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Troublemaker: A dark college hockey romance
Lucy Braverman might be eighteen, but she’s my ward.
Half my age, and completely off limits.
I haven’t seen her since she was an awkward, lonely orphan being shipped off to boarding school.
Now she’s brilliant, beautiful, and reckless.
Every rebellious word that passes those lips makes me want to do dark and depraved things.
So when she enrolls at the university where I’m the head hockey coach, I do everything in my power to stay away.
But the hot little spitfire is determined to get under my skin.
Control means everything to me…and if I have to exert dominance to protect her, I will.
If I have to do illegal, immoral things to have her, I will.
If I have to embrace the darkest parts of both of us to keep her, I will.
Because Lucy may be completely off limits.
But she’s mine.
Half my age, and completely off limits.
I haven’t seen her since she was an awkward, lonely orphan being shipped off to boarding school.
Now she’s brilliant, beautiful, and reckless.
Every rebellious word that passes those lips makes me want to do dark and depraved things.
So when she enrolls at the university where I’m the head hockey coach, I do everything in my power to stay away.
But the hot little spitfire is determined to get under my skin.
Control means everything to me…and if I have to exert dominance to protect her, I will.
If I have to do illegal, immoral things to have her, I will.
If I have to embrace the darkest parts of both of us to keep her, I will.
Because Lucy may be completely off limits.
But she’s mine.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2025
325 people are currently reading
895 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 382 reviews
November 16, 2025
4🌟, 4.5🌶️
This book is what happens when chaos and kink fall headfirst into a hockey locker room.
Troublemaker is a filthy, emotionally chaotic ride that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.
Lucy is a bratty, beautiful storm, and Blake—her older, dominant guardian and hockey coach—is unraveling one “Daddy” at a time. Their chemistry is explosive, their dynamic toe-curling, and the forbidden tension? Off the charts.
The plot is minimal, but the emotional spiral and power play between them are addictive. Lucy pushes every one of Blake’s buttons, and he responds with a mix of restraint, obsession, and filthy dominance that had me swooning and clutching my pearls. It’s a slow descent into madness, lust, and love—with a whole lot of morally grey choices and dirty talk that could melt steel.
Sure, it’s messy and unhinged, and the characters are impulsive disasters—but that’s half the fun. If you’re into taboo setups, chaotic heroines, dominant men on the edge, and smut that feels like a fever dream, this one’s a deliciously dirty treat.
~~~~
Thank you, Jo Brenner & The Smuthood, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This book is what happens when chaos and kink fall headfirst into a hockey locker room.
Troublemaker is a filthy, emotionally chaotic ride that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.
Lucy is a bratty, beautiful storm, and Blake—her older, dominant guardian and hockey coach—is unraveling one “Daddy” at a time. Their chemistry is explosive, their dynamic toe-curling, and the forbidden tension? Off the charts.
The plot is minimal, but the emotional spiral and power play between them are addictive. Lucy pushes every one of Blake’s buttons, and he responds with a mix of restraint, obsession, and filthy dominance that had me swooning and clutching my pearls. It’s a slow descent into madness, lust, and love—with a whole lot of morally grey choices and dirty talk that could melt steel.
Sure, it’s messy and unhinged, and the characters are impulsive disasters—but that’s half the fun. If you’re into taboo setups, chaotic heroines, dominant men on the edge, and smut that feels like a fever dream, this one’s a deliciously dirty treat.
~~~~
Thank you, Jo Brenner & The Smuthood, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
November 20, 2025
2/5 missed the mark for me
TROPES:
-age gap
-guardian/ward (she's 18, he's in his 30s)
-hockey coach x college student
-grumpy/sunshine
-he's obsessed (and so is she)
I was really looking forward to this, but it kinda made my stomach turn lmao. And NOT because of the guardian/ward & age gap thing - I LOVE THAT in books.
Basically, the FMC has been in love with the MMC for years but he's never looked at her. Shipped her off to boarding school as soon as he became her guardian. When she's 18, she enrolls at the college where he's a hockey coach. And when he gets a good look at her - for the first time in YEARS - he's obsessed.
But ofc, he thinks it's all kinds of wrong, so he pushes her away. Decides to date another woman. FMC decides to get over him by getting UNDER someone else (blegh). When MMC finds out, he loses it. Stalks her, finds her making out with some guy and following the dude up to his hotel room. He literally breaks in, beats up the guy, and then takes her virginity lmao.
I ate the tropes up. The OM/OW drama though? Nahhhh. The fact that she was in love with him and decides to hook up with someone else made me lose interest entirely. I skimmed the rest of the book. Not my cup of tea.
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate/manwhore?: virgin heroine, idk about the MMC?
OM/OW drama?: yes to both, as detailed above ^^
Cheating/sharing? no, they weren't together when they hooked up with other people technically
Triggers: parental neglect & death, drugs (consensually), slut shaming
Kinks: voyeurism, cnc, daddy kink, rough sex, dubcon
HEA?: yep
My bookshelves may reveal spoilers.
TROPES:
-age gap
-guardian/ward (she's 18, he's in his 30s)
-hockey coach x college student
-grumpy/sunshine
-he's obsessed (and so is she)
I was really looking forward to this, but it kinda made my stomach turn lmao. And NOT because of the guardian/ward & age gap thing - I LOVE THAT in books.
Basically, the FMC has been in love with the MMC for years but he's never looked at her. Shipped her off to boarding school as soon as he became her guardian. When she's 18, she enrolls at the college where he's a hockey coach. And when he gets a good look at her - for the first time in YEARS - he's obsessed.
But ofc, he thinks it's all kinds of wrong, so he pushes her away. Decides to date another woman. FMC decides to get over him by getting UNDER someone else (blegh). When MMC finds out, he loses it. Stalks her, finds her making out with some guy and following the dude up to his hotel room. He literally breaks in, beats up the guy, and then takes her virginity lmao.
I ate the tropes up. The OM/OW drama though? Nahhhh. The fact that she was in love with him and decides to hook up with someone else made me lose interest entirely. I skimmed the rest of the book. Not my cup of tea.
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate/manwhore?: virgin heroine, idk about the MMC?
OM/OW drama?: yes to both, as detailed above ^^
Cheating/sharing? no, they weren't together when they hooked up with other people technically
Triggers: parental neglect & death, drugs (consensually), slut shaming
Kinks: voyeurism, cnc, daddy kink, rough sex, dubcon
HEA?: yep
My bookshelves may reveal spoilers.
Read
November 30, 2025DNF @ 25%
COuldn't connect with the characters or the story. Considering the taboo element, I want to be able to feel it in my gut as I read it and this just read too fluffy and OTT for my taste. But this entirely a personal taste thing, so as always, take me with a grain of salt and judge for yourself.
Find me on:
COuldn't connect with the characters or the story. Considering the taboo element, I want to be able to feel it in my gut as I read it and this just read too fluffy and OTT for my taste. But this entirely a personal taste thing, so as always, take me with a grain of salt and judge for yourself.
Find me on:
November 13, 2025
4.5 ⭐️/2.5 🌶️
This was such a fun, fast-paced read! It had the perfect mix of tension, banter and that delicious push and pull you always want in a forbidden romance 🙌🏼
Lucy was amazing, confident, sassy, and she knew exactly what she wanted. And Blake… the grumpy older coach who tried so hard to fight his feelings? Yeah, he didn’t stand a chance. Their chemistry was off the charts and every scene between them had me smiling, blushing or both 😉
Jo really delivered with this one. The writing, the plot, the spice, everything just worked so well together. I can’t wait for Emery’s book next!
This was such a fun, fast-paced read! It had the perfect mix of tension, banter and that delicious push and pull you always want in a forbidden romance 🙌🏼
Lucy was amazing, confident, sassy, and she knew exactly what she wanted. And Blake… the grumpy older coach who tried so hard to fight his feelings? Yeah, he didn’t stand a chance. Their chemistry was off the charts and every scene between them had me smiling, blushing or both 😉
Jo really delivered with this one. The writing, the plot, the spice, everything just worked so well together. I can’t wait for Emery’s book next!
November 19, 2025
I looooove me a tab00 romance and this one hits the mark! Lucy did not have parents that loved and dotted on her so when they passed away and gave guardianship to the boy they wished were theirs, also her secret crush, she thought it would be different. But he sent her away and now she is 18 and attending college where he coaches hockey.
Lucy is smart, she knows she is beautiful and she is not afraid to use it to get what she wants…her guardian, Blake. She knows how to push his buttons and get under his skin too and it had me cracking up.
Blake is older and he knows he shouldn’t be attracted to Lucy, but he is and he wants her, but he is doing everything he can to stay away from her. But he also threatens everyone to stay away from her or he will bench them too.
Eventually they both gave in and whew, the chemistry was ELECTRIC AND HOT. But then Blake started regretting it and overthinking it all because of what everyone would think. There was so much back and forth, they wanted each other, but since it was forbidden and they shouldn’t he was hesitant to continue.
Should they care what everyone thinks? Does age really matter when it comes to love? This book was forbidden and very spicy!
Lucy is smart, she knows she is beautiful and she is not afraid to use it to get what she wants…her guardian, Blake. She knows how to push his buttons and get under his skin too and it had me cracking up.
Blake is older and he knows he shouldn’t be attracted to Lucy, but he is and he wants her, but he is doing everything he can to stay away from her. But he also threatens everyone to stay away from her or he will bench them too.
Eventually they both gave in and whew, the chemistry was ELECTRIC AND HOT. But then Blake started regretting it and overthinking it all because of what everyone would think. There was so much back and forth, they wanted each other, but since it was forbidden and they shouldn’t he was hesitant to continue.
Should they care what everyone thinks? Does age really matter when it comes to love? This book was forbidden and very spicy!
![Profile Image for Nonagesimus Reads [Em].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1758685253i%2F164257338._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 9, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
It’s been a minute since I visited this universe, but I still really did enjoy it. I liked seeing how it went from Blake and Lucy being background characters to being the main characters.
Lucy is super smart and knows she’s pretty. I love how she’s obsessed with Blake. And he’s insanely obsessed with her but denies it. This book is fast paced and has them together pretty quick, but I love the tension right before. She knows she’s worth something and he has to prove that he’s worthy. The spice is so good! Like genuinely I was amazed by the spice and could not stop reading this book. It’s a quick read but so enjoyable!
Read this book if you love age gap, her calling him daddy, epic spicy scenes, and just want a fantastic book.
It’s been a minute since I visited this universe, but I still really did enjoy it. I liked seeing how it went from Blake and Lucy being background characters to being the main characters.
