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Chicago Blades
Secret Pucking Play
Mistake #1: One scorching night with Jacob Walker, Chicago Blade's notorious playboy and my brother's best friend.
Mistake #2: Agreeing to be his fake fiancé to save his career.
Mistake #3: Falling for the man who doesn't know he's about to become our baby's daddy.
Jacob has a body forged in steel and a smile that can melt the ice…he’s every woman’s fantasy.
I’m the team’s new strait-laced PR executive tasked with cleaning up his image...while hiding my growing secret.
Every time he holds me close for the cameras, it feels less like pretend
And when we kiss, it makes me want to play house for real.
But Mr. Always-In-Demand is allergic to commitment.
If the truth about my secret is revealed, everything could fall apart.
Will he step up or skate away when he finds out?
Mistake #2: Agreeing to be his fake fiancé to save his career.
Mistake #3: Falling for the man who doesn't know he's about to become our baby's daddy.
Jacob has a body forged in steel and a smile that can melt the ice…he’s every woman’s fantasy.
I’m the team’s new strait-laced PR executive tasked with cleaning up his image...while hiding my growing secret.
Every time he holds me close for the cameras, it feels less like pretend
And when we kiss, it makes me want to play house for real.
But Mr. Always-In-Demand is allergic to commitment.
If the truth about my secret is revealed, everything could fall apart.
Will he step up or skate away when he finds out?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2024
328 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 4, 2024
This was such a good book
September 17, 2024
DNF
So many missed opportunities to make this an actual story and not a.. unrealistic bundle of statements. Do not recommend.
So many missed opportunities to make this an actual story and not a.. unrealistic bundle of statements. Do not recommend.
September 26, 2024
Mistake #1: One scorching night with Jacob Walker, Chicago Blade's notorious playboy and my brother's best friend.
Mistake #2: Agreeing to be his fake fiancé to save his career.
Mistake #3: Falling for the man who doesn't know he's about to become a father.
Jacob has a body forged in steel and a smile that can melt the ice … he’s every woman’s fantasy. I’m the team’s new strait-laced PR executive tasked with cleaning up his image … while hiding my growing secret.
Every time he holds me close for the cameras, it feels less like pretend
And when we kiss, it makes me want to play house for real. But Mr. Always-In-Demand is allergic to commitment. If the truth about my secret is revealed, everything could fall apart.
Will he step up or skate away when he finds out?
“Secret Pucking Play” is the first instalment in the “Chicago Blades Series.” Jacob and Gabi grew up together, her brother is Jacob’s best friend and to make everything more complicated, Gabi is five months pregnant and neither of them know that Jacob is the father!
“She looks up from her computer screen and our eyes meet. The same big green eyes that used to make my heart race in high school. But now, instead of the shy girl who always seemed to be hiding in Gio's shadow, I see a confident woman sitting before me. She looks amazing as always, the dark waves of her hair cascading over her shoulders, framing her heart-shaped face.
Gabriella looks breathtaking under the soft lights of the restaurant. Her posture is straight and confident. Her wavy hair cascades down her back, and her outfit - a stylish green dress that complements her eyes makes her look like she just walked off a magazine cover.”
Jacob 'Jackhammer' Walker is the star player on the ice for Chicago Blades. He is also a major play off the field, but is he happy? His off the ice behavior is starting to get himself in trouble and may affect his career. He decides he needs to talk to the PR department for help and advice. They have just had someone new start, and is quite surprised when he sees who it is. Together they come up with an arrangement, that stays between them, for Gabi to be his pretend fiancée. What could possibly go wrong? Both of them already have strong feelings towards each but will not admit it. Gabi is finding it hard to trust him and to believe what he is saying to her. How will he react when he finds out that the baby he is carrying, is his? So many questions ….
I absolutely loved this story - I was hooked by the first chapter. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story ♥️ From page to page, chapter to chapter, you will enjoy this beautiful story - from cover to cover! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
Mistake #2: Agreeing to be his fake fiancé to save his career.
Mistake #3: Falling for the man who doesn't know he's about to become a father.
Jacob has a body forged in steel and a smile that can melt the ice … he’s every woman’s fantasy. I’m the team’s new strait-laced PR executive tasked with cleaning up his image … while hiding my growing secret.
Every time he holds me close for the cameras, it feels less like pretend
And when we kiss, it makes me want to play house for real. But Mr. Always-In-Demand is allergic to commitment. If the truth about my secret is revealed, everything could fall apart.
Will he step up or skate away when he finds out?
“Secret Pucking Play” is the first instalment in the “Chicago Blades Series.” Jacob and Gabi grew up together, her brother is Jacob’s best friend and to make everything more complicated, Gabi is five months pregnant and neither of them know that Jacob is the father!
“She looks up from her computer screen and our eyes meet. The same big green eyes that used to make my heart race in high school. But now, instead of the shy girl who always seemed to be hiding in Gio's shadow, I see a confident woman sitting before me. She looks amazing as always, the dark waves of her hair cascading over her shoulders, framing her heart-shaped face.
Gabriella looks breathtaking under the soft lights of the restaurant. Her posture is straight and confident. Her wavy hair cascades down her back, and her outfit - a stylish green dress that complements her eyes makes her look like she just walked off a magazine cover.”
Jacob 'Jackhammer' Walker is the star player on the ice for Chicago Blades. He is also a major play off the field, but is he happy? His off the ice behavior is starting to get himself in trouble and may affect his career. He decides he needs to talk to the PR department for help and advice. They have just had someone new start, and is quite surprised when he sees who it is. Together they come up with an arrangement, that stays between them, for Gabi to be his pretend fiancée. What could possibly go wrong? Both of them already have strong feelings towards each but will not admit it. Gabi is finding it hard to trust him and to believe what he is saying to her. How will he react when he finds out that the baby he is carrying, is his? So many questions ….
I absolutely loved this story - I was hooked by the first chapter. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story ♥️ From page to page, chapter to chapter, you will enjoy this beautiful story - from cover to cover! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
September 3, 2024
"I've let Jacob Walker back into my heart and mind. There'll be no getting him out now."~Gabi
This was a fast read for me. It doesn't waste any time but begins straight away with a pregnant Gabi living her single life as the new PR person for the Chicago Blades, a hockey team that is currently dealing with the not so secret liaisons of it's well known star player, Jacob 'Jackhammer' Walker. The guy is friendly. Sure, he flirts. Women flirt right back. One of them happens to be the wife of the owner of the team.🙊 Yeah, Jacob is that guy. It's getting messy. Social media is having a ball, or should I type, puck, with this dude's life off the ice.🤣🤣 He needs help. Who better than his best friend's sister, Gabi De Luca.
Granted, Gabi is dealing with a secret one night stand she had with Jacob. Sadly, Jacob, who was drinking heavily that night, he has past hurts, has no memory of spending the night with her. Ouch!! That's off putting.😔 Gabi is hurt by him, she too has past hurts, but she pushes it away, working at her new job, and talking to her BFF Lexi about all things Jacob. I like Lexi. She was a hoot. She brought the comedy relief. I'm thinking she might get her own story told? It would be funny if it was Gio. Gabi's big brother.😝 Plot twist. Jacob is trying to clean up his image. He wants to be seen as a guy who is mature and responsible, a man in a committed relationship. A plan forms. Fake relationship. Fake girlfriend. Fake everything. That should help him, right?! Shut down those rumors. Will his childhood friend, Gabi, see it that way too?
I like the story. It reads smoothly. But Gabi would push then pull with Jacob. Mixed signals. Are we doing this? Yes. Then... maybe not. I get why, considering the circumstances. However, when the guy starts admitting he has feelings, always did, she still plays that game. Don't do that. You have those exact same feelings too. Drama, right.😄😄 Yeah Jacob was a bit immature, he had to grow up, but Gabi and their baby was the catalyst for it to happen. Why couldn't she see that?🤦🏻♀️ I also like Gabi and Gio's grandmother. Their Nonna Chiara was hilarious. Vodka and prune juice. Italian cooking.🍝🍷 God bless her!! What's going to happen? Is forever in the cards? Will she tell Jacob that he's the father? How will he react? Let the healing begin. I recommend that you read this and find out. It's a sweet first chance at love story. Remember the color pink. A fun scene(s).🤭 Happy reading.💞💞💞💞
👶🏻🏒Thank you to Ms Vaughn and Bookfunnel for an early book. This is my honest opinion on the story.🏒👶🏻
This was a fast read for me. It doesn't waste any time but begins straight away with a pregnant Gabi living her single life as the new PR person for the Chicago Blades, a hockey team that is currently dealing with the not so secret liaisons of it's well known star player, Jacob 'Jackhammer' Walker. The guy is friendly. Sure, he flirts. Women flirt right back. One of them happens to be the wife of the owner of the team.🙊 Yeah, Jacob is that guy. It's getting messy. Social media is having a ball, or should I type, puck, with this dude's life off the ice.🤣🤣 He needs help. Who better than his best friend's sister, Gabi De Luca.
