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Pucking the Grump
Three things you should I’m a pro on the ice, a smartass in the locker room, and head-over-skates for the coach’s daughter.
She’s grumpy, gorgeous, and completely off-limits, and not just because her dad is a legendary hardass who will separate my nuts from the rest of me if he finds out about us. Remy is the hardest-working woman in hockey, determined to leave the admin world behind and start a coaching career of her own. She has goals. Rules. Boundaries. Walls around her heart more impenetrable than the glass around the rink.
We’ve been sneaking around for over a year, but after one too many "this can’t happen again" close calls, she’s ready to end things for good.
Problem is, I’m not.
Somewhere between late-night texts, weekend road trips, and falling asleep with my secretly vulnerable girl on my chest, I pucked around and became this woman's biggest fan.
Now, I want everything her rough childhood has her too scared to believe in—teamwork that lasts a lifetime and love that was never part of the plan.
And when the final buzzer sounds, I want this woman next to me. Forever.
She’s grumpy, gorgeous, and completely off-limits, and not just because her dad is a legendary hardass who will separate my nuts from the rest of me if he finds out about us. Remy is the hardest-working woman in hockey, determined to leave the admin world behind and start a coaching career of her own. She has goals. Rules. Boundaries. Walls around her heart more impenetrable than the glass around the rink.
We’ve been sneaking around for over a year, but after one too many "this can’t happen again" close calls, she’s ready to end things for good.
Problem is, I’m not.
Somewhere between late-night texts, weekend road trips, and falling asleep with my secretly vulnerable girl on my chest, I pucked around and became this woman's biggest fan.
Now, I want everything her rough childhood has her too scared to believe in—teamwork that lasts a lifetime and love that was never part of the plan.
And when the final buzzer sounds, I want this woman next to me. Forever.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2025
119 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Lili Valente
150 books4,081 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 19, 2026
Fun characters, more hockey content this time lol
Story line meh
Story line meh
May 27, 2025
Oh how I love when the sunshine tames the grumpy especially when the grump is the woman. “Pucking the Grump” is a swoony, steamy and heartfelt grumpy/sunshine hockey romance that was such a fun story to read.
Remy is part of the office administration for the Portland Badgers and even though she should, she can’t stay away from the star forward, Tyler Stone. Their meetings are done in secret after everyone has gone home for the day, especially the head coach, who happens to be Remy’s dad. Remy is the hardest worker on the admin team but she dreams of one day to assume a coaching position with a hockey team. But between the late night texts and meet ups, the two fall for each other. And then Remy has the opportunity to interview for Seattle’s PWHL team and it’s a chance she can’t miss.
From the first chapter, I was hooked on Remy and Tyler. Their chemistry was undeniable and coming off the pages. Remy is smart, genuine and I loved her determination to make something of herself in a man dominated world. Even though her father had connections, she was determined to make it on her own. Tyler has all the golden retriever and energy and he was an instant favorite for me. He’s kind, a great teammate and an amazing dog dad to a chihuahua named Barb. He was confident in who is on the ice and on off the ice, we love a man who fights the patriarchy. The two started out with stolen moments but their relationship evolved so naturally with secret dates that were just perfect for them. They balance each other so perfectly and are just an amazing couple. The last few chapters really showed what a solid couple they were and how they would drop everything for each other. The ending was perfect and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Remy is part of the office administration for the Portland Badgers and even though she should, she can’t stay away from the star forward, Tyler Stone. Their meetings are done in secret after everyone has gone home for the day, especially the head coach, who happens to be Remy’s dad. Remy is the hardest worker on the admin team but she dreams of one day to assume a coaching position with a hockey team. But between the late night texts and meet ups, the two fall for each other. And then Remy has the opportunity to interview for Seattle’s PWHL team and it’s a chance she can’t miss.
From the first chapter, I was hooked on Remy and Tyler. Their chemistry was undeniable and coming off the pages. Remy is smart, genuine and I loved her determination to make something of herself in a man dominated world. Even though her father had connections, she was determined to make it on her own. Tyler has all the golden retriever and energy and he was an instant favorite for me. He’s kind, a great teammate and an amazing dog dad to a chihuahua named Barb. He was confident in who is on the ice and on off the ice, we love a man who fights the patriarchy. The two started out with stolen moments but their relationship evolved so naturally with secret dates that were just perfect for them. They balance each other so perfectly and are just an amazing couple. The last few chapters really showed what a solid couple they were and how they would drop everything for each other. The ending was perfect and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
May 28, 2025
Love, life and hockey
I loved Stone and Remy’s grumpy-sunshine romance. It was full of all the things to make a romance swoony good with plenty of big feels. Stone and Remy are portrayed as real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy scarred humans. Stone is a NHL star forward on the Badgers in his last year before retirement. He is also a golden retriever of a man. Remy is a women’s rec league hockey coach, an admin with the Badgers, and the daughter of the coach of the Badgers. She’s driven and been taught to only rely on herself. Remy and Stone have been having a secret friends with benefits relationship for 18 months. When Remy tries once again to call it off as she is too busy being overwhelmed with her life, she agrees that Stone can be her “fun coach” and her friend. But oh the feelings make it hard to keep them in just a friends box. To get to their HEA there will need to be baggage unpacking, truth telling and life realignment. I loved the way Stone gently, lovingly, and beautifully helped Remy come out of her self-imposed box, embrace her vulnerability, and set her boundaries. This heartwarming story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters, and a swoony and heartwarming storyline. 4.5 stars.
I loved Stone and Remy’s grumpy-sunshine romance. It was full of all the things to make a romance swoony good with plenty of big feels. Stone and Remy are portrayed as real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy scarred humans. Stone is a NHL star forward on the Badgers in his last year before retirement. He is also a golden retriever of a man. Remy is a women’s rec league hockey coach, an admin with the Badgers, and the daughter of the coach of the Badgers. She’s driven and been taught to only rely on herself. Remy and Stone have been having a secret friends with benefits relationship for 18 months. When Remy tries once again to call it off as she is too busy being overwhelmed with her life, she agrees that Stone can be her “fun coach” and her friend. But oh the feelings make it hard to keep them in just a friends box. To get to their HEA there will need to be baggage unpacking, truth telling and life realignment. I loved the way Stone gently, lovingly, and beautifully helped Remy come out of her self-imposed box, embrace her vulnerability, and set her boundaries. This heartwarming story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters, and a swoony and heartwarming storyline. 4.5 stars.
June 28, 2025
“Never accept that you have to choose between two things you love. It’s okay to ask for everything you want.”
Pucking The Grump is a swoony, grumpy/sunshine romance that delivers all the feels. I loved the twist of having Remy as the grump and Tyler as the ray of sunshine—complete opposites who complemented each other effortlessly.
“He’s a man who sees me, challenges me, and makes me want to be brave.”
From the very first page, their flirty, snarky banter crackled with chemistry. But beyond the spark, what really captured my heart was the emotional depth. Remy believed she had to choose between love and career, but Tyler proved otherwise. He was all in—respectful, steady, and relentlessly loving. He showed her that life could be fuller, richer, and more joyful than she ever imagined, simply by standing by her side.
“She’s my person, the one I want to love, laugh with, and lick for the rest of my life.”
Though Pucking The Grump leans lighthearted, its emotional beats made Remy and Tyler truly unforgettable. Watching their relationship unfold was a delight from beginning to end.
Pucking The Grump is a swoony, grumpy/sunshine romance that delivers all the feels. I loved the twist of having Remy as the grump and Tyler as the ray of sunshine—complete opposites who complemented each other effortlessly.
“He’s a man who sees me, challenges me, and makes me want to be brave.”
From the very first page, their flirty, snarky banter crackled with chemistry. But beyond the spark, what really captured my heart was the emotional depth. Remy believed she had to choose between love and career, but Tyler proved otherwise. He was all in—respectful, steady, and relentlessly loving. He showed her that life could be fuller, richer, and more joyful than she ever imagined, simply by standing by her side.
“She’s my person, the one I want to love, laugh with, and lick for the rest of my life.”
Though Pucking The Grump leans lighthearted, its emotional beats made Remy and Tyler truly unforgettable. Watching their relationship unfold was a delight from beginning to end.
May 28, 2025
Light-hearted yet had all the feels…
When I heard ‘grump’ my mind immediately to Tyler being the crabby part of this equation – I couldn’t have been more wrong. Instead, he was the exact opposite - full of cheer, encouragement and all the smiles. Oh, how I just LOVED the role reversal here. Remy held up the ‘grump’ part of the equation while Tyler was easy going, supportive, absolutely gorgeous in every way. They way he was there for Remy, even as she repeatedly pushed him away, had my heart totally invested in their story. Not that Remy was even close to being unlikable. Not at all. She was dealing with a lot and history told her she needed to stand alone even as she started to caving from the pressure.
Recognizing what she needed, he cajoled, bargained and made sure she received everything she needed to succeed. Including him…
Funny and achingly real dialogue, meant I felt everything the characters did and it was bliss. Heartfelt, steamy and full of all the romance, I will be reading this again and again...
*I happily reviewed this story
When I heard ‘grump’ my mind immediately to Tyler being the crabby part of this equation – I couldn’t have been more wrong. Instead, he was the exact opposite - full of cheer, encouragement and all the smiles. Oh, how I just LOVED the role reversal here. Remy held up the ‘grump’ part of the equation while Tyler was easy going, supportive, absolutely gorgeous in every way. They way he was there for Remy, even as she repeatedly pushed him away, had my heart totally invested in their story. Not that Remy was even close to being unlikable. Not at all. She was dealing with a lot and history told her she needed to stand alone even as she started to caving from the pressure.
Recognizing what she needed, he cajoled, bargained and made sure she received everything she needed to succeed. Including him…
Funny and achingly real dialogue, meant I felt everything the characters did and it was bliss. Heartfelt, steamy and full of all the romance, I will be reading this again and again...
*I happily reviewed this story
May 29, 2025
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
Stone is about to start his very last season of Hockey, but he has also found that the girl he has been seeing on the sly, his coaches daughter, is the one for him, however she has other ideas.
That is until she finds out that he has wormed his way into her heart and is just there and comforting in ways she never knew she needed before.
I really enjoyed this book, loved that we got to see a little bit more of Tank and Stephanie and a very small bit of some of the other team members. Of course we also get a healthier relationship for Remi with her dad
There is also certainly some good spice for those that lie that kind of stuff, i do :) The author always gives you a good read, decent character plots and angst where its needed. I really do enjoy all of this authors books.
Stone is about to start his very last season of Hockey, but he has also found that the girl he has been seeing on the sly, his coaches daughter, is the one for him, however she has other ideas.
That is until she finds out that he has wormed his way into her heart and is just there and comforting in ways she never knew she needed before.
I really enjoyed this book, loved that we got to see a little bit more of Tank and Stephanie and a very small bit of some of the other team members. Of course we also get a healthier relationship for Remi with her dad
There is also certainly some good spice for those that lie that kind of stuff, i do :) The author always gives you a good read, decent character plots and angst where its needed. I really do enjoy all of this authors books.
July 7, 2025
Pucking the Grump is an absolute blast! Lili Valente has scored another goal with this latest addition to her amazing hockey series.
Stone and Remy start off with a no-strings-attached friends-with-benefits arrangement. As the coach’s daughter and one of The Badgers’ star players, they both agree that their secret relationship has to stay under wraps—especially from her father. But as they spend more time together, their friendship evolves into something far deeper and more intense, with the chemistry between them building at every turn. It makes for a truly fun, heartwarming, and steamy romance.
The mix of playful moments and tender connection, paired with the undeniable sparks between Remy and Stone, made this such an enjoyable read—sweet, sizzling, and absolutely captivating!
Stone and Remy start off with a no-strings-attached friends-with-benefits arrangement. As the coach’s daughter and one of The Badgers’ star players, they both agree that their secret relationship has to stay under wraps—especially from her father. But as they spend more time together, their friendship evolves into something far deeper and more intense, with the chemistry between them building at every turn. It makes for a truly fun, heartwarming, and steamy romance.
The mix of playful moments and tender connection, paired with the undeniable sparks between Remy and Stone, made this such an enjoyable read—sweet, sizzling, and absolutely captivating!
June 6, 2025
Fun reverse grumpy/sunshine read.
This was an enjoyable read from start to finish with no angst! Sometimes you just need a light read, especially heading into summer.
Remy and Stone have had a secret FWB relationship for over a year - the complicating factor is he plays for the team she works for and oh yeah, her father is Stone’s NHL head coach too!
These two have witty banter, tons of chemistry, and just fun for days. Watching them grow together was a treat and as always, there is a fur sidekick that I just adorbed aka Barb!!
This has been a fantastic series and another entertaining read.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
This was an enjoyable read from start to finish with no angst! Sometimes you just need a light read, especially heading into summer.
Remy and Stone have had a secret FWB relationship for over a year - the complicating factor is he plays for the team she works for and oh yeah, her father is Stone’s NHL head coach too!
These two have witty banter, tons of chemistry, and just fun for days. Watching them grow together was a treat and as always, there is a fur sidekick that I just adorbed aka Barb!!
This has been a fantastic series and another entertaining read.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
June 16, 2025
This was a different story...the female being the grump instead of the male.
Stone is in his last season of hockey before he retires. He's been secretly seeing his coaches daughter, Remy. If the coach ever found out, he wouldn't live to tell about it. Friends with benefits is nice, but he really wants more than that. Will him and Remy ever be a public couple? Her dad is tough as nails as a coach and as her father. Which, in turn, makes her have a very high work ethic and too serious.
Can Stone and Remy ever be a couple? What happens if her dad finds out?
Good story! Loved the characters!
Stone is in his last season of hockey before he retires. He's been secretly seeing his coaches daughter, Remy. If the coach ever found out, he wouldn't live to tell about it. Friends with benefits is nice, but he really wants more than that. Will him and Remy ever be a public couple? Her dad is tough as nails as a coach and as her father. Which, in turn, makes her have a very high work ethic and too serious.
Can Stone and Remy ever be a couple? What happens if her dad finds out?
Good story! Loved the characters!
September 26, 2025
It's a refreshing book actually. Remy and Tyler had a secret "arrangement" for more than a year, but with so much riding now Remy ends it. This made Tyler realized that he already fallen in love with Remy deep, so he try his best to befriended her. Any is better than nothing.
Of course, not long Remy catch the same feeling. But there's a lot of complication, one of them is Remy as the coach's daughter with Remy had a complicated relationship with her dad. There's a lot of drama surround by their relationship, but Tyler try his best to be the best secret boyfriend for Remy.
Interesting book!
Of course, not long Remy catch the same feeling. But there's a lot of complication, one of them is Remy as the coach's daughter with Remy had a complicated relationship with her dad. There's a lot of drama surround by their relationship, but Tyler try his best to be the best secret boyfriend for Remy.
Interesting book!
May 28, 2025
Loved this book!
I loved this story of Remy and Stone! She is his coach's daughter and obviously off limits. Or is she? They are secret friends with benefits at first, but then the attraction simmers. Stone becomes her fun coach to help her lower her stress. The more time they spend together, the more the feelings grow. I love these two together and how much Stone supports Remy. I love this book and highly recommend!
I loved this story of Remy and Stone! She is his coach's daughter and obviously off limits. Or is she? They are secret friends with benefits at first, but then the attraction simmers. Stone becomes her fun coach to help her lower her stress. The more time they spend together, the more the feelings grow. I love these two together and how much Stone supports Remy. I love this book and highly recommend!
June 17, 2025
I adore super sexy Tyler to the ends of the earth! I mean what a man...
He gets an A in dirty talk, consideration, and just being...sexy.
Remy is such a peach, she is a girl after my own heart. I love that she wants to be independent while working in mans world, but she has her heart closed off. Tyler is just the guy to skate right on in and score the prize...her heart!
#bossy #princess
He gets an A in dirty talk, consideration, and just being...sexy.
Remy is such a peach, she is a girl after my own heart. I love that she wants to be independent while working in mans world, but she has her heart closed off. Tyler is just the guy to skate right on in and score the prize...her heart!
#bossy #princess
June 2, 2025
This is the eighth book in the Bad Motherpuckers series. Stone and Remy are total opposites who are perfect together! Their story is sweet, steamy, heartwarming and relatable. The plot was entertaining, fun to read and kept me interested in the outcome.
June 13, 2025
Loved it
I loved this story. Could not put it down. I loved the humor. I loved the reality. I loved the love! 5 stars.
I loved this story. Could not put it down. I loved the humor. I loved the reality. I loved the love! 5 stars.
July 7, 2025
love it
I love that this one had a bit more excitement with hockey. I loved the play with father and daughter. And this hockey player is my fave.
I love that this one had a bit more excitement with hockey. I loved the play with father and daughter. And this hockey player is my fave.
dnf
October 14, 2025Dnf @33%
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews