Hot Pucking Love

by Hayley James

She’s his best friend’s ex… and everything he shouldn’t want. Lennox Cross has always followed the rules to a T. Graduate early. Build a career in hospitality. Date the perfect guy. But when everything falls apart, she turns to the last person she should–her ex’s best friend and roommate.

Daniel Karamzin was drafted to the Cleveland Vortex almost a decade ago. He’s controlled, loyal, and avoids drama at all costs–especially when it involves his best friend and teammate.

But when Lennox needs help, Daniel’s protective instincts override his common sense. Living under the same roof throws gasoline on a fire neither of them can contain.

Crossing the line could shatter their lives. It means betrayal. Staying away feels impossible. Can they risk the fallout for a shot at something real–or will loyalty cost them their chance at love?



Alpha Male
Hockey Hero
Best Friend’s Ex
Forced Proximity
Three’s A Crowd
She Wears his Jersey

Genres: Hockey

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2025

Reviews

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lennox finds herself unexpectedly fired from the stadium that hosts the Cleveland Vortex she finds herself outside being rescued by non other than the hot Russian hockey player she has been fantasizing about, Daniel. Lennox has had nothing but a string of bad luck lately and feels hopeless and Daniel just wants to help her, especially when he sees her place. What she doesn’t know, he’s had a crush on her ever since he saw her with his best friend.

Daniel insists Lennox moves on with him and his best friend Pavel, who just happens to be her ex. It makes things very awkward, especially since these two have some built up sexual tension and chemistry just waiting to burst. Neither of them want to give in to the temptation of their crushes and betray Pavel, but can they fight this pull that they feel towards one another?

This may be a quick read, but it was packed. There was spice, a love story, and even a big tragic accident I did not expect!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Lennox and Daniel’s story.
Daniel is loyal, and like his life drama free, especially when is concerns his best friend, roommate, and teammate. Lennox is Daniel’s best friend ex-girlfriend, and she has always been a rule follower, but when her life falls apart, all of Daniel’s protective instincts come to the fore, and he steps in when she needs help, and moves her into his house.
This is a well written easy to read story, with found family, friendships, emotions, obstacles, loyalty, humor, witty banter, tension, trust, forced proximity, romance, palpable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and fun, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️.5

Full review to come!

[PurpleGypsyBookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lennox is trying to make ends meet after getting a new boss and having to take a pay cut. She's sold everything she could and lives as frugal as possible. After dating Pavel who plays for the Cleveland Vortex, things took there turn when her mother stole her identity. This exhausted Lennox financially. Pavel and Lennox were never in love. It was a relationship of convenience. When she comes into work early to meet with her supervisor she is in complete shock when she is let go. In a haze of confusion and sadness security is escorting her out.

Daniel, Pavel's teammate and friend, sees Lennox breaking down and he offers to take her home. When he sees where she is now living, he tells her to pack a bag and that she is coming to stay with him and Pavel at their house. Lennox and Daniel both have a deep attraction to one another but they each keep it a secret. Lennox hopes she can manage to keep the secret and herself under wraps wile staying in Daniel's room.

What neither is expecting is when Daniel is hurt badly on the ice and has to have emergency surgery. Lennox realizes her feelings run much deeper than she thought and Daniel is finding it hard keeping his feelings in check. Pavel is Daniel's best friend in the world and he can't betray him by falling for his ex.

As things move forward with the hockey investigation on the player who intentionally harmed Daniel, secrets are getting aired out. Friendships are tested, romance is in the guilty air, and choices are made that impact everyone forever.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ARC Review⭐️

Hot Pucking Love by Hayley James
Book 3 in The Cleveland Vortex series
Available 08.15.2025
4/5⭐️
2/5🌶️

Supper fast paced, light and easy romance that held my interest the whole way. It was a great palate cleanser between heavy books with the perfect plot to spice ratio. I kept waiting for some dramatic twist to blow things up, but surprisingly, everyone acted like grown ups…and I didn't hate it.

Lennox, who works for the stadium that hosts the Cleveland Vortex AHL team, unexpectedly gets fired from her job adding to her string of bad luck as of late but who comes to her rescue…the hot Russian hockey player Daniel. He insists Lennox crash at his place... which sounds like a great idea, except for one small detail: she's his best friend (and roommate)'s ex-girlfriend. Yikes. Cue the awkward tension! As they spend more time together, old sparks reignite and new feelings deepen. But now they're faced with a choice: chase their shot at happiness or protect Daniel's friendship. Or maybe... they can have both?

This was my first read by Hayley James and the first book l've picked up in the series, and now I'm invested. The side characters were great and drew my in with their quirks (Luke and Clara, anyone?) and I'm super curious about Pavel.(roommate/ex boyfriend) Is he getting a book next? I have questions and I need answers!

[Fernanda Giovannini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lennox’s life isn’t turning out as she envisioned. A few months back, her partner ended their relationship, and now she is losing her job. Oh, and it is none other than Daniel who is observing all of that. Daniel, the person she can't stop dreaming about and her former boyfriend's closest friend. Daniel has long had feelings for Lennox as well, but he never pursued them since she was his best friend's girlfriend. However, she is currently in distress, and he desires to assist and safeguard her.

Hot Pucking Love is included in the Cleveland Vortex series by Hayley James. It functions as an individual piece within this linked series but can be enjoyed on its own.

Hayley James creates amazing spicy sports romances that are simply effortless to read. I adore that there’s always an adorable romance, no drama at all, plenty of excitement, and a touch of mystery. And Hot Pucking Love is just the same. There's an immediate bond between Lennox and Daniel, and they both resist their feelings due to their history; I really enjoy seeing them arrive at their tipping point. I truly didn’t anticipate the tension and the unfolding of the narrative, but I was happily surprised by it. I enjoyed the camaraderie and support within the Vortex family, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment of this series

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I love a good romance story where the two MCs have feelings of some type for each other, but they never share them. What I love even more is when the MMC is already head over heels for the FMC and isn’t afraid to show it. Hayley James gives me this and more in Hot Pucking Love. Hayley blends wonderful plot lines with sizzling heat that can make anyone blush.

Lennox and Daniel have so much chemistry between the two of them. From their first interaction, I was hooked to seeing how their story unfolds. The sexual tension is palpable, but the drama is built upon Daniel’s best friend being Lennox’ ex, Paval. When Daniel insists Lennox moves in with them, awkwardness doesn’t begin to explain that situation. Their attraction continues to grow. As each one fights against not wanting to betray or hurt Pavel.

This book was a quick read, but Hayley packed a lot into this book. I couldn’t get enough of Lennox and Daniel and I could easily read more about them. Their mutual pining definitely carried this story, but their individual character growth is what keeps you intrigued. I always love ready stories by Hayley and this one is no exception!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🏒Alpha Male
🔥Hockey Hero
🏒Best Friend’s Ex
🔥Unavoidable Proximity
🏒Three’s A Crowd
🔥Jersey Moment

[Whitney Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayley gave us one amazing book!!! Wow the heart and grace of these characters! Lennox was just fired from her job with the Vortex and recently dumped by a guy who took her virginity and really gave nothing else and her mom ruined her credit… Daniel is that guys best friend, roommate and and teammate on the Vortex. When he sees Lennox struggling he can’t let her do it on her own especially not when he sees where she is living - so he brings her back to his house that he shares with her ex. When it comes down to it - the connection Daniel and Lennox have is so much more than what she had with Pavel - there is a chemistry that is undeniable and when they finally unleash the spice - it is hot! They are out to the test pretty early when Daniel is targeted and injured during a preseason game and Lennox is there for him - her and Pavel are able to live together and move past their past and fight for Daniel. Lennox is strong and helps bring the best in Daniel and for Pavel to know that he was never right for her was a powerful move!

[✨Zoraida✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
Book: Hot Pucking Love 𝑨 𝑩𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅'𝒔 𝑬𝒙-𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 (𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑽𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒙)
Author: Hayley James

This is my first time reading a book from Hayley James, and I have to say that I loved this book from page one.

This book follows the story of Lennox and Daniel. They have known each other for a while and have had feelings for each other. However, they ignore those feelings because Lennox is Daniel's best friend's ex-girlfriend and they feel like it will be wrong to act on their feelings. However, when Lennox is fired from her job and needs a place to stay, Daniel demands that she stays with him. As time passes, they cannot deny the chemistry that explodes between them. Even though they have their ups and downs, they are able to have the HEA that they deserve at the end.

Tropes that will make you fall in love with this book.

🔥𝘼𝙡𝙥𝙝𝙖 𝙈𝙖𝙡𝙚
🏒𝙃𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙮 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤
🛑𝘽𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙’𝙨 𝙀𝙭
🧲𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮
🫦𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚’𝙨 𝘼 𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙙
👕𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙅𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙮

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lennox Cross was working in hospitality at the Vortex arena until the new boss came in and started getting rid of people, Lennox included. She is escorted out of the building in shock.

Daniel Karamzin plays for the Cleveland Vortex, an AHL team. When he sees his best friend's ex-girlfriend being escorted from the arena, crying he decides to see what is going on and helps her out. Once Daniel sees how bad things are for Lennox and where she is living he brings her to his place that he shares with her ex Pavel.

They have both had feelings for each other but never acted on them until now. Although they feel like it's wrong to care about and act on their feelings they have a hard time denying the sparks that fly between them.

Just as things seem to be going ok, it changes.

3.5-4 stars
For me this was just an ok read. Nothing special. They spent a lot of time worrying about Pavel finding out about them and then hooking up and oh well.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up next, Hayley James delivers a hot, fast-paced hockey romance guaranteed to leave you smiling. Hot Pucking Love is a delicious best friend’s ex-girlfriend romance with all the temptation, tension, and heat you could want on—or off—the ice.

Daniel Karamzin, pro hockey player, is as loyal as they come—loyal to his team, to his best friend, and to the unspoken rules of the locker room. He may have secretly harboured feelings for Lennox Cross, his best friend’s ex, but he’s kept them buried deep… until now. Nearly a year after their breakup, Lennox reappears, and Daniel’s world tilts.

Lennox is sweet, sensible, and a stickler for the rules—but one look at Daniel has those rules crumbling faster than fresh ice under a hot sun. Their chemistry is undeniable, their banter electric, and soon they’re skating on dangerously thin emotional ice.

But with a connection this intense, could they be headed for a penalty… or a game-winning goal in love?

[Cindy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Pucking Love is a fast read that will catch your attention and keep you hanging on. The characters are so fun to read.

Lennox has broken up with her boyfriend and fired from her job. Daniel witnesses her being escorted from the building. Daniel is the one she can't stop thinking about but knows she needs to. He is her ex's best friend. Daniel has always noticed Lennox but knew he couldn't do anything because she was with his best friend. He sees the opportunity to help and protect her. Lennox needs a place to stay so Daniel offers to let her live with him.

I loved the chemistry between Daniel and Lennox. It was a forbidden romance but they couldn't help being attracted to each other. I look forward to more from this talented author.

Reasons you will enjoy this story:
* Hockey romance
* Forbidden romance
* She moves in with him

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Kristina Maysonet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting there to be a little bit more angst, or push and pull considering the trope, but it was very much a fast paced easy story. Hayley James delivers a sports romance filled with fun banter, plenty of heat, and a touch of suspense that I honestly wasn’t expecting but totally enjoyed. The Cleveland Vortex family adds so much charm.

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔: Daniel Karamzin & Lennox Cross
𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: Cleveland Vortex

Lennox’s life is hitting a rough patch: first, her boyfriend dumped her a couple months ago, and now she’s just been fired from her job. When she gets removed from her job in front of Daniel, he swoops in and gives her a place to stay. The problem? Daniel is not just her ex boyfriend’s best friend, but her ex is also living with Daniel. Daniel’s attraction to Lennox becomes too hard to deny. They give in and it is some expl0s|ve chemistry!

[Amber Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Pucking Love is a nice quick read. Perfect for the remaining summer. It continues to follow the players from the AHL team, Cleveland Vortex. This time we're focused on Daniel Karamzin and his love interest Lennox Cross. They initially met when Lennox was screwing his teammate, Pavel. Pavel ended things with Lennox and awhile later, Daniel ends up bumping into Lennox as she is fired from her job at the arena. Daniel feels the need to help her out and they realize they have feelings for each other and decided to explore them. It's a great pick me up book, good for a palette cleanser. There is some spice throughout. I felt like it ended way too soon, but it was overall a good length and didn't drone on just to fill space.

[Jennysbookishthoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lennox’s life is not going the way she was hoping. A couple of months ago her boyfriend broke up with her and now she’s being fired from her job. Oh and none other than Daniel is witnessing all of that. Daniel, the guy she can’t stop fantasizing about and her ex boyfriend's best friend. Daniel has always had his eyes set on Lennox too but never acted on his feelings because she was his best friend’s girl. But now she’s in need and he wants to help and protect her.

Hot Pucking Love is part of the Cleveland Vortex series by Hayley James. It’s a standalone in this interconnected series but can be read independently.

Hayley James writes those incredible spicy sports romances that are just easy to read. I love that there’s always a cute love story, no drama whatsoever, a whole lot of spice and some suspense. And Hot Pucking Love is no different. There’s this instant connection between Lennox and Daniel and both of them fighting their attraction because of the past and I just love watching them reach their breaking point. I honestly wasn’t expecting the suspense and the way the story played out but I was pleasantly surprised by it. I liked the friendship and solidarity of the Vortex family and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

It may be so wrong but why does it feel so right

Hot Pucking Love is the second book in The Cleveland Vortex) series. I have not read the first book in this series but I will be going back to pick it up at some point this year, based on how I felt after reading this book. The story is about Lennox Cross and Daniel Karamzin, in a hockey romance mixed with forbidden, forced proximity, and a lot of longing and passion. Lennox and Daniel definitely have a sizzling connection but will they be willing to face the consequences to get what they both want, each other. Along the way they will fight it but in the end the heart wants what it wants and neither of them can deny it, even if it feels all wrong it is so right when they are in each other's arms.

[Stephanie Routhier · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*

Rating: 4.5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️


Lennox and Daniel were ADORABLE!

The forced(ish) proximity and ex’s best friend trope really works with sports romance stories, and this was done so well.

Lennox gets fired from her job after a streak of bad luck, and Daniel invites her to stay with him. When they spend time together, their friendship turns to more. They’ve been best friends for a long time, but having the time alone for an extended period caused feelings they had both tried to hide to surface.

This was my first Hayley James book and can’t wait for another!

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the very first page , devouring every single word to the point where Yes !!! I actually lost track of time . Smiling, laughing out loud, crying, yelling and cheering so freaking hard . No words can even start to express how much I absolutely adored both Lennox and Daniel together. Watching them fall for each other from the moment they meet was so much fun and so beautiful. Add into that the angst and the humor and the witty banter , the love , the passion, the obstacles, the family and friendships. Let me just say I did not get any sleep at all . I may be dead on my feet but oh was it worth every single second of sleep I lost

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written addition to this interconnected Vortex series. Phew-the tension between Lennox and Daniel was absolutely palpable. Both have hidden attraction to each other that they have kept hidden because of her ex, Pavel. Daniel walks a fine line because Lennox is his best friend’s ex but when she is in trouble he steps up to help her. Cue the push/pull to hot combustion when they give into to their feeling for each other. I did enjoy there story but felt they over-worried about Pavel. The bit of suspense was an added an interesting twist to the plot. Good enjoyable romance. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4
🌶️2

I love a best friend’s ex romance and this did not disappoint!

When Lennox is unceremoniously fired from her job she runs into the one person she never expects. Daniel is the hot hockey player who is best friends with her ex boyfriend. He sees that she needs help and offers her a place to stay…with him. Once these two become roommates it is impossible to ignore their attraction despite how they are connected.

This was a quick read and I loved the tension. There are even elements that I didn’t expect and I thoroughly enjoyed. I will always love a hockey romance and this was a cute one!

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(4 Stars)

So, what do you do when you really want your best friend's ex girl? Well, there is the guy code, so Daniel's answer is ignore her at all costs. When he spots Lennox having to worst day of her life so far, Daniel can't ignore that so he makes the unilateral decision to move Lennox in until she can get on her feet again. Now, ignoring Lennox is almost impossible, especially with her sleeping in his bed. Will his best friend forgive him for crossing the line?

I will start with this can be read as a standalone. We are getting some nice drama, bit of hockey and some good naughty bits. I give this 4 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lennox and Daniel are definitely complicated. I like that they are open and try to always do the right thing, even when it is hard. I like Pavel but he is kind of a jerk. I love how both Lennox and Daniel have fallen hard. I love how they take care of each other. I was pulled a bit out of the story when the coach blamed Lennox for what Griff did to Daniel. Lennox later has a thought that there is something off about the coach but she never brings it up to Daniel so nothing really comes of it. Overall a good story. 3.5 stars.

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

[Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
-alpha male
-hockey hero
-best friend's ex
-forced proximity
-three's a crowd
-she wears his jersey

Hot Pucking Love is part of The Cleveland Vortex series and is Lennox and Daniel's story.

This is a nice quick and easy read. I definitely think it is a lighter read, and it does have some spice throughout. You can feel the emotion in this story, and it is nicely written. Daniel and Lennox have chemistry and if you enjoy hockey romance, then this is for you.

Releasing August 15, 2025. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy… Lennox deserves her HEA with Daniel!
When she’s fired, we find out everything that’s gone on in her life, and boy has she been through it!
Daniel is the ultimate MMC… protective, giving and very possessive.
His thoughts about the laundry are hilarious!

The best friend (her ex) is a jerk, but I’m glad both Lennox and Daniel didn’t let him get between them.
The ensemble of friends (and team) are amazing - I loved them almost as much as I loved Lennox and Daniel.

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

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun ride! So much fun! I have read the other novels in this series and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. From the first chapters this novel pulled me in and kept me smiling the entire novel. Once I started reading I smiled my way thru this novel and it did not let me down. I loved Daniel and Lennox's story. I loved them together. Their chemistry was so good! I loved watching them both lower their walls and defenses and fall in love despite everything. So good! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next. Such a fun ride and so much fun.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️
Oh my… the tension between Lennox and Daniel was so thick even right from the start. When he realises how deeply in trouble she is, he can’t resist but to bring her back to his house!

But his roommate is her ex, and that complicates matters. Despite how much they try to deny the attraction though, giving in is inevitable.

Even though their relationship goes through a rollercoaster ride, I loved how they remain steadfast together—always there to support each other in different ways. Their found family was so amazing as well, and that ending was just perfect!

[Mandy Puckett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes drama, sadness, anger, feeling like you found your home, etc. Lennox has the perfect job until the new boss comes in & starts making changes. This is the worst thing for her at the moment but turns into something that she never would have expected. Daniel has tried so hard to make a living playing hockey & keeps his “love” life on the back burner but now he has to decide what he’s willing to do to get the girl he wants. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Daniel wants Lennox even if he feels he shouldn't. He helps Lennox when she needs it. I like how both want each other and act on it but make sure her ex is fine with it. Unfortunately mistaken jealousy from someone else causes problems. I like how everything is dealt with and that Daniel and Lennox are in love and together.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I really liked Lennox but that girl girl has no luck and has been thru hell. The crap her mama done would have sent me over the edge. Daniel has had a crush on her forever but because of Pavel he has held off. These two definitely have chemistry and he thinks of her well being even when she doesn't. To me it wasn't w slow burn but story did slow down in places. These two were definitely made for each other which you learn more of about 3/4ths of the way in. Kinda cheesy but cute book.

[TELA666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel & Lennox
I liked the protective, helpful nature of Daniel, coupled with the obvious attraction that they try to ignore this started off really strong. I did like Pavel's reaction even if I felt Daniel & Lennox could have handled it better. The pace really picked up towards the end & I did feel it was a little rushed with glossed over resolutions rather than a full explanation.
Overall a quick & enjoyable read.