One Steamy Pucking Meet Cute

Frosty Harbor #3

by Penelope Bloom

I’ll tell you about the two very large pickles I’ve found myself in, but only if you promise not to laugh…

Pickle number one: I'm unexpectedly pregnant by an NHL star, who just so happens to be my big brother's best friend—and no, we weren't exactly dating. For reasons that totally make sense (trust me for now), I never told him about the baby.

Pickle number two: I'm about to lose my family's charming bed and breakfast unless I can get hitched within six months, thanks to an ancient deed and a ridiculous family feud.

So I made a deal with the baby's dad, Jake Summers—the dashing captain of the Vermont Vandals hockey team.

Our plan? Fake an engagement, have a showy wedding, solve our little problems, then amicably split. It’s simple: I keep my B&B, and he shows his team he’s serious about cleaning up his act. Perfect, right?

But Jake doesn’t know how to do things by halves. Before I know it, I'm in Manhattan picking out lavish engagement rings and getting swept off my feet. I’m being paraded around charity galas like a princess and becoming the envy of every woman in the country. All this while he’s diving headfirst into being a dad—without knowing he actually is one.

It’s practically foolproof, with hardly any room for this to spectacularly blow up in our faces. So, save the date for our big, fake wedding! What could possibly go wrong?

Genres: Romance, Hockey Romance, Sports, Hockey, Audiobook, Second Chance

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2024

About the author

USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts Bestselling author Penelope Bloom is taking her first flight into romantasy—and yes, there are dragons. After years of contemporary romance, she's temporarily trading meet-cutes for magical academies and coffee shops for castles that reek of blood. She promises the banter is just as sharp, but now it comes with deadly consequences.

Fun fact: “Penelope Bloom” started as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the family dog, Penelope—never meant to be anything serious. But then the books took off, and the name stuck. Behind the scenes, Penelope Bloom is actually a husband-and-wife team. He handles the writing; she edits, helps with brainstorming, and runs the reader-facing side of things (like social media and messages). So if you’ve chatted with “Penelope” online, you’ve likely been talking to her—with the author chiming in whenever needed. Together, they’ve built the voice readers know and love.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

There wasn't as much interaction with the side characters this time around and I missed the Maddox and Carter quips. But Caroline and Jake are fun characters and make you want to keep reading. The hinting at their relationship in the previous two books already had me rooting for their HEA, this did not disappoint.

The wedding games scenes were hilarious. The cannonball part had me laughing out loud.

A carryover from the previous book was how the babies are written. I have a professional background in child development so I'm a little harsher than the average reader, but things like giving a young infant a keychain to play with and put in their mouth was unsafe and unrealistic. Or like in one scene, mentioning that the baby had a big BM and then just letting them go to sleep afterwards without changing them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Steamy Pucking Stars🌟

Just finished reading and I’m sad to read this will be the end of Frosty Harbor…I definitely was enjoying these characters and all their antics. So long story short, Caroline falls pregnant at the end of the last book, but refuses to tell anyone who the baby daddy is. Jake is upset, as him and Caroline have been on and off again over the years😢

Oh my gosh, I had a few hilarious laugh out loud moments where I had to contain myself, purely to ensure I didn’t wake my son🤣🤣 I enjoyed this story, and all I can say is Jake and Caroline worked hard to get their deserved HEAs❣️

I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and willingly leave my honest review❤️

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline is just settling in to being a mom to her two month old son, Walker, when she gets news that could shatter her future dreams.

While Jake is still reeling from learning that Caroline has a son from someone else, he finds himself spinning out of control, and putting his hockey contract in jeopardy.

And now Jake and Caroline find themselves committing to a fake marriage to help each other with their respective problems, and having to work through their complicated emotions about the fake marriage, and each other.

The chemistry between Jake and Caroline was intense. And I appreciated how hard it was for them to work through their history and to reach a point where they could actually be 100% open and honest with each other, and make a truly fabulous future together possible.

I loved how Jake went out of his way to show Caroline how special was to him, without it seeming like it was a huge effort for him, and how he paid attention to her needs and simply met them without expecting reciprocation. I also loved how Caroline truly SAW Jake, and helped him realise how to accept his future without hockey as his main feature.

I truly loved this story of love, acceptance, and the realising of dreams.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series conclusion

This series is enjoyable and entertaining, and I am sad to be at the end of it!

Jake and Caroline have off the chart chemistry, and should have never had to get back together!! The misunderstandings, compounded by lies and miscommunications kept these two apart too long!
These pages flipped on their own as I got more and more attached to this couple. There are twists and turns in this storyline that kept me very entertained and I really appreciated Jake's turnaround.

I wish this series could go on and on and on...
😕 sigh.

