From Puck to F*ck (San Francisco Aftershocks, #1)

San Francisco Aftershocks #1

by Mika Lane

I accidentally bid on a date with hockey star Rake Hanson, AKA Mr. Puck-Head, at a charity auction.

Now I’m stuck with him.

He’s the poster boy for everything I can’t stand in a guy – sports nut, ego, and that annoying thing called charm.

Some “prize.”

While his grunts and one-word answers threaten to drive me up the wall, at least he’s nice to look at with those broad shoulders, strong jawline, and big… hands. Regardless, he’s an unrepentant grouch. If he ever smiles, I have no doubt his face will crack.

Our date, where I must beam for the cameras and pretend I don’t loathe every second of it, is destined to be a frosty disaster. It goes even worse than I imagine, involving a chartered flight to Vegas, too many cocktails at a roulette table, a wedding chapel, and a couple drunken “I do’s.”

And now his sports agent won’t let me dump his sorry ass until the end of the season.

So I, Petal Parker, am stuck in this bizarro world of stinky jocks, gossip columns, and flashy parties.

But the touches… and the glances… threaten to melt the hard ice around my heart. As the final buzzer of the season nears, I find my fake relationship with Mr. Puck-Head skating dangerously close to scoring the real thing. Ditching my fake husband is suddenly no longer as urgent as his deep, sexy kisses.

From USA Today bestselling author M. Lane comes a perfect combination of fun and sizzle about a sports hater and the hockey player she falls for. This slow-burn romance features a plucky main character and the one man she brings to his knees. If you like to indulge your secret bad-girl side, this is the book for you.

Genres: Sports, Hockey, Sports Romance, Romance, Hockey Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2024

About the author

Dear Reader:
I’m USA TODAY bestselling contemporary romance author Mika Lane, and am all about bringing you sexy, sassy stories with imperfect heroines and the bad-a*s dudes they bring to their knees. And I have a special love for romance with multiple guys because why should we have to settle for just one hunky man? 

Please join my Insider Group and be the first to hear about giveaways, sales, pre-orders, ARCs, and most importantly, a free sexy short story: http://mikalane.com/join-mailing-list/.
Writing has been a passion of mine since, well, forever (my first book was The Day I Ate the Milkyway, a true fourth-grade masterpiece). These days, steamy romance, both dark and funny, gives purpose to my days and nights as I create worlds and characters who defy the imagination. I live in magical Northern California with my own handsome alpha dude, sometimes known as Mr. Mika Lane, and two devilish cats named Chuck and Murray. These three males also defy my imagination from time to time.

A lover of shiny things, I've been known to try new recipes on unsuspecting friends, find hiding places so I can read undisturbed, and spend my last dollar on a plane ticket somewhere.

I'll always promise you a hot, sexy romp and some version of a modern-day happily ever after.

I LOVE to hear from readers when I'm not dreaming up naughty tales to share. Join my Insider Group so we can get to know each other better http://mikalane.com/join-mailing-list, or contact me here: https://mikalane.com/contact.

xoxo
Love,
Mika

Reviews

[Leticia🌻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5

From Puck to F*ck is a fast-paced, steamy romance story about Petal, who enjoys living a simple life despite growing up in money, and Rake, the star player of the hockey team, San Francisco Aftershocks. After a big scandal on the day of Petal's wedding, her mother convinces her to attend a charity event. In the charity event, Petal accidentally bids and wins a date with Rake. On the day of their date, they go on an impromptu trip to Las Vegas, where they get married. As they make plans to dissolve their marriage, Rake's management team advises him to remain married to improve their public image. As Petal moves in with Rake to keep appearances of a valid marriage, they realize that their attraction is undeniable.

Overall the story was well written, loved the secondary characters and the chemistry between the characters.

[Jade Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 this was fine at the start I was invested but got a bit dragging towards the end and I found myself looking towards her pov will see if the next books get better

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Explicit. Cute story! I expected them to have been a bit more drunk in Vegas, but it was funny to see how they rationalised their decision. The explicit scenes were a bit awkward - it felt a little bit like there was no finesse to the writing, which was a bit disappointing. I loved the book store! And the single dad was interesting, I'm hoping he has his own story. The ex moments were really fun too!

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was painful. Petal is completely insufferable. Like, insufferable to the point that I had to DNF after the end of the first chapter. The writing isn't bad, but the main character is something else. I have no idea if the book gets better. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

[Leilah Willis · Rating 1 out of 5]

no

[Ailis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second DNF this year, boring characters and horrible names ???

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes
Author: M. Lane
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Petal and Rake
Trope(s): Hockey Romance, Sport Romance, Fake Relationship, Rom-Com

This is my first read by M.Lane. It is a longer read, but I say settle in, maybe place the wine on the table because laughing will occur, and I wouldn’t want you to ruin your shirt. The angst is low, the witty is high. The tribe surrounding these two is solid.

Finding out on your wedding day that your fiance is a cheating a-hole is pretty bad, right? Quitting your job, moving back home, settling into a peaceful life working at the local bookstore, all good for the soul to mend. Supporting your mother’s next charity endeavor, part of life. Accidently bidding on a date with a hockey player, just more of your bad luck. Getting married on a dare while on date in Vegas, blame the alcohol. Having him convince you to stay married for both of your reputations, girl has been through enough so why not?

Throw in an ex-fiance that just cannot let go and a father who thinks he knows best- gotta have the antagonists.

Underestimating this feisty, ball of fire, yea good luck with that.

[Shiny Ruins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Petal being a penny pincher was cute at first, seeing how she comes from a wealthy family. But the point kept being brought up and beaten to death that it became annoying. Like yes, excess is bad but so is walking around with holes in your shoes when you have the means to replace them.

Other than that this was kinda meh.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute! Predictable! Sometimes the passage of time was a little confusing, but other than that it was such a feel-good sports romance!

[Jessica Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was better than I expected it to be. The female was a little annoying, but not enough to detract from the book. Loved the hockey guys. Sets up nicely too for future books. Will prob read more in this series.

[nath ø · Rating 2 out of 5]

it doesn’t worked for me, the attitude of the FMC irritated me at first with that thing of “she’s different of the others” but later it got ok, the MMC didn’t do it for me, he was a nice guy but that was it, i guess

the story it self was ok but again nothing to really capture my gaze and the thing the autor kept doing setting up scenarios that seem to be the moment of conflict and then everything its okay in two frases… like she KEPT doing this a number of times so it got just annoying.

the hot scenes… it was okay but i was so disconnected from the couple that i couldn’t care for the moments of affection between them.

[Jordan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoy the tropes and am usually a big fan of sports books but the flow of the writing held me back from really enjoying it. It reads very choppy and forced. The story is super cute though, a bit awkward at times, but overall fine.

[Sidney Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ petal was sassy and frugal. Andy was an idiot. Here comes rake Hanson to save the day.

