Puck Block

Bexley U

by S.J. Sylvis

Ford Collins is my brother’s best friend and Bexley U’s favorite defender on the ice. Unfortunately, he feels the need to block much more than the puck.

Namely, ME and any chance I have with a guy.

Encouraged by my older brother, Ford has ruined every single date I’ve ever had. With his hot smirk and sly maneuvers, he has made it his mission to make me the most unattainable female college student in the world—that is, until I have a brush with death, and I beg him to help me.

After all, he owes me. And I’ve come to collect.

Determined to rid himself of the guilt, Ford promises to help me score a boyfriend—or two—and swears he won’t interfere.

But the more time I spend learning from one of Bexley U’s most desirable playboys, the more I start to question the real reason why he’s been sabotaging my dates over the years.

With the lingering touches, heated stares, and sizzling chemistry between us, we both know we’re playing with fire. What happens when our game of “practice” and Ford’s spicy lessons become something real that we not only need to hide from my older brother, but from each other?

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey, Romance, Sports, Hockey Romance, College, College Romance

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2024

About the author

S.J. Sylvis is an Amazon top 50 and USA Today bestselling author who is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two small kiddos, and dog. She is obsessed with coffee, becomes easily attached to fictional characters, and spends most of her evenings buried in a book.

For upcoming info on new releases, join her Facebook reading group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/21537...

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Reviews

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Is she trying to play games with me? Because she'll lose."

Taytum Olson has always wanted a normal life.
A normal college life.
There is only one problem. Well two…
Her big brother and his best friend.
Ford Collins.
The biggest blocker in her life. Especially in the romance department.
But after all of the blocks he has made, he owes her… Big time.
And she is ready to collect.

"Taytum has been off-limits to everyone, and if I couldn't have her, no one could."

Ford Collins.
One of Bexley U's star hockey players.
And best friend to Emory Olson. More like a brother.
And with that comes protecting his best friend's sister.
Even from herself sometimes.
But Taytum is done taking orders from her bodyguards.
So Ford is willing to help Taytum. Even in the romance department.
But is that going to make it harder for him to stay away from his "off-limits" best friend's sister?
Will the lines get too blurry for either of them to see straight?

"There's fire in my veins, and the longer I watch him touch her curves, the hotter I burn."

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Taytum is gasoline to me, and I've never burned the way I burn with her."

Ok hands down this is my favorite S.J. Sylvis book to date!
Hockey Romance? Check.
Brother's Best Friend? Check.
Enemies to Lovers Vibes? Check.
Banter? Check.
Spice? Check.
Safe to say this book will be living in my head rent free thank you very much.

"Because if Taytum is involved, everything intensifies. Everything."

Taytum Olson is a college sorority girl ballerina. But don't let that fool you because she has a back bone and she will use it. For most of her life she has had two shadows following her. Her brother, Emory, and his best friend, Ford Collins. Now safe to say "blocking" is a big part of their shadow presence (if you know what I mean). So Taytum has a solution and it includes Ford Collins.
I loved Taytum. Even with everything she's going through she still manages to be a badass. I swear this girl can dish it out like it's nobody's business and I love that.
And with Ford. Boy oh boy, someone turn on the fan I'm just saying because I know this is a hockey romance but it is HOT in here.

"And after I kiss you? Then what? Because I'm afraid I won't be able to stop."

Ford Collins. The star hockey player. Cocky and blocky (see what I did there? Very proud of myself if I do say so and it's my review so I say so lol).
Anyways definite protective vibes but not in the "older brother" way like Emory.
I mean he takes it to the next level and I am not mad.
Every "breathe" scene I thought he was talking to me because I was legit like girl breathe it is still a fictional book that is how hot this man was because WTF S.J.??? This man literally needed to tell me to breathe in a book for me to calm down!! That is excellent author work and I tip my hat to you 💞💞

"Is that what you want? For me to kiss you and touch you all over?"