Granted, Gabi is dealing with a secret one night stand she had with Jacob. Sadly, Jacob, who was drinking heavily that night, he has past hurts, has no memory of spending the night with her. Ouch!! That's off putting.😔 Gabi is hurt by him, she too has past hurts, but she pushes it away, working at her new job, and talking to her BFF Lexi about all things Jacob. I like Lexi. She was a hoot. She brought the comedy relief. I'm thinking she might get her own story told? It would be funny if it was Gio. Gabi's big brother.😝 Plot twist. Jacob is trying to clean up his image. He wants to be seen as a guy who is mature and responsible, a man in a committed relationship. A plan forms. Fake relationship. Fake girlfriend. Fake everything. That should help him, right?! Shut down those rumors. Will his childhood friend, Gabi, see it that way too?
I like the story. It reads smoothly. But Gabi would push then pull with Jacob. Mixed signals. Are we doing this? Yes. Then... maybe not. I get why, considering the circumstances. However, when the guy starts admitting he has feelings, always did, she still plays that game. Don't do that. You have those exact same feelings too. Drama, right.😄😄 Yeah Jacob was a bit immature, he had to grow up, but Gabi and their baby was the catalyst for it to happen. Why couldn't she see that?🤦🏻♀️ I also like Gabi and Gio's grandmother. Their Nonna Chiara was hilarious. Vodka and prune juice. Italian cooking.🍝🍷 God bless her!! What's going to happen? Is forever in the cards? Will she tell Jacob that he's the father? How will he react? Let the healing begin. I recommend that you read this and find out. It's a sweet first chance at love story. Remember the color pink. A fun scene(s).🤭 Happy reading.💞💞💞💞
👶🏻🏒Thank you to Ms Vaughn and Bookfunnel for an early book. This is my honest opinion on the story.🏒👶🏻
August 11, 2025
2.8✨️
Este libro es el tipo de historia que va a llamar mi atención y me va a hacer querer leerlo. Con este paso exactamente eso, la historia me atrapó desde el principio y se me hizo muy rápido de leer, pero mi mayor problema está en que hay acontecimientos del libro que no tienen mucho sentido, ni para la historia, ni para los personajes, además un gran punto de la misma es que la chica principal está embarazada y el embarazo es secreto, pero las formas en que se toca el tema de mantenerlo secreto, no tiene sentido. También está el hecho de que se llega a sentir como que a la autora se le olvida que su personaje femenino está embarazada y eso pasa varias veces lo que hace que la historia se sienta rara.
Otro asuntillo, es el como ella llego a estar embarazada, me parece que esa historia, en general, es problemática y no funciona bien, definitivamente había mejores formas para hacer funcionar ese acontecimiento en particular.
En general, y dejando de lado todos los problemas en narrativa, eso me recuerda que también hay problemas de gramática, porque llegas a ver palabras mal escritas o que no tienen sentido que vayan ahí. Pero dejando eso de lado, el libro logra entretener de principio a fin, aunque puede volverse algo cansado de leer al final. Así que diría que es un libro rápido de leer, aunque, probablemente, no para todo el mundo.
Este libro es el tipo de historia que va a llamar mi atención y me va a hacer querer leerlo. Con este paso exactamente eso, la historia me atrapó desde el principio y se me hizo muy rápido de leer, pero mi mayor problema está en que hay acontecimientos del libro que no tienen mucho sentido, ni para la historia, ni para los personajes, además un gran punto de la misma es que la chica principal está embarazada y el embarazo es secreto, pero las formas en que se toca el tema de mantenerlo secreto, no tiene sentido. También está el hecho de que se llega a sentir como que a la autora se le olvida que su personaje femenino está embarazada y eso pasa varias veces lo que hace que la historia se sienta rara.
Otro asuntillo, es el como ella llego a estar embarazada, me parece que esa historia, en general, es problemática y no funciona bien, definitivamente había mejores formas para hacer funcionar ese acontecimiento en particular.
En general, y dejando de lado todos los problemas en narrativa, eso me recuerda que también hay problemas de gramática, porque llegas a ver palabras mal escritas o que no tienen sentido que vayan ahí. Pero dejando eso de lado, el libro logra entretener de principio a fin, aunque puede volverse algo cansado de leer al final. Así que diría que es un libro rápido de leer, aunque, probablemente, no para todo el mundo.