Lucy is super smart and knows she’s pretty. I love how she’s obsessed with Blake. And he’s insanely obsessed with her but denies it. This book is fast paced and has them together pretty quick, but I love the tension right before. She knows she’s worth something and he has to prove that he’s worthy. The spice is so good! Like genuinely I was amazed by the spice and could not stop reading this book. It’s a quick read but so enjoyable!
Read this book if you love age gap, her calling him daddy, epic spicy scenes, and just want a fantastic book.
November 23, 2025
ARC Read
5 plus stars
Spice: 3.5/5
This is the story of two lost souls that needed the other to be whole. Neither had a childhood that exhibited love and belonging. All they knew was how to fight for themselves and in some cases, others. One did it with violence (when necessary) and the other liked to cause trouble. Together, Blake and Lucy are perfection!
This book is as unhinged as the first book in the series (Butterfly) and I'm here for it. I'm 100% all in. So much so, that I purchased a copy and pre ordered book 3 in the series. I will also be checking out Jo's backstock.
So much to love about this book:
Age gap (18/36)
Forbidden (guardian / ward)
Hockey coach / college student
Touch her you die (literally)
The spice is spicy (virgin, toys, bondage)
Blake is a dirty, dirty man - in the best way
Lucy takes pride in the trouble she causes (she plots it for the desired outcome)
In the end, they burn it all down and then rise from the ashes
Side characters (follow over from book 1)
Check trigger warnings
Thank you Jo Brenner and The Smuthood for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy and the introduction to a "new to me" author.
5 plus stars
Spice: 3.5/5
This is the story of two lost souls that needed the other to be whole. Neither had a childhood that exhibited love and belonging. All they knew was how to fight for themselves and in some cases, others. One did it with violence (when necessary) and the other liked to cause trouble. Together, Blake and Lucy are perfection!
This book is as unhinged as the first book in the series (Butterfly) and I'm here for it. I'm 100% all in. So much so, that I purchased a copy and pre ordered book 3 in the series. I will also be checking out Jo's backstock.
So much to love about this book:
Age gap (18/36)
Forbidden (guardian / ward)
Hockey coach / college student
Touch her you die (literally)
The spice is spicy (virgin, toys, bondage)
Blake is a dirty, dirty man - in the best way
Lucy takes pride in the trouble she causes (she plots it for the desired outcome)
In the end, they burn it all down and then rise from the ashes
Side characters (follow over from book 1)
Check trigger warnings
Thank you Jo Brenner and The Smuthood for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy and the introduction to a "new to me" author.
Read
November 19, 2025The h ‘falls in love’ with the H at the tender age of 7. Meanwhile he’s in his 20s. If that’s not weird then I don’t know what is. Then, the H becomes her guardian when she’s 12. The H ships her to a boarding school. Don’t see each for 6 years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
Did someone say D@ddy k1nk? Because this book was an all you can eat daddy kink buffet! I’ve read a lot of dark romances with weird power dynamics but I’ve never read one in which he’s her fathers friend and her legal guardian after her parents died, and she’s his kid to look after. Until she turns 18 and goes to the school he coaches at… the tension has been building for years but now sparks are really starting to fly. Firstly, genius idea, it’s a very weird one but she pulled it off, Jo Brenner always does. There’s a lot of tension and so many fun moments. He’s the coach and she’s his assistant so there was so much flirting and banter and jealousy. But a good punishment could easily fix some of that (joking). Their dynamic was so fun and really hot, I was sweating! There were just a few miscommunication or just trust issues, that I felt like could have been easily prevented and the trauma that led to the issues could have been better explained. But it did fit in the plot, and worked quite well. I really wasn’t expecting that climax and final plot twist, which was amazing. And as always Jo Brenner wrote amazing mind blowing smut! Major daddy kink, dom sub and power play focus in the smut, and I guess a little out of a it too, which I loved. They have this he always takes care of her and is protective daddy thing going on which I found adorable. I loved this book and give it a 4.5/5
November 15, 2025
Age gap, yes daddy, dom sub, super spicy, fast paced, dark college hockey romance 🖤🙋🏻♀️
Blake is Lucy's guardian and the hockey coach at Tabb U, where Lucy is now a freshman
She is trouble and he is pure restraint but their chemistry is pushing them to do something they shouldn't
These characters are raw, real and flawed and their growth in this epic read is a joy to witness
Jo Brenner's writing is witty, emotional, super spicy and fast paced - just a few hours needed to inhale this book!!
If you can handle the trigger warnings then please read this book!!
oh and it has the best proposal 💍 ever!! 🤭 I squealed with joy
Thank you Jo and The Smuthood for this wonderfully fun read 💕 I can't wait for the next one 🤗
Blake is Lucy's guardian and the hockey coach at Tabb U, where Lucy is now a freshman
She is trouble and he is pure restraint but their chemistry is pushing them to do something they shouldn't
These characters are raw, real and flawed and their growth in this epic read is a joy to witness
Jo Brenner's writing is witty, emotional, super spicy and fast paced - just a few hours needed to inhale this book!!
If you can handle the trigger warnings then please read this book!!
oh and it has the best proposal 💍 ever!! 🤭 I squealed with joy
Thank you Jo and The Smuthood for this wonderfully fun read 💕 I can't wait for the next one 🤗
November 19, 2025
Jo Brenner did it again. This combo of dark romance, slightly taboo relationship, and slightly unhinged characters are one of my favorite combos.
Lucy's parents were neglectful and cruel. When they die, her new guardian basically does the same thing by sending her off to boarding school. Her guardian was one of her dad's hockey team players that she developed a crush on. Her dad treated Blake better than he ever did Lucy.
Blake is now the hockey coach at Tabb University where newly 18 year old Lucy is now a student. He is head over heels OTT possessive of Lucy and can't control his reactions to her.
This story is almost taboo and completely unhinged, and I was there 100% for it all. I absolutely loved the story and the characters.
Lucy's parents were neglectful and cruel. When they die, her new guardian basically does the same thing by sending her off to boarding school. Her guardian was one of her dad's hockey team players that she developed a crush on. Her dad treated Blake better than he ever did Lucy.
Blake is now the hockey coach at Tabb University where newly 18 year old Lucy is now a student. He is head over heels OTT possessive of Lucy and can't control his reactions to her.
This story is almost taboo and completely unhinged, and I was there 100% for it all. I absolutely loved the story and the characters.
Read
November 23, 2025DNF 12%
December 1, 2025
Rating: 4.75⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.25
Six years ago, Lucy Braverman lost her parents—and gained a guardian in NHL player Blake Samson. Now she’s a freshman at Tabb U, where he’s the head hockey coach. She’s fire and defiance; he’s rules and restraint. Their chemistry crackles as they toe the edge of a line that’s as forbidden as it is inevitable.
Blake and Lucy feel real—layered, flawed, and full of spark. Lucy burns bright with grit and resilience, and the dual POV lets her tenderness—and Blake’s guarded, yearning heart—break through. His chapters unpack the emotional logic behind every choice, while hers reveal the softness beneath the spark.
Their connection is tangible and unwavering. Even with the dark romance label, there’s never a doubt that Blake cares for Lucy, which makes their turbulence compelling rather than gratuitous. Together, they’re passion mixed with chaos, and Brenner depicts their relationship beautifully.
And the spice!🔥Teasing, tension, and banter build up to scenes that are sinfully steamy and emotionally charged. Blake and Lucy’s chemistry makes every moment hit harder—not just hotter.
Brenner’s writing is witty, evocative, and addictive—I devoured this book in one day. Troublemaker is perfect for readers who love OTT dominant MMCs, fiercely confident and rebellious FMCs, an age gap, and daddy kink.
Tropes:
- Coach/Student
- Daddy Kink
- Dark College Hockey Romance (college-aged FMC)
- Fierce Virgin FMC
- Forbidden Age Gap
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Guardian/Ward
- OTT Obsessive/Possessive MMC
⚠️NOTE: Content Notes & Trigger Warnings are listed at the beginning of the book, so be sure to check those before you read.
Thank you to Jo Brenner and The Smuthood for this opportunity and the gifted e-ARC. This review was left voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.25
Six years ago, Lucy Braverman lost her parents—and gained a guardian in NHL player Blake Samson. Now she’s a freshman at Tabb U, where he’s the head hockey coach. She’s fire and defiance; he’s rules and restraint. Their chemistry crackles as they toe the edge of a line that’s as forbidden as it is inevitable.
Blake and Lucy feel real—layered, flawed, and full of spark. Lucy burns bright with grit and resilience, and the dual POV lets her tenderness—and Blake’s guarded, yearning heart—break through. His chapters unpack the emotional logic behind every choice, while hers reveal the softness beneath the spark.
Their connection is tangible and unwavering. Even with the dark romance label, there’s never a doubt that Blake cares for Lucy, which makes their turbulence compelling rather than gratuitous. Together, they’re passion mixed with chaos, and Brenner depicts their relationship beautifully.
And the spice!🔥Teasing, tension, and banter build up to scenes that are sinfully steamy and emotionally charged. Blake and Lucy’s chemistry makes every moment hit harder—not just hotter.
Brenner’s writing is witty, evocative, and addictive—I devoured this book in one day. Troublemaker is perfect for readers who love OTT dominant MMCs, fiercely confident and rebellious FMCs, an age gap, and daddy kink.
Tropes:
- Coach/Student
- Daddy Kink
- Dark College Hockey Romance (college-aged FMC)
- Fierce Virgin FMC
- Forbidden Age Gap
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Guardian/Ward
- OTT Obsessive/Possessive MMC
⚠️NOTE: Content Notes & Trigger Warnings are listed at the beginning of the book, so be sure to check those before you read.
Thank you to Jo Brenner and The Smuthood for this opportunity and the gifted e-ARC. This review was left voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
November 8, 2025
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Jo Brenner has done it again, she’s quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Lucy is a young girl who is left in the care of a reluctant Blake after her parents die. Years later she comes to Tabb U where Blake is the coach. To say this man is obsessed with her is putting it lightly. There’s great banter between them and the tension and chemistry will set you on 🔥. I look forward to reading Emery’s story next!!
November 19, 2025
4 ⭐️
4 🌶️
🌟 ARC read 🌟
Age-gap, daddy kink, hockey coach, great inner monologue. Sold.
Daddy Blake 🥵🔥
Lucy meets Blake when she’s young, when he’s a player on the hockey team her dad owns. Her dad basically adopts him as a son… yet somehow completely ignores Lucy. So of course she falls for Blake early, looking up to him in a way she never did her own father.
After tragedy hits, Blake becomes her guardian. He sends her to boarding school and keeps his distance, until years later she shows up at the university where he’s now a coach. The second he sees grown-up Lucy, he knows he’s done for. His inner monologue about how messed up he is for wanting her had me crying — the self-loathing combined with that obsessive streak was perfection.
