First Puck

Unpucked: Redhill U #1

by Abigail Hunter

Alex

After a catastrophic prom night, I swore I'd never try to tell Brad I loved him again. But we have a month left of college until I leave for the NHL, and Brad still hasn't been drafted. Hockey and Brad are the only things I've ever wanted, but I've already deferred a year just to keep playing with him at Redhill U. I can't put the NHL, or my feelings, off any longer.
And the freshman team captain has plans, ones I can't help being dragged into. Like pretending to date him so that Brad will finally notice me.
But it goes even better and worse than I could have predicted, and I'm playing a game I don't think I can win. Not when Brad's possessive streak emerges, and the intense focus he has on the ice is suddenly turned on me.

Brad

I've been his first everything.
We took our first steps together, played our first game together.
I was his first hug, his first kiss, and the first one to go down on him. Because he's my friend, and I can't let him go to the NHL without popping those cherries.
He got drafted and I didn't, and I don't know what I'm going to do without my best friend. I have to keep training every day to get my ticket. I have to go to big leagues with him, or life just won't be the same.
Because that's what friends do for each other.
But then he tells me he's going on a date... With the team captain...And that he's been a virgin this whole time...
I'm not having it. I've been Alex's first for everything - it's only natural I'd be his first puck, right?

Genres: Sports, Hockey, College, M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary

363 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2025

About the author

Born and raised in Scotland, Abigail has always been surrounded by green hills, forests, and fairy stories. First a gardener, then a carpenter, and now an author, she writes steamy stories about passionate and heartfelt characters who always get their happily ever afters.

Reviews

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly it took me a minute to get into First Puck, and didn’t really hook me until Brad got jealous and possessive over Alex. That being said, their story was spicy and fun, even if I wanted to strangle both of them—Alex for not speaking up for himself & Brad for just being so clueless.

What to expect:
- hockey
- best friends to lovers
- fake dating (not MCs)
- bj awakening
- first times

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and spicy

Alex & Brad
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

First times
Insanely jealous BFF
Reverse fake dating
Dirty talk

Brad, newly drafted to the NHL is gay and in love with his best friend Alex. Afraid to tell Brad both those things. He delays the NHL by a year in hopes Brad gets signed too.

So yeah, Brad is an idiot, and an idiot in love and he has no idea lol
Alex at least knows he loves Brad.

Brad just doesn't understand why he is so possessive of his best friend. Why he is ok doing s * xy times with Alex, he thinks it is because he's hot

Brad becomes obsessed with the realization he is all of Alex's firsts

“I don’t want anyone else touching you,” he said, gasping as he pulled back to look at me. He ran his nose up my cheek, his lips landing on my forehead. “I don’t want anyone kissing you.” He trailed his lips over my cheeks, so tender it was painful. “I don’t want anyone smiling at you or talking to you. I don’t even want anyone looking at you.”

Shoot these two are hot when they fool around. Brad had a dirty mouth and no shame lol

Alex uses Lance to get Brad jealous or well at least to get him to see why he is jealous or is willing to fool around with Alex. The house doesn't last long. Brad is unwilling to let Alex do anything with Lance

These two are sweet, especially once Brad realizes he truly loves Alex

“I’m not letting you go, you know that?” he said breathlessly. “I’m gonna make sure you’re smiling every day! I’ve got to make up for all the time we lost.”

Great book
Can't wait for Lance and Tommy

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to win a copy from the author. It was a lovely surprise.  Also, I want to thank the author for sharing the potential triggers in the story, which include an off-page background character dying of cancer, themes of cheating, and manipulation of fake dating. The story was about two best friends figuring out their sexuality and future in hockey. Alex knew he was gay and in love with his best friend, Brad. Brad was unaware of Alex's feelings but gave Alex his first kiss. Their goal of playing for the same hockey team together hit a snag when only Alex was drafted, leaving Brad behind. It's a bit of a spoiler that he didn't go at first. He was able to defer for the year to go to college with Brad. What I loved was the friendship between the two men. Lifelong friends that support each other’s dreams and plans for the future. I loved their emotional connection and friendship. Their sexy scenes were hot. What I didn’t love was using the old strategy of getting someone jealous. Lance was a teammate and roommate who thought of this foolish plan to fake date Alex to get Brad jealous. This could have created complications for everyone but luckily, it all worked out. The epilogue was amazing and perfectly wrapped up the story. I'm also looking forward to Lance's love story. Overall, it was a sizzling and incredible romance story. Thanks again to the author.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently discover this new trope and now I love it: reverse fake relationship where mc1 is in a fake relationship with someone else to make mc2 jealous.

Funny, sexy, entertaining and also infuriating at times lol. I loved Alex as I could empathise with him from the beginning. I was absolutely team Alex. Brad was the braddest Brad who's ever Brad seriously! Oblivious as hell, funny and silly even when it's really not the time, he definitely made up for it by the end. I really liked Lance and Tommy storyline too.
Plenty of spice, tension, pining and finally loooove

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good MM spicy read. The storyline was good its a best friends to lovers story where one of them who's character is hard to like keeps putting his foot in it an saying the wrong thing instead of admitting what he is feeling which leaves Alex hurt and confused. It's a hockey romance with fake dating to make people they want jealous and admit there feelings its a rocky path, but they get there.

[Jennifer Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an idiots to lovers. It was hilarious , awkward, tense and just an all around fun read. There were times when I wanted to scream at Brad and maybe shake some sense into him lol

[jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know I was willing to overlook the grammar, spelling, and atrocious dialogue because the premise was SO good but then it took me FIVE DAYS to read ONE sex scene, so…

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was fun! Friends to lovers with some hockey mixed in. :) Alex & Brad are best friends and Brad is your typical Himbo - lovable but makes you roll your eyes sometimes as well. :) He is clueless to Alex's feelings to the point where he's sometimes callous. I still fell in love with both of them though. And I was rooting for Alex the entire book. I wanted him to just open his mouth and tell Brad how he felt and what Brad's actions were doing to him, but alas, I didn't write the story. :) The emotion between these 2 is endearing and typical of Hunter - the spicy scenes are extra spicy.
I also loved Lance and his determination to help Alex get Brad's attention, while also helping himself. I can't wait for Lance and Tommy's story.
If you're looking for a friends-to-lovers hockey romance, this one will satisfy.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in an exciting new series - Unpucked: Redhill U - by this author, who I am definitely no stranger to!

I've loved all my reads by Abby so far and this was no exception.

 

Alex and Brad have been best friends forever and have made so many plans to head off to the NHL together - when Alex is signed first, he defers and ends up at Redhill U with Brad and the gang - but there's something that Alex is keeping from Brad - especially since his friend loves to share his "firsts" - but just for fun!?

 

I have to say that it took me such a long time to really warm to Brad.

He was your typical lad, lad and the way he just said it like it is - which I normally like! - but, each time he did, we could see how it was making Alex feel so much worse.

His only saving, was the fact that he didn't know how Alex felt - and as the story unfolds, we see the reasons for some of this behaviour too.

 

I loved the friendship that Alex and Lance developed - not so hot on the deceptions - but the way they each opened up about their insecurities and worries was great.

 

There were a few interesting side characters who were getting to know throughout the book.

I'm really hoping we get to see more of them in future books in the series and see how each of their stories develop further.

 

This wouldn't be an Abigail Hunter book without a huge dollop of spice and oh we definitely get this in heaps.

I love that each time brings new things and I don't think that I'll ever stop learning new things from these scenes! 🫣🤭

 

There's such a lovely feel as we reach our conclusion and this is where I really let Brad into my heart, along with Alex. The scene with the parents made me smile so hard!

 

Another brilliant read and I can't wait to see how this series develops.

Our sneak peek at the next story has grabbed my attention straight away.....now I need book 2 asap!

 

 

 

 

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hottest. BJ. Ever!!!!

This book should come with a puddle warning. The spice is seriously so freaking hot mixed with the ridiculous golden retriever energy of Brad and the anxiety of Alex you have the perfect storm. 

Alex is gay and has been hiding it and his feelings for his best friend for a very long time. Every time he thinks he will tell him he chickens out. His anxiety always holds him back.

Brad is the most clueless and adorable golden retriever puppy ever. He is super high energy and does whatever he wants and doesn't care about what happens after. 

Brad is obsessed with first times and he casually gave Alex several of his firsts without realizing the significance of them. 

So now that the boys are in college one of their hockey team mates has made it his mission to get these two guys together. After many failed attempts he comes up with the perfect plan that will make Brad jealous and hopefully make the guy he wants jealous as well. 

Brad can't figure out why he reacts the way he does when Alex isn't close by. He doesn't realize how much he means until things start to change. Why is he blushing for Lance? Did he forget about our before and after game rituals? Did he give out my smile? Is he going on a date? Why do I care so much? This boy is absolutely clueless. 

However, every time these guys are together the chemistry is like a supernova explosion. I absolutely love the balance of these characters. They are so amazing and hot together. The spicy scenes need to have warnings with them. 

[Naz.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars 4/5 spice

I enjoyed the premise of this book. Alex pining after his childhood best friend for years but being too scared to confess it to him. After an incident with Brad, he is even more scared and content to just keep his feelings hidden. That is until they’re in college and his friend makes him agree to fake date him to make Brad jealous, which of course works but takes some time.

Brad’s character was a little hard to love. He just made so many selfish and egotistical remarks and moves. Alex was likeable, but my god the more he kept his feelings hidden the more I wanted to smack him upside the head.

I really liked how detailed the spicy scenes were and how unserious and goofy they were. It really felt like two best friends exploring each other and experiencing firsts together.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this and if you like idiots in love I think you would as well. I’m looking forward to the next couple’s book since we got a build up to them in this one.

- Friends to lovers
- Firsts
- Idiots in love
- Hockey teammates
- Reverse fake dating
- Pining

[Josmely · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just pulled me right out of the reading slump I was getting into. It was soooo good I'm never gonna stop thinking about it.

These two had so much chemistry. I loved how close they are. I'm usually not a huge fan of friends to lovers romance but man did these two had me taking that back. Them being friends and already having that closeness and love for each other just intensified everything.

Once they were in the moment it felt so easy between them. It was never awkward or weird it felt right. Don't get me wrong they had a little bit of a rough journey to get to where they at now. BUT once everything got resolved and all their feelings were put out there it was phenomenal. They were so in love they had me smiling so hard by the end of the book.

I absolutely loved this book. Loved how supportive and funny the parents were and would have liked to see them a little more. NOW I need the next book. My baby Lance needs his happy ending.

[evie is reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a really fun hockey romance, and it came along exactly when i needed it. i was SO burnt out on dark hockey romance, so i was really in the market for something lighter. this fit the bill perfectly. the tropes are cute, and not overdone, or too heavy emotionally. it was cute and sweet, even if i did want to reach into the book and give the mc’s a good shake, like, A LOT. 😆 i definitely recommend this if you’re looking for something more lighthearted, but is still hockey-centric. it’s an incredibly engaging and entertaining read. it would make an excellent palette cleanser if you’re stuck between heavier books on your tbr

[Christina Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Puck: Unpucked: Redhill U book1)

Abigail Hunter

This book is amazing, it follows Alex and Brad, who’ve been friends for their entire life, but Alex has a secret crush on his friend and Brad is clueless. But love always finds a way. This page turner hockey romance has all the emotions. And shows just how inside our own heads we can get. And how everyone’s emotions are valid. Ontop of the emotions is a cute but hard-won love story, with a lot of heat. And I can’t wait for the next book.

[GalacticHare · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book. A story that had me smiling, laughing, waiting cautiously for decisions to be made, characters finding things out. Best friends Alex and Brad, both inseparable and friends who love each other. One more than the other which is where things get tricky. However after some outside assistance things change. Both MCs are loveable, but Brad absolutely made me go Awwwww. This book will leave you feelings warm and smiley and tells us the importance of being honest. Can’t wait for Abigail’s next book

[Zoi Gauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super sweet story between two best friends who discover they are more than that. Brad is a total himbo, but so dang adorable! And Alex is the overthinker who's been secretly in love with his best friend for years. This was a slow-ish burn story with so much pinning and frustration from Alex. And Brad is completely oblivious! There were so many times I woshed I could reach into the pages and shake him a bit. He put poor Alex through so much torment!!! (Yes, that was a bit melodramatic)

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex was a hockey player and picked up for a NHL team but his BF Brad wasn't chosen so he waits a year hoping Brad is picked then. But Alex is gay and never told anyone, crushing on Brad. When Brad finds out Alex has never been with anyone, he gives him an unforgettable experience but passes it off as casual. It all breaks loose when Alex plays the "make Brad jealous" card. This was sweet and funny and enjoyable to see the Himbro Brad face his feelings that had been hidden so long. It's steamy and hilarious that Brad thinks he's helping Alex out, not himself.

[Theresa Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends to lovers
MM, Hockey romance
5⭐️ 5🌶

One friend (ALEX) secretly in love with his best friend (BRAD) and wants to tell him but gets nervous and backs out ever time he gets close at telling him about his truth. The other (BRAD) is obsessed with giving his best friend his firsts but is oblivious to how his friend feels until he finds out the friend is planning on going on a date with someone else and he can't stand the thought of that, but in order to find out if he does anything about his friend Alex you'll have to pick up this book and read to find out what happens with this

[Iliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this book. I was drawn in by the complexity of the struggles Alex had. His love for his best friend made me want to cheer him on in his coming out journey. Brad was such a fun character. Everyone needs a cheerful, crazy friend like Brad :). The supporting character, Lance, made me want to know more about him, and Tommy definitely is hiding something. Great plot, great best friend trope.

[Ileana Weynberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down. Plenty of twists, turns and spice 🌶️🌶️ I only started reading MM's recently. Oh My Goodness this is so so so damn hot! I got very flustered. The storyline is so good. It is written very well. I highly recommend this book! I am definitely looking forward to reading so much more from this author.

[thekatz_meoww · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaaahhh!! This book was sooo stinking adorable!! Brad was such a himbo 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ and poor Alex was constantly in knots overthinking everything…thankfully Lance kept up with his cockamamie schemes to help get them together. I adored every moment of this read and can’t wait to see what happens next in the series 💜💜

[Brittany A Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so freaking good. Every single page was amazing.

[Maria Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun read

Brad is a Himbo. And Alex is an anxious gay. That’s it. That’s the story. Brad makes me laugh but he’s also a clueless idiot. I had fun reading this.

[Kelly George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. It had everything in there that I love. Hockey romance, college romance & MM romance, it’s a hat trick for me!!!! It had me laughing so hard, crying a little and holding my breath A LOT. Alex is a sweetheart but Brad has my heart, he’s a golden retriever on too much sugar and I love him so so much. Great great read, get it when you can!!

[Mirra Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ 🌶️ 2

I enjoyed the book, it was a slow start when they start the Brad 9.0 and the fake dating I was here for it, when Brad started get jealous it made the story. I didn’t know I enjoyed the jealousy trope. Only think I didn’t like was it took almost the whole book for Alex to express hisself but I do like that he started speaking up for himself but still a little shy. I can’t wait to read Lance and Tommy book.

[Syn ⚯]

Okay, so I peeked at this book, and honestly? Borrowing it was a mistake! I wish I hadn't bothered asking after all. Sorry Liik for rushing you to finish your arc review so I can read this.
Honestly "First Puck" by Abigail Hunter is a deeply disappointing read. The premise, involving Alex's attempts to win Brad's affection through a fake relationship with the freshman team captain, is riddled with unlikable characters and frustrating plot points. Brad, in particular, is insufferable. His immature behavior and over-the-top reactions are jarring and unrealistic. His possessiveness toward Alex, exemplified by his aggressive response to Lance, is unsettling and poorly handled. Furthermore, Brad's obliviousness to Alex's feelings is tiresome and makes it difficult to sympathize with either character. While the author attempts to portray anxiety and ADHD through the characters, these traits are poorly executed and fail to resonate. The lack of genuine romantic scenes is another major flaw. Despite being marketed as a romance, the book fails to deliver on any meaningful connection between Alex and Brad. The relationship feels forced and underdeveloped, leaving the reader feeling unfulfilled.

[Toni K · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh, bad, bad. The MCs are caricatures, nothing is even barely researched, no conversation is actually had. The continuity sucks, in a bad way - in the beginning of the scene (sex scene, around 50 pages long, easy to get lost) one MC has his hair in a ponytail, later it is a man bun. In the beginning of the scene he is in shorts, later in sweatpants.... The MCs are 19, maybe, but one of them was "preparing" for years, wearing an enormous butt plug in public. Like where? In school, where he trained intensely and got naked with 20 other guys? While living with his parents? Btw, no other people exist except the MCs, no friends, no parents, an agent is mentioned once in a most ridiculous way. Money is not mentioned, nor what they are studying.. but what is this?!

[Janette]

DNF 44%

I really wanted to love this one, because best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Unfortunately the sexual awakening Brad is having doesn't mix with his himbo persona in a way that worked for me. I couldn't quite get past how he seemed to unintentionally hurt Alex with his selfishness and obliviousness, and their constant miscommunication and manipulation just added fuel to the fire. I never quite felt like Brad was good enough to deserve Alex, and I was generally more invested in Lance than Brad which felt like a bad sign. I will likely continue with this series to see if future books suit me better; I'm happy to see a lot of other readers enjoying this one.

[Megan]

Dnf 10% (4/28/25) nothing is grabbing me lately

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

“I can’t believe I never saw you before."

I recently read an ARC of Abigail Hunter's new release, First Puck, a best friends to lovers, MM hockey romance.

Alex and Brad have been best friends all of their lives, but with Alex drafted to the NHL and Brad not having had the call up to the big leagues yet, Alex decides to wait a year and go to college with Brad, whilst also trying to get the courage to tell his friend he's in love with him.

Brad, meanwhile, is oblivious to Alex's feelings despite numerous attempts to gain his attention through plans Brad 1.0 - 8.0, cooked up with team captain Lance, which have all spectacularly failed.

But there is one thing Brad is aware of - Alex's firsts, and he wants to be his first everything, so when Alex succumbs to Lance's plan for Brad 9.0, and they start fake dating, Brad's jealousy leads him to make some discoveries about his feelings for his best friend.

I thoroughly enjoyed the humour and spice between Brad and Alex. One thing that stopped me rating First Puck any higher was the way Brad 9.0 was carried out by Alex and Lance. Brad may have been oblivious, and his actions had led to pain for Alex in the past, but I didn't particularly enjoy how Brad 9.0 went down. Alex was apparently doing all he could to help his best friend achieve their dreams of reaching the NHL together, yet before some of the biggest games of his life, he was messing with Brad's head, his routine, ignoring their superstitions to cosy up to Lance or do said superstitions with him instead, and for me, that led me to be disappointed in Alex and Lance.

Overall, I enjoyed First Puck, although Lance didn't win me over, so I'm not sure if I'll read his book.

But if you like a best friends to lovers romance, with some fake dating, lots of high heat, and silly hockey boys, then this one is for you.

“I swear, man. I love you so much that every day feels like a first with you.”