I encourage you to explore this author's catalog for additional creative, funny and steamy reads!
I look forward to the next release from this talented author.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in Bloom's Frosty Harbor series and can be read as a standalone. Bloom has hooked me from the very first book I've read and I can't get enough! This book delivers all the sweet, steam and laughs you could want in a rom-com. Our main characters in this hockey themed series are Jack and Caroline who if you've read previous books in this series we've met before. Jake is a pro hockey player who is on the same team at Caroline's brother Jesse and this hockey team has become family - I love these players and their dynamic and brotherhood. Caroline is the owner of the town's B&B and keeps this small town of Frosty Harbor connected in the best of ways with local events and more. This town has the best of quirky characters who will definitely put their nose where it's not wanted but all with the best of intentions. Jake and Caroline while previously having a "secret" fling have gone their separate ways for a bit - but when circumstances threaten what they seemingly love most, they come together for a fake wedding - only how fake is it? Amazingly funny with plenty of bursts of laughter to be had and great sweet and steamy romance. Amazing characters with growth and a perfect cast of supporting characters as well. I loved this series and while I understand this is the end of the series, I am eagerly looking forward to what Bloom will write next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking it until they aren't

One Steamy Pucking Meet Cute is the third book in the Frosty Harbor series. I have loved Penelope Bloom books since I picked up my first one and then devoured her entire catalogue. This story if another that I loved. I laughed so hard at parts, chuckled at others, blushed at some and then sizzled along with the passion. The wittiness that is written for the dialogue is fantastic and it is through the entire book. This story is about Caroline Prince and Jake Summers. She owns and runs a B&B in Frosty Harbor, has a newborn baby by a baby daddy who does not know he is the father, and finds herself in a situation where she may just lose the B&B if she does not get married quickly. Jake is a NHL star player who is Caroline's older brother's best friend. They had a moment that curled their toes but both knew it could not be forever. Now he is bad boy who needs to straighten up or he will find himself in a lot of trouble with the team. In order to do that he decides he needs to be in a relationship, even though there is no one he would want that with around him. So these two decide that they can help fix each others problem and go all in on a fake engagement. But sometimes fake is more real than the real thing and that is where they will find themselves soon enough....along with everyone else around them.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final story in the Frosty Harbor Series where we see Jake and Caroline who have been sneaking around together in the previous stories find themselves thrown together to help each other get what they need. Jake needs to clean up his act if he wants a new contract and Caroline needs to marry in 6 months by her 35th birthday to maintain ownership of her B & B left to her by her mother. These two have a history where things are said in different situations and then carried over into other decisions made leaving them both brokenhearted and not knowing how to fix it. Jake is one big sexy NHL player who has a soft spot for Caroline and steps up to be there for her and her son, Walker. When secrets are revealed and new ones made there comes confusion and struggles they don’t know how to deal with. Jake becomes a new man but struggles with his career and new family. Their friends are a great group and create a week of games to be played before they marry and when others go after Jake and Caroline all in fun they find themselves in new territory of finding friends, family and love! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorously entertaining romance
There are some parts of this book that were so funny that I laughed out loud, which is not usual for me. Just a sampling: popping balloons during the wedding games; obstacle course while blindfolded; Paisley trying to start the row boat race. I’ll remember this hilarity for a while!
The place is Caroline Prince’s Bed & Breakfast in Frosty Harbor. The characters are the whole town with particular interest in Caroline and her crush, Jake Summers who unknowingly is the father of her two-month-old baby boy named Walker. There are so many opportunities for misadventure with that set up and Ms. Bloom does not disappoint. Caroline is about to lose her B&B as she rolls up to her 35th birthday and Jake is acting out so much that he has put his NHL contract in jeopardy. Why is he acting out? How can they help Caroline keep her family’s B&B? Will Jake ever know the truth about Walker?
If you are looking for a very funny rom-com where the humor starts on page one and never lets up with a great cast of characters and a predictable but oh so perfect ending, get this book! I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Booksprout.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comedy, Steam, Romance and a Baby? in a Quirky Small Town with Great Characters - So Fun

Although serious issues are tackled in this story: single parenting, financial problems running a small falling apart inn, and losing a hockey career, they are handled with humor and grace by both the characters and author. At times I wanted to shake both Jake and Caroline for their lack of communication with each other and realization of their own feelings, but they both cared for Walker (love a man who does diapers!), and because the story is told via dual POV the reader does have insight into their thoughts and feelings. The side characters, seen in previous books, were funny and well written as were their antics, and both the flirting and banter between Jake and Caroline was witty and engaging. Like the previous books in the series, the town of Frosty Harbor is OTT with celebrations and the "Wedding Games" did not disappoint- hysterically funny! I laughed, cried and read the book in one day - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Lorna H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Penelope Bloom books and was thrilled when I saw that this one was available; snatched it up and began reading the same night!

