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San Diego Seals Hockey #1
Sweet as Puck
Two men who need a second chance. Could she be the sunshine who lights their dark days?
I’ve fallen for my best friend’s father. He’s a sexy silver fox who needs a second chance at love. Impossible to stay away from, right? And when he praises me in that deep voice, I melt. I want him to be my first.
I wasn’t expecting Alec. He’s the gorgeous, tattooed, grumpy bad boy of the NHL. Tensions are running high with his team. His reputation and career are hanging by a thread. He needs to focus on hockey. I need to stay away. But with chemistry as electric as ours, it’s impossible.
I shouldn’t fall for either man, never mind both. But I can’t resist them. And I think they’re falling for each other too.
If only we weren’t doomed from the start.
Sweet as Puck is a steamy hockey bi-awakening, age gap, why choose MMF romance. It features a curvy girl who’s never been kissed, a silver fox who falls first, and a disgraced hockey star seeking redemption.
This book deals with past loss of loved ones and cheating (not the main characters).
I’ve fallen for my best friend’s father. He’s a sexy silver fox who needs a second chance at love. Impossible to stay away from, right? And when he praises me in that deep voice, I melt. I want him to be my first.
I wasn’t expecting Alec. He’s the gorgeous, tattooed, grumpy bad boy of the NHL. Tensions are running high with his team. His reputation and career are hanging by a thread. He needs to focus on hockey. I need to stay away. But with chemistry as electric as ours, it’s impossible.
I shouldn’t fall for either man, never mind both. But I can’t resist them. And I think they’re falling for each other too.
If only we weren’t doomed from the start.
Sweet as Puck is a steamy hockey bi-awakening, age gap, why choose MMF romance. It features a curvy girl who’s never been kissed, a silver fox who falls first, and a disgraced hockey star seeking redemption.
This book deals with past loss of loved ones and cheating (not the main characters).
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2024
330 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Ann Grech
40 books548 followersBy day Ann Grech lives in the corporate world and can be found sitting behind a desk typing away at reports and papers or lecturing to a room full of students. She graduated with a PhD in 2016 and is now an over-qualified nerd. Glasses, briefcase, high heels and a pencil skirt, she’s got the librarian look nailed too. If only they knew! She swears like a sailor, so that’s got to be a hint. The other one was “the look” from her tattoo artist when she told him that she wanted her kids initials “B” and “J” tattooed on her foot. It took a second to register that it might be a bad idea.
She’s never entirely fit in and loves escaping into a book—whether it’s reading or writing one. But she’s found her tribe now and loves her MM book world family. She dislikes cooking, but loves eating, can’t figure out technology, but is addicted to it, and her guilty pleasure is Byron Bay Cookies. Oh and shoes. And lingerie. And maybe handbags too. Well, if we’re being honest, we’d probably have to add her library too given the state of her credit card every month (what can she say, she’s a bookworm at heart)!
She also publishes her raunchier short stories under her pen name, Olive Hiscock.
She’s never entirely fit in and loves escaping into a book—whether it’s reading or writing one. But she’s found her tribe now and loves her MM book world family. She dislikes cooking, but loves eating, can’t figure out technology, but is addicted to it, and her guilty pleasure is Byron Bay Cookies. Oh and shoes. And lingerie. And maybe handbags too. Well, if we’re being honest, we’d probably have to add her library too given the state of her credit card every month (what can she say, she’s a bookworm at heart)!
She also publishes her raunchier short stories under her pen name, Olive Hiscock.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
September 29, 2024
we all know i’m a why choose girlie and i’ll always jump at the opportunity to read one, but i just couldn’t get into this. i tried SO hard to love it but it wasn’t my book and that’s okay!! i know a lot of people will love this!!
ann is a new to me author and i am glad i got the chance to read one of her books! i enjoyed getting to meet cara, alec, and roe & see their relationship develop and grow <3 i’m happy they all found each other and were able to get their hea <3
ann is a new to me author and i am glad i got the chance to read one of her books! i enjoyed getting to meet cara, alec, and roe & see their relationship develop and grow <3 i’m happy they all found each other and were able to get their hea <3
October 19, 2025
It's everything I wanted to the point of staying up til stupid o'clock to keep reading. So happy with this story 💓
September 23, 2024
Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check CWs before reading
Grech is a new to me author, and when I saw the combination of MMF, hockey, age gap, bi-awakening and best friend's dad tropes, I knew this was for me - and it did not disappoint. What makes this even better is that Grech has set this in Australia, referencing places that locals know - I loved the shoutout to Hosier Lane, personally. I always take my interstate friends there when they come for a visit.
This book is filled with banter and laughter - and so much Aussie mannerisms and humour. It genuinely is a comfort read from that perspective alone. But whilst it has its fun moments, Grech isn't shy about writing the more emotional side of things. She definitely had my heart hurting when Cara discovers the issues with her parents at the start of the story, and when Monroe's history came pouring out, I was near tears. And Alec... I wanted to wrap that man in a huge hug once we learned more of his emotional side, too.
Cara, our aspiring writer, had my attention from the start. She knew what she wanted in life - both in career and in home life - and didn't care what others thought. Our curvy FMC has a heart of gold, and it really shows through the course of the story. Alec, our hockey player trying to escape the spotlight. I was angry for him. I really hated how everything played out, and wish that Minns and Kam had spoken up about everything sooner. The poor hockey boy was hurting, but I really enjoyed that he found his place with Cara and Monroe, and whilst it took some time, he fought for what he wanted. Then we have Monroe, our silver fox. I loved his story the most, I think. He's come from losing his wife and son through tragedy, watching his daughter fall in love with three men, and losing hope for his own love life. But then Cara comes into the picture, bringing Alec along, and we have the most amazing bi-awakening story - and the hottest one, too. That first hotel scene lives rent free in my mind -- ladies and gentlemen, THAT is how you write a fantastic MMF oral scene. Hands down one of my favourite spice scenes EVER.
This is definitely more along the lines of an insta-lust/love book, which at times I struggled to believe, but also worked well for the characters. The only other bit that truly irked me was Cara constantly calling her lady bits "kitty" - it really took me out of the spice, which is so sad because as I said, it is top notch spice! It makes her out to seem a lot younger/more innocent than she is, and breaks the flow of the narrative, considering it's been her dream to be in a poly relationship.
This was truly a great combination of sweet, sexy, humour and story, with a little hockey and minimal angst thrown in. I loved reading as the characters all came together, how they all complimented and supported each other, and that they got a happily ever after that was so very well deserved.
Having read this, I'm definitely planning on going back to read Grech's other works, especially Zali's story. Just enough was hinted at in this book that is making me want to find out just what went down with the AFP. Also, I'm very excited for the next book in the series, especially with the hints of the featuring characters dropped near the end of this one.
Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
Check CWs before reading
Grech is a new to me author, and when I saw the combination of MMF, hockey, age gap, bi-awakening and best friend's dad tropes, I knew this was for me - and it did not disappoint. What makes this even better is that Grech has set this in Australia, referencing places that locals know - I loved the shoutout to Hosier Lane, personally. I always take my interstate friends there when they come for a visit.
This book is filled with banter and laughter - and so much Aussie mannerisms and humour. It genuinely is a comfort read from that perspective alone. But whilst it has its fun moments, Grech isn't shy about writing the more emotional side of things. She definitely had my heart hurting when Cara discovers the issues with her parents at the start of the story, and when Monroe's history came pouring out, I was near tears. And Alec... I wanted to wrap that man in a huge hug once we learned more of his emotional side, too.
Cara, our aspiring writer, had my attention from the start. She knew what she wanted in life - both in career and in home life - and didn't care what others thought. Our curvy FMC has a heart of gold, and it really shows through the course of the story. Alec, our hockey player trying to escape the spotlight. I was angry for him. I really hated how everything played out, and wish that Minns and Kam had spoken up about everything sooner. The poor hockey boy was hurting, but I really enjoyed that he found his place with Cara and Monroe, and whilst it took some time, he fought for what he wanted. Then we have Monroe, our silver fox. I loved his story the most, I think. He's come from losing his wife and son through tragedy, watching his daughter fall in love with three men, and losing hope for his own love life. But then Cara comes into the picture, bringing Alec along, and we have the most amazing bi-awakening story - and the hottest one, too. That first hotel scene lives rent free in my mind -- ladies and gentlemen, THAT is how you write a fantastic MMF oral scene. Hands down one of my favourite spice scenes EVER.
This is definitely more along the lines of an insta-lust/love book, which at times I struggled to believe, but also worked well for the characters. The only other bit that truly irked me was Cara constantly calling her lady bits "kitty" - it really took me out of the spice, which is so sad because as I said, it is top notch spice! It makes her out to seem a lot younger/more innocent than she is, and breaks the flow of the narrative, considering it's been her dream to be in a poly relationship.
This was truly a great combination of sweet, sexy, humour and story, with a little hockey and minimal angst thrown in. I loved reading as the characters all came together, how they all complimented and supported each other, and that they got a happily ever after that was so very well deserved.
Having read this, I'm definitely planning on going back to read Grech's other works, especially Zali's story. Just enough was hinted at in this book that is making me want to find out just what went down with the AFP. Also, I'm very excited for the next book in the series, especially with the hints of the featuring characters dropped near the end of this one.
Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
May 21, 2025
I DNF'ed around 42% when we hit the first real spicy scene, for a few reasons. 1) We've heard, multiple times, about her innocent cotton undies, and the monologue is "I've literally been wearing the same type since I was a toddler." And I guess I get the sentiment but GROSS could we not be talking about toddler underwear during a spice scene?? Also, the rest of the scene then had her referring to it (and I'm only saying "it" because I really don't know how strict GoodReads is with language) as "her kitty" throughout the rest of the scene which I just could not vibe with.
Prior to that I was having trouble getting into the story anyway. The first few chapters are very chaotic with very little explanation, and I'm not sure if this is an interconnected series but I was surprised to find myself on Book 1 and have second level characters referenced as if I should know and understand their whole backstory. Also, I'm just not convinced that a million dollar sponsor would then send the owner's daughter to be the team errand girl but what do I know about sponsorship deals I guess.