Lucy? She’s determined to push every single one of his buttons. He wants her life “boring” and controlled, and she’s like… absolutely not. Their back-and-forth, the teasing, the tension — it all just builds and builds.
And then she decides she’s going to lose her virginity to a stranger. Blake finds out and ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE. There was never a chance he’d let anyone else touch her, and once he crosses that line? Yeah, he’s not going back. He tries to be conflicted for about five minutes, but that daddy kink and obsession win real fast.
Their relationship is messy and absolutely toxic at times, but damn if they aren’t perfect for each other. And honestly?
I don’t think I will ever look at a whistle the same again. 🥵🔥
Spicy chapters 🔥
6
13
14
19
20
28
30
Epilogue
4 🌶️
🌟 ARC read 🌟
Age-gap, daddy kink, hockey coach, great inner monologue. Sold.
Daddy Blake 🥵🔥
Lucy meets Blake when she’s young, when he’s a player on the hockey team her dad owns. Her dad basically adopts him as a son… yet somehow completely ignores Lucy. So of course she falls for Blake early, looking up to him in a way she never did her own father.
After tragedy hits, Blake becomes her guardian. He sends her to boarding school and keeps his distance, until years later she shows up at the university where he’s now a coach. The second he sees grown-up Lucy, he knows he’s done for. His inner monologue about how messed up he is for wanting her had me crying — the self-loathing combined with that obsessive streak was perfection.
Lucy? She’s determined to push every single one of his buttons. He wants her life “boring” and controlled, and she’s like… absolutely not. Their back-and-forth, the teasing, the tension — it all just builds and builds.
And then she decides she’s going to lose her virginity to a stranger. Blake finds out and ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE. There was never a chance he’d let anyone else touch her, and once he crosses that line? Yeah, he’s not going back. He tries to be conflicted for about five minutes, but that daddy kink and obsession win real fast.
Their relationship is messy and absolutely toxic at times, but damn if they aren’t perfect for each other. And honestly?
I don’t think I will ever look at a whistle the same again. 🥵🔥
Spicy chapters 🔥
6
13
14
19
20
28
30
Epilogue
November 20, 2025
loved this one!
My taboo loving heart ate this one up! Lacey is used to being ignored/unwanted from an early age due to her parent’s neglect. There was a silver lining though with Blake, a hockey player, who was taken under her dad’s wing and would give Lacey the time and attention she has always craved.
This only lasts until a tragedy leaves her an orphan and while Blake was named her legal guardian, he quickly sends her to boarding school and doesn’t think about her until she shows up at the university he works at as a hockey coach. Let’s just say he is a little taken back by who she has grown into and the memory of a little girl.
Lacey is unapologetically herself and this somehow made me love her even more. She is tired of the unrequited love she feels towards Blake and when she makes a plan to finally get over him, he is there throwing all sort of monkey wrenches.
This was a fast paced read filled with emotion, banter and so much blush inducing spice. Blake is my favourite sort of morally grey character with a high obsession and stalker tendencies. His protective nature led to some pretty funny scenes with the team. I do have to say that I love the way that the team rallies behind Lacey and shows what little affection they are allowed.
I loved being in this world again and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
My taboo loving heart ate this one up! Lacey is used to being ignored/unwanted from an early age due to her parent’s neglect. There was a silver lining though with Blake, a hockey player, who was taken under her dad’s wing and would give Lacey the time and attention she has always craved.
This only lasts until a tragedy leaves her an orphan and while Blake was named her legal guardian, he quickly sends her to boarding school and doesn’t think about her until she shows up at the university he works at as a hockey coach. Let’s just say he is a little taken back by who she has grown into and the memory of a little girl.
Lacey is unapologetically herself and this somehow made me love her even more. She is tired of the unrequited love she feels towards Blake and when she makes a plan to finally get over him, he is there throwing all sort of monkey wrenches.
This was a fast paced read filled with emotion, banter and so much blush inducing spice. Blake is my favourite sort of morally grey character with a high obsession and stalker tendencies. His protective nature led to some pretty funny scenes with the team. I do have to say that I love the way that the team rallies behind Lacey and shows what little affection they are allowed.
I loved being in this world again and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
November 14, 2025
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 4/5
“ᖴ**K, I TᕼOᑌGᕼT ᑎOTᕼIᑎG ᗯOᑌᒪᗪ TᗩᔕTE ᗷETTEᖇ Tᕼᗩᑎ YOᑌᖇ ᑕ**T, ᗷᑌT ᑎOTᕼIᑎG ᗷEᗩTᔕ TᕼE TᗩᔕTE Oᖴ KᑎOᗯIᑎG YOᑌ’ᖇE ᗰIᑎE.”
🥀 Coach x Student
🖤 Grumpy x Sunshine
🥀 Tabøø
🖤 CNC
🥀 Touch Her and 💀
🖤 Age Gap
🥀 🍑 Play
🖤 Dubc0n
🥀 B0nd*ge
🖤 Edg!ng
🥀 V!rg!n FMC
🖤 Adult Toys
🥀 DP
“ᗪOᑎ’T ᑕᗩᒪᒪ ᗰE ᔕIᖇ,” ᕼE ᔕᗩIᗪ. “YOᑌ ᕼᗩᐯEᑎ’T EᗩᖇᑎEᗪ TᕼE ᑭᖇIᐯIᒪEGE. ᑎOᗯ, GET OᑌT Oᖴ ᗰY OᖴᖴIᑕE. YOᑌ ᕼᗩᐯE ᑕᒪᗩᔕᔕ.”
Well, this one goes straight onto the one-handed-read shelf. So. Much. Detailed. Spice.
“YOᑌ ᖇEᗩᗪY ᖴOᖇ ᗪᗩᗪᗪY TO ᖴIᒪᒪ YOᑌ ᑌᑭ ᗯITᕼ ᕼIᔕ ᑕ*ᗰ, TᖇOᑌᗷᒪEᗰᗩKEᖇ? I’ᗰ ᗩᗷOᑌT TO ᗰᗩKE ᗩ ᑕᖇ**ᗰ ᑭ*E OᑌT Oᖴ YOᑌᖇ ᑭ***Y.”
Ok but what about the plot? Raw, intense, suspenseful and tabøø. I loved the coach x student relationship, the secrecy and the suspense around the development. I was engaged throughout the read and I ate it up so gd quick.
I ᗪEᑕIᗪEᗪ TᕼEᑎ ᗩᑎᗪ TᕼEᖇE I ᗯᗩᔕ KEEᑭIᑎG TᕼE ᒍEᖇᔕEY, EᐯEᑎ Iᖴ I ᗪIᗪᑎ’T GET TO KEEᑭ TᕼE ᗰᗩᑎ. ᗷᒪ*ᗯ ᒍ*ᗷ Tᗩ᙭ ᗩᑎᗪ ᗩᒪᒪ TᕼᗩT.
Lucy, a.k.a Troublemaker is sassy, loves to push boundaries and knows what she wants. Coach, a.k.a Blake, is grumpy, loves to keep boundaries and is shy to take what he wants. The internal dialogues and the conversations between these two had me belly laughing before I was the blushing at the spice.
ᗰE, ᑕOᗩᑕᕼ ᔕᗩᗰᔕOᑎ, TᕼE GᖇᑌᗰᑭIEᔕT ᖴ**KEᖇ ᗩᒪIᐯE, GIᗪᗪY.
November 12, 2025
This is an honest ARC review. (If you see this, thank you for the arc read, Jo🧡)
Jesus H. Christ… this book. 🫠
I’ve become addicted to the world that Jo Brenner has been creating and I’m okay with that. No need for an intervention.
Let’s dive right into this bad boy.
First, our main characters:
Lucy- curvy Queen, professional brat and tease. I love a curvy/plus size FMC that is confident and knows she’s hot. An absolute (yes, you guessed it) troublemaker. Has been in love with Blake since she was a child… which honestly - valid, girly pop.
Blake- grumpy hockey coach at Tabb University. Controlling but thinks he’s got everything under control especially where Lucy, his ward, is concerned… riiiighhhtttt.
The Plot:
Lucy’s parents passed away when she was a little girl and was left in the hands of Coach Blake, who sadly shipped her off to boarding school as soon as he had the chance and doesn’t see her again until she enrolls at the college he coaches at. Let’s just say… he’s met his match where Lucy’s concerned.
Review:
I love a good taboo age gap so this was on my mind for MONTHS. Daddy Blake could absolutely get it. This is the typical “he shouldn’t but can’t stay away” and I mean… really, he can’t. There’s some crazy things this man does in the book where Lucy is concerned. She does everything she can to push him past his breaking point because she’s wanted him for well over a decade honestly. The spice is top tier in this. I really can’t think of anything negative to say other than this book was just not long enough. I would’ve read this book if it had 400 more pages honestly. It didn’t feel rushed… just could’ve had a more in depth timeline, in my opinion. That also could just be because I didn’t want it to end but who knows.
DEFINITELY give this a read when it comes out on Amazon and KU on the 15th!
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Kinks: dub con, CNC, voyeurism, daddy play/kink (no age play), sex aphrodisiac drugs (taken consensually, but there is a part where the FMC attempts to drug MMC)
OW/OM drama: Lucy flirts with many to make Blake jealous, OW drama as well.
Cheating: Heck no. They’d both lose it otherwise
PLEASE check the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. There’s a decent amount and your mental health matters 🧡
Jesus H. Christ… this book. 🫠
I’ve become addicted to the world that Jo Brenner has been creating and I’m okay with that. No need for an intervention.
Let’s dive right into this bad boy.
First, our main characters:
Lucy- curvy Queen, professional brat and tease. I love a curvy/plus size FMC that is confident and knows she’s hot. An absolute (yes, you guessed it) troublemaker. Has been in love with Blake since she was a child… which honestly - valid, girly pop.
Blake- grumpy hockey coach at Tabb University. Controlling but thinks he’s got everything under control especially where Lucy, his ward, is concerned… riiiighhhtttt.
The Plot:
Lucy’s parents passed away when she was a little girl and was left in the hands of Coach Blake, who sadly shipped her off to boarding school as soon as he had the chance and doesn’t see her again until she enrolls at the college he coaches at. Let’s just say… he’s met his match where Lucy’s concerned.
Review:
I love a good taboo age gap so this was on my mind for MONTHS. Daddy Blake could absolutely get it. This is the typical “he shouldn’t but can’t stay away” and I mean… really, he can’t. There’s some crazy things this man does in the book where Lucy is concerned. She does everything she can to push him past his breaking point because she’s wanted him for well over a decade honestly. The spice is top tier in this. I really can’t think of anything negative to say other than this book was just not long enough. I would’ve read this book if it had 400 more pages honestly. It didn’t feel rushed… just could’ve had a more in depth timeline, in my opinion. That also could just be because I didn’t want it to end but who knows.
DEFINITELY give this a read when it comes out on Amazon and KU on the 15th!
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Kinks: dub con, CNC, voyeurism, daddy play/kink (no age play), sex aphrodisiac drugs (taken consensually, but there is a part where the FMC attempts to drug MMC)
OW/OM drama: Lucy flirts with many to make Blake jealous, OW drama as well.
Cheating: Heck no. They’d both lose it otherwise
PLEASE check the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. There’s a decent amount and your mental health matters 🧡
November 10, 2025
3.75 rounded up!
Messy, toxic and so filthy.
I have to admit, this was a little bit mindless smut, minimal plot and almost no character development, just spice and jealousy drama. But I did have some fun!
Was I expecting more longing and angst? Yeah. Did we instead get owd/owm and some immature characters that couldn’t think before they acted? Also yeah.
But like I said, I was entertained and didn’t put it down once.
Both Lucy and Blake were so messy. In love and obsessed with each other? Yes, but downright blind to how their actions affect everything and everyone around them. I was rooting for them to finally be together just for the sake of the hockey team’s peace. Because lord knows they had to deal with every hot and cold reaction these two brought on each other.
The spice was filthy and hot, even if it got to be too much on the plot-smut ratio. They were fucking left right and center after a certain point and I truly just wanted them to sit down and talk before they got hot.
Alas, a quick and dirty little story about a ward and her guardian being hot for each other and falling in love.
Thank you, Smuthood and Jo, for the earc!
Quotes:
"That you're mine. You belong to me. And I clearly haven't been taking good care of what's mine, have I, troublemaker? Well, that stops now."
Because you kissed women you loved. And fuck me, I loved that little troublemaker. I wasn't giving her up, no matter what. Even if both our lives went to hell in the process.
Messy, toxic and so filthy.
I have to admit, this was a little bit mindless smut, minimal plot and almost no character development, just spice and jealousy drama. But I did have some fun!
Was I expecting more longing and angst? Yeah. Did we instead get owd/owm and some immature characters that couldn’t think before they acted? Also yeah.
But like I said, I was entertained and didn’t put it down once.
Both Lucy and Blake were so messy. In love and obsessed with each other? Yes, but downright blind to how their actions affect everything and everyone around them. I was rooting for them to finally be together just for the sake of the hockey team’s peace. Because lord knows they had to deal with every hot and cold reaction these two brought on each other.
The spice was filthy and hot, even if it got to be too much on the plot-smut ratio. They were fucking left right and center after a certain point and I truly just wanted them to sit down and talk before they got hot.
Alas, a quick and dirty little story about a ward and her guardian being hot for each other and falling in love.
Thank you, Smuthood and Jo, for the earc!
Quotes:
"That you're mine. You belong to me. And I clearly haven't been taking good care of what's mine, have I, troublemaker? Well, that stops now."
Because you kissed women you loved. And fuck me, I loved that little troublemaker. I wasn't giving her up, no matter what. Even if both our lives went to hell in the process.
November 15, 2025
Wow this taboo forbidden dark romance kept me enthralled the entire time! Mmm gotta love that daddy kink 🥵🫠
Lucy has had a crush on her dad’s best friend Blake since she was little. Blake was the only one in her life that ever cared for her. She has always been an after thought. Then her parents suddenly die and she left with Blake as her guardian. But he breaks her little heart and send her away to boarding school. Well now Lucy is an adult and back in Blake’s orbit, She is driving him bat shit crazy and he can’t stay away. His stalking habit is in full force. They can’t seem to keep their hands off each other even when they both know what the repercussions will be. And then they happen it’s disastrous for them both. 😮💨 the chemistry these 2 have is freakin off the charts hot!!
I LOVED this one! So obsessed 🫠🥵
Lucy has had a crush on her dad’s best friend Blake since she was little. Blake was the only one in her life that ever cared for her. She has always been an after thought. Then her parents suddenly die and she left with Blake as her guardian. But he breaks her little heart and send her away to boarding school. Well now Lucy is an adult and back in Blake’s orbit, She is driving him bat shit crazy and he can’t stay away. His stalking habit is in full force. They can’t seem to keep their hands off each other even when they both know what the repercussions will be. And then they happen it’s disastrous for them both. 😮💨 the chemistry these 2 have is freakin off the charts hot!!
I LOVED this one! So obsessed 🫠🥵
November 15, 2025
You can always count on Jo Brenner’s MMCs to be on the off side of deranged and Coach Blake Samson is no exception.
He became Lucy’s guardian when she was 12 and he was 30 and sent her to boarding school, knowing he couldn’t take care of her. It’s been six years since that and now Lucy is attending the same college where Blake works and she’s going to do everything she can to finally be noticed by the man she has had a crush on since she was 7.
The spice is off the chart, and that’s another guarantee in Jo Brenner’s books and it’s such a quick read you can’t help but go back for more.
Thank you Jo Brenner and the Smuthood for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
He became Lucy’s guardian when she was 12 and he was 30 and sent her to boarding school, knowing he couldn’t take care of her. It’s been six years since that and now Lucy is attending the same college where Blake works and she’s going to do everything she can to finally be noticed by the man she has had a crush on since she was 7.
The spice is off the chart, and that’s another guarantee in Jo Brenner’s books and it’s such a quick read you can’t help but go back for more.
Thank you Jo Brenner and the Smuthood for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
November 11, 2025
Touching the limits of taboo, troublemaker is a dark, kinky and very spicy story(when I tell you the smut delivers… I’m not kidding!) about Coach Blake, a rules freak with a dark past which made him obsessed with control and Lucy, his ward and who enjoys breaking the rules and testing every single limit… the tricky part, she felt in love with him since she was a child and he thoroughly avoided her but 6 years later she comes back to his life like a firecracker to disrupt everything and he’s helpless against her… possessive, obsessed and out of control.
Their story was twisted, all the secrecy gives to the story this trilling sense of forbidden, tension and adrenaline. With a very high level of spice and very questionable actions this two gives you a wild ride to read!
Their story was twisted, all the secrecy gives to the story this trilling sense of forbidden, tension and adrenaline. With a very high level of spice and very questionable actions this two gives you a wild ride to read!
November 21, 2025
sexy, hot, spicy, yummy. where do I start with this one? Lucy and Blake were 🔥
I loved how fiery she was. Just a firecracker through and through.
and I loved that Blake brought that out in her. but of them together were just so hot. I devoured this book. it was a heat builder and I couldn't put it down. absolutely loved everything about it.
I loved how fiery she was. Just a firecracker through and through.
and I loved that Blake brought that out in her. but of them together were just so hot. I devoured this book. it was a heat builder and I couldn't put it down. absolutely loved everything about it.
November 14, 2025
This story pulled me In immediately, i finished it in one sitting and I loved every page of it
It had everything i needed and more, the obsessed older mmc who would do anything for her, the sassy badass fmc who is daring him at any chance she gets! This story had fun banter, action and forbidden romance it was so good!
I absolutely recommend it to anyone
It had everything i needed and more, the obsessed older mmc who would do anything for her, the sassy badass fmc who is daring him at any chance she gets! This story had fun banter, action and forbidden romance it was so good!
I absolutely recommend it to anyone
November 21, 2025
arc review:
You had to pry this book out of my cold fingers once i started reading it. This book was a quick spicy read. I am obsessed with these stories and cannot wait for book 3
You had to pry this book out of my cold fingers once i started reading it. This book was a quick spicy read. I am obsessed with these stories and cannot wait for book 3
November 15, 2025
Troublemaker delivered! Lucy lost her parents at 13 and became the ward of her hockey star crush, Blake. But he was young and busy so he shipped her off to boarding school never seeing her again until she stepped foot on his university ready to make trouble… and she did. And he caved.
Double Age Gap
He’s technically her Guardian
Forbidden and Taboo
Grumpy/Sunshine
She’s trouble but good trouble
Virgina FMC
Never Kissed MMC
HEA
Double Age Gap
He’s technically her Guardian
Forbidden and Taboo
Grumpy/Sunshine
She’s trouble but good trouble
Virgina FMC
Never Kissed MMC
HEA
November 16, 2025
Boundaries crossed for sure but holy he🏒🏒 I was all here for it !
My arc review of Troublemaker @jobrennerbooks absolutely loved book 2 loved our fmc she was a baddies for sure tempting and sassy and our mmc her "ward" supposed to look after her when her parents tragically passed in an accident send her off to boarding school at 18 he finds her at the same campus he's a hockey coach at ! The tension is ❤️🔥❤️🔥 the spice in this and the possessiveness 👀👻👻 so worth the read a dark hockey Romance for the shelves thanks for the amazing read !!!
My arc review of Troublemaker @jobrennerbooks absolutely loved book 2 loved our fmc she was a baddies for sure tempting and sassy and our mmc her "ward" supposed to look after her when her parents tragically passed in an accident send her off to boarding school at 18 he finds her at the same campus he's a hockey coach at ! The tension is ❤️🔥❤️🔥 the spice in this and the possessiveness 👀👻👻 so worth the read a dark hockey Romance for the shelves thanks for the amazing read !!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
LOVE! If you’ve read a Jo Brenner book you know what you’re getting into.
Taboo, Dirty Talk, and Obsessive.
Follow the storyline of Coach Blake and Lucy as they navigate their complex feelings for each other.
🩷Brat
🖤”Daddy”
🩷Age Gap
🖤Taboo
🩷Dark Hockey
Taboo, Dirty Talk, and Obsessive.
Follow the storyline of Coach Blake and Lucy as they navigate their complex feelings for each other.
🩷Brat
🖤”Daddy”
🩷Age Gap
🖤Taboo
🩷Dark Hockey
November 19, 2025
This was an okay book. No real issues with it, but it wasn't exactly memorable. I enjoyed reading it while I read it, though, so.
November 15, 2025
*ARC review* 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️| 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Jo Brenner does it again with 2 of my favorite’s in one book: hockey & dark romance 🔥🥵. The 2nd book in the Tabb U series, it’s like meeting up with old friends again. Be prepared to be obsessed with this dark, age gap, sassy, and wild journey. A hot, older hockey coach? Throw in a scandal or few. Say Less.
Jo Brenner does it again with 2 of my favorite’s in one book: hockey & dark romance 🔥🥵. The 2nd book in the Tabb U series, it’s like meeting up with old friends again. Be prepared to be obsessed with this dark, age gap, sassy, and wild journey. A hot, older hockey coach? Throw in a scandal or few. Say Less.
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