there wasn't. she was still a whiney FMC and had started to annoy me. I tried to hold out (II DNF'd with 50 minutes left)
But then she did something, and I just couldn't finish reading.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes! What a read! I love Harlow, she's smart, starting this new job, her career, and determined to make a name for herself. Then being face to face with Ash and Soren again, woah I loved these guys so much. Ash is a bit intense, he's definitely pulled to her, wants that connection to expand. Soren has many level to himself and I enjoyed getting to see that. Then we have Ryder, and he's absolutely swoon worthy. He's so full of heart, working to be more than his childhood. This is a great slow burn, a fire that builds, and I was left with my jaw on the floor! i am on the edge of my seat waiting to dig into more of them and see where things will go.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiss and Puck is the next in Charlotte's Palm Springs Raptors series following Harlow and the rollercoaster that is her involvement with three hot hockey players.

We pick up where we left off with One Pucking Night (so read that novella first) and I really liked this next installment. Whilst the spice was fairly minimal to what I usually read I still enjoyed this. I would have liked more from Ash and Soren in this book but understand it was more about introducing Ryder - and what an absolute cute hunk of a man he is! And THAT ENDING has me desperate for the next book.

tropes:
🏒 hockey romance
🤷‍♀️ why choose
☻️ little forbidden
👩‍💼 workplace romance

[Bibliophile Unicorn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually don’t go out of my way when I don’t like a book abut if I could give this book zero stars I would!

I love why choose and I definitely like the there is a good pull and push a the relationship but this book did it wrong!

There is one of the male characters Ash that comes out with his behaviour being very questionable. To explain this is one of his thoughts to the MFL “She’s going to learn what happens when I get brushed aside, and she’s not going to like it very much” Like WTF! This comes out as very predatory behaviour for me! So all his macho energy I’m entitled to you was a huge turn off for me!

[Raeann Wolfley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book! It starts off where the Novella left off. I thought it was just going to be about the three of them dealing with working together. I was wrong in the best way, because Ryder is in the picture now too! I love Ash and Soren, and now love Ryder! Ahhh to be Harlow seriously not one, not two, but three hot hockey players! But… the way the ending left off! Omg so many scenarios is going through my head. I can’t think straight! What a cliffhanger!!! I need the second book like right now!!!

[Jill Badker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlow, Ash, and Soren find themselves meeting again. None of them ever expected to see each other or have the feelings yet after their one night and now they’re all struggling to find their footing again now that they are working together. Harlow is trying to not loose her new job by her secrets coming out. Not only could it end her job, even worse would be loosing the respect of the other teammates and the coach. Then Ryder jumping in and trying to help her with her new job and new town, the pull they both feel can't be denied. Can she balance all four of them and keep herself sane.

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

We pick up where the novella ended, and Harlow is now the team's sports psychologist and little did she know that Soren and Ash the guys with which she had a steamy one night stand, were members of the team. Now she needs to prove to herself and the team that she is worth and capable to do this job.
Now another member of the team, Ryder has his eyes on the beautiful doctor, but she doesn't want to have anything to do with him. With her life in shambles and three men vying for her attention what will happen next? Can't wait to see what's next in store for Harlow and her men.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY PUCK!!!
Could this story get any hotter or steamier? Why Yes, yes it could! To get the full effect of the story, you must start with One Pucking Night Novella. The twists and turns between Harlow, Ash, Soren and now Ryder, I could not put the book down until the end. And now I can't wait for the next installment to the story. I am not usually one who likes a story with multiple partners; however, I can't blame Harlow for not wanting to choose and who says she needs to choose. Grab a cool drink and/or fan because you will need it to get through this story. Enjoy!!

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlow has her dream job as a sports psychologist. She has a job with a team and to her shock two of the players are men she had a one night stand with. Each other he guys see her and want answers as she gave each her number but it was fake. Both wants answers but one was hurt more and the other is more just wanting a reason. But she has car trouble and Ryder helps her and they end up in bed and she’s gone the next morning. Now he has issues that he wants a reason too! Will it get out about these and affect her job? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Terri Gardner · Rating 2 out of 5]

18+
Super hot prequel.

Then the series goes down hill fast. I couldn't finish the third book. Poor writing, mistakes, the author calls the hockey team by the wrong name in book 3. And the MFC is a freaking idiot. She is this educated PhDy and doesn't have an ounce of common sense. I have no idea what the MMC's could even find remotely alluring in her. I'm all about getting what you want se/ually with however many partners you want, but jeash be up front about it.

I tried to stick with it, but I just couldn't.

[Always Looking For My... Next Book Boyfriend. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure about this one.

I typically like RH books, but I really dislike the FMC in this one, so it’s hard to enjoy the book. She is so annoying with her I need to be professional and Oh no I made a mistake…again. It’s like you’re you’re 26 years old and a doctor of Psychology but you keep making stupid “mistakes” that you continually beat yourself up over. Grow up and figure it out. I honestly can’t say if I’ll read the next book even though I mostly like the male characters and I’m generally nosy enough that I want to know what happens next.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiss and Puck by Charlotte Byrd is the story of Harlow, Ash and Soren. They met perchance earlier. Now, she discovers that she is the Sports Psychologist for their hockey team! Can things be anymore awkward??? She is determined to remain professional and they reluctantly agree. Until she turns the tables on everyone…

This characters in this story seem very sophomoric. I like the story line and the premise. Lots of confusion among them. Ends in a major cliffhanger!