Prior to that I was having trouble getting into the story anyway. The first few chapters are very chaotic with very little explanation, and I'm not sure if this is an interconnected series but I was surprised to find myself on Book 1 and have second level characters referenced as if I should know and understand their whole backstory. Also, I'm just not convinced that a million dollar sponsor would then send the owner's daughter to be the team errand girl but what do I know about sponsorship deals I guess.
August 3, 2024
I loved this. Cara, Roe and Alec were so sweet together. This was my first book by this author and I will definitely be grabbing some more lol I loved how they all had their own things to get through, loss, grief, self discovery but were able to find strength with each other, without the others being to pushy and just being their for support. I liked how much both Roe and Alec worshipped Cara, as well as each other and in turn you could tell how much she loved her men. This was a sweet little hockey romance that pulled me right in and made me love the three MC's right away, but oh boy does it test you patience with some others, my kindle was tightly gripped at some point just wanting smack some people for our MCs lol The banter between Roe and Alec, had me giggling as well. I love how both of them just bounced off each other. Honestly, after reading this I am so excited to read more <3
September 15, 2024
Sweet As Puck is one of the best MMF stories I've ever read, and I read a lot of MMF/MM+F. This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. It had me laughing, crying, and fanning myself sweating. The bi-awakening was perfect. The plot and pace of the story was excellent. But the emotions that the story evoked was what did it for me. The chemistry between Cara, Hux and Monroe was exquisite. I could not get enough of those 3, and the spice was off the charts! Easily one of my favorite reads of 2024.
September 13, 2024
Freaking loved it. I was so inmersed in the story that I couldn't put the book down.
The plot was amazing, and the characters I am not sure which one I loved more. All of them had their flaws, all of them very human. The only thing I may have missed is the resolution on Kam's side without the interferance of Minns. It didn't feel completely right that her attittude towards Alec was one way and the complains expressed by Minns feel completely different.
The rest of it though, 10/10
The plot was amazing, and the characters I am not sure which one I loved more. All of them had their flaws, all of them very human. The only thing I may have missed is the resolution on Kam's side without the interferance of Minns. It didn't feel completely right that her attittude towards Alec was one way and the complains expressed by Minns feel completely different.
The rest of it though, 10/10
October 2, 2024
Another winner from the queen of why choose! Great characters who you really root for. And the spice was pretty hot too!
September 8, 2024
Oh this one was so good! It has been a while since I read a book by this author, but I was not disappointed. Cara, Monroe, and Alec are everything good! All of these characters have had some betrayal and heartache but find the courage to move forward. Alec really broke my heart because he is convinced no one wants him around and sees him as having any worth. I loved how some of his teammates never lose faith in him. This book was a great read. I love the dynamic between these three.
September 25, 2024
I love MMF. I love hockey romances. Most of all I love Ann Grech’s books!! Ever since I read Professorhole I was hooked.. I then binged all her books while waiting for bosshole and by then I was hooked..
this book has all the feels and spice to boot!
If you love cute, a bit of angst and spice then run and download this book and you won’t regret it!!
this book has all the feels and spice to boot!
If you love cute, a bit of angst and spice then run and download this book and you won’t regret it!!
September 7, 2024
A silver fox and a sportsman who worships her??? Sign me up! This was so fun to read and I stayed up all night to finish! I don’t think I’ve read this author yet but I’m definitely going to pick up her books more often! 10/5 stars!
August 9, 2024
It's like the author sneaked into my brain and picked out my fave fantasy…
A strong, fit sportsman with eyes only for me and a caring, beautiful silver fox both
worshiping at my thrown... hello, heaven, here I come.
This story comes to the boil pretty quickly, all 3 characters find solace, pleasure and a home
with each other, after much denial, soul searching and compromising.
Roe has to come to terms with his own prejudices, he's old, how can he want this beautiful young woman that makes his heart skip each time, and where did this need for Alex come from? He never felt anything for another man before, but all he wants to do is hold Alex as his life implodes around him. His heart and body craves this beautiful girl and young, strong man both...all...forever.
Cara lives in her head, with the characters she writes about that always get their perfect ending. Sadly she has no experience with love, lust or relationships. Her confidence is low, she cannot see her own beauty and importance, but when she meets her friend's father her whole mind and body comes alive, and she wants...desperately.
As for Alex, a lethal hockey player from Canada, he is having his own crisis. Being wrongly accused by his teammates, and shunned by his friends brings him to his knees. When he secretly witnesses Alex and Cara tenderly touching, he knew he wanted to be part of that sweetness too. Without hesitation he walks up to them both, he could never have
imagined the life altering impact these 3 people would have on each other's lives. The smouldering chemistry, the heart breaking honesty and the need they all felt was incredible. As for the intimate times, oh lordy but they were smoking...
This story of insta lust turns into the strongest friendship and love. Roe, Cara and Alex feed each others needs in the best of ways, every dirty deed Cara kept in her imagination gets tried and tested over and over. They all have to overcome the many issues and insecurities in their personal lives that keeps threatening the very core of this throuple, but they are strong together.
That epilogue is one of the best that I have read in a while, it made me want to squeal in delight, so good.
A strong, fit sportsman with eyes only for me and a caring, beautiful silver fox both
worshiping at my thrown... hello, heaven, here I come.
This story comes to the boil pretty quickly, all 3 characters find solace, pleasure and a home
with each other, after much denial, soul searching and compromising.
Roe has to come to terms with his own prejudices, he's old, how can he want this beautiful young woman that makes his heart skip each time, and where did this need for Alex come from? He never felt anything for another man before, but all he wants to do is hold Alex as his life implodes around him. His heart and body craves this beautiful girl and young, strong man both...all...forever.
Cara lives in her head, with the characters she writes about that always get their perfect ending. Sadly she has no experience with love, lust or relationships. Her confidence is low, she cannot see her own beauty and importance, but when she meets her friend's father her whole mind and body comes alive, and she wants...desperately.
As for Alex, a lethal hockey player from Canada, he is having his own crisis. Being wrongly accused by his teammates, and shunned by his friends brings him to his knees. When he secretly witnesses Alex and Cara tenderly touching, he knew he wanted to be part of that sweetness too. Without hesitation he walks up to them both, he could never have
imagined the life altering impact these 3 people would have on each other's lives. The smouldering chemistry, the heart breaking honesty and the need they all felt was incredible. As for the intimate times, oh lordy but they were smoking...
This story of insta lust turns into the strongest friendship and love. Roe, Cara and Alex feed each others needs in the best of ways, every dirty deed Cara kept in her imagination gets tried and tested over and over. They all have to overcome the many issues and insecurities in their personal lives that keeps threatening the very core of this throuple, but they are strong together.
That epilogue is one of the best that I have read in a while, it made me want to squeal in delight, so good.
August 11, 2024
Sports romance, age gap, why choose, SFMC, spicy.
When you get to meet your favourite sports star and have feelings for them you never expect what happens to happen in such a short time. Falling for your best friends father well that just makes things a bit more complicated.
Ann has set this world up so well, it just flows from the start. It was hard to put this book down and the spicy scene OMG 🌶️.
When you get to meet your favourite sports star and have feelings for them you never expect what happens to happen in such a short time. Falling for your best friends father well that just makes things a bit more complicated.
Ann has set this world up so well, it just flows from the start. It was hard to put this book down and the spicy scene OMG 🌶️.
September 13, 2024
This was my first book by book by this author so I went in totally blind.
This was an interesting MMF story
Best friends dad and a hockey star.. what more could you want?! I love that she's curvy and she's confident but she is aware of what she looks like, which is realistic
I was super confused in the beginning with so many characters being introduced and then all their nicknames, I felt like I needed a family tree to keep things straight
I appreciated that it was set in Aus, which was original to me, but there was too much slang used and I had no idea what meant what that it definitely impacted my enjoyment.
I was totally grossed out by her reference to her lady bits as "kitty", that was disturbing to me on so many levels! The innocent yet childishness was also too much. I understand she's a virgin but giggling like a toddler was just too much, I though this was going to go down the DD/lg kink
All in all, the sexy scenes were superb
This was an interesting MMF story
Best friends dad and a hockey star.. what more could you want?! I love that she's curvy and she's confident but she is aware of what she looks like, which is realistic
I was super confused in the beginning with so many characters being introduced and then all their nicknames, I felt like I needed a family tree to keep things straight
I appreciated that it was set in Aus, which was original to me, but there was too much slang used and I had no idea what meant what that it definitely impacted my enjoyment.
I was totally grossed out by her reference to her lady bits as "kitty", that was disturbing to me on so many levels! The innocent yet childishness was also too much. I understand she's a virgin but giggling like a toddler was just too much, I though this was going to go down the DD/lg kink
All in all, the sexy scenes were superb
July 23, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book!! Cara, Roe, and Alec are so wonderful!! I loved going on this journey of love, loss, and self discovery with them. I can’t wait to see the Seals world expand to show more of the side characters that I loved, and even ones that I didn’t love so much. They were all part of the beautiful journey that I was taken on and they screamed for me to want to know them as well.
I expected nothing less than amazing from Ann. She continues to write amazing books with characters that are so easy to relate to. Her characters make you feel like you know them personally by the end of their stories. Keep doing an amazing job Mrs. Grech!!
I expected nothing less than amazing from Ann. She continues to write amazing books with characters that are so easy to relate to. Her characters make you feel like you know them personally by the end of their stories. Keep doing an amazing job Mrs. Grech!!
January 17, 2025
Why did I bother
Look I almost never review stuff but my god this was so poorly written. Spelling errors, FMC constant self-body shaming then flip flopping and being confident for all of two seconds, the uwu-esque way she talks about herself. MMCs were interesting and honestly I'd have preferred to just read about them without FMC. What finally got me to DNF at 65% was the millionth self-referral by the FMC to her 'kitty clenching'. Puke.
Not worth the time I spent on it.
Look I almost never review stuff but my god this was so poorly written. Spelling errors, FMC constant self-body shaming then flip flopping and being confident for all of two seconds, the uwu-esque way she talks about herself. MMCs were interesting and honestly I'd have preferred to just read about them without FMC. What finally got me to DNF at 65% was the millionth self-referral by the FMC to her 'kitty clenching'. Puke.
Not worth the time I spent on it.
October 7, 2024
If you haven't read the Billionaire Boss Girl series by Ann Grech, I do suggest you read them first prior to reading this one as it's a spin-off series and won't make any sense to you if you don't.
This hockey star, age-gap, curvy fmc, best friend's dad, bi-awakening, polyamorous relationship story was more than I expected, and I loved it.
We have Cara, the best friend of Zali (from Billionaire Boss Girl), who has just discovered her father's secret and is coming to terms with the devastation it has caused her family. Getting the opportunity to tour her home country with her favourite NHL hockey team (and player) as they do some exhibition games in Australia, she learns a whole new side of herself. Her father's business is the sponsor and they were meant to do the tour together.
Monroe is Zali's father and when he finds out that Cara was meant to be touring with her father, he offers to come with her. It helps him avoid the trauma that he himself is going through and the podcast about to air about his personal tragedies. He learns so much more about himself on this journey.
Alec is the star of the San Diego Seals hockey team and has spectacularly been touted as the bad boy even though he has done nothing wrong, just before leaving the US for their Australian Tour. Keeping his head down and out of trouble are his teams only requirements off the ice. But he didn't expect to meet Cara and his whole world is turned once again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to see what else Ann has in the works.
4 pucking stars.
Tropes: hockey, age gap, bi romance, polyamorous romance, why choose, sports romance, best friends dad, plus size fmc, MMF & MM, bisexual awakening, found family
Triggers: abandoment, previous death of family members (mentioned), cheating, divorce (not MC's), relentless paparazzi, public scrutiny, miscommunication.
This hockey star, age-gap, curvy fmc, best friend's dad, bi-awakening, polyamorous relationship story was more than I expected, and I loved it.
We have Cara, the best friend of Zali (from Billionaire Boss Girl), who has just discovered her father's secret and is coming to terms with the devastation it has caused her family. Getting the opportunity to tour her home country with her favourite NHL hockey team (and player) as they do some exhibition games in Australia, she learns a whole new side of herself. Her father's business is the sponsor and they were meant to do the tour together.
Monroe is Zali's father and when he finds out that Cara was meant to be touring with her father, he offers to come with her. It helps him avoid the trauma that he himself is going through and the podcast about to air about his personal tragedies. He learns so much more about himself on this journey.
Alec is the star of the San Diego Seals hockey team and has spectacularly been touted as the bad boy even though he has done nothing wrong, just before leaving the US for their Australian Tour. Keeping his head down and out of trouble are his teams only requirements off the ice. But he didn't expect to meet Cara and his whole world is turned once again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to see what else Ann has in the works.
4 pucking stars.
Tropes: hockey, age gap, bi romance, polyamorous romance, why choose, sports romance, best friends dad, plus size fmc, MMF & MM, bisexual awakening, found family
Triggers: abandoment, previous death of family members (mentioned), cheating, divorce (not MC's), relentless paparazzi, public scrutiny, miscommunication.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2024
All three together are breathtaking. They are all sweet, and sincere people. That comfort each other and support one another. They do have their ups and downs and need to work on communication. But they take the time to work on the relationship and the future they all want. I love the way they worship Cara and her curves. I also love the fact that they ensure her that she is worthy of them. They are very possessive of each other and I like that a lot. Cara work so hard for her dream job. I like the fact that she gains confidence and fights for the men that she wants. Because she knows that they are perfect for each other. Hux has always been alone and falls for people too fast. But he knew Cara and Monroe different from the moment he saw them. I like how he went after them right after meeting them. I love that he gets to show his true self to them and only them. The fact that he gained his confidence back up. Stands up for himself after everything that happened to him. Monroe gets Second chance of love after being alone for so long. Let’s just say he’s amazing for how he conference them, and very possessive of them. And I love the fact that he’s grown to let more people in his life after after what happened to him. The other characters in this book are amazing. They are supportive, kind, and encouraging. Because they just want them to be happy. I loved reading about plus size woman getting love and happiness. I will be checking out other books that this author has written.
September 26, 2024
Sweet as Puck tells the story of Cara, our Australian virgin FMC, and how she finds herself developing a polyamorous relationship with her best friend’s dad, and the NHL hockey player she’s got a crush on while his team is on a promo tour of Australia.
I enjoyed the hockey scenes in this book. I usually am not bothered by a hockey romance with only tertiary mentions of hockey, but this one has actual in game scenes that I felt really added to it.
The fact that the FMC constantly calls her lady biz her kitty just yanked me out of the story every time I came across it. Small gripe, but just one of those things for me that made the spice lose some impact.
I also think that you should go into a new story with a willfull suspension of disbelief if things seem a little far fetched or divergent from reality, but there were times in this one I felt a bit tested in that department. It seems like nearly everyone in this story is in a poly/why choose relationship, and everyone else adapts super quickly when another one forms. I did appreciate the queer representation though.
Overall I found the book to be a quick and easy read with several tropes I enjoy, but I felt it didn’t quite gel all the way for me.
Thanks to Foreward PR & Ann Grech for the ARC opportunity.
I enjoyed the hockey scenes in this book. I usually am not bothered by a hockey romance with only tertiary mentions of hockey, but this one has actual in game scenes that I felt really added to it.
The fact that the FMC constantly calls her lady biz her kitty just yanked me out of the story every time I came across it. Small gripe, but just one of those things for me that made the spice lose some impact.
I also think that you should go into a new story with a willfull suspension of disbelief if things seem a little far fetched or divergent from reality, but there were times in this one I felt a bit tested in that department. It seems like nearly everyone in this story is in a poly/why choose relationship, and everyone else adapts super quickly when another one forms. I did appreciate the queer representation though.
Overall I found the book to be a quick and easy read with several tropes I enjoy, but I felt it didn’t quite gel all the way for me.
Thanks to Foreward PR & Ann Grech for the ARC opportunity.
September 25, 2024
✨ New Review ✨
Title: Sweet as Puck
Author: Ann Grech
Genre/s: Small town / hockey romance
My format: eBook 📱#ARC
Tropes:
🏒 Bi-awakening
🦭 Age-gap
🏒 Why choose
🦭 Second chance
🏒 Workplace romance
🦭 Opposites attract
🏒 Grumpy/sunshine
🦭 Silver fox
🏒 Best friends father
🦭 Curvy virgin FMC
🏒 Bad boy
It's like the author snuck into my brain and wrote out my favourite fantasy…
I loved this book. I expected a spicy hockey book - and I got a spicy, sweet, emotion filled book. I loved it so much!
All 3 MCs felt relatable in their own way, one comment I remember making to my bestie was ‘I love how Aussie Monroe reads, without being bogan’. I loved all three characters so much but Monroe felt like the glue to me, and I absolutely adored him.
As for the spice? Holy dooly…. The quality was OFF THE CHARTS good. Another comment I made was ‘This book should be a masterclass in writing MMF scene’.
I don’t even know what else to write in this review to convince you I loved it… to summarise, it was a great, short, spicy read, with a surprisingly high amount of feels and real emotions and I already want to read it again!
Title: Sweet as Puck
Author: Ann Grech
Genre/s: Small town / hockey romance
My format: eBook 📱#ARC
Tropes:
🏒 Bi-awakening
🦭 Age-gap
🏒 Why choose
🦭 Second chance
🏒 Workplace romance
🦭 Opposites attract
🏒 Grumpy/sunshine
🦭 Silver fox
🏒 Best friends father
🦭 Curvy virgin FMC
🏒 Bad boy
It's like the author snuck into my brain and wrote out my favourite fantasy…
I loved this book. I expected a spicy hockey book - and I got a spicy, sweet, emotion filled book. I loved it so much!
All 3 MCs felt relatable in their own way, one comment I remember making to my bestie was ‘I love how Aussie Monroe reads, without being bogan’. I loved all three characters so much but Monroe felt like the glue to me, and I absolutely adored him.
As for the spice? Holy dooly…. The quality was OFF THE CHARTS good. Another comment I made was ‘This book should be a masterclass in writing MMF scene’.
I don’t even know what else to write in this review to convince you I loved it… to summarise, it was a great, short, spicy read, with a surprisingly high amount of feels and real emotions and I already want to read it again!
September 26, 2024
I loved the way Cara, Monroe, and Hux just worked together as a unit. Hux has gotten a really rotten deal from his former lovers, making it look like he's not only a bad guy, but a cheater. This comes on the heels of Cara finding out that her father is behaving like a cheating slimeball on her mother, just before she is to depart on a press tour of sorts with the Seals team. Our aspiring writer gets to meet some of her favorite players, and now she needs someone new to travel with her… Monroe agrees to be her partner in crime when he realizes she needs the support, but it doesn't hurt that meeting her has awakened something in him that has long been dead. This puts all three of our main characters in the right place at the right time. They have the opportunity to support each other through the trials and challenges they face, to uplift one another to reach for their goals, and to love one another once they realize what they really want. I can't lie either… The steam is next level as it always is with this author. I'm excited to read the next book in the Seals series as Grech expands this world.
TW: cheating not between main characters
TW: cheating not between main characters
October 2, 2024
Sweet as Puck
Ann Grech
Let's just start with... I feel like need a cold shower after reading this book!
It was absolutely amazing, sexy, emotional, and at times a little dirty!
The MMC's in this book were fierce and fiery. Hux was commanding and forward while Monroe was thoughtful and provocative. Hux is going through so much when he meets Cara and Monroe. He's just been burned in the worst way and doesn't see a light
at the end of the tunnel. Monroe is on the heels of closure from the tragedy in book 1 but he puts his emotions on the line for these two.
Now Miss Cara... GIRL! She was everything we wanted in a Why Choose FMC. She knew her men and she wasn't going to take no for an answer. She got the raw end of the deal with her father and his blatent infidelity but it wasn't going to stop her from pursuing her passion and being there for her favorite sport.
I adored the emotional struggle with this because it was clear they all loved one another and there were so many obstacles to overcome, but they could do it together.
I can't wait to dive further into this series and see what Ann has in store for us!
Ann Grech
Let's just start with... I feel like need a cold shower after reading this book!
It was absolutely amazing, sexy, emotional, and at times a little dirty!
The MMC's in this book were fierce and fiery. Hux was commanding and forward while Monroe was thoughtful and provocative. Hux is going through so much when he meets Cara and Monroe. He's just been burned in the worst way and doesn't see a light
at the end of the tunnel. Monroe is on the heels of closure from the tragedy in book 1 but he puts his emotions on the line for these two.
