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Knoxville Bears #4

Pucks and Pups

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An alternative cover edition can be found here

Riggs McCoy

The last thing a Scottish man like me is accustomed to is perpetual sunshine. But Clara McDavid is a ray of light with a bright personality and an unstoppable smile who threatens to chase away all the clouds and gloom I prefer to surround myself with. And I need her. To watch my dogs, that is. Just that.



I thought I would be okay with her sleeping in my bed while I was out of town coaching my hockey team to a championship. But one look at her on the camera I forgot I set up, and I know immediately that I want to be right beside her. Forever.



Clara McDavid

I’ve always had a thing for older guys. And Riggs McCoy ticks every box on a list I didn’t even realize I’d written. But he only wants me to dog-sit. Not make myself at home in his house.



Even after watching all four of my older sisters rush the ice for their hockey player lovers, I never thought I’d want the boys’ grumpy coach for myself. But being wrong has never felt oh-so right.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

178 people are currently reading
985 people want to read

About the author

Toni Aleo

101 books6,718 followers
WALL STREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BEST SELLING AUTHOR TONI ALEO IS AN AUTHOR YOU CAN'T MISS!

make sure to Join my Mailing List: https://www.subscribepage.com/toniale...

My name is Toni aleo and I'm a #PredHead, #sherrio, #potterhead, and part of the #familybusiness!

I am also a wife to my amazing husband, mother of a wrestler and a gymnast, and also a fur momma to Phoebe, Gaston el Papillon & Winston.

You can usually find me hollering for the whole Nashville Predators since I'll never give my heart to one player again. When I'm not in the gym getting swole, I'm usually writing, trying to make my dreams a reality or being a taxi for my kids. I'm obsessed with Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney and anything that sparkles! I'm pretty sure I was Belle in a past life and if I could be on any show it would be supernatural so I can hunt with Sam and Dean.

Also, could I LOVE hockey anymore?

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,541 reviews35.9k followers
October 21, 2024
4 stars

Pucks and Pups is the book I most looked forward to in this series. The youngest McDavid sister, the team's coach, and lots of pets! How could I not love this one? It was definitely my favorite of the series. I love a good age-gap romance. I had a lot of fun reading it and I'm happy this series ended on a high note for me!
Profile Image for Lynn_G.
1,111 reviews27 followers
October 11, 2024
Successful mobile dog resort owner Clara is saccharine sweet and beyond sunshiny. She has a massive crush on the coach of the local semi pro hockey team who happens to have two wonderfully disciplined pit bulls who require overnight boarding in their home. Of course Clara is a big pushover and her lackadaisical attitude toward firmness and consistency will surely run her afoul of their rigid, commanding, much older owner, likely earning her a reprimand, which is truly the outcome she’d like the most.

Scotsman and natural Dom Riggs is dismayed at the attraction he feels as well as the urge to discipline both the too young Clara and her unruly dog. Each time she pet sits for him, their interactions result in her becoming more flirtatious and suggestive. His resolve to keep her at arm’s length fails utterly, in short order. Having been through a failed marriage due to his work travel schedule, Riggs is certain there’s no future fit them beyond a fling, but Clara and the Universe see it differently.

Their age difference was significant, even a little cringey - I’m a bit squicked out by the whole call him Daddy thing - and Clara’s relentlessly cheerful nature bordering on manic pixie dream girl was a bit hard to take for me personally, but there was steam and some humor along the way.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and BookSirens, and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Emily Utsch.
588 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2024
Hockey coach/doggie daycare owner, youngest sibling, age gap (M35/F21), and hot hot (and not sometimes not so vanilla) spicy times!

I loved this age gap because it is right on the edge of being icky, but it was not at all. Clara has been through so much with her growing up in a cult and escaping and dealing with that. She had to mature faster than she should have. However the age difference also plays into their spicy times a bit as they like him to be a bit more domininate/zaddy and him to take care of her. Even though both of them know that, in reality, she can take care of herself if she has to. She is a strong woman with a strong support system in her sisters.

It was kind of fun to see what happened in this book as it ran along side some of the other books in the timeline. So we got to see a bit deeper into what happened in those books, which makes me want to go back and read those!

This is not the first book in the series (I believe it is the last), but it can be read as a complete standalone. However, this series is about sisters and a hockey team, so you will have met characters before. But everything that you need to know will have been given to you. You will more out of it if you have read the previous books in the series and even the other series by this author. But for sure. If you give this a try, you will want to read all the other books by this author!
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews542 followers
October 2, 2024
This one was fun! Clara was more than a match for Riggs. It was fun to see her tease him incessantly until he broke. From then it was fun sexy times for the duo. You could tell they were having fun and just wanted to be, needed that time before anything was defined and then wanted to share things on their time table. When that didn't happen, things were almost ruined. Riggs managed to redeem himself in a big way that won Clara and everyone else over. The ending was sweet, nice to see how everyone was doing in the future.
1,535 reviews7 followers
October 3, 2024
I so enjoyed this story! I couldn't get enough of sunny Clara breaking through grumpy Riggs' personality. There were so many great scenes with those two but also the sisters together. This one was humorous, sweet, steamy and a perfect way to end the McDavid sisters.
2,812 reviews57 followers
September 24, 2024
Kudos to Toni Aleo for handling an age difference romance with such class. I have been devouring the Knoxville Bears series because of the amazing characters and the pages overflowing with drama. Who doesn't like reading about a small town called Blitz and the AHL team brought to the area? I, for one have loved the stories. The idea of each book dealing with one of the owner's granddaughters and one of his players made it even better. Puck and Pups centers around Clara, the baby of the family and the last sister standing.

Clara knows what she wants. She wants Coach Riggs McCoy. The age difference works for her. She is an old soul at 21 years of age. She has been influenced by the cult she grew up in, watching her sisters be treated in the worst possible ways. She never had a childhood, so why would she want to be involved with a child.

Riggs has been emotionally stunted for years. Used and abused by an ex, he shut himself off. Then he spotted Clara and her navy eyes. It was an eyeopening experience. It was just the beginning. Reading and watching Riggs comeback to life made my day and my night.

Riggs blossoms into such a romantic. I didn't think it possible but the author's words had me swooning and drooling. I loved how Riggs opened up and let Clara in. Clara's strength was inspirational. Her desires had my glasses fogging over.

Oh my word. Pucks and Pups was hot, super steamy hot. Riggs and Clara were made for each other. I can't remember another couple in my recent readings that complemented each other sexually as much as they do. In the bedroom. In the bathroom. In the kitchen. Break out the fan, they are that hot together. I don't know about others but I might have taken some notes.

With every chapter the story got better and better. The author kept out doing herself. There was a lot going on. Clara's sisters were busy. The team was skating for the cup. Riggs and Clara trying to keep their relationship a secret got harder and harder until...


Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,398 reviews30 followers
September 27, 2024
𝐏𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐩𝐬 is the 4th book in the Knoxville Bears series by Toni Aleo, featuring a spicy age, Grumpy/sunshine romance Riggs and Clara! He’s the older, closed-off Scottish coach of the Bears who has a grudge against love, and she’s the youngest McDavid sister with an old soul who yearns for a real connection. She convinces him to let her dog-sit his pit bulls, but seeing her in his bed on the security cameras is more than he can handle. Can the heat between them melt the ice around his heart?

Age gap romances can be tricky to get right, but this one struck the balance perfectly. I think it’s because Clara is wise beyond her years due to the horrific upbringing she and her sisters were subjected to. I loved her sass and confidence, and the way she could pull a smirk from the stoic Scotsman! Don’t get me wrong, the spice was definitely spicing’ as they brought 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵🔥, but I appreciated the softer moments even more, when the feelings came through. Clara and Riggs were exactly what the other needed, and I enjoyed every swoon worthy second! As an avid dog lover myself, the scenes with the 3 dogs melted my heart! The way that Clara’s dog reflected her personality and Riggs’ boys responded to his strict rules made me chuckle, because that is so realistic. My German Sherman definitely feeds off my moods and energy levels. When I have a fibromyalgia flare up, she worries. Dogs are amazing, and I love when they become important characters in books!! Seeing more of that amazing sister bond was fantastic too, even when they add to the stress!😅 I must say, that epilogue was sweet perfection! What a way to wrap up the McDavid sisters!!

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶🌶
 
#PucksandPups #KnoxvilleBears #tonialeo #agegapromance #hockeyromance #GrumpySunshine #possessivealpha #AllTheHeat #DogLovers #spicybooks #steamyreads
Profile Image for Mia Book Addict.
273 reviews25 followers
October 7, 2024
In ‘‘Pucks and Pups’’, Toni Aleo wraps up the Knoxville Bears series with a heartfelt and passionate romance that fans won't soon forget. Set against the backdrop of hockey and the allure of age-gap love, this story centers on Riggs McCoy, a gruff hockey coach with a guarded heart, and Clara McDavid, a spirited young woman who's had to grow up fast.

Clara, the youngest of the McDavid sisters, is instantly drawn to Riggs, despite his initial reservations. Their chemistry is undeniable, sparking a clandestine romance that's as steamy as it is sweet. What begins as a dog-sitting arrangement evolves into a journey of healing and love, beautifully navigating the complexities of age differences and personal histories.

Aleo skillfully intertwines themes of healing and second chances, especially poignant given Clara's past in a cult and Riggs' emotional scars from a past relationship. Their story is not just about passion, but about finding solace and strength in each other's arms.

The novel's charm extends beyond its central romance. Aleo seamlessly integrates beloved characters from previous books, adding layers of nostalgia and closure to the series. The supportive sisterhood among the McDavid sisters adds depth, highlighting Clara's resilience and determination to carve out her own happiness.

‘‘Pucks and Pups’’ is a fitting conclusion to the Knoxville Bears series, delivering a satisfying blend of steamy romance, heartfelt moments, and Aleo's signature storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or discovering it for the first time, this book promises to leave you swooning and satisfied.

Happy reading!

Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Yes
Would I read future books by this author: Yes

e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

The review was originally posted on: https://miabookaddict.com/
Profile Image for Heather.
1,574 reviews26 followers
September 30, 2024
Pucks and Pups is the next book in the Knoxville Bears series by Toni Aleo. This book is about the youngest McDavid sister, Clara and head coach of the Bears, Riggs McCoy.

Clara McDavid may be the youngest of her sisters, but she definitely knows what she likes. She owns her business, Dogs Day Out, which gives her the opportunity to spend time with all sorts of dogs, which she loves. She also has always been attracted to older men and that is definitely what is going on currently. She has always had a thing for head coach of the Knoxville Bears, Riggs McCoy, but she's certain he won't see her in the same light she sees him.

Riggs McCoy is all about coaching hockey and his two pups, Gretzky and Gordie. He went through a divorce over a decade ago and he has avoided all romantic relationships since then. He has earned the description of "grumpy!" Coach needs someone to look after Gretzky and Gordie while he is on roadtrips and Clara comes recommended to him by the owner of the Bears, who also happens to be Clara's grandfather.

Clara starts caring for the pups and it doesn't take long for the sparks to start flying between she and Riggs. Sure, she has been flirting with him, and while he doesn't want to be drawn to her, he is. Will she be able to break down the very sturdy walls Riggs has built around his heart?

Clara was wise beyond her years, which didn't surprise me given what she and her sisters went through earlier in their lives. While she was more shielded, it still made her grow up quickly. She and Riggs fit together so well and it was fun to see how Riggs changed and evolved as the book went on. I really enjoyed this one, as I have the entire series!
Profile Image for Marcie's On The  Books.
248 reviews10 followers
October 15, 2024
"I don't want to be important to you. I want to be everything to you."

Here's a new author you don't want to miss! Toni Aleo's Pucks and Pups is a book worth every second of your time, even if it means taking a day off from work. The story of coach Riggs McCoy and his relationship with Clara McDavid is so mesmerizing that you won't be able to put it down.

Coach McCoy, who coaches the Knoxville Bears hockey team, is a grumpy older man who doesn't say much unless he rips you a good one or makes himself clear. He does not sugarcoat anything. You can't help but fall in love with this big grump and not add some sunshine to his atmosphere.

Clara McDavid is that sunshine! Wherever she goes, she shines bright light a diamond. Clara finds Riggs H.O.T. with his demanding ways, and being older also doesn't hurt. Did I mention this is an age-gap romance? If that is your jam, you are going to love this story!

"I've been in love with you since the moment you smiled at me, and nothing will ever change that."

Clara and Riggs's relationship will burn all pages to a crisp. The tension and spiciness of this book will keep you thirsty all day long. Rigg's filthy mouth will have you swooning, leading you to a heart attack. The book was everything a girl like me loves in a story. It had beautiful quotes' and a relatable storyline. If you are a hockey fan, you must grab this book like yesterday!

Toni Aleo has now become one of my top authors to read, and I can't wait to read more of her stories. This book is worth the five hearts/stars in my eyes! I recommend it to all romantic sports book lovers who need an older man who can puck the ice!
Profile Image for Leigh Sonnekus.
538 reviews
October 1, 2024
🔥🔥Warning: this book will melt your kindle!! 🔥🔥
With a combination of tropes - grumpy/sunshine, age gap, hockey romance - Toni Aleo weaves a beautiful story that draws you in and will have you laughing, crying and, of course, swooning throughout!
Riggs, the Knoxville Bears’ coach, has turned his back on love and is quite happy living on his own, with his 2 dogs, on the outskirts of town. That is until he meets Clara … the granddaughter of his boss and his newest dog sitter for when he travels with the team! Not only is he struggling to ignore his fierce attraction to Clara, but his dogs adore her and the chemistry between them is combustible!
Clara has watched her older sisters fall head over hockey stick in love with their own hockey playing hunks and is looking forward to finding her own HEA. The thing is, she prefers older men … well, one older man in particular and he is strictly off limits, being that he is the coach of the hockey team her grandfather owns! But when her Peepaw introduces Clara to Riggs, praising and recommending her dog sitting business, Clara decides this is her opportunity to get to know Riggs and, hopefully, they can explore the insane passion between them.
Riggs and Clara give in to the heat between them and they both quickly realize that things could quickly escalate into something more … something real … something like love! 💕 They have a few hurdles to overcome but they are so perfect for each other and their HEA is well deserved!!
241 reviews8 followers
October 3, 2024
I have loved every single book in the Pucks and... series, these McDavid women are something else and the men they end up with are surely up to the challenge. I was really looking forward to this age gap romance with Clara and the hunky coach and it did not disappoint.
I must be honest here and say that Riggs McCoy has a FILTHY mouth and Clara is right there keeping pace. So much so that for the first hundred pages of the book I was (almost) a little put off by the relationship. It seemed like dirty talk, dirty thoughts and hot sex and not much connection but I held on knowing that while Toni always brings the heat, she never misses on a good love story either!
Riggs and Clara gave me exactly what I was looking for and while Riggs is somewhat of a loner, Clara has endless support from her sisters and who doesn't love that.
The dogs.....oh my-these three were definitely the "kids" that Riggs and Clara needed and a great way to bring them together. Pure genius with the names Gordie and Gretzky for hockey loving Riggs and it took me a minute but Darcy totally makes sense for the McDavids. Darcy was certainly a goof and I loved the way Riggs came to accept his craziness but still managed to give him a little bit of training.
Oh boy, where to next with the Assassins, Ice Cats, Bullies and Bears? I can't wait to see!!!
Toni, you are the queen of hockey romance-never doubt or question that!
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,483 reviews43 followers
October 26, 2024
What better way to end a series than with an amazing age gap! I mean I always pretend I am the heroin so he isn’t older than me… but yeah I get it. LOL! No this book was so much two people afraid to give into what could possibly be an HEA. Two people with a past that has molded their futures, and both wanting what is to some forbidden. Well, in this case, a certain grandfather is going to be well and truly pissed. But for Riggs and Clara there is only one outcome that will heal their past hurts, being truly together for all to see. A happiness that has to be shared. A peacefulness that exudes when they are together. Oh and the steamy naughtiness that connects them and is exactly what each of them needs to be free of the past. A chance to have something that is just theirs.
As with all the books in this series this book is deeply emotionally and extremely steamy. A book that will have you trapped, glued to the pages until you have to finally read “The End”. All the angst and tears and fear of rejection and emotional turmoil you will go through is worth every turn of the page, as you read Toni Aldo’s imagination pour on to the page. The Knoxville Bears are now a part of my imaginary family that I will be able to visit, time and time again. A perfect world of imperfection and acceptance. Perfection!
Profile Image for Adrianne.
100 reviews
September 30, 2024
Toni Aleo wraps up her Knoxville Bears series with an emotional, heartfelt, and sizzling romance in Pucks and Pups. This age-gap love story between hockey coach Riggs McCoy and the spirited Clara McDavid brings all the drama, passion, and beloved characters fans have come to expect from Aleo’s world.
Riggs McCoy is a man with a closed-off heart after his messy divorce fourteen years ago. At the same time, Clara McDavid is young, independent, and fiercely determined to live her life on her own terms. After escaping a cult with her sisters in her youth, Clara is now thriving as the owner of a dog-sitting resort.
The chemistry between Riggs and Clara sizzles from the start, though they must keep their relationship under wraps—especially since Clara is the last single granddaughter of Riggs' boss, adding another layer of tension. As Riggs juggles the pressures of the hockey playoffs, Clara pushes him to reconsider his stance on love and the walls he’s built around his heart. Their journey is filled with steamy romance, heartwarming moments, and a healthy dose of humor as Aleo deftly explores themes of healing, trust, and second chances.
What makes Pucks and Pups especially compelling is how Toni Aleo seamlessly weaves heavy, relatable topics like personal growth, trauma recovery, and the struggle for self-love into a traditional romance plot. Clara’s backstory of escaping a cult and carving out her own life is both inspiring and empowering. The novel doesn’t shy away from showcasing how difficult the road to a happily-ever-after can be, making the final payoff all the sweeter.
For long-time fans, this book also offers delightful appearances from beloved characters from previous installments, adding a sense of nostalgia and closure to the series. Pucks and Pups stands out as my favorite of the Knoxville Bears series for its emotional depth, realistic portrayal of life’s challenges, and the powerful connection between Riggs and Clara.
Toni Aleo has delivered a fitting, heartfelt conclusion to a beloved series that will leave readers satisfied, yet sad to say goodbye to the Knoxville Bears.
Profile Image for Meredith.
691 reviews15 followers
July 19, 2025
Pucks and Pups
Author- Toni Aleo
Series- Knoxville Bears Book #4 (Standalone)
Rating- 4 Stars out of 5
Genres- Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
Tropes- Hockey, Coach x Boss’ Granddaughter, Age Gap, Grumpy x Sunshine, Calls Him Daddy, Dirty Talk
Main Characters- Clara and Riggs
Spice Level- 4/5
HEA

I've read a lot of Toni Aleo's catalog of books, and surprisingly Pucks and Pups is the first book that I've read in the Knoxville Bears series. Despite me knowing nothing about the previous books I enjoyed reading Pucks and Pups. I won't lie though there were times that I felt this book was focused a little too much on the spicy scenes, which don't get me wrong they were good and spicy, than the rest of the book but the book was enjoyable overall. I liked how sunshiny Clara was to Riggs who seems to be in a perpetual bad mood. Seeing her get Riggs out of his rut really added to the story. 
One thing I thought was funny about this book is for a bit of it they make Riggs seem like he's just so old, he's only 35 lol. I missed it when they said it at the beginning of the books so honestly I was pretty surprised he was only 35. But I guess with Clara being 21 compared to her he must seem ancient. His curmudgeon personality doesn't help with the old vibe he gets.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Clinton.
862 reviews36 followers
September 22, 2024
What an incredible couple to end this series. Clara McDavid may be the youngest of the sisters but she definitely knows how to make a grumpy coach smile and show him that you can have happiness with the right person if your willing to give it a try.
Riggs McCoy is the coach of The Knoxville Bears and he’s all about hockey and his pups but when he meets Clara he knows that he’s not only in trouble when it comes to her sassy mouth but he knows that his heart is in trouble because he realizes that she can be the one to open it again.
Clara McDavid knows that being the youngest of the McDavid girls she’s very protective and loved, she also runs her business Dogs Day Out because of her love for her Darcy but when she meets coach and his love for his pups she knows that the man is going to be a challenge but she know under all the gruffness is a man who is willing to open up his heart.
The chemistry between Riggs & Clara is absolutely off the charts and watching them come together can at times can get steamy but also watching them get to know the other is definitely heartwarming and knowing that there is a HEA in their future is just the cherry on top of the cake.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,495 reviews154 followers
September 27, 2024
The final book in the McDavid Sisters Series and what a perfect story to the series on. This is Clara and Riggs journey and even though I’m not a fan of age gap, Pucks & Pups captivated me from the first line to the last word.
Riggs is the grumpy, dog loving coach who falls for the strong and sassy Clara when he least expected to. He has been burned by love in the past and he is not looking to repeat the pain he went through so even he was surprised for the feelings he felt when Clara came into his life.
Clara was only meant to be the dog sitter but it’s not long before feelings come into play. Watching her sisters all fall for hockey players has left her searching for love but the man who holds her heart is not a player he is the coach……so can she break down his walls. One click to find out.
As much as Riggs tries to stay away he finds himself drawn to the sassy girl who flirts with him and his dogs. I fell hard and fast for the grumpy coach and Clara is the girl I would love as a best friend. I swooned, I smiled as I cheered this couple on but more importantly this is a story I highly recommend to all sports romance lovers.
Profile Image for Jessica White.
67 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2024
Pucks and Pups
This is the final book is the Knoxville Bears series featuring the 5 McDavid sisters who escaped a cult and came to live with their PeePaw who owns the AFL team. This story features Clara the youngest of the sisters who owns a doggy daycare and has a pittie named Darcy. Her grandfather suggests that she meet coach McCoy to help him with his dogs during away games. Riggs McCoy is a Scottish former NHL hockey player who is jaded from a bad marriage 14 years ago. He sees Clara, who he says is much too young for him, but comes alive again for the first time in years. The two have wild chemistry that sparks into flames after an away game and some home cameras. The two fall easily but have a hiccup that nearly tears them in two. Overall it’s a great read, Toni’s books are always a one click for me, she is one of a very few authors whose books keep me involved enough to finish in under a day. I would definitely recommend this book if you have read the others, can be read as a standalone but I think you will get to know the characters a lot more and understand them by reading the whole series first.
97 reviews
October 4, 2024
Pucks and Pups is the final book in the Knoxville Bears series. Remember Peepaw saying in prior books he didn't want his granddaughters with hockey players, just normal guys. Peepaw got his wish with his final granddaughter not picking a hockey player but a coach. This should make him happy, haha.

Clara is the baby of the sisters, and they are very protective of her like they are of each other. She owns her own doggie daycare, which she enjoys doing. Acts older than she is and likes older/mature guys.

Riggs has Scottish background who played hockey at one point, however didn't pan out in the end. He's very grumpy and keeps his feeling to himself, and doesn't want to get burned again. Needing Clara's help with his two dogs' peepaw (I think he brought them together) suggests he talk to his youngest granddaughter. They seem to have been a spark or two for these lonely old soul hearts.

I hope you get a copy of this book. Toni Aleo is a really good author who pours her heart into her books. I will tell you the epilogue is the best to see where they all are in 10 years.

I am voluntarily reviewing this as an ARC
Profile Image for Jillian.
112 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2024
I've loved every minute of reading the Knoxville Bears series! Each on of the McDavid sisters deserves a happy ending. We got to know the grumpy Scottish coach through the other books and although I knew I was going to love his grumpy self I didn't know that he would be up there as one of my favorite characters out of all her books. Clara and Riggs chemistry jumps from the first page of the book. There is that whole "I like her but don't deserve her" brain thought of Riggs throughout the book but the one thing that he can't deny is that when they are together, things are explosive. Clara is just the right bit of sunshine and happiness that Riggs needs but doesn't necessarily thinks he wants. When you throw in adorable dogs, hockey and some steamy scenes, it's the perfect trifecta. As if I didn't love this book enough, the epilogue is by far my favorite of all her books. It was such a great round up of all her characters and leaves you with a sense of completion. I can't wait to see what Toni comes up with next! If I could, I would give this book 6 stars. :)
Profile Image for Booked on Lattes.
537 reviews22 followers
October 3, 2024
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5

One of my first thoughts when I started reading this book was, "is this the book where the girls' grandpa finally doesn't go off the deep end for them dating someone from his team?" No spoiler's here so I won't tell you how he reacts but I was happy with how everything turns out!

Coach Rigg's book is the book l've been waiting for from the very beginning! It turned out that Toni really did save the best for last with him, as he is definitely my favorite of the Knoxville Bears, with his Scottish accent and brooding, grumpy for everyone but Clara attitude. I love that Clara is all sunshine and living the dream with her dog bus, and she brings so much light to Rigg's life.

The relationship between the sisters really stands out in this story, and I think it is such an important one to read about, as their love is just as important as the one between Riggs and Clara. This book is age gap with a lot of spice, a side of hockey and all the pup love and a perfect epilogue!
Profile Image for Lisa.
552 reviews
October 17, 2024
Things I’ve learned in this book….I am clearly in camp “age is but a number” because even though they kept talking about the gap between 21 and 35….never phased me once. Second…I would never be good at keeping a secret relationship to protect others. I am too dang selfish.

I love Clara’s big gigantic personality. She’s fun and sexy and does not hold back. Riggs has been burned before. He had no idea what he was getting into when he hires Clara to dog sit for him. The 🔥🔥🔥….whew. This may be the spiciest of Aleo’s books. Not mad about it…at all.

This was SOOOO close to being a 5⭐️ for me, but the end fight just didn’t do it for me. I mean, I guess I could see her point, but Clara also told Riggs she kinda understood even though it hurt her. I also felt like it was WAY blown up by the sisters and that wasn’t needed. But as always, we got our HEA…. And I loved the epilogue with where the whole family it at 10 years later. When you invest in a series, it’s always nice to feel like their story goes on even when you aren’t reading it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
📖: KU
Profile Image for Kimberly Holmgren.
307 reviews
September 23, 2024
What an awesome ending to the McDavid sister’s series! Age gap isn’t usually a favorite troupe of mine, but Riggs and Clara were perfect! I loved watching the grumpy, dog loving head coach fall fast for the smart mouth, sassy dog loving Clara. Riggs has been burned by love in the past. He never wants to go there again. Clara was shielded from most of the things her sisters endured in the past, but she believed in love. He’s watched her sisters each fall in love with hockey players. She doesn’t want a hockey player. She’s had a crush on the coach for a long time. When she starts watching his dogs, she finds herself flirting with him. She quickly finds herself seeing a completely different side of him. A side no one else gets to see. He finds himself powerless when it comes to Clara McDavid. He’s tried to stay away, she’s young, and he has particular tastes that she just might be too innocent for. He quickly realizes that he has met his match and that love just might be in his future.
Profile Image for Cindy (BKind2Books).
1,839 reviews40 followers
October 1, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded to 4

I have really liked this series. It's set near Knoxville (TN) - a beautiful area of the country. The McDavid sisters have a compelling story, but there are enough differences in the romances that it makes for good, steamy fun. I knew that this one - concerning the youngest sister Clara and the coach of the Knoxville Bears AHL team Riggs - had a lot of spice and it did not disappoint. My only issue was with the whole Daddy / Baby Girl stuff. For me, it came off slightly icky. Please don't get me wrong - I enjoyed the age difference (she's early 20s and he's mid-30s) and their dominance play was off the charts steamy. I just couldn't see Clara enjoying the daddy/baby stuff considering the abuse that she and her sisters suffered while trapped in the cult.

This book was certainly a nice conclusion to this entire story arc. You don't need to read these in series order to understand what's happening - there's plenty of backstory to get you up to speed. But for me the best way to appreciate it is to read them ALL! The romance between Clara and Riggs was a great way to conclude this series. Clara breaks down Riggs' defenses and worms her way into his heart. She starts by taking care of his dogs and eventually gets under his skin. Once they come together, the sparks fly.

A great conclusion to this spin-off series!
Profile Image for Luisa Turner.
147 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2024
Ok hear me out… Age gap is not always my forte. It has to be told right or I’m out..
Toni knocked it out of the park and I’m so excited!! I was looking forward to Clara story, and this final installment of the McDavid sisters did not disappoint.
Riggs is older, set in his ways, still smarting from a past that was truthfully not his fault. His boys were a perfect reflection of him. Measured, disciplined, in control. The care and possessiveness he shows for our Clara is next level and a total on.
He’s the perfect pairing for a sweet, determined, ambitious Clara who needs just the right man to dominate her in just the right way. Her sassy mouth gets her just the punishment she craves, and I’ll be honest, I’m here for it!!
Also…Shout out to her pup Darcy for being just the cutest reflection of Clara… I see what you did there Toni! lol
Great way to end the series… but.. who’s excited for Quinn?? Cause girl, my whole year will be made if you give me that boy’s soul!
Profile Image for Kayla B.
175 reviews22 followers
September 24, 2024
This book is the exact definition of a grumpy x sunshine romance and it sucked me in from the very beginning to where I just couldn't put it down. Riggs (MMC) has sworn off dating and catching feeling for anyone after his divorce. And because of this he has become very closed off and the "grumpy" hockey coach of the Knoxville Bears. Being forced to go to a fundraiser by the teams owner he meets Clara (FMC), a ray of sunshine and the dog sitter to watch his dogs while Riggs is out of town. Oh and the owners youngest granddaughter. After accidentally watching her on his camera one night while out of town he was instantly drawn to her and couldn't get her out of his head.

I absolutely loved the chemistry between the two and loved the sassy brat energy Clara gave off. I absolutely love hockey romances and this one did not disappoint.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,816 reviews6 followers
September 30, 2024
Loved every minute of this book.

Riggs McCoy, the brooding hockey coach of the Bears, is totally falling for the youngest McDavid sister. He had a broken marriage years ago and vowed to never fall in love but Clara wormed her way right into his heart and has no plans of leaving.

Clara, the youngest McDavid sister, grew up totally different than the rest. Her sisters raised her and protected her. Now, she has her eyes set on one person, Riggs McCoy. She doesn't care he is older.She doesn't care he is a bit gruff. She doesn't care her sisters are worried. She wants him, and is determied to get him.

These two bring such life to the pages.Their banter is hilarious. Their love shins through and when Riggs messes up, Clara is a force to be reckoned with.

And of course, we can't forget Darcy, Gordie, and Gretzky.
Profile Image for Court.
893 reviews48 followers
September 30, 2024
Oh my (fans shelf), Riggs and Clara are fire. I loved Pucks and Pups! It’s got the age gap, sunshine/grumpy, dog lovers, and hockey. Clara is the youngest and ready to be taken seriously as an adult, but her sisters make the difficult. Riggs is Mr. Ice, all about hockey, and never thought he would open his heart again. Until fate steps in and Riggs needs a dog sitter and who else would it be besides Clara. Clara and Riggs give us all the banter, steamy moments, sweet dog moments, and just a dance of push and pull between them. However, both of them have pasts that have left their mark, then add in Clara’s family and these two have to decide to move on from their past or will that end things before they even have shot? I could not put this book down, I was hooked from the start. To fully appreciate and fall in love with these two, read this book. You’ll love every page of it!
Profile Image for CatShire.
53 reviews
September 30, 2024
The final book in the McDavid sisters books and it sure does not disappoint. This one features baby sister, Clara and coach Riggs McCoy. Clara is a successful business owner, running a doggie daycare/resort. Riggs coaches her Grandfather's hockey team. Clara has watched all her sister's fall for hockey players. She has no interest in them, she has always wanted older men. Riggs has definitely caught her eye, so when her Grandfather suggests she take care of his pups while they are on road trips she thinks it is a great idea. Riggs is not so sure. He went through a messy divorce over a decade ago and sees a beautiful young woman and sees danger. But he needs someone to take care of Gretzky and Gordie. This is a must read to see how they navigate their way through the ups and downs to their HEA. this is the perfect ending to the McDavid series. Another great read from Toni!
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