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If you asked me how my year would play out, fake dating a member of the Aspenridge College hockey team wouldn’t have made the ingredient list for my latest cookie recipe. Yet, here I am–faux girlfriend to Gabe Kolligan, the team’s goalie.

So, how did I get myself in such a position? I’ll explain.

When Gabe overhears me wishing for “a hottie boyfriend” to one-up my ex, he volunteers—with the agreement that I be his date to his brother’s wedding.

The catch? I’m clueless about hockey and intimidated by athletes, but Gabe quickly remedies that with a crash course, game tickets, and a jersey with his name on it.

The more time we spend getting to know each other, the less “fake” everything feels. Gabe goes beyond what I expected, and I can’t help wondering if this is what he’s like as a real boyfriend.

Too bad I’ll never get the chance to find out...

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2025

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Taylor Delong

38 books362 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Tori .
458 reviews28 followers
March 3, 2025
This sports romance fake relationship brings it.

It has banter, spice, hockey, alpha males and a great story.

Leave pretentious athletes. That is not what this book is. Nor does it need to be.
This book is unique from its storyline to its main characters

Gabe is a goalie for the college team, supportive, protective and a genuinely good guy who yes happens to have a trust fund but also a teeny bit shy around the one girl he has liked for some time.
Syd is a baker, she's passionate, feisty (when the time calls for it) and knows her own mind but also is herself and not afraid to show it.

Neither of these people expected to 'fake' date but from the start both want more without wanting the pressure or actually putting themselves out there.

Add in the friendship group, the way the story builds, the tasks they agree to help each other with and a sprinkling of drama, the recipe for a good book is made...

Quite an easy, enjoyable read.

As per the title it is sweet but with a little heat and very limited drama too.

This makes for a good reset read which keeps your mind hooked while you enjoy the peace of reading. #readingismyescape #readingismytherapy
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,299 reviews77 followers
February 12, 2025
Who knew I’d end up devouring this book in one sitting? Not me, that’s for sure! I mean, I knew I’d enjoy it, but Sydney grabs you. Gabe sucks you in. One of their families is full of goodness and support (and a love for a certain ice cream brand you’ll recognize), while the other is full of criticism and condemnation and outright meanness. But don’t worry. That first family? They wrap their arms and hearts around the person with the junk drawer family in a blink and make it like that other family need not arrive for any important or mundane moments in the future.

These two may start as fake, but they both wanted it to be real. Communication may lack for a second, but they learn their lesson. In a big way. The grovel is sweet, the falling is sweeter, and the fact that both Gabe and Sydney so richly deserve the love they share just makes this even more perfect.

You may want to clear your schedule for a few hours. Because you probably won’t want to stop until you find out just how real this “fake” relationship really becomes!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
83 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2025
4/5⭐️2.5/5 🌶️
This is my first book by Taylor and I loved i!! Hockey romances are at the top of my favorites list and I’ve read a lot of them and this book has definitely taken a spot high on the list. If you like chosen family, relationships of chance, whitty banter, opposites attract (from different backgrounds), dual pov and a good hockey romances… with a little bit a spice, then this book is for you. Both Sydney and Gabe feel the undeniable attraction they have and crushing on each other and when the idea of fake dating comes up they jump at the chance. Will they stick to the rules of fake dating or will lines blur and it start to feel way too real than fake…… you should read this hockey romances and find out for yourself it’s definitely worth the read.

Thank you so much Taylor Delong for the ARC I loved it!! I’m so happy my first ARC was such a good read, I couldn’t put it down!!! Now I have to go back and read the rest of the series !!
Profile Image for Chasity’s_booknook.
490 reviews35 followers
February 17, 2025
This was a cute slow burn college hockey romance.

Sydney is the baker that Gabe has been crushing on for awhile but hadn’t made any moves. She is not her mothers favorite child mostly because she never went to a four year college and opted instead to go to culinary school. When her mom is pushing for her to give her ex another chance Gabe seizes the opportunity to be her fake boyfriend. It helps he also needs a legit date for his brothers wedding. Gabe isn’t a big player which is refreshing. The fake dating blurs and they are both fighting feelings.

The spice is not pages of graphic descriptions so for those looking for low spice this one is perfect!
Profile Image for Sarah Strawinski.
Author 1 book34 followers
February 17, 2025
I loved this book. I really hope this isn't the last book in the series, I don't want to leave the Aspenridge Hockey team yet. Gabe and Sydney's relationship was a hard fight. They deserve all the love and happiness.
It was a fake dating book in genre but you could tell that they really thought they were dating from the beginning. To me at least one of the couple thinks that it really is a fake dating scenario and the other has to basically convince the other that they actually want to date them. With that said, I absolutely loved this book and really anything Taylor writes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cheryl Burns.
136 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this read, and makes me want to make some Cookie crisp bars.

*edited to add, I made the bars are they're really good!
Profile Image for Jennifer Naval Peak.
68 reviews8 followers
March 5, 2025
I love Taylor Delong’s books for their perfect pacing, relatable characters, and engaging storylines. I think Sweet As Puck might be my favorite of the Aspenridge College Hockey series so far! Sydney and Gabe felt like such down-to-earth, genuine people, and their connection was effortless from the start. Their banter, sarcasm, and teasing had me grinning from the very first interaction. You could tell they just got each other.

Sydney was such an easy FMC to root for. Even with her complicated family dynamics, she carried herself with confidence and assurance, never letting her family’s disdain define her. And Gabe is such a sweet, sensitive boyfriend! He never pushed, always knew what Sydney needed, and plus, who doesn’t love a man whose love language is providing for his partner in ALL THE WAYS?

Their chemistry was so strong that their “fake dating” never actually felt fake, even to me, the reader, who knew it was fake! Watching their relationship evolve felt so natural that when they ended their arrangement, it almost felt unnecessary—like, why are we even doing this? I was relieved that there was no unnecessary back-and-forth drama. When Gabe showed up on Sydney’s doorstep, they both knew exactly why he was there. No hesitations. No questions. Just them choosing each other. Full stop.

And can we talk about the nicknames for a second? I loved when Gabe called Sydney "Syd," and Sydney calling him "Sir" and "Goalie" was so cute. But I have to admit, "Shuga" threw me off and I just couldn’t get into it!

One of my favorite things about this book was how Sydney found people who truly filled her cup where her own family did not. Her relationship with Gabe didn’t just give her love—it gave her a community, friendships, new family and the kind of unconditional support she deserved.

If you love hockey romance, fake dating with all the butterflies, and a couple that just clicks in the best way, Sweet As Puck is an absolute must-read!
Profile Image for Ashley booksndoxies .
128 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the author, Taylor Delong, in exchange for an honest review.

I have really enjoyed all of the books from Taylor that I have read including the books in the Aspenridge College Hockey series. This one was not different. Gabe and Sydney are an adorable couple with crushes who eventually fall for one another. The book was funny, sweet, and honestly just a light fluffy read of feel good romance. I liked that the FMC was not your stereotypical college student but someone with a job. She also rocked short hair and tattoos which was refreshing to see in a FMC. I loved how Gabe gave Sydney the power to make decisions for herself and them as a couple. It was refreshing. I also understand why Taylor wrote this book now instead of jumping into the next one. It was just...refreshing. Also....loved seeing some of the Creamery Crew!!!!

My only complaint, and it isn't really a complaint, is that this was supposed to include a fake dating trope; however, I didn't really understand the reason the two were fake dating. I LOVE the fake dating trope. To me, this just did not hit that trope in all of its glory. It was definitely a step in the right direction and I know if anyone can nail this down, it is Taylor. She did make me like the falling for your roommate trope in a different book.

ETA: I did learn I don’t love all pet names. The name “shuga” in this book drove me nuts.

I would recommend this book to anyone who needs something sweet, light, and romantic. I am very excited for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for HopesBookCollection.
180 reviews7 followers
February 12, 2025
I will start by saying: This was such a cute story! I absolutely LOVED the characters and how their roles intertwined all throughout the book. How Sydney, over time, found a new family in Gabes family and friends.

The beginning of the book started off a bit slow/information overload. But it started to pick on a few chapters in. This is a great story about finding friends and family, along with love you didn't know you could find. Feeling at undeniable love in someone you didn't know could be there. It was so cute how Gabe and Sydneys relationship grew and flourished in fun and silly ways along with real and heartwarming ways. My favorite part of the book/story was really getting to know them as a whole they didnt know they were becoming.

I only have 2 hiccups about the book.. the overuse of the word "guffaw" in the book.. idk why, but it's just not a normal word to use.. especially in people in their early 20s... and i really wanted their first love scene to be a little more heated, like they couldn't contain their desire they had been holding in all that time.

But even with the 2 hiccups, I thoroughly enjoyed the read and will definitely be reading the next book in the series... and the first 2! Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brooke Torrey.
645 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2025
Sweet as Puck was freaking amazing!!! If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. This book is a hockey, fake dating, golden retriever MMC and a sarcastic sassy FMC. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. This books storyline is pages-turning, original and made me feel all the feels for this couple, I mean non-couple;). This book is a standalone but I recommend starting with Pucked Up Plans!!! Taylor Delong has me obsessed with this series. I love her writing style, she can make me feel like I am that fly on the wall, she has a way with words that will have your heart breaking and then mending itself. I so can’t wait for what comes next in this series.

Sydney and Gabe are my favorite couple this year. She’s independent, sassy, witty and I loved her attitude. It helps her favorite cookie is my nickname J/K. I loved her determination and steel spine. Gabe was funny, swoon worthy, loyal, and getting ready to start his life. I loved their shenanigans with baking together. I laughed at their banter and got teary eyed a few times. I can’t wait to reread this book!!!
Profile Image for Stephanie White.
19 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2026
I picked up Sweet as Puck as a “blind date with a book,” and wow — what a win. This was my first time reading anything by Taylor DeLong, and I was hooked almost immediately. What really impressed me is that this is the third book in a series, yet I never once felt lost. It completely stands on its own, which made it so easy to dive right in. That said… I’ll absolutely be going back to read the first two. If they’re even half as good as this one, I’m in for a treat.

DeLong’s writing is fun, clear, and incredibly immersive. She doesn’t just describe the hockey rink — she drops you right onto the ice. As a former hockey player myself, I especially appreciated how authentic everything felt. The energy, the tension, the atmosphere — it was all spot on.

And yes, the chemistry? Off the charts. The steamy moments were perfectly timed and kept me turning pages way past bedtime. This book balances heart, heat, and humor in a way that just works.

If you love hockey romance with strong chemistry, vivid settings, and characters you can’t help but root for, Sweet as Puck deserves a spot on your TBR. I’m officially a Taylor DeLong fan now.
Profile Image for Lindsay Blackford.
8 reviews
February 20, 2025
I honestly think this may be my first ever hockey romance?! and I went in skeptical as I wasn’t sure how much I’d enjoy it but it was chefs kiss! 🤌🏼 The back to back points of view is one of my favorite ways to read a book rather a one sided story. Gabe’s almost shy crush in the beginning on Syndey is adorable, and her nervousness around hockey players.

The family dynamics for Syndey and Gabe are so different from each. I feel Gabe gave her such a sense of freedom and love she never got from home, especially with his family around. I can’t blame the fake dating because of Sydney’s mom wanting her with her ex. I’m a sucker for hallmark fake marriages so this was right up my alley. The way they each fit into each other and their sense of humors and personality go so well together. The love Gabe’s shares for Sydney and wanting to see her dreams come true 😍 This book makes me wish so hard I read the first 2 before this but best believe I’ll be running to snag those next. 🥹 it was so much more than I expected it to be.
Profile Image for ReadingWithNikki.
162 reviews5 followers
February 19, 2025
Gabe & Sydney’s story had me hooked from the start! What begins as a simple fake dating plan to get their families off their backs quickly turns into something so much more. When did the lines blur? When did it stop being pretend? And why does it have to end?
Sydney, the sweet and talented local baker, has been on Gabe’s radar for ages. As the captain and goalie for the Aspenridge Maple Moose, Gabe is used to playing defense—but when Syd runs into her ex and asks him to play along, he steps up without hesitation. In return, she agrees to be his plus-one at his brother’s wedding. A foolproof plan… right? So when did it all go "wrong"—or rather, so right?
I loved every second of their chemistry, their banter, and those heart-stopping moments where I just wanted to scream at them to admit their feelings! Could they hear me? No. Did that stop me? Also no. 😆
This series keeps getting better, and I cannot wait for the next one!
#ARCReview #HockeyRomance #FakeDatingTrope #AspenridgeCollegeHockey #RomanceReaders #BookLovers #SportsRomance #MustRead
Profile Image for Alexa Shelton.
27 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2025
Finally, a hockey romance with a goalie MMC!!! If you’re into hockey, you know the stereotype is they’re…eccentric! While Gabe, our MMC, reflects this - he’s also deep down just a huge teddy bear with a massive crush!
I loved the dual POVs for this book. The fake dating trope can be a hit or miss for me, but I loved it in this book!!! While that’s where their relationship stemmed, their friendship blossomed so naturally and the fake dating aspect was almost unnoticeable/forgettable at times (which I loved!).
I loved that she had a lack of filter, and he embraced it. They had incredible banter - the type I hope to have in a relationship some day!
So grateful to have snagged an ARC for this book and cannot wait to read the others in the series!
Profile Image for Kellie.
372 reviews32 followers
February 21, 2025
Thank you Taylor Delong for my copy of Sweet As Puck. 🤍 I received this book for review, all opinions are my own and given freely.

Back to Aspenridge I go! This is book 3 in Taylor’s Aspenridge College Hockey series. The way Taylor wrote these two main characters was impressive. I loved the opposites attract vibe because Sydney and Gabe have two very different backgrounds and families. I thought the found family trope was written so well, it warmed my heart how Gabe’s family embraced Sydney. Fake dating is so quickly becoming a favorite trope of mine and Taylor executed it perfectly.

Sweet As Puck is packed w a bunch of my favorite tropes plus banter and spice. You can’t go wrong w any of these in my opinion. Sweet As Puck releases February 21! 🎉
Profile Image for TeachElise.
162 reviews
February 21, 2025
Gabe is the college hockey goalie who is more than happy to volunteer to be Sydney’s fake boyfriend. Sydney is the local baker in town who Gabe has always had a crush on. Her mother isn’t happy with how Sydney loves her life. So, to get her mother to back off, Gabe will play her boyfriend. Sydney will also be accompanying Gabe to his brother’s wedding. They just need to figure out what to do when the lines between real and fake get blurred.

I loved this book!!! Gabe really struggled with what was going to happen after college and after hockey was done. I loved how he made it work for him. I also loved that he gave Sydney the strength to stand up for herself and be confident in who she is. Also, the incoming before the kisses always made me laugh!
682 reviews7 followers
February 21, 2025
This is such a cute hockey romance. Gabe is one of my favorite characters and the way he feels for Sydney and helps her warmed my heart. Gabe has had a major crush on Syd for a long time but never did anything about it until she needed help. Poor Sydney has had a hard time as her mom was very vocal in her unhappiness that Syd chose to go to culinary school instead of a 4 yr college/university. When Syd needs help when her mom wants her to get back together with her ex Gabe stepped up and acts as her boyfriend. It worked out well for him as well as he needed a date for a wedding. He was so sweet with Syd and the fact that he isn't a player with the ladies made it even sweeter.
Profile Image for VannaReads.
89 reviews
February 17, 2025
🌼ARC Review🌼

This book was my first ever ARC and boy am I happy that this was my first one!

This book has it all, a relationship of chance, whitty banter, sweet treats, and hockey. In addition to dual POV, text bubbles, and chosen family relationships.

The main characters Syd and Gabe have a crushes on each other for a while, but when an opportunity to "fake date" appears, they take it. In a whirlwind of keeping up with their fake relationship while putting on a show for everyone, they realize that maybe a fake relationship isn't all it is.
549 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2025
Sydney is a baker at the local bakery that Gabe has a secret crush on. Sydney has a meddling mother, who isn’t happy with her life choices. Gabe agrees to be her fake boyfriend as well to help get her mother off her back, plus he needs a date for an upcoming wedding he is attending. While they start as fake, its not long before Sydney realizes she really wants more. Overall this is a very sweet romance, with just a small dash of spice. Overall I really enjoyed reading this one and cann’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Kristina.
40 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2025
I absolutely adored Gabe and Sydney’s story! From the beginning Gabe knew what he wanted he just went about it a completely different way with some miscommunication and fears leading the way for both. This book will make you want to make Brookies so make sure you have the ingredients and yes I screamed out loud when my all time favorite couple of Taylor’s appeared at the wedding! Love love love all of Taylor’s books!
Profile Image for K Webz.
2,756 reviews
February 21, 2025
Gave and Sydney are sweet in this fake dating romance. Gabe has been interested in Sydney for some time, so when he over hears her complaining about a situation with her mom. He takes the opportunity to take the situation and use it to be close to her.

I loved watching the relationship develop between these two. It was a slow burn as a friendship was formed that developed into so much more. The characters were sweet and well written.
8 reviews
February 24, 2025
Wow! This book took me two days to read, I just couldn't put it down. This such a cute slow burn book that really pulls you in. I'm a sucker for a fake dating trope and hockey, this did not disappoint. The characters are so lovable. Gabe is such a sweet character that you can't help but fall in love with him. Sydney is so relatable and independent. This book is such a fun and easy read. I highly recommend reading this book!!
Profile Image for Isabel Debono.
953 reviews13 followers
February 26, 2025
Cute slow burn hockey romance.
Who doesnt love a fale boyfriend romance.
When Sydney's mum tried to get her back with her ex, Gabe steps in amd offers to help her out by being her fake boyfriend.
Doesn't hurt that Gabe has been crushing on her for ages, win/win.
These two are perfect for each other and it doesn't take that long for fake to blend into reality.
Sweet read.

I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review.
201 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2025
This is my first book by Taylor and I can say I am hooked and can't wait to go back and read the other ones. Gabe has had a crush on Syd for a long time. Can he step in and be her knight in shinning armor and save her? This sweet and a little spicy novel will have you in all the feels. Yes they agree to fake date to help each other but could it turn into more? Will they find their HEA? Read to find out! If you love Hockey romances this is one for your list!
Profile Image for Nikki .
261 reviews25 followers
March 11, 2025
I absolutely love how Taylor writes her stories. This is book three is the Aspenridge College Hockey series. Each one of these books have been incredible to read. I love each of these characters. I love how well Gabe and Sydney are together. They were supposed to be fake dating but can you really say it’s fake dating when you actually have feelings for one another? I am loving hockey romances and the Aspenridge Series ones are one of my top favorites.
Profile Image for Sergia Soto.
15 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2025
Third book in the series. Slow burn, hockey college romance follows gabe hockey player and Sydney local baker. After over hearing a conversation Gabe offers to help Sydney out by being in a fake relationship. Along the way lines get blurred and feelings get caught with a sprinkle of spice this was a very good book!
Profile Image for Jalesa Kraus.
154 reviews
March 2, 2025
I loved this book! Gabe and Sydney’s story had me hooked! Any free moment I had lately I picked up this book to read. I loved seeing them start out as something fake but turn into something so real. While things weren’t always easy for them, they find out how to make it work in the end! I can’t wait to read what’s next!
Profile Image for Brittany Torres.
381 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2025
✨ARC Review✨

This story is so fun. Gabe and Syd’s banter is really what made this a hit for me. I love her sense of humor and just their interactions as a whole. I also can appreciate the thoughtfulness and sensitivity gabe has this was honestly just a fun fluffy little read 🖤
Profile Image for Closet Romance Reader.
1,315 reviews19 followers
February 21, 2025
Yet another sweet edition to this cute series!! Sweet As Puck was the third book in Taylor’s Aspenridge College Hockey series. It had great banter, lots of swoon, and the perfect amount of spice!

Gabe was in the right place to help Sydney out. She needed a boyfriend and he was more than happy to volunteer. He was great at teaching her about hockey and she was great at baking him all the sweet treats! But what would happen when their agreement came to an end?

Fake dating was a perfect way for these two to get to know each other. I loved watching them skirt around their attraction!! And getting to see other favorites from past books was so much fun. I hope we get to see more of these two in the rest of the series!!
Profile Image for Kim.
638 reviews
February 22, 2025
When fake dating becomes all too real. Gabe and Sydney whole relationship was chef’s kiss. The way they goaded each other, accepted each other’s quirks, and the way they treated each other. #couplegoals
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews