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The Sabertooths Hockey #1
The Worst Pucking Deal
Where the ice rink's chilling embrace meets the dangerous underbelly of the mafia, that’s where The Worst Pucking Deal is struck. Are you ready for the puck to drop?
As the PR mastermind for the Minneapolis Sabertooths, I'm no stranger to spinning narratives and shaping images.
Managing crises is my forte, except the one I'm born into—a Mafia family where ties are chains. The clock on my freedom is running out, and the only way out is through death or marriage.
Enter Sawyer Perry; on the ice, he's the team's golden boy. Off it, his troublemaking ways are a liability.
When he can't be tamed with fines or threats, the General Manager throws me a curveball—Sawyer is to be my fake boyfriend, a role designed to divert media attention and improve his reckless reputation.
Now we must embrace the limelight as the league's hottest couple. But it’s not enough to earn my freedom, and I need to make a deal of my own with Sawyer.
*Note:Sawyer Perry is a dark and morally gray antihero who isn’t afraid to take full advantage of Lucia Russo’s weaknesses.
As the PR mastermind for the Minneapolis Sabertooths, I'm no stranger to spinning narratives and shaping images.
Managing crises is my forte, except the one I'm born into—a Mafia family where ties are chains. The clock on my freedom is running out, and the only way out is through death or marriage.
Enter Sawyer Perry; on the ice, he's the team's golden boy. Off it, his troublemaking ways are a liability.
When he can't be tamed with fines or threats, the General Manager throws me a curveball—Sawyer is to be my fake boyfriend, a role designed to divert media attention and improve his reckless reputation.
Now we must embrace the limelight as the league's hottest couple. But it’s not enough to earn my freedom, and I need to make a deal of my own with Sawyer.
*Note:Sawyer Perry is a dark and morally gray antihero who isn’t afraid to take full advantage of Lucia Russo’s weaknesses.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2024
44 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
B. Lybaek
33 books431 followersBibi is a dark romance author who is addicted to coffee, Piña coladas, and chocolate... all the beautiful things that make life go around.
She loves talking about herself in third person, it makes her feel special. She lives in the North East of England, in a small town no one has ever heard of. Her household (herself and her boyfriend of 10 years) is ruled by their feline mistress who puts the 'tude in Tortitude.
Bibi recently changed her pen name from Ren Blakely to B. Lybaek. A pure vanity move as she wanted to see her real name on her books #NamesMatters
You can find Bibi all over the internet.. probably procrastinating.
https://linktr.ee/b.lybaek
She loves talking about herself in third person, it makes her feel special. She lives in the North East of England, in a small town no one has ever heard of. Her household (herself and her boyfriend of 10 years) is ruled by their feline mistress who puts the 'tude in Tortitude.
Bibi recently changed her pen name from Ren Blakely to B. Lybaek. A pure vanity move as she wanted to see her real name on her books #NamesMatters
You can find Bibi all over the internet.. probably procrastinating.
https://linktr.ee/b.lybaek
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
May 3, 2024
Marriage of convenience! Yes!! Sawyer the MMC was perfection! Dark smut with a plot! I devoured this in one sitting! Couldn’t put it down!
May 3, 2024
I'm struggling to rate this book. The concept of the story was fantastic, I just really feel it could have been done better. The mafia elements towards the end felt very unrealistic, with the togas and the somewhat infantile seeming interaction between Fabian and Remus during what was meant to be the showdown. I don't know. The whole thing just fell a bit flat for me. Which was a shame because the first half of this book was brilliant. I found once I reached that point, though I was having to push to keep reading, and my interest wasn't really held anymore. I know some of this is due to the miscommunication Trope because I really can't stand that Trope it infuriates me. I got Lucia keeping her secrets for the most part, but it got to a point where she could have told Sawyer, and we just kept not communicating, and at that point, I started getting irritated.
I feel like Gail should have had a larger part in the story as well. She is supposed to be like Lucias family and this really important person and she vanishes for pretty much the entire book, comes back for one very surface level scene, even though its supposed to be them reuniting and then we never hear from her again, almost like she's dumped back in there to add a bit of plot and then becomes meaningless again. Which again brings elements of non realistic plot and lack of depth into play and makes it difficult to connect with or relate to the characters on an emotional level. In addition, the ending felt very rushed with no real depth or connection to the characters or the story, and by this point, I really just did struggle to push through.
The book is an easy read, and there is spice. But I must admit I'm quite underwhelmed
I feel like Gail should have had a larger part in the story as well. She is supposed to be like Lucias family and this really important person and she vanishes for pretty much the entire book, comes back for one very surface level scene, even though its supposed to be them reuniting and then we never hear from her again, almost like she's dumped back in there to add a bit of plot and then becomes meaningless again. Which again brings elements of non realistic plot and lack of depth into play and makes it difficult to connect with or relate to the characters on an emotional level. In addition, the ending felt very rushed with no real depth or connection to the characters or the story, and by this point, I really just did struggle to push through.
The book is an easy read, and there is spice. But I must admit I'm quite underwhelmed
May 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Lucia Carter—one day to become Lucia Perry—is sinfully perfect, and now mine.
Who can say “no” to a blended hockey and mafia romance? Manipulations, secrets, and lies. A fake relationship turned marriage of convenience—an alphahole hockey player looking to improve his image and a mafia princess running from her past.
The Worst Pucking Deal is a much lighter offering from author B. Lybaek. I was expecting Sawyer to be more like the men from her The Cruz Kings MC series, but while he was possessive and a bit of an alphahole, he was loveable from the start with no need for a redemption arc.
Lucia is crafty. To save her hide, she manipulates Sawyer into a fake relationship and then a real marriage of convenience, but feelings interfere with the proposed end date, and what was once contrived becomes real.
I would have preferred a stronger relationship build-up. It felt rushed. Lucia and Sawyer quickly shifted from barely tolerating each other to love—at least their version of love. I did love the mutual feelings of “mine.”
This is a fast-burn and spicy MF romance.
The Worst Pucking Deal is a complete standalone with Lucia and Sawyer getting their HEA.
Genre: Hockey/Mafia Romance
Tropes/Features: Hate to love, forced fake dating, marriage of convenience, feisty FMC, alphahole MMC, he falls first, touch her and die, “mine”
POV: Dual 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MF, fast burn, spicy
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
TW/CW: Available in book
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Lucia Carter—one day to become Lucia Perry—is sinfully perfect, and now mine.
Who can say “no” to a blended hockey and mafia romance? Manipulations, secrets, and lies. A fake relationship turned marriage of convenience—an alphahole hockey player looking to improve his image and a mafia princess running from her past.
The Worst Pucking Deal is a much lighter offering from author B. Lybaek. I was expecting Sawyer to be more like the men from her The Cruz Kings MC series, but while he was possessive and a bit of an alphahole, he was loveable from the start with no need for a redemption arc.
Lucia is crafty. To save her hide, she manipulates Sawyer into a fake relationship and then a real marriage of convenience, but feelings interfere with the proposed end date, and what was once contrived becomes real.
I would have preferred a stronger relationship build-up. It felt rushed. Lucia and Sawyer quickly shifted from barely tolerating each other to love—at least their version of love. I did love the mutual feelings of “mine.”
This is a fast-burn and spicy MF romance.
The Worst Pucking Deal is a complete standalone with Lucia and Sawyer getting their HEA.
Genre: Hockey/Mafia Romance
Tropes/Features: Hate to love, forced fake dating, marriage of convenience, feisty FMC, alphahole MMC, he falls first, touch her and die, “mine”
POV: Dual 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MF, fast burn, spicy
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
TW/CW: Available in book
May 9, 2024
Hockey romance with a mafia element definitely makes it hot! Sawyer is the single hottie of hockey who lives his puck bunnies, until there is an issue. That’s when he is paired with Lucia in a relationship to change his public persona. He needs the sponsors to love him ands not feel like he’s trouble for the team.
The tension between Sawyer and Lucia was palpable, and definitely kept me intrigued. Lucia’s background is well portrayed and definitely a twisted element in the book. I loved that Sawyer ends up the protective doting husband through all the turmoil, while Lucia learns to trust.
If you love hockey romance, the mafia and a bit of dark romance this is definitely for you. Thank you Unalive Promotions and B Lybaek for the ARC.
The tension between Sawyer and Lucia was palpable, and definitely kept me intrigued. Lucia’s background is well portrayed and definitely a twisted element in the book. I loved that Sawyer ends up the protective doting husband through all the turmoil, while Lucia learns to trust.
If you love hockey romance, the mafia and a bit of dark romance this is definitely for you. Thank you Unalive Promotions and B Lybaek for the ARC.
May 11, 2024
I knew this book was going to be so good just by the dedication that was written in this book,it really catches your eye. This book made my dark romance heart happy;it has the drama,strong willed heroine and the protective alpha. This book is def.becoming a new reread of mine:).
August 4, 2025
started off slow but it grew on me
tbh the mmc kinda pissed me off in moments but it was spicy enough for me to keep going
tbh the mmc kinda pissed me off in moments but it was spicy enough for me to keep going
February 12, 2025
What the f did I read?! Why do I keep thinking the author will somehow learn how to not write garbage?!
Please don’t pick this up and make the mistake I did 😅
Please don’t pick this up and make the mistake I did 😅
May 9, 2024
ARC review for 'The Worst Pucking Deal' by B. Lybaek
I was intrigued by how the themes of mafia and hockey were intertwined in this book, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well they merged to create a captivating and suspenseful story that kept me hooked until the end.
The story follows two contrasting characters who are forced to work together to solve their problems. Sayer Perry is a skilled hockey player for the Minneapolis Sabretooths, known for his talent on the ice and his fiery personality off it. Lucia Carter, on the other hand, is a PR worker for the team, composed and independent. When they are thrust into a fake dating and marriage scenario, their combustible personalities lead to a gripping fusion of emotions.
I was drawn to how initially distant and indifferent both characters were, especially Sayer with his carefree attitude. The gradual shift from physical attraction to genuine feelings between them was well-crafted and engaging. Their protective and possessive tendencies towards each other added depth to their relationship.
The mafia element added an extra layer of intrigue to the story, with the portrayal of the Russo family's structure, hierarchy, and secrets keeping me on the edge of my seat. The climax at Vatican City caught me off guard and added a thrilling twist to the plot.
While I haven't delved into mafia/hockey romances before, this book was a delightful blend of both genres, offering a spicy and dark, yet thrilling read. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story and found it to be a unique and compelling mix of tropes.
I was intrigued by how the themes of mafia and hockey were intertwined in this book, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well they merged to create a captivating and suspenseful story that kept me hooked until the end.
The story follows two contrasting characters who are forced to work together to solve their problems. Sayer Perry is a skilled hockey player for the Minneapolis Sabretooths, known for his talent on the ice and his fiery personality off it. Lucia Carter, on the other hand, is a PR worker for the team, composed and independent. When they are thrust into a fake dating and marriage scenario, their combustible personalities lead to a gripping fusion of emotions.
I was drawn to how initially distant and indifferent both characters were, especially Sayer with his carefree attitude. The gradual shift from physical attraction to genuine feelings between them was well-crafted and engaging. Their protective and possessive tendencies towards each other added depth to their relationship.
The mafia element added an extra layer of intrigue to the story, with the portrayal of the Russo family's structure, hierarchy, and secrets keeping me on the edge of my seat. The climax at Vatican City caught me off guard and added a thrilling twist to the plot.
While I haven't delved into mafia/hockey romances before, this book was a delightful blend of both genres, offering a spicy and dark, yet thrilling read. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story and found it to be a unique and compelling mix of tropes.
May 17, 2024
I love a good mafia romance and when combined with another favourite, ice hockey, I couldn't wait to read this and it did not disappoint.
Sawyer is the hockey god who continues to land himself into trouble outside the ice rink. Lucia is the sweet PR with a past she would rather leave just there, in the past. However, a time bomb is ticking for Lucia and Sawyer needs to improve his reputation or he will take his team down with him, the solution ... a fake relationship between the two.
I loved how their relationship developed, with Lucia being the main manipulator whilst Sawyer opened up more to his emotions. The mafia connection surprisingly comes from Lucia and I really enjoyed the added mystery surrounding Remus. This couple took a fake relationship and turned it into so much more. Such an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from this new, to me, author
Sawyer is the hockey god who continues to land himself into trouble outside the ice rink. Lucia is the sweet PR with a past she would rather leave just there, in the past. However, a time bomb is ticking for Lucia and Sawyer needs to improve his reputation or he will take his team down with him, the solution ... a fake relationship between the two.
I loved how their relationship developed, with Lucia being the main manipulator whilst Sawyer opened up more to his emotions. The mafia connection surprisingly comes from Lucia and I really enjoyed the added mystery surrounding Remus. This couple took a fake relationship and turned it into so much more. Such an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from this new, to me, author
April 27, 2024
First off id like to thank B. Lybaek for an ARC copie of The worst Pucking deal.
It’s a classic marriage of convenience where they end up falling in love.
The book had an easy flow of reading. They both have their reasons to get together and battle their demons in doing so.
Somewhere during the story I got a bit lost, unnecessarily lying and secrets I could have done without.
Sawyer the mmc was perfect. As soon as he realized his feelings he became a perfect bad boy every woman could wish for.
The ending suprised me in a positive way.
The beginning had a lot of potential and the ending definitely lived up to it.
If you like dark, smut with plot this is for you.
It’s a classic marriage of convenience where they end up falling in love.
The book had an easy flow of reading. They both have their reasons to get together and battle their demons in doing so.
Somewhere during the story I got a bit lost, unnecessarily lying and secrets I could have done without.
Sawyer the mmc was perfect. As soon as he realized his feelings he became a perfect bad boy every woman could wish for.
The ending suprised me in a positive way.
The beginning had a lot of potential and the ending definitely lived up to it.
If you like dark, smut with plot this is for you.
June 5, 2025
1.5. Ok the premise was interesting … really interesting. But the story between the characters?… they literally were suddenly inseparable one day? Just? For me the weight of their relationship fell flat, and with everything happening I was just.. not 100% there.
But like seriously why would she just not tell him when he was going to find out 5 mins later? Also I know it took years, but she literally told her friend (who conveniently disappeared for most of the book) very easily and in public.
Idk really interesting premise, but the execution… I would read Remus’ book tho!
But like seriously why would she just not tell him when he was going to find out 5 mins later? Also I know it took years, but she literally told her friend (who conveniently disappeared for most of the book) very easily and in public.
Idk really interesting premise, but the execution… I would read Remus’ book tho!
May 2, 2024
I will admit I am not one for a sports romance. I picked this one up only because I enjoyed the few books I'd read from this author in the past.
I was sucked into this sports-mafia romance instantly. B. Lybaek expertly weaves a tale of mystery, secrets, intrigue, and toe curling spice.
Be sure to add The Worst Pucking Deal by B Lybaek to your TBR today!
I was sucked into this sports-mafia romance instantly. B. Lybaek expertly weaves a tale of mystery, secrets, intrigue, and toe curling spice.
Be sure to add The Worst Pucking Deal by B Lybaek to your TBR today!
May 2, 2024
I enjoyed this book! The plot had a LOT going on - everything made sense by the end though which I liked! Sawyer fell HARD and I enjoyed his inner monologue when he thought about Lucia. Their relationship is full of sassy, bickering behavior and explosive spice. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style!! Thank you so much to Unalive Promotions and B. Lybaek for giving me an ARC copy of this book to review!!
May 22, 2024
Lucia is part of the PR team members for The Sabertooths hockey team and she was glad for her weekly nights with her best friend where they got drunk and vented. Because the team's worst PR nightmare was the Sabertooths forward, Sawyer Perry, their hockey God playboy. With the season beginning in a few days, she knew her life was getting ready to turn into a shitstorm.
When she gets a text expecting it to be her boss she is tempted to ignore it, but when she sees it is her cousin she feels a cold chill go down her back. There is only one reason Remus would be contacting her after ten years. Her time had run out.
Sawyer Perry is sitting in front of the GM in total shock! They did not just give him an ultimatum. He knew the scandals in his personal life affected the team, but to tell him in no uncertain terms that they were setting him up with a fake girlfriend for the season or trade him was going to far!
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Lucia sets out to convince Sawyer that he needs to pick her for his fake girlfriend not knowing that the team had already picked her - even though she had not applied.
This book is action-packed, full of suspense and smoking hot. No one knew Lucia's secrets and she knows if Sawyer ever found out there was no way to save their relationship... because one of her secrets was a hard-no for him.
Highly recommend this book!
When she gets a text expecting it to be her boss she is tempted to ignore it, but when she sees it is her cousin she feels a cold chill go down her back. There is only one reason Remus would be contacting her after ten years. Her time had run out.
Sawyer Perry is sitting in front of the GM in total shock! They did not just give him an ultimatum. He knew the scandals in his personal life affected the team, but to tell him in no uncertain terms that they were setting him up with a fake girlfriend for the season or trade him was going to far!
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Lucia sets out to convince Sawyer that he needs to pick her for his fake girlfriend not knowing that the team had already picked her - even though she had not applied.
This book is action-packed, full of suspense and smoking hot. No one knew Lucia's secrets and she knows if Sawyer ever found out there was no way to save their relationship... because one of her secrets was a hard-no for him.
Highly recommend this book!
May 4, 2024
Sawyer Perry is a playboy. He needs to be a better person and player for his ice hockey team mates.
Lucia is PR for the hockey team.
Lucia and Sawyer need to fake date to make Sawyer look much better on the field and in the public eye.
So many twists and secrets and the spice OMG 🥵
Loved the story and the fireworks that these guys produce.
Lucia is PR for the hockey team.
Lucia and Sawyer need to fake date to make Sawyer look much better on the field and in the public eye.
So many twists and secrets and the spice OMG 🥵
Loved the story and the fireworks that these guys produce.
May 9, 2024
This book is a good mixture of Sports Romance meets Mafia. The twist that had me interested in this is that usually the person established within the mafia is the MMC, this time it is the FMC.
Sawyer (MMC) is the ‘golden boy’ for the Minneapolis Sabertooths to the papers, but off ice he is his PR’s worst nightmare. Being the ‘golden boy’ gives Sawyer a great perk with the amount of ‘puck bunnies’ that flock to him. Sawyer has issues with commitment in relationships because of the past infidelities he watched his parents go through.
“Don’t do it, son. Don’t ever let a b!tch tie you to her because you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.” -- was the parting gift of advice Sawyer received from his father before he vanished from his life. Sawyers playboyish ways gets him into a sticky dilemma when he is accused and assaulted by one of the females husbands. This issue landing him in the headlines for all the wrong reasons which in return is making his indorsements want to back out of contract with him. In order to try to clean up Sawyers image he is given a fake girlfriend.
'I guess this is a byproduct of being away from the fold for so long I no longer feel safe in the presence of my family.'
Lucia (FMC) is a strong independent woman who has a guarded edge to her. She is running from her past, which has seemed to be coming back to haunt her after 10 years. With running away from her family, she has made a life for herself. Lucia is part of the PR team for the hockey team. She is thrust into the fold of having to be the fake girlfriend of Sawyer.
After given ill news that she would need to come back home in order to fulfill her duties after 10 years, Lucia needs a way out; Sawyer is her way out. This leads to the explosive relationship between Sawyer and Lucia. What starts off as bickering, leads into a delicious amounts of spice.
'I know I shouldn’t care, but I do. I really f*cking do, and I don’t like that some jerk put their hands on my bunny. Motherf*cker!'
Sawyer falls hard and fast for Lucia. A woman that he is slowly starting to get to open up to him. The woman who is always one step ahead of Sawyer and saving his @ss.
Sawyer (MMC) is the ‘golden boy’ for the Minneapolis Sabertooths to the papers, but off ice he is his PR’s worst nightmare. Being the ‘golden boy’ gives Sawyer a great perk with the amount of ‘puck bunnies’ that flock to him. Sawyer has issues with commitment in relationships because of the past infidelities he watched his parents go through.
“Don’t do it, son. Don’t ever let a b!tch tie you to her because you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.” -- was the parting gift of advice Sawyer received from his father before he vanished from his life. Sawyers playboyish ways gets him into a sticky dilemma when he is accused and assaulted by one of the females husbands. This issue landing him in the headlines for all the wrong reasons which in return is making his indorsements want to back out of contract with him. In order to try to clean up Sawyers image he is given a fake girlfriend.
'I guess this is a byproduct of being away from the fold for so long I no longer feel safe in the presence of my family.'
Lucia (FMC) is a strong independent woman who has a guarded edge to her. She is running from her past, which has seemed to be coming back to haunt her after 10 years. With running away from her family, she has made a life for herself. Lucia is part of the PR team for the hockey team. She is thrust into the fold of having to be the fake girlfriend of Sawyer.
After given ill news that she would need to come back home in order to fulfill her duties after 10 years, Lucia needs a way out; Sawyer is her way out. This leads to the explosive relationship between Sawyer and Lucia. What starts off as bickering, leads into a delicious amounts of spice.
'I know I shouldn’t care, but I do. I really f*cking do, and I don’t like that some jerk put their hands on my bunny. Motherf*cker!'
Sawyer falls hard and fast for Lucia. A woman that he is slowly starting to get to open up to him. The woman who is always one step ahead of Sawyer and saving his @ss.
May 22, 2024
𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 + 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 ❤️🔥
Starting off the read Sawyer is one cocky SOAB, and from the fire I could just feel in my soul from Lucia; I had high hopes for all the way she’d knock him down a peg or two and put him back in his lane.
*Side note: your girl did not disappoint and she’s got some d!rty tactics in her arsenal 👏🏼😉*
With Sawyer, it’s the kind of cocky that you love to hate… or hate to love (both actually😵) … and it’s more than just a personality trait because this guy brings it to the bedroom - he could d!rty talk me into another dimension and it would still take me an hour to realise, that’s the kind of spell he puts me under.
To top great with great, this MOC situation is the kind that feeds your soul, it’s complicated and they play more games with each other than Sawyer does on the ice, and take a moment to applaud Lucia on her audition, she sucked him right in, however Sawyer isn’t so innocent either 🤭
He’s a PR nightmare, for real, and his reputation of 🐓 first, think later had me mentally b!tch slapping him, while physically falling head over heels because what can I say I’m a sucker for a playboy, and Sawyer Perry reaches new heights 🗼
———— ‼️ 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 ‼️ ————-
🏷️ 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
Hockey, Forced Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, Marriage of Convenience, He Falls First, Dark Secrets
🌤️ 𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗥𝗢-𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
Mafia, Alphahole, Feisty FMC, Adult Characters, PR Team Employee FMC
😈 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦:
🩸Play, 🔪Play, Breath Play, Degr@dation, Dominance, Body Currency, Rough Play
💦 𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗥𝗢-𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦:
Spitting, Time Challenge, Mutual SelfCare, Edging Manipulation, Biting/Scratching, 🩸Tasting, 🩸Lube, 🥲Tasting
🫠 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀:
—> “Good girl,”
—> “Did you swallow?”
—> “Don’t make me repeat myself.”
—> “Then we better not get caught, bunny.”
—> “Don’t f*king look at my wife like that,”
—> “I love it when you beg.”
—> “It’s my f*king pussy, baby.”
—> “Look how prettily you bleed,”
—> “who hurt you, sweet bunny,”
🚩 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀 (𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 😉):
Touch/Look at Her & Bye, Jealous Possessive, Hand Necklaces
🌍 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿:
This is a standalone, however there is another book coming soon!!
⛔️ 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Deäth of Parent, Domestic Abüse (not by MC), Physical/Mental Abüse, Räpe (Off-Page, not by MC), SA, Trauma + other potentially triggering themes. If you are unsure, check TW/CW, otherwise buckle in! 🎢
𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ∞ ✮
𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞: standalone
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: dark sports romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Lucia Carter & Sawyer Perry
𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫: Bunny
𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦: Sy
𝐏𝐎𝐕’𝐬: dual first person 👫
—— ❗️𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜❗️——
Starting off the read Sawyer is one cocky SOAB, and from the fire I could just feel in my soul from Lucia; I had high hopes for all the way she’d knock him down a peg or two and put him back in his lane.
*Side note: your girl did not disappoint and she’s got some d!rty tactics in her arsenal 👏🏼😉*
With Sawyer, it’s the kind of cocky that you love to hate… or hate to love (both actually😵) … and it’s more than just a personality trait because this guy brings it to the bedroom - he could d!rty talk me into another dimension and it would still take me an hour to realise, that’s the kind of spell he puts me under.
To top great with great, this MOC situation is the kind that feeds your soul, it’s complicated and they play more games with each other than Sawyer does on the ice, and take a moment to applaud Lucia on her audition, she sucked him right in, however Sawyer isn’t so innocent either 🤭
He’s a PR nightmare, for real, and his reputation of 🐓 first, think later had me mentally b!tch slapping him, while physically falling head over heels because what can I say I’m a sucker for a playboy, and Sawyer Perry reaches new heights 🗼
———— ‼️ 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 ‼️ ————-
🏷️ 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
Hockey, Forced Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, Marriage of Convenience, He Falls First, Dark Secrets
🌤️ 𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗥𝗢-𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
Mafia, Alphahole, Feisty FMC, Adult Characters, PR Team Employee FMC
😈 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦:
🩸Play, 🔪Play, Breath Play, Degr@dation, Dominance, Body Currency, Rough Play
💦 𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗥𝗢-𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦:
Spitting, Time Challenge, Mutual SelfCare, Edging Manipulation, Biting/Scratching, 🩸Tasting, 🩸Lube, 🥲Tasting
🫠 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀:
—> “Good girl,”
—> “Did you swallow?”
—> “Don’t make me repeat myself.”
—> “Then we better not get caught, bunny.”
—> “Don’t f*king look at my wife like that,”
—> “I love it when you beg.”
—> “It’s my f*king pussy, baby.”
—> “Look how prettily you bleed,”
—> “who hurt you, sweet bunny,”
🚩 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀 (𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 😉):
Touch/Look at Her & Bye, Jealous Possessive, Hand Necklaces
🌍 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿:
This is a standalone, however there is another book coming soon!!
⛔️ 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Deäth of Parent, Domestic Abüse (not by MC), Physical/Mental Abüse, Räpe (Off-Page, not by MC), SA, Trauma + other potentially triggering themes. If you are unsure, check TW/CW, otherwise buckle in! 🎢
𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ∞ ✮
𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞: standalone
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: dark sports romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Lucia Carter & Sawyer Perry
𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫: Bunny
𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦: Sy
𝐏𝐎𝐕’𝐬: dual first person 👫
—— ❗️𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜❗️——
May 11, 2024
Format: 📱 eBook 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Check TW's before reading. This deals with some heavy subject matters.
This was an enjoyable read, marrying two tropes I wouldn't have thought to put together - hockey and mafia. Throw in the marriage of convenience and I was hooked. It's fast burn and spicy, and there are so many twists thrown into the book, it hooks you to want to keep reading.
Sawyer needs to improve his image - being the bad boy of hockey isn't all it's cracked up to be. And Lucia is the one to help improve it, but not in the way she's trained to as the hockey team's social media manager. But Lucia is hiding a lot of secrets.
But the twists and Lucia's secrets were what I feel was also the books downfall. There's was so much going on - almost too much - that I couldn't keep up in some places, and in others, it just seemed almost... absurd.
I loved the story of Lucia escaping her past as part of the Mafia family in Italy, of reinventing herself after a deal with her Uncle. But something about the Mafia element of this book rubbed me wrong. It was almost all too convenient, there were too many lies and secrets, and honestly some of the plot just confused me in the end (Rome, that's all I'll say - I feel I can't say too much more without giving away spoilers). I almost feel as if this should have been split into a duet, and explore a lot more of the events in better detail.
The chemistry between Sawyer and Lucia was off the chart, and honestly I was so glad when they realised how they felt, even if it felt a little forced on Lucia's part initially. Also, I love a good "my wife" moment, and Lybaek definitely delivered on that one.
An overall fun read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Check TW's before reading. This deals with some heavy subject matters.
This was an enjoyable read, marrying two tropes I wouldn't have thought to put together - hockey and mafia. Throw in the marriage of convenience and I was hooked. It's fast burn and spicy, and there are so many twists thrown into the book, it hooks you to want to keep reading.
Sawyer needs to improve his image - being the bad boy of hockey isn't all it's cracked up to be. And Lucia is the one to help improve it, but not in the way she's trained to as the hockey team's social media manager. But Lucia is hiding a lot of secrets.
But the twists and Lucia's secrets were what I feel was also the books downfall. There's was so much going on - almost too much - that I couldn't keep up in some places, and in others, it just seemed almost... absurd.
I loved the story of Lucia escaping her past as part of the Mafia family in Italy, of reinventing herself after a deal with her Uncle. But something about the Mafia element of this book rubbed me wrong. It was almost all too convenient, there were too many lies and secrets, and honestly some of the plot just confused me in the end (Rome, that's all I'll say - I feel I can't say too much more without giving away spoilers). I almost feel as if this should have been split into a duet, and explore a lot more of the events in better detail.
The chemistry between Sawyer and Lucia was off the chart, and honestly I was so glad when they realised how they felt, even if it felt a little forced on Lucia's part initially. Also, I love a good "my wife" moment, and Lybaek definitely delivered on that one.
An overall fun read.
May 12, 2024
The Worst Pucking Deal by B. Lybaek
This is my first hockey romance and I have to say, I'm not sure how any others will hold up to it. It had everything I expected; locker room scenes, coach pep talks, brief mentions of actual hockey action- but it had a lot more that I couldn't have anticipated. Our FMC, Lucia, has some skeletons in her closet she's desperately trying to hide, while doing everything she can to find herself a temporary husband. Our MMC, Sawyer, is out here just trying to live his best life, when he gets swept up in a whirlwind of PR delegations, forced fake dating, and mafia drama.
Things I loved about this book:
-the characters
-the chemistry
-the banter
-the action
-the surprise twists
-the HEA (I'm a sucker for HEA's)
Things I didn't love about this book:
-some of the justice served was off-page and referenced later (I'm morally gray and enjoy some on-page vengeance)
I definitely recommend giving this a read, though, as with all of my reads, I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings (listed bel0w). Please note that some of my tw's may contain spoilers so view at your own discretion.
TW's include but are not limited to: explicit language, oral sex, unprotected sex, non-consensual somnophilia, blood play, breath play, primal play, forced female sub acts, male dom, violence, reference to death of a parent, references to torture, reference to past sexual assault of fmc, ptsd induced panic attacks, intentional lying to manipulate another individual
This is my first hockey romance and I have to say, I'm not sure how any others will hold up to it. It had everything I expected; locker room scenes, coach pep talks, brief mentions of actual hockey action- but it had a lot more that I couldn't have anticipated. Our FMC, Lucia, has some skeletons in her closet she's desperately trying to hide, while doing everything she can to find herself a temporary husband. Our MMC, Sawyer, is out here just trying to live his best life, when he gets swept up in a whirlwind of PR delegations, forced fake dating, and mafia drama.
Things I loved about this book:
-the characters
-the chemistry
-the banter
-the action
-the surprise twists
-the HEA (I'm a sucker for HEA's)
Things I didn't love about this book:
-some of the justice served was off-page and referenced later (I'm morally gray and enjoy some on-page vengeance)
I definitely recommend giving this a read, though, as with all of my reads, I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings (listed bel0w). Please note that some of my tw's may contain spoilers so view at your own discretion.
TW's include but are not limited to: explicit language, oral sex, unprotected sex, non-consensual somnophilia, blood play, breath play, primal play, forced female sub acts, male dom, violence, reference to death of a parent, references to torture, reference to past sexual assault of fmc, ptsd induced panic attacks, intentional lying to manipulate another individual
May 16, 2024
"I don't want what the world perceives as perfect. I want you, because you're perfect for me and because I'm too selfish to give you up"
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow, JUST WOW. I was so pleasantly surprised by this book!
Tropes:
🏒 Enemies to lovers
🏒Fake Dating
🏒 Serial Dater to the One
🏒 possessive mmc
🏒 Touch her and die
🏒He falls first
🏒Marriage of Convenience
It’s giving enemies to lovers. It’s giving spice. It’s giving DELISH fake dating. It’s giving complex characters with traumatic pasts. It’s giving SPICE (check triggers). It’s just GIVING.
I really enjoyed this book so much more than I was expecting! The spice was a large portion of the book, and sometimes felt a bit unexpected, but there was still a well defined plot, well defined secondary characters, and twists that I wasn't expecting.
I really loved both the FMC and the MMC together and in and of themselves. They each had their own traumas that they struggled with and both had the introspection necessary to see personal growth throughout the novel - which I love. I also loved how Sawyer and Lucia's relationship grew throughout the novel. Sawyer was truly a pleasure to read because he so clearly took the effort to understand Lucia, despite her not being able to tell him a lot about herself and her past. Not to mention the SPICE. "You're so pretty when you're consumed by what I can do to your body" Somebody get me a fan.
Overall such an enjoyable read!
Thank you so much @unalivepromotions and @Blybaek for the ARC!
#Theworstpuckingdeal #laurenblakely #myhockeyromance #romancebooks #mafiaromance #hockeyromance #enemiestolovers #rivalstolovers #sportsromance #booksta #spicyromance
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow, JUST WOW. I was so pleasantly surprised by this book!
Tropes:
🏒 Enemies to lovers
🏒Fake Dating
🏒 Serial Dater to the One
🏒 possessive mmc
🏒 Touch her and die
🏒He falls first
🏒Marriage of Convenience
It’s giving enemies to lovers. It’s giving spice. It’s giving DELISH fake dating. It’s giving complex characters with traumatic pasts. It’s giving SPICE (check triggers). It’s just GIVING.
I really enjoyed this book so much more than I was expecting! The spice was a large portion of the book, and sometimes felt a bit unexpected, but there was still a well defined plot, well defined secondary characters, and twists that I wasn't expecting.
I really loved both the FMC and the MMC together and in and of themselves. They each had their own traumas that they struggled with and both had the introspection necessary to see personal growth throughout the novel - which I love. I also loved how Sawyer and Lucia's relationship grew throughout the novel. Sawyer was truly a pleasure to read because he so clearly took the effort to understand Lucia, despite her not being able to tell him a lot about herself and her past. Not to mention the SPICE. "You're so pretty when you're consumed by what I can do to your body" Somebody get me a fan.
Overall such an enjoyable read!
Thank you so much @unalivepromotions and @Blybaek for the ARC!
#Theworstpuckingdeal #laurenblakely #myhockeyromance #romancebooks #mafiaromance #hockeyromance #enemiestolovers #rivalstolovers #sportsromance #booksta #spicyromance
May 5, 2024
OMG . What an emotional rollercoaster that sucks you right in from the very first page and does not let go . I started reading The Worst Pucking Deal late last night and to say I did not get any sleep would without a doubt be a huge understatement.i mean jt really doesn’t get much better then this. Dark Mafia and Hockey romance which just so happens to be two of my alll time favorite tropes blended into rhe most wonderfully written and emotionally charged journey - well I really do feel like I was just taken on the ride of my life and completely blown away in all the best ways there were moments I was utterly speechless, moments I found myself yelling outta pure frustration, moments I was smiling and laughing and moments I was sobbing like a baby while rooting so freaking hard . I cannot really put into words all the reasons , but the connection I felt to both Lucia and Sawyer was instant , indescribable almost like a moth to a flame 🔥. Two people who have not had the easiest of lives and are still dealing with struggles from their pasts are brought together in the most unexpected of ways . , csn they let each other in and learn to trust and love again ? The secrets , The mystery, the intrigue, the suspense, the anger , the humor, the witty banter , the off the charts chemistry, the drama , the love , the passion, the pain , the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments, the family and friendships . The Worst Pucking Deal is a must read a 10/10 and quite simply Chefs Kiss 💋 as per usual B . Layback has once again exceeded all my expectations and deliver another home run right outta ballpark
May 9, 2024
3⭐️• 3.5🌶️
✨ARC REVIEW✨
🏒Lucia has a past she wants nobody to know about, but needs a partner to be able to be set free from her past.
🏒 Sawyer is a star hockey player with a bad image of puck bunnies leaving his apartment on the regular and needs a committed partner to help his image.
Can they strike a deal to help them both??
✨Pucking Worst Deal✨
Release : TODAY
“Until you’re ready for me to either clean you with my mouth or watch my cüm leak out, I want it inside you.”
Lucia & Sawyer are spicy and SO dirty. I LOVED IT. The spice was there 100%. With that, I struggled with a few things. I felt like Lucia dragged on not telling sawyer or even Gail about her past too long. I kept thinking, is this it- is this where she tells them. I also felt like SO much happened in such a short time with so many big events. I loved the beginning of the book, the middle there were some parts I struggled with and some parts I couldn’t get enough of. The ending was a lot, the Rome scene I felt like was a bit too over the top and there was some parts where I thought it was confusing. I loved Gail, Mickey, & Soren so much!! Gail’s character was so fun & Mickey with how straight forward he is with Sawyer, I loved. If the next book is going how I think it’s going 😏😏😏 I am SO excited!!!
Thank you B.Lybeak for letting me read your book early for my honest review! 🖤
“…fucking refuse to live in a world where she doesn’t. Because life without her wouldn’t be living, it would be existing.”
“Sometimes it’s not about whether we’re loyal or not, but whether we have anyone in our lives that deserves our loyalty.”
✨ARC REVIEW✨
🏒Lucia has a past she wants nobody to know about, but needs a partner to be able to be set free from her past.
🏒 Sawyer is a star hockey player with a bad image of puck bunnies leaving his apartment on the regular and needs a committed partner to help his image.
Can they strike a deal to help them both??
✨Pucking Worst Deal✨
Release : TODAY
“Until you’re ready for me to either clean you with my mouth or watch my cüm leak out, I want it inside you.”
Lucia & Sawyer are spicy and SO dirty. I LOVED IT. The spice was there 100%. With that, I struggled with a few things. I felt like Lucia dragged on not telling sawyer or even Gail about her past too long. I kept thinking, is this it- is this where she tells them. I also felt like SO much happened in such a short time with so many big events. I loved the beginning of the book, the middle there were some parts I struggled with and some parts I couldn’t get enough of. The ending was a lot, the Rome scene I felt like was a bit too over the top and there was some parts where I thought it was confusing. I loved Gail, Mickey, & Soren so much!! Gail’s character was so fun & Mickey with how straight forward he is with Sawyer, I loved. If the next book is going how I think it’s going 😏😏😏 I am SO excited!!!
Thank you B.Lybeak for letting me read your book early for my honest review! 🖤
“…fucking refuse to live in a world where she doesn’t. Because life without her wouldn’t be living, it would be existing.”
“Sometimes it’s not about whether we’re loyal or not, but whether we have anyone in our lives that deserves our loyalty.”
May 16, 2024
OMG!! That was definitely a unique and insanely intense hockey/mafia story! I have never read anything like it, and I was so enthralled and captivated by it that I never wanted it to end. It was packed with so much emotional turmoil, angst, drama, suspense, secrets and twists and turns continually throughout that it kept me guessing every step of the way. I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails with anxiety, and gasping at all the shocking revelations that kept getting thrown at me.
Lucia is an incredible woman who has endured a lot and is fiercely determined to be independent of her family no matter the cost. Lucia needs to get herself a husband ASAP or end up back where she doesn’t want to be.
Sawyer is definitely a player and an alpha-hole. When he gets himself into a bit of trouble, he needs to revamp his image a bit. Little does Sawyer know, Lucia has her sights set on him, just as much as he does on her.
The back-and-forth banter between Sawyer and Lucia is filled with such insane sexual tension that you never knew if they were going to destroy each other or fuck each other. It was so intense and palpable. There was just so much desire and lust oozing between them and when they were together – OMG – it was sizzling hot and panty combusting.
The storyline was so incredibly unique and twisted that with each new element or secret revealed you never knew how the story was going to play out. It was extremely well written, and I am now craving more stories just like this one. I can’t wait until we get the next book in this new series.
LOVED IT.
Lucia is an incredible woman who has endured a lot and is fiercely determined to be independent of her family no matter the cost. Lucia needs to get herself a husband ASAP or end up back where she doesn’t want to be.
Sawyer is definitely a player and an alpha-hole. When he gets himself into a bit of trouble, he needs to revamp his image a bit. Little does Sawyer know, Lucia has her sights set on him, just as much as he does on her.
The back-and-forth banter between Sawyer and Lucia is filled with such insane sexual tension that you never knew if they were going to destroy each other or fuck each other. It was so intense and palpable. There was just so much desire and lust oozing between them and when they were together – OMG – it was sizzling hot and panty combusting.
The storyline was so incredibly unique and twisted that with each new element or secret revealed you never knew how the story was going to play out. It was extremely well written, and I am now craving more stories just like this one. I can’t wait until we get the next book in this new series.
LOVED IT.
August 7, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I need to say I was really attracted by the themes, a mafia and sport romance together? When I say I want to explore more sport romance, of course I say yes to go in -ehem the cover helps too.-
This book confirms my love for those tropes mafia -one of my favorite tropes- and sports are really good and amazing portraits in the book, where I can taste the both things together enjoying so much is like a good cocktail, the perfect mix and also really good created by the author. At the same time, I like the way you can go with the plot, discovering more and more about the mystery surrounding our FMC hide with her perfect image making things more interesting the more you read. Lucia is really interesting, how natural and her secrets and fears. Sawyer is just so perfect big, handsome and gorgeous bookboyfriend however want it, because I have a thing with man with long hair, really tough in some moments when you only want slap on his face, that's why I like Mikey in certain moment, but the same as Lucia, when you go deep in him you can discover is not the typical hockey player who has all the pucking bunnies, the more you know the more secrets unveil showing and incredible man who can be a protective teddy and a naughty one. The rollercoaster of emotions, tension and spice that those two live are really incredible making devouring it a page turner, make me think all day of them.
Also B.Lybaek is a new author for me, loving the style she makes the story and of course I want to read more of her books, have some on my radar, also about the Sabertooth Team, I mean I NEED THE NEXT ONE, yes is a standalone but I love the main characters of the next one.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I need to say I was really attracted by the themes, a mafia and sport romance together? When I say I want to explore more sport romance, of course I say yes to go in -ehem the cover helps too.-
This book confirms my love for those tropes mafia -one of my favorite tropes- and sports are really good and amazing portraits in the book, where I can taste the both things together enjoying so much is like a good cocktail, the perfect mix and also really good created by the author. At the same time, I like the way you can go with the plot, discovering more and more about the mystery surrounding our FMC hide with her perfect image making things more interesting the more you read. Lucia is really interesting, how natural and her secrets and fears. Sawyer is just so perfect big, handsome and gorgeous bookboyfriend however want it, because I have a thing with man with long hair, really tough in some moments when you only want slap on his face, that's why I like Mikey in certain moment, but the same as Lucia, when you go deep in him you can discover is not the typical hockey player who has all the pucking bunnies, the more you know the more secrets unveil showing and incredible man who can be a protective teddy and a naughty one. The rollercoaster of emotions, tension and spice that those two live are really incredible making devouring it a page turner, make me think all day of them.
Also B.Lybaek is a new author for me, loving the style she makes the story and of course I want to read more of her books, have some on my radar, also about the Sabertooth Team, I mean I NEED THE NEXT ONE, yes is a standalone but I love the main characters of the next one.
July 9, 2024
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
The Worst Pucking Deal by @blybaekauthor
4 ⭐ / 4🔥🌶
Where the ice rink’s chilling embrace meets the dangerous underbelly of the mafia, that’s where The Worst Pucking Deal is struck. Are you ready for the puck to drop?
This book was like a dream come true for me. It had both Hockey and Mafia perfectly blended and intertwined for an amazing Hockey Mafia romance. Hockey guys are so growly and protective and mafia men and families tend to be as well. Although in this case the mafia aspect just adds a layer of suspense, secrets and thrill to the Hockey possessiveness.
Sawyer is a hockey playboy with a bad boy/ bad reputation. Lucia is the PR rep in charge of Sawyer's account who just so happens to have a secret identity and past she’s kept separate from her current life. But when Sawyer’s reputation needs improvement and Lucia finds herself facing a ticking clock, a marriage of convenience is the solution. Only somewhere along the way it became less about the arrangement and more about finding the person who will do anything for you and make all your dreams come true.
Sawyer’s nicknames for Lucia: Bunny and the one that had me swooning every time he used it: “My Wife”
If you love Hockey / Sports Romances and Mafia Romances- this book is for you. Check it out now and add it to your TBR.
Thank you @unalivepromotions and @blybaekauthor for the ARC.
#mafiaromance #hockeyromancebooks #unalivepromotions #blybaekauthor #alphahole #hefallsfirst #fiestyfmc #darkromance #swoon #mywife #touchheranddie
The Worst Pucking Deal by @blybaekauthor
4 ⭐ / 4🔥🌶
Where the ice rink’s chilling embrace meets the dangerous underbelly of the mafia, that’s where The Worst Pucking Deal is struck. Are you ready for the puck to drop?
This book was like a dream come true for me. It had both Hockey and Mafia perfectly blended and intertwined for an amazing Hockey Mafia romance. Hockey guys are so growly and protective and mafia men and families tend to be as well. Although in this case the mafia aspect just adds a layer of suspense, secrets and thrill to the Hockey possessiveness.
Sawyer is a hockey playboy with a bad boy/ bad reputation. Lucia is the PR rep in charge of Sawyer's account who just so happens to have a secret identity and past she’s kept separate from her current life. But when Sawyer’s reputation needs improvement and Lucia finds herself facing a ticking clock, a marriage of convenience is the solution. Only somewhere along the way it became less about the arrangement and more about finding the person who will do anything for you and make all your dreams come true.
Sawyer’s nicknames for Lucia: Bunny and the one that had me swooning every time he used it: “My Wife”
If you love Hockey / Sports Romances and Mafia Romances- this book is for you. Check it out now and add it to your TBR.
Thank you @unalivepromotions and @blybaekauthor for the ARC.
#mafiaromance #hockeyromancebooks #unalivepromotions #blybaekauthor #alphahole #hefallsfirst #fiestyfmc #darkromance #swoon #mywife #touchheranddie
May 16, 2024
Playboy hockey player v mafia PR rep set to repair his image w a fake relationship? Yes, please!
4.25/5 stars rounded down
A new to me author (plus a rebranding apparently), this B takes us on an interesting deep dive on when mafia and the world of hockey collide.
It was interesting to read the behind the scenes of a hockey team’s PR team. I feel like so many of the FMC’s involvement with the team has been done and the PR team was a new angle. I enjoyed Lucia being trusted to revamp Sawyer’s image and then jumping in to be his fake significant other in order to save her own butt from her mafia obligations. I enjoyed the mafia angle too. The structure and “secretiveness” that this mafia society had was fun. It was its own version of a cult. I enjoyed how the author depicted the strings that could be pulled behind the scenes of a professional sports team and how you really don’t know what’s going on with upper management.
I liked the journey and character development that both Lucia and Sawyer went on to figure out their own traumatic pasts and to move past it so as to open themselves up to finding love. As with many romances I wanted to throttle the characters at times for their lack of communicating but of course that’s easy to say as a reader when you know if happens exactly like that in real life too.
I feel like this book takes many tropes I’ve enjoyed and put them together and it was fun, but something didn’t quite hit the mark of “I want to go back and reread this.” Will I be continuing the series should there be more books? Absolutely. I wanna see what happens with some side characters and I know shenanigans will be had.
Also, please check trigger warnings because some dark stuff does occur.
4.25/5 stars rounded down
A new to me author (plus a rebranding apparently), this B takes us on an interesting deep dive on when mafia and the world of hockey collide.
It was interesting to read the behind the scenes of a hockey team’s PR team. I feel like so many of the FMC’s involvement with the team has been done and the PR team was a new angle. I enjoyed Lucia being trusted to revamp Sawyer’s image and then jumping in to be his fake significant other in order to save her own butt from her mafia obligations. I enjoyed the mafia angle too. The structure and “secretiveness” that this mafia society had was fun. It was its own version of a cult. I enjoyed how the author depicted the strings that could be pulled behind the scenes of a professional sports team and how you really don’t know what’s going on with upper management.
I liked the journey and character development that both Lucia and Sawyer went on to figure out their own traumatic pasts and to move past it so as to open themselves up to finding love. As with many romances I wanted to throttle the characters at times for their lack of communicating but of course that’s easy to say as a reader when you know if happens exactly like that in real life too.
I feel like this book takes many tropes I’ve enjoyed and put them together and it was fun, but something didn’t quite hit the mark of “I want to go back and reread this.” Will I be continuing the series should there be more books? Absolutely. I wanna see what happens with some side characters and I know shenanigans will be had.
Also, please check trigger warnings because some dark stuff does occur.
May 6, 2024
Sawyer and Lucia’s Story
Sawyer is the NHL playboy that always seems to wind up with his wild antics plastered all over the tabloids. When his latest reaction to accusations made by a pissed off husband ends up with him punching the guy, it puts him in hot water with the team owner and sponsors. With the owner’s decision that he needs to appear in a serious relationship in order to smooth things over with team sponsors, he’s forced into a fake relationship with a member of the PR team, Lucia Carter.
Lucia is currently working PR for an NHL team when her hidden past catches up with her. She thought she got her freedom 10 years ago but it turns out she was wrong. The Russo family is everywhere and her worst nightmare just found her. With an impossible timeline, she must get married if she wants to have a chance at freedom and break the shackles of her past trauma. She knows just who she is going to use to do it, Sawyer Perry.
I absolutely loved Lucia and Sawyer’s story. The two characters were the perfect twisted match for each other. Plus the mysterious world created around the Russo family and Italian mafia was just the right touch for this dark hockey story too! I can’t wait for book two to for Gail, Mickey, and Soren’s story!
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sawyer is the NHL playboy that always seems to wind up with his wild antics plastered all over the tabloids. When his latest reaction to accusations made by a pissed off husband ends up with him punching the guy, it puts him in hot water with the team owner and sponsors. With the owner’s decision that he needs to appear in a serious relationship in order to smooth things over with team sponsors, he’s forced into a fake relationship with a member of the PR team, Lucia Carter.
Lucia is currently working PR for an NHL team when her hidden past catches up with her. She thought she got her freedom 10 years ago but it turns out she was wrong. The Russo family is everywhere and her worst nightmare just found her. With an impossible timeline, she must get married if she wants to have a chance at freedom and break the shackles of her past trauma. She knows just who she is going to use to do it, Sawyer Perry.
I absolutely loved Lucia and Sawyer’s story. The two characters were the perfect twisted match for each other. Plus the mysterious world created around the Russo family and Italian mafia was just the right touch for this dark hockey story too! I can’t wait for book two to for Gail, Mickey, and Soren’s story!
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 14, 2024
When I started The Worst Pucking Deal I thought I knew what I was getting in to. Fake dating love it, but no we have marriage of convenience. But not just that we have dark hockey and mafia in this book too. Now that is a recipe of my ideal book. We have Sawyer a playboy hockey player who’s gotten into too many compromising positions and the sponsors are sick of it. Sawyer needs to clean up his image immediately or his career is in jeopardy. Lucia is on the PR team for the Sabertooth hockey team, and she has the idea to get Sawyer into a fake relationship. But Lucia’s past comes knocking at her door in the form of her Cousin Remus the current Don. He wants her to come home because the deal she struck with his father the time is almost up. Lucia is doing to do everything in her power to avoid going home to Italy. Her only way out is to get Sawyer to wife her up, and Sawyer has no want to ever get married. The push and pull between the both of them and the way Sawyer and Lucia‘s relationship evolves was amazing. This book absolutely took me by surprise. I didn’t think I would love it as much as I did and I’ve gone ahead and recommended it to at least five other people just in the past two days because it was so good. I’ve most definitely found a new favorite author.
May 15, 2024
Sawyer is the NHL bad boy who’s known as much for his off ice antics as he is on the ice. Unfortunately those off ice events become even more public when he’s confronted by the husband of a previous conquest. His team needs to figure out a way to clean up his image in order to save sponsorships. Their best idea is to force him into a fake relationship with one of their employees to better this image. The employee they chose is Lucia Carter, who carries her own secret issues. Lucia is the princess of Italian mafia who fled a husband 10 years ago with the help of her uncle the head of the mafia.
Her freedom had stipulations whose timelines are soon ending. She had to be married by the 10 year mark in order to keep her freedom or else she would return to Italy and be handed back to the monster that was her husband. She sees this opportunity with Sawyer as a chance at maintaining her freedom. Fake dating turns into fake marriage turns into how much of this is fake anymore. I absolutely loved Sawyer and Lucia and their relationship. The connection was there instantly. Hockey and mafia romances are my two favorites so having the worlds collide made for such a good book. Looking forward to book 2.
Her freedom had stipulations whose timelines are soon ending. She had to be married by the 10 year mark in order to keep her freedom or else she would return to Italy and be handed back to the monster that was her husband. She sees this opportunity with Sawyer as a chance at maintaining her freedom. Fake dating turns into fake marriage turns into how much of this is fake anymore. I absolutely loved Sawyer and Lucia and their relationship. The connection was there instantly. Hockey and mafia romances are my two favorites so having the worlds collide made for such a good book. Looking forward to book 2.
May 15, 2024
4 ⭐️/4 🌶️
I really enjoyed this book the farther I got into it. I have never read a hockey romance before so this one was a solid one to start me off. I really began to love the characters after learning more behind their stories and personalities. I thought the author did a great job of keeping the plot line moving. I knew deep down the the MMC was going to be a softy for the FMC and was glad to see how fast he was falling for her despite him telling himself it was only a business transaction.
Characters/Character Flaws:
Lucia - loved this name for this character; "bunny"; Italian woman who was born and basically sold in the Italian mafia that her family is; has a lot of scars and open wounds trying to get away from that life.
Sawyer - "Sy"; I definitely grew to like this character. He went from a male pig to someone you loved because you understood why he acted the way that he did towards women. It still didn't make it right but you could see that he was not that person deep down because of how he treated Lucia.
Theme:
fake relationship
fake marriage
forced proximity
learning to love
Trigger Warnings:
Definitely a lot of triggers in this book so please check the trigger warnings.
I really enjoyed this book the farther I got into it. I have never read a hockey romance before so this one was a solid one to start me off. I really began to love the characters after learning more behind their stories and personalities. I thought the author did a great job of keeping the plot line moving. I knew deep down the the MMC was going to be a softy for the FMC and was glad to see how fast he was falling for her despite him telling himself it was only a business transaction.
Characters/Character Flaws:
Lucia - loved this name for this character; "bunny"; Italian woman who was born and basically sold in the Italian mafia that her family is; has a lot of scars and open wounds trying to get away from that life.
Sawyer - "Sy"; I definitely grew to like this character. He went from a male pig to someone you loved because you understood why he acted the way that he did towards women. It still didn't make it right but you could see that he was not that person deep down because of how he treated Lucia.
Theme:
fake relationship
fake marriage
forced proximity
learning to love
Trigger Warnings:
Definitely a lot of triggers in this book so please check the trigger warnings.
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