February 20, 2025
I wanted to like this book, but it was a DNF for me. I’m not one to normally write reviews, but if someone is as detail oriented as me I’d like them to be aware that a lot of the details in the book don’t line up. In the beginning it talks about her living in an apartment, and about 40+% in it mentions she lives in a home. Chapter 15 into 16 they sleep together, in chapter 19 they sleep together again but he says something along the lines of regretting not remembering their first time because being he’s dreamed of being with her in this way. Also in same chapter he talks about how when she gets out of her vehicle she has her hair pulled into a messy bun, wearing a sweatshirt and leggings, but when they are inside together he talks about her wearing a dress. Anyways if these don’t bother you, it’s a cute story but couldn’t finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2024
Tropes: hockey romance, brother's best friend, surprise pregnancy, fake fiancé, found family, HEA.
Gabi and Jacob, her brother's best friend, has a one-night stand which results in Gabi getting pregnant. However, Jacob was very intoxicated and does not remember that night at all. A few months later, Gabi joins his hockey team as their new PR manager and is tasked with trying to clean up Jacob's playboy image/reputation. His idea is for them to fake an engagement. The lines of the job are soon blurred as real feelings are added to the mix, while Gabi tries to hide her secret.
What happens when Jacob finds out the secret Gabi is hiding? Will he run or will he step up and become the person/image he was trying to be by starting the fake engagement with Gabi in the first place?
Gabi and Jacob, her brother's best friend, has a one-night stand which results in Gabi getting pregnant. However, Jacob was very intoxicated and does not remember that night at all. A few months later, Gabi joins his hockey team as their new PR manager and is tasked with trying to clean up Jacob's playboy image/reputation. His idea is for them to fake an engagement. The lines of the job are soon blurred as real feelings are added to the mix, while Gabi tries to hide her secret.
What happens when Jacob finds out the secret Gabi is hiding? Will he run or will he step up and become the person/image he was trying to be by starting the fake engagement with Gabi in the first place?
September 3, 2024
FMC pregnant from a one night stand with her brother’s best friend but he doesn’t remember anything of that night. So she decides not to tell him. Some chaos happens they decide fake been in engaged. He get hurts and she tell him about being the father of her child. He finally decided to tell her that he had feelings for her but she is undecided that relationship can real and be able to reply on him. FMC and MMC are witty and have great sense of humor. This story has a great epilogue and extended epilogue which great bonus. Recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of the book and I am giving my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2024
I enjoyed Gabi and Jacob’s story. Gabi is pregnant from a one night stand with her brother’s best friend. He doesn’t remember that night or even know that she is pregnant. When she starts to work as the PR manager for his hockey team and has to fix his PR issues Jacob decides to use her as his fake fiancé to get the team’s owner off his back. As these things go, fake feelings become real and when he finds out the baby is his he needs to convince Gabi to take a chance on him. This was a fun light read if somewhat predictable. Still worth the read.
September 3, 2024
I would give this 4.5 stars if it would let me. As well as 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶! Usually the romance books I read end with someone getting pregnant, but I loved that this started out with someone already pregnant. That was a nice twist to see how she can navigate her love life while growing a baby inside her, dealing with all the body changes and emotion overload. I loved the banter throughout, making the characters feel more realistic and not perfect. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good hockey romance with lots of steamy scenes!
September 6, 2024
OMG this was another great book from Alix. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. The passion between Gabi and Jacob was sexual tension as the chemistry was spicy hot. They couldn't fight the temptation any longer as they gave into the passion and lust and that night will change their lives forever.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
September 6, 2024
If you like sports romances you’ll enjoy Gabi and Jacob’s story. He’s her brother’s best friend and a famous playboy hockey star. She’s always had a crush on him and they had a drunken one-night stand he didn’t remember. Things get interesting when she’s hired as the PR manager for the team and they enter into a fake relationship to improve his image. The characters are strong and well-developed, but she tends to play games with expressing her true feelings. The story is entertaining and has a happy HEA. I received a complimentary copy of the book and I voluntarily chose to review it.
January 14, 2025
I really liked this story. It had all the feels. It is spicy but mildly It is a hockey story so if you are a fan you will like it. If not, you can still give it read as there isn't an overwheming amount of it. I was a bit confused about who was emotional about what and why certain characters made an apperance where they had no real reason to at about 75% read. This wasn't a bad thing because it could just have been me. I did read back a bit to get another look at what was going on. All in all, if you want a good heartwarming read, with a lot less hassle in the 3rd act, this fits.
