I left her at the altar. Now she owns my hockey team.
My ex is my boss… and she’s out for revenge.
I came to Houston for a fresh start. Instead, I got Ruby Romano – the woman I left behind.
She says she’s here to make my life a living hell.
And she tries…
But the more she pushes, the more I want to push back. Against the wall. Against my bed. Anywhere that gets her out of my head.
She wants revenge. I want redemption. But when the truth comes out… we might just want forever.
My Pucking Secret Baby is book two in the Milwaukee Frost a series of interconnected standalones following a team of professional hockey players and the women who make them swoon. They do not need to be read in order, but you will gain glimpses of previous and future characters/couples in each book.
Hello there! I am Leighton Grace and I'm so glad you are here! As a self-proclaimed introvert, reading is my passion...books are my passion and I want to share both with the world. Life is tough...books are magical. They allow us a bit of an escape from the frustrations of everyday life. Books have literally saved me in some very tough times - I want my books to do this for you! I want to put a smile on your face, or make you giggle or blush, even when life gets you down. ESPECIALLY when life gets you down!
When I am not reading or writing, I am busy with my teenage daughter or daydreaming my next business idea.
As an Indie author, your support means everything to me. Thank you so much for reading!
Maverick Hawkins’ plane circles the airport in preparation to land. Some cities have an actual personality that gives them life, but Houston is really nothing special to him. It’s over-populated with nothing to show for it. And despite being one of the oldest teams in the NHL, the Houston Stampede is almost comically awful with very few wins to cheer for. The fans’ dedication to them is what actually sets them apart, not their chronic losing record. But fans rarely like Maverick anyway with his nasty mood. As he scans the cardboard the drivers hold up, he sees they spelled his name wrong. Is this a bad omen already? He texts Ethan, the only person he thinks may still be his friend after he left the Milwaukee team, but once more he gets no answer. So he has the driver take him straight to the arena for his meeting where Jocelyn Graves, the young team manager greets him to take him on a tour.
The last step is to meet the owner who apparently is no longer Jamison whom he expected. Why wasn’t he told? But entering the office, he is struck with horror as he sees his new owner is Ruby Romano and she is smiling in victory. She has spent years planning revenge while crying her eyes out when he left her at the altar. When constant monitoring told her where he was finally transferring, she purchased the team in record time and at great cost. Now, she is in total control. She has waited 6 years for this. In 2 seconds, he stormed out and she calmly asked Jocelyn to call his manager to talk some sense into him before she kicks him off the team. Leaving her at the altar in the church back then in front of everyone, without even giving her a reason why, had definitely not been a smart move. With the battle now begun, who is going to win this one? Will she find out the truth? And will she share her own truth with him?
Wow! Wow! And Wow! First wow…the book’s cover! Second wow…an elaborate revenge plot and an eight year old secret both unbelievably done because of failure to communicate and believing the wrong thing. Third wow…a second chance enemies-to-lovers romance that will keep you up way past midnight with a grumpy, brooding hockey defenseman and a powerful, revenge-seeking ex-fiancée with lots of emotion, begins with angst, builds and blows in with a hurricane, secrets kept, truths revealed, undeniable attractions, romantic moments and lots of steamy chemical combustions all eventually culminating with two long-kept truths being revealed that could destroy it all. If you read book one in this series then you already know that Maverick Hawkins is the defenseman who just never fit in with the other Milwaukee Frost players. He was the one with the hot temper and scrowl on his face and now as this book opens the reader finds him on his way to Houston Texas to play for the Houston Stampede and he’s about to get a huge shock when he finds out who his new boss is. And the “fun” is just beginning. Also if you loved the Frost players, don’t worry they make appearances in this book too. The two teams do have to play each other, and wouldn’t you know it? It’s Maverick’s first game as a Stampede player but will he take it easy on his old teammates? More surprises in store whenever these teams meet up. Like I said, be prepared to stay up past midnight! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I wasn't sure what to make of this book at first. I didn't warm to Ruby. After being jilted, she is seeking vengeance on her ex, Maverick . She has bought his ice hockey team and his contract. She is going to make his life hell. What she doesn't count on is the unresolved emotion and heated chemistry between them. Oh and of course there is Leo, the son she has kept a secret from Maverick for 9 years.
So while I found her unrelatable and prickly for the first few chapters, I very quickly warmed to the story and to her. What I thought was a standard second chance/secret baby romance actually became something so much more. This was an emotional and detailed exploration of childhood issues, abandonment, loss, family, feeling worthy of love and forgiveness. Both Maverick and Ruby have grown up and approach their second chance with mature emotions. I believed in them and how they would move forward as a family. It felt like the angst and secrets needed to be dealt with in the way they were in order for them to draw a line and have their second chance.
This was a gorgeously explored second chance. I was surprisingly invested in these three characters and I adored how Maverick and Ruby blossomed together.
Themes:
* Secret baby * Ice hockey * Second chance * Bad break up
Oh dear Maverick Hawkins ain’t impressed by Los Angeles as a city but he’s even less enthralled by Houston and that’s a fact . Fourth largest City in the US his manager does try to impress him and and not digressing just how poor the Houston Stampede team is . No really it’s all kinds o bad! Which is kinda sad because he’s just been traded …Wait till he sees the boss! Head on the chopping block? I think it might be something else. She wants revenge and this so sweet . Ruby Romano ,the girl he left behind…only she’s all woman mind. He wants redemption but truth will out ,without a doubt . Oh baby! They scream and shout! This is book two in the Milwaukee Frost series . Jocelyn Graves is the young team manager who greets him when he arrives, takes him on a tour finishing with the owner’s office. He’s expecting Jameson not his ex. What ever next? Well she has a kid who he thinks is his….He left her at the altar eight years ago ,this kids about the right age . But she shows him a DNA test and the kid is not his ,she says. He believes her at first… Great immersive writing as per by the great Leighton Grace who is great at these hockey romances and playing the pucks into the net with every line written ,of her sublime storytelling, I am smitten every time. Sublime !
I love all things Leighton Grace, and this does not disappoint! Ruby Romano was left at the alter eight years ago by Maverick Hawkins. Ruby has been biding her time, wanting to make Mavericks life a living hell; as she felt when he left her at the alter without an explanation. Ruby is the new owner of The Stampede Hockey team in Houston Texas; this is the new team that Maverick just transferred to. Maverick sees that Ruby has an eight year old son, Leo; who looks just like him. He asks Ruby if he is his son, she hesitates and says no. Maverick says he wants a DNA test, Ruby shows him DNA results, that shows he is not the father. Maverick accepts this. The story goes back and forth, of them being enemies then friends and lovers. How does this work out with Ruby actually being Mavericks boss? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Leighton Grace!!!
Team Maverick; he got so screwed. This story is long on angst. At 100 pages in I'm annoyed at the plot. He left her at the altar years ago. She was rightly heartbroken and pissed. Her family's motto is 'vengeance', so she has an epic plan to 'make him pay' for how he hurt her. She buys the hockey team he's on. Then plans activities to make him pay. Oh but hold up a minute; they both still have the hots for one another. Of course.
Meanwhile, something happened to make him think he was helping her when he walked away. Now he wonders if maybe he should have TALKED TO HER. She also wonders if maybe she should have talked to him. It's easy to guess what happened given her family and his. But that's not all.
BIG surprise, she had his son but claims it's not his. In the midst of a hurricane (metaphor, get it?), they give in and fu*k after he tells her half of why he left her. Then the explosive blowup.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Leighton Grace have done it again! Such a good book! And I love the way she writes.
This book made me smile and laugh. It got everything you want in a book: drama, comedy, and romance.
It’s about Maverick, a hockey player that’s a little on the rough side. His manager Novak sends him away for a last chance to Houston.
We also have Ruby, with a past with Maverick. She wants revenge. And she will do it at all cost, even buying the whole hockey team in Houston.
Everything becomes a game, that they desperately wants to win. Who can hurt the other more? Who can make it the most difficult for the other? And what happens when old feelings gets too strong? Will Ruby be able to keep up with her plan of revenge? What happens when things from the past comes up?
Probably the most elaborate revenge plan I’ve ever heard. Ruby is out to even the score with Maverick. Both have secrets that could hurt the other. I really liked this book. Ruby really does come across as fierce and capable. Maverick starts off adrift in a way and I like how his story and self came together. They both are competitive and I did like the banter in the book.
I enjoyed reading this book. The pacing was really good and it does take you along for a ride. I think it’s worth the read. If you like sports romance this is for you. I do tend to like books by Leighton Grace, they always seem to be a fun time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Let’s say Ruby and Maverick have a past. One that he leaves her just as they are taking wedding vows. Ohh yes he did leave her with a broken heart and reminder of their love. One that she never told him about as she feared he would reject them both. Forward some years Ruby has dusted herself off and owns a hockey club. Oh yes you guessed who her newest signing is Maverick. These two have a lot to put to bed and find their way.
This book has pace, oh drama, angst great characters and steam.
Sit back and enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another hit from Leighton Grace! After Maverick finds himself traded to the Houston Stampede, he feels betrayed. To make it worse, his ex is the team's new owner. Little does he know that Ruby Romano is only here for revenge. Secrets abound between these two and Ruby’s dad. After being stranded together due to a hurricane, Maverick and Ruby realize their feelings for each other are still there. How far will Ruby let her revenge tinge her thoughts? How long before they have a real heart-to-heart discussion? Will they be able to get past their hurts? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This hockey romance is filled with drama, romance and second chances. Maverick and Ruby have a past that he leaves behind devastating her in the process. Fast forward some years and Ruby owns a hockey club and Maverick is her newest commodity and it restarts their path. She is out for revenge, and he is trying to get his girl back. When the secrets come out will Maverick and Ruby get their second chance to rekindle their love and finally find happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Parts of the storyline I have issues with: The tubes being tied. It was brought up. Internally only. Never to be discussed again. Basically it feels like unfinished business. And makes my dislike of Ruby worse.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but I feel like we glossed over stuff. Added in complications only to never resolve them or really include them.
