SlapShot Sweetheart

Pucks & Promises

by Ginny Sterling

He’s willing to risk it all—but can she take the leap of faith?

After a disastrous first date, quiet and cautious Aimee Sanders swore off love. But when fate intervenes, she finds herself repeatedly crossing paths with Theo Batiste, the town’s charming hockey star and notorious flirt. Theo sees something in Aimee that no one else does—a hidden spark beneath her shy exterior—and he's determined to win her heart.

Aimee’s always lived by the rules, but when Theo begins leaving her love letters, whispering poems beneath her window, and confessing his feelings in the most unexpected ways, her world begins to spin.

Is this flirtatious player truly falling for her?

And when she uncovers the surprising truth behind his grand gestures, will she take a leap into the wild, unpredictable fairytale love she never thought she’d find?


***

Pucks and Promises is a heartwarming hockey romance series, brimming with swoon-worthy kisses, emotional highs, and delightful laughs. Slapshot Sweetheart, is a whirlwind romance where a lonely man enlists help to win a woman's heart - 'Cyrano de' Bergerac' Style!

Genres: Hockey, Sports, Enemies To Lovers

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2024

About the author

Ginny Sterling is an avid romance writer. She lives to tell sweet, inspirational, tender tales that tug at the heart, leaving the reader smiling, laughing, or crying. Her book series include many titles such as FLYBOYS, Healing Hearts, Flirt’s Battalion, Reserve Ranch, Hotshots, and more.

Each book written is sure to be an adventure, bringing laughter and love to your heart!

https://linktr.ee/ginny_sterling

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww...these two! They had one of the worst "meet cutes" I've ever read about. Aimee was completely unimpressed and very upset with Theo when he showed up late and all beat up for their blind date. Everything went so wrong that Aimee ended up leaving the date early and deciding that maybe she wasn't meant to find love.

Poor Theo! This rough brawler on the ice fell hard for Aimee but couldn't seem to break through to her in order to get her to take another chance on him. Yet, he was persistent and I especially loved when the two of them watched hockey together at Aimee's house. Aimee's reaction to the on ice hockey fights really surprised me...in a good way...showing that she just might be Theo's perfect match.

There were many shenanigans and laugh out loud moments in this story. I loved getting to see Theo's teammates support his efforts. This was such a fun story!

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Patricia Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo and Aimee sweet caring romantic story. From page one it gotcha ya attention. So much fun to read. Lots of fun moments and happy ever after. Highly recommended

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

’Ella siempre había deseado algo especial, algo increíble para sí misma, pero nunca imaginó que sería un jugador de hockey impetuoso y temperamental que parecía hacer todo al extremo. Theo jugaba con fervor, luchaba en el hielo con desenfreno y en ese momento supo que él la amaría de la misma manera cuando le entregara su corazón.’



•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.



SlapShot Sweetheart de Ginny Sterling Serie Pucks and Promises Libro 2

Argumento:

Él está dispuesto a arriesgarlo todo, pero ¿podrá ella dar el salto de fe?

Después de una desastrosa primera cita, la tranquila y cautelosa Aimee Sanders juró no volver al amor. Pero cuando el destino interviene, se encuentra repetidamente cruzando caminos con Theo Batiste, la encantadora estrella de hockey de la ciudad y conocido coqueteador. Theo ve algo en Aimee que nadie más ve, una chispa oculta debajo de su tímido exterior, y está decidido a ganar su corazón.

Aimee siempre ha vivido según las reglas, pero cuando Theo comienza a dejarle cartas de amor, susurrar poemas bajo su ventana y confesar sus sentimientos de las formas más inesperadas, su mundo comienza a dar vueltas.

¿Este jugador coqueto realmente se está enamorando de ella?

Y cuando descubra la sorprendente verdad detrás de sus grandes gestos, ¿dará un salto hacia el amor salvaje e impredecible de cuento de hadas que nunca pensó que encontraría?



Mi humilde opinión:

Romance deportivo, hockey, cita a ciegas, enamorado secreto, odio-amor.

Pobre Aimee! Su cita a ciegas con Theo fue terrible, ese diente cayendo en la sopa no era para nada romántico! Me reí mucho con su cita a ciegas. Qué quería que haga la pobre mujer si se presentaba con la cara toda golpeada y él no era para nada agradable? Yo también pediría la cuenta y me iría, ella termino siendo bastante amable para una cita destroza.

Desde entonces Aimee tiene un concepto equivocado de Theo y no le da la oportunidad para conocerlo mejor. Sin embargo él quedó impresionado con ella y no se da por vencido, así que se convierte en su admirador secreto y comienza a enviarle poemas y gestos románticos para enamorarla.

Adore a Theo, es agresivo y temperamental en la pista pero fuera es un total rollo de canela, divertido, encantador, con un sexy acento francés y sugiere a Aimee que adopte no un gatito bebe sino dos, él es justo lo que necesitaba en su vida tan estructurada. Me gustaba que Aimee igualara su actitud y lo confrontara, eran muy graciosos cuando discutían.

Theo debió confesar que era su admirador cuando hablaron de los sueños y Aimee le pidió honestidad, era su oportunidad y no le dijo, así que entendí que ella se molestara porque toda la situación la tenia confundida. Pero el enojo no duro mucho porque se dio cuenta de que él no retrocedió y no se dio por vencido con ella a pesar de que lo desalentaba, no dejo de demostrarle que en verdad le importaba. Lo que hizo él cuando lo sacaron del juego? El beso a través del vidrio? Mori de amor y cuando cuenta la verdadera razón de porque llego tarde a la cita a ciegas con Aimee, morí de nuevo. Este hombre era adorable con todo lo que hacia por ella y se termino ganando su corazón.
El romance es nivel PG 13, con una tonelada de dulzura y no me refiero a las deliciosas donas mencionadas en el libros. Theo y Aimee son sin dudas mi pareja favorita hasta ahora.

Me gusta la familia que forman los North Texas Coyotes, son unidos y siempre están para ayudar al otro, me divertí mucho con sus bromas y ocurrencias. A ver que sucede con Gerry en el próximo libro!

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

This girl is still in her Hockey Romance Era and this story was a fabulous addition to add to my bookshelf.

This story has definite grumpy-sunshine vibes, but the grump isn't really who you expect based on the previous story and hockey player reputations. But after a terrible first (blind) date, the grumpiness feels completely justified. It's a bad date, but I was laughing out loud at the surprise in the soup!

But it turns out our French-Canadian defenseman, Theo, has some suave moves (especially involving kittens and poetry) that might just get skeptical Aimee to change her mind. I love the guys on the Coyotes team pulling together to help Theo get his gal! Slow and steady wins the race, but one wrong move could blow it up in Theo's face!

The story moves from friends to more, and Theo's sweet French words are enough to make anyone swoon! The hockey game scenes are my FAVE, especially when Theo lands in the penalty box. Did I reread this scene twice? Oh, yeah.

This second story in the Pucks and Promises series was even better than the first, but the world building carried over so well, including Travis and Becca from "Ice, Ice...Maybe?"! Go enjoy this fun read!

I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginny Sterling did it again!!!! This book was absolutely amazing! I will say it again Ginny can do NO wrong! Theo is the kind of hockey player that likes to start things on the ice but let me tell you off the ice there is a different side to him! Aimee is just an absolute sweetheart and I just loved everything about her character. When Aimee and Theo go on their blind date lets just say things don't go as planned. But things will definitely change. I think these two are one of my favorite couples. I had so many swoony and laugh out moments in this book. The hockey guys are so much fun. They all come off as these tough guys but you know they are all going to be softies at some point. LOL.. I just adore all these characters. I love the bond these guys have with each other as well. I can't wait to see where this series goes! This book was so much fun and you will be hooked from the first page and you won't want to put it down. You will definitely be left with a big smile on your face! I would HIGHLY recommend this book. I would also recommend this series and anything Ginny Sterling writes.

Thank you Ginny Sterling for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blind dates usually do not go the way they are planned, but the blind date in this book was a disaster of epic proportions. I laughed so hard when Theo lost something in his soup and picked it out. You will have to read the book to find out what he lost. Aimee almost had a heart attack and could not get away from the table first. This was an epic fail of what was a first date and will be the last date as far as Aimee is concerned, but she did not count on Theo's tenaciousness.

The path to woo Aimee was a team effort, quite literally, as you will learn. Theo was absolutely adorable in every sense of the word. The brute on the ice turned into a cuddly little teddy bear off of the ice. The Frenchman will steal your heart as you read his story. Aimee was a sweetheart as well. She just needed to see the bigger picture.

From cute kitties named Eclair and Donut to poems and flowers, this swoony romance will sweep you off your feet.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kimberly Prytherch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I have a book hangover in the best possible way. I just devoured this book in one sitting, I could not put it down! From the very first moment that you meet Theo and Aimee, the sparks are flying and the banter is intense! Too bad their first date was such a disaster! Aimee hates Theo, so many miscommunications, and poor Theo just wants her to see him for who he is. I love how Theo is such a hothead on the ice and so sweet in life. Watching their friendship grow against Aimee’s wishes is so beautiful, and I adore Aimee’s reaction to her first hockey game. Of course, we also get to enjoy the hijinks of the hockey team, I love how they love each other like brothers! Glimpses of Becca and Travis are so much fun, but if you didn’t read the first book in the series, you’ll be able to follow along. What a beautiful story and a sweet HEA.

[Kathy Gilbride · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book about the power of friendships. There are teammates who become friends and then such good friends they become a chosen family. There are people who start out as friends before becoming so much more.

I love the camaraderie amongst all the hockey teammates. Each player brings something special to the team. It’s fun watching them all interacting together. I also love the back and forth between Theo and Aimee. They have a unique but fun dynamic and watching them get together is a fun ride.

This book is the second in this series and I can’t wait to read the next book and find out which teammate will get his happily ever after.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun story in the Pucks and Promises series by Ginny Sterling.

Aimee works from home doing computer websites and has NO interest in hockey.

She goes on a blind date with Theo. He is over a half hour lates and comes in with a black eye and split lip. When his tooth falls into his soup, he fishes it out with his fingers and she’s out!

For some unexplained reason Theo can’t get her out of his mind so pursues her in very fun and unusual ways.

Can broken trust be rebuilt?
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Kayla H | Mom Devours Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a disastrous blind date, can Theo and Aimee make it work? While Theo didn't make the best first impression, he was not afraid to do everything he could to win Aimee's heart. There are lots of funny and swoony moments in this book. It's fun getting to meet another member of the team, and I can't wait for the next one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you come back from the worst first impression of a blind date? He's got a weakness for sassy red heads. She doesn't waste her time or pull any punches on anyone or thing that fails to meet her expectations. Desperate for a second chance he gets his teammates to help him convince her that he's more than what she experienced. Is he successful? What all does he do to win her over? Can they find a HEA together?

I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.

[MacKenzie Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two have such a fun dynamic! Their back and forth is hilarious but it is honestly just their love language with each other. Aimee is truly the type of personality it takes to whip someone as bold as Theo into shape. Theo is truly a sweetheart when it comes to Aimee but he is bold and holds his ground and loves to get the other team riled up.

This is a dual pov, closed door romance. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone novel.

[Debbie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Pucks and Promises hockey series and I loved it!! I couldn’t get enough of Theo’s accent or his romantic gestures and the banter between Theo and Aimee was on fire! I’m really loving the camaraderie between all the teammates - they really are always there for each other and are a true family. I’m so glad Aimee ended up giving Theo a chance after their disastrous first date! He definitely more than made it up to her and they are so good together!

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

underdeveloped

It was cute, but there was very little character or romance development. They have a blind date and she leaves early because she dislikes him so much. She doesn’t really change that stance, but suddenly Theo is head over heels in love with her and willing to do anything to win her. It was weak. The proposal felt very premature. They’ve been friends about two weeks and are re-doing their first date when he brings out a ring… not her best effort in my opinion.

[Denice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo and Amiee meet on a blind date, and it was not a fun meet-cute. She wanted nothing to do with him and he was instantly attracted to her. I liked the fun crazy banter between them, the chemistry which she tried to deny. Theo is so swoony and sweet. The hockey friends are so crazy but supportive. Fun story, quick read that I enjoyed.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slapshot Sweetheart is a captivating, witty, fun, romantic comedy. Aimee was so cuastic and Theo wooed her in such a swoony fashion. I was team Theo all the way! Their banter was exceptional and this well plotted book is a joy to read. I loved catching up with Travis and Becca and how Theo’s team mates helped him leave surprises for Aimee. I really did not want this book to end.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun, sweet, hockey romance

Romance, sweet, contemporary hockey
Aimee’s story was so sweetly told. Theo was the perfect mix of spice and humility along with caring and charming.
Sweet fall after an initial fail at first meet, but Theo is nothing if not determined, and he doggedly works to win Aimee over both heart and soul.
Lovely fall and fun sports backdrop.

[Bonnie O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love This Couple!

Well at first Aimee is a real tough cookie, but she becomes pretty amazing as you see her through Theo’s eyes. I love Theo! He is a big lug of a sweetheart. The guys are absolutely hilarious! I loved this book and look forward to the next one in the series.

Great read! Enjoy 😉

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read this one before starting the newest Puck and Promises book. SlapShot Sweetheart is about Aimee and Theo and how they went from a disastrous first date to becoming friends. Theo has a lot of patience dealing with Aimee who has walls up that Theo was able to get through. Watching Aimee fight her feelings for Theo and him showing her the real guy was great!

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one so much! Theo & Aimee have such a fiery, fun & hilarious route to love. I absolutely loved how Theo just adored her fiery personality and wasn’t intimidated at the least, in fact-he thrived off of it🫠

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wouldn't love a guy that comes to a blind date looking like he was mugged? This story starts out mixed up and gets more mixed up as you read. But you fall in love with the couple and keep hoping for the right ending.

[Pat Comer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful.

Thanks Ginny Sterling, I loved Theo and Aimee's story also, all the fun with the French and the Guys, confused for sure, Poor Aimee. But she finally figured it out. Amazing Book

[Andrea Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

SlapShot Sweetheart just warmed my heart and made me feel all gooey inside. Theo and Aimee's first encounter was not so great but Theo knew he wanted to be in her life. The way he romances her is exhilarating and refreshing. I sincerely loved and adored everything about their cute journey.

[Nancy Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great 2nd book in this magnificent series.

Ginny, you just created an increditable read of Theo's and Aimee's journey to their ever after. The storyline is fascinating and heartfelt with a little laughter along with amazing characters. It is also a page turner read.

[Renee Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Ginny Sterling. Theo and Aimee have their story told this time. It is not an easy road to their relationship.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

The middle wasn't my favorite, as miscommunication is a pet peeve, but I loved how they came around and the intertwine between Theo and his teammates. It's making me more interested in the rest of the series.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunky Hockey Players

Aimee and Theo's blind date did not go over wee and was full of misconceptions on her part. I'm not sure which was funnier - Aimee and Theo's bantering or that of his team. It's just a cute book all the way around. The French dialog just adds to its romance.

[Lee Dykstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable

How can you not love Theo?! These hockey boys are what dreams are made of!! Sweet and swoony story. So much fun to read. Thank you Ms Sterling for all your wonderful books. I have several and have enjoyed them all immensely. C'est vrai !!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo and Aimee

This is a fun, funny, and delightful story. Theo is so passionate with his moodiness and caring, also surprising. His character is well written and I enjoyed getting to know him. Aimee is also well done. It was fun getting to know the members of the hockey team.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

This is my favorite start to a series yet. Filled with interesting people and circumstances. Best read in a long time.
Reminds me of a group of Colorado hockey players. Great memory of some special people.