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Puck Sweat Love
The NHL’s grumpiest goalie just met his biggest weakness—his sunshine-y, totally off-limits yoga instructor…
After clawing my way back from a rough few years, I’m finally getting my second chance in the league. The only thing standing between me and a legendary comeback? My own cantankerous attitude—and the blood pressure to match.
Enter Stephanie Love—yoga guru, human ray of sunshine, and the last woman I should be thinking about kissing. She’s here to help me chill the hell out before training camp.
Instead, she’s making it impossible to keep my cool.
One downward dog, and I’m done for. It’s the way she moves, the way she laughs, the way she sees right through my broody bullshit.
I can’t afford distractions, especially not a big-hearted woman who deserves better than a broken goalie with a bad reputation.
But the more I fight it, the clearer it becomes—this game was rigged from the start.
She’s my new dream, now…and I’m about to break every rule to make her mine.
After clawing my way back from a rough few years, I’m finally getting my second chance in the league. The only thing standing between me and a legendary comeback? My own cantankerous attitude—and the blood pressure to match.
Enter Stephanie Love—yoga guru, human ray of sunshine, and the last woman I should be thinking about kissing. She’s here to help me chill the hell out before training camp.
Instead, she’s making it impossible to keep my cool.
One downward dog, and I’m done for. It’s the way she moves, the way she laughs, the way she sees right through my broody bullshit.
I can’t afford distractions, especially not a big-hearted woman who deserves better than a broken goalie with a bad reputation.
But the more I fight it, the clearer it becomes—this game was rigged from the start.
She’s my new dream, now…and I’m about to break every rule to make her mine.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2025
116 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Lili Valente
151 books4,082 followersVisit Lili at www.lilivalente.com
Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.
*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!
Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.
*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 16, 2025
Grumpy/Sunshine with a hockey storyline will always be one of my favorite tropes to read. “Puck Sweat Love” is a swoony, fun and sweet hockey romance that was classic Lili Valente goodness.
Tank is a grumpy NHL goalie who is fighting his way back to being the top goalie for the Badgers and when his blood pressure is a tad high due to stress, his doctor recommends yoga. Skeptical at first, Tank goes to yoga and is met with sunshine in human form. Stephanie Love always has a positive outlook and wants to help Tank out. And the last thing Tank was expecting to be completely taken by Stephanie. As they spend time together, Tank’s priorities change and he sees Stephanie in a different light.
I love a grumpy man and Tank was grumpy perfection. I could picture his resting grump face and that made me smile throughout the book. He has some demons from his past he needs to fight and he was doing such an amazing job at it. He took responsibility for it and made sure that he was going to be the best he could be. Stephanie is walking sunshine and I could see myself being friends with her in real life. I loved her outlook on life, how she wanted to help people with yoga and that she was a pug mama. These two were definitely complete opposites but it worked so well for them. They understood each other from the beginning and just knew what each other needed. The steamy scenes were great and Tank was always making sure Stephanie was well taken care of. I loved having some of his teammates involved in the storyline which added to the hockey goodness. The ending was so sweet and romantic.
Tank is a grumpy NHL goalie who is fighting his way back to being the top goalie for the Badgers and when his blood pressure is a tad high due to stress, his doctor recommends yoga. Skeptical at first, Tank goes to yoga and is met with sunshine in human form. Stephanie Love always has a positive outlook and wants to help Tank out. And the last thing Tank was expecting to be completely taken by Stephanie. As they spend time together, Tank’s priorities change and he sees Stephanie in a different light.
I love a grumpy man and Tank was grumpy perfection. I could picture his resting grump face and that made me smile throughout the book. He has some demons from his past he needs to fight and he was doing such an amazing job at it. He took responsibility for it and made sure that he was going to be the best he could be. Stephanie is walking sunshine and I could see myself being friends with her in real life. I loved her outlook on life, how she wanted to help people with yoga and that she was a pug mama. These two were definitely complete opposites but it worked so well for them. They understood each other from the beginning and just knew what each other needed. The steamy scenes were great and Tank was always making sure Stephanie was well taken care of. I loved having some of his teammates involved in the storyline which added to the hockey goodness. The ending was so sweet and romantic.
April 21, 2025
Grumpy? Oh my yes…
Tank is the perfect name for this growly, grumpy and steadfast character. An NHL goalie who worked hard to get back to the top and he was almost there. Hard work alone wouldn’t be enough so he is forced to join Steph’s yoga class. He went kicking and screaming inside because he knew Steph was his polar opposite. She was sunshine and lollipops so way too sweet for him. Steph was getting over a harsh breakup and wasn’t looking for commitment or love. At all. What they both found surprised them both…
This was such a fun read! The chemistry between these characters was crazy good with the depth of emotion behind filling all the nooks and crannies. Laughter. Tears. They “got” each other and that acceptance and trust was, well, everything…
Told in this author’s trademark humour, the steam – and the love – Tank and Steph easily slid into my top reads list of the year!
*I happily reviewed this story
Tank is the perfect name for this growly, grumpy and steadfast character. An NHL goalie who worked hard to get back to the top and he was almost there. Hard work alone wouldn’t be enough so he is forced to join Steph’s yoga class. He went kicking and screaming inside because he knew Steph was his polar opposite. She was sunshine and lollipops so way too sweet for him. Steph was getting over a harsh breakup and wasn’t looking for commitment or love. At all. What they both found surprised them both…
This was such a fun read! The chemistry between these characters was crazy good with the depth of emotion behind filling all the nooks and crannies. Laughter. Tears. They “got” each other and that acceptance and trust was, well, everything…
Told in this author’s trademark humour, the steam – and the love – Tank and Steph easily slid into my top reads list of the year!
*I happily reviewed this story
April 16, 2025
Cosmic connections and fate
I loved this grumpy-sunshine, opposites attract, hockey player romance. The story had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, and spice as seen through the eyes of two intense, intense, strong and passionate characters. It just made me happy to read about these two relatable characters dealing with the messy parts of life with their insecurities and negative self-talk trying to derail things. Tank is a grumpy stressed goaltending coach, youth center volunteer, and a man who is on the cusp of returning to being a goalie in the NHL after addiction derailed his life. Stephanie is a full time yoga instructor and a ball of happy calm sunshine who just got out of an unhealthy relationship. When the team doc suggests Tank take yoga to lower his stress and his blood pressure, Stephanie’s yoga studio is recommended. There is instant attraction and chemistry but neither Tank nor Bree believe this is a good time to start a relationship. But fate and feelings cannot always be ignored. To make it to their HEA they’ll have to trust the universe, unpack some baggage, and take leaps of faith. This heartwarming story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters, and a swoony and heartwarming storyline. 4.5 stars.
I loved this grumpy-sunshine, opposites attract, hockey player romance. The story had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, and spice as seen through the eyes of two intense, intense, strong and passionate characters. It just made me happy to read about these two relatable characters dealing with the messy parts of life with their insecurities and negative self-talk trying to derail things. Tank is a grumpy stressed goaltending coach, youth center volunteer, and a man who is on the cusp of returning to being a goalie in the NHL after addiction derailed his life. Stephanie is a full time yoga instructor and a ball of happy calm sunshine who just got out of an unhealthy relationship. When the team doc suggests Tank take yoga to lower his stress and his blood pressure, Stephanie’s yoga studio is recommended. There is instant attraction and chemistry but neither Tank nor Bree believe this is a good time to start a relationship. But fate and feelings cannot always be ignored. To make it to their HEA they’ll have to trust the universe, unpack some baggage, and take leaps of faith. This heartwarming story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters, and a swoony and heartwarming storyline. 4.5 stars.
January 17, 2026
I wanted to like this one so much….but I didn’t really. Writing style is still entertaining, banter is good. Some of it felt super drawn out tho and then other parts were over in a blink. The whole Garcia set up was silly, and quick. And then he was gone but we didn’t get any feedback from the coaches or anything about what they’d done, just wrapped up the sting, took their evidence to management the next day and boom, Garcia is gone. That was a big part of the plot and was very underwhelming and rushed. Maybe I’m getting tired of these books by now?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2025
Theodore (Tank) Libassi wasn't grumpy enough, he was just a grunter—BIG difference!
Theo (as I like to call him) has had addiction issues in the past, he's turned it all around and he's been given a second chance with the NHL, however, he is vying for the goalie against an arch rival on the team who doesn't fight fair.
After an examination, he's diagnosed with high blood pressure and the team doctor suggests he try yoga and refers Stephanie Love (yoga instructor). Theo met Stephanie last year and his impression of her—saccharin sweet, cavity enducing—he was clearly NOT smitten with her at that time—but, why not?!
Theo attends her yoga class and the attraction sparks for both of them, they both are hesitate and rightly so. They hang out, along with her dog and they have a great time, at the end of the night, she makes her move and he takes over. Theo keeps getting bullied by his nemesis but his friends come to his resuce.
Overall, the story was good but they fell too quickly for my taste especially given his past view of her, plus I needed more grump from him, but I'm thrilled that the book was low on angst. I appreciate that the author did her homework as it relates to hockey, yoga and women of color hair care. Lastly, Stephanie's dog was comic relief and added something extra to the story. Recommended: Read It!
Theo (as I like to call him) has had addiction issues in the past, he's turned it all around and he's been given a second chance with the NHL, however, he is vying for the goalie against an arch rival on the team who doesn't fight fair.
After an examination, he's diagnosed with high blood pressure and the team doctor suggests he try yoga and refers Stephanie Love (yoga instructor). Theo met Stephanie last year and his impression of her—saccharin sweet, cavity enducing—he was clearly NOT smitten with her at that time—but, why not?!
Theo attends her yoga class and the attraction sparks for both of them, they both are hesitate and rightly so. They hang out, along with her dog and they have a great time, at the end of the night, she makes her move and he takes over. Theo keeps getting bullied by his nemesis but his friends come to his resuce.
Overall, the story was good but they fell too quickly for my taste especially given his past view of her, plus I needed more grump from him, but I'm thrilled that the book was low on angst. I appreciate that the author did her homework as it relates to hockey, yoga and women of color hair care. Lastly, Stephanie's dog was comic relief and added something extra to the story. Recommended: Read It!
April 24, 2025
Having been a Lili Valente fan for a long time now, I was thrilled to learn that we were getting a new book in the Bad Motherpuckers series, one of my favorite hockey romance series ever. From Page 1, I knew that I was going to absolutely love Tank and Stephanie, and I was so right. This pairing that maybe shouldn't work totally does, and I could not have adored them more.
I might characterize Tank as the grumpy to Steph's sunshine, but I think that he is a grump that wants to be sunnier, making these two so much fun to read. They bring out the best in each other, and watching their relationship unfold and grow gave me all of the butterflies. And while I enjoy all kinds of romance, I honestly think that a little bit of suspense almost always make things more interesting, so having the edginess that comes with Tank's past, along with exes that do not want to be exes, really adds to the story here.
Lili's way with words, and her humor and ability to craft characters that feel like friends, make reading her books such fun. PUCK SWEAT LOVE is a wonderful addition to her hockey reads that fans and new readers alike will love. ❤️
April 25, 2025
4.5 Stars
A really enjoyable read. I love grumpy/sunshine so this book is my jam. Plus it's a hockey romance. There was no way I could resist this book. I loved Tank so much. He's had a rough childhood and then a rough go of his first chance in the NHL. This man has been through hell and now his second chance at a hockey career is within reach. He so deserves someone like Stephanie in his life. She brings all the sunshine with her. This book has the humor that I so come to love about this series. I loved the brotherly love between Stone and Tank. A lot of funny moments between them. There are some people in this that need a swift visit from karma. I strongly dislike people who think they are superior and conniving so much. I had to deal with some in real life so when I ever read about them I want justice served for the good guys so bad. Oh my gosh don't even get me started on Stephanie's pug Mr. Sniffles. He steals the show when he is involved. I just loved him. One thing that I appreciated about Tank is he respects women. Trust me that is a very attractive quality in a man. A fun sexy read with it's serious moments to go along with the funny ones.
A really enjoyable read. I love grumpy/sunshine so this book is my jam. Plus it's a hockey romance. There was no way I could resist this book. I loved Tank so much. He's had a rough childhood and then a rough go of his first chance in the NHL. This man has been through hell and now his second chance at a hockey career is within reach. He so deserves someone like Stephanie in his life. She brings all the sunshine with her. This book has the humor that I so come to love about this series. I loved the brotherly love between Stone and Tank. A lot of funny moments between them. There are some people in this that need a swift visit from karma. I strongly dislike people who think they are superior and conniving so much. I had to deal with some in real life so when I ever read about them I want justice served for the good guys so bad. Oh my gosh don't even get me started on Stephanie's pug Mr. Sniffles. He steals the show when he is involved. I just loved him. One thing that I appreciated about Tank is he respects women. Trust me that is a very attractive quality in a man. A fun sexy read with it's serious moments to go along with the funny ones.
April 13, 2025
Puck Sweat Love is a sweet, swoon-worthy, and heartwarming read, brimming with captivating characters and a compelling storyline. Tank is given a second chance in the NHL after battling the personal demons that almost ended his career and his life. To manage his high blood pressure, the team doctor recommends yoga, leading him—reluctantly—into Stephanie’s classes. It doesn’t take long for her charm and kindness to capture his heart.
These two embody the “opposites attract” trope, yet together they simply work. From the start, their flirty banter and sizzling chemistry light up the pages. Stephanie brings calm to Tank’s stormy soul, showing him a new perspective on life, while Tank provides Stephanie with the respect and sense of belonging she’s always craved. Their relationship is a perfect balance, and it’s a joy to watch them grow closer as they open their hearts to vulnerability.
With a dash of angst, plenty of heat, and an abundance of heart, Puck Sweat Love is an irresistible, feel-good romance that leaves you smiling long after the final page.
These two embody the “opposites attract” trope, yet together they simply work. From the start, their flirty banter and sizzling chemistry light up the pages. Stephanie brings calm to Tank’s stormy soul, showing him a new perspective on life, while Tank provides Stephanie with the respect and sense of belonging she’s always craved. Their relationship is a perfect balance, and it’s a joy to watch them grow closer as they open their hearts to vulnerability.
With a dash of angst, plenty of heat, and an abundance of heart, Puck Sweat Love is an irresistible, feel-good romance that leaves you smiling long after the final page.
April 20, 2025
Puck Sweat Love is a fun hockey romance between an emotional yoga teacher and a hockey goalie who’s emotions are tightly controlled and when they come together it really shows how well opposites attract really works. I love how they first really connected with Tank seeing just how beneficial yoga can be after opening his mind to the potential of yoga, I think it set a really good foundation for respect between the two without being overly stated, and worked so well for these two to see who the other are. Tank is working through a lot with his career and his body and falling for Stephanie is exactly what he needs. Stephanie needs someone who is opened minded and not an a-hole after her ex, and Tank is the perfect man to help her truly find love. These two have passion, chemistry, and a healthy relationship foundation and I couldn’t put it down!
May 18, 2025
I’ve truly missed Lily Valente’s hockey-playing Motherpuckers, and with Puck Sweat Love, she’s scored another winning goal.
Tank and Stephanie may be opposites in personality, but their chemistry is undeniable. Tank is laser-focused on regaining his strength and making his return to the ice—falling for a yoga-loving, sunshine-filled woman like Stephanie was never part of the plan. Meanwhile, Stephanie is healing from an unhealthy relationship and isn’t looking for anything serious. But the moment the grumpy yet determined Tank walks into her studio, her heart begins to flutter. Despite their differences and best intentions, the more time they spend together, the harder they fall.
Lily Valente once again delivers a heartfelt, swoon-worthy romance with the kind of emotionally satisfying ending I’ve come to adore. I loved being back in the world of the Motherpuckers with Tuck and Stephanie, and her lovable pug, Mr. Sniffles. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this team!
Tank and Stephanie may be opposites in personality, but their chemistry is undeniable. Tank is laser-focused on regaining his strength and making his return to the ice—falling for a yoga-loving, sunshine-filled woman like Stephanie was never part of the plan. Meanwhile, Stephanie is healing from an unhealthy relationship and isn’t looking for anything serious. But the moment the grumpy yet determined Tank walks into her studio, her heart begins to flutter. Despite their differences and best intentions, the more time they spend together, the harder they fall.
Lily Valente once again delivers a heartfelt, swoon-worthy romance with the kind of emotionally satisfying ending I’ve come to adore. I loved being back in the world of the Motherpuckers with Tuck and Stephanie, and her lovable pug, Mr. Sniffles. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this team!
April 26, 2025
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
It's been a while since we had anything from this series and I do like a good Hockey romance. These bad boys have a sweet heart and love for the woman they find and the woman are also strong characters.
Stephanie is the team Yoga instructor and it has been recommended that Theodore 'Tank" LiBassi has personal sessions to help with not only his blood pressure but the soreness in his muscles.
His first meeting with Stephanie goes well and there is certainly an instant connection. Tank certainly does not intend to like Yoga or the instructor quite so much, but they can't help themselves.
I really like these books and hope that we get more for this series.
It's been a while since we had anything from this series and I do like a good Hockey romance. These bad boys have a sweet heart and love for the woman they find and the woman are also strong characters.
Stephanie is the team Yoga instructor and it has been recommended that Theodore 'Tank" LiBassi has personal sessions to help with not only his blood pressure but the soreness in his muscles.
His first meeting with Stephanie goes well and there is certainly an instant connection. Tank certainly does not intend to like Yoga or the instructor quite so much, but they can't help themselves.
I really like these books and hope that we get more for this series.
May 1, 2025
Loved this book!
I loved this story of Tank and Stephanie!! He is the second chance goalie who is stressed out and grumpy. She is light and love yogi who teaches classes to the hockey team. Together they make just so much sense. I love these two together. I love this book and series! I highly recommend! I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
I loved this story of Tank and Stephanie!! He is the second chance goalie who is stressed out and grumpy. She is light and love yogi who teaches classes to the hockey team. Together they make just so much sense. I love these two together. I love this book and series! I highly recommend! I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
April 23, 2025
I am sooooo happy to be back in the hockey world with Lili!
Tank is grumpy muffin who needs to work on himself. Which leads him to Stephanie.
Stephanie is a fun loving, sweat yoga gal who has a big heart. I adore their story. Lili really knows how to suck you into her story. If you haven't read this series yet I suggest you get reading now!
Tank is grumpy muffin who needs to work on himself. Which leads him to Stephanie.
Stephanie is a fun loving, sweat yoga gal who has a big heart. I adore their story. Lili really knows how to suck you into her story. If you haven't read this series yet I suggest you get reading now!
May 13, 2025
Great addition to a wonderful series. Steamy chemistry, a swoon-worthy hockey hero, and a determined heroine make this a fun and addictive read. If you love your romance with ice and spice, grab this one!
#LiliValente #PuckSweatLove #HockeyRomance #SteamyReads #RomanceBooks
#LiliValente #PuckSweatLove #HockeyRomance #SteamyReads #RomanceBooks
May 26, 2025
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book until the climax regarding the set up and it was just pushed to a few paragraphs after the event. I felt cheated. Ugh.
I really enjoyed this book until the climax regarding the set up and it was just pushed to a few paragraphs after the event. I felt cheated. Ugh.
June 15, 2025
Wow!
A better description for love and the path to it couldn’t be found. Everyone should be so lucky. Too bad all men couldn’t be like this guy!
A better description for love and the path to it couldn’t be found. Everyone should be so lucky. Too bad all men couldn’t be like this guy!
July 2, 2025
nice!
Sweet and sexy with a bit of drama. I love these motherpuckers! Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Sweet and sexy with a bit of drama. I love these motherpuckers! Looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 22, 2025
This enjoyable series continues!
Tank is a grump who is definitely not a prime yogi candidate. BUT he needs to heal from a shoulder injury and find a way to lower his blood pressure which is what leads him to Stephanie's studio.
While these two seem to be an unlikely pairing - I liked the way they gravitated towards each other. This one had nice diverse characters and of course, a cute pug named Mr. Sniffles. A quirky pet is a staple with a Lili Valente story.
This was an entertaining read. And hopefully setting up for another one!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
Tank is a grump who is definitely not a prime yogi candidate. BUT he needs to heal from a shoulder injury and find a way to lower his blood pressure which is what leads him to Stephanie's studio.
While these two seem to be an unlikely pairing - I liked the way they gravitated towards each other. This one had nice diverse characters and of course, a cute pug named Mr. Sniffles. A quirky pet is a staple with a Lili Valente story.
This was an entertaining read. And hopefully setting up for another one!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
September 20, 2025
Something just didn’t click with me with this book.
Needing to lower his blood pressure before training camp, Tank is encouraged to take up yoga. Said yogi is a friend of a friend, Stephanie, and has worked with hockey players in the past. It doesn’t take long for sparks to fly, even though they both know they shouldn’t. However, when training camps starts, it seems someone’s out to get Tank and kick him off the team. So will Tank accept help, or will he push everyone away?
Tank and Stephanie get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
I’m not sure how many other people could tell, but the writing seemed different in this book, and I feel it’s because the author has grown into their own. Which congrats! But also, this book didn’t seem as lighthearted and fun, but a little more mature.
It sucked that Tank was judged so harshly for his past rather than all the good he was doing now. I get it, the coach also knew an addict and saw their ways but to judge all people that way was silly. I’m glad the seasoned members of the Badgers saw what was going on and immediately helped in true team fashion. It will be interesting to see how long the new coach and owner(?) stick around if they’re that easily swayed.
Needing to lower his blood pressure before training camp, Tank is encouraged to take up yoga. Said yogi is a friend of a friend, Stephanie, and has worked with hockey players in the past. It doesn’t take long for sparks to fly, even though they both know they shouldn’t. However, when training camps starts, it seems someone’s out to get Tank and kick him off the team. So will Tank accept help, or will he push everyone away?
Tank and Stephanie get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
I’m not sure how many other people could tell, but the writing seemed different in this book, and I feel it’s because the author has grown into their own. Which congrats! But also, this book didn’t seem as lighthearted and fun, but a little more mature.
It sucked that Tank was judged so harshly for his past rather than all the good he was doing now. I get it, the coach also knew an addict and saw their ways but to judge all people that way was silly. I’m glad the seasoned members of the Badgers saw what was going on and immediately helped in true team fashion. It will be interesting to see how long the new coach and owner(?) stick around if they’re that easily swayed.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews