Pucking Around With A Grumpy Billionaire Daddy

Plum Island Bay Lovers

by Haley Storm

Previous cover edition for the Kindle edition with ASIN: B0CT4KHPDX

Puck around and find out…

Scoring my hot young assistant sends this damaged single-daddy to the penalty box...

Once Boston's bad-boy goalie, now haunted by my mangled past, broken...with a sh$$-ton of money.

That's when my investment lands me stuck, overnight, caught between the legs of this port-town princess.

The property is Kara's happy place...but she doesn't know I'm tearing it down. Her constant chatter and giddy attitude make me want to send her packing.

Now I'm back on the ice coaching, and she's assigned as the water boy.

It'll never work between us—Kara's a no-go.

So how does her biscuit keep catching me on my weak side.

My Icy core has melted—and our secret fling is a blazing affair...now I need her.

The trouble is, I'm practically twice her age and risk losing everything—my daughter, my reputation, and my career.

And now that I find out she's knocked up, I'm on thin ice.

I just hope she'll forgive me when my secret comes out...

Genres: Hockey, Hockey Romance, Sports Romance

333 pages, ebook

Published January 30, 2024

About the author

Grab your free copy of Daddy's Grumpy Best Friend when you sign up to receive updates on upcoming and new releases from me and your favorite Indie authors.
https://www.dl.bookfunnel.com/ojphb4eup5

Haley is a contemporary romance author who creates dynamic plots depicting realistic, swoon-worthy relationships and OTT alphas. Her books offer a mix of witty banter, angst, and real-life struggles. Her heroines are independent, quick-witted, and fiercely determined, her heroes are alpha yet vulnerable. Haley's stories encompass a range of enticing themes, including age-gap romances, protective alphas, grumpy/sunshine, and irresistible billionaire bad boys. A tantalizing combination of sugar and spice sums up this budding author’s writing style perfectly!​ Follow Haley as she carries you through a tantalizing journey of steam and swoon. www.haleystormromance

Stalk me ;)

Bookbub
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/haley...

Booksprout:
https://booksprout.co/reviewer/author...

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

Reviews

[Kirsten Childe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book, the first I have read by this author. The blurb sounded good - something romantic with a good old HEA - just my cup of tea.

Unfortunately, right from the start I struggled to really like the characters. He came across as a bit of a selfish, arrogant hot head, inconsiderate of others, while she came across as a bit of a doormat - in my opinion. Obviously part of the journey they take hopes to reform these negative traits, but I was not convinced.

I also struggled with some of the writing - the conversations didn’t really flow, they felt a bit stilted, and sometimes did not add to the story.

However the idea behind the story was quite nice, and this is only my opinion.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Austin Jacobs is not the nicest, dare I write mature, older wealthy man. No this guy is a hot mess.🙈 He's bitter. Jaded. Selfish. Yes he's suffered the loss of his hockey career and his fiancée Katie from a terrible car accident. He has a daughter, Chrissy, that he hardly sees. She's four years old, I believe. His sister Chelsea has been taking care of her. He thinks of what he needs, what he wants, and everyone else is an afterthought. Including Chrissy. I like a grump like anybody else, but this dude was hard to support. He was hot. Then ice cold the next. A Jekyll and Hyde type. Oof. Sexy with red flags galore.😝 He's set to buy a historical B&B when he meets her.

Kara Baker is bubbly and sweet. She is much younger. The story implied a 20 year age difference, but it was never revealed. I liked her at times and then, at moments, not so much. I wanted her to be more confident in herself. Assertive. Maybe it's her age? But she always did what Austin wanted. What he told her to do. After a brief encounter together, he told her to leave. Yup. Kicked her to the curb. Ouch! But as soon as he wanted her, to make up for it, she went right back. Oh girl. Always yes. Never a no. The entire contraceptive conversation should have happened wayy before you know. There's plenty of heat and steam here🔥💋🔥 if that's your thing.

I wanted more character development. A more likable grouch.😆 And a sassier Kara. I got confused when Kara knew about Chrissy at one point in the story, but she was later surprised when Chrissy was revealed as Austin's daughter.🤷🏻‍♀️ I would still recommend the book. How will it all work out as Austin juggles his life choices and decisions? And where will that leave Kara and little Chrissy? Will he change? I think he needed to work on himself. No spoilers. I like the book cover.🌺🌺

⭐Thank you for an early book via Bookfunnel. This is my own honest opinion on the story I read.⭐

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger—Ice and Love Ahead

For an athlete, physical ability, training, talent and an understanding of the sport is a recipe for success. But no athlete can control fate—the actions of the opposing team, physical injury, or even the playing conditions.

So, when top-ranked professional ice hockey goalie for the Boston Havocs, Austin Jacobs, had his life turned upside down by a drunken driver’s actions and the horrible weather conditions of the night. Those factors combined to create a horrific collision killing his pregnant girlfriend and destroying his athletic career. The one bright moment in the midst of the gruesome night was the miraculous, healthy birth of his daughter Chrissy.

With the strong support of his sister Chelsea, Austin went through multiple surgeries and physical therapy and managed his legal and financial affairs. And, unable to physically or emotionally engage with his baby girl, his sister also took the lead in caring for Chrissy while also holding Austin’s broken world together. And so, while broken, Austin survived.

But now, 5-years later after the tragic accident that changed everything about his life’s trajectory, Austin is still struggling to re-engage with his former life. Yes, his playing career as a goalie for the Havocs is gone, but he is alive. And now, he is ready to try to step back into life. And, his re-entry into life includes the world of ice hockey—not ever again as a player, but with his skills, training and experience, he can teach others—he can coach. So, when the position of coaching the Northeastern University’s men’s ice hockey team comes to him, he says yes.

But, this new opportunity comes almost at the same moment of added responsibilities. Sister Chelsea, a lawyer, is ready to step back as surrogate caregiver for her sweet niece, Chrissy. Chrissy, a 4-year-old, needs her dad to be a more visible, active and engaged parent. But, Austin is uncertain about his ability to be a parent while he is still struggling both physically and emotionally with the blows of life, both his physical disability and his lingering grief over the death of Chrissy’s mom.

Additionally, he has also recently reached a financial agreement with the owner of a seaside historic inn—Chateau Au bord De L’eau— located in Newburyport, an hour out of Boston. A flourishing and popular B &B, Austin has a new vision for the facility’s future appearance and potential clients. So, after years of limited options because of his physical injuries and his mental and emotional state, he moves forward trying to juggle his new responsibilities, but unfortunately, often letting the life’s well aimed puck score against his best defensive efforts.

So, he skates on trying to successfully glide past the next challenge. However, what he never imagined was to encounter Kara Baker, a 20-year-old beauty with blonde hair, cobalt blue eyes and a perfectly curvy figure, trim and shapely from spending years of her young life on the ice figure skating. And, with family roots deep in the ice hockey world—both her father and her twin brother as well as her brother’s best friend, who unfortunately, is her troublesome ex-boyfriend, were skilled skaters. And, she knows her way around an ice rink as well as the demands of being an athlete. But at this point in her life, she wants change—no more college, no more boyfriend, and no more ice skating. She is at an inflection point, needing to make her own pathway, following her own dreams, not those of her mom. And, when the two former athletes, both bruised by the unexpected blows of life, collide in the rink of life, animosity emerges. But as they learn to skate as partners, they are champions triumphing against all challenges.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review, but also purchased an electronic version for my personal library.

[Fruzsina Bagin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haley Storm's novel "Pucking Around With A Grumpy Billionaire Daddy" tells the story of Kara and Austin's journey to find each other. The two main characters find themselves in a deep and complicated romance after an unexpected one-night stand. Both protagonists are hiding serious secrets that only complicate the unfolding of their relationship. Full honesty might solve some of their problems, but it would also create new ones, given that their relationship is not only "off-limit" because of the age difference between them.

The writer managed to portray the atmosphere of the world of hockey fascinatingly. Both the detailed descriptions of the scenes and the insight into the lives of the characters are genuine, which helps readers to feel in the middle of the action. The story's undeniable positive aspect is that it is easy to get sucked in, whether the characters are sliding on the ice or the events are taking place within the walls of a charming inn, the reader can feel as if they are there with them. The physical and emotional pain of Austin's accident adds to the depth of the story.

However, although the story has a lot of potential, unfortunately the author has not managed to fully unfold it in the novel. The emotional development of the characters, while sometimes predictable, is often confusing and even difficult to follow, making it hard for readers to identify with them or follow the story. In addition, some plot twists can seem too tangled or forced, which can affect the overall picture and reduce readers' interest.

What was most disturbing to me is that the end of the story feels a bit rushed, with no real reasoning as to why Austin eventually decides the way he does. It lacks the depth and credibility that would be essential for this kind of character development.

Altogether, "Pucking Around With A Grumpy Billionaire Daddy" is a novel that, although it contains entertaining and exciting moments, unfortunately fails to fully develop its potential. The emotional rollercoaster ride of the characters and some of the plot twists and turns may mean that not all readers will find what they were expecting.

[Suzy Stark · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bug Spray in my eyes is better than reading this

It good surface level to learn how to pronounce words but after that this book belongs on a table as something people put their coffee on. Starting out with the WORST man ever written by a women. He #1 Rude, #2 doesn’t give a shit about his daughter or the other women in his life and #3 has worse communication than an earth worm. Then you pair it with a female charetor that basically has the words treat me like shit and i’ll still come back imprinted on her forehead. Never once did she give him trouble for kicking her out, verbally assaulting her, or just plain never fighting for anything or even asking her what her favorite color is. The relationship between these two is just pitiful like they do no one but themselves good and no harm is done by the consequences they face. To wrap it up literally none of the problems brought up in this book are solved. The book just ends with happily ever after but never, oh he finally has a relationship with his daughter, or the school board found out he was sleeping with his assistant or even her parents found out she dropped out of high school and has been lying to them for months. It goes to the last chapter and then an epilogue a year later where all of a sudden problems don’t exist. If i could give this book zero stars i would just for the time i wasted reading it.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an Icy Start to them working together

This is a heartwarming story of love, with tension, drama, romance, misunderstandings, heartbreak and friendship.

This is an fun romance from the start. Kara and Austin feel an instant connection when they first meet at the Chateau bed & breakfast where she lives, works and paints. She's had enough of her ex-boyfriend and Boston so had not signed up for the next term of lessons and stopped ice skating (always more her mum's passion). But she loves helping with the B&B on Plum Island.

When Austin arrives to have a look round they clash at first, her sunshine approach too much for him, but when a storm stops him from leaving the sparks start to fly. What he doesn't tell her though is that he's looking to buy the place to rebuild not just renovate as a investiture as he can't play ice hockey following an accident. He's also about to start coaching the Boston university team; and he doesn't expect to find Kara is his new assistant, as well as being the twin of his best player.

Austin has been angry since his fiancée died in the accident which stopped his NHL career and left him a single dad. Can Kara's sunshine help heal him?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Austin - I wanted to think there was something there that I would have sympathy for him (I really tried given that he lost his hockey career and his fiancee in a car accident) but he was plain and simple a jerk. He was rude, selfish and focused only on himself. He barely sees his daughter. He might be hot but he's a mess.

Kara - She's a burst of energy; bubbly, fun and positive. Basically the complete opposite of grumpy Austin. At the same time, there were times where she was a complete doormat to Austin and what he wanted -- girl, grow a backbone and tell him how it's going to be sometimes, otherwise you are going to continue to be frustrated with Mr. Bossy Pants.

I really couldn't see how these two were going to get together long term. While I could see that Austin wanted Kara to be the one who pulled him out of his funk, he gave her such a hard time and never wanted to meet her halfway. He's a mess, in every sense of the word. I would have liked him to have more of a realization of how much he really needed her and for her to maybe give him a little pushback. She's too much of a pushover.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kara has dropped out of college and is currently working at a run down bed and breakfast château. Whilst avoiding telling her parents she bumps into a hot, older man at the château. The sparks between these two are instantaneous and one thing leads to another. But his cold, dismissive attitude afterwards is crushing.

Austin is an angry man. He lost his fiancee and career in a car accident and is left a single father. Completely unable to cope his sister Chelsea steps in and has cared for his daughter, Chrissy ever since.

Kara is the first person to chip away at the wall he has built around his heart. She is a little ray of sunshine to his angry persona, but is it enough to heal his heart and enable him to start anew?

A fantastic heartwarming romance about second chances.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowsa this book is absolutely fantastic and will definitely have you engrossed from the beginning until the end. Austin is ex. Hockey player and starting a new job for coaching and trying to keep himself busy after a tragic accident destroyed his world, but hanging on to the pain and anger is to much .Kara lives to make her parents happy but when she can't take it anymore and makes changes that make her happy will it destroy people's lives? This book was absolutely fantastic and you could connect with the characters emotions and Heartbreak and pain and it's like you were apart of it. I couldn't put this book and let me tell you it's a must read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kara has dropped out of college and gone to work at a B&B Chateau , here she hooks up with Austin , he’s a bit abrupt and a grump but she finds there’s valid cause…Austin is a single father , he’s been through the mill losing his fiancée and his hockey career, he’s just taken up a hockey coaching job , his sister knows he’s in pain and steps in to take the strain… the sparks between Kara and Austin are enough to melt the ice and sends them in the offensive zone to score between the pipes . Well written Hockey romance with angst.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Corvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pucking Around With A Grumpy Billionaire Daddy by Haley Storm is a sweet, feel-good story. The storyline was intriguing enough to keep me interested and had a few twists I wasn't expecting. That being said, both main characters seemed very immature when dealing with each other. This is not a bad thing for Kara because she is still young. Austin, however, lives up to his grumpy title, but he is extremely immature in dealing with people and his problems. I found myself wondering why Kara kept going back. Still, like I said, the premise was good. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good love story with a little heartache mixed in.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Must read story. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was marvelous. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. Could this romance begin on this private Plum Island of fun and relaxing. When she meet him it was love at first sight. But he was so intrigue with her a night of passion will lead to unexpected pregnancy a couples months later.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is your next read right here because it is going to suck you right into the characters like no other romance book has ever done before. Haley has a really HUGE talent at writing books and let me just say right here and right now that I am ALWAYS going to be her #1 FAN.
This book has some of the BEST characters ever. Austin and Kara's chemistry, romance and a surprise pregnancy will draw you into this book keep you stuck on your couch until the very last word is read. This book did that and so much more to me.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Kara has lived her life to make her parents happy but is it what they want what she really wants? Austin has been dealing with a lot and I felt for him so much. Kara was some much needed sunshine in his life, once he let her in. He was such a grouch and sometimes I wanted to tell him to knock it off lol. These two had a one night stand that ended in a surprise….. Kara decides to make some life changing decisions but is it for the best????.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Miri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

Austin is an entitled jock with a sad past and Kara is sunshine and rainbows with a horrible ex.

When Austin stomps in to Kara’s workplace and turns things upside down in many ways, Kara tries to make the most of it. What will this bad boy do to change her mind?

The book started off a little slow but as you get to know the characters and their back story, the plot built itself. While there were some steamy scenes and good angst, I was hoping for more character development.

[Raecharmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kara and Austin start off very rocky even with them hooking up. Kara is trying to figure her life out instead of doing what makes her parents happy. Things between her and Austin keep getting complicated and she isn't sure what to expect next. Will they finally admit what they want from each other? Or will things end between them?

This is a great story that will draw you in. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Tammy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Austin is a man who had everything but lost his career and fiance in a bad car accident.

Austin has worked hard to get back in the ice as a coach.

Kara is a college student who has dropped out to work at a bed and breakfast.

Kara has an ex-boyfriend, and a twin brother who are both on the college hockey team.

If the wrong person finds out about Kara and Austin, his career could be over.

The book is a quick read. With lots of spice. The only thing cold for Kara and Austin is the ice they skate on.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has several tropes going for it but my favorite is the grumpy billionaire daddy who is twice the age of the woman who is giving him a run for his money. Austin has had a wall around his heart for quite a while until he connects with Kara. Will she be his downfall and will it lead them to a happily ever after. This story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely awesome reading

Absolutely loved Austin & Kara's story. If you love age gap hockey romance that combines enemies to lovers, grumpy sunsine, single dad, small town, off limits & surprise pregnancy then I highly recommend giving this story a read. The author has done a brilliant job with their story which honestly had me hooked from page 1. I can't wait to see what the author writes next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hockey is Key

Grumpy Austin and upbeat Kara could not be more opposite of each other in personalities. However, this story is their journey to finding a happy medium and commonality. Despite his hot and cold demeanor their attraction and chemistry are highly explosive but so is the mess that is his life following the tragedy that flipped it all. This was an emotional yet charming read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin accepted the coaching position for the hockey team at NEU and is planning to purchase Chateau Au bord De L'eau, a boarding house that he wants to tear down and replace with an exclusive hotel. When he goes to see the property, he meets Kara, a bubbly blonde who works there. This story has plenty of drama, romance, and steam, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ava Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book to read! It had great banter between the characters and it was a spicy age gap book, I loved reading about Kara and Austin and the development they had over the story. I highly recommend this book if you like hockey romances, age-gap, single parent or enemies to lovers because it has it all

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful enemies-to-lovers, older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Austin and Kara. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, secrets, obstacles and steam.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second installment of Plum Island Bay Lovers was well written and kept me entertained thanks to the engaging story line along with the endearing characters. I can't wait to see what Haley Storm has in store for us next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jaime Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really well written and the characters were relatable. It has well thought out and unique spicy scenes drawing you in.
This book was deliciously dark and tantalizing, and extremely dirty. I couldn’t put it down until the end! Highly recommend !

[Pamela Winkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fast read and kept your interest. I just wish there was more to the actual end part of the book. The build up was great but I was disappointed at the lack of story for the end

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story fell a bit flat. Needs some serious editing. I had to reread a few parts simply because the conversation between characters did not flow well at all at times.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Austin was really hard to like and Kara wasn't much better. The way things were resolved at the end just seemed too sudden.

[sandra silliman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

I enjoyed the characters and the heartache they have gone through I enjoyed how in the end they came together

[Chats With Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful writing, no way to like any of the characters, spelling mistakes throughout. Just a really rubbish book unfortunately!