Things I want to remember…

“What I mean, Petal, is that I’m pretty sure my brother’s sleeping with Jessica. You know, his friend from college.”His gaze shifts, only for a moment, to Jessica, sitting in the second row. It’s brief and I might have missed it if I hadn’t been looking, but I see something in his eyes reserved for her and only her. “Congrats to my daughter,” she squeals. “There are a lot of ladies who would have loved to win this date with Rake Hanson, the San Francisco Aftershocks’ star hockey player, but Petal has dug deep into her pockets like I know the rest of you will to support the museum, as well.” Petal Parker. “Mishap? You call that a mishap? You leaving a guy at the altar and calling his nasty ho-bag a cunty bitch is not what I think of as a mishap.”“Hey, are you talking about Rake Hanson from the San Francisco Aftershocks?”“Rehabilitate? My image? What the hell are you talking about?”“This weekend was the third brawl you’ve been involved in this year. If the owners weren’t as well connected as they are, you might have enjoyed a lovely night in jail with San Francisco’s finest.”“I told you, Rake. Next time you mess up, you’re out.”“Fine. Look, Petal, you do not have to go anywhere with me if you don’t want. I’m totally fine with that. But I have friends who just chartered a flight to Vegas for the night. You should join us. It will be fun. We’ll have a nice dinner, gamble a little, and I’ll get you your own hotel room and anything you need.”“It’s an initial from one of my dad’s cuff links,” I say. “He died when I was a baby.” Why do I have a bubble gum machine ring on my finger? The wedding ring finger? And why is Rake asleep in my room? Things are busy at Twisted Hearts, which my boss is thrilled with, until she finds that half the people coming in are looky-loos looking at me. Laundry day, Ashley’s number. “Oh there you are, honey,” I say, slinging an arm around her shoulders, watching the guy drop his hand off hers. “Did you find your Diet Coke?” I say, looking at her empty hands.busted by the locker room attendant. Cottage make up. “I wanted to talk.” “So, you were just driving by and happened to see my car. Andy, you live clear across town. You don’t even like this part of the city.” Jessica went back to her boyfriend. “It doesn’t matter what you read in the news, because you don’t matter. Now GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE.” Trade possibility. Big day tomorrow. Dad is coming to town. Things are never easy with my father, and I have a feeling they are about to get harder. “But, no, we are not puck buddies, or fuck buddies, or friends with benefits. I don’t know why I even need to say that.” I guess he doesn’t need to say it. But I want to hear it, anyway. “What do you mean, maybe? Are you embarrassed to say you like being fucked in the ass?”Seriously. Who follows a woman into the store when she’s buying tampons? “I paid the locker room attendant to spy on Rake, to get the true story of your so-called ‘marriage’. Then I leaked it to the press.”“You’re a fucker, Andy Stackhouse. Total slimebag. I’ve never known anyone more hateful than you.”“Hi there,” a cheery blonde says. “I’m Charlotte from Good Morning San Francisco.”She looks puzzled and flips through her papers again. “But according to Andy, you knew Rake before you cancelled your wedding.”“I think you need to leave,” I say, speaking slowly before I hurl a string of expletives at the man. “I will be discussing this with Rake, and you can expect to hear from him. Thanks for coming by, but our meeting is over now.”I roll to my side, holding my leg, and the game continues to scream around me until the trainer comes and drags me off the ice. “Holy shit. Do you just collect shit wherever you go?” Busted. “Yeah. I tend to do that. Fill my pockets with stuff that I just drop into a drawer in case I want it later. I have a lot of stuff from our encounters. Look, here’s a napkin from one of your games covered with nacho cheese.”

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fake relationship sports romance.

I adored this story. The characters were complex and realistic. The story was hilarious, steamy, heartbreaking and heartwarming. Highly recommend! Must read.

Petal Parker is from old San Francisco money but is very frugal and down to earth. On her wedding day she found out her fiance was cheating on her and left him at the altar. She quit her accounting job, went to stay at the cottage on her mother's winery and works part-time in a local bookstore.

Rake Hanson plays for the San Francisco Aftershocks professional hockey team. He has image problems due to his off ice behavior.

Petal's mother talked her into attending a fundraiser she was hosting for the cable car museum. During the auction part of the event she accidentally bid on a date with Rake while trying to swat a fly. She tried to get out of it but the team's PR rep Vince had already sent out a press release. She and Rake reluctantly agree to go on the date. He invited a group of his friends and they all go to Vegas. Alcohol is consumed and she wakes up married to Rake. He promises to take care of it but is ganged up on by Vince and his agent. Petal agrees to continue their fake relationship and moved into his condo. They start catching feelings when the truth about their relationship is announced during a team event. Meanwhile her ex is trying to get back together with her (her $ really because he has political aspirations). Petal and Rake are also pressured by his father to break up. They fight for their relationship and get their HEA.

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

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few years back, I started reading Mika Lane’s work and I was devouring every word I could get my hands on … until I wasn’t LOL The reason I didn’t jump on her work after a while wasn’t so much an author thing but more of a me thing. After a while, the multiple MCs theme just wasn’t working for me any more because it was getting to feel a little repetitive. BUT THEN, a few years later, I saw she’d be writing as M. Lane and it would be different so I jumped. :) MAN, am I glad I jumped!

I already knew she was a great writer, so that’s no surprise, but what I didn’t expect was how caught up I would get in the story of Petal & Rake!! They hooked me from the very beginning, and I was just so happy throughout their entire journey! It was fun, flirty, and sexy. The secondary characters added to the story and did not feel like a distraction. The tension between the MCs was expertly done and I was captivated and more than a little thrilled by the storyline from the very beginning!

I am ridiculously happy with anticipation for the rest of this series!!



FIND OUT MORE ⇒ https://omgreads.com/2024/04/09/from-puck-to-fck-by-m-lane/

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forced proximity
Marriage of convenience
She's an heiress
He's a brooding hockey player with a temper

This book was cute. It's a little unrealistic, given that the food is amazing (things like meatloaf, Doritos, and chicken piccata, which I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be able to eat during the season) and he does things like go on a hike during the season.

So, is it the best sports romance? No.

Petal is a total boss-babe, though. A ball-buster through and through. Meanwhile, Rake is...well...a rake. They meet, sparks fly, and they end up married on a dare. Is it cute, sure.

Flow in this book is a bit of an issue. I think it's the writing style, because the chapters end really abruptly. The very end of the book is like that as well, so don't expect to feel a climax that's drawn out. Also, her sex scenes are pretty similar throughout the book (though there is one where I question the physics and refractory period) so I started to skim them toward the end.

Rated 3 stars because of the style and also because of the lack of sports realism. Loved the characters, though, even though they are a bit trope-ish. (I love/love/loved that Petal has her own money and can do whatever the hell she wants.) I actually loved the fact the the conflict was very low-angst when all signs pointed to it being really overly dramatic.

Future Stacey: feel free to read again.

[The Bosnian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
New to me author! I signed up from one of the PR companies and I thought what a fun title (not very fond of the illustrations, not my Thing) but the blurb got me in. That said this was a little different writing style than I am used to or to my taste but I powered through. I would say that the characters were well places and the story line worked but I was not able to connect to either. The heroine is very strong and the back and forth was a little aggressive to my taste but I laughed either way. The hero was not the player that the blurb or idea of him wanted to play out, I actually liked him more than Petal. All in all this story was cute, I think I am missing a few connections so it was harder for me to form a bond to anything. I do appreciate the PR and author for giving me a ARC and chance to explore this new author and book.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

I loved this book! The story of Rake and Petal is full of fun, love and sass and is an absolute must read! After she leaves her fiance, Andy, at the altar on their wedding day when she finds out he’s cheating on her, she swears off men. Rake is a hockey star with a bit of a temper and needs to clean up his image a bit. Enter a charity auction. It’s being held for one of her mother’s causes and she ends up winning a date with Rake. Neither one wants it but they are told they need to go on the date. What starts out as a nice night in Vegas goes off the rails after a few drinks. Waking up married the next day is just the start of their very bumpy ride of a relationship. It may start off fake but the more time they spend together, the more they find about each other that they actually like. There will be a few speed bumps that threaten to derail the train but in the end, the feelings they have developed are very real and very strong and will carry them through their ups and downs to their very own happily ever after.

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mika Lane's "From Puck to F*ck" is a whirlwind of fun that'll have you hooked from the first page. It's the kind of romcom you won't want to step off from – and honestly, who could blame you? Picture this: the lovely Petal accidentally finds herself bidding on the notorious bad boy of hockey, Rake. The bidding war? Pure comedy gold. And when they're forced to go on a date? Well, let's just say it's excellent PR for Rake, especially with his image needing a boost.

Their journey takes them to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, where anything can happen – and it does. Petal's cheating ex, whom she left at the altar comes back on the scene, adding a layer of tension to the mix. But amidst the chaos, there's an undeniable attraction brewing between Petal and Rake. You can practically feel the sparks flying off the pages.

Ms Lane crafts a tale of love, laughter, and steamy encounters that's impossible to put down. "From Puck to F*ck" isn't just a hockey romcom – it's a rollercoaster of emotions that'll leave you breathless and wanting more. So buckle up and get ready for a ride you won't soon forget.

[Vanessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had so many thoughts while reading this book
Was the author a man?
Was the author 80 years old?
Was the author an 80 year old man?
Was there even an author or was this AI trash?

Because at no point during this story did I enjoy this read. Why did I keep reading? To see if I could figure out the answer to my questions without having to google the author.

Why was this so bad? FMC’s name is Petal. MMC’s name is Rake. Our FMC is supposed to be 27 years old and is very vocal about not wearing “nasty-ass thong panties” and even refers to them as “thong underpants.” Bro nobody is saying those words in that order. Except a man. Or an 80 year old. Or an 80 year old man. Another (non thong related conversation) had the MMC getting uncomfortable talking about all kinds of underwear with the FMC. This isn’t an age gap romance, MMC is 29 year old reformed womanizer. This man isn’t getting uncomfortable about underwear. Her two best friends she’s so grateful for are insufferable and kind of treat her like crap. The dialogue was all unrealistic, and very stunted. The characters inner dialogue is also just…terrible.

The best part about this book is that it ended.

I googled the author. Not a man. Might be 50/60s ish. Not neurodivergent (from my search at least)

I’m going with a boomer learned how to use AI and not well

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding out her fiancé is cheating on her on her wedding day, Petal decides to dump him at the altar. Shortly after, she attends a charity auction and accidentally bids on and wins a date with hockey player Rake. Neither wants to go through with the date, but the team's publicist convinces Rake that it is a good idea and he gets Petal on board with the plan. They end up joining some of Rake's teammates on a trip to Vegas, where they end up married on a dare. The team's publicist intervenes again and convinces them that it is a good idea for them to stay married to help Rake's image. Through their journey as a newly married couple they go from not wanting to be together, to tolerating each other, to falling for each other. All making this a fun read that I didn't want to put down wanting to see where their new relationship took them next.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a rollercoaster of fun. Petal Parker is not your typical heiress as some call her. She's down to earth and likes to live a simple life. When she attends a charity auction she accidentally bids on Aftershocks Rake Hanson. Rake Hanson has no desire to be at this auction let alone a date with the beautiful Petal who can give zero F's about who he is. When a date turns into a trip to Vegas what could happen? Petal needs to learn to let her hair down and Rake needs to learn how to rake it in when it comes to letting go too much. Sometimes an accident is the best thing. These two navigate Rakes's famousness and the fact that they both don't like each other. Petal needs to navigate her feelings. Can they both have something real or at the end of the day will it all continue to be fake?

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how snarky Petal acts most of the time. I love that she seems to push back most of the time but there are also a couple of inconsistencies where she acts out of that character. I love Rake. We are told that he is a one night stand king, but we see very little of that. I like his teammates and her friends. Petal comes across as a real witch in a couple of spots and makes me not love her. I wanted her to support Rake more and be less selfish and standoffish in regards to her job and the cottage. She is also inconsistent with her dealings and knowledge of the press and social media even though we constantly hear how they hounded her after the wedding that wasn't and her kife as a famous heiress. Overall I like the plot.

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

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute and steamy story. I normally don't read "sports" related stories because I'm not interested in them in real life but Mika Lane is a favorite of mine so I dove in with no expectations. I actually really enjoyed it. Petal ends up accidentally "bidding" on Rake when she goes to an auction that her mother is helping with. Rake has a bad image because of his off the ice antics and he needs help so when Petal wins him, between his manger and the hockey teams PR team, they talk them into doing a fake relationship to help him clean up his image. You know they are both going to catch feelings for each other but will it last? Her ex, who was cheating on her before they even got married, wants her back and there are others who don't want them together. It's hot, it's steamy, it's funny, it's just a good story!!

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adored this forced proximity, fake marriage, grumpy/sunshine, bad-a$s heroine and hunky athlete hero romance story. It was full of humor, snark, steam and some truly awesome tell off scenes. I loved how it was a slow burn for the couple to actually come together and accept their relationship and then work to convince the rest of the world of it as well. And the whole time they supported each other fully. It's low in angst and there's no third act breakup, which is super nice. This is the first time I'm reading a MF romance from this author as I've only previously read her RH series. This story is just as exciting and engaging as her previous reads have been. Looking forward to more in this series.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series, and this is Rake and Petal’s story.
Rake is a grouchy hockey star, and Petal is sassy, and has dumped her cheating ex at the altar. When Petal is convinces to attend a charity event by her mom, she accidentally bid and wins a date with Rake. When Rake and Petal go to Vegas with some of his teammates, they end up married on a dare, and his publicist convinces them to stay married to improve Rake’s image.
This is a well written story which a slow burn, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, opposites attract, humor, witty banter, challenges, and love, which leads to an entertaining, fun, and steamy hockey romance,
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Petal and Rake

I have enjoyed several from this author, and this is another good read.

Rake has the bad boy hockey player thing going on, thinking that his talent will make his behavior tolerable. But we all know, it's just a matter of time before it all blows up and change is necessary.

An accidental situation puts Petal and Rake together, and with some "help" from his friends, they find themselves married.

I really enjoyed Petal's character, and her sense of self. She is definitely the stronger one in this couple. Rake hasn't had support like he gets from Petal, and he certainly falls first for her simple, sweet heart.

This was easy to connect with and enjoy. These characters are steamy, entertaining and engaging. I recommend this read.

[Nicole Polson · Rating 4 out of 5]

hockey romance is a thing

This was a sweet read. I did have a little trouble in some places. It seemed to drag. But overall it’s a sweet book about two people who are dared to get married when in Vegas. They do. Then they’re highly encouraged to stay married to help boost their publicity. There wasn’t anything overtly in depth with monologue. If you’re looking for something to be a palate cleanser then this would be good! No big swings of emotions for me. The FMC is very sarcastic and the MMC appeared to enjoy it. He liked that she didn’t jump after him, but I didn’t find him as grumbly as the synopsis made him out to be. He seemed a bit more golden retriever and almost like a support character at times. It was interesting.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petal Parker & Rake Hanson’s love story is far from how things normally go. Petal accidentally wins a date with Rake at a charity auction. Their date ended up in Vegas with a marriage started from a dare. They could have fixed it later, but they were pressured to stay married and pretend to be in love.
M. Lane Did a great job with this RomCom, and all the characters were great. This is part of A Me To We Romance, but I love the characters in this story so much that I hope she develops them further and does a series with them!
Funny slow burn with earned spice.

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

[Amanda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, I must say. When I wasn't laughing, this gem had me going through an array of emotions. Petal and Rake were definitely complete opposites, but their attraction was golden. Now I'm a fan sports romance, and this didn't disappoint; I loved how the storyline kept me engaged right from the start and kept everything entertaining. The characters, the story, the laughs, the drama, the romance...my goodness. Even Petal's and Rake's family/sports family was a delight in here. I can't tell you which scene I loved more but when you read it you will know which scene...hehehe. So if you're looking for a great romcom hockey romance, then this is it.