This playlist is giving badass ballerina hockey vibes and is it to on the nose? Maybe. But I love it so yay 😇😇

(Link - https://spotify.link/dRi21LL3KIb )

🎶 "Ballerina" - Jeremy Shada
🎶 "Beauty" - Layto
🎶 "Cruel Summer" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Too Sweet" - Hozier
🎶 "Control" - Zoe Wees
🎶 "ocean eyes" - Billie Eilish
🎶 "breathin" - Ariana Grande
🎶 "Heartbreaker" - Pat Benatar
🎶 "How To Be A Heartbreaker" - MARINA
🎶 "I'm a Sucker for a Liar in a Red Dress" - Adam Jensen
🎶 "Don't Stop The Music" - Rihanna
🎶 "Lip Gloss" - Lil Mama
🎶 "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" - Beyonce
🎶 "Sweet 'n' Savage" - Kxlly
🎶 "Tantrum" - Charlotte Sands
🎶 "Alive" - Sia
🎶 "To Be Alone" - Hozier
🎶 "I'm Tired" - Zendaya, Labrinth
🎶 "Teach Me How To Love" - Shawn Mendes
🎶 "Here's To Being Single" - Lost Stars
🎶 "Don't Go Insane" - DPR IAN
🎶 "Buttons" - The Pussycat Dolls
🎶 "Break My Heart Myself" - Bebe Rexha, Travis Barker
🎶 "New Rules" - Dua Lipa
🎶 "BUTTERFLIES" - MAX, Ali Gatie
🎶 "Drinking With Cupid" - VOILA
🎶 "Sway With Me" - Saweetie, GALXARA
🎶 "Not Dead Yet" - Fame On Fire
🎶 "Can You Feel My Heart" - MOTHICA
🎶 "Harder To Breathe" - Maroon 5
🎶 "Flawless" - The Neighbourhood
🎶 "Shivers" - Ed Sheeran
🎶 "Breathe" - Little Mix
🎶 "Killer Queen" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 "Fast Times" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "Evacuate the Dancefloow" - Cascada
🎶 "Dangerous Hands" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "Fire Meet Gasoline" - Sia
🎶 "Focus" - Halle Abadi
🎶 "Fake ID" - Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson
🎶 "Eat Your Young" - Hozier
🎶 "Kiss It Better" - Rihanna
🎶 "FUCK" - SNOW WIFE
🎶 "Touch" - Little Mix
🎶 "On My Mind" - Ellie Goulding
🎶 "Love Situation (911) - Sped Up" - Blanks
🎶 "Lose Control" - Teddy Swims
🎶 "Into It" - Chase Atlantic
🎶 "Meddle About" - Chase Atlantic
🎶 "dot dot dot" - emlyn
🎶 "HEARTBEAT" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "STUCKINMYBRAIN" - Chase Atlantic
🎶 "goosebumps" - Travis Scott
🎶 "Taste (Speed)" - Ari Abdul
🎶 "greedy" - Tate McRae
🎶 "More" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 "Do It For Me" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "FML" - Arizona Zervas
🎶 "Fire On Fire" - Sam Smith
🎶 "Sucker" - Jonas Brothers
🎶 "Addicted" - Saving Abel
🎶 "Shameless" - Camila Cabello
🎶 "To My Knees" - Two Feet
🎶 "Don't Blame Me" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Lay All Your Love On Me" - The Butterfly Effect
🎶 "Ruin My Life" - Zara Larsson
🎶 "Wildest Dreams (Taylor's Version)" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Spectrum" - Florence + The Machine
🎶 "Call Out My Name" - The Weeknd
🎶 "birthday cake - duet" - Dylan Conrique, Alexander Stewart
🎶 "Gimme Love" - Sia
🎶 "I'm yours sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Always Been You" - Shawn Mendes
🎶 "STUPID IN LOVE" - MAX, HUH YUNJIN

And don't worry… I have a little of Ford Collins so you know what I'm talking about 🌶️🌶️🌶️

"Look at you over there. All hot and bothered in the middle of a crowded room."

"Let's see how many times I can get you off, shall we? Surely, it won't be anywhere near the number of times I've imagined it, though."

"That's it, baby. Look at you, letting me devour you. I knew you could be obedient when you wanted to be."

🏒 Tropes 🏒

🩰 Brother's Best Friend
🩰 Sports Romance (Hockey)
🩰 Forbidden Romance
🩰 Forced Proximity
🩰 He Falls First
🩰 Enemies to Lovers

Book Edit - https://instagram.com/p/C5spJJgO876/?...

[Kealyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puck Block by S.J. Sylvis

4/5 stars

First of all I want to thank Valentine PR for the arc of this wonderful novel. I am forever grateful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ♥

Puck Block is my first novel by S.J. Sylvis and it will definitely not be my last! S.J. completely stole my heart with her addictive and gorgeous writing style. 

In this novel we follow Taytum and Ford. Taytum grew up being protected by her brother Emory and his best friend Ford. Though Ford is family through and through and calls their mother ma. 
Taytum got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and every since they got even more protective of her. No one can date her. No one can come close. They will scare them all away. 

Taytum in the beginning of the book, felt very young. Younger then her 22 year old age. But as the book progresses she plants her feed stronger on the ground and becomes a fierce main character. 

We see her struggle with her diabetes. And how much she is in denial about it. But we also see how that effects Ford. He is right there next to her. All. The. Time. And they both yearn for the other one. Bit by bit they take a step forward.

Puck Block is such a slow burn book. But in all the right ways. I loved their chemistry and their bond. 
I don't want to spoil to much about how it progresses! But this quote in the book says it all! 

"And after I kiss you? Then what? Because I'm afraid I won't be able to stop."

Their push and pull is sooooooo hot! And I love how they grow separately and together in this book!

"I'm the only one who's good enough for you." My heart skips. "But I'll guess I'll try to find a close second."

I love the deeper message woven throughout the book. And how they show how important a solid family foundation is.

4 huge stars for this addictive and amazing book! 

[myo ⋆｡˚ ❀ * · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was ok, started off good and interesting but eventually i got bored because it was just so long and it wasn’t the slow burn either. i do love this trope but i feel like the brother being so over protective when she’s 22 just came off as kinda creepy? like yall are both grown, leave that girl alone

[S.J. Sylvis]

Available now!

Grab your copy now! ⁣mybook.to/bexleyu3

[Enni (on hiatus) ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford’s ability to make me laugh when I’m angry with him is unmatched. It’s the reason why I haven’t killed him yet.

Ford Collins.
The hotshot defenseman at Bexley U.
Taytum’s brother’s best friend.
The one who manages to rile her up better than anyone else.

Taytum. Taytum. Taytum.
She has caused so much trouble in my life, and she doesn’t even mean to.
Well, most of the time, she doesn’t. Other times, yeah, okay… she’s well aware.

Taytum Olson.
Her whole life she has been watched over by her big brother and his best friend.
They have taken it as their life’s mission to ensure her dating life is nonexistent.
After her diabetes diagnosis, they have been watching over her more than ever.

S.J. Sylvis’ hockey romances are my cryptonite and Puck Block is no exception.

The feeling I get when she looks at me like that is enough to make me panic. I slam the door in her face and curse under my breath.
Taytum is going to end up putting me in my grave.

Emory and Ford are the inseparable duo that has been best friends forever. They have never taken Taytum in their midst but they have always made sure to watch over her shoulder. In high school, they made sure everyone knew Taytum was off limits. They even went as far as to pay someone to take her to prom to ensure her date was approved by them.

In college, things had eased up a little bit. Until Taytum was hospitalized and found out she has diabetes. That led to Ford and Emory tightening their reins again. They were all over her and making sure, better than ever, that they managed to block all the unwanted advances by men. All the players in their hockey team know to stay away from her, as do most of the other guys at Bexley U as well. At least, once she gets closer to them and Ford and Emory ensure the guy will not approach her again.

“I know how you like to challenge me, so let’s see who can score first.”
“That is not fair. You’re one of Bexley U’s most sought-out playboys. You can have anyone here, and you know it.”
“Not true, I can’t have you.”

Taytum is sick and tired of Ford and Emory dictating her dating life and she manages to convince Ford to help her. Help by distracting Emory so she can sneak away with a guy. Help by teaching her how to snag guys. And, in the end, help her get over her inexperience with guys. It’s not like anything could go wrong, right?

Taytum has always possessed an effortless air around her that attracts guys. They naturally gravitate towards her and her confidence. The only one who does not believe in Taytum's allure is Taytum herself.

Taytum is gasoline to me, and I've never burned the way I burn with her.

When Ford decide to help Taytum, it is easy to see that will be a recipe for disaster. The first night they are away in a bar by themselves for Taytum to practice, things end up in a hot make out session between Ford and Taytum. Slowly, things start to escalate from thereon.

Guess who makes a cameo? Of course, it’s all of our favorite bad boy from Hockey Gods, Knox Whiteshaw. (If you have not already, you should definitely go read Fierce Obsession and the rest of the books in Hockey Gods series!)

My heart races when Ford bounces his eyes back and forth between mine, and I’ve never felt so desirable from a single look.

Taytum has had a crush on Ford forever but, after the way Emory and Ford started to disturb her dating life, the crush took a backseat to her frustration and irritation. Now, especially after she starts spending more time with Ford by herself, her crush starts to make a reappearance.

“You never answered me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“When I asked who was good enough for me.”
“I didn’t answer your question for a reason. Me, I’m the only one who’s good enough for you. But I guess I’ll try to find a close second.”

Ford has always been the one to block Taytum from any advances from guys. He has also always been her brother’s best friend and an integral part of their family, especially when he moved in after his mom died.

He has never really thought of why he hates seeing her with anyone and ensured that her dating life is non-existent. After all, it has always been a common agenda with Emory. It’s not like it has to have anything to do with the interest he feels towards her, right?

“Why, Ford? Why set me up with someone if you’re going to throw a fit afterward?”
“Because if you don’t run off with someone else, then I’ll just be more inclined—”
“Inclined to do what?”
“I’ll be inclined to make you mine.”

I really loved the dynamic between Ford and Taytum! In Finland, we have the following saying: ”The horse kicks out of love, too”. I felt like it applied to Ford and Taytum really well. It was clear that they both harbored some kind of attraction towards each other but, for a long time, it had been buried deep inside them. The banter between the two was also amazing!

I did not like how careless Taytum was with her health and her diabetes but I understand where she was coming from. In a way, no matter how fucked up her actions were, they just showed how much she cares for the people around her. Even if it means she disregards her own welfare.

I selfishly hope she never feels this high from anyone but me, because I know I’ll never get it from anyone but her.
Fuck her future husband.
Taytum is mine.

The slow drift in the relationship between Ford and Taytum made me feel giddy. The progression of their relationship was so organic and authentic. Also, it was clear how much Ford cared for her because he thought he could not make a move or it would risk everything with Emory and his family so, despite his own feelings, he agreed to help her find privacy with other guys. Talk about unselfishness.

Pretty much every book contains a third-act break-up or drama and Puck Block was no exception. What was exceptional, however, was that I almost found the drama tasteful. I was especially smitten by Emory’s behavior.

Taytum is mine. She doesn’t know it, and I’m not sure when I’m going to tell her, but this girl is mine.

As always with a good book, I was definitely left wanting more. Although, I understand why not too many chapters of happy endings are written in the books because, in the end, they would be boring to read. Still, another extended epilogue would not have hurt.

I received an ARC of Puck Block as a member of the author's ARC team

• • • • •

Who is ready to dive back into Bexley U with me?!

I have been reading mediocre ARCs lately but SJ Sylvis has always been one of my go-to authors so I have high hopes for Puck Block!

I just received my ARC so not long until I am able to dive into it ✨

[Kate ☕ (semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

You would think that I'm already used to these ARC reviews, salivating over the particular books they've just read, yet again after a long time, I fell for their trap. Didn't even bother reading the other books' reviews in the series. Stupid of me, really...

The story old as time tells us about a girl, who is constantly cock-blocked by her brother and his best friend even at the age of 22! (Did I already mention how dumb I think this trope is? Really muture thing for older brother to protect his "little" sister's innocence like some creepy slime...🙄). Obviously, the brother's friend is more invested in it all, because he's apparently loved her since ever and he just can't have her - boohoooooo😭. Do you ask why? Who knows? The slimy brother's rage or whatever... Of course, you aren't supposed to be surprised that he hooks up with all the puck bunnies around...

The whole cock-blocking thing is even weirder, because she isn't a virgin anymore, already had some ONS and now she is up to mission to get even more! And our Hero owes her (not sure what for exactly), so he's about to give her tips how to get a guy.

The OP drama:
Now you can guess what those tips are... Yup, showing her how to score with the girl is part of it, too. She doesn't stand behind for a long time, though. One moment she even drags some random guy to a room after she was intimate with the Hero, and he made it clear how he feels. If the Hero didn't stop it she would end up hooking up with the guy, although she wasn't into him all that much.

The plot:
- is all over the place. It doesn't even make sense most of the time, which is a real shame, because the author has this catchy way of writing, but after some time, you're just confused.

This book seriously dosn't deserve high rating. Sorry, but no.

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Puck Block is a brother’s best friend (they’ve all grown up together), college hockey romance, and the 3rd book in the Bexley U standalone series! This also has dating lessons and the heroine has recently found out she has type 1 diabetes.

Taytum is on a ballet scholarship at Bexley U and she’s so tired of her brother Emory and his best friend Ford getting in the way of her dating. Ford became her brother’s best friend in elementary school and has always remained a staple in her life. Now with Taytum’s recent type 1 diabetes diagnosis, her family and Ford are even more on top of her life and choices than she’d like. After a recent health scare, she breaks down and asks Ford for his help in her dating life as she just wants to be able to have fun and have one-night stands too…without him and her brother getting in her way.

Soooo, the first book Weak Side, still remains my favorite in this series. I love a brother’s best friend setup, but this one just let me feeling meh about the book. The book mostly focuses on Taytum’s diagnosis and her ups-and-downs (mostly downs) and struggles of trying to get that under control. She is in denial and messes with her own dosages often. She’s 22 and her character, his character too actually, just felt immature and their choices weren’t it. I also didn’t get why her brother and parents are soooo involved in her healthcare and life choices, like I get it to a degree but also ma’am you are 22. Anyways, Ford is cute and he calls her “Heartbreaker”. They do have a lot of back and forth with teasing one another and kissing/flirting with others in front of each other to make the other jealous. Idk, it was just okay and it’s my least fav in the series so far, I wanted more from the characters/couple.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

I don’t know what it is, but S.J.’s writing is addictive. I knew I was going to love Ford & Taytum’s from the very first glimpse of them in Weakside & their story was well worth the wait 👏🏼

It’s no secret that I am a SUCKER for the forbidden, brother’s best friend trope & this book delivered allllll the feels. It was full of banter & angst, but also lots of emotion & romance.

This entire series is one of my all time favorite hockey romance series but this book specifically is my favorite of the three so far! Thank you so much for the ARC!

Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Forbidden Romance
- He Takes Care of Her
- Diabetes Rep
- He Falls First
- Slow Burn
- Angsty

[Sarina Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝗔 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁, 𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜’𝗺 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

Ford Collins was one of my favorite side characters in Weak Side and Ice Bet. So, when I heard his book was up next I was ecstatic. Let me tell you HE DID NOT DISAPPOINT! His banter, wit, and chemistry with Taytum made me fall hard. Sammi never fails with her Bexley U hockey men.

Taytum Olson is a college ballerina,she wants a little independence and freedom from her C blocking body guards(Her brother Emory and his best friend Ford).Ford Collins,Bexley U’s defense man has had a secret crush on Taytum, but would never act on it since he’s friends with her brother. After being diagnosed with diabetes they have ramped up their security watch on her and Taytum is tired of it because she will never find love. She guilt trips and convinces Ford to help her date behind her brothers back. While spending more time with her the lines of their friendship begin to blur.

Ford and Taytum had top tier banter. The push and pull between them had me panting with this angsty slow burn. Ford was overprotective but after learning his reasons you kind’ve excuse him for it. He loved taking care of Taytum. There wasn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for her, and his love and loyalty run deep. These two are truly meant to be.

Just wanted to throw out there if SJ would like to give us a Bexley U football book,I wouldn’t mind one about Rush and if she’s feeling frisky maybe his brother as well. Just watering a seed. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Tropes: hockey, forbidden romance, college, ballerina, brothers best friend, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, he falls hard.

Thank you SJ & Valentine PR for the ARC.

[Jillian Gisoni · Rating 1 out of 5]

no. I want to be the person I was before I read this book.

[Stephanie Hubenak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well friends, she did it again. I absolutely blew through this book. I read it in one sitting because I literally just couldn't put it down. I opened Ford's story and didn't look up until "The end". I absolutely LOVED Ice Bet (which was my first book by Sammi) and this one topped it.

Ford was someone that I was dying for. I was so excited to hear that this was his story and it didn't disappoint. One of my favorite tropes is brothers best friend. Taytum was absolutely perfect for Ford and the fact that they both were basically secretly pining for each other for years just made it even better. Adding in the T1 health rep was so refreshing to see.

Ford and Taytums chemistry was off the charts and when they finally gave in it was like fireworks exploding! And it's no surprise that Ford was pretty much perfect. I love him so much!

[Mia S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet!

Ford’s story with my fave side character Taytum, Emory’s sister. This one hit so close to home with Taytum dealing with the physical limitations that diabetes placing in life. I cried at times, rooted for Ford, and fell in love with their story.

[Camilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf 57%

Flat characters and a whole lot of glucose checking. Meh.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Jamie Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I seriously cannot get enough of it. Ford has been one of my most anticipated for this series…and SJ did not disappoint.

This story follows Taytum and Ford. They have known each other for years, with Ford being her brother’s best friend and all. Taytum has recently, within the last year, been diagnosed with diabetes. Ford and her brother take upon themselves to watch her while she is at college making it difficult to be a normal college girly. However, she somehow enlists Ford to agree to help her find a date/boyfriend. Little does she know that Ford has been carrying a torch for her for years…

AH! The tension in this one was soooo good. I was eating it up and couldn’t get enough. From their secret outings to their banter and Ford’s swoony moments, I loved it all.
Especially loved the way Ford is obsessed and so in love with Taytum. He cares for her in all areas and constantly checking on her. He is so supportive of her and would slip her items sometimes, other would deny her. UGH LOVE HIM!!!
Taytum was such a strong FMC and pushed back to try and take back control of her life. She was so defiant with her diabetes, but the reasoning behind it broke my heart. I loved her character growth at the end.

This was such a great slow burn, with medium angst and lots of tension. Definitely a favorite in the series. Thank you to SJ and team for eARC. I cannot wait to continue the series.

Overall: 5
Spice: 3.5

Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Forbidden
- He Falls First
- Forced Proximity
- Hate to Love
- Diabetes Rep
- Slow burn

[Kiki Garrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ FORD COLLINS friends 🤭😮‍💨

If you’ve read Weak Side and Ice Bet you would have fallen in love with Ford and his witty banter. He’s the side character that gives main character energy and boy HE DID NOT DISAPPOINT in his book Puck Block.

The chemistry in this book was so good!
Sammi is just QUEEN of angsty slow burn and the tension in this was top tier. The push and pull, the protectiveness and banter 👏🏼🔥

Puck Block had a lot more emotion for me and I loved this. Everything Taytum goes through, the decisions she has to make, the set backs and worry, having to find herself again. Her character growth was amazing 🥹

Taking half a star off because I feel like this didn’t hit the mark with the hockey side. We focused more on taytum and her dating than anything and I just missed the ice time and group banter with team and friends.

Honourable mention for Rush (and his brother iykyk) because this footy star has been here since the beginning and I wouldn’t be mad at a Bexley U football spin off series.

The Bexley U series can be read in any order as they are all standalones 😍
- Weak Side
- Ice Bet
- Puck Block

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Taytum is mine. She doesn’t know it, and I’m not sure when I’m going to tell her, but this girl is mine.

I love an angsty read. Forbidden romance? Brother’s best friend? Hidden relationship? Pining? “It’s always been you”? This book has all the greats! And hockey. Gotta love the hockey.

Ford is one hot book boyfriend! Possessive and protective (almost to a fault), his genuine affection for Taytum - and willingness to put it aside to give her a chance at love despite how much it pains him - was really touching. Bound by the best friend code, he wants her to be happy, even if it isn’t with him, especially if it tears him apart. He even offers her dating lessons that fail spectacularly.

This is a slow/medium burn moderately spicy MF romance with a ton of “will they, won’t they” before the MCs fall together.

Puck Block is an interconnected standalone within the Bexley U series. It ends in a HEA for Ford and Taytum. This series may be read in any order, but we are introduced to Ford in the earlier books.

Such a great read! Highly recommended.

Genre: NA Hockey Romance
Tropes/Features: Brother’s Best Friend, forbidden relationship, secret relationship, forced proximity, pining/angst, he falls first, dating lessons
POV: Dual 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MF, medium burn, moderately spicy
Book Type/Ending: Interconnected standalone with HEA
TW/CW: None listed – FMC has diabetes and complications, MMC has medical anxiety

[Sarah Coombes · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this because I saw on tiktok the FMC has type 1 diabetes. One thing that bothered me was a lot of the ‘oh you can’t eat that it has carbs in it’. As a type 1 diabetic myself believe me when I say we can eat all the carbs we like. And then for them to constantly say she’s not allowed a sip of alcohol because she’s diabetic. We can drink.

Rant over

[Audreyy ⋆𐙚₊˚⊹ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 💐

c’était bien, mais à choisir, le préfère le tome 1!
c’était sympa!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I know that for years I've called you Heartbreaker..." he whispers, "but don't you dare break my heart, Taytum. You got it?"

Gah, my H E A R T, guys! Ford Collins is just so perfect I don't even know what to do!!! Puck Block is the third and possibly final full-length installment in the Bexley University trilogy, and I know I'm going to miss all these wonderful characters so much. This book revolves around the sunshine, happy-go-lucky guy, Ford Collins, and his playing-hard-to-get heroine, Taytum Olsen, and their undeniably sizzling attraction for each other. As usual, one of my most favorite parts about Sammi's books is the character development. There are several layers in the stories and for Puck Block, we get a closer look into what people with Type 1 Diabetes have to cope with on a daily basis and what it means when someone pouring his heart out just to take care of them.

That being said, Taytum is such an admirable girl. Despite struggling with Type 1 Diabetes, she never once takes her expensive prescribed insulin pens or ballet practices or bestie friendship with Claire for granted; she's constantly FEISTY and FIERCE and puts those she cares about in front of herself...and above all, is unafraid of taking a chance on all the guys who are not Ford. *wink wink* She's this super tough girl who never backs down from hardship and still strives to live the best of her life. #goals

As for our golden retriever boy, Ford Collins, oh dear, my heart MELTS the moment he snatches the insulin pen from Taytum and insists on injecting for her just to alleviate any pain...and the fact he actually brings snack kits just in case Taytum needs them suddenly, oh and don't even get me started on how he literally googles T1D for hours just to memorize (& absorb) as much knowledge as he can so he is more capable of taking great care of her... MY HEART. I repeat. M Y H E A R T. <3

On top of all that, the ending, guys, that ENDING is beyond perfection. Period. I never see that coming but well, let's just say Ford's housewarming gift for himself cracks me up so badly I practically double over while laughing out loud. All in all, please do yourself a favor and one-click Puck Block, everyone! This book is an incredible addition to this awesome series and as much as I miss the Bexley U squads, I'm also excited about Sammi's upcoming projects, including the brand-new Wilder U series! Anyways, please go check out all of her books and kindly leave me alone; I'm gonna find my own Ford Collins now. Bye!

***Massive thanks to the author for generously providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

[Karen Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ve never burned the way I burn with her.”

Oh my pucking gosh! Puck Block had my heart in a headlock. The moment I dove into Puck Block, I knew it was much more than a hockey romance … it was so much heart … so much strength … so much everything. An absolutely precious love story that captivated me from beginning to end. My heart was captured like a puck in a net.

Puck Block is a breathless brother’s best friend meets sports romance that’s forbidden and full of fire-hot tension and feels. It stars the strong and stunning Tatum and her brother’s best friend, Ford, who’s all alpha: deliciously dirty and fiercely protective, a heady combination. Ford and Tatum are drawn together like a moth to a flame with undeniable chemistry, deep connection, and fated and forever love that touches everywhere.

SJ Sylvis has crafted another gem in the Bexley U series that hits straight in the feels. Prepare to be owned by Puck Block. Sylvis not only captures the tantalizing tension and depth of the addictive brother’s best friend romance trope, but propels you right to the thrilling hockey game. I found myself in the stands cheering on the Bexley U Wolves while rooting for the hero and heroine’s happily ever after. I loved this love story that continues to consume me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ heart-hitting stars

➡️ https://amzn.to/3xT1u90

Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog

[Kaley · Rating 2 out of 5]

i’m not even trying to be mean but taytum may be the whiniest 22 year old i know. and i sympathize with her a little bit but like girl, PLEASE. and ford really was not much better. they were both so immature at their big ages i kinda hated every minute of this.

[Courtney | romancereadswithcourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

eARC review 🩷
Puck Block by SJ Sylvis
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️

FORD. COLLINS. AKA, my fave SJ man yet 😍😈.
Ooooooh this man. He’s so swoony. He’s a protector. He takes care of her even better than she cares for herself, because his love is that big.

This is book 3 in the Bexley U series. He’s her brother’s best friend and she’s ALWAYS been off limits. They’ve always been able to keep enough distance to curb their feelings. But a diabetes diagnosis and a hospital trip now has him looking after her and spending a lot of extra time together. 🤭

On top of that, he agrees to give her spicy/dating lessons!!! Until one night, their tension erupts into “just one time” (and we all know it’s never just the one time 😉.)

I was hooked into this story from the first chapter. There’s so much love between them, you can’t help but feel it 🫶🏼.

Tropes: brothers best friend • hockey player x ballerina • it’s always been you • spicy lessons • enemies to lovers • diabetes rep

Thank you sooooo much SJ for letting me be on your team and read this early!

[Kristina (currentlybookedout) · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I LOVED the other books in this series this one was a huge disappointment. I think the fact that it was so focused on Taytum’s diabetes for the whole book and it was so repetitive. Like why on earth was it JUST about her diabetes? There could’ve been some other plot but this was the focus and it was the same thing over and over and eye roll worthy. Taytum was so whiny for a 22yr old that it became unbearable to read.

Seeing Ford and Taytum in Weak Side had me so excited for them in this book though they were quite the opposite in this one. Ford and Emory were so controlling it wasn’t even funny. They to went to the extremes for her to not date guys, what’s the big deal with that she’s 22 years old!

Why did Taytum and Ford feel like frenemies in this but in Weak Side they were flirty and nice with each other. I felt like this wasn’t the Ford that I had read in previous books.

I picked this back up as I was told it got better but it never did. This book was a struggle to get through and I wouldn’t recommend it at all. The first book was fantastic, the second book was good but this one was terrible. Such a shame since I was looking forward to Ford’s book the most.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2024 and I was NOT disappointed!

Ford and Taytum have become my fave Bexley U couple, their chemistry was absolute fire! I loved everything about their love story. There was angst, tension, passion and way more emotion than I anticipated.

What to expect:

- brothers best friend
- slow burn
- hockey romance
- possessive mmc
- chronic illness rep

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 rounded up

I did not like either of these characters AT ALL. Something about Ford creeped me out and Taytum was so annoying and childish. This book confirmed to me that the main trope in this is just not for me. And Taytum’s only personality trait is her diabetes diagnosis, and yet, she’s in complete denial of it?? She was just not likable at all.

I really liked the first two books in this series, so I would definitely recommend reading those and skip this one.

Disappointing :(

[Maegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way Ford loves Taytum is everything.



Brothers Best Friend
Diabetic representation
����🌶🌶
Good banter

[Sadan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford & Taytum

[Vera Elwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my GOD. I stayed up late last night to finish this book just so I could finally be done with it and not have to think about how bad it was. I first came across this book on TikTok, where I saw a video from the author about how she wrote a book with a type 1 diabetic main character. I could immediately tell just from the phrasing of the post that something was off and I just KNEW the representation would be terrible. I decided to read it as a joke just to see what the representation in a smut book would look like. It was terrible beyond my belief.

We started out great with a paramedic - who was on the clock and actively saving Taytum's life - referred to Taytum as "Princess" and then tried to sleep with her at a party later that night. A class act.

Why was Taytum in an ambulance, you might ask? Oh, of course, because she passed out from (checks notes) high blood sugar. To be clear, no one passes out from high blood sugar. Low blood sugar, yes that can make you pass out. High blood sugar, not really. But don't worry folks, this will not be the only time she inexplicably passes out from high blood sugar. Does she have any of the actual, normal symptoms of high blood sugar such as sweating, throwing up, fatigue, irritability, etc.? Nope. She's just totally fine until she passes out.

Once she's in the hospital, her regular endocrinologist is randomly in the ER. Every single time. Are her regular appointments via the emergency room? Does she see only see her endocrinologist when she passes out?

Then the endocrinologist pulls her brother aside and, while Taytum was actively shouting her objections, gave him Taytum's personal medical information. To be clear, Taytum is absolutely an adult in every legal sense of the word and this is a massive violation of HIPPA.

Speaking of her blood sugar constantly being high (a somewhat realistic part of the story), the amount of times that people would just pick up her insulin pen and give her a dose of insulin. How did they know how much to give? How do they know her bolus, basal, and correction factors?

The worst part of this whole experience is that it honestly was probably better than most of the diabetes representation than I've read. That's how bad the representation is out there, y'all.

[Danielle E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

-Hockey romance
-Brothers best friend
-Childhood friends
-Possessive MMC
-Secret relationship

I really enjoyed this book! It was so easy to get sucked into this story. Ford and Taytum have known each other their whole lives and have always had a very close relationship. But anything beyond friendship was always off the table with Ford being her best friends brother.

In this book Taytum is recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes which immediately has her brother and Ford very concerned. They are both very protective and sometimes overbearing. Taytum just wants to live a normal life of a college student without her brother or his best friend breathing down her back. But this only opens the door for her and Ford to grow even closer.

I lovedddd how protective and possessive Ford was over Taytum. He always has her best interest at heart. There was so much flirty banter and angst between these two that you could really feel their chemistry. I only wished that they didn’t fight their feelings for so long and we got more of them actually being together. I felt like the secret was kept a secret for longer than I would have liked. But overall I really enjoyed this book and this whole series as a whole!