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Puck Buddy

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I agree to teach my curvy tomboy best friend how to lose her V-card.

The rules are keep it strictly business. Don’t fall for her…


But Lily Winslow doesn’t do simple.

With curves that set my blood on fire and a mouth too smart for her own good, she’s asking me to teach her how to drive a man wild.

I’m an NHL goalie—built to dominate, control, and win.

Coaching Lily to kiss, to touch, to unlock her own damn fire is pure torture.

Each practice tests my restraint. Every lesson is mine to claim.

The fake kisses, heated whispers and forbidden shivers—I want it all to be real.

She says this is about impressing another man and I’m not right for her.

I say I’m exactly what she needs.

I know she’s mine—and I do not share.

Now I’m breaking every rule to teach her one last

How it feels to fall for the wrong guy—and love every second of it.

~ Get ready for a sexy, witty, and unputdownable romance packed with heat, heart, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after!

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2025

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About the author

Emma Bloom

19 books37 followers
Emma Bloom is a Kindle Best Seller in contemporary romance with expert-level romance instincts—hitting the sweet spot of equal parts swoon-worthy, heartfelt, and oh-so-very steamy.

Emma crafts romances that fans of billionaires, off-limits relationships, and age-gap love stories can’t resist. With a knack for grumpy-sunshine pairings, alpha protectors, and curvy virgin heroines, her books take readers on steamy journeys where opposites attract, enemies become lovers, and heroes fall hard, all with a little dash of humor.

By day, she’s a savvy day trader before most people have even had their coffee. But once the numbers are crunched, she switches gears, letting her heart lead. That’s when the magic happens, as she pours her passion into writing love stories that captivate and enchant her readers.

Living in Colorado where the crisp mountain air and golden sunsets provide the perfect backdrop for dreaming up steamy love stories, Emma draws inspiration from nature's beauty for her writing, and enjoys the Rockies sunshine with her family.

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5 stars
179 (50%)
4 stars
95 (27%)
3 stars
59 (16%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
1 star
9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie.
80 reviews
September 21, 2025
A fun, steamy friends-to-lovers hockey romance!

This one was such a fun read! Childhood best friends Levi (an NHL goalie recovering from surgery) and Lily (a candy shop owner) have known each other for ten years, but when he hides out in his hometown and stays with her, the line between friendship and romance starts to blur—in the best way. There’s humor, sweetness, and plenty of steam as they figure out what’s been right in front of them all along.

I loved that Lily was ambitious and independent, even if her timeline—college, grad school, Wall Street, then back home to run the family business—felt a little unlikely for her age. Not impossible, just extra ambitious. I might have liked her to be a bit older, but I understand that would have changed the “late bloomer” part of her story.

The romance itself was lighthearted with good communication, a little drama that never got too heavy, and some genuinely swoony moments.

For the audiobook: both narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life, with natural pacing and emotion. My only minor critique is that when the text said a character laughed, the narrator actually laughed, and sometimes it felt a little forced. But overall, the voices were easy to listen to and kept me hooked from start to finish.

If you like friends-to-lovers romances with heart, humor, and heat, this one is worth the read—or the listen!
6 reviews
September 14, 2026
I have never in my life read something so clearly written by ChatGPT
1,605 reviews15 followers
February 16, 2025
Puck Buddy has charm, suspense and is definitely a page turning sports romance. I found this book to be quite entertaining and an enjoyable read. I actually read this book in one sitting because I didn’t want to set the book down for a single moment. Puck Buddy follows the journey of Levi and Lily. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. Puck Buddy is amazingly written, exceptionally balanced and beautifully executed by Emma Bloom. Emma Bloom continues to show what an incredible author, storyteller and writer she is with each book that I have read by her thus far. Each book that I have read by Emma Bloom has been absolutely phenomenal. I loved getting to know both Levi and Lily as well as witnessing their relationship unfolding throughout the pages of the book. The chemistry between Levi and Lily is undeniably irresistible. I do love that these two main characters have a happy ending with them being happy together as a couple. I’m looking forward to reading more amazing books from Emma Bloom in the future. Puck Buddy is definitely a book that I would give as a recommendation for anyone who is looking forward a new sports romance to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa Ann D..
576 reviews17 followers
January 23, 2026
“You’re mine, Lily. Not just like this. But always. I’ll never stop telling you I love you, because I don’t know how to exist without you anymore.”
🍭🍬🍭🍬🍭

Puck Buddy (Cedar Falls Romance)
by Emma Bloom
🍬


This falls into the sweeter side of romance with two characters that are each interesting on their own. We’ve got these 2 best friends on the journey to more. A candy store owner and a NHL hockey goalie on the mend.
Their relationship dynamics are good. We’ve got a hot curvy/plus FMC with a lot on her side. And, our MMC is a perfect blend of several things.
Good plot and subplot.
Nice setting.
Good secondary characters.
It’s light. Even with the tension- it’s a very light read.


🍭

This is the downside though: this poor book needed serious proofreading and editing. I feel bad saying it. But, it was so noticeable that it completely took me out of the story. I usually don’t mention a typo here or there or anything like that. Life’s too short to harp on that stuff. But, really this was particularly painful at times. Giving the author credit here though- this IS a good story.
🍬🍭🍬


🍭:That’s the thing about Lily. She lets you in—when she’s ready. Until then, my job is to be her distraction.:🍭




─── ・ 。゚☆: *.𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴.* :☆゚. ───
659 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2025
A pleasant friends-to-lovers romance

This is my first book by Emma Bloom and I liked it. Even though the trope is not unique, I loved the approach the author took. It was a well-balanced romanced. Well-presented, likable characters, a well-flowing, light plot and a great writing style formed a light but captivating story. I loved both Levi and Lily. Best friends for a decade. Levy is a well-known NHL player and Lily is the owner of Candy Jar, a sweetshop in the brick of a global recognition, all thanks to Lily’s whit and efforts. Levi comes to Cendar Falls, his hometown, to recover from an injury. His tomboy, innocent, smart and amazing-in-every-way best friend Lily seeks his advice in seduction. But her new-found curves and feminine beauty makes him blink twice. So, “coaching” and reality blurs and the NHL goalie this time plays for keeps. I loved how everyone around them is there to cheer and support them in every way. I loved every word and I swooned repeatedly, while also laughing uncontrollably at times. All in all, this was a funny, light and extremely satisfying 5-star read for me.
Profile Image for Laura Wolff.
280 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2025
This book was so cute from start to finish. I would not have classified this as a hockey romance only because the MMC is out the game after surgery and went home to stay with his BFF and rehab. But the references to hockey were minimal.

The characters were funny, snarky, loveable and totally relatable. The FMC Lily is so cute and genuinely naïve about all things love and sex. It was fun to watch her blossom into the sexy confident woman she becomes. Levi is a hockey goalie who is out of commission due to shoulder surgery and couldn’t go home because the pap were sleeping in his parents yard so she he goes to rehab with his BFF Lily.

Levi is sexy, charming and witty. I love the way he inspires confidence in Lily, helping her see what he sees in her. It’s what every woman wants, to feel desired, sexy and confident.

I would love a part two to this book and see where their long distance relationship goes and whether they Candy Jar expands into other cities.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
798 reviews
May 28, 2025
Has promise but needed editing

3.5 This is a childhood friends-to-lovers hockey romance. He is an NHL goalie hiding in his hometown to recover from surgery. He takes the hiding to next level after paparazzi stalk him at his parents home by asking his best friend, Lily, if he can stay with her. She is a tomboy owner of a candy store who further ups the ante by asking him to help tutor her in romance so she can impress the slick new guy in town. Some decent spicy scenes, nice that the female lead was capable and didn't need rescuing and had her own ambitions which were respected by the male lead, and they talked through the practical issues in their relationship. Its did need some editing though. There were a number of typos, some repetitive sections, areas where it didn't quite make sense (including spicy scene where disrobing didn't match what they were currently wearing). Parts of it felt a little too whiplash with emotions/overdramatic. The author has promise, but could use a little polishing.
Profile Image for Holly  Ross.
372 reviews4 followers
September 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and I’m glad it was shared with me so I can add another indie author to my favorites list. Supporting indie authors is very important. I did the audiobook version, however I feel I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read instead of listened to it. The storyline was cute, the smut was definitely smutting and I really enjoyed the characters.

I recommend reading this book. I understand indie authors cannot afford the in demand narrators and I am really spoiled by the audiobooks I have been listening to lately. For me if I hadn’t been into the storyline and currently reading another book on my Kindle, I would have not finished listening to this book and went to the print version. I’m so glad i did though. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series.
147 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2025
Loved everything about this book - characters and storyline. Lily and Levi go from best friends to something much more when he stays with her while he recovers from surgery. Lily is u experienced, but with Levi’s encouragement and help she realizes he is what she has been missing all along. Great ending!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.Loved everything about this book - characters and storyline. Lily and Levi go from best friends to something much more when he stays with her while he recovers from surgery. Lily is u experienced, but with Levi’s encouragement and help she realizes he is what she has been missing all along. Great ending!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Morally_Gray_Nola.
1,146 reviews59 followers
September 25, 2025
I read this when it first came out, outside of my ARC reading, and before I really knew how important reviews are to authors—especially independent authors. I loved this sexy book so much that when I saw the author’s name pop up for an ARC opportunity I jumped at the chance. As I read through the blurb I realized it was connected to THIS book—the fact I remembered this book in the sea of pages I read daily (average 700-800 pages daily ARC and personal reading combined) should speak to the quality of entertainment this book holds.

You will not be disappointed in this sexy, sweet, curvy girl gets the hockey hottie read.

*** Recommended ***
Profile Image for Linsey Toney.
778 reviews44 followers
September 23, 2025
Puck Buddy (Cedar Falls Romance)

Not only is this a fantastic read, but the audiobook is fire! 🔥 I think Stella Bloom and Austin Stone did a fantastic job reading and bringing the characters to life in this BFF to teacher/lover romance. I am having a hard time not giving spoilers because I love this book! (I Legit typed and deleted so many times, lol...) So if you haven't read this book or enjoy audiobooks, then run and add this book to your TBR! I definitely can't wait to get my hands on more of Emma's books!!

Best Friends to Teacher/Lover
Virgin FMC
Hockey Player MMC
981 reviews
March 25, 2026
Levi and Lily's Story

This is an interesting and well written love story about two best friends who realize that they actually love each other.
Levi Johansen is a top tier NHL goalie who is recovering from SLAP surgery, returning to his hometown to heal. He goes to his best friend, Lily Winslow, to stay at her place to hide from the paparazzi.
Lily and Levi have been best friends for 10 years. Now 27 and 24 years respectively, their affection changes and grows.
This is a sweet story and flows into the next book in the Cedar Falls series.
Profile Image for Anne Wondra.
Author 2 books
September 2, 2026
Levi and Lily were best friends who became more. It was a great slow burn, lots of banter; they knew each other so well. And lots of heat when they crossed that platonic line, in a good way. They were solid friends above all else, and there for each other. Toward the end, though, spicy scenes seemed to take over, feel repetitive, distracting, when more story line would have been welcome, like the author had a pages or word count goal to fill. So, good story, engaging characters, balance of slow burn and heat until toward the when still another hot scene felt overdone.
Profile Image for Mary.
49 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2025
The best love stories are those when you read the words and actually FEEL THE EMOTIONS. I liked Puck Buddy the best out of all of Emma Bloom's books for this very reason.

The best stories are often those that imitate life. So often we hear about best friends who grew up, found love & married. And that is Levi & Lily story. Still this book is magical be ause the words evoke emotions in its reader. Add in a HEA & you cannot go wrong.
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,557 reviews14 followers
February 23, 2025
This is a best friends to lovers romance between Lily and Levi. These likeable souls and the unique plot make for an enjoyable read. What starts out as a teaching agreement turns into something more. It is a captivating love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. What a fun, sweet read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
137 reviews
August 9, 2026
It was alright, it got better towards the end. It was a random read. Fmc has a sweet shop and is interested in a suit but has no experience, which wasn’t too believable. Her best friend is an athlete but has done his shoulder. He was sweet and they start to do things, to get her more Experince the s scenes were actually better than I thought. The drama was a bit meh where the suit she has a crush on harassed her dad that died.
Profile Image for Nichole Martin.
183 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2025
Puck Buddy was a sweet and steamy book. It is a friend's to lovers story. Levi and Lily are very cute together. I had a bit of a hard time with this story, because some things seemed a bit choppy with how they moved forward from friends. But overall, it was cute and had lots of steamy moments.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara .
7,952 reviews24 followers
February 8, 2025
The way Lily and Levi are written in this hockey romance book is like you just scored a goal and celebrating in a big way. So, if it is still a bit cold outside let this fiery romance warm you up and melt the chill away. This romance read is a great escape and has your mind relaxing while you read about Lily and Levi and their off-limits romance that takes off HOT and FAST.
189 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2025
Wow this is a sizzling and steamy romance! Levi and Lily have been best friends for years but when Levi is recovering from an injury all the sparky start flying. The town has been waiting for this transition from friends to lovers. A funny and lighthearted page turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for booklover0228.
826 reviews23 followers
February 21, 2025
Fantastic Read

Levi and Lily best friends forever. Levi is injured playing hockey. He needs rehab so he goes home to stay with his best friend Lily.
Lily needs help to seduce a guy. Of course Levi steps in to help. After a few lessons friendship turns into so much more.

Wish they would have found the magic door!!!
Profile Image for Esme Greiner.
2,432 reviews11 followers
February 21, 2025
Lily and Levi are best friends but also have secret feelings for each other. When Lily asks him for lessons in impressing a man, he agrees to help her but more and more he finds that he wants her for himself. Will he risk their friendship and tell her how he feels? Will she give Levi a chance to see what they could have together?
988 reviews7 followers
March 9, 2025
Great story!

I loved this story so, so much! It tells of a love so strong and big that nothing can break it apart. Levi loves hockey, but he loves Lil so much more, and vice versa with Lil. Her bakery means so much to her, it was her families. It is part of her. They were best friend for years and fell in love because they knew each other so well.
37 reviews
May 3, 2025
cute story, could use a better editor

The grammar issues weren’t too distracting but they were definitely there (for example, “we’re” instead of “we’ve” and one duplicate paragraph).

Story was cute but the spicy scenes were really drawn out to redundancy. The start of the book was very good but the end wrapped up tightly, perfectly, and very quickly.
128 reviews
September 1, 2025
LOVED This Book, The Characters, The Story

One of those books that hooks you into the story quickly. Lily and Levi are perfect for each other as best friends and even better as partners. I don’t usually like small town books but this didn’t feel “small town”. Highly recommend you add this to your books to read
157 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2026
I liked the idea of this book but you got so caught up in the sex that some opportunities were missed in the story. What I really hated was how poorly the book was edited. I found several errors in the beginning and that is always distracting. The worse - when you said she leaned against her car and then the next page she took a taxi home! She just left her car???
Profile Image for Linda.
384 reviews
September 6, 2026
Best friends hiding their true feelings from one ankther. 4.8

They finally confess their feelings and the whole town said it was about time.
A door that couldn't be opened in the candy store the called the door to Narnia.
The had to bust the wall to het to it,it wasn't Narnia bit a treasure for sure along with their happy ever after!
120 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2025
I enjoyed Lily and Levi's book, and while I wouldn't really classify it as a hockey book since Levi's isn't actively playing, it was still an enjoyable book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
477 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2026
Puck Buddy

This was a great story, full of so many emotions, strategies that keeps you intrigued and deep love so warm you could feel it. I think everyone would enjoy this story as much as it did.
Profile Image for Tabitha.
213 reviews
March 7, 2025
Puck buddy

It is a well written stand-alone story with a happy ending. I loved how they were best friends, and it naturally morphed into more.
2 reviews
March 13, 2025
Emotional

I enjoyed this book so much I laughed and cried.
Our experience was so similar beautiful memories back, thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews