Pucks and Pranks: A Clean Enemies to Lovers Hockey RomCom

Sports in the Sunshine State RomComs #1

by Tiffany Noelle Chacon

A prankster, a planner, and the second chance they never saw coming.

Isabella Castillo follows the rules. Elliot Adler breaks them. She’s an up-and-coming sports journalist; he’s the Lightning’s star center with a reputation for pranks and charm. They haven’t spoken since a prom-night disaster—until she’s assigned to write his profile.

Digging into his story uncovers more than highlight reels and playful banter. Old wounds resurface. Sparks reignite. And suddenly the girl who plans everything is falling for the guy who lives like nothing can hurt him.

Now they’ll have to keep playing it safe… or take a shot at their second chance?

Pucks & Pranks is the prequel novella to the Sports in the Sunshine State RomCom series—clean, heart-pounding sports romances with big feelings, high-action moments, and zero cursing or smut. Each book stands alone—but they’re all connected by best friends and Florida sports.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Hockey, Novella

135 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Tiffany was riding horses before she could walk. She's a five-time IAHA national champion and competed regularly at the Winter Equestrian Festival with her gentle giant, Obi-Wan. She received her Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Tampa. This is her debut novel - an outpouring of her love for horses, and her love for love. She lives in Tampa with her middle-school sweetheart and her two wild and crazy sons.

Reviews

[Brittney (booksta.britt) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliot + Isabella

This is a quick read but it was super cute! Elliot & Isabella have known each other since high school. He definitely falls first! He is a prankster and she is not a fan.
Years later they cross paths again and this time it is different. She gets to see a whole different side of Elliot that she didn’t even know existed. This one was full of sweet moments, flirting, hockey action, and of course some funny pranks.

Quotes -

I may not have remembered to bring a change of clothes for after hockey practice today, but you better believe I remember everything about Isabella.

There’s something about the way she carries herself—confident, poised, yet with a touch of vulnerability that makes me want to peel back the layers and see what lies beneath. I just hope she’ll let me.

Content -
No foul language
Kissing
Death of parent (off page)

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a lot of friends who read my reviews for book recommendations. I will tell you that this is a very quick read. I read it in less than three hours. I’m trying to meet my Reading goal. It was not a quality book, but it was a book and it was cute. It was a fun little story.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing the Long Game -
Isabella wasn’t thrilled when her boss tasked her to write a profile piece on her high school nemesis, but she agreed to do it for the benefit of her career. Even though Isabella expected Elliot to be a cocky jerk, she was pleasantly surprised with their interactions and even started enjoying the time they spent together getting to know each other. Elliot and Isabella found themselves growing closer, as they opened up to each other about their lives, which led to their attraction for each other.

However, just before Isabella could make a decision about he4 feelings for Elliot, she discovered a few secrets he had kept from her, that not only shook her to the core, but confirmed her feelings for him. Unfortunately, Isabella and Elliot couldn’t do anything about their feelings for each other until she completed her work, but once she was clear, the relationship blossomed into something neither one of them could have fathomed.

I really enjoyed reading this sweet second chance romance story set in both the past and present of the characters lives, which was filled with misunderstandings, fun-filled encounters, camaraderie and heartwarming actions. If you are looking for your next feel-good romance story to read, then grab a copy of this book and you won’t regret it.

I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kiana Roylance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: a few kisses

Language: none

This was a sweet novella between a hockey player with a heart of gold and a journalist with a dream and a grudge.

The MCs knew each other in high school but they both had very different views on what occurred between them.

The MMC (Elliot) has been pining after the MFC (Isabella) since 11th grade but his pranks and some misunderstandings got in the way. Now, years later they reconnect and the MFC can’t help but wonder if she got everything wrong.

The story is short but it works with the history between the MCs.

I loved watching Isabella uncover just how long Elliot has been in love with her. And he really went above and beyond, back in the day and currently, to show his love and devotion to her.

“I find time for the things that are important to me”.

Umm, can every guy take notes cause I feel like a man that puts in that much effort doesn’t exist in the real world.

I wish we could have more of their story but I loved every minute we got

[Sara Arnaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This novella was a pleasant, heart-pounding surprise. Sooooo much more than meets the eye. (The romance, the action, the pranks. Oh yes, the pranks. They were hilarious!) If THIS installment sets the tone for the entire series, I am all in!!!!

Bottom line: Tiffany is a clever writer, using every opportunity to build layers, foreshadow, set the stage. End result: a prosaic roller coaster ride - I laughed, I cried, I wanted to slap somebody. I also spent a considerable amount of this book on the edge of my seat. How on earth did she pack so much punch into a 130-page novella?

Warning: This ride is over way too soon. But the good news: we don’t have to wait very long before the first full-length novel of this series comes out. And, I can’t wait! Plus, in the meantime, if you feel the need to whet your whistle with a little more TNC, the Jump-Fall-Soar Equestrian Dreams series is way over-the-oxers! I highly recommend it!

[Lori Wilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second book by this author and another crazy good read. I love the author's writing style and how she hooked me in from the first word until the very last. Her books are comfortable to read. I loved the characters and the story. The conversations were beautifully written and I really felt like I was listening in on something private. I love that it was a hockey book but it was set in Florida and not one of the typically very cold hockey cities. That was a big plus for me somehow. Not sure that I found anything that I didn't like about this book. This is the first of a series and I am hooked and am waiting eagerly for the next book. I recommend you read this book and then be ready for book 2. I am certain that will be another awesome read. I should like to thank the Author and Publisher for my ARC copy of this book.

[Kendal Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun short read. I loved the flashbacks to high school that made the characters have more depth to their history together even in a short book. Isabella has to interview everyone to write a piece about Elliot and in the process she gets to see and learn about the true Elliot. She even learns a few secrets he’s been keeping from her and they are super sweet. He has definitely been playing the long game with her. I loved how everything pieced together and got to be introduced to Dani, who is the FMC in “Off the Bench” the next book in the series (Which I also highly recommend! 😉) I can’t wait for more in this clean feel good sports romcom series!

*You can grab this book for free by subscribing to Tiffany’s newsletter!!

FMC: Isabella - journalist
MMC: Elliot - pro hockey player

What you’ll find:
🏒 Dual POV
🏒 Frienemies to lovers
🏒 He pursues her
🏒 High School crush
🏒 Pranks
🏒 Flashbacks
🏒 She wears his jersey
🏒 Hockey romance
🏒 Curvy FMC
🏒 Florida location
🏒 Wheelchair rep (side character)

INFO:
📚: Book 1 of 2 - “Sports in the Sunshine State”
🔹: interconnected standalone
📖: 136 pages

CONTENT:
🌶️: kissing only
🤬: None

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, unexpected hockey romantic comedy, the first in a series and no cliffhanger. The two main characters are Isabella and Elliot who met in high school. Elliot likes Isabella right from the start. He has a hard time talking to her, so resorts to pranks and teasing. Which is exactly the wrong approach as it doesn't endear him to her and sometimes the pranks make her angry. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other better and how they both change. Funny scene with a big prank played on Elliot by those who have been subjected to his pranks. Sweet ending and a surprise for Isabella. A great, well-written story with interesting characters and humor at times. I received a copy of the book and this is my honest review.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given the chance to do an in-depth article about a hot hockey player provided both thrill and trepidation for Isabella. Why? Because the article is about Elliot Adler who just happens to be the man who broke her heart at her senior prom. Talk about tension and making the reader wanting to devour the book!
The story has so much to offer readers. Who doesn't like a second chances story? The characters were real and easy to understand their opinions about Elliot. Truth is, Elliot is a thoughtful, kind, and generous person who obviously is well liked. Isabella unsuccessfully tried to hang on to high school resentment and negative feelings. However by the end of this story it was obvious that although the pranks would continue, Elliot and Isa are together for the long haul! Sweet love story.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet second chance, unexpected romance, Hockey rom-com with no cliffhanger.
Some of my favorite lines ---- pencil skirts are a trick from the devil and should go in the trash immediately. ---- “Leadership is about setting an example, both on and off the ice,” ---- “it’s all about focus. Keeping your head in the game and remembering why you’re here.” ----
Why does Elliot play pranks? Who does Elliott prank the most? Who's the huge anonymous donor to Champions For CP? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Isabella and Elliot's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[Armanda Spitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, clean romance that is a quick read. I enjoyed getting to know the FMC and the MMC through the past. This book had both past and present chapters with each of their point of views. I felt like I got a lot of information in such a short book (125 pages).

I have read all of Tiffany’s books and I felt like the writing was the best in this novella! So far this novella is my favorite works of hers and I can’t wait to read rest of the series!

[Rosalyn Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much! The attraction between them was undeniable and I love how supportive Elliot is of Isabella and how he is always looking out for her and making sure she gets the opportunities that she needs. And then, of course, there are his pranks. I just love pranks (don't do them myself but I love watching - or reading about - other people doing them). Overall, this was a great book and highly enjoyable.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is sassy from start to finish! I loved all the pranks but more so the reasons behind them! And the big one at the end in the locker room - an epic comeback!

While obviously playful and whimsical, this book also has the right emotional displays that help push the two characters together.

The only thing I wish were different - the ending. Felt like there could have been a little more that would have ended the whole thing with a bang.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

High school was memorable. A dual POV tale that rotates between the last two years of high school and present day. The characters are richly described. An assignment that throws this pair together has old memories resurfacing. Time has passed but some memories still seem fresh. Some questions still unanswered. Some hurts still raw. Can the insights gained change to long term outcome? A wonderful story that is quick to read and leaves a smile on your face!

[Elise Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after coming off some other hockey romances by other authors that were all just missing the mark for me.

This novella hits ALL the marks! The pacing was great and the author skillfully moved between high school flashbacks and present day. The book itself had a great balance of hockey content-drills, workouts, and game sequences-as well as romantic tension and emotional connection.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an adorable romcom. We get a hockey player who has a penchant for pranking and the girl he has always loved with the dream of being a sports reporter. She is given the task of doing a feature peace on him in hopes of bringing promoted.
They had a miscommunication back in high school that led to them going their separate ways after school but now with her assignment they are once again in close proximity.

[Rosalynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute second chance story. I literally read it in a day. Elliot and Isabella went to high school together but something happened at prom that drove them apart. They are reunited when Isabella a sports writer is asked to write a piece about Elliot. As they spend more time together, Isabella learns more about the pranks he always pulling and what really happened at prom.
Thank you Tiffany for my review copy. These words are my own.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Where to begin?….This sweet & clean sports romcom had me hooked. Isabella & Elliott reconnect after high school when she has to do a story about Elliott, a professional hockey player. But as Isabella interviews those closest to Elliott, the more she finds out about the prankster from high school.

[Myndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cute rom com sucked me in from page one and I didn't put it down until I had read the last page. I am a sucker for a second chance romance, and this was like a romance that didn't even get the first chance. I also enjoyed the hockey player/reporter dynamic. Any reader of clean hockey romance is sure to love this one.

[Alyssa Skaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute second chance clean sweet romance hockey book. I loved how it did flashbacks and then came to present day so we seen a mix of their history and then where they currently were in present time. This author writes great clean sweet romance books.

[Jocelyn Masson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bestill, my heart. This short prequel is so cute and romantic. I enjoyed seeing loose ends tied up and seeing how one small misunderstanding and lack of communication can change the game. I can't wait to start the main event in the next book, Off The Bench.

[Teddy G · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Just like cotton candy…fun, sweet and easy to devour!
Sometimes books like this are great because they’re easy. There’s not much depth, very few characters or intricate plot lines you just enjoy the story!
If you’re looking for a quick, predictable summer read this is a good one!

[Karen Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, funny, clean, entertaining. I thought the description of Isabella could have been a little clearer. I'm not sure exactly what she looked like, but Eliot was a hunk! Some of the pranks were hilarious; others not so much. But his intentions were good.

[Ariana Feldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this sweet romance read. I was immediately pulled into the characters and read it WAY too fast finding myself at the last page wanting more. Can’t wait for the next one!!!

[Author Terra Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable book❤️ I loved every page of this sweet rom com!!!

[Sarah Hickner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an adorable clean hockey novella.
I loved how the pranks came full circle and a little bit of family was brought into it.

[Megan Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun writing and dynamic! I really liked this story. “You only prank the ones you love…”

[Rose Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novella's are often underappreciated, but this story deserves ALL the praise! It is so sweet and so fun!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute & fun

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Tiffany crafted a great story with real-life characters and an interesting plot.
This is a clean romance with kisses only.