Fake Puck, Real Love

Calgary Courage #1

by Lana Piers

He’s the hottest player in the league. She’s the shy girl he’s never forgotten.

When NHL star Maddox Mercer asks his best friend’s little sister to be his personal assistant, shy, rule-following Callie can’t say no—even if working for her brother's best friend and longtime crush feels like a very bad idea. Especially when he needs a fake girlfriend to fix his PR mess… and she’s the only one he trusts.

Now they’re sharing hotel rooms, holding hands in public, and trying not to cross the line between pretend and very real feelings. He’s a player on and off the ice. She’s never been anyone’s fantasy. But under all that slow-burn tension? One spark is all it takes.

Brother’s Best Friend, Fake Dating, One Bed, Slow Burn, Instalove, Romcom Vibes
Perfect for fans Heart-melting tension, awkward heroines, and heroes who fall hard.

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddox and Callie's story was a quick, spicey read full of laughs and tenderness. They have a long history, having known eachother basically all their lives. Her brother, Beckett, is his best friend, and Callie knows just how deeply his brother's death effected him. He trusts her, and that's why he hires her as his PA. He doesn't know she has a crush on him, something she's determined to keep from him at all costs. Things start spiraling and escalating when he takes her on an away trip, and they heat up quickly from there.

This story quickly grabbed my attention and had me hooked until the very satisfying end. Give it a chance and you won't be disappointed.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a romantic little short story. Callie has loved her brother’s best friend , Maddox, from afar for many years. Her brother and Maddox play on the same Canadian hockey team. When Maddox asks Callie to be his PA and help clean up his public image, their relationship takes on a whole different dimension. Working closely and traveling together opens up their hearts to profess their love for each other. A very sweet love story, with some spice.

[Kate W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast paced short story brothers best friend is attracted his sister. These two were made for each other with some miscommunication and one bed ther connection is hot hot hot. I would recommend this story.

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! It's Maddox & Callie's story & it was great! This was a short & quick read. She's had a crush on him for a long time & then she becomes his PA. They pretend to be a couple & they finally give in!! This was a great novella; highly recommend!!

[KGillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great short story. It was easy to read and the characters were wonderful. I like reading hockey romance and fake dating so it was really enjoyable.

[Terica Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

a literal laugh out loud

Dual pov
It was always you
Spice
Of course an HEA
No breakup
A short sweet read to give you all the giggles and feels

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, cute, slow burn and steamy.

I enjoyed the story. The chemistry and banter between Callie and Maddox was super cute. Great enjoyable short read.

I have received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to the new series. It was cute and hot and spicy and these characters are just adorable.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a quick read but it brings all the tropey goodness — forced proximity, forbidden love, and the emotional messiness of wanting something you think you can’t have. And while the setup is pure romantic fantasy, the emotional beats feel grounded and sincere. Maddox and Callie are a super cute couple and it is fun to catch up with friends from the Lit Creek series.