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Unintentional Puck Bunny #1
Puck Funny
He’s been off-limits forever… but she might be ready to break the rules.
Kitty Gatto thought she’d left behind any chance of romance with boy-next-door Guy Stelle way back in high school after one disastrous kiss. After all, he’s her brother’s best friend and, therefore, totally off-limits. They’re better off just being friends, right?
But Guy’s all grown up now, a college hockey star and so hot it’s a wonder he doesn’t melt the ice he plays on. And he definitely hasn’t forgotten about that kiss.
After Guy saves her from total humiliation at a wild frat party, Kitty finds herself dangerously tangled up in his charms again. Knowing his reputation as a player on and off the ice, she’s not about to give him her heart and throw away her dream career as a stand-up comedian.
But staying away might just turn out to be easier said than done. Especially when Guy shows her new sides of him she’s never seen before… a sweet, protective side – and a wild, sexy side hungry just for her.
Once Guy is drafted to play for the Seattle Sealpups, Kitty is forced to choose whether to follow her heart or her dreams. But can she trust that Guy is playing for keeps this time?
Puck Funny is a spicy friends-to-lovers, he-falls-first standalone hockey romance with a cinnamon roll MMC and plenty of praise. This is book 1 in the Unintentional Puck Bunny series.
Kitty Gatto thought she’d left behind any chance of romance with boy-next-door Guy Stelle way back in high school after one disastrous kiss. After all, he’s her brother’s best friend and, therefore, totally off-limits. They’re better off just being friends, right?
But Guy’s all grown up now, a college hockey star and so hot it’s a wonder he doesn’t melt the ice he plays on. And he definitely hasn’t forgotten about that kiss.
After Guy saves her from total humiliation at a wild frat party, Kitty finds herself dangerously tangled up in his charms again. Knowing his reputation as a player on and off the ice, she’s not about to give him her heart and throw away her dream career as a stand-up comedian.
But staying away might just turn out to be easier said than done. Especially when Guy shows her new sides of him she’s never seen before… a sweet, protective side – and a wild, sexy side hungry just for her.
Once Guy is drafted to play for the Seattle Sealpups, Kitty is forced to choose whether to follow her heart or her dreams. But can she trust that Guy is playing for keeps this time?
Puck Funny is a spicy friends-to-lovers, he-falls-first standalone hockey romance with a cinnamon roll MMC and plenty of praise. This is book 1 in the Unintentional Puck Bunny series.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2024
235 people are currently reading
946 people want to read
About the author
Dani Galliaro
14 books172 followersDani is a proud West Virginia native who gravitates toward nice little stories about people falling in love. She hopes to shift the narrative about Appalachia by telling stories of powerful everyday women from the region. She now resides in Southwest Ohio with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
December 26, 2023
writing: very basic | plot: incredible but execution needs work | ending: yay! | spice: too much lol
my opinion
Ight everyone buckle in because I'm about to be INSUFFERABLE. Yes, more than usual.
Respectfully, with some major rewrites, this could be a fucking BANGER. This love, yes, LOVE, story has a fantastic foundation but then it's like the rest of the proverbial house was built with a mixture of cardboard and paper mache. This book reminded me of my favourite movie Like Crazy. Ugh, me heart.
The good: I am feral for a love story told across several years (like Holiday Romance or the flashbacks in Happy Place). The more history between the characters, the more I can buy into the intensity of their feelings, and therefore, the more I feel. In Puck Funny (don't get me started on the title lol), Guy and Kitty's story unfolds from grade 7-ish into their 20s. In theory, you see their love blossom from a silly schoolyard crush to the big L as successful adults. In theory?? Yes... see below.
Guy is an endearing MMC. He's also French-Canadian and if you follow me, you know Frenchies are my kryptonite. Give me a low-key corny athletic French guy any day of the week. Kitty is a bit harder to read... I didn't find her funny enough to be a successful comedian but I liked them together.
Lastly, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but the break-up MADE SENSE. No spoilers but it's completely understandable. In fact, it's the right thing to do and I was glad it happened. For once, I was actually rooting for the characters to get back together.
The bad: I'm no longer afraid of spice—once you get past the internal screaming, it's actually kinda funny. However, for what this story COULD be, there was way too much spice. I get that they're in college so they're perma-horny, but this was prime time to deepen their bond mentally and emotionally instead of a 10 page fuckfest. Less back-shots, more banter please.
Next, the writing wasn't evocative enough. It was fine for the earlier years because it has a childlike quality, but as their relationship became more complicated, the prose needed to be elevated. Stronger prose would really milk this plot for what its worth, but in its current state it waters down a lot of the emotionally-charged scenes.
Dani if you ever rework this book or it gets picked up for TV/film, please email me at girlwiththepinkskimask@gmail.com because I will be first in line to read/watch. This book has hella potential.
pros and cons
pros: when you strip back everything this story has great bones, love that it takes place over approx. a decade, Guy is a solid MMC, finally a breakup that makes sense and had me rooting for them to reconcile when the time was right, the few 'flirty' banter-y scenes were great... needed more
cons: writing watered down the story, too much spice—should've been a more emotionally-driven book, Kitty's characterization was weak... ain't no way she was getting paid to make hoes laugh
___
Check out my YouTube and my TikTok
my opinion
Ight everyone buckle in because I'm about to be INSUFFERABLE. Yes, more than usual.
Respectfully, with some major rewrites, this could be a fucking BANGER. This love, yes, LOVE, story has a fantastic foundation but then it's like the rest of the proverbial house was built with a mixture of cardboard and paper mache. This book reminded me of my favourite movie Like Crazy. Ugh, me heart.