Caroline and Jake were in her previous book, One Tasty Pucking Meet Cute; the reader got the clue that they were definitely more than friends there, and this novel takes them to a whole... nother... level!

I enjoyed watching them do their dance, although I had moments of frustration when she didn't tell him her big secret - it seemed as though she got cut off at every turn. But once the secret was out, everything flowed like a skate on the ice.

I love that we get to revisit characters from the previous books in the series, as well as getting more insight to characters who've yet to find love (but who are, to my mind, ripe for the picking). The book flows well, with only a couple of slower moments - but even those add to the story, so they seem "right".

I'm looking forward to seeing who's up next in the game of love in the Frosty Harbor series!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense and enduring story for this sly couple in Frosty Harbor. Jake and Caroline had an understanding and sneaking around without anyone knowing of their secret randevus was exciting. Without knowing Jake pushes Caroline away and now keeps a secret that may come back and bite her. Jake is not handling change well, with his team retiring and moving on he is struggling to keep things together, but when opportunity knocks he is the first to jump in and an agreement finds Jake and Caroline hiding their true feelings while pretending they are madly in love.

This is a heartfelt story that will make you swoon and grit your teeth in one chapter. I'm sorry to see Frosty Harbor go but so enjoyed the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

When different circumstances bring Jake and Caroline together again, their lack of openness with each other only complicates things for both. With the chemistry that existed between them and the mental struggle that was torturing them, it seemed clear that the fake wedding was not the best solution. I laughed a lot with the games that made my imagination run wild trying to visualize the movements. Although not as extensive as other times, the participation of the team members with their camaraderie, friendly teasing, and extensive support pleased me. With Jake and Caroline goes the saying that 'so much swimming to die on the shore'. I was very entertained by all the twists and turns they took with all the friends watching what was happening.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline and Jake had a steamy fling but it ended and she was left with a little surprise. Now they have a couple of unexpected problems, she needs to get married to save her B&B, and he needs to fix his image so they decide a fake marriage is the perfect way to solve their problems. Along the way they had some laugh out loud moments and they fell in love, real love. This is an entertaining, laugh out loud, sports romance with a secret baby twist. The writing is good, and I was cheering the characters on to finally get their happily ever after. One Steamy Pucking Meet Cute is a great addition to the Frosty Harbor series and I loved it! I can't wait to read the next Penelope Bloom book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[greenapplemojito · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this book has some storylines and tropes I do not really go for, but I decided to give this book a shot because why not?! While this was a good read, it wasn't really the best I've read in the space so far. I felt the story fell flat in a lot of places. I also didn't feel any connection between the MCs, didn't understand their past dynamics compeltely, didn't understand how there was no right time to tell the MMC, didn't understand how he wasn't really mad and how weirdly the reveal came out, didn't really understand why there had to be multiple things planned with Peter, I didn't understand a lot of things and why they were there or why they were done that way. I really wish I could have understood the characters better and the storyline was a bit more stronger and richer.

[Susan Klipp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to Caroline and Jake's story. There have been so many hints about it in the previous books that teased about what was happening, or that something was happening.

It was a cute story, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. The details about the problem with the B&B that sets off this fake relationship was a bit farfetched for me and while Jake was sweet, it was all a bit fast and over-the-top. Despite this, I would still recommend reading it. As I wrote, it is a cute story.

Kudos for keeping the baby in mind all throughout the story and for having Jake actually change a diaper and more!

[Amanda O'Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Jake and Caroline’s story! It’s Forbidden aspect of him being her brothers best friend adds to the drama then there is the secret pregnancy but when extenuating circumstances put Caroline and Jake in the position where they decide to fake an engagement and marriage , will everything work out for them or will it all boil over and blow up in their faces? These characters are very well written and pull you in to experience it all with them there are laugh out loud moments and heart breaking ones it has it all ! Definitely a must read!❤️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Jake and Caroline’s story. She’s about to lose her family's charming bed and breakfast unless she can get hitched within six months, thanks to an ancient deed and a ridiculous family feud. So she makes a deal with Jake Summers—the dashing captain of the Vermont Vandals hockey team.
The plan? Fake an engagement, have a showy wedding, solve our little problems, then amicably split. It’s simple: she gets to keep her B&B, and he shows his team he’s serious about cleaning up his act. Perfect, right? Unfortunately, things never go as planned. It was a fun, entertaining read. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of didn’t realize how much I’d been missing this series, until this book came into my hands. At the end of the last book, I was pretty much in alignment with their friends and family: that this pair should just admit to being a couple and save all the drama and angst for something else. Little did I realize how much drama and angst were roiling just below the surface for both Caroline and Jake. I loved seeing these two finally get it right, but I’m feeling just a little bereft that this is the end of the series. I’ve gone and fallen in love with all these characters and I don’t want to let go of them now.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline is just getting into a routine with her baby when things go sideways. Jake is upset about Caroline having someone else's baby and spirals putting his hockey career in jeopardy. Jake and Caroline turn to each other for help with their separate issues. While they are pretending to be marriage things get very real. Will this become more for them?

This is a great story that will hook you in the first chapter. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alyssa Fernandes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly a bit disappointing. I liked this series but this book was kind of all over the place. Spoilers ahead!
Jake all of a sudden decides to retire? They don’t give us a conversation with him and any of the hockey guys discussing it, just random since he had never planned on it.
He had absolutely no reaction to finding out he had a son and didn’t know for a few months?
Their relationship had so much potential to be the best of the series, but just random tangents throughout as well as several mistakes (using the wrong name several times). Was just not great. A good plot-ish but not great. Disappointed.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake is the show stopper! There are things you want to read out lout and get the room involved with the shenanigans that happen in this full length book. Can't wait for the audio book if there is one coming?! hint. But they're having a baby? Hmmm fake marriage but real baby. Caroline and Jake are over 25 so this is a bonus of funny mature adults and the way life takes them for realistic situations that make you wanna shake your head. Beware of Humor!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 3 in the Frosty Harbor Series by this author. It is a lighthearted romance between Caroline and her brother's best friend, Jake. These likeable characters and the unique plot make for an enjoyable read. What starts out as a fake relationship turns into something more. It is a sweet love story with drama and steam, humor and charm, sexual tension and chemistry, and engaging secondary characters. Entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jaime Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in Bloom's Frosty Harbor series and can be read as a standalone, but has characters from the previous books. Our main characters are Jack and Caroline, who, if you've read previous books in this series, we've met before. There are twists and turns in this storyline that kept me very entertained and I really appreciated Jake's turnaround. The wedding games scenes were hilarious. The side characters, seen in previous books, were funny and well written as were their antics. I'm kinda sad that this series is finished. I'm looking forward to the next book from this author.

[lsnid003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud, emotion provoking hockey romance

Have you ever read Penelope Bloom? If not, might I highly recommend this author. I was laughing so hard my husband came to find out why. I was hiccuping and had tears, I was laughing so hard. This is the third in a series about this amazing group of teammates. There are very few triggers, though pregnancy and early babyhood are a huge part of this story. I love these guys, the ever growing team, and how tight they all are. I think you will too, check it out!

[Marvel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typos throughout the whole book, she jumps from 4 years in the future in book 2 to mentioning its only been 2 years since book 1 but everything in book 2 already happened - she bounces back and forth between 2 years, 3 years and the occasional 4 years since an even occurred. Names are mixed up constantly.
Throughout the book there's misspelled words, wrong words, wrong names, etc which really distracted from the story. Especially when it's talking about her baby daddy and using her brother's name, gross.

The obvious lack of an editor in book 2 was compounded here in book 3, I only finished out of sheer will it was that distracting and frequent.

[Kyrie Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope Bloom is one of my favorite authors. She always keeps my attention and keeps me hooked. The characters are great. I always love the relationships that Bloom creates. There is always enough steam and comedy to make it a top-notch book. This story was no exception. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for Jake & Caroline’s story. I really don’t like when a woman doesn’t tell the guy that he’s a father but I read it because I am invested in this story and characters. Jake & Caroline has such amazing chemistry that I was hooked. I love reading about all the other characters and what they are up to. I’m so hoping Liam’s story is next.

I voluntarily reviewed this ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Laura Perttula · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first two books in this series were so good and this one is so boring I quit at 57%. The couple isn’t even spending time together. They get along okay. Presumably they’ll eventually tell each other they love each other. In the meantime she’s talking to the baby about her business and he’s talking to his teammates about his career. If you enjoyed the first two books do yourself a favor and skip this one.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake & Caroline: Book 3 Frosty Harbor Series: Small town hockey romance: Penelope Bloom did a great job with this series. You could read them as a standalone, but I recommend reading them all and in order since all of the character are interconnected as well as their storylines. They are all great! I have eager to read Jake and Caroline’s story and I was not disappointed. Jake’s interactions with Walker was hilarious and super sweet. Love this series!.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline Prince has a two month old named Walker but she also has a secret. Caroline has a mystery man tell if she doesn't get married before thirty-fifth birthday she'll lose The B&B she runs. Jake Summers to the rescue claiming he's Caroline's fiancé. Now Jake and Caroline have to fake engagement and get married. Can they pull this off? Will Caroline share her secret? Find out in One Steamy Picking Meet Cute.