Now Miss Cara... GIRL! She was everything we wanted in a Why Choose FMC. She knew her men and she wasn't going to take no for an answer. She got the raw end of the deal with her father and his blatent infidelity but it wasn't going to stop her from pursuing her passion and being there for her favorite sport.
I adored the emotional struggle with this because it was clear they all loved one another and there were so many obstacles to overcome, but they could do it together.
I can't wait to dive further into this series and see what Ann has in store for us!
September 19, 2024
Cara who works for her father’s company is in charge of the tour for the NHL team from USA visiting Australia. She walks in on her father in his office doing the unthinkable and their relationship is ruined. Luckily her mother is nearby to help calm her down and support Cara. When Cara starts going on tour with the team she finds herself falling for hockey player Alec when she meets him. To further complicate matters she also finds herself attracted to silver fox Monroe her best friend Zali’s father. Things start getting hot and heavy between the three and they don’t know how they will survive without each other when Alec has to return to America leaving Cara and Monroe behind in Australia.
I received an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a hot steamy M/M/F & M/M hockey romance you will love this book. Once again Ann doesn't disappoint and keeps you turning the pages until the very end. Will this trio ever get their HEA or will they get ripped apart forever.
I received an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a hot steamy M/M/F & M/M hockey romance you will love this book. Once again Ann doesn't disappoint and keeps you turning the pages until the very end. Will this trio ever get their HEA or will they get ripped apart forever.
June 25, 2025
I picked this up to try another RARE author, but sadly, despite all the great reviews, this book just didn't work for me and I DNFed at 20%.
I liked the premise, even if I tend to be a bit iff-y around age gap romances, particularly when they're intergenerational (which is to say Roe is Cara's best friend's dad). But I've said before that innocent, virginal FMCs just aren't my jam, and while Cara may be cannonically 26, she reads more like 15 or 16 to me, and her constant, un-ironic use of "Oh my goodness gracious!" in lieu of swearing doesn't help this. (I mean, I could buy that language if she were a Poppy St James Southern belle, but she's meant to be a freaking mid-20s Australian - written by an Australian author - so the delicate innocence thing just doesn't work for me for the character)
Add to that the immediate, inexplicable instalove that Roe - who really should know better - feels from the moment Cara walks onto the scene, and the exposition-heavy infodumping, and I just gave up. On to the next one!
I liked the premise, even if I tend to be a bit iff-y around age gap romances, particularly when they're intergenerational (which is to say Roe is Cara's best friend's dad). But I've said before that innocent, virginal FMCs just aren't my jam, and while Cara may be cannonically 26, she reads more like 15 or 16 to me, and her constant, un-ironic use of "Oh my goodness gracious!" in lieu of swearing doesn't help this. (I mean, I could buy that language if she were a Poppy St James Southern belle, but she's meant to be a freaking mid-20s Australian - written by an Australian author - so the delicate innocence thing just doesn't work for me for the character)
Add to that the immediate, inexplicable instalove that Roe - who really should know better - feels from the moment Cara walks onto the scene, and the exposition-heavy infodumping, and I just gave up. On to the next one!
November 4, 2024
very cute with the feels
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the characters. I love me a wounded character and here our triad has to overcome personal obstacles as well as obstacles in being together. That’s said, I wish more of the individual obstacles would have been expanded on.
Monroe’s biawakening, Alec’s abandonment issues, and Cara’s self- image could have been explored more in depth which I think would have made the readers connect even more with the characters. I’ve read the crossover series with Zari but it took awhile for it to click that these were happening in the same world.
Also, as others have mentioned, the use of the word kitty for genitalia took away from the spicy scenes. As well as a few other kind of juvenile references. And I realize Cara is supposed to be a virgin but I cringed every time I read it. Just preference I guess but I didn’t seem like an adult would say or think about their vagina in those terms.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the characters. I love me a wounded character and here our triad has to overcome personal obstacles as well as obstacles in being together. That’s said, I wish more of the individual obstacles would have been expanded on.
Monroe’s biawakening, Alec’s abandonment issues, and Cara’s self- image could have been explored more in depth which I think would have made the readers connect even more with the characters. I’ve read the crossover series with Zari but it took awhile for it to click that these were happening in the same world.
Also, as others have mentioned, the use of the word kitty for genitalia took away from the spicy scenes. As well as a few other kind of juvenile references. And I realize Cara is supposed to be a virgin but I cringed every time I read it. Just preference I guess but I didn’t seem like an adult would say or think about their vagina in those terms.
January 12, 2026
It's giving "national 6th grade average reading level."
The ideas aren't too bad. There's some complexity to the characters, and elements to the story that move the plot along. Unfortunately, the writing is subpar. It reads like high school fanfiction of Pucking Around. Same concept, but with none of the writing skill and an extra dose of cringe.
The proofreading actually isn't too bad, with grammar and spelling mistakes being fairly minimal. This is great to see in a KU book! Great job. The writer needs a very firm editor, though. Probably 100 pages of internal monolog could have been cut from the book, improving the flow of the story and decreasing the overall clunkiness.
While I was excited to start this book based on a recommendation, it was a drag to get through and I will not be continuing the series. The writer has some good ideas for characters and world building, for sure. Don't get discouraged, take some workshops or classes, improve your skill, and find a strong editor. It's only up from here!
The ideas aren't too bad. There's some complexity to the characters, and elements to the story that move the plot along. Unfortunately, the writing is subpar. It reads like high school fanfiction of Pucking Around. Same concept, but with none of the writing skill and an extra dose of cringe.
The proofreading actually isn't too bad, with grammar and spelling mistakes being fairly minimal. This is great to see in a KU book! Great job. The writer needs a very firm editor, though. Probably 100 pages of internal monolog could have been cut from the book, improving the flow of the story and decreasing the overall clunkiness.
While I was excited to start this book based on a recommendation, it was a drag to get through and I will not be continuing the series. The writer has some good ideas for characters and world building, for sure. Don't get discouraged, take some workshops or classes, improve your skill, and find a strong editor. It's only up from here!
September 15, 2024
Okay yes! Loved this book! Once again this is my first book from this author and I was not disappointed. There was so many times I actually laughed out loud, I'm obsessed with books that make me laugh. Cara is literally a sweetheart but also doesn't take any sh¡t. A shy reader/aspiring writer, with a mind full of fantasies, is a girl after my own heart. Seriously she's me. Monroe is a sweetie as well, the caring loveable silver fox. He's been through so much and still he's such a great person to have in your corner. Alec, the se×y disgraced hockey player, also has been through a lot and really just wants to be loved. Yes please, sign me up, I love him. This book had like everything: sports, grumpy/sunshine, best friends dad, banter, humor, praise, bi awakening, he falls first. I was absolutely here for it! I'm so glad I gave this book a chance, so I definitely recommend you do too!
September 25, 2024
Cara is the sunshine. Alec is the flower. Roe is the butterfly. I am nothing but goo on the floor. This was incredible from the very first chapter.
This a MMF, hockey romance. A curvy fmc, her best friends dad, and the disgraced hockey player. When the mcs meet, they are each dealing with life-changing events. Heartbreak. Cheating. Loss. Self-discovery. They should be focusing on the once in a life two week work trip, but they can't help it. They want each other.
This was my first Ann Grech, definitely not my last. I ate Sweet As Puck up. The mmcs were so sweet to the fmc. Their chemistry was scorching. The spice was really good. The hockey was even better (says the person who doesn't really know anything about the sport). I will be reading Professorhole immediately because I just need to know more.
This a MMF, hockey romance. A curvy fmc, her best friends dad, and the disgraced hockey player. When the mcs meet, they are each dealing with life-changing events. Heartbreak. Cheating. Loss. Self-discovery. They should be focusing on the once in a life two week work trip, but they can't help it. They want each other.
This was my first Ann Grech, definitely not my last. I ate Sweet As Puck up. The mmcs were so sweet to the fmc. Their chemistry was scorching. The spice was really good. The hockey was even better (says the person who doesn't really know anything about the sport). I will be reading Professorhole immediately because I just need to know more.
September 28, 2024
This was my first hockey romance and what can i say other then LOVE LOVE LOVE. Ann Grench you've done it again i was hooked on the writing since Proffesorhole then when I seen this as an opportunity to read in the Books and Bitches Downunder Group i snatched that up like it was the last piece of cake at the party
This author has a beautiful way of writing her characters and portraying them in a way that makes you want to do a deep dive into all her other work she has written.
Silver Fox - Check
Sports Man - Check
Sweet FMC - Check
i simply adore the way the dynamic between the three of them and how much the whole book takes you on a roller coaster of the good kind, laughing, crying and loving them all at different times and all at the same time as well.
Cant wait too see what else Ann has in store for us all
This author has a beautiful way of writing her characters and portraying them in a way that makes you want to do a deep dive into all her other work she has written.
Silver Fox - Check
Sports Man - Check
Sweet FMC - Check
i simply adore the way the dynamic between the three of them and how much the whole book takes you on a roller coaster of the good kind, laughing, crying and loving them all at different times and all at the same time as well.
Cant wait too see what else Ann has in store for us all
September 2, 2024
Sweet as Puck by Ann Grech
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read on Kindle
Tropes: Why Choose, Best Friends Dad, Found Family, Celebrity Romance
Triggers: Loss of Child / Spouse (spoken about in past tense)
When Cara's world and belief system starts to fall apart around her her Best Friends Dad offers to come on a work trip with her to support an NHL team doing a tour of Australia, where she will meet her celebrity crush hockey star in real life.
Sweet as Puck was exactly as titled.
It's an adorable and sweet story that switches from raunchy detailed smex scenes to tender raw moments.
A solid read that I would reccomend to people who needed some TLC and a HEA.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read on Kindle
Tropes: Why Choose, Best Friends Dad, Found Family, Celebrity Romance
Triggers: Loss of Child / Spouse (spoken about in past tense)
When Cara's world and belief system starts to fall apart around her her Best Friends Dad offers to come on a work trip with her to support an NHL team doing a tour of Australia, where she will meet her celebrity crush hockey star in real life.
Sweet as Puck was exactly as titled.
It's an adorable and sweet story that switches from raunchy detailed smex scenes to tender raw moments.
A solid read that I would reccomend to people who needed some TLC and a HEA.
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