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Denver Bashers Series #1
Fake As Puck
Two things matter to me: hockey and getting my stick wet off the ice, if you catch my drift.
But then I meet Sophie Porter.
She’s the Bashers team doctor–and the daughter of my head coach.
And she’s got a proposition for me: fake date so that she can set boundaries with her overprotective dad.
It’s an easy “yes” for me. I’d never have a chance with this beautiful and brilliant woman in real life.
She’s a good girl with a naughty streak–my weakness. She makes me feel wanted and safe.
And when I open up to her about my painful past, she comforts me in a way no one else has.
I’ve never felt this way about anyone before…
I’m falling in love with Sophie…
But no matter how real it feels for me, I know it’s all fake to her.
Fake As Puck is a pro hockey fake dating romance. It is the first book in the Denver Bashers series.
Tropes
Bad boy hockey star
Coach's daughter
Fake relationship
Steamy lessons in the bedroom
"Touch her and die"
"Good girl"
Dirty talk
No third act breakup!
But then I meet Sophie Porter.
She’s the Bashers team doctor–and the daughter of my head coach.
And she’s got a proposition for me: fake date so that she can set boundaries with her overprotective dad.
It’s an easy “yes” for me. I’d never have a chance with this beautiful and brilliant woman in real life.
She’s a good girl with a naughty streak–my weakness. She makes me feel wanted and safe.
And when I open up to her about my painful past, she comforts me in a way no one else has.
I’ve never felt this way about anyone before…
I’m falling in love with Sophie…
But no matter how real it feels for me, I know it’s all fake to her.
Fake As Puck is a pro hockey fake dating romance. It is the first book in the Denver Bashers series.
Tropes
Bad boy hockey star
Coach's daughter
Fake relationship
Steamy lessons in the bedroom
"Touch her and die"
"Good girl"
Dirty talk
No third act breakup!
340 pages, ebook
First published May 21, 2024
532 people are currently reading
1432 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Smith
20 books940 followersSarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie's stash of romance novels. She's been hooked ever since. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She is also one half of the romance writing duo Sarah Skye. Sarah also writes tearjerker fiction under the name Sarah Echavarre
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
October 17, 2024
4/5⭐️ 2.5/5 🌶️
Well this was such a fun read!!
I’m a sucker for a reformed playboy MMC and A inexperienced FMC who wants him to teach her spicy things 🫠🔥
Xavier is the top-tier book boyfriend we all need 🥵 6 foot 4… body like a greek god… luscious brown hair… Hockey Player…good to his momma… I can keep going and going 😂 I absolutely loved his connection with Sophie and how he treated her exactly like she’s deserved for so long. I was so giddy at the scene at the bar with the water shots 😭. Sophie is so innocent throughout the book but by the end you can tell she is finally standing up for herself and asking for things that she wants.
The spice is off the charts…. I was even flustered reading when they were kissing 😆
Side note: I never want to read the word genius again… pretty sure it’s in there 10 plus times 😂
If you love…
-Hockey Romance
-Coaches Daughter
-Reformed Player
-Dr For His Team
-Fake Dating
READ THIS BOOK!!
Well this was such a fun read!!
I’m a sucker for a reformed playboy MMC and A inexperienced FMC who wants him to teach her spicy things 🫠🔥
Xavier is the top-tier book boyfriend we all need 🥵 6 foot 4… body like a greek god… luscious brown hair… Hockey Player…good to his momma… I can keep going and going 😂 I absolutely loved his connection with Sophie and how he treated her exactly like she’s deserved for so long. I was so giddy at the scene at the bar with the water shots 😭. Sophie is so innocent throughout the book but by the end you can tell she is finally standing up for herself and asking for things that she wants.
The spice is off the charts…. I was even flustered reading when they were kissing 😆
Side note: I never want to read the word genius again… pretty sure it’s in there 10 plus times 😂
If you love…
-Hockey Romance
-Coaches Daughter
-Reformed Player
-Dr For His Team
-Fake Dating
READ THIS BOOK!!
February 3, 2025
I wanted to love this! And in the early chapters I did, until about the 25% mark where I realised this book had no plot, and the characters had no lives.
We learn basically nothing about Xander. He plays hockey for work, and he loves his mum. No hobbies, no favourite foods, no goals or dreams. Nada. Yeah he may have some sweet cinnamon roll energy but he has the personality of a dry dish towel.
And Sophie? Her whole personality is that she's a genius. And we are told it repeatedly. Like REPEATEDLY. She's called a genius 21 times, it's a 200 page book. That's once every ten pages!! But we're never shown that she's smart, and she certainly doesn't act it at any point.
The romance is insta-love at best, there's no falling cause there's no personality to fall for.
And as for plot. The dramatic plot point happens at 86%!! Why are you introducing plot points at 86% of your way through a book?! And their initial reason to start fake-dating? Not an actual reason.
It never touches on Xanders poor self image, and Sophie's issues with her dad's control is resolved over one phone call in the first half of the book.
It's been a long time since I hate finished a book cause I refused to DNF it, but this one deserved the hate read cause it was just painful.
We learn basically nothing about Xander. He plays hockey for work, and he loves his mum. No hobbies, no favourite foods, no goals or dreams. Nada. Yeah he may have some sweet cinnamon roll energy but he has the personality of a dry dish towel.
And Sophie? Her whole personality is that she's a genius. And we are told it repeatedly. Like REPEATEDLY. She's called a genius 21 times, it's a 200 page book. That's once every ten pages!! But we're never shown that she's smart, and she certainly doesn't act it at any point.
The romance is insta-love at best, there's no falling cause there's no personality to fall for.
And as for plot. The dramatic plot point happens at 86%!! Why are you introducing plot points at 86% of your way through a book?! And their initial reason to start fake-dating? Not an actual reason.
It never touches on Xanders poor self image, and Sophie's issues with her dad's control is resolved over one phone call in the first half of the book.
It's been a long time since I hate finished a book cause I refused to DNF it, but this one deserved the hate read cause it was just painful.
May 31, 2024
ARC REVIEW 🏒
I absolutely loved this story!
Here we have Xander and Sophie:
⭐ Playboy reformed
⭐ Genius early graduated doctor
⭐ Her dad is his coach
⭐ Fake dating
⭐ He protects her moment
⭐ Teddy bear gifts
⭐ He buys her a dress
These are some of my favorite tropes and moments from the book that built the love for me!
Xander is a hockey player and ends up in a fight during a game on his birthday and accidentally thinks the new team doctor was a gift from the team for him, she is actually the daughter of the coach, which graduated super early and going from medical school.
They don't hit it off well, obviously, but Xander is enchanted by her and makes it a mission to show her at the bar later that he isn't an asshole.
Sophie ends up needing his help when her ex shows up and she asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend, and so they both agree it could be beneficial for them to fake the relationship, her dad will give her some freedom and the press will leave him alone.
It's perfect! Until...
They fall madly in love with each other.
It's in the small things, like the color of her blushing checks that becomes his favorite. Her teddy bear gifts for him. Him not drinking alcohol because she doesn't. Her defending him against her father.
It all sounds too real even when they thought they were faking it, and that is one of the reasons this was such a great story!
I love Xander and Sophie and I'm so glad I got to read their love blooming, with this free advanced copy of the book, and to give it my toughts on it! 🥰
I absolutely loved this story!
Here we have Xander and Sophie:
⭐ Playboy reformed
⭐ Genius early graduated doctor
⭐ Her dad is his coach
⭐ Fake dating
⭐ He protects her moment
⭐ Teddy bear gifts
⭐ He buys her a dress
These are some of my favorite tropes and moments from the book that built the love for me!
Xander is a hockey player and ends up in a fight during a game on his birthday and accidentally thinks the new team doctor was a gift from the team for him, she is actually the daughter of the coach, which graduated super early and going from medical school.
They don't hit it off well, obviously, but Xander is enchanted by her and makes it a mission to show her at the bar later that he isn't an asshole.
Sophie ends up needing his help when her ex shows up and she asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend, and so they both agree it could be beneficial for them to fake the relationship, her dad will give her some freedom and the press will leave him alone.
It's perfect! Until...
They fall madly in love with each other.
It's in the small things, like the color of her blushing checks that becomes his favorite. Her teddy bear gifts for him. Him not drinking alcohol because she doesn't. Her defending him against her father.
It all sounds too real even when they thought they were faking it, and that is one of the reasons this was such a great story!
I love Xander and Sophie and I'm so glad I got to read their love blooming, with this free advanced copy of the book, and to give it my toughts on it! 🥰
May 19, 2025
🎧🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧🎧
DUET narration for the #win! I enjoy listening to Tim Paige narrate stories! He’s been a go-to narrator for me since the start of my audio era, and he did an excellent job bringing Xander to life for me! This was a first for me with Shiloh James and I absolutely adored her performance as Sophie! *heart eyes*
I really enjoyed this story! Like really really hard! I love how swoony it felt and how organic the relationship grew between Xander and Sophie, and I especially liked that when it came to “dramatics” (because we all know they’re coming at some point), the author made it as realistic and authentic as possible. MAN do I appreciate the heck out of that! Was it cliché? Yes, yes it was! LOL Was it beautifully unfolded without any unnecessary ridiculous add-ons? YES, yes it was!! I liked the story up to that point, but I fell in love with it after that!
Fake as Puck not only developed and unfolded really well, but Sophie & Xander grew as individuals and as a couple all together as well. This story is like watch a rock roll down a hill in a perfectly straight line! Everything happened for a reason and that reason was the ultimate goal of any romance fiction story … the ❤️sweet spot❤️!
I didn’t get to *read* this story but something tells me that I would have enjoyed it just as much had I read it. Sarah Smith is a new-to-me author with this story but you bet your pennies I’m reading and/or listening to the rest of this series and keeping an eye for new releases moving forward!
DUET narration for the #win! I enjoy listening to Tim Paige narrate stories! He’s been a go-to narrator for me since the start of my audio era, and he did an excellent job bringing Xander to life for me! This was a first for me with Shiloh James and I absolutely adored her performance as Sophie! *heart eyes*
I really enjoyed this story! Like really really hard! I love how swoony it felt and how organic the relationship grew between Xander and Sophie, and I especially liked that when it came to “dramatics” (because we all know they’re coming at some point), the author made it as realistic and authentic as possible. MAN do I appreciate the heck out of that! Was it cliché? Yes, yes it was! LOL Was it beautifully unfolded without any unnecessary ridiculous add-ons? YES, yes it was!! I liked the story up to that point, but I fell in love with it after that!
Fake as Puck not only developed and unfolded really well, but Sophie & Xander grew as individuals and as a couple all together as well. This story is like watch a rock roll down a hill in a perfectly straight line! Everything happened for a reason and that reason was the ultimate goal of any romance fiction story … the ❤️sweet spot❤️!
I didn’t get to *read* this story but something tells me that I would have enjoyed it just as much had I read it. Sarah Smith is a new-to-me author with this story but you bet your pennies I’m reading and/or listening to the rest of this series and keeping an eye for new releases moving forward!
July 28, 2025
1.5 ⭐️ | i know way too much about these people’s sex lives bro
July 23, 2025
This was a fun and spicy audiobook! Sophie and Xander definitely gave me almost opposites attract vibes because they seemed so different at first…but they really worked well together.
The two narrators did a wonderful job bringing Sophie and Xander to life - they had such great chemistry! Tim really brought out Xander’s charming side - he was so flirty but also had these great emotional and protective moments. I really liked how Shiloh captured Sophie’s awkwardnes and insecurities.
✨What To Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
💙Fake Dating
🚩Bad Boy Hockey Star
💋Coach’s Daughter
❤️🔥Forbidden Vibes
🌶️Spicy Lessons
🔥Dirty Talk
🖤Touch Her & 💀
🚫No 3rd Act Breakup!
The two narrators did a wonderful job bringing Sophie and Xander to life - they had such great chemistry! Tim really brought out Xander’s charming side - he was so flirty but also had these great emotional and protective moments. I really liked how Shiloh captured Sophie’s awkwardnes and insecurities.
✨What To Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
💙Fake Dating
🚩Bad Boy Hockey Star
💋Coach’s Daughter
❤️🔥Forbidden Vibes
🌶️Spicy Lessons
🔥Dirty Talk
🖤Touch Her & 💀
🚫No 3rd Act Breakup!
May 21, 2024
Xander is a smitten kitten and I love it. It was so fun to watch the hockey bad boy fall for darling doctor Sophie, who really spread her wings and comes into her own throughout the story. Fake as Puck is a fun, steamy, fake dating story that had me giddy.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 21, 2024
dnf @ 39%
The way the main characters were introduced to each other felt poorly executed. The fake dating plot felt rushed and unrealistic. Worse, there was no real chemistry between the characters, and their relationship felt forced rather than natural. To top it off, they became intimate not even halfway through the book ?? uhm…
The way the main characters were introduced to each other felt poorly executed. The fake dating plot felt rushed and unrealistic. Worse, there was no real chemistry between the characters, and their relationship felt forced rather than natural. To top it off, they became intimate not even halfway through the book ?? uhm…
December 4, 2024
very confused by all the good reviews for this because it was BAD. it was cheesy (and not in a good way), stupid, cringey and just BAD. soz
July 18, 2025
This story was SO much FUN! I received an advanced audiobook copy from Love Notes PR in exchange for an honest review and am so excited to share it with you guys.
Calling all my friends who love a good sports romance, fake-dating trope, and former playboy MMC: this is THE book for you. Xander is the star player for the Denver Bashers hockey team, better known as the "panty dropper". This man is in his prime, with no intentions of settling down - enter Sophie. The new team doctor AND the coach's daughter. Their uncomfortable first interaction ultimately leads to a fake relationship, one that cleans up his "bad boy" image and shakes off her cocky ex-boyfriend.
The plot of this book was super exciting and very realistic: what I look for most in the books I read. The progression of their relationship was so natural and I felt that they really complimented each other well. His flirtatious personality paired with her shy demeanor was SOOOO cute. What I wasn't prepared for was Sophie's BOLD and wild side in the bedroom. This was another piece that sold the two of them for me - it's as if they were made for each other.
I really appreciated the conflict between Xander, Sophie, and her father. This was another part of the plot that felt realistic and natural. Every situation was handled very maturely and professionally, which I really admired. Lastly, this book had some great plot twists and conflicts that avoided the classic "third act breakup." Without any spoilers, my jaw was on the floor QUITE a few times - and I was not expecting that at all.
The narrators that were chosen for the audiobook really pulled the story together and brought the characters to life! I'm so happy with this book and absolutely recommend it!
Calling all my friends who love a good sports romance, fake-dating trope, and former playboy MMC: this is THE book for you. Xander is the star player for the Denver Bashers hockey team, better known as the "panty dropper". This man is in his prime, with no intentions of settling down - enter Sophie. The new team doctor AND the coach's daughter. Their uncomfortable first interaction ultimately leads to a fake relationship, one that cleans up his "bad boy" image and shakes off her cocky ex-boyfriend.
The plot of this book was super exciting and very realistic: what I look for most in the books I read. The progression of their relationship was so natural and I felt that they really complimented each other well. His flirtatious personality paired with her shy demeanor was SOOOO cute. What I wasn't prepared for was Sophie's BOLD and wild side in the bedroom. This was another piece that sold the two of them for me - it's as if they were made for each other.
I really appreciated the conflict between Xander, Sophie, and her father. This was another part of the plot that felt realistic and natural. Every situation was handled very maturely and professionally, which I really admired. Lastly, this book had some great plot twists and conflicts that avoided the classic "third act breakup." Without any spoilers, my jaw was on the floor QUITE a few times - and I was not expecting that at all.
The narrators that were chosen for the audiobook really pulled the story together and brought the characters to life! I'm so happy with this book and absolutely recommend it!
May 20, 2024
❤️🏒 ARC Rҽʋιҽɯ σϝ Fαƙҽ Aʂ Pυƈƙ Ⴆყ Sαɾαԋ Sɱιƚԋ 🏒❤️
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
"I was completely captivated by the dynamic development of Xander and Sophie's relationship, and the transformation of the reformed panty dropper was simply electrifying! Xander's attentiveness to Sophie's every need was heartwarming. The authentic growth of the main characters left me craving for more."
"Although it was my initial foray into Sarah's writing, it undoubtedly won't be my last. 'Fake As Puck' has ignited a craving for more, particularly with the anticipation of Del and Ingrid's story in the next installment. I'm eagerly looking forward to delving deeper into Sarah's mesmerizing storytelling."
Can't wait to find out when Del and Ingrid's book comes out.
"I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own."
What to expect:
🏒 Bad boy hockey star
🏒 Coach's daughter
🏒 Fake relationship
🏒 Steamy lessons
🏒 "Touch her and die"
🏒 "Good girl"
🏒 Dirty talk
#BookReview #ARCreview #AdvancedReadersCopy #XanderandSophie #SarahSmith #FakeasPuck
#LoveStory #CharacterGrowth #RomanceReads #BookishLove #EmotionalJourney #HeartwarmingTale #MustRead #BookRecommendation
#HockeyRomance #PuckLove #SportsRomance #HockeyReads #RomanceOnIce #PuckBunnies #HockeyHeroes #RomanceInSports #HockeyFiction
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
"I was completely captivated by the dynamic development of Xander and Sophie's relationship, and the transformation of the reformed panty dropper was simply electrifying! Xander's attentiveness to Sophie's every need was heartwarming. The authentic growth of the main characters left me craving for more."
"Although it was my initial foray into Sarah's writing, it undoubtedly won't be my last. 'Fake As Puck' has ignited a craving for more, particularly with the anticipation of Del and Ingrid's story in the next installment. I'm eagerly looking forward to delving deeper into Sarah's mesmerizing storytelling."
Can't wait to find out when Del and Ingrid's book comes out.
"I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own."
What to expect:
🏒 Bad boy hockey star
🏒 Coach's daughter
🏒 Fake relationship
🏒 Steamy lessons
🏒 "Touch her and die"
🏒 "Good girl"
🏒 Dirty talk
#BookReview #ARCreview #AdvancedReadersCopy #XanderandSophie #SarahSmith #FakeasPuck
#LoveStory #CharacterGrowth #RomanceReads #BookishLove #EmotionalJourney #HeartwarmingTale #MustRead #BookRecommendation
#HockeyRomance #PuckLove #SportsRomance #HockeyReads #RomanceOnIce #PuckBunnies #HockeyHeroes #RomanceInSports #HockeyFiction
May 19, 2024
An absolute must read! I could not get enough of this story and of Sophie and Xander! Fake dating trope at its best, it’s always one of my favourites. Xander is the perpetual hockey playboy, hot on and off the ice, Sophie is sweet, gorgeous good girl genius. A match that shouldn’t work but most definitely does! Chemistry between these two are off the chart from the get go, I don’t know who they were trying to fool by fake dating! Loved that there was no 3rd act break up and what a treat to have the Grant siblings pop up here too. I couldn’t put this book down and admittedly, I read it in almost one sitting, I can not wait to follow the rest of the Denver Bashers series! Another brilliant read from Sarah Smith, fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 1, 2024
This is a really good hockey romance with a fake dating trope and no third act breakup. I loved that Xander falls fast and hard for Sophie and I also loved how she is brilliant and he admires her for that. I also enjoyed reading about the characters from Sarah Smith’s other series in this book. They felt like old friends and I was happy to see them again!
July 17, 2025
This is a light hearted hockey romance. Xander has been the bad boy of hockey for awhile and hasn't always been on his coach's good side. Sophie was a child genius and an only child of a very overprotective dad -who happens to also be Xander's hockey coach. Sophie is now the team doctor, still very young, and very inexperienced in the world. This and an ex boyfriend leads to a fake dating situation with Xander - one the coach isn't too pleased about!
Audiobook Review:
Tim Paige & Shiloh James narrate and did a fantastic job bringing the characters and story to life.
Audiobook Review:
Tim Paige & Shiloh James narrate and did a fantastic job bringing the characters and story to life.
June 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🥵🥵🥵
oyyy. What started off as a fake relationship between a star hockey player and team doctor turned to much more faster than expected. Not to mention the team doctor turns out to be the coaches daughter. This was such a fun audiobook, narrators were on point
🥵🥵🥵
oyyy. What started off as a fake relationship between a star hockey player and team doctor turned to much more faster than expected. Not to mention the team doctor turns out to be the coaches daughter. This was such a fun audiobook, narrators were on point
January 15, 2025
Terrible. Cheesy and not cute cheesy but cringe cheesy. If I had to read “that is so sweet!” one more time I would have barfed.
July 26, 2025
3 stars.
Sarah Smith's "Fake As Puck" is a decent hockey romance/fake dating between Basher's superstar Xander and the team's doctor/coach's daughter Sophie. I liked the characters just fine, and they have decent chemistry. I like how Sophie's maturity rubbed off on Xander, who starts the book out as quite the f**kboy. There is a lot of spice, but it's very thin on plot. It's still decent beach read, I guess. I don't have much to say about this one, honestly. All hockey romances are sort of "in one ear out the other" unless thee is a defining thing that happens to make it stand out, and this one doesn't necessarily have it. It's just a fluffy, fine book. My main complaint is that the story felt quite repetitive at times. Not a lot happens throughout this book. The characters do the same things over and over and over again without much variation. Sophie's life revolves around her work/~*being a genius doctor*~ and eventually Xander, and Xander's life revolves around playing hockey and his mom. He goes to bars with his teammates, has lots of frivolous sex (until he meets Sophie), repeat repeat repeat. If I hadn't listened to this on audio, I probably would have DNF'd. I loved Shiloh James & Tim Paige dual audiobook narration here. They kept me as engaged and interested as I was in this story.
Thank you to Sarah Smith and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Sarah Smith's "Fake As Puck" is a decent hockey romance/fake dating between Basher's superstar Xander and the team's doctor/coach's daughter Sophie. I liked the characters just fine, and they have decent chemistry. I like how Sophie's maturity rubbed off on Xander, who starts the book out as quite the f**kboy. There is a lot of spice, but it's very thin on plot. It's still decent beach read, I guess. I don't have much to say about this one, honestly. All hockey romances are sort of "in one ear out the other" unless thee is a defining thing that happens to make it stand out, and this one doesn't necessarily have it. It's just a fluffy, fine book. My main complaint is that the story felt quite repetitive at times. Not a lot happens throughout this book. The characters do the same things over and over and over again without much variation. Sophie's life revolves around her work/~*being a genius doctor*~ and eventually Xander, and Xander's life revolves around playing hockey and his mom. He goes to bars with his teammates, has lots of frivolous sex (until he meets Sophie), repeat repeat repeat. If I hadn't listened to this on audio, I probably would have DNF'd. I loved Shiloh James & Tim Paige dual audiobook narration here. They kept me as engaged and interested as I was in this story.
Thank you to Sarah Smith and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
June 6, 2024
✧༺𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎༻✧
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 : 𝟒.𝟕𝟓/𝟓🌟
~𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚗 10𝚝𝚑 𝙹𝚞𝚗𝚎, 2024~
✨ℍ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜✨
☆ 𝘍𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨
☆ 𝘏𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘹 𝘋𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳
☆ 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩'𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳
☆ 𝘏𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵
☆ 𝘎𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘺
✨𝕄𝕪 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 ✨
✒First of all, Can we take a moment and appreciate how sweet this man Xander is. He sends her pink roses just because her skin turns in a shade of pink when she blushes and he drink water when they're out with his friends in a restaurant because she doesn't drink alcohols and he doesn't want her to feel left out🥹🫶
✒This story is about Sophie and Xander. Xander is a famous hockey player and Sophie is his Coach's daughter and a doctor. He has a bad history of being being careless and sleeping with whatever woman he likes. And Sophie's father is so overprotective of her as she's his only daughter , so she comes to Xander for a fake relationship so she can convince her father that she's not a kid anymore (however she's 24 but her father treats her like a child).
✒Obviously a fake dating is never fake in the books and Xander starts falling for her from day one, and after some time Sophie also starts developing feelings for him.
✒ They both are just so cute and what I enjoyed the most was that Sophie is the most straight forward MMC ever, she never hesitates to say anything in bed😂 whatever she wants, she's just so straight about it, no fooling around about feelings and she even proposes him first 🤭
✒All I want to say is that, this book is smooth sweet and you should give it a try if you're looking for a heartwarming romcom. I loved it and I'd love if more people know about this book🩷
I got this ARC copy from the author Sarah Smith herself and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
𝙷𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 🩵
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 : 𝟒.𝟕𝟓/𝟓🌟
~𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚗 10𝚝𝚑 𝙹𝚞𝚗𝚎, 2024~
✨ℍ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜✨
☆ 𝘍𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨
☆ 𝘏𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘹 𝘋𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳
☆ 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩'𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳
☆ 𝘏𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵
☆ 𝘎𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘺
✨𝕄𝕪 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 ✨
✒First of all, Can we take a moment and appreciate how sweet this man Xander is. He sends her pink roses just because her skin turns in a shade of pink when she blushes and he drink water when they're out with his friends in a restaurant because she doesn't drink alcohols and he doesn't want her to feel left out🥹🫶
✒This story is about Sophie and Xander. Xander is a famous hockey player and Sophie is his Coach's daughter and a doctor. He has a bad history of being being careless and sleeping with whatever woman he likes. And Sophie's father is so overprotective of her as she's his only daughter , so she comes to Xander for a fake relationship so she can convince her father that she's not a kid anymore (however she's 24 but her father treats her like a child).
✒Obviously a fake dating is never fake in the books and Xander starts falling for her from day one, and after some time Sophie also starts developing feelings for him.
✒ They both are just so cute and what I enjoyed the most was that Sophie is the most straight forward MMC ever, she never hesitates to say anything in bed😂 whatever she wants, she's just so straight about it, no fooling around about feelings and she even proposes him first 🤭
✒All I want to say is that, this book is smooth sweet and you should give it a try if you're looking for a heartwarming romcom. I loved it and I'd love if more people know about this book🩷
I got this ARC copy from the author Sarah Smith herself and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
𝙷𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 🩵
May 22, 2024
"Yeah, this is fake. But I want to show Sophie that I can treat her the way she deserves to be treated."
Fake dating, good amount of good Spice and some really cute characters? This book was an absolute delight from start to finish
Sophie was hurt by her manipulative ex and because of him she was very unsure and hesitant but still so strong and she knew what she wanted and WENT FOR IT! She is so brave and I loved watching her character get more and more confident in herself and her desires.
Xander was the definition of a himbo basically - respectful, eyecandy and... kind of a dumbdum. In the very best and most respectful way of course! He might put his foot alllllll the way in his mouth sometimes but that man has drank up on his respect-women-and-everyone-else juice and I love that. Consent is so hot imo and Xander seems to agree.
This was my first book by this author but I am excited to jump into more and more!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
Fake dating, good amount of good Spice and some really cute characters? This book was an absolute delight from start to finish
Sophie was hurt by her manipulative ex and because of him she was very unsure and hesitant but still so strong and she knew what she wanted and WENT FOR IT! She is so brave and I loved watching her character get more and more confident in herself and her desires.
Xander was the definition of a himbo basically - respectful, eyecandy and... kind of a dumbdum. In the very best and most respectful way of course! He might put his foot alllllll the way in his mouth sometimes but that man has drank up on his respect-women-and-everyone-else juice and I love that. Consent is so hot imo and Xander seems to agree.
This was my first book by this author but I am excited to jump into more and more!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book gave me everything. Can I just say Xander is an absolute dream??? The way he constantly made me get choked up and swoony was chef’s kiss. 😍
Sophie is a total genius. At just 24, she’s already a practicing doctor. When a temporary position opens for the Bashers’ team doctor, her dad (the Coach) pulls some strings to get her the spot.
On her first day, in walks Xander (aka Panty Dropper) thinking she’s the stripper his team hired for his birthday 🤦♀️. Sophie immediately writes him off as a bad boy with zero chance until she runs into her ex and his new girlfriend. One unexpected kiss later (caught on camera, of course), her dad is furious, and suddenly Sophie and Xander have an agreement. Watching it all unfold? Pure magic. ✨
✨ What to Expect ✨
💋 Fake Dating
🔥 Reformed Playboy MMC
🧠 Genius / Innocent(ish) FMC
🏒 Coach’s Daughter
💞 No 3rd Act Breakup
😏 He teaches her (in the bedroom)
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book gave me everything. Can I just say Xander is an absolute dream??? The way he constantly made me get choked up and swoony was chef’s kiss. 😍
Sophie is a total genius. At just 24, she’s already a practicing doctor. When a temporary position opens for the Bashers’ team doctor, her dad (the Coach) pulls some strings to get her the spot.
On her first day, in walks Xander (aka Panty Dropper) thinking she’s the stripper his team hired for his birthday 🤦♀️. Sophie immediately writes him off as a bad boy with zero chance until she runs into her ex and his new girlfriend. One unexpected kiss later (caught on camera, of course), her dad is furious, and suddenly Sophie and Xander have an agreement. Watching it all unfold? Pure magic. ✨
✨ What to Expect ✨
💋 Fake Dating
🔥 Reformed Playboy MMC
🧠 Genius / Innocent(ish) FMC
🏒 Coach’s Daughter
💞 No 3rd Act Breakup
😏 He teaches her (in the bedroom)
May 17, 2024
So hot I think the ice might be melting.
Xander is the team Romeo and Sophie is the genius only daughter of the head coach. Of course, we start out with Xander completely putting his foot in his mouth by thinking Sophie is a stripper instead of the team doctor! Sophie is struggling with getting her father to see her as an adult so she asks for Xander’s help by faking dating (god how I love fake dating) to show her father she is, actually, a grown woman who can take care of herself. As we know with faking dating, pretty soon the feelings are very real!
Xander is a total golden retriever wrapped up as a wanna be bad boy. He loves the ladies but falls so hard for Sophie. As with all Sarah’s books, the spice be spicing HARD (heh). This book is a quick, fun, blushingly good time! No third act break up but plenty of drama. I loved watching these two be so sweet on each other! If you liked Sarah’s other books (the Grant siblings) you will def love this one!
Xander is the team Romeo and Sophie is the genius only daughter of the head coach. Of course, we start out with Xander completely putting his foot in his mouth by thinking Sophie is a stripper instead of the team doctor! Sophie is struggling with getting her father to see her as an adult so she asks for Xander’s help by faking dating (god how I love fake dating) to show her father she is, actually, a grown woman who can take care of herself. As we know with faking dating, pretty soon the feelings are very real!
Xander is a total golden retriever wrapped up as a wanna be bad boy. He loves the ladies but falls so hard for Sophie. As with all Sarah’s books, the spice be spicing HARD (heh). This book is a quick, fun, blushingly good time! No third act break up but plenty of drama. I loved watching these two be so sweet on each other! If you liked Sarah’s other books (the Grant siblings) you will def love this one!
October 27, 2024
Sara smith defiantly scores a goal with the start to the Denver Bashers series. I am not a big sports person but this book has just enough sports in it to be an interesting read that was not overwhelmingly sports related. It's a hokey based romance without drowning me in hockey stats or sports words.
Xander and Sophie have a wholesome love story with a fun little meet cute. This novel has a lot of open communication I love Sophie has the courage to ask for what she wants and Xander talks to her outright about things in the novel with a level of golden retriever energy you can't help but loving.
This is a book I will add to the re-read pile.
If you love:
Suave players, solid wooing, adorable romance, a smooth talkers and side characters you get attached to and want to know their story next this is a book for you!
Xander and Sophie have a wholesome love story with a fun little meet cute. This novel has a lot of open communication I love Sophie has the courage to ask for what she wants and Xander talks to her outright about things in the novel with a level of golden retriever energy you can't help but loving.
This is a book I will add to the re-read pile.
If you love:
Suave players, solid wooing, adorable romance, a smooth talkers and side characters you get attached to and want to know their story next this is a book for you!
June 6, 2025
This was a cute and quick hockey romance with duet narration.
The narrators both did an excellent job with voicing these characters. They also did well with the side characters.
I loved the fake dating trope and how smoothly it transitioned into a real relationship! Sophie and Xavier didnt have the best start. Him being the playboy amd her being the coaches daughter was bad enough but add to that her being the team Dr AND him insulting her the first time they met, this was set up for disaster 😂 but luckily Xavier knows how to apologize and Sophie needed an instant boyfriend and Xavier happened to be there.
Really fun, entertaining, spicy hockey romance.
The narrators both did an excellent job with voicing these characters. They also did well with the side characters.
I loved the fake dating trope and how smoothly it transitioned into a real relationship! Sophie and Xavier didnt have the best start. Him being the playboy amd her being the coaches daughter was bad enough but add to that her being the team Dr AND him insulting her the first time they met, this was set up for disaster 😂 but luckily Xavier knows how to apologize and Sophie needed an instant boyfriend and Xavier happened to be there.
Really fun, entertaining, spicy hockey romance.
July 25, 2025
This book had me laughing and kicking my feet from PAGE ONE!
I have never been one to turn down a fake dating, and this book continues to prove this.
With a very rocky start to their relationship, I was so unsure of how this would begin and when it started it went FAST. Such a great quick read, perfect when you need something like a pallet cleanse. Xander our bad boy extraordinaire and Sophie our sweet little genius. They're dynamic and banter had me unable to put the book down. And the audiobook being in duet was just perfect. The narrators were great and did so well making these coming to life!
I'm ready for the audio of book 2!
I have never been one to turn down a fake dating, and this book continues to prove this.
With a very rocky start to their relationship, I was so unsure of how this would begin and when it started it went FAST. Such a great quick read, perfect when you need something like a pallet cleanse. Xander our bad boy extraordinaire and Sophie our sweet little genius. They're dynamic and banter had me unable to put the book down. And the audiobook being in duet was just perfect. The narrators were great and did so well making these coming to life!
I'm ready for the audio of book 2!
June 5, 2024
Review of Fake as Puck by Sarah Smith
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
Review:
I liked reading this book, it was easy to follow, fast paced and kept me entertained. I was thoroughly surprised when I saw the no third-act breakup trope, usually this happens a lot. I love how supportive the characters were.
I liked that it was not all just spice, and that the mmc gave steamy lessons to the fmc, that she did not just know everything (if you understand what I’m getting at). I would definitely recommend this book, and author, this was my first-time reading Sarah’s work and I really enjoyed it, I did not struggle to get into the story, it just flowed.
Go get yourself a copy when it comes out June 10!
4 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
Review:
I liked reading this book, it was easy to follow, fast paced and kept me entertained. I was thoroughly surprised when I saw the no third-act breakup trope, usually this happens a lot. I love how supportive the characters were.
I liked that it was not all just spice, and that the mmc gave steamy lessons to the fmc, that she did not just know everything (if you understand what I’m getting at). I would definitely recommend this book, and author, this was my first-time reading Sarah’s work and I really enjoyed it, I did not struggle to get into the story, it just flowed.
Go get yourself a copy when it comes out June 10!
4 stars
June 16, 2024
All I have to say is YES!!! Easy 5 stars from me. This book is everything to me right now. We have Xander, a known playboy hockey player and Sophie, a badass hockey team doctor who get thrown into a fake relationship. There's extra spicy spice, shared trauma, and lots of bumps that Xander and Sophie must handle together. I just love that Sarah wrote a very strong FMC who doesn't put up with anything and is treated as a respected and amazing woman by Xander and the other hockey guys. I just adored this book so so much. I am very thankful for Sarah sending me this ARC! I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 10, 2024
When the panty dropper meets the inexperienced team doctor/coach’s daughter.. makes for one hot, fake dating situation.
& I ate it up.
Xander meets Sophie on his birthday, when he gets hurt in the game and needs checked out by the team doctor. Enter Sophie who is hot and young. He actually mistakes her for a stripper, which she did not find funny. Turns out she’s a real doctor, and the coaches daughter.
Xander feels awful from the get go about it and when they run into each other after the game, Sophie is runs into her ex and his new girlfriend. She quickly latches onto Xander, and the fake dating kicks off.
These two were so cute. Sophie helped clean up Xanders playboy status and Xander taught her a thing or two. *smirk*.
I LOVED when they told each other this wasn’t fake anymore. Honestly it’s my favorite part of this trope!
This dropped today and can be read on KU! Thank you to Sarah for this ARC! I’m really hoping for more books in this series! I’d love to see more of Sam and Dakota!
& I ate it up.
Xander meets Sophie on his birthday, when he gets hurt in the game and needs checked out by the team doctor. Enter Sophie who is hot and young. He actually mistakes her for a stripper, which she did not find funny. Turns out she’s a real doctor, and the coaches daughter.
Xander feels awful from the get go about it and when they run into each other after the game, Sophie is runs into her ex and his new girlfriend. She quickly latches onto Xander, and the fake dating kicks off.
These two were so cute. Sophie helped clean up Xanders playboy status and Xander taught her a thing or two. *smirk*.
I LOVED when they told each other this wasn’t fake anymore. Honestly it’s my favorite part of this trope!
This dropped today and can be read on KU! Thank you to Sarah for this ARC! I’m really hoping for more books in this series! I’d love to see more of Sam and Dakota!
October 28, 2024
nothing fake about how cute this is
I lightly run my finger along the delicate hinge of her jaw. “I chose that color of pink because it’s the same shade of pink that you turn when you blush. It’s the prettiest color I’ve ever seen.”
-Xander
Ummm excuse me??? Who says stuff like that. I’ll tell you a cinnamon roll hockey player.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and THERE WAS NO 3RD ACT BREAKUP. If there is anything i hate more than a miscommunication trope it’s a third act break up. It was spicy, fun, and made me laugh. I love the found family for both characters, it was so sweet to see.
These characters communicate so beautifully and i enjoyed seeing them both in vulnerable states.
All in all a very good book and i can’t wait to continue the series.
“Did they redo the drink menu?” I ask. Grinning, Xander hands it to me. “Yeah. I think they did.” I skim it, pausing at the section near the bottom of the menu.
Non-alcoholic beverages The Sophie Splash: rosewater, lemon juice, simple syrup, sparkling water
-Sophie and Xander
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
✨ coaches daughter x hockey player
✨ fake dating
✨ inexperienced FMC
✨ experienced cinnamon roll MMC
✨TOUCH HER AND DIE
I lightly run my finger along the delicate hinge of her jaw. “I chose that color of pink because it’s the same shade of pink that you turn when you blush. It’s the prettiest color I’ve ever seen.”
-Xander
Ummm excuse me??? Who says stuff like that. I’ll tell you a cinnamon roll hockey player.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and THERE WAS NO 3RD ACT BREAKUP. If there is anything i hate more than a miscommunication trope it’s a third act break up. It was spicy, fun, and made me laugh. I love the found family for both characters, it was so sweet to see.
These characters communicate so beautifully and i enjoyed seeing them both in vulnerable states.
All in all a very good book and i can’t wait to continue the series.
“Did they redo the drink menu?” I ask. Grinning, Xander hands it to me. “Yeah. I think they did.” I skim it, pausing at the section near the bottom of the menu.
Non-alcoholic beverages The Sophie Splash: rosewater, lemon juice, simple syrup, sparkling water
-Sophie and Xander
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
✨ coaches daughter x hockey player
✨ fake dating
✨ inexperienced FMC
✨ experienced cinnamon roll MMC
✨TOUCH HER AND DIE
May 31, 2024
Fake as Puck was an absolute delight to read, full of light and humor and a more than healthy dose of delicious sexual tension! I loved the dual POVs and getting to see the hockey world through Xander’s eyes, and I love the strong, badass doctor that Sophie is.
Xander is the peak hard on the outside but soft on the inside bad boy, and Sophie is his perfect counterpart with the combination of her sweetness and her growth in learning to say and do what SHE wants, not what anyone else wants. I loved his patient attitude with her both in and out of the bedroom, and how he takes the time to verbalize his desires and to hear hers. We Stan a man obsessed with his woman, and Xander quickly becomes that man!
The Denver Bashers are such a compelling group of guys, and I’m certainly hooked to see Del’s story and beyond as the series continues. As a lover both of hockey and romance, I’m totally invested in this series and can’t wait for the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
Xander is the peak hard on the outside but soft on the inside bad boy, and Sophie is his perfect counterpart with the combination of her sweetness and her growth in learning to say and do what SHE wants, not what anyone else wants. I loved his patient attitude with her both in and out of the bedroom, and how he takes the time to verbalize his desires and to hear hers. We Stan a man obsessed with his woman, and Xander quickly becomes that man!
The Denver Bashers are such a compelling group of guys, and I’m certainly hooked to see Del’s story and beyond as the series continues. As a lover both of hockey and romance, I’m totally invested in this series and can’t wait for the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 30, 2025
This was actually so cute, sweet, and so spicy! I really enjoyed the audiobook, the narrators were fantastic! I really loved Xander and Sophie, and their fake dating story, the way Xander really helped Sophie come out of her shell and fall in love with herself first was so swoony!
Tropes:
🤍Hockey Romance
🤍Bad boy x Coaches daughter
🤍Spicy lessons
🤍Fake dating
🤍No third act break up
Tropes:
🤍Hockey Romance
🤍Bad boy x Coaches daughter
🤍Spicy lessons
🤍Fake dating
🤍No third act break up
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