The good: I am feral for a love story told across several years (like Holiday Romance or the flashbacks in Happy Place). The more history between the characters, the more I can buy into the intensity of their feelings, and therefore, the more I feel. In Puck Funny (don't get me started on the title lol), Guy and Kitty's story unfolds from grade 7-ish into their 20s. In theory, you see their love blossom from a silly schoolyard crush to the big L as successful adults. In theory?? Yes... see below.
Guy is an endearing MMC. He's also French-Canadian and if you follow me, you know Frenchies are my kryptonite. Give me a low-key corny athletic French guy any day of the week. Kitty is a bit harder to read... I didn't find her funny enough to be a successful comedian but I liked them together.
Lastly, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but the break-up MADE SENSE. No spoilers but it's completely understandable. In fact, it's the right thing to do and I was glad it happened. For once, I was actually rooting for the characters to get back together.
The bad: I'm no longer afraid of spice—once you get past the internal screaming, it's actually kinda funny. However, for what this story COULD be, there was way too much spice. I get that they're in college so they're perma-horny, but this was prime time to deepen their bond mentally and emotionally instead of a 10 page fuckfest. Less back-shots, more banter please.
Next, the writing wasn't evocative enough. It was fine for the earlier years because it has a childlike quality, but as their relationship became more complicated, the prose needed to be elevated. Stronger prose would really milk this plot for what its worth, but in its current state it waters down a lot of the emotionally-charged scenes.
Dani if you ever rework this book or it gets picked up for TV/film, please email me at girlwiththepinkskimask@gmail.com because I will be first in line to read/watch. This book has hella potential.
pros and cons
pros: when you strip back everything this story has great bones, love that it takes place over approx. a decade, Guy is a solid MMC, finally a breakup that makes sense and had me rooting for them to reconcile when the time was right, the few 'flirty' banter-y scenes were great... needed more
cons: writing watered down the story, too much spice—should've been a more emotionally-driven book, Kitty's characterization was weak... ain't no way she was getting paid to make hoes laugh
___
Check out my YouTube and my TikTok
August 7, 2023
This was so freaking cute! I love how it spanned over time and we got to see both povs! Guy was super sweet and charming, while Kitty was adorable! The relationship had so many ups and downs. It was an emotional roller coaster but it was well worth it! So happy I read this!
I can't wait to see what we get next from Dani Galliaro!
I can't wait to see what we get next from Dani Galliaro!
May 22, 2024
Cute and fun story but the execution lets it down.
June 8, 2024
This is the best friends to lovers second chance romance. Hockey Romance is icing to a beautiful story.
July 11, 2025
It was a cute hockey romance. The story was touching, and I think pretty well written.
July 25, 2023
Loved this book! Watching Kitty and Guy (pronounced "ghee") grow in the ten-year span that this book covers was wonderful. Their love story was fun to read, and the spicy scenes were quite immersive (wink wink, nudge nudge). Pick this one up if you like a good love story with big hearts and detailed bedroom scenes.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for my honest review.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for my honest review.
Read
January 5, 2024✨ Puck Funny by Dani Galliaro ✨
Memorable Moments/Ideas:
💜 Awkward Teenage Phases
✨ Accent Lovers
💜 Wet T-shirt Contest
✨ Airport Goodbyes
💜 Found Family
Holy spice and everything nice — this book has quite literally it all. From family to found family to love to lust to self discovery to humor to sappy tearful pages (OMG THE EPILOGUE) — this book was a literal roller coaster of emotion.
Oh, and did I mention it’s a hockey romance too?
If that doesn’t literally doesn’t —— WAIT, there’s more! He’s French Canadian and there’s an accent (which I super read with in my head the entire book). Ok, if that doesn’t sell this book, the sweetness, the romance, and the frustration that is right person, wrong time absolutely should.
As a street team member for the second book, it made sense to read and review the first 😂😅
Why I didn’t read it sooner, good question. Mostly because hockey romances are a key part of my heart.
The best thing on this storyline? The idea of not giving up. Persistance and resilience are key for many of the characters in the storyline. It’s not just about the persistance of love, but really, the self drives many of the characters have and the determination to make it happen. It’s admirable and sweet.
Side note — the idea of a partner falling in love with the ridiculous amazingness that is Emily in Paris and being subsequently hooked even thought they swore they wouldn’t want to actually watch but secretly became hooked — too. freaking. true.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Recommend: Yes — but check the TWs first. There’s some intense moments.
Audience: Hockey romance lovers. Spice lovers. (I love that some reviews say it’s *too* spicy haha) Found family lovers. 🥹💕
Memorable Moments/Ideas:
💜 Awkward Teenage Phases
✨ Accent Lovers
💜 Wet T-shirt Contest
✨ Airport Goodbyes
💜 Found Family
Holy spice and everything nice — this book has quite literally it all. From family to found family to love to lust to self discovery to humor to sappy tearful pages (OMG THE EPILOGUE) — this book was a literal roller coaster of emotion.
Oh, and did I mention it’s a hockey romance too?
If that doesn’t literally doesn’t —— WAIT, there’s more! He’s French Canadian and there’s an accent (which I super read with in my head the entire book). Ok, if that doesn’t sell this book, the sweetness, the romance, and the frustration that is right person, wrong time absolutely should.
As a street team member for the second book, it made sense to read and review the first 😂😅
Why I didn’t read it sooner, good question. Mostly because hockey romances are a key part of my heart.
The best thing on this storyline? The idea of not giving up. Persistance and resilience are key for many of the characters in the storyline. It’s not just about the persistance of love, but really, the self drives many of the characters have and the determination to make it happen. It’s admirable and sweet.
Side note — the idea of a partner falling in love with the ridiculous amazingness that is Emily in Paris and being subsequently hooked even thought they swore they wouldn’t want to actually watch but secretly became hooked — too. freaking. true.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Recommend: Yes — but check the TWs first. There’s some intense moments.
Audience: Hockey romance lovers. Spice lovers. (I love that some reviews say it’s *too* spicy haha) Found family lovers. 🥹💕
January 4, 2024
"I loved how she jumped into my arms as soon as I left the locker room, whether we won or lost. How I had someone to whisper things to at parties, and it was the same someone every time. How we had inside jokes and spent our last minutes before falling asleep making each other laugh." — Guy Stelle, Puck Funny by Dani Galliaro
Guy and Kitty have known each other since middle school, when Guy and his mom moved from Canada to across the street from Kitty's family. They were off and on in the way that a teenaged hockey playboy is off and on with his best friend / his best friend's little sister, and then in the way that happens when you're doing long distance because you're pursuing careers on different sides of the country (him with hockey, her with comedy).
The story spans probably about a decade, or even a bit more than that. It was really sweet to see Guy and Kitty grow up together, both literally and in their maturity in their relationship. They were definitely a couple I could root for. Who doesn't love a good long-term friends to lovers, especially when the third-act breakup doesn't feel forced for once in this genre??? That was well-done.
My main issue with the book was the writing style — it was just a little cringy throughout (including in the spicy bits), almost bordering on juvenile for most of it? The last third of the book was definitely better on that front (including with the third-act breakup), but it was something I was thinking about the whole time I was reading.
So TDLR — very cute plot and very cute couple, even if the writing style bordered on cringe.
3.25 ⭐️
Guy and Kitty have known each other since middle school, when Guy and his mom moved from Canada to across the street from Kitty's family. They were off and on in the way that a teenaged hockey playboy is off and on with his best friend / his best friend's little sister, and then in the way that happens when you're doing long distance because you're pursuing careers on different sides of the country (him with hockey, her with comedy).
The story spans probably about a decade, or even a bit more than that. It was really sweet to see Guy and Kitty grow up together, both literally and in their maturity in their relationship. They were definitely a couple I could root for. Who doesn't love a good long-term friends to lovers, especially when the third-act breakup doesn't feel forced for once in this genre??? That was well-done.
My main issue with the book was the writing style — it was just a little cringy throughout (including in the spicy bits), almost bordering on juvenile for most of it? The last third of the book was definitely better on that front (including with the third-act breakup), but it was something I was thinking about the whole time I was reading.
So TDLR — very cute plot and very cute couple, even if the writing style bordered on cringe.
3.25 ⭐️
February 26, 2024
⭐️Overall 5/5
🌶️ Spice 3/5
🖤Dark 0/5
🫑 RomCom 3/5
“I’m living for maybe later”
This was my first hockey romance and this was NOTHING even close to what I was expecting. From the title “Puck Funny” I was thinking this was going to be a light hearted romcom with spice. But this book does not quite fit into that box. You are thrown right into the story and completely immersed back to the 90s with the dialogue and pop culture references when Guy and Kitty meet for the first time. I love that the book feels nostalgic and when the characters do something dumb, it is because they are young and then in college and they are still young. The character growth in the book is appropriate for the age of the characters.
I was surprised on the range of emotions this book pulled from me. I went from laughing, crying, rolling my eyes, snickering, pointing my finger and threatening a few people (that may have happened more than once). Oh and some MASSIVE second hand embarrassment!! (I still feel that one). The story was so good that I forgot it was a “hockey” romance. Kitty is a strong female lead character and I LOVE that even when she is young, she stays strong. The favorite part is something that I feel is a spoiler, but was also the heartbreaking part. Trust me when I say the “dark moment” of the book is written with a story line that is unique, and SO HEARTBREAKING but refreshing. I just need more people to read this!
Stuff Your Kindle Day Book
🌶️ Spice 3/5
🖤Dark 0/5
🫑 RomCom 3/5
“I’m living for maybe later”
This was my first hockey romance and this was NOTHING even close to what I was expecting. From the title “Puck Funny” I was thinking this was going to be a light hearted romcom with spice. But this book does not quite fit into that box. You are thrown right into the story and completely immersed back to the 90s with the dialogue and pop culture references when Guy and Kitty meet for the first time. I love that the book feels nostalgic and when the characters do something dumb, it is because they are young and then in college and they are still young. The character growth in the book is appropriate for the age of the characters.
I was surprised on the range of emotions this book pulled from me. I went from laughing, crying, rolling my eyes, snickering, pointing my finger and threatening a few people (that may have happened more than once). Oh and some MASSIVE second hand embarrassment!! (I still feel that one). The story was so good that I forgot it was a “hockey” romance. Kitty is a strong female lead character and I LOVE that even when she is young, she stays strong. The favorite part is something that I feel is a spoiler, but was also the heartbreaking part. Trust me when I say the “dark moment” of the book is written with a story line that is unique, and SO HEARTBREAKING but refreshing. I just need more people to read this!
Stuff Your Kindle Day Book
December 26, 2023
Very cute, very silly, a little sad and serious. The perfect mix for a fun hockey romance!
January 4, 2024
I wish I stopped reading before mark arrived at the hotel
November 12, 2024
My first hockey romance and it did not disappoint! It was super fun and extra 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️! I fell in love with Guy and Kitty!
January 18, 2024
Right in the pucking feels
This one.
Puck funny.
It made me feel.
The detail of loss. Of grief not only in the sense of loss but for someone you love that is gone. For a relationship. For friendship. Just ooof. DANI did an incredible job with this one. .
The plot was a bit predictable but also still kept my attention and was sweet. 4 🌟
The spice, it is hot af. I wanted more details and a bit more growth as they grow. We get some, but i wanted that level 5. 3.5 🌶
This one.
Puck funny.
It made me feel.
The detail of loss. Of grief not only in the sense of loss but for someone you love that is gone. For a relationship. For friendship. Just ooof. DANI did an incredible job with this one. .
The plot was a bit predictable but also still kept my attention and was sweet. 4 🌟
The spice, it is hot af. I wanted more details and a bit more growth as they grow. We get some, but i wanted that level 5. 3.5 🌶
July 22, 2023
Listen, I’ve read many many many hockey/sports romances and I do believe this is up there with the best of them.
Even though I kind of wanted to strangle the FMC, Kitty, a few times I really enjoyed the story.
The main thing I would like to say is Guy is like the ultimate book boyfriend… truly. Dirty talker, so sweet, never gave up, so attentive. He’s broken into my ranks for fav book boyfriends.
I also enjoyed the maturity of some of the conversations when it comes to their relationship, even if it made me wanna throw my kindle at times 😂 I really feel like this hockey romance gives different vibes than a lot of them because of that! I also loved how Kitty is a comedian, you really don’t see that in books.
Main takeaway: If you love hockey romances, dirty talking, wonderful smut, and friends to lovers? Jump on it!
Even though I kind of wanted to strangle the FMC, Kitty, a few times I really enjoyed the story.
The main thing I would like to say is Guy is like the ultimate book boyfriend… truly. Dirty talker, so sweet, never gave up, so attentive. He’s broken into my ranks for fav book boyfriends.
I also enjoyed the maturity of some of the conversations when it comes to their relationship, even if it made me wanna throw my kindle at times 😂 I really feel like this hockey romance gives different vibes than a lot of them because of that! I also loved how Kitty is a comedian, you really don’t see that in books.
Main takeaway: If you love hockey romances, dirty talking, wonderful smut, and friends to lovers? Jump on it!
September 22, 2023
Enjoyed it
Overall enjoyed it. I appreciate the accent was altered for Kitty's perspective but I found it off-putting. Overall, good read and would recommend.
Overall enjoyed it. I appreciate the accent was altered for Kitty's perspective but I found it off-putting. Overall, good read and would recommend.
December 27, 2023
I think I might be too romantic for this kind of books.
I totally get the separation and it was the right thing to do but him going back to his Playboy style while declaring his undying love to her is something I don't understand.
At least Kitty was not celibate and she even had a boyfriend but Guy resumed sleeping with ow, while thinking of her or watching her Live on TV..
It is something I really don't understand and I don't enjoy reading.
I totally get the separation and it was the right thing to do but him going back to his Playboy style while declaring his undying love to her is something I don't understand.
At least Kitty was not celibate and she even had a boyfriend but Guy resumed sleeping with ow, while thinking of her or watching her Live on TV..
It is something I really don't understand and I don't enjoy reading.
January 7, 2024
This is the second book I've read by Dani Galliaro, and it's my favorite! (So far!) The way Galliaro modernizes the classic first love story, and how love can endure anything is what makes her a brilliant writer. Guy and Kitty are comparable to Cory and Topanga, Zach Morris and Kelly Kapowski, meeting as kids and knowing that no matter what, they should end up together. There are lots of twists and turns along the way, and Galliaro keeps it interesting with her hilarious dialogue, and sweet scenes.
Tropes: Hockey Romance / Found Family / First Love / Spicy / Contemporary Romance / Long Distance / Brother's Best Friend / Golden Retriever
Characters:
Guy Steele: (pronounced Gee, like a proper French Canadian!), Guy is a Golden Retriever Hockey Player, who falls for Kitty as soon as he sees her. Being two years older than Kitty, and BFF's with her brother, nothing happens until one night on the beach, and that was it for him. Kitty will be his endgame, period.
Kitty: She meets Guy at 14, and it was love at first sight. But as a 14 year old, she didn't feel she could act, and her brother complicates things. After the night on the beach, Kitty knows Guy is it for her, but has her doubts, as they drift apart. Kitty has things she wants in her life, and though she loves Guy, she's not willing to give up her goals to be with him.
Some Highlights;
- This book is spicy (3/5 on the spice meter), and there are also sweet moments between Guy and Kitty. Galliaro did a great job balancing the hot moments with the sweet ones.
- I love that Kitty wasn't willing to sacrifice her dreams for Guy. She absolutely could have left college at 19 to marry and be with Guy as a hockey wife, but she knew she wanted to make her own way. It's a modern romance, and this scenario confirms that.
- The only reason this is getting 4/5 stars is that I felt there were one too many interruptions to the love story. I think there were a few things that could have been eliminated. Not the major ones, (Guy's mom, finishing college, etc.), but the smaller ones, miscommunications, small fights, etc.
- The ending was just **chefs kiss** perfection. When he skates over in that jersey, I just MELTED. What a perfect ending!
If you are a fan of Hockey Romance, Spicy books, and golden retrievers, you will LOVE this book!
Tropes: Hockey Romance / Found Family / First Love / Spicy / Contemporary Romance / Long Distance / Brother's Best Friend / Golden Retriever
Characters:
Guy Steele: (pronounced Gee, like a proper French Canadian!), Guy is a Golden Retriever Hockey Player, who falls for Kitty as soon as he sees her. Being two years older than Kitty, and BFF's with her brother, nothing happens until one night on the beach, and that was it for him. Kitty will be his endgame, period.
Kitty: She meets Guy at 14, and it was love at first sight. But as a 14 year old, she didn't feel she could act, and her brother complicates things. After the night on the beach, Kitty knows Guy is it for her, but has her doubts, as they drift apart. Kitty has things she wants in her life, and though she loves Guy, she's not willing to give up her goals to be with him.
Some Highlights;
- This book is spicy (3/5 on the spice meter), and there are also sweet moments between Guy and Kitty. Galliaro did a great job balancing the hot moments with the sweet ones.
- I love that Kitty wasn't willing to sacrifice her dreams for Guy. She absolutely could have left college at 19 to marry and be with Guy as a hockey wife, but she knew she wanted to make her own way. It's a modern romance, and this scenario confirms that.
- The only reason this is getting 4/5 stars is that I felt there were one too many interruptions to the love story. I think there were a few things that could have been eliminated. Not the major ones, (Guy's mom, finishing college, etc.), but the smaller ones, miscommunications, small fights, etc.
- The ending was just **chefs kiss** perfection. When he skates over in that jersey, I just MELTED. What a perfect ending!
If you are a fan of Hockey Romance, Spicy books, and golden retrievers, you will LOVE this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
𝕊𝕪𝕟𝕠𝕡𝕤𝕚𝕤:
Guy Stelle is the boy next door literally. When guy is a kid his mother and him move from Canada to West Virginia to get away from his father and that’s where he meets the Gatto family. Guy and Frank Gatto become instant best friends but Guy also becomes befriends with Kitty Gatto.
Kitty Gatto is Franks little sister and Guy’s female best friend. As time goes on their friendship becomes more and the feels developed between them. That is until Guy’s mom becomes ill and they have to move back to Canada. They think they’ll never see each other again but that all changes when on her death bed Guy’s mom makes both of them promise that when the time is right they’ll get together and give it a try because she knows they are meant for each other.
Years go by with only some texts and snap here and there between them but now they are both attending the same college and those old feels have never gone away but what will happen when Guy goes off to play in the NHL in Seattle leaving Kitty behind at college?
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
I read this series out of order but still enjoyed it! While reading this book I felt like I was reading a mix of Icebreaker and The Summer I Turned Pretty.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride of friends to lovers that has banter, spice, humor, found family, and heart break.
Guy isn’t only perfect but he’s realistic. He has flaws that make him more relatable and likable. He is hardworking, independent, motivated, protective, and has a huge heart. He’s a cinnamon roll that has a spicy side behind closed doors 🥵
Kitty is one of those FMC you can’t help but fall in love with. She’s the kind of female friend we all wish we had. She’s sweet, hardworking, motivated, confident, funny, and doesn’t let anything stop her from completing her goals even if that means leaving the love of her life.
I did like the pace of this book and being able to see them go from childhood crushes with dreams to successful adults that are still madly in love with each other. My only complaint is I would’ve liked a wedding scene but the epilogue was still adorable and made me cry haha
Guy Stelle is the boy next door literally. When guy is a kid his mother and him move from Canada to West Virginia to get away from his father and that’s where he meets the Gatto family. Guy and Frank Gatto become instant best friends but Guy also becomes befriends with Kitty Gatto.
Kitty Gatto is Franks little sister and Guy’s female best friend. As time goes on their friendship becomes more and the feels developed between them. That is until Guy’s mom becomes ill and they have to move back to Canada. They think they’ll never see each other again but that all changes when on her death bed Guy’s mom makes both of them promise that when the time is right they’ll get together and give it a try because she knows they are meant for each other.
Years go by with only some texts and snap here and there between them but now they are both attending the same college and those old feels have never gone away but what will happen when Guy goes off to play in the NHL in Seattle leaving Kitty behind at college?
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
I read this series out of order but still enjoyed it! While reading this book I felt like I was reading a mix of Icebreaker and The Summer I Turned Pretty.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride of friends to lovers that has banter, spice, humor, found family, and heart break.
Guy isn’t only perfect but he’s realistic. He has flaws that make him more relatable and likable. He is hardworking, independent, motivated, protective, and has a huge heart. He’s a cinnamon roll that has a spicy side behind closed doors 🥵
Kitty is one of those FMC you can’t help but fall in love with. She’s the kind of female friend we all wish we had. She’s sweet, hardworking, motivated, confident, funny, and doesn’t let anything stop her from completing her goals even if that means leaving the love of her life.
I did like the pace of this book and being able to see them go from childhood crushes with dreams to successful adults that are still madly in love with each other. My only complaint is I would’ve liked a wedding scene but the epilogue was still adorable and made me cry haha
December 3, 2025
Leave it to me to read the story of how Guy and Kitty came to be after already knowing their ending 🤦🏼♀️ So if you haven't checked out the Unitentional Puck Bunny series, start with this one and not Puck Honey unless you don't mind spoilers for yourself.
Anyways....
Puck Funny is a story focusing on our main characters Kitty and Guy.
Kitty Gatto is from West Virginia and dreams of doing comedy and having a show of her own. When Guy Stelle moves from Canada to West Virginia, he finds himself living next to the Gatto family. He has dreams of being a big hockey star but living in West Virginia makes his dream feel unachievable. Tragedy
strikes and Guy and him mom have to move back to Canada.
During his time in West Virginia though, Guy and Kitty were the best of friends. They met and they just got each other. As time went on, it became clear that they had developed feelings for each other but the timing was never right.
Once in college they were in close proximity again but once again the timing was off. Kitty was going to school and trying to master her craft and Guy was headed to the NHL.
After years of being apart, Guy and Kitty finally managed to reconnect. Could they get past the obstacles that had gotten in their way previously? Was it finally their time to be together?
Guy and Kitty's story is one that while it was a tough one, shows that if you love someone enough that you really can make it through anything. Even with years of being apart.
There are some trigger warning found in the back of the book. While this is by no means a dark romance book, it still deals a great deal with some heavy topics.
Also another slow burn but man, it is worth the wait. Guy Stelle definitely knows what he is doing in the bedroom.
Overall a great read that had me laughing, crying and overly happy.
Anyways....
Puck Funny is a story focusing on our main characters Kitty and Guy.
Kitty Gatto is from West Virginia and dreams of doing comedy and having a show of her own. When Guy Stelle moves from Canada to West Virginia, he finds himself living next to the Gatto family. He has dreams of being a big hockey star but living in West Virginia makes his dream feel unachievable. Tragedy
strikes and Guy and him mom have to move back to Canada.
During his time in West Virginia though, Guy and Kitty were the best of friends. They met and they just got each other. As time went on, it became clear that they had developed feelings for each other but the timing was never right.
Once in college they were in close proximity again but once again the timing was off. Kitty was going to school and trying to master her craft and Guy was headed to the NHL.
After years of being apart, Guy and Kitty finally managed to reconnect. Could they get past the obstacles that had gotten in their way previously? Was it finally their time to be together?
Guy and Kitty's story is one that while it was a tough one, shows that if you love someone enough that you really can make it through anything. Even with years of being apart.
There are some trigger warning found in the back of the book. While this is by no means a dark romance book, it still deals a great deal with some heavy topics.
Also another slow burn but man, it is worth the wait. Guy Stelle definitely knows what he is doing in the bedroom.
Overall a great read that had me laughing, crying and overly happy.
August 2, 2023
Puck Funny by Dani Galliaro is one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride of a friends to lovers romance that still somehow also wonderfully captures humor, banter & spice between a hockey hotshot & his best friend’s little sister.
This is a story that starts as teenage love between neighbors, but then takes the reader on the adventure that is their time in college all the way to later in their adulthood. It showcases the magnetic pull between these two souls as well as how life pushes them in two very different directions & what that means for these two.
The chemistry & bond between this pair was undeniable. Even through the characters’ successes & difficulties, the author did a fantastic job & making it feel authentic & realistic, which I always appreciate. Something else that I thought was super rad was the fact that the heroine was a comedian. That is something I haven’t read before in a romance & I always love seeing something unique & fresh in romance reads.
There was an author curated playlist at the beginning, which is one of my favorite things. It feels like an extra gift to the reader & that is such a neat way to create a soundtrack for your reading experience.
If anyone is looking for an emotional adventure of a friends to lovers with unquestionable chemistry, then Puck Funny is an excellent recommendation for you!
Massive thanks to the author for the gifted arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
This is a story that starts as teenage love between neighbors, but then takes the reader on the adventure that is their time in college all the way to later in their adulthood. It showcases the magnetic pull between these two souls as well as how life pushes them in two very different directions & what that means for these two.
The chemistry & bond between this pair was undeniable. Even through the characters’ successes & difficulties, the author did a fantastic job & making it feel authentic & realistic, which I always appreciate. Something else that I thought was super rad was the fact that the heroine was a comedian. That is something I haven’t read before in a romance & I always love seeing something unique & fresh in romance reads.
There was an author curated playlist at the beginning, which is one of my favorite things. It feels like an extra gift to the reader & that is such a neat way to create a soundtrack for your reading experience.
If anyone is looking for an emotional adventure of a friends to lovers with unquestionable chemistry, then Puck Funny is an excellent recommendation for you!
Massive thanks to the author for the gifted arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
December 1, 2023
I would like to start out by saying that I don't write good reviews. Authors, especially ones in a genre that is almost oversaturated, don't generally need another 5 star review for a mid-level (at best) book. So I do not write this review without some amount of thought.
This is not a hockey romance. This is not a book to bang out in 4 hours (as Kindle assured me I would). This is not a quick or easy read to giggle over drinks with your friends later. This book is about the first boy or girl you looked at and really saw. This book is about the aching heartbreak that comes with braces and bad haircuts and the secret smiles that only we see. This is a book about love in its purest form. This is a book that will have you so happy for them, and in the next paragraph gutted.
I wish I could tell you this is an easy read, but it isn't. You will cry. I am. It's 12:30 AM and I'm crying. It is so tragically beautiful. And so beautifully tragic. It's about growing up and being the person you were meant to be but never forgetting that there will always be someone in your corner. It's about how the people you keep in your heart make a home there.
The last thing I would like to say is that I am from Appalachia. Not West Virginia, but I grew up in the mountains. Thank you for making these characters kind and compassionate without making them a characature.
I know it's burying the lead, but read this book. It is worthy of your time.
This is not a hockey romance. This is not a book to bang out in 4 hours (as Kindle assured me I would). This is not a quick or easy read to giggle over drinks with your friends later. This book is about the first boy or girl you looked at and really saw. This book is about the aching heartbreak that comes with braces and bad haircuts and the secret smiles that only we see. This is a book about love in its purest form. This is a book that will have you so happy for them, and in the next paragraph gutted.
I wish I could tell you this is an easy read, but it isn't. You will cry. I am. It's 12:30 AM and I'm crying. It is so tragically beautiful. And so beautifully tragic. It's about growing up and being the person you were meant to be but never forgetting that there will always be someone in your corner. It's about how the people you keep in your heart make a home there.
The last thing I would like to say is that I am from Appalachia. Not West Virginia, but I grew up in the mountains. Thank you for making these characters kind and compassionate without making them a characature.
I know it's burying the lead, but read this book. It is worthy of your time.
May 31, 2025
I'm embarrassed it took me so long to read this one. I am on Dani's permanent ARC team but I only started reading at her book 'Unbreakable' which is essentially a spin-off series from this series. And while I loved reading them for their own I am so happy to go back and read the 'origins'.
OH MY GOD the emotions of this books. It is an absolute rollercoaster ride. It made me absolutely fall in love with the characters and then crushed me and rebuilt me about 7 times. I cried for chapters... Happy tears.... Sad tears... Frustrated tears... But it was so worth it. It had everything I needed and didn't even know I needed. It's been a while since a book made me feel so much and it's only the first in the series (honestly unbreakable was probably the last one to make me feel that way). Oh and don't get me wrong there's some amazing spicy scenes. He really knows how to treat a lady 🤭 and I love the fact that even though it's about a comedian it wasn't a lot of slapstick stand-up humour. There was some great scenes of her comedy. But one other scene in particular in a hotel room. I was laughing out loud in the middle of the night in my silent house. I may have pee'd a little 🫣
All in all I continue being a fan of Dani's work and I am getting close to having read all of her work! I can't wait to read the next one. A friend of mine is a big fan of the next character so hoping it lives up to the hype 🤞 (of course it will there's no doubt)
OH MY GOD the emotions of this books. It is an absolute rollercoaster ride. It made me absolutely fall in love with the characters and then crushed me and rebuilt me about 7 times. I cried for chapters... Happy tears.... Sad tears... Frustrated tears... But it was so worth it. It had everything I needed and didn't even know I needed. It's been a while since a book made me feel so much and it's only the first in the series (honestly unbreakable was probably the last one to make me feel that way). Oh and don't get me wrong there's some amazing spicy scenes. He really knows how to treat a lady 🤭 and I love the fact that even though it's about a comedian it wasn't a lot of slapstick stand-up humour. There was some great scenes of her comedy. But one other scene in particular in a hotel room. I was laughing out loud in the middle of the night in my silent house. I may have pee'd a little 🫣
All in all I continue being a fan of Dani's work and I am getting close to having read all of her work! I can't wait to read the next one. A friend of mine is a big fan of the next character so hoping it lives up to the hype 🤞 (of course it will there's no doubt)
August 7, 2023
Let me just start off, I only rate a book 5 stars if it is a life changing book. The fact that I am rating this as 4 stars is not to discredit the author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Buckle up and prepare for the long game of a relationship. You get the whole relationship with its ups and downs, ins, and outs. I was satisfied with how this book flowed. The characters were mature and showed that you really couldn't live your dreams and end up with the person you loved, the person you knew was "the one". Honestly, if I could rate this a 4.5, I would. At first, I wasn't into the female main character's name, but it did add value and was relivent to the story. I could see why the author chose that name and how she used it to play with words. The author also chose to write the male main character's dialogue in the way it would sound if he were speaking. That was neither here nor there, but there were times when it really added to the effect of what was happening in the scene. Other times, it reminded you that he was Canadian when it may have escaped your mind. There were times when I was mortified for the main characters. I rooted them on, was frustrated with them. I felt all the emotions going through this. But that epilogue got me.
June 23, 2025
It had a lot of the tropes that I love: friends to lovers, second chance, hockey, strong heroine, accents, banter, caretaking, but the execution fell a little flat. I enjoyed how it spanned their life together and you were able to see the characters grow and change. I can both appreciate and be annoyed at the "You're my one true love, but the timing isn't right for us" idea. People should be allowed to grow into their own person and there is that famous saying of if you love someone let them go and if it's meant to be, they come back... but also, it's so maddening to read because if you TRULY know, what are you doing? I'm of the opinion that you can fall in love with anyone given the right circumstances and you can make a relationship work if you're willing to put in the effort, BUT a love like they described in the book? Well, those kinds of love are rare. Either way, I liked the HEA and I enjoyed the book overall - maybe a 3.5, but didn't hit well enough to be a 4 for me. Oh and yea, the spice... some was great and other parts weren't my cup of tea.
February 26, 2024
DNF at 50%.
I don’t know how I lasted that long, honestly.
First, her name sent me. I thought Kitty was a nickname and once I found out it wasn’t I just…could not even. No wonder she wanted to be a comedienne, she had to develop skin as thick as dragon scales to make it through high school with that name. Not that her show sounded funny, but I love standup and it’s not fair to compare her to my personal favorite comediennes when she’s just starting out. But I digress. I’m not finishing because of that CRINGE scene with her calling him daddy and her actual father comes knocking on the door, followed by the “don’t you hurt her” shtick on the ride home. After being punched by older brother and the whole family finding out they’d always been in love with each other, I was led to believe we were toward the end of the book. So when I saw I was at 50%, I knew a break up was coming.
Yes, at their age breaking up to pursue their careers does make sense, but I was already uncomfortable with how often they’d already sought out and engaged in other people. Months after declaring his love for Kitty, Guy found the time to GET A GIRLFRIEND while his mother was dying of cancer! He’s the one night stand king and she had sex with a random frat bro a week after their hookup. Why? He could never love anyone but her and she perceived she was being friend-zoned so she took a preemptive strike, and then was left hanging anyway. I don’t care if that is realistic and what you could expect from people their age. I’m not reading romance for realistic relationships. I want over the top obsession/no one could ever compare to you and I don’t even want to try type devotion, and I don’t care what that says about me.
Just once, I would like a book where someone was overly honest. Give me someone who overshares, puts all their thoughts and feelings out there without fear of it not being reciprocated, and skip the miscommunication trope. That’s what I want.
I don’t know how I lasted that long, honestly.
First, her name sent me. I thought Kitty was a nickname and once I found out it wasn’t I just…could not even. No wonder she wanted to be a comedienne, she had to develop skin as thick as dragon scales to make it through high school with that name. Not that her show sounded funny, but I love standup and it’s not fair to compare her to my personal favorite comediennes when she’s just starting out. But I digress. I’m not finishing because of that CRINGE scene with her calling him daddy and her actual father comes knocking on the door, followed by the “don’t you hurt her” shtick on the ride home. After being punched by older brother and the whole family finding out they’d always been in love with each other, I was led to believe we were toward the end of the book. So when I saw I was at 50%, I knew a break up was coming.
Yes, at their age breaking up to pursue their careers does make sense, but I was already uncomfortable with how often they’d already sought out and engaged in other people. Months after declaring his love for Kitty, Guy found the time to GET A GIRLFRIEND while his mother was dying of cancer! He’s the one night stand king and she had sex with a random frat bro a week after their hookup. Why? He could never love anyone but her and she perceived she was being friend-zoned so she took a preemptive strike, and then was left hanging anyway. I don’t care if that is realistic and what you could expect from people their age. I’m not reading romance for realistic relationships. I want over the top obsession/no one could ever compare to you and I don’t even want to try type devotion, and I don’t care what that says about me.
Just once, I would like a book where someone was overly honest. Give me someone who overshares, puts all their thoughts and feelings out there without fear of it not being reciprocated, and skip the miscommunication trope. That’s what I want.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
This book was AMAZING. Watching a relationship over ten years was a unique take on the hockey romance and it worked perfectly. The characters meet at teens and develop a strong friendship and crush but never act on it until college years… but then life gets in the way.
This book tells the story of meeting the love of your life as a teen. Meeting them when the time is wrong and finding each other again when the time is right.
I loved the FMC being a comedian because I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance with that as a female profession. I loved how the FMC didn’t put a relationship before her goals and career because it just wouldn’t have made sense for Kitty and her character.
MMC Guy is French Canadian and a beefy hockey player so get ready to swoon. This one has plenty of spice and a little kink thrown in.
This one made me smile, cry and laugh and it was the perfect combo 😍. This one is being added to my all time favorite romance list!
This book tells the story of meeting the love of your life as a teen. Meeting them when the time is wrong and finding each other again when the time is right.
I loved the FMC being a comedian because I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance with that as a female profession. I loved how the FMC didn’t put a relationship before her goals and career because it just wouldn’t have made sense for Kitty and her character.
MMC Guy is French Canadian and a beefy hockey player so get ready to swoon. This one has plenty of spice and a little kink thrown in.
This one made me smile, cry and laugh and it was the perfect combo 😍. This one is being added to my all time favorite romance list!
July 21, 2023
Okay, when a book starts out giving thanks to Marc Andre Fleury, it already automatically makes me like it. Flower for life!
I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this since I don't really like slow burns or books that span over years in their relationship but it worked here. Watching the characters grow and seeing Kitty make tough decisions that Guy supported was really fun. . I'm really looking forward to continuing this series because Mikey stole my heart and I need to see him get his HEA.
Also, this book has no third act break up so we're winning on that front as well!
I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this since I don't really like slow burns or books that span over years in their relationship but it worked here. Watching the characters grow and seeing Kitty make tough decisions that Guy supported was really fun. . I'm really looking forward to continuing this series because Mikey stole my heart and I need to see him get his HEA.
Also, this book has no third act break up so we're winning on that front as well!
August 10, 2023
Absolutely Pucking Hilarious & Heartwarming and so much more!
I always feel like I suck at these book reviews, but I know how important they are to the authors that poured their heart and soul into the words on the page, so I’ll try my best. I honestly didn’t think that I could feel more invested in a couple than I did with Jake and Darcy, but Dani outdid herself with Kitty and Guy. I laughed until my side cramped and cried even more, many tears of joy and hope and some because I felt my heart ripping out of my chest for both of them. I love it when books are so good that they make you feel and this one made me feel like a part of their roller coaster of life journey. This is definitely a life goals kind of love story. Can’t wait for the next one!
I always feel like I suck at these book reviews, but I know how important they are to the authors that poured their heart and soul into the words on the page, so I’ll try my best. I honestly didn’t think that I could feel more invested in a couple than I did with Jake and Darcy, but Dani outdid herself with Kitty and Guy. I laughed until my side cramped and cried even more, many tears of joy and hope and some because I felt my heart ripping out of my chest for both of them. I love it when books are so good that they make you feel and this one made me feel like a part of their roller coaster of life journey. This is definitely a life goals kind of love story. Can’t wait for the next one!
August 16, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
That EPILOGUE 😭😭😭 This was a great read, I loved Guy and Kitty's story. It's a super emotional read, which I must admit, i don't usually enjoy. Based on the title, I didn't think it was going to be as emotional as it was.
My 1 qualm was Guy's accent. I completely understand the intention behind it. I knew about it going into it based on the authors "A note on accents." However, every time i read those lines, it automatically made Guy sound like he was baby talking. Maybe it's a me thing i don't know, but it got super distracting. I ended up having to convert his words in my head to what they would be without the accent. Other than that, the book was awesome, I HOPE Mikey gets a book! I would love to see what happens with him!
🌶🌶🌶
That EPILOGUE 😭😭😭 This was a great read, I loved Guy and Kitty's story. It's a super emotional read, which I must admit, i don't usually enjoy. Based on the title, I didn't think it was going to be as emotional as it was.
My 1 qualm was Guy's accent. I completely understand the intention behind it. I knew about it going into it based on the authors "A note on accents." However, every time i read those lines, it automatically made Guy sound like he was baby talking. Maybe it's a me thing i don't know, but it got super distracting. I ended up having to convert his words in my head to what they would be without the accent. Other than that, the book was awesome, I HOPE Mikey gets a book! I would love to see what happens with him!
February 16, 2025
I love a hockey romance. When I saw this one at an indie author event, I was excited to give it a go.
Kitty Gatto is in love with the boy next door, her brother's best friend, Guy Stelle. Kitty has dreams of making it big as a comedian, even as a teenager. Guy, originally from Canada, has dreams of being in the NHL, even though he and his mom are calling Charleston, West Virginia home now. He and his mom aren't in Charleston very long, but long enough that Guy gets to be super close with Kitty's family and the two fall in love. The next ten years are will they, won't they with these two. Will they ever figure out how to make it work?
Ugh I wanted to like this, but I was bored. It felt so repetitive and I couldn't stay interested.
⭐⭐
Kitty Gatto is in love with the boy next door, her brother's best friend, Guy Stelle. Kitty has dreams of making it big as a comedian, even as a teenager. Guy, originally from Canada, has dreams of being in the NHL, even though he and his mom are calling Charleston, West Virginia home now. He and his mom aren't in Charleston very long, but long enough that Guy gets to be super close with Kitty's family and the two fall in love. The next ten years are will they, won't they with these two. Will they ever figure out how to make it work?
Ugh I wanted to like this, but I was bored. It felt so repetitive and I couldn't stay interested.
⭐⭐
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