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Pucking Surprise for the Grumpy Captain
Pucking Surprise for the Grumpy Captain is a sizzling, slow burn standalone hockey romance featuring forced proximity, mistaken identity, and a grumpy hockey star who falls first and hard.
The grumpy hockey captain wanted a lucky tattoo.
He got lucky, alright—and now I’m pregnant with his baby.
One tattoo.
Then the rookie has the game of his life.
Now the whole team is convinced I'm their good luck charm.
I’m used to high-profile clients and new skylines every few months.
No roots. No regrets. No staying.
But then Jack Hathaway walks into my studio—grumpy, gorgeous, with a stare that unravels me.
And keeps coming back…
For more ink.
For more excuses.
For more of me.
Heated glances turn into touches I can’t resist.
Stolen kisses become nights where he worships every inch of me.
Slow. Devouring. Endless.
I spent my life running from anything real…
And just when I let myself fall for the one man who finally feels like home—
Paris calls, offering everything I’ve always wanted…on the other side of the world.
He gave me his heart without knowing I was carrying something more—
and I don’t know if I want to let that go.
The grumpy hockey captain wanted a lucky tattoo.
He got lucky, alright—and now I’m pregnant with his baby.
One tattoo.
Then the rookie has the game of his life.
Now the whole team is convinced I'm their good luck charm.
I’m used to high-profile clients and new skylines every few months.
No roots. No regrets. No staying.
But then Jack Hathaway walks into my studio—grumpy, gorgeous, with a stare that unravels me.
And keeps coming back…
For more ink.
For more excuses.
For more of me.
Heated glances turn into touches I can’t resist.
Stolen kisses become nights where he worships every inch of me.
Slow. Devouring. Endless.
I spent my life running from anything real…
And just when I let myself fall for the one man who finally feels like home—
Paris calls, offering everything I’ve always wanted…on the other side of the world.
He gave me his heart without knowing I was carrying something more—
and I don’t know if I want to let that go.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
317 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 10, 2025
‘Pucking surprise for the Grumpy Captain’ -oh so good
Jack and Eden’s love story was so entertaining with times of laughter and fear of past heartbreak. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ With good spice 🌶🌶🌶 and learning to compromises along with a HEA.
Jack and Eden’s love story was so entertaining with times of laughter and fear of past heartbreak. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ With good spice 🌶🌶🌶 and learning to compromises along with a HEA.
August 9, 2025
has potential- I would have given it a 2 1/2
I read this book on my Kindle, and while it had a good premise and some enjoyable moments, the chronological order was often confusing. The meeting on page 83 felt completely random, they had just gone on their first date, and the scene was thrown in there. It seemed like it belonged much later in the book. In my opinion, it didn’t fit anywhere in the story and came across as something that was accidentally left in. Because of its placement, it ended up spoiling the enjoyment of the book.
Eden frequently calls Jack “Captain,” even though he clearly appreciated that she saw beyond that title. Her continued references to him as “Captain” made it feel like that was his entire identity.
There were also noticeable timeline inconsistencies. On page 90, Eden meets Lucky (Nate) for the first time, but by page 105, she says she tattooed him, which doesn’t line up with the earlier events. Lucky’s stance on Jack and Eden’s relationship also shifted repeatedly, sometimes supportive, sometimes cautioning about distractions, then supportive again.
Some transitions felt abrupt and underdeveloped. At the end of Chapter 30, Jack says, “The guys are going to lose their minds when they find out you’re staying.” But instead of a big reveal or follow-up scene, the story jumps straight to a sports blog written about them. At another point, Jack says there’s a game, but the next chapter turns out to be practice. The characters also talk about spending a weekend at his family’s lake house, yet the following chapter has them visiting Eden’s sister and mother, with no conversation or explanation leading to the change.
These inconsistencies, missing follow-ups, and sudden shifts made the story feel rushed and unfinished, even though the concept had potential.
EDIT: also this isn’t a force proximity book. The title also doesn’t really make sense? I mean I guess it could be the potential relationship, but by the title it seems more like a pregnancy type surprise, but she didn’t get pregnant toward the end of the book after they were together. He also didn’t keep coming back for more ink, he kept going back so she can finish the piece- which could have probably been finished in one session.
I read this book on my Kindle, and while it had a good premise and some enjoyable moments, the chronological order was often confusing. The meeting on page 83 felt completely random, they had just gone on their first date, and the scene was thrown in there. It seemed like it belonged much later in the book. In my opinion, it didn’t fit anywhere in the story and came across as something that was accidentally left in. Because of its placement, it ended up spoiling the enjoyment of the book.
Eden frequently calls Jack “Captain,” even though he clearly appreciated that she saw beyond that title. Her continued references to him as “Captain” made it feel like that was his entire identity.
There were also noticeable timeline inconsistencies. On page 90, Eden meets Lucky (Nate) for the first time, but by page 105, she says she tattooed him, which doesn’t line up with the earlier events. Lucky’s stance on Jack and Eden’s relationship also shifted repeatedly, sometimes supportive, sometimes cautioning about distractions, then supportive again.
Some transitions felt abrupt and underdeveloped. At the end of Chapter 30, Jack says, “The guys are going to lose their minds when they find out you’re staying.” But instead of a big reveal or follow-up scene, the story jumps straight to a sports blog written about them. At another point, Jack says there’s a game, but the next chapter turns out to be practice. The characters also talk about spending a weekend at his family’s lake house, yet the following chapter has them visiting Eden’s sister and mother, with no conversation or explanation leading to the change.
These inconsistencies, missing follow-ups, and sudden shifts made the story feel rushed and unfinished, even though the concept had potential.
EDIT: also this isn’t a force proximity book. The title also doesn’t really make sense? I mean I guess it could be the potential relationship, but by the title it seems more like a pregnancy type surprise, but she didn’t get pregnant toward the end of the book after they were together. He also didn’t keep coming back for more ink, he kept going back so she can finish the piece- which could have probably been finished in one session.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
Jack and Eden's Story
This is an interesting hockey love story of two strong, successful individuals.
Jack Hathaway is the 30 year old Captain of the NHL Chicago Renegades. He is passionate about hockey and his leadership role, avoiding personal relationships after a painful divorce.
Eden Clarke is a talented tattoo artist who has just moved to Chicago for a 3 month residency. She is a nomad, never staying anywhere long, avoiding relationships, includingher family. She will not date clients, especially athletes, after a bad experience with an NBA star.
Eden tatoos one of the Renegades players, and he has a hat trick that night. Now everyone on the team wants a tattoo, and the team buys one for Jack.
Jack gets the tattoo, not telling Eden who he is. They are attracted to each other and eventually have coffee together. Their relationship builds, although she wants to keep it casual.
Jack is a strong and caring character. He bends over backward to accommodate Eden. Eden has abandonment issues, self-worth insecurities, and family issues.
The book is about 350 pages long, yet, at page 93, the author includes a team meeting that should appear around page 280. The placement makes no sense and detracts from the flow of the story.
Eden's attitude is annoying throughout, but especially at the end of the book, regarding her relationship with Jack, even moving in together, makes it difficult to root for her. Jack is a prince to be as tolerant as he is.
This is an interesting hockey love story of two strong, successful individuals.
Jack Hathaway is the 30 year old Captain of the NHL Chicago Renegades. He is passionate about hockey and his leadership role, avoiding personal relationships after a painful divorce.
Eden Clarke is a talented tattoo artist who has just moved to Chicago for a 3 month residency. She is a nomad, never staying anywhere long, avoiding relationships, includingher family. She will not date clients, especially athletes, after a bad experience with an NBA star.
Eden tatoos one of the Renegades players, and he has a hat trick that night. Now everyone on the team wants a tattoo, and the team buys one for Jack.
Jack gets the tattoo, not telling Eden who he is. They are attracted to each other and eventually have coffee together. Their relationship builds, although she wants to keep it casual.
Jack is a strong and caring character. He bends over backward to accommodate Eden. Eden has abandonment issues, self-worth insecurities, and family issues.
The book is about 350 pages long, yet, at page 93, the author includes a team meeting that should appear around page 280. The placement makes no sense and detracts from the flow of the story.
Eden's attitude is annoying throughout, but especially at the end of the book, regarding her relationship with Jack, even moving in together, makes it difficult to root for her. Jack is a prince to be as tolerant as he is.
June 15, 2025
Eden and Jack met with Jacks true identity hidden as being the captain to the Chicago renegades which was a breath of fresh air to him. He finally being seen as Jack, then his identity comes to view for Eden but she doesn’t let on that she knows who he is until she slips with certain things she says and Jack finally asks her if her knows. Both Jack and Eden are keeping what they have at arm lengths due to the past that they both have been burned from. They each with make life changing choices but decided to make it together as partners. No one having to give up their dreams so the other will resent them later. And then Eden becomes pregnant and she’s terrified that Jack will do the same thing to her as her father did to her mother, but he won’t make her resent him
In anyway.
I LOVED reading about Jack and Eden and watching their story of ups and downs, her trying to run when things felt to real. Jack finally living for home self besides just hockey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In anyway.
I LOVED reading about Jack and Eden and watching their story of ups and downs, her trying to run when things felt to real. Jack finally living for home self besides just hockey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2025
I loved Eden and Jack’s story. Eden the tattoo artist who is sworn off of relationships with sports players and never stays in one place, meets the hunky hockey captain Jack in her tattoo studio. These two are opposites but work so well together. Both relationship shy they struggle to come to terms with how much they feel for other. I love a good hockey romance and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s one of those stories you end up reading way past your bedtime because you don’t want to put it down. These two are 🔥🔥🔥.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2025
It was a cute story. It definitely had potential. But OMG WTAF with all the inconstancies.
1. Jack is love with Eden, later, Jack is falling for Eden, Jack is in love, nope falling again.
2. Paris job. You have until Monday to give us your decision, wait now Eden is going to Paris and hasn't made her decision . Next, decide by midnight. Next day, hurry up and decide.
3. When she met Lucky. Lucky has an appointment set up with Eden. She told Jack she met Lucky while at the tattoo parlor, later, Lucky meets Eden at the arena and acts like it's their first meeting.
So much whiplash. It got to the point that I was more annoyed at another inconstancies than enjoying the story.
1. Jack is love with Eden, later, Jack is falling for Eden, Jack is in love, nope falling again.
2. Paris job. You have until Monday to give us your decision, wait now Eden is going to Paris and hasn't made her decision . Next, decide by midnight. Next day, hurry up and decide.
3. When she met Lucky. Lucky has an appointment set up with Eden. She told Jack she met Lucky while at the tattoo parlor, later, Lucky meets Eden at the arena and acts like it's their first meeting.
So much whiplash. It got to the point that I was more annoyed at another inconstancies than enjoying the story.
June 1, 2025
WOW!!!
This book had humour, a bit of heartbreak, hard decisions and a whole lotta love!
The dynamic between Eden and Jack was electric. They had an instant connection, and even though it took a bit of time to iron it all out, they got there!
This is 100% a re-read, binge read, do whatever I want read. Fantastic book and I think our dear author is going to have an uphill battle to improve on this!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had humour, a bit of heartbreak, hard decisions and a whole lotta love!
The dynamic between Eden and Jack was electric. They had an instant connection, and even though it took a bit of time to iron it all out, they got there!
This is 100% a re-read, binge read, do whatever I want read. Fantastic book and I think our dear author is going to have an uphill battle to improve on this!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2025
Cute story. I like that it’s more than just the fan girl and the hot hockey god. I appreciate the character development and dialogue between the main characters. I do think the book needs some editing to make the timeline fit. There were parts where I got lost as the chapter fell out of order. (second part of chapter 10 and late night meeting with lucky). I didn’t love the ending. It felt abrupt and unfinished. I valued that the author touched on some mental health items without just brushing them off or making them the whole story.
June 2, 2025
New author to me and I am so glad I picked this up. Loved the relationship between Jack and Eden. Both were burnt from past relationships which, unfortunately, carried over into their present interactions. However, once their feelings grew for each other, we were able to see the evolution of their relationship, and it was beautiful. They faced adult situations that required adult solutions, and they were able to navigate the obstacles with communication, respect for each other feelings, compromise, compassion, and built a true partnership. True relationship goals.
June 10, 2025
Being True to Yourself
Jack and Eden were something else. I loved the vulnerability throughout the book. Both have been hurt and built walls keeping everyone out. Seeing their struggles and self doubts really hit home. It was so relatable and it had me feeling their fears with them. I think this is my favorite book I’ve read by Kali thus far! The banter back and forth was great and made it so fun to read.
Jack and Eden were something else. I loved the vulnerability throughout the book. Both have been hurt and built walls keeping everyone out. Seeing their struggles and self doubts really hit home. It was so relatable and it had me feeling their fears with them. I think this is my favorite book I’ve read by Kali thus far! The banter back and forth was great and made it so fun to read.
May 27, 2025
This is a little hard to read at times. There are a lot of places that I had difficulty with a sense of time and there are some little things that don’t make sense. That being said, it was a different and interesting story. Great character and good steam. This is a new to me author and I am interested enough that I will be checking out previous work.
June 26, 2025
This is a fantastic hockey romance. I loved Jack and Eden together. They are complete opposites but their chemistry is explosive. I loved how vulnerable these two were able to be and how they let down their walls for each other. This book is cute with humor, great characters and some steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2025
Loved this book
I loved the concept. Love tats, so of course Eden was a perfect character for me to explore. For some reason, I really like the Hockey setting. The only hockey game I’ve ever seen was a team of 10 year olds. But everything fit, loved the writing, loved the story, loved the characters. Well done, Kali.
I loved the concept. Love tats, so of course Eden was a perfect character for me to explore. For some reason, I really like the Hockey setting. The only hockey game I’ve ever seen was a team of 10 year olds. But everything fit, loved the writing, loved the story, loved the characters. Well done, Kali.
September 2, 2025
re-write the description of the book
In the description the author made it seem like her getting pregnant was turning point in her decision about the career or Jack but in reality she doesn’t get pregnant until the end of book when she already made these decisions well before. The description needs to be rewritten it misleads the reader.
In the description the author made it seem like her getting pregnant was turning point in her decision about the career or Jack but in reality she doesn’t get pregnant until the end of book when she already made these decisions well before. The description needs to be rewritten it misleads the reader.
June 10, 2025
Great hockey romance
Loved Jack and Eden and their story. The relationship between Jack and his teammates was so great. I only gave it four starts as I didn't like being left hanging about the sex of their baby.
Loved Jack and Eden and their story. The relationship between Jack and his teammates was so great. I only gave it four starts as I didn't like being left hanging about the sex of their baby.
November 5, 2025
Got boring
The book was okay bordering meh, only because it was way too drawn out. It’s really repetitive which began to grate my nerves quickly. I was counting down til it was over. I wanted to like it more but I just grew bored, it took me 3 days to finish
The book was okay bordering meh, only because it was way too drawn out. It’s really repetitive which began to grate my nerves quickly. I was counting down til it was over. I wanted to like it more but I just grew bored, it took me 3 days to finish
June 3, 2025
A tattoo artist becomes a lucky charm after giving a tattoo to a hockey player. When the grumpy hockey captain , Jack gets a tattoo and gives Eden that heated glance. That’s where things get harder to resist each other. Highly recommend hockey sport romance with a surprise pregnancy!
June 13, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this story! I love how Eden and Jack came to be. They had such amazing banter and chemistry and it only got better when they got together. The story/plot was perfect and genius! I highly recommend this book!
June 18, 2025
I enjoyed pucking surprise for the grumpy captain which was Jack and Eden’s story. It was an entertaining read. I received an early copy of the book. And voluntarily leaving this review.
August 8, 2025
cute story
They were both jaded and the perfect match for each other. There’s a great amount of chemistry and watching their story evolve was a fun time. I liked it
They were both jaded and the perfect match for each other. There’s a great amount of chemistry and watching their story evolve was a fun time. I liked it
September 17, 2025
great read
Loved it, very great read. Love the author as well. I will have to read more of her books and give them a try
Loved it, very great read. Love the author as well. I will have to read more of her books and give them a try
October 7, 2025
good
It was good but the ending was so rushed like in the last 85% things started peaking and then it was done. I wish it were longer. Maybe a second book even.
It was good but the ending was so rushed like in the last 85% things started peaking and then it was done. I wish it were longer. Maybe a second book even.
December 23, 2025
Good
I enjoyed this book and the characters in this book and how they had to let go of the past
I enjoyed this book and the characters in this book and how they had to let go of the past
June 4, 2025
*** ARC review ***
If your favorite tropes are hockey, Oblivious to love, Sworn off relationship, strong minded FMC, then add this to your TBR!
Jack, team captain of the Chicago Renegades has strict rules of only having hookups during the offseason to avoid being used for his fame on the ice like his ex wife did.
Eden, a nomadic tattoo artist, stays only up to three months in one city before travelling to the next one; has sworn off dating athletes due to her ex boyfriend using her as arm candy.
But when Jack walks into the tattoo shop where Eden is working temporarily at, things shift for both of them. Can they stick to their promises or will the attraction for each other be too hard to resist?
This is yet another Kali favorite of mine! I absolutely love her writing style.
If your favorite tropes are hockey, Oblivious to love, Sworn off relationship, strong minded FMC, then add this to your TBR!
Jack, team captain of the Chicago Renegades has strict rules of only having hookups during the offseason to avoid being used for his fame on the ice like his ex wife did.
Eden, a nomadic tattoo artist, stays only up to three months in one city before travelling to the next one; has sworn off dating athletes due to her ex boyfriend using her as arm candy.
But when Jack walks into the tattoo shop where Eden is working temporarily at, things shift for both of them. Can they stick to their promises or will the attraction for each other be too hard to resist?
This is yet another Kali favorite of mine! I absolutely love her writing style.
June 9, 2025
Loved this book! It was funny, sexy, loving and just a great read. * He wasn't that grumpy! Will be looking for more from this author. Don't miss it.
I received an Advance Reader Copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an Advance Reader Copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews