I used to be one of the top goalies in the NHL, but after losing the playoffs for my team last season, I’m playing like trash and on the verge of being cut.
But then I meet Bella, my gorgeous and feisty neighbor.
She has one rule: no dating or hooking up with hockey players. Too bad we have insane chemistry.
All it takes is one kiss to ignite the fire between us. Soon we’re tearing off each other’s clothes every chance we get.
Then the strangest thing my performance on the ice does a one-eighty.
In the net, I’m on fire. I’m clocking shutout after shutout.
It turns out, Bella is my lucky charm.
We agreed to be friends with benefits, nothing more…but I’m starting to fall hard for this badass beauty who’s loyal and funny and has the biggest heart.
I just hope against all odds she’s falling for me too.
Tropes
Enemies to FWB to lovers Forced proximity "Just once to get it out of our systems" STFUATTDLAGG Hand necklaces He falls first and harder No 3rd act breakup!
Sarah 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
Boy, am I glad to have read this book. This book is the definition of fantastic smut, great characters, and hockey romance. The connection between Bella and Braden was sizzling and just downright hot. Sarah did a wonderful job developing their characters. Both had strong backstories and wonderful growth throughout the novel. The last 1/4 of the book almost had me in tears which doesn't happen often to me. And did I mention, no third act breakup!! I continue to love the updates for the previous couples and the growing friend group. Great start to 2025!!
Thank you Sarah for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are of my own.
Braden and Bella is hands down my favorite couple of series! The sexual tension and the arguing foreplay was just *CHEFS KISS*. I didn’t want this book to end!! 😆
I’m such a fan of enemies to friends with benefits and throw in that their neighbors… I’m OBSESSED! This was a start and finish the same day kinda book. I really enjoyed how well they fit together and were able to be there for each other through struggles from their past. The banter and chemistry is off the charts!!
If you love..
-Enemies to Friends with Benefits -Neighbors -Hockey Romance -Forced Proximity -He Falls First and Harder
READ THIS BOOK!!!
Thank you Sarah and love notes PR for the ARC!!! 💙💙
Ok to have tropes, but this was total cliches and not even well written. Honestly I feel bad leaving not so good reviews but I struggled finishing it A LOT.
Also, maybe it’s just me, but if you have a dog please wash your hands before trying to put them anywhere near a private body part.
Book 3 in the Denver Bashers series by Sarah Smith features our broody goalie Braden Blomdahl and his beautiful and feisty neighbour Bella. I was so excited to recieve the email that I had been given an arc copy, I absolutely love the Denver bashers series and who doesn't love a goalie,. This book contains *Enemies to FWB to lovers Forced proximity "Just once to get it out of our systems" STFUATTDLAGG Hand necklaces He falls first and harder No 3rd act breakup! If your in your Hockey Romance era right now then you need to read!! It super spicy, the chemistry between Braden blomdahl and Bella is off the charts and the team accept Bella with open arms. I can't wait for book 4, can you? Thankyou @LovenotesPR and Sarah for the opportunity to read, I leave this honest review at my discretion.
This is a super spicy hockey romance with no third act breakup and I loved it and the MCs, Braden and Bella! I also loved how close their friend group was and how they welcomed Bella and it led to Bella living her dream so much sooner than she expected. I think Braden and Bella may be my favorite couple in the Denver Bashers series so far. Thank you to Sarah Smith for giving her arc team a chance to read this book early!
This book was freaking great. The spice and tension were insaneeee. They didn’t even do the dirty until close to the end…but they damn sure did everything in between! I was lowkey impressed with how their intimate times together didn’t feel repetitive. For some reason, I thought that the “foreplay” thing they had going on would eventually get boring, or that it would lack creativity. However, their chemistry was so amazing that it ended up cancelling out my original thought completely.
Braden (MMC) is your typical lovable hockey player. He’s cocky, hot, talented, dirty, but also secretly a sweetheart if he finds someone who can bring it out of him. His relationship with Bella started off rocky, but overtime he showed Bella what it’s like to be treated by a real man. He was incredibly patient with her and was always willing to take however much or little she was willing to give. Their physical and emotional chemistry were undeniable.
Bella was so sweet and was constantly showing Braden that his hard work deserves so much more recognition than what was being given. She was always there for him, and together the both of them were overflowing with love. They were able to give each-other exactly what the other has been missing.
I will say that as much as I loved the nickname “pretty girl” it did hit a point where it was slightly overused. However, I could think of a milllion other pet names that I wouldn’t like being used at all, nevertheless overused. So even if I did find it a little much, at least it was an amazing and classic nickname!
I was glad to see the positive development between certain relationships the MCs had problems with throughout the book. It was tied up a little too quickly in my opinion, but it was sweet and wholesome nonetheless!
Overall, I thought this was a sweet & spicy love story. It was an easy read in terms of being able to stay engaged and immersed in the characters/story! This will definitely be one I recommend anytime someone says the word “hockey” in my direction 😅
im so thankful to have found Sarah Smith! That giveaway i won introduced me to so many amazing authors! 💙
Bella and Braden are officially on my favorite couple list! Their arguing and bantering was perfection & the tension between them?? Beautiful. I always love the first interaction between an enemies to lovers and their first moment was just right.
They were two people who both had crap days and didn't know it. I love how they came together tho.
I can't wait to see what comes next with this series! Thank you, Sarah, for the chance at an arc!
Tropes: -enemies to lovers -forced proximity -he falls first & harder
This was my first Sarah Smith book and I am excited to read the rest of the series and to read about Sam and Dakota since her boyfriend..Jeff or Jax or whatever sucks..
I wish we would have gotten a little more of Braden and Bella’s relationship..like I would have loved to see the first meeting of her parents and seeing her actually reconciling with them. And don’t get me wrong…I love me some spice but this seemed a little spice forward with story afterthought. I’m also not a huge pet name fan..so the pretty girl nickname seemed to be used a bit too much for me but that’s just a personal feeling
Overall I loved this hockey romance with no third act break up *YES!!* and will definitely finish this series
I haven’t read many sports romances but I don’t know why as when I do they are fab. This is another of them. It’s the perfect rom-com that has banter and sizzling chemistry. Great story line and loved seeing the characters developing and that they were both worthy of love. It has it all banter, romance and a little bit of spice
This series has been one of my favorites. I was lucky enough to receive and ARC for this book and I was so excited. This book follows Braden (the goalie) & his new neighbor Bella. Braden was “book boyfriend” material. I loved this book. The banter, the found family, the support from each other, everything. Thank you LoveNotesPR for the ARC!
I just love how all Sarah's book are linked....i found this one a beautiful storyline not much drama but so much love. Braden was perfect and Bella was a sweetheart perfect couple.
Sarah Smith is once again the QUEEN of hockey romances!! Suck My Puck was a delight to read and I absolutely flew through it. It was so fun to see Braden Blomdahl’s story after reading about him in the previous books. He was such a cutie pie and I loved seeing his and Bella’s relationship develop.
Bella and Braden go quickly from frustration to intense chemistry. The “let’s just get it out of our system once” trope hit so well in this book. He is SUCH a supportive king and I loved how much he showed his love through that validation. We love a man who always puts his woman first!!
This is Sarah’s third Denver Bashers book, and if you like hockey, these are a MUST read! Even if you don’t like hockey, the romance is just amazing and these books are a fantastic combination of sweet love and pure spice.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
“Suck My Puck” by Sarah Smith is Braden and Bella’s enemies to friends with benefits to lovers romance, and it was definitely one for the books! They had this fiery chemistry that I just loved, and their story kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Braden and Bella are neighbors who don’t exactly start off on the right foot, but the more they get to know each other, the harder it is to deny the sizzling chemistry between them that ends up becoming a much deeper connection.
They were both likable characters, and I loved their snarky banter and the way they eventually fell for each other even though they hadn’t planned on it. I’m honestly loving this standalone series, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Wow just wow. I absolutely loved the characters to pieces. Bella & Braden had my heart from the get go. I couldn’t get over Braden constantly calling Bella “pretty girl”. AND THE SPICE! Wow, just wow. If you want a spicy book this one is for you. From hating hockey after her ex took all her savings, she didn’t think she could look at another hockey player again. But here Bella is, making a deal with Braden her next door neighbour to do the deed just once to get it out of our system. Of course, it doesn’t end like that. But either way, I think you should all read this, it’s lighthearted, spicy, emotional. You’ll honestly feel all the emotions in this book!
Tropes to expect in Suck my Puck: - Forced Proximity - No 3rd act Breakup - STFUATTDLAGG - enemies to FWB to Lovers - He falls First and Harder - Hand necklace - “Just once to get it out of our system”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Well hello Braden Blomdahl, welcome to the party! The Denver Bashers book 3 follows their absolutely, spectacularly hot Goalie. Since meeting Braden in books 1 and 2, I knew this one was going to be hot… and spicy! Stuck in a rut, Braden meets his pretty girl neighbor who has sworn off hockey players. Their chemistry is undeniably off the charts, so they give in for ‘just one time’… yeah that wasn’t going to happen when you meet Braden! What a gorgeous cinnamon roll our goalie turned out to be. Loved loved loved this book and Bella and Braden together, no 3rd act break up, their banter had me smiling and giggling all the way through this book. A stand-alone but with interconnected characters from the Bashers team and their friends. This is an excellent series and I can’t wait for Sam’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
I was kindly given an ARC of Suck My Puck and it was so good, I really enjoyed it! I had read the last book in the series and loved that so I was excited to read this one! I loved the found family in this, the team are the cutest and the friendships they all have are the best and how they involved Bella as soon as they met her was so sweet! I really liked Bella and Braden together, they had such good chemistry and an instant connection. I loved them together, they were so supportive of each other and looked after each other. this was such a cute book! also loved seeing Del and Ingrid - my favourites!! can’t wait for the next book in the series! (thank you to Sarah Smith for the ARC, all opinions are my own) Suck My Puck releases on February 24! 4⭐
Thank you so much Author Sarah Echavarre, for giving me the absolute beautiful opportunity to read another ARC for your new upcoming Hockey Romance Novel🏒❄️🩵✨ “Suck My Puck” The 3rd Installment In The- “Denver Bashers Book Series” 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Read!!! I absolutely loved and adored this book so much🤩I tore through this book in no time! I was instantly immersed in the author’s richly detailed world and her skillful writing style, holding me completely enthralled. As the pages constantly turned🩵Being so deeply engrossed I became more and more invested in the beautiful love story🥹reluctant to put the book down! Especially the way the book surpassed all my expectations in the two main characters who have completely won me over. I was so deeply infatuated with their charming banter, electric chemistry, and the way their connection deepens with each successive chapter, with profound love, laughter, and infinite possibilities✨Sarah Echavarre’s artistry is on full display in every aspect, when it comes to narrating characters that will have you hooked nonstop leaving you to love every minute of it!! 🩷✨
“Suck My Puck,” Stars two lovable main characters- (✨Bella Palermo and Braden Blomdahl🏒) Sarah Echavarre, begins her tale when- Braden, is hitting rock bottom in his hockey career. Once a top NHL goalie, he’s now struggling to keep his spot on the team after a disastrous playoff run. Then he meets Bella, his gorgeous and lively neighbor. But she's has a simple rule: no dating hockey players. Unfortunately, their attraction is impossible to ignore. One kiss and they’re consumed by passion. They can't resist each other. But then something bizarre happens: Braden’s performance on the ice does a complete turnaround. He’s unbeatable in the net, shutting out opponents with ease. As it turns out, Bella is his lucky break. They agreed on a no-strings-attached deal, but Braden is finding himself head over heels for her beautiful soul who's got a quick wit, a generous heart, and a fierce loyalty. Now Braden is left keeping his fingers crossed that she feels the same🥹 As their story unfolds we’re met with glimpses of forced proximity, and he's the first to fall and falls hard🤩 along with a No 3rd act heartbreak and plenty of moments that'll leave you breathless!! and not only does the author write everything so well together she expresses that profound love into her beautiful main character.
Braden, the hockey star goalie, my new favorite lover boy💋✨exudes a confident charm and captivating presence, always giving his heart freely to his one true love, his soulmate. The way he cares for those around him is a masterpiece, revealing his unshakeable commitment and a compassionate soul. He constantly raises the bar, igniting passion and brilliance that lingers long after each page and chapter! All while battling his own personal turmoils he remains committed to giving his all and never giving up!! Bringing sharp sarcasm and lovable humor🩵that It's impossible not to be utterly captivated by his heartfelt moments and unwavering love, that he loves showering affectionately to his Bella at every giving opportunity making him even more irresistibly attractive when he's with the one who holds his heart forever🥹✨
Bella, my lovely girl🩷 Her character is brought to life with depths of emotions, passion, and perseverance, making her an incredibly inspiring individual. Her dynamic personality, balances fierce determination with warmth and love, that shines. brightly in every scene, adding complexity to her story that will always draw and captures Braden’s attention even if she’s just a mile away🥹whom she cherishes deeply and constantly demonstrates a kind and considerate heart towards him, always expressing her love in varied ways 24/7! especially with the reliable defense she provides him, always placing his joy and self-respect above all🥹🩷Seeing their passion unfold is utterly mesmerizing, a profound connection that they both treasure and deeply admire🤩And Author Sarah Echavarre, wrote this all so beautifully together and I'm beyond excited for book 4 to be released!!🩵🏒✨
“I want this woman more than anything else in the world.” - Braden Blomdahl💋✨
Pre-order “Suck My Puck” Releasing February 24th 2025!!! 🏒❄️🩵✨ For a hot hockey romance that will have you kicking your feet back and forth with the two main characters hot sizzling tension🔥✨ And you can do just by visiting the author’s social media @authorsarahs on IG and also get the chance to check out amazing teasers and her lovely previous work!
Featured tropes: dislike to FWB to lovers, just once to get it out of our systems, he falls first, STFUATTDLAGG, forced proximity, found family, no 3rd act break up
Trigger warning: parental disapproval, cheating (off page, not between MCs)
Review: 4/5
I have been WAITING for my boy Blomdahl's book since the game of Truth or Dare in Chapter 27 of Fake as Puck (book one) and I'm so glad he's finally here!
Things I liked: - As I said, I've been waiting for Blomdahl's book since book one of this series and I was so ready to read about him. Imagine my surprise when he turns out to be a GIANT cinnamon roll (like, literally he BAKES cinnamon rolls) and yet is a naughty boy behind closed doors. He was a super sweet MMC and just the perfect match for Bella who needed someone that was all in after her last relationship. - Bella was such a refreshing FMC. I love a girl who knows what she wants and isn't scared or embarrassed to ask for it (if ya know what I mean.....) and Bella has no hesitation in asking for what she wants. I love to see it. - I've said it in every review of each book of this series and I'll say it again. Coach Porter is the best. - It was fun once again to return to the Basher's world. I love the found family vibe and the way these teammates and their partners are, more than anything, friends who love and support one another in all things. When I want happy and feel good, the Basher's world is a good place to be.
Things I disliked or missed the mark: - I was vibin' really hard in the first 75% or so of the book. The last 25% is a RIDE. SO much happens in the last 80 or so pages. Knowing that there was no 3rd act break-up, I even had a comment that said, "There's 80 pages left. What still happens?" Well, the answer, dear reader, is A LOT. BUT, it all happens SO simply. Like, it really is MC gets a phone call and the person they have conflict with magically realizes they were in the wrong after all this time and apologizes and we all sail off into the sunset. Like, don't get me wrong, it didn't make me dislike this book. It just was a lot of build up and plot points all wrapped up super perfectly in a little bow. I think I would have found it more realistic if one hadn't ended up resolving happily or even if one of the conflicts had been cut out all together. -I missed crazy Blomdahl. Not that he was entirely crazy in the prior two books but we don't get some of the banter and crazy dialogue we got from him in the first two books with his teammates. I'm guessing it's a side-effect of the mental state he started the book off in but I missed him. I also would have loved more talk of his...enhancement.
Overall, I think this is worth a read. Don't expect something that's going to get you into your moody feels. If you like a good sports romance and just want to have a good, low-angst time, give this, and the rest of the Basher's world, a shot.
Dakota and Sam are coming up next in book four and your girl is hoping beyond hope that our fearless leader, Coach Porter, is up after that. I adore him and I want to know all the delightfully naughty things he gets up to behind closed door.
“But I’m more than just a goalie. I’m more than just hockey. I’m a person worthy of love and respect, no matter how well I play, no matter what I do for a living. Bella showed me that.”
✔️hockey romance ✔️dislike to friends to lovers ✔️friends with benefits/casual situationship ✔️neighbors ✔️forced proximity ✔️no 3rd act breakup
When Braden (MMC) and Bella (FMC) meet for the first time, it is pretty disastrous, but watching them figure out that they both want to be together is fun. I love the banter and that they aren’t afraid to speak their minds with each other. Braden is an NHL goalie, and Bella is determined to never date a hockey player, watch a game, or talk about hockey ever again after her ex (also a pro hockey player, he is on a different team) cheated on her and essentially stole her life savings from her. What starts as a casual hookup situationship quickly turns into more, and I love that they actually communicate and trust each other.
The events of the third act actually made me emotional, but don’t worry there isn’t a breakup (the part that made me emotional had nothing to do with the MCs relationship at all). I love the found family in these books and how they step up with someone needs them. I’m pretty sure that this is the spiciest book in the series so far (as far as number of scenes go), which is to be expected when the relationship starts as one that is supposed to be purely physical, but it did get to be a little bit too much (which is something I rarely say). There was plenty of plot if you take out the spice, so the story doesn’t suffer because of it, but the book could have been edited down just a little bit.
I love that Bella gets her dream, and Braden is so supportive of her. I mean, that is to be expected from a partner, but it doesn’t always happen. The family drama (on both sides) added just the right amount of tension, and I love the scene where they are in Canada and Bella gets a chance to confront someone who has been a bully throughout the story. I am excited for the next book in the series because it has been teased for so long and I have been throughly enjoying these books so far!
Looking for a romance that’s fun, flirty, and packed with feels? Suck My Puck delivers everything you could want—and then some.
Bella and Braden’s chemistry? Absolutely red hot. The tension between them is electric, with sparks flying in every scene they share.
You’ll find yourself grinning through their playful banter one minute and fanning yourself the next because, wow, the heat is off the charts.
But what makes their connection even more addictive is how it’s not just about the physical pull—there’s real depth, tenderness, and unwavering support between them. Braden is especially swoon-worthy—always tuned into Bella’s needs, showing up for her in the sweetest ways, and backing her dreams like her biggest cheerleader.
And Bella is no less supportive, challenging Braden and standing by him through every high and low.
The dynamic goes beyond just the two of them. Braden’s teammates are the kind of found family you can’t help but love—always there to pick him up when he’s down and just as quick to rally around Bella, making her feel like part of the team. Their loyalty and easy camaraderie add warmth and heart to the story.
And then there’s Maizie, the scene-stealing dog whose antics provide the perfect comic relief and extra dose of charm.
Sarah Smith nails that magical combo of heat, heart, and humor. Suck My Puck isn’t just about a fiery romance—it’s about friendship, support, and finding someone who just gets you. If you’re looking for a story that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even tear up a little, Bella and Braden’s journey is one you won’t want to miss.
Trust me—you’ll finish this book wishing you could hang out with the whole crew (and maybe steal Braden for yourself).
Sarah Smith does it again with Suck My Puck, the third book in her Denver Bashers series! This was such a fun and engaging read that I couldn’t put it down. If you love hockey romance, or just want a feel-good, swoon-worthy story, this book is definitely worth picking up.
The chemistry between Braden and Bella is off the charts from the start. They go from initial tension to undeniable attraction in a way that feels natural and exciting. Braden is the perfect hero—sweet, supportive, and determined to show Bella how much she deserves to be loved. His devotion to her and her dreams made him such a lovable character. Bella, on the other hand, is strong and independent, with a refreshing depth that made me root for her from the very first page.
One of the things I absolutely loved about this book was how Braden supports Bella in every way, especially when it comes to her dreams of opening a coffee shop. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, admiration, and a healthy dose of passion, making their connection feel so real. Plus, Braden’s relationship with Bella’s son, Lucas, was so sweet—he really is a softie at heart.
The writing is fantastic, with a perfect mix of humor, emotion, and steamy moments that will keep you hooked. There are so many touching moments throughout the story, and the bond between Braden and Bella feels genuine and earned. I also have to mention that their shared dog? Absolutely adorable!
Overall, Suck My Puck is a wonderful addition to the Denver Bashers series. Whether you’re a hockey fan or just a fan of romance, this book will give you all the feels. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, steamy, and heartfelt moments, and I can’t wait for the next book, Of Pucking Course. If you’re looking for a new book to read, definitely check this one out!
This is a fast-paced, fun romance with a lot of spice!🥵. It is part of an interconnected series, but can be read as a standalone.
Bella is working hard to put her life back together after her break up with her cheating, hockey player ex boyfriend. She has sworn off hockey players indefinitely, as well as relationships for the time being. Then she meets her hot neighbor, Braden. Their meet-cute is more of a meet-hate. The tension between them is palpable- only made worse when Bella discovers he is a hockey player as well.
As fate would have it, the two can't seem to avoid each other, and her hate for him (along with his flirty nature) makes way for some seriously addictive banter and top notch chemistry. It doesn't take long for them to act on their attraction to one another (I mean....I think the first kiss was on page 50-something). It happens fast! Soon after, they agree to be friends with benefits- and the spice is spicing...let me tell you. Braden has a mouth on him😏 and Bella is quick to match his energy🥵🥵.
I'd say this story has quite a bit of spice, but I still feel it had a good, believable plot with a nice amount of character growth. Bella is resilient, hardworking, and empathetic. Braden is thoughtful and respectful of physical and emotional boundaries. He has a filthy mouth on him, but can also be incredibly sweet. I loved his nickname for Bella! However, it did start to become overused towards the end of the book.
I did feel the second half was a bit rushed. Several plot lines wrapped up rather quickly, and it would've been nice to have it stretched out a bit.
Sarah strongly hinted who the next book would be about, and I seriously cannot wait. I just know it is going to be so cute!!🥰
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book ever since the sneak peek in the last one book, and it delivered! This was a fantastic enemies-to-lovers story, with both characters trying (and failing) to convince themselves their connection was just a one-time thing. I mean who doesn't love enemies to lovers?
After a rough relationship with a hockey player, Bella is completely done with anything related to hockey. So when her first encounter with Braden goes south, she doubles down on her no-hockey-players rule. But despite her best efforts, she can’t ignore the undeniable attraction between them. Very similar to Dirty Pucker (the previous book in the series).
I was always intrigued by Braden in the previous books, so I was thrilled to see him get his own story. He was an absolute sweetheart—not your typical grumpy goalie- which was a unique perspective. From the moment he met Bella, he felt a deep connection and fought hard to break through her walls. Their relationship was so heartwarming. Both of them had complicated relationships with their parents—a very real and complex hurdle people face in real life they truly showed each other what it meant to be loved and prioritized. Bella was fiery and always stood up for Braden. This was authentic and nice to see.
This was such a swoon-worthy, fluffy hockey romance with no frustrating third-act breakup, which I really appreciated. And, of course, the spice was *chef’s kiss*—Sarah never disappoints when it comes to spice!
Next up is Sam & Dakota, and I am highly anticipating that book release!
This is the cutest story I have read and it's spicy too....like hot damn 🥵🥵
Bella is a hard working young woman trying to get her life back after losing her savings and has to move back to Denver. She has sworn off all things hockey, her ex was an asshole and that's all I'll say about that.
She is living in her aunt's apartment and her neighbor is a hockey player....enter Braden.
Braden is a goalie for the Denver Bashers. One morning while leaving in a rush, he accidently leaves his music on and it's way too loud. When he returns home from practice, he meets Bella and she is less than happy with him.
Braden eventually does apologize for the music when he sees Bella at a bar that him and the team frequent. The two start talking and getting to know each other better despite Bella's feelings toward hockey players.
I'm seriously jealous of the way Braden is in the bedroom. I wish I had someone like that in my life. Don't get me started on his piercing or his filthy mouth, also the things he does with that mouth 🥵🥵
I loved every minute of this story and watching their relationship grow. Braden is so supportive of Bella and her dreams, he also loves to take care of her (in multiple ways). Bella becomes the person to comfort Braden when he needs it, she also tells his dad off (that is pretty epic).
Also the whole thing with Braden and Lucas, so fucking cute and I was crying.
If you like hockey romance, I can't suggest this one enough. It comes out on February 24th.
Tropes include: ✨️hand necklaces ✨️enemies to fwb to lovers ✨️STFUATTDLAGG ✨️forced proximity ✨️NO 3RD ACT BREAKUP 😱😱 ✨️dirty talk ✨️he falls first and harder ✨️just once to get it out of our systems
🔥🏒 Suck My Puck (Denver Bashers Series Book 3) – A Red-Hot Enemies to Lovers Hockey Romance! 🔥🏒
Holy puck, this book is EVERYTHING! 😱 From the very first page, Sarah Smith brings the heat with Suck My Puck, and I couldn’t put it down! 🥵
We meet Blomdahl, a goalie who's in the middle of the worst slump of his career 😔, facing the pressure of being cut from the team. Then enters Bella, his gorgeous and fiery neighbor with one rule: no hockey players. 😏 But, oh, the chemistry between them is off the charts. One kiss 💋, and things go from 0 to 🔥 real quick!
Their steamy FWB relationship is electric ⚡, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any hotter, Blomdahl’s game turns around. His performance on the ice goes from "meh" to MVP 🔥, and it’s all thanks to his lucky charm—Bella. 🏒✨
What makes this even better? The no third-act breakup! 😍 They work through their issues with sizzling chemistry, humor, and a boatload of heart 💖. Blomdahl falls hard for Bella (and I mean HARD 😏), and the chemistry between them makes every chapter impossible to put down.
🔥 Enemies to FWB to lovers? YES, PLEASE. 🏒 Forced proximity? Hell yeah! 💍 *Hand necklaces? * 🥰
This book has everything: passion, humor, and the heartwarming realization that sometimes the person who’s there for you when you need it most is the one who shifts your whole world. 🌎
Get ready to swoon, laugh, and have your heart race with Suck My Puck! It's a total knockout! 🏒🔥
💥 5 stars, would recommend to anyone who loves a steamy, feel-good romance with a side of hockey 🏒🥰!
I've been wanting to read this book since the sneak peek from the last book, and it didn't disappoint. This was a great enemies to lovers story where they just couldn't help their feelings for each other and said it would only be a one-time thing, but of course it didn't work out that way.
After a bad relationship with a hockey player, Bella swears off hockey players and anything hockey really. After a bad first meeting with Braden, she doubles down on no hockey players but soon starts to feel a strong attraction to him.
I really loved Braden in the past books and was super excited he got his own book. He really was a sweetheart, not your typical grumpy goalie. He immediately felt a connection with Bellas and fought so hard to get her to break her no hockey player rule.
I really loved this couple together. They both had kinda crappy relationships with their parents, Braden with his Dad and they both showed each other they deserved to be loved and put first. Bella was feisty and stood up for Braden and he loved to spoil her. It was such a fluffy hockey romance that had me swooning and there was no third act break up. Of course, the spice was hot, Sarah never disappoints there.
I loved the close-knit girl group that has been in all the past books, and they welcomed Bella with open arms.
Sam & Dakota are next, and I can not wait. I have been wanting them ever since Dels book and the tropes are fantastic.
Thank you, Sarah Smith and Love Notes PR for the ARC. All opinions are my own!
This was a cute story, and I adored Braden and Bella. They were both lovable characters, but the pacing of the story felt a bit rushed, which made it challenging for me to connect with the story and characters the way I’d hoped. While I can appreciate an instalove romance, their jump from hating each other to being all over each other felt a little too sudden. I think it would’ve been nice to explore Bella’s initial dislike of hockey players a bit more and give her some time to gradually warm up to Braden. I mean, she swore off hockey players for a reason. Slowing that down could’ve added more depth to the plot and made the progression feel more natural.
Also, as much as I enjoy spice in a romance, I felt like this book leaned too heavily into those scenes, and it came at the expense of developing the plot. I found myself wanting more substance and character development, which made it difficult to fully get invested.
The book had its charming moments, and if you're a fan of fast-paced romances with lots of heat, you’ll likely enjoy it! I would’ve loved to see more time spent on building their emotional connection. For me, a bit more balance between the spice and the emotional development would’ve made it stronger.
I absolutely adored this story. It's a forced proximity, enemies to lovers, hockey romance between two puppy co-parenting neighbors who don't have time for relationships. Braden is a pro hockey goalie who's been dealing with a terrible slump. Bella is new in town, living in her aunt's apartment while she works several jobs and tries to build back the savings she lost after buying a home with her ex-boyfriend. Turns out that they live next door to each other and there's a clear attraction between them. Unfortunately, Bella has sworn off hockey players, and Braden isn't looking for a relationship. It's only a matter of time, though, before the attraction becomes too much and they fool around, after which Braden's slump disappears. Convinced that it's due to Bella, they enter into a situationship - no relationship, just fooling around.
It was so fun to see Braden and Bella fall in love and then realize that's what happened! I always enjoy when love sneaks up on a couple. Found family is another thing that always gets me in my feels, and it was definitely the case here, too. I loved the dynamics between teammates and their significant others, as well as the chance to see and keep up with characters from previous stories. There is no chance that I will miss Of Pucking Course - I'm definitely looking forward to it!
Thanks so much to the author and to Love Notes PR for my gifted ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.