September 6, 2024
Gabi gets her dream job only she has to work with the man who she has know all her life and is the father of her child, but he doesn't remember anything about that night. He is in need of help from her to save face as a player when a rumor goes around about him and the owner's wife.
Love that Nonna has played a large part in all their lives. Love that she knows all and does what she feels is right when it comes to her grandchildren.
Love that Nonna has played a large part in all their lives. Love that she knows all and does what she feels is right when it comes to her grandchildren.
September 12, 2024
Forgotten Night Together
Gabi has a new job as the PR person for the Chicago Blades. On day one she is asked by Jacob to help with his reputation issue. This story was a great read as these two navigate his forgotten memory of their night together months before and the secret she has been keeping. The sexual tension between Gabi and Jacob was intense and full of chemistry. It was entertaining and enjoyable!
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.
Gabi has a new job as the PR person for the Chicago Blades. On day one she is asked by Jacob to help with his reputation issue. This story was a great read as these two navigate his forgotten memory of their night together months before and the secret she has been keeping. The sexual tension between Gabi and Jacob was intense and full of chemistry. It was entertaining and enjoyable!
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.
October 2, 2024
Not Bad but Frustrating
Frustrated... is what I felt for the majority of this book. I'm glad that Gabi decided to tell Jacob about the baby after his hit on the ice. I just didn't expect her to go back to second guessing being with him so many times. If anything, I think it should have been Jacob, who was having second thoughts. I did enjoy reading Jacob and Gabi's story, but I got bored towards the end when Gabi was still questioning things.
Frustrated... is what I felt for the majority of this book. I'm glad that Gabi decided to tell Jacob about the baby after his hit on the ice. I just didn't expect her to go back to second guessing being with him so many times. If anything, I think it should have been Jacob, who was having second thoughts. I did enjoy reading Jacob and Gabi's story, but I got bored towards the end when Gabi was still questioning things.
January 29, 2025
They had a hook up and she got pregnant, she was his best friends sister. She did not tell him that the baby was his and he needed her help to get his image clean. They pretended to be in a relationship to get the club owner of his back, He was in love with her. Her brother found out and he was injured and had to go to hospital and she told him the baby was his. In the end it all worked out and they were happy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It takes them awhile to admit to themselves that they love each other. The last step is Gabi has to admit to herself that she trusts Jacob to be there for her. I liked how Jacob shows her she can trust him to be there for her.
September 9, 2024
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. The chemistry between Jacob and Gabi was spicy hot and the love they felt for each other for so many years only adds to the relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2024
Jacob & Gabi: Book 1 of Chicago Blades Series: Brother’s best friend/ fake fiancée/ workplace: PR exec & playboy hockey player/ spicy hockey romance: Great main and side characters, intriguing and entertaining storyline, and with Alix Vaughn’s writing style this was a great start to a new series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2024
This book was a magnificent, captivating, unputdownable must-read by Alix. You will truly fall in love with these wonderful characters and definitely enjoy their story. Hope you have a fan ready because this book is one HOT ice melting read.
September 7, 2024
Great Chemistry
This is my first book by this author. I loved all the characters including Nona! I was frustrated when things took time to work out but it was well worth the wait.
I highly recommend this book to hockey loving book fans.
This is my first book by this author. I loved all the characters including Nona! I was frustrated when things took time to work out but it was well worth the wait.
I highly recommend this book to hockey loving book fans.
August 19, 2025
I wish I could give more stars as there are some good parts to this book , but there were too many missed opportunities for plot. Add the decision paralysis that MFC …
This book was definitely one that had so much potential, but sadly fell short .
This book was definitely one that had so much potential, but sadly fell short .
September 16, 2024
I enjoyed Jacob and Gabi’s story. I thought it was an easy read and a page turner. Good characters. And voluntarily leaving this review.
September 27, 2024
I wanted tojust give up on this so many times, but I saw all the 4 and 5 star reviews and figured it would get better. It didn't. So many things off with this, I wish I highlighted more of them.
January 4, 2025
Good
I enjoyed this book and the characters in this book and how they had to face their fears to move forward
I enjoyed this book and the characters in this book and how they had to face their fears to move forward
January 14, 2025
Definitely cute
March 3, 2025
Enjoyable but I couldn't get why the FMC was so determined to not have a relationship with the MMC.
July 11, 2025
Recommend
Jacob and Gabis story is really good so go get this book and enjoy reading it just like I did
Jacob and Gabis story is really good so go get this book and enjoy reading it just like I did
August 29, 2025
cute, gabi did my head in though with the whole back and forth🤷🏼♀️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews