Pucked Up Plans

Aspenridge College Hockey #1

by Taylor Delong

My top three priorities:
my daughter
playing hockey
a college education

Add in a few hours working a part-time job, and my days are pretty packed. But does that stop me from pursuing Tate Winchester?
Nope, not even a little.

Until she turns me down for a date.

To her credit, she has a lot on her plate. She’s new to our small town, she works a full-time job, and she’s a single mom to my daughter’s new friend. Our relationship initially stems from playdates for the kids, but I’ll take time with her any way I can. However, the more time we spend together, the more I want that date.

A plan forms in my mind, and though life never goes according to how I envision, I’m determined to make this happen.

If–when–she finally agrees, I hope I don’t puck up the plans…

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Hockey, Contemporary, Romance, Hockey Romance, College

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2024

Reviews

[Alli Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review ✨

Pucked up plans by Taylor Delong
Releases 1/26!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After moving to a new town as a single parent, the last thing Tate Winchester expected was Walsh Keeley. Not your average dad- operating, attending school, and playing hockey. Their daughters quickly become best friends. They all soon become a permanent fixture in each other’s lives.

Will Walsh finally be the guy who breaks down her walls from her past?

This book will tug on your heart strings. My absolute favorite character was Lennon. I thought my daughter was sassy. Lennon takes the cake!

Thank you Taylor for the early copy.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok book. Is it weird I enjoyed the bonus scene more than the book itself? There was just a lot of nothing going on in the book till he had a surprise hookup show up towards the ending. It was a little boring for me.

It was a slow burn for sure, not a lot of spice and I’m ok with that. I wanted more out of the plot that didn’t involve spicy parts anyways. It was probably more realistic where they’re two young parents trying to find time to possibly go on a date. Walsh has school, hockey and a part time job. Tate works from home and her life is all about her daughter Aubrey so it’s difficult for her to even think about finding a babysitter for her kid while she goes off on a date. She has an aunt that lives nearby but doesn’t feel comfortable asking her to babysit till like halfway through the book.

I couldn’t exactly feel a connection between them. I didn’t feel anything between them except sexual tension and sexual frustrations. When it finally came to them having sex I felt like Walsh was a little pushy but tried not to come off as pushy. If that makes sense. I may be the only one who feels this way but Walsh kind of annoyed me often but I’ll admit I loved the relationship he had with Lennon. It was unique and special.

I’m slightly interested in Liliana and Cody’s book so I have it saved on my TBR list.

[christyheartsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super cute, sweet and fun. I loved the relationships that were formed in this one - between the MCs and their kids. It was all just so sweet. Lennon was a riot. I loved her so much. Walsh was a bit cringe at times with how obsessed he was with having sex but overall I really enjoyed this one.

[♡ Rosella Swan ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read if you like:

Single Mom x Single Dad
He pursues her 😍
College hockey setting
Hockey team 🏒
Small town romance 🏠
Steamy 🫢
Banter and fluff 😌
Adorable girls and family moments 😍

I got an arc in exchange for a review 💙 Sorry for the lateness since release date was 26 Jan 😅

[S Huizenga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before you read this book, read the prologue novella Pucks and Pink Lines because that will start the storyline for these characters.

Two teenage couples in two different states find themselves pregnant. One father wants nothing to do with the baby and walks away. The other father embraces the news and does his best.

Where this story picks up is five years after giving birth. The mom (Tate) abandoned by her boyfriend has been raising her daughter Aubrey alone. The ex has recently passed away and now his family has decided they want custody of Aubrey. Tate will hear nothing of it and moves from Kansas to Vermont to be close to an aunt who has offered her a place to stay.

Walsh is doing his best to raise his daughter Lennon with his ex Megan in the same Vermont town. Walsh is a college student who plays hockey and lives at home with his parents. He shares custody of Lennon with Megan and they do they can to co-parent.

After moving, Aubrey is enrolled at the school Lennon attends and one day at pick up will change both Tate and Walsh forever. The kids become fast friends causing the parents to have to interact and they find that there is some serious chemistry between the two of them. Their path is not easy and a HUGE event happens that threatens everything they have started to build.

What I love about this is that Tate wants to really take things slow and Walsh goes along with that, never pushing her for more than she can give. I also really loved that the feelings of the kids is brought into the story so much. An impressionable 5 year old it would find it hard not to get attached to someone who treats them and their parent so well and I think this was written with great respect.

I really liked this book and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

ᴘᴜᴄᴋᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ ᴘʟᴀɴs (ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ) // ᴛᴀʏʟᴏʀ ᴅᴇʟᴏɴɢ

- Single mom
- Single dad
- Collegiate hockey player
- He falls first
- He always buys her flowers
- Witty 5 year old banter

I was extremely unprepared for how cute this story was going to be! Walsh "Keeley" Keeley (he goes by his last name) and Tate meet through their 5 year old daughters, and initially bond over being the only parents under 30. It turns out they were both teenage parents, with the girls birthdays being just a couple days apart. Due to staying in town for college and sharing custody with his ex, Keeley was able to continue his studies and stay on the hockey team.

Ever since he saw Tate in the school pickup line, Walsh immediately knew she was it for him - but due to her past trauma and drama, she's a bit more hesitant to give in. This man takes it upon himself to deliver flowers every week, and show up at Tate's apartment to help her clean. CLEAN I say! Determined to wedge his way into her life any way he can, Keeley makes the absolute most effort. If he wanted to he would, ladies 🤷🏼‍♀️

While skating is definitely a big part of their lives, the story definitely revolves moreso around Keeley, Tate and the girls.

And the girls! While Tate's daughter Aubrey is quiet and doesn't like sweets, Keeley's talks and acts more like an adult than a preschooler. The wit with this one was so funny! They are truly brought together by their daughters and it was soo cute. And the epilogue was absolutely perfect! 🥰

🌶️🌶️
⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Mayra Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I Start my review and start to rest this masterpiece. Please read the prologue novella Pucks and Pink Lines. The novella gives you an inside of who the characters are, and how they become to be who they are in Pucked Up Plans!

Pucked Up Plans by Taylor Delong is not only the first book of her new series, The Aspenridge College series. But also the first book I ever read from this amazing writer 👏🏻.

Tate is a single mom and Walsh is a single dad. Their daughters go to preschool together so they become best friends. Bringing Tate and Walsh together as friends first. They bond over being teen parents and single parents. As their daughter keep spending time with each other they start to realize theirs potential for them to start something romantically.

I love the journey that both Walsh and Take went through to find each other, and how they make things work. Walsh is totally book boyfriend material. I love how caring, understanding, and lovable he is. He understands Tate’s fears, and is willing to help her overcome them at her own pace. Their daughters are super duper cute, full of sass and love for each other. This is a must read book!!

✨YOU MUST READ THE NOVELLA EPILOGUE, IT’S SO WORTH IT!✨

I’m looking forward to book 2!! I cannot wait to see what Taylor has up her sleeve! 🏒⛸️🥅👩🏻‍🍳🧁🍪🥕

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

@author.taylor.delong blew it out of the water with this book! I absolutely loved it from page one. Her style of writing flows so well together.
I really enjoyed Walsh and Tates characters. Aubrey and Lennon are such sweet girls. I really enjoyed the hockey aspect of the book as well. It was really awesome to see how well Tate and Walsh both handled having kids at young ages.
I completely understood Tate wanting things to go slow between her and Walsh. He was absolutely wonderful about it too. I love that Tate was able to start over in Vermont. I believe it’s what she and Aubrey needed. It was good to see she wasn’t alone there. Having her Aunt close was a comforting feeling. It was so good seeing Aubrey come out of her shell, especially with the cats.
Lennon is a spitfire. I love how she just goes with the flow. It’s not always easy with a young kid whose parents aren’t together anymore. But she has a great support system.

Make sure you check out this book! You won’t regret it.

#hockey #romance #mom #dad #family #college #rink #love #newbeginnings

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of Taylor Delong as she really knows how to develop a world. I have read quite a few of her books and I always just want to be a part of the setting. Havenwood sounds like the perfect small college town!

Walsh and Tate are such loveable characters that you just can’t help but root for them throughout. I will say that for me college age characters are starting to feel a bit young to me as I am 20 years older then them but given the circumstances these 2 are in as single parents I can relate on that level.

I loved seeing the relationship between Walsh and his daughter and how it was such a positive experience, it makes me want to have all single dads of daughters read it so they know it’s going to be OK.

I can’t wait to see where this Havenwood and Aspenridge story goes and whole else gets to have their story told. Would love to see something with Jenny the florist maybe? Although I get the sense that she is older than most of the college boys of the hockey team!

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tate and Keeley each became single parents when they were young. Their daughters (who are both insanely adorable) are in the same preschool class together after Tate and her daughter move into town.

Tate is reluctant and apprehensive about letting Walsh in but she also won't deny her daughter her friendship with his daughter.

It's a cute story. I kept forgetting they were so young (I think 22) which would explain some of the more immature behaviors/reactions to things but ultimately they both ADORED their own kids.
***SLIGHT SPOILER***
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Towards the end there was a girl (hockey rink mgr's daughter) who - it seemed like she was hitting on Keeley - and I was afraid some drama was going to happen there (thankfully it didn't) so it was just ODD that she was thrown into the story. Of course I figured out she's the FMC of book 2 but it was just...weird. I think her interaction with the characters could've been more innocent, especially since Tate had already shown herself to be a bit of a jealous person yet in this instance she didn't react. It seemed out of character.

[Isabel Debono · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my very first read by this author.
It was very cute read.
Keeley and Tate met through their daughters but felt an instant attraction. It soon noticeable that these two are more than just friends... they make the perfect couple.
I adored Keeley and his total devotion not only to his daughter but also to Tate.
I liked Tate’s character although at times I thought she needed a good shake.
Lennon was a laugh but sometimes I felt that her behaviour was sometimes a bit to overboard. Sassy then became obnoxious, but this was carefully balanced out with the sweetness of Aubrey. Together they were perfect.
My only complaint was that this book sometimes felt drawn out and overly long. As a result I tended to read it in smaller doses thus drawing it out and making it feel even longer.
I did like the way the author wrote and the storyline was really good.
Also the characters were very relatable.
Worth the read.

I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review

[Vera Blaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two single parents in a small town who connect initially through their five-year-old daughters who became fast friends at preschool. Tate is raising Aubrey alone after having moved from Kansas to Vermont. Walsh shares custody of Lennon with her mother. They live with his parents while he finishes college.

While Lennon and Aubrey became friends first, spending time together as a foursome was easy. Aubrey was more reserved while Lennon was a frank firecracker. As Tate and Walsh grow closer so do their girls to each other. Tate and Walsh’s relationship was a slow burn; kids and schedules can be difficult to maneuver. But the friendship they built on a solid foundation led to a beautiful HEA, but not before a wrench was thrown their way. Luckily for them everything worked in their favor.

I’m excited to see what the author has in store for this series.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you’re a single parent, in a new town, worried about your kid fitting in, and also trying to do everything right? Well, if you’re Tate, you end up falling into meeting Walsh. And he’s not your average dad. Nope. Coparenting, attending school, playing hockey and keeping grades up to remain eligible for everything, and seeing the first woman to interest him in a long while. He just has to convince Tate to take a chance on him.

Oddly enough, these two are far more mature than many older parents, and while they do make a few missteps, they learn from them. Fast. They communicate. They don’t let things simply fester. And they face whatever comes at them head on, together. So I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and their daughters. I’m pretty sure we’ll see some more of them in the future, also, and I’m 100% okay with that!

[Closet Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my swoon! This was the first book I have read by Taylor and it certainly won’t be my last!! Pucked Up Plans was the first book in her Aspenridge College Hockey series. It was sweet, sexy, and had all the sass!!

Walsh certainly had a lot on his plate - college, his daughter, hockey, and work. So when he met Tate, he wasn’t sure how he would fit in anything else. But something was pulling him to her and he was determined to see it through. Now, all he had to do was get her on the same page!

Oh my word! Walsh and Tate were perfect for each other. I loved how Tate was hesitant to let someone in her life, it made her that much stronger. And the girls… they were something else. Those two stole my heart! Loved how they complimented each other. I hope we get to see some more of them later down the road.

[Lanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pucked up plans

So the story involves Keely as we know him and Tate who has both young 22 year old single parent who were teen parents in high school who’s path is finally crossing in Vermont.

I really enjoyed that both of the kids get a lot of scenes unlike many books where the child is mentioned once then forgotten in this book we saw 2 adorable polar opposite

Aubrey the shy reserved quiet very introvert sugar hating toddler who’s all about manners and barely speaking her mind

Lennon the very outgoing sassy sarcastic sugar loving but barely eats and always shares what she wants

And by meeting both these girls you get to see the dynamic of the parent and how different Keely and Tate are with the kids

Also their chemistry was amazing even if this book is a slowburn book

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

SINGLE DAD!?! Say less.

This book was not at all what I expected. I have not read any other book that has portrayed a young single dad in the way Taylor did. It's very rare to read a book with a young single dad and see how he navigates through life with a child.

Every book always has the great side character that you want to have their own book and in this one its 100% Lennon Keeley.. at 5 years old I needed her in ever scene and in the bonus chapter I decided that Taylor Delong better make a story for both her and Aubrey.

No to discount the FMC Tate or her daughter, but I was completely drawn to the Keeley family in this story.

HUGE thank you to Taylor Delong for allowing me to be apart of her ARC team, her books never disappoint.

[Anna Kaaiakamanu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away and I did not want to put it down. Taylor has a way of making the characters so real that you feel like you are in the story with them. Each character is relatable and realistic. Walsh is a lovable college hockey player and single dad. He lives with his parents while he finishes school with his daughter. Tate is a single mom who just moved to Vermont for a fresh start with her daughter. Tate is reserved but hard working and will do anything for her daughter. These two are so much fun together and Walsh is an awkward mess (which is adorable). Walsh's daughter, Lennon, is a sassy, hilarious mess. She will run day rule the world with Aubrey, Tate's daughter, as her sidekick who keeps Lennon in line. This was a fabulous read and I highly recommend!

[Brooke Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much!!! This is the first book I have read by Taylor Delong and I am hooked!!! I couldn’t put this book down until I reached the end. This is a contemporary hockey single mom/single dad romance. The storyline was original and the characters had instant chemistry. I loved the angst and push and pull that they experienced throughout this book was fantastic.

Taylor was independent, determined and loyal. I thought she was a strong and guarded FMC. Walsh was focused, determined and intense. Both their kids were the perfect addition to their live story. Taylor and Walsh had instant and scorching hot chemistry and I loved the slow build to their romance story. There were a few curve balls and the drama that followed was page turning.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tate Winchester needed a fresh start on her life. Moving to Vermont near her aunt was going to do that for her and her daughter Aubrey. Walsh Keeley a Vermont native had a full plate- college hockey, his education and his young daughter Lennon. The little girls become fast friends. Because Tate and Walsh are young parents, they naturally feel comfortable around each other. With all they have going on in their lives and their past poor decisions, can they forge a relationship together? This was my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The little girls were too cute, Mimi was the best and of course this couple was hot! Loved the bonus epilogue also!

[Jalesa Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so many emotions with Tate and Walsh’s story! They both had a past that they made the most of they brought them together in a way. I loved that it wasn’t just them who fell in love, but their daughters found best friends in each other. Tate and Aubrey picked up and started a new life with only one person they knew and Walsh and Lennon were the cutest dad and daughter duo that had the best support system, and watching them all grow closer and Tate and Aubrey get the support system they deserved and Walsh and Lennon getting two more people to love made this story one of my absolute favorites to start the year off with this year and I cannot wait to read more!

[K Webz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving the start to this new series. Tate needs a new start and moves to Vermont to be near her aunt. A single mom with a lot on her plate, this small town is the reboot she needs. So when her daughter becomes besties with the daughter of Vermont native Walsh, this starts the beginning of his plan of getting a date.

The attraction between these two is fantastic, though Tate is a little Leary from her past, but the more time they spend due to their daughters, their feelings grow. Loved the slow burn and the storyline was great.

[Brandy Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tate and Walsh are so cute together. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them. That is saying if they are mentioned in the next few books in the series. Even though I got to see a 13 years later jump with the bonus chapter I still want to see if they are mentioned or make an appearance. The way Lennon and Aubrey are so opposite to each other but make the best of friends. I also love how Lennon wanted to buy Tate flowers to make her feel better and told Walsh he needed to fix it because she misses Tate and loves her. That is one cute family even if they are bonus' to each other.

[Sarah Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting, I could not stop! I absolutely adored the cute little girls Lennon and Aubrey. Their single parents Tate & Walsh are both so busy but make time for their girls and are thrilled they became friends in preschool. The cute ways the girls spoke yet so differently kept me pretty entertained. I enjoyed the times when Tate & Walsh had their dates but also the times when they were together with their kids, spending time together.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tate & Walsh are both single young parents. Their daughters are the same age and become fast friends. Bree is adorably shy and the little spitfire that is Lennon couldn’t be more different but their little friendship made my heart so happy!
The chemistry between Tate and Walsh is there at first glance. Between playdates and preschool pick ups the attraction grows.
This book was such a sweet and fun read for me! I’m excited to see if more stories come from this!

[VicciReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this author's books! They are always such a fun read. This book is by far one of her best. The story just grabs you and you fall in love with characters. I was was totally enthralled with Lennon and Aubrey. They really did steal hearts in this book. It was such beautiful and sweet story. Tate and Keely were so good together. This is definitely a book that will stay with you. It gives a great Book Hangover. You will not want to put it down!

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Single Parents
-College Hockey
-He Falls First
-Steamy
-Banter

Walsh and Tate are single parents of five-year-olds who are best friends, so of course they have to interact.
For me this was a nice read with likeable characters, a top notch book boyfriend and a good story.

I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Becca Whaley · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I enjoyed parts of this one and parts annoyed me… I love the single parent trope so I was all in… but things about the relationship got to me, especially in the bedroom scenes… I’ll leave you wondering to read for yourselves. Audrey was the absolute sweetest and Lennon was a total sass but I loved them equally for different reasons…. Walsh was patient and understanding while Tate was awkward more often than not…

[Beonika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much 5 stars for sure Walsh and Tate are a power couple add in there two adorable kids and they make the cutest family ❤️. I highly recommend this book it was so good I can’t even explain the addiction I have to this book you must read it for yourself. Picked up plans comes out Friday January 26th available on ku

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t what I was expecting, though that didn’t deter me from completely enjoying this one. I really like the way each of the characters were brought to life and each one was unique and intriguing all on their own. Lennon is absolutely adorable, the things that she said were priceless. The flow of this story, along with the surprise twist is enough to keep you glued to its pages.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read from the single parent aspect. Some people will understand all the stress and struggles that come with raising a child on their own.. while others may not.

This book has all the feels tho! Sass, crass, heat, and a Canadian's fave sport - hockey!

Looking forward to more books by Taylor DeLong in the near future!