Pucked You First

by Zee Irwin

Cam Castillo is the hottest player to hit the ice for the Vegas Gamblers, and I just kissed him behind the Zamboni.

Down on my luck, I run into my brother’s best friend from high school. Only the bad boy has turned into a mighty fine man and he offers to help me because of a promise to my brother long ago.

But I don’t want to be Cam’s charity case. I’m determined to make it in Las Vegas on my own somehow, yet every time I turn around, he’s there for me. He even battles bad guys to protect me.

The more we’re together, his heated gazes and gentle touches do things to me like never before. So if he wants to help me so badly, then he can be my first. Only one night won’t be enough. I want more with him. I want forever.

But in this city, things aren’t always what they seem. Am I willing to risk it all, my heart and soul, and gamble on love with this playboy hockey player?

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Contemporary, Amazon, Hockey Romance

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2024

About the author

Zee Irwin is a USA Today Bestselling Author who gets powered up by steamy small town romance. She's a bit of sunshine living countryside in Pennsylvania with her own grumpy alpha guy, two teenagers, and twin kitties. Her favorite character to write is a small town billionaire, especially if he falls first, is former military, and is possessive of the woman he loves.
Visit her at zeeirwinauthor.com to keep up to date on her latest work in progress.

Reviews

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness ! I’m in absolute awe of Zee Irwin with this amazing story! Cam Costello , the hottest player to grace the Ice for the Vegas Gamblers ( great name) he has come a long way since his high school IceHockey days and his best friend Hayes who has a sister Becca Brooks . Cam still thinks of her with fond memories. She was four years younger than him at the time. The Ballerina recital in which she portrayed Juliet is etched in his history, the one time her rich family took Cam along to show him a bit of culture…Cam wasn’t from money , he’s made his millions through sheer hard work and dedication to his game , not to mention he’s rather good at poker…“Fuck it. They want to see the bad boy?
I plant my cards one by one on the felt, my eyes locked on Max, taking in every bit of satisfaction at his smug mug disappearing. He never knew what hit him because my poker face is that good.”
Becca is down on her luck. After realising too late that her brother was right when he left and she’s bereft he never got in touch. She also left the family home to make it on her own. Yes they paid for her schooling but they didn’t see how dedicated she was to becoming a famous ballerina and wanted her to toe ( another unintended pun) their line . So here she is in Vegas after leaving school to follow a promise of a place at her dream post …ballet. She was supposed to be signed sealed delivered , job done. Only that didn’t work out so she’s working a casino for a pittance and tips . If not for her friend giving her the sofa in her one bedroom flat she’d be done. Fate intervenes when one night there’s a scene at the strip club she’s working as a waitress , a blast from her past comes to her rescue from an handsy letch who wouldn’t take no for an answer. She ain’t nobody’s private dancer ! When she sees who it is she’s aghast at first and wants no barre ( get it) of him , but slowly he gets to help her out and see him as more than her enemy. Much more…but she’s a virgin and he’s dipped his wick over a thousand times so what hope as she? He can’t like what he sees because now he wants no barre ( I know I did it again) of her …“Oh my God. I cannot believe I just told you, and you don’t want it.” Poor Becca , he’s just being caring in his own way and doesn’t want to use her as just another lay …. “But that would mean…” Wear a guy’s jersey and you belong to him.
“Yeah. I know what it means. You’re mine.”….. sublime writing Zee Irwin knows her stuff and she weaves a good tale . The characters are so good and realistically written with excellent dialogue and the scenes I’m so smitten with reading , they set my heart reeling backwards and forth , like a rollercoaster of emotions all in one perfectly balanced, put together book….Bravo! I’m going for a lie down , wonder where that hottie from the front cover lives ?…

[Annie Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hockey Hotness!

I love love Cam's transformation from Hockey's Playboy to Protective Heart-stopping Boyfriend. That Becca was that ONE that got away was even better, especially since she had no idea. She was the innocent good-girl he watched from the other side of the tracks.

Once they found each other again, Cam's struggle with being her brother's best friend shows how good of a guy he really is, despite the playboy tendencies. Becca's go get 'em strength to fight for her dreams against her elitist family and build a career on her own will have you pulling for her every step in their story. Especially since Cam is so determined to make all her wishes come true.

Don't miss this ballerina and the bad-boy... epic.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a steamy best friends sister / hockey romance that grabs you from the start and has you spiraling as you get lost in the pages.

Cam moved to Vegas and joined the hockey team after his old coach as him. Becca oved to Vegas after she was promised a job, only to have it fall through leaving her to struggle to follow her dream of becoming a dancer.

Their paths cross while she is working a club, and the customers get a bit handsy. Cam and Becca have a fun and steamy connection as the banter with each other as well as support each other in their passions.

Great read from start to finish.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pucked You First is hotness on ice with delicious secret yearnings, action, and spice! Hockey hero Cam is such a fun character—self-assured and funny, talented and generous, and oh so protective of his childhood best friend’s sister. Becca has always been a dancer—though her life has evolved so much—and we get to see how those events have molded her into the kind and snarky woman that she is today. I love how the author reunited them in adulthood, and the journey that they take together. If you love hot hockey heroes and damsels in need of emotional support and someone to truly see them and love them for who they are, then this book is a must! The supporting characters are outstanding—I can’t wait to learn more about them in other books—and the sexual tension between Cam and Becca is off the chain sizzling. Sooooo goooooood!!!

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

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puck You First by Zee Irwin, book one in the Hockey USA Collection, is a best friend’s little sister romance. Professional hockey player Cam moved to Las Vegas to join the Vegas Gamblers and unexpectedly recognizes Becca, his best friend Haye's sister, as she is being accosted at a gentlemen's club where she works. Becca has struggled to achieve her dream of a dance career in Las Vegas while working at the club; trying to make ends meet. After Cam helps her, he discovers she needs help, but Becca is stubborn, wanting to do everything on her own. Cam’s protective nature surfaces, as do feelings for each other, as he steps up to keep her safe from danger. The more time they spend together, navigating their complicated history, the attraction and sizzling chemistry sparks as a relationship develops. His support helps her make her way, all while he deals with his own issues. They will need to deal with their pasts before they can have a future together. I enjoyed this hot and steamy hockey romance, exploring love, redemption, family, support, and personal growth.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professional hockey player Cam (H) moves to Las Vegas to join the Vegas Gamblers and reconnects with Becca (h), his best friend Haye's sister. Cam meets Becca unexpectedly at a gentlemen's club where she works under a pseudonym to make ends meet. Becca struggles to realize her dance career dreams in Las Vegas while working at the club. As they spend time together, Cam and Becca's past and unresolved feelings surface. Cam offers support, suggesting she try out for the new dance team being formed for the hockey games. Their relationship deepens as they navigate their complicated history and growing attraction and spend time reconnecting with one another. Cam's protective nature and desire to be worthy of Becca become evident when he steps up to keep her safe from danger, and things heat up between the two. His support helps her make her way, all while he deals with his own issues. Hot and steamy hockey romance, exploring love, redemption, family, support, and personal growth.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful tale of two people who realize their true worth lies not their pasts but in their love for each other. Cam has come to play for the Vegas Gamblers looking for a fresh start after his successes in hockey. Becca is seeking her own success as a professional ballet dancer but has found herself in hard times. Each surprised to find someone from their past in Vegas. The storyline is an artful blend of emotion, humor, doubts, danger, tension, possessiveness, hockey brotherhood, sizzling chemistry, character/relationship growth, perseverance and found family. Lovely HEA.

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

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam is the bad, playboy of hockey but holds a torch for Becca who is his best friend’s sister. Becca is working in sin city after leaving her rich parents and is trying to make it in ballet. Cam saves her and they reconnect, can Cam get over his past so they can last? Great short hockey story.

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

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This best friend’s little sister, bad boy/good girl, struggling ballerina wants to lose her virginity to the hot shot hockey player begins the new Hockey USA series with an amazing cast of characters, full of teasing banter between loyal teammates and hot, steaminess between Cam Castillo and Becca Brooks. Cam grew up on the poor side of the town with an abusive father but was best friends with Becca’s brother, Hayes, of the rich and influential Brooks family. Cam attended a dance performance that Becca performed in and instantly became enamored with her and has not been able to get her out of his fantasies. Fast forward several years, now Cam is a wealthy professional hockey player for the Vegas Gamblers with multiple endorsement deals and Becca is a struggling waitress separated from her rich family trying to land her first big dance break when the two cross paths. Cam will play her hero as he rescues her from the villain, Max Largente, giving him a chance to reconnect with her and honor a promise he made to her brother but will he cross the line on another issue?
I really enjoyed the banter between the teammates, the way they came together to help solve issues, and the lasting friendship/brotherhood between them even when separated on different teams. I admired how Cam was so supportive of Becca and wasn’t willing to to take from her until she finally admitted that she truly wanted him.
I received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book but was given no monetary compensation. I read for the enjoyment and voluntarily review so that others may know what to expect and authors may be helped by critique and encouragement.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh! Such an addictive read! This one was easy to read and the characters were fun. Cam is the ideal bad boy with a hidden good side for our heroine, and I’m all for it! :)

This book, just like the other hockey stories by this author, has fantastic team camaraderie and playful banter. The teammates have each other’s backs, and I’m excited to know this is just the beginning of the team, ‘cause I definitely want more.

Becca’s trying to make it as a dancer in the tough town of Las Vegas, but not having much luck. Just as a patron at the club becomes too aggressive, an unexpected savior emerges - and it turns out to be none other than Cam, a close friend of her brother from years ago. Cam has achieved great success in hockey and is currently living his best life. He is thrilled to see Becca again, but is unhappy with her situation, so he plans to find a solution to benefit both of them.

I couldn’t put this book down because it had me completely hooked. The characters are easy to relate to and enjoy. The way they are attracted to one another is entertaining, and their chemistry is undeniable. While he tries his best to prevent any romantic involvement with Becca, their powerful chemistry creates an irresistible temptation that makes it hard to stay just friends. These pages flew by as I read, and before I knew it, I had finished the entire book. So good!

This book is a must-read and I’m eagerly awaiting the next story!

I was fortunate to receive a free copy of this one and happily leave my review.

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this sweet steamy hockey romance.
The chemistry between Cam and Becca was explosive,but they took their time giving into it.
Cam Castillo is a succesful hockey player now,but in high school he was from the wrong side of the tracks and not good enough.
Becca wants to make a name for herself,but is struggling.
Cam comes to her rescue after they both bump into each other again in Vegas.
Their feelings for each other starr to grow and there are a few ups and downs until they get to their happily ever after.
Cam is so sweet the way he is protective of Becca and always there for her.Loved the bond Cam had with his teammates and cannot wait to read more of their stories.
Enjoyed this very much and looking forward to Zee's next book.

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

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, loved Cam and Becca. Cam is the playboy hockey player and Becca is his best friends sister. But he hasn't seen either of them for years until he sees Becca being accosted at a club he has gone to. He helps her and finds out she needs help. But she doesn't want his help, she wants to do everything on her own. This is an exceptional story. Both Cam and Becca have pasts but can they get together to have a future. I loved it, steamy and sexy, great romance, lots of feel goods in the story and just a great read.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca left college for the dream of dancing for a ballet company only to have those dream squashed. Luckily she found someone that took her in and helped her get a job. She tries to find a job as a dancer but all is not going like she hoped. When the creep at her job makes his move on her, he is interrupted by her brother's best friend, Cam Castillo.

Cam had not seen Becca since high school, my has she grown. When he intervenes at her work, she is fired. There is something about her that makes him not want any other woman. He cannot stay away from her, but she is virgin. Is she ready for that next step?.

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

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy to read slow burn hockey romance. Becca and Cam have a wonderful chemistry and a complex history. Sweet, emotional, steamy and fun with a beautiful HEA.
As her brother’s best friend and from the wrong side of the tracks, Cam knew she was off limits but they both had a hidden crush. Now he’s a successful professional NHL star and she’s estranged from her family and struggling, he’s in a position to help her, but it’s more than just an old promise to his high school buddy.

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

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! a great start for a new series !! love , love, love Cam ... and Becca.. this is their story... a fast paced rom/com drama... Cam is a big hockey star now... before , he was her brother's best friend... Becca is struggling to be a professional dancer in Vegas.. she's working in a gentleman's club, when, she's attacked by a patron and Cam comes to the rescue... he wants to help but, Becca wants to do it on her own... so good !!.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Cam and Becca’s story. Down on her luck, she runs into her brother’s best friend from high school. Only the bad boy has turned into a mighty fine man and he offers to help because of a promise to her brother long ago. But she doesn’t want to be Cam’s charity case. She’s determined to make it in Las Vegas on her own somehow, yet every time she turns around, he’s there for her. He even battles bad guys to protect her. Could this be forever? It was an entertaining, fun read. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good glimpse into this new series. Becca tries to start her life over in Vegas but struggles a lot & unexpectedly Cam comes back into her life at just the right moment to save her again. They both unknowingly have feelings for each other & start to get to know each other better. Becca offers Cam her v-card but there were some slow burn vibes cause Cam wanted her for more than her offer & wanted her to be in his life more permanently. At the end her brother comes back into her life & was supportive of her relationship with Cam.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for the ballerina
Boy from the wrong side of town has a thing for his best friend’s sister, knowing she is not in the same league as him.
As he grows up roles reverse and he is the hotshot hockey player that could have any woman he wants.
With his playboy reputation, he certainly does.
Then his world alters when Cam comes face to face with Becca again and life as he knew it alters.
A really enjoyable story of protecting the woman at any cost, falling hard and fast and being brave enough to follow your dreams.
Loved all the characters and the storyline.

[Claire Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, teen crush. The bad boy and the good girl, although neither wants to be in that role.

Usually, the best friend's little sister is off-limits, but Cam can't help himself and being protective of Becca.

Becca is a virgin and hasn't found that someone special to give her v-card to. Until she does offer it, but is rejected!

Super sweet romance with a happy ever after!
Highly recommended.

I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Michelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Cam and Becca’s story. Cam was Becca’s brothers best friend growing up but he never seemed to notice her. Becca was the privileged girl who dreamed of being a dancer.
Life changed when Cam went on to be a professional hockey player and Becca left home and turned away from her family. They meet due to quirky circumstances in Vegas where they both live now.
Just pick up this book and read. It’s fun, quirky, has a few turns but a lot of chemistry and love. Enjoy

[BM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gret start to series.
Love hockey romance? Love a bad boy, from the wrong side of the tracks, now made good and has enjoyed all it offers.? Love a good girl, sister of best friend, ballet dancer chasing her dream? Then you should enjoy reading this story. Full of ups and downs, before they settle down into their relationship, which is something that surprised them both in different ways.

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

[Brier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zee has done it again!

Cam and Becca grew up together and he was best friends with her brother, Hayes. They all lost contact with each other over the years.

Cam became a rich and famous hockey star while Becca followed her dreams of being a dancer, making her parents disown her.

When they met, she was at her bottom. and he saves her. So sweet!

And again, hockey romance for the win!
 
I loved reading this second-chance romance that makes you want more!

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. It was so steamy and filled with love. Bad boy makes good and the Princess who is down on her luck. They find themselves fighting their attraction to each other. She keeps pushing for him to be her first and he doesn't think he is worthy. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.

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

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read about Becca and Cam! He is a the hottest bad boy hockey player the Vegas Gamblers have had and wealthy too. However, he was not always wealthy, in fact he was poor with a horrible family life. He was also, best friends with Becca's older brother. He met Becca when she was young and become enamored with her when seeing her in a ballet recital. She cam from wealth but ow years later she has followed her dreams to Vegas, but that was a bust. Now she is down on her luck and working in a casino. Cam plays the hero, rescuing her from an unwanted advance. This is such a good ready with witty banter, humor, emotional aspects and more.

[Zee Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and Steamy

A hockey player falls for the virgin heroine. Cam is hoping for a new start in Vegas. He runs into Becca, a woman from his past, and suddenly he wants to shed his bad boy ways and be there for her. Sweet to see his transformation. Steamy scenes draw you in. Love always finds a way.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew! There is a lot packed into a few pages. A slow burn romance, spice, snarky banter, intrigue, found family, complicated relationships, a “gang” of hockey players…. The pace moves rather quickly towards its happy conclusion.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denial of Chemistry

Moving to Vegas wasn't what Becca expected but her reunion with her brother's best friend was more than sparking with chemistry. Cam and Becca were attracted to each other, but the denial is real. I want more from these two since I found it to be a very fun and exciting read.

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

[Courtney Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Zee hits it out of the park! I absolutely love her books. The chemistry with the characters, world building, and don’t forget about the spice! A nice pool side read! I couldn’t put it down. You wont be disappointed!

✔️virgin
✔️hot hockey player
✔️bad boy
✔️ cinnamon roll
✔️ 2nd chance.

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

[Michele Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca is Cam’s best friends sister and he recognizes her in Las Vegas. He has a reputation, she is down on her luck. Their story is so good. He is redeemable, she is stubborn and with some steam it all works out. Great start to a new series.

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

[J L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Girl, Bad Boy

What can be more opposite than a ballerina and a playboy hockey player? But the path to True Love ever runs straight.

A good story, with some unexpected twists!