Also, it's not a pucking secret baby. He was a whole freaking child. My Pucking Secret 8 Year Old would have been a better title. Just saying.
I enjoyed this series and this book. The characters are well-defined and interesting. Maverick was previously just a brooding jerk. The reasons behind his behavior are revealed in this book. Ruby is a revengeful bitch through most of the book, softening by the end. The author didn't explore the Leo father reveal at all. This is a major flaw and resulted in only a 4 star rating. Rather than offer the meaningless bonus epilogue, a chapter on how Leo learned that Maverick was his father would have been more significant and interesting.
If your favorite tropes are hockey romance, lovers to enemies to lovers, revenge then add this list to your TBR!
‘Six years of planning the perfect revenge scenario’ and Ruby has set her plan to motion to get back at the man that left her at the altar 8 years ago. Reading about her plan, I kept saying that revenge is a dish best served cold and boy is this true for Ruby! Maverick’s hockey career is on the line due to his aggressiveness on the ice. The Houston’s Stampede is the only team that is willing to give him a chance. After landing in Houston, Maverick goes to the stadium to meet the owner of the Stampede who turns out to be Ruby, the woman he left at the altar. How far is Ruby willing to go to get back at Maverick? Will she go through with her revenge plan and tell Maverick his career is over the moment his temper on the ice gets him into trouble or will they be able to talk about what happened on their wedding day and be able to move on? Reading this made me root for Ruby so much throughout the book.
I love Hockey romances. And Leighton Grace is one of my favorite authors, I love her books and writing style. Not surprised that this was 7th book I read from her. Passionate, intense, eventful story-lines and amazing characters - you can find it in every book. I loved the Ruby and Maverick's story - drama, intensity and second chances. enjoyed it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If there is one hockey romance book out there that you need to read this week it’s My Pucking Secret Baby. Ruby and Maverick are going to have you turning the kindle pages quickly and your heart is going feel like you just ran a marathon. I feel bad because it took Leighton longer to write this GLORIOUS romance book than it did me reading it. It’s a real HOT page turner of a book that you will never put down until you’ve finished it.
Maverick and Ruby have a challenging past. Maverick is signing with a new hockey team, one that he is not happy to be signing with, but needed the chance to turn his career around. However, he has no clue that the team's new owner is Ruby. When they see each other again, sparks start to fly as old chemistry and past hurts come to the surface. Not to mention that both have secrets from their past that could change everything.
He is the bad tempered hockey player transferred to a new team. She is the woman he left at the altar many years ago. Oh but wait she is the team owner and set on getting vengeance. Can theu put their past behind them and start fresh or are some hurts just too painful to forgive. WOW I don't even know how to accurately explain how incredibly fantastic this was. It is absolutely amazing.
I love me a good hockey book. That being said, I love the buildup between Maverick and Ruby. The rekindled love, the banter, how she used her want/ need for revenge to bring the man she felt wronged her to his knees, and even the reveal about their son. Absolutely loved this book, and hope it’s the start of a series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This engaging second-chance romance has heartbreak, loss, secrets, meddling family, great secondary characters, secrets, lies, and revelations. The MCs are defined and likable, and they hide their emotions. I enjoyed reading this entertaining book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My Pucking Secret Baby: A Second Chance Romance story of Maverick and ruby..He is a hockey player,the man who left her in the altar and the father of her son that he didn't know about..Years later their path crossed again,Now she owns the hockey team,the boss lady who wants revenge..An interesting,intriguing,intense,steamy,with family drama,secret and second chances..
MF, Second Chance, Hockey, Contemporary, Sports, Romance. The second book in the series, each book features new MC's but the characters show up in other books in the series. Steamy, Pageturner, great characters, twists and turns, fast paced storyline. Guaranteed HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked the drama of this story as Ruby and Maverick get their second chance. However first they must deal with their secrets and past hurts. I liked how the characters have grown.
What a great read. Loved it from beginning to end. Definitely a unique plot. Revenge is always best served hot and sweet! Definitely this was a great story with a good ending.
So much drama, revenge, and hot players in this story that had me laughing and groaning at times. Maverick and Ruby were a riot as they meet up and the drama begins. It was fun to watch these two grow and deal with each other. But the situations were a hoot at times.
Now ill Have to back to Milwaukee Frost #1. My Picking Secret Baby is such a misnomer for a story I didn't want to put down. Bravo Grace Leighton! Continuing to add to my TBR!!!!
I’m only giving this a 5 star because I loved Maverick. Ruby annoyed me. I know people do it but I couldn’t imagine keeping a child from its father. I know she was hurt. I get it. I get she thought he was awful. But her child deserved better. Maverick is a better man than most.