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We didn’t know we were breaking the rules when we met.

He fell in love with me before he knew I was the coach’s daughter. I fell for him the second he dove into the icy lake in his boxers to save my dog - before I knew he was a Toronto Tiger.

Could I break my own rule about dating a hockey player? Maybe. But it’s not that simple. Not only is Ace Bailey on my father’s team, but he’s also a subject in my sports concussion study.

If he wasn’t totally off-limits before, he sure is now.

It looks like my dad isn’t the only one with a Bailey brother problem.

If hot hockey players, swan diving malamutes, psychic moms, and a little secret romance are your jam, you will love Pucker Up. This is book one in the Bailey Brothers Duet, but can also be read as a standalone.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2024

423 people are currently reading
602 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Wynter

70 books251 followers

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5 stars
169 (28%)
4 stars
200 (34%)
3 stars
158 (26%)
2 stars
44 (7%)
1 star
17 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,089 reviews31 followers
July 25, 2024
The Right Man to Change Her Mind -
Goldie had given up n relationships and sworn to never date a hockey player, but she felt an inexplicable pull towards Ace, that she just couldn’t fight against. Ace was drawn to Goldie from the moment they met, so he was a little bit upset when she turned down his request for a date. However, what neither one of them knew was that they were destined to be in each other’s lives, as Goldie would be the one to help Ace professionally and personally.

Unfortunately, just as they settled into their relationship, their budding romance was derailed when Ace discovered a secret Goldie had been keeping from him, which created friction between them. Luckily, they were able to resolve their conflict and get back on track towards the happy life they both deserved. This was a heartwarming story, that but I am so happy I had the opportunity to read. I was hooked on the story from the first page and I will be happy to recommend it to any avid romance reader.

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SJ.
2,403 reviews16 followers
September 21, 2024
what a fabulous read

I stumbled onto this read somewhere and decided to give it a go as this is a new to me writer. I really enjoyed the storyline, it was interesting and kept me glued to the page. The characters were loveable, especially Mortman! I enjoyed the romance and the steam and the drama, I loved that it was sports based. Looking forward to reading Gideon’s story next
Profile Image for Schellie.
877 reviews
January 16, 2025
I truly loved the concept of this story. Ace finds the girl of his dreams & gets shot down even after they had a great time together. Goldie has been hurt before & isn't interested in dating a hockey player, it helps that her dad is the coach & that makes it much more taboo. I enjoyed the conversation & banter between the two & how she tried to help with his relationship with his brother Gideon. I also enjoyed the relationship between her & her mom Fern Lauper! Ha
My issue with this story was the open plot lines with her friend Mel. I understand this isn't Mel's book, but the author leaves little twists that hint to Mel dating Goldie's dad Scott. However nothing ever comes of it & you really don't hear anything about it at the end of the book, leaving loose ends.
I really did enjoy the characters of this story & I think there was more that could have been written to finish it up. I absolutely loved her dog Morton!
This book isn't a closed door story line, but it veers away from anything too spicy.
777 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2024
Goldie a women doing her thesis on concussions got the hockey players from her dad team to help and she met a very special one . Loved this story . Enjoyed it felt like I was there .
Profile Image for Jordan.
201 reviews6 followers
January 19, 2025
I was okay with the FMC being intuitive but having “visions” was dumb. Also the third act break up was so cheesy and he was such a dick about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Caitlin T.
40 reviews
January 4, 2025
First half of the book was sooooo slow. It wasn’t even a slow burn tbh.
Spent majority of the book skimming the lines.
The story itself was kind of cute, but it seemed like a lot going on and it was all resolved in a page?
The chapters also felt really long with not much progress.
Profile Image for Alicia.
2,633 reviews82 followers
September 27, 2024
First up, that blurb is so misleading. He doesn’t even find out she’s the coach’s daughter until right near the end, and she knew he was a Toronto Tiger when he jumped in the lake (and she hadn’t fallen for him yet).
This book has tried a little something different to standout from the rest of the hockey player romances out there, in that our MC is a burgeoning psychic who has visions and passes on information for the plays he needs to make to win. Props for standing out, but it really didn’t work for me. It was so contrived, and if you’ve already seen that it will happen, why would you need to say anything?
She’s also studying for her masters doing ‘important’ work to see if there’s a correlation between traumatic brain injuries and impulsive behaviour. Ah, this is already a thing. The ‘science’ in here is pretty laughable, I think it would have been better if it skipped over how it was actually being done and left it to the reader’s imagination.
It’s light on conflict, and the big things are all solved pretty easily after a page or two.
It’s a quick light read if you’re after something a little different with your hockey romance, and the male MC isn’t a bunny chaser, which is always a bonus.
Profile Image for Kimberly Holmgren.
310 reviews
July 29, 2024
Love this new series already! Ace and his brother are traded together to Toronto. But, they actually don’t get along. Ace’s older brother is holding a grudge against him, and it’s majorly affecting the team. Goldie doesn’t date hockey players. Her dad is a former hockey player and the current Toronto coach. She knows about players. Goldie is focused on finding a team to help with the research for her concussion study, which isn’t going so well. Reluctantly she accepts her father’s help, and she finds herself studying some of Toronto’s best hockey stars. When she originally meets Ace, she has no idea who he is. But now that he’s part of her study, she’s more determined than ever to stay professional. Easier said than done. Ace isn’t making it easier. He decides to quit the study so he can pursue Goldie and Goldie is fining it harder to resist. She agrees to see him, but it has to stay private. In the process of getting her research, she finds herself trying to solve the problems the team is having on the ice. She also finds that it all comes down to something in the brother’s past. Will their new relationship survive once all of their secrets are revealed? Can’t wait for book 2!!
Profile Image for Bridget.
187 reviews13 followers
October 29, 2025
That got to me. Unlike Gideon, I didn’t like to read nerdy books, or talk about philosophy, or whatever it is that smart people talk about. Somehow, Ethan touched the nerve that I’d hidden with my success, and it zapped me. I wasn’t smart enough for a girl like Goldie. I was, and always will be, just a dumb hockey player.
I got this book for free, and it was a cute little hockey read! Set in Toronto, Goldie is a fun, smart doctor studying concussions. I loved her relationship with her parents- her dad is the coach of a local professional hockey team and believes in her as any dad should. I didn’t mind her psychic abilities either; I thought it was a nice twist for someone so rooted in science.

Ace is a hockey player stuck in his head. I don’t think the “Bailey brothers” concept (especially being traded and sold as a pair) really held up in this book. It felt random. In a world of Kelce brothers, siblings don’t need to be treated as a package deal.

Ace makes for a sweet love interest, though my biggest concern is that the book’s short timeline makes it hard to tell if he’s genuinely smitten or just love bombing.

Goldie and Ace’s relationship was sweet but young. Their communication was off, and the “dating the coach’s daughter” trope wasn’t quite strong enough to justify all the miscommunication.

Her dad and best friend running around in the background? Gross. Acegasms? Weird. Story? Cute! And actually hockey-focused!

Overall, it’s a well-paced and charming read. I’d continue the series and would definitely reread it.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,434 reviews14 followers
July 28, 2024
The Bailey Brothers Duet #1

Goldie is 25 and a master's student at the University of Toronto where she's studying the effects of sports concussions and TBI's.
When Goldie and her friend go to watch a polar plunge and her dog jumps into the water off the ferry a guy jumps in to save her dog and she falls for the guy. Little did she know at the time he was one of the Bailey brothers who plays hockey for the Toronto Tigers, the team her dad coaches and one of her test subjects. You don't date the coach's daughter and she doesn't date hockey players or does she?

Ace Bailey is 27. He and his brother Gideon both play hockey and used to be best friends as well until a misunderstanding changed all that. Because of this their playing together has put the team in last place.
When he met Goldie and her dog he fell in love. He's asked her out on a date more than once but she's turned him down. Finally she gives in and they grow closer together until he discovers a secret about her that tears them apart.

4 stars
Profile Image for Naughty Nightie.
852 reviews15 followers
July 28, 2024
Goldie meets Ace while out with her best friend Mel at the Annual Charity Polar Bear Challenge on Toronto Island. The girls have you chuckling with the new names they come up with for the challenge. When she has a "date" with Ace and finds out he's a hockey player for the Toronto Tigers, she tells him she doesn't date hockey players. Ace is disappointed since all he can think about is her, but he decides it's for the best so as not to ruin his gameplay. Despite her rule of not dating hockey players, she can't stop thinking about Ace. Goldie is doing a master's degree, and her research topic is concussions in sports players. Add to the mix Ace's brother, who also plays for the team and is their star player, but the rift between him and Ace ruins the flow of the game, and they are blamed for the losing streak.
I received an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Bog. If you love a hockey romcom, giving you a few giggles throughout the book you will love this read. It's a fast-paced read and keeps you turning the pages until the end, and you're sad the book has finished.
2,926 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2024
Hidden identity
Goldie didn’t know the man with a quirky sense of humour, who gave her ‘safe’ vibes, and who rescued her dog was one of her father’s hockey players at first, and he didn’t know she was the Coach’s daughter, but they have incredible chemistry and an easygoing connection.
However, trouble is brewing in the team as Ace and his brother hate each other, and it’s put the team in last place and giving her father extra stress.
Add to that Goldie is running a concussion study and the team are her test subjects, adding to the forbidden element.
The characters are well developed and have compelling personalities, I was committed to seeing their relationship grow.
There’s plenty drama, friction and tension, lots of humour, a strong sense of “heart” within the storyline, romance, steam, emotion, secrets, some angst, a twist or two and a wonderful ending.
Overall, I found this a great read and am looking forward to seeing some of the side characters finding love as the series continues.
904 reviews4 followers
September 13, 2024
Ace & Goldie – A Winning Team

Both Ace & Goldie have hockey in their blood. He & his brother, Gideon, had to choose hockey as their career choice as kids. Goldie is the coach’s daughter of the Toronto Tigers who’s jaded against hockey players but this is a good characteristic quality for her as Ace is very attracted to this & more. Each holds their own secret from everyone which shakes their world once their secrets are revealed.

In the meantime, enjoy this novel as it is filled with humor, secrets, loveable characters like her mom & Goldie’s dog, the denial & acceptance of Goldie’s gift, and the HEA! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. It’s one that keeps you reading & wanting more once the story has ended. Looking forward in reading the next book of this duet set!

I volunteered to read this ARC & leave an honest review.
725 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2024
Meet Ace Bailey, a recent trade to the Toronto Tigers hockey team, along with his brother Giddeon Bailey. Since these two boys arrived the team seems to have taken a turn for the worst in game luck. Goldie Swanson is a force on her own and her thesis - concussions and hockey, has lead her right to the Toronto Tigers players door. There are a few twists in this story that I loved - no spoilers. The story flowed smoothly, has amazing characters that I look forward to reading and learning more about. This author has a great writing style - it is easy to read, the story flows so smoothly, characters are fun, a few steamy bits and I am always left with a happy smile. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
December 27, 2024
Goldie met Ace when he showed her the type of man he is by being there for her dog without a second thought. She wanted to know more about him but what she learns doesn’t bring them closer as not only does he play on the team her father coaches, but they will also be connected professionally.

Between the strained relationship with his teammate and brother and the way the team is under performing Ace already has a lot to overcome. The feelings he has for Goldie is something he can’t walk away from but that was before he found out she was his coach’s daughter.

Humorous interactions, a little angst and a few secrets all combine into an entertaining story.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,258 reviews46 followers
July 29, 2024
Oh these hockey players! I just loved Ace, he's all heart, he's fun, and he's hooked on Goldie! Getting to know these two characters was like meeting new friends. They connect well, you can feel that connection, and how that grows and strengthens. I also loved that intensity between Ace and his brother, and the friendships with the other players. It's a great read, and I loved so many of the characters and hoping we get more from them (like Goldie's best friend!).

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Rae Z.
501 reviews
August 9, 2024
This book was unexpected. There's a sweet dog that brings the main characters together, but the MMC is totally incognito during their meet cute. When Ace and Goldie first meet, there's some flirtation, then she makes some passing comments about hockey players. Goldie was in for quite a surprise when she later learns that Ace is in fact a hockey player... but not just any hockey player - she's one of her father's players, and a subject in her thesis project.

The timing in this story is everything. I loved Goldie's mom (Fern)'s energy and her entire personality. Goldie has some trouble accepting her mother and some of the things she begins experiencing, but her character development is great.

Ace and Goldie are meant to be.
Profile Image for _Steph_reads_.
270 reviews5 followers
December 22, 2025
Star- 3
Spice - 1

Hockey Romance
Coach's daughter

This was a fun read! Goldie (FMC) doesn't date hockey player! However, when she runs into Ace out and about she can't help but like him. Ace is having a hard time on his new team. Mostly because he is playing with his brother who he does not talk to. Goldie help Ace get his mojo back and helps her dad, the coach of the team that Ace plays for end a losing streak. I really enjoyed the easter eggs about some of the characters. Made me think about what might be going on in the next books.
203 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2024
Ace Bailey, a hockey star, meets Marigold (Goldie) Swanson, his coach's daughter - but he doesn't know that - and there is an instant attraction. However, she has a strict rule about not dating hockey players and he doesn't want any distractions during this NHL season. I love how they just can't resist each other. Ms Wynter has another best seller on her hands. It's a great book that is hard to put down and has a super HEA ending.
Profile Image for Jeanette Durant.
716 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2024
This book was SO good! Pucker Up had me hooked from the first chapter.

A goofy cinnamon roll hockey playing MC and a nerdy, dog loving FMC who is also secretly the Coach's daughter is a match made in heaven.

These two had instant chemistry, and I loved that Ace's personality was so endearing.

I really enjoyed the rivalry between the two Bailey brothers, and what caused it to begin with. The other hockey players have me intrigued too and I'm hoping the series is expanded to see their love stories, especially Ethan.

Goldie and Ace's love story was totally addictive, full of laughs and tender moments.

I'm obsessed with these characters. I can't wait for more in this series. I'm also hoping for answers about Mr Swanson's secret girlfriend, as I totally know who it will be!
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.3k reviews155 followers
August 4, 2024
This heartfelt story captivates and draws you into the main characters. It is a well written story that had me from the first page. Ace and Goldie first meet when he saves her dog, and the sparks ignites but she soon learns that he is on her dad's team and also a part of her sports concussion study. Will they get a chance to see where their relationship will take them.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Lynn Cameron.
108 reviews
August 17, 2024
Ace ♠️ & Marigold aka Goldie

Such a cute tender story so filled with love. This story wasn’t like all other hockey stories. It was different in so many ways. You kept me wanting to read to find out more. It was super cute! Only thing was we never found out who Coach girlfriend was lol 😂 I kept thinking the best friend. lol 😂 but anyway I really enjoyed it now off to read about Ace brother.
Great read highly recommend
Profile Image for Melissa.
74 reviews
June 16, 2025
Book was just okay.

However, are we just gonna gloss over the fact that Mel (Goldie’s best friend) was obviously having an affair with her dad? I mean nothing from those tidbits that were thrown in? Did Mel ever get the hat back? Did Goldie Girl ever piece together the oh so obvious observations? I mean she’s a scientist supposedly observing her subjects. I don’t see that PhD in her future (if you get what I’m saying).
Profile Image for Mandy Puckett.
330 reviews
July 23, 2024
Ace and his brother Gideon were traded to Toronto but their problems have followed. Ace wishes he could get his brother to believe him but has decided to focus on himself as well. Goldie is working on her masters and has her own issues.She has a rule against hockey players but maybe it’s time to understand them better. Love this new series and can’t wait to see who is next.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
2,529 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2024
Loved this book. Goldie hates hockey players but once she meets Ace a new player to her dad's team he makes her feel different, Ace and his brother come to the tigers hockey team but falling for her wasn't in the plans. Can she get over not wanting to date hockey players? Can he forgive her for lieing to him?
1,404 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2024
I always enjoy this author's books and this one was no exception. It had a good balance of romance, humour and drama. I had a couple of issues with some of the details, but as I read an ARC, I hope that these were resolved before the final book was published.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Izzy.
327 reviews
January 3, 2025
Hero Rating:4
Heroine Rating:4
Side Character Ratings:3 except for Morty who is a solid 5
Sexual Tension Rating: 2-3
Sex Scenes Frequency:2
Plot Rating: 4
Dialogue Rating: 5
Storytelling Rating: 4
Story Ending Rating:

Overall Rating: 4
Would I Reccomend: Yes for people who like wholesome hockey romance.
Will I reread: Maybe.
Would I read this Author again? Sure
Profile Image for Bookishfurmama_t96.
275 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2025
DNF’ed at 60%.

This was a stuff your kindle day find.

The premise sounded so cute.

This was definitely a sports romance. We had hockey talk. Hockey practice. Hockey games. Hockey lingo. Hot hockey players.

But we also had psychic visions? 🤷🏻‍♀️

I don’t know. It had a lot of potential. But it just wasn’t hitting the way I needed to finish the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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