The Diamond Puck-Up

Dirty Puckers #1

by Lauren Landish

A brooding hockey enforcer and a spirited jewelry designer find love—and trouble—when a stolen ring brings them together in this steamy romance from Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Lauren Landish.

NHL enforcer Griffin Mahoney has spent years protecting his team on the ice—and his heart off it. The one woman who makes his stone-cold exterior melt? His best friend’s sister, Penny Lee. But when a stolen ring entangles her with the Mob, Griffin’s protective instincts override his promise to stay away.

As a custom jewelry designer, Penny transforms family heirlooms into modern treasures. She’s always thought her brother’s best friend was grumpier than a bear with a hangover—until she discovers the brooding hockey player’s hidden soft side. Their undeniable chemistry catches them both off guard, even as danger circles closer.

With Stanley Cup playoffs looming, Mob threats escalating, and her overprotective brother ready to cross-check them both into the next season, Griffin and Penny’s path to happiness is anything but smooth. Together they’ll discover that true love, like diamonds, can withstand any pressure—and shine even brighter for it.

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 10, 2026

About the author

Lauren Landish is a WALL STREET JOURNAL & USA TODAY bestselling author and her books have garnered a legion of praise from her readers.

When she’s not plotting about how she will introduce you to your next sexy as hell book boyfriend, you can find her deep, deep in her writing cave, furiously tapping away on her keyboard, writing scenes that would make even a hardened sailor blush.

Lauren, who lives in NC with her boyfriend and fur baby, warmly invites you to her worlds of rock hard abs, chiseled smiles, and men with deep, fat pockets…but beware! These stories are guaranteed to have you addicted and needing your next fix!

Visit Lauren's Website at: http://www.laurenlandish.com/
Join the Mailing list at: http://www.subscribepage.com/w1h8x6
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauren.landish
Follow me on twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenlandish

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

I always know what I’m going to get with a Lauren Landish book, some spice, fun and a great distraction when things are a little too much, and this book was exactly what I needed. I’m excited for the next book in this new series.

[Minnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

4.5⭐|2🌶|5% 🌶frequency

This is the first book I've read by Lauren, and I can truthfully say I'm pucked, um, I mean, I'm hooked 😁

I loved Griffin and Penny so much. I love it when he falls first, but it wasn't "just" first, it was so much more 🩷 And there is the whole problem with Dom, Penny's brother/Griffin's best friend. As if that wouldn't be enough... No, there is more I'm not talking about. Just so much that I felt so sorry for Griffin. He is so insecure and full of self-doubt 😭 Even though he is a strong and an enforcer 💪 He is also super protective. Something that's very important to the story. Because who would think that a hockey romance could have anything to do with mafia!? ME definitely not 🙈

There is so much going on in this book. And I have trouble finding words for it. It's just so wonderful. This whole found family thing and how much they all loved Griffin, even though it was more like hate between Griffin and Penny, so she thought 😎 Damnit bro-code!!!

Even with some sad topics, the book has a lot to laugh about, especially because of the banter between Penny and Griffin 😉

I hope Dom will be next in this series. I already loved him, even though he caused a lot of trouble here, but I also think he is a really good guy and definitely needs a good woman by his side 😁


Thanks to the author, Montlake, and @netgalley for trusting me with an ARC 🩷


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[Lisa Menor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griffin is in a tight spot. Not because he's the enforcer for the Ice Hawks, but because he has it bad for his best friend and comrade on the ice's little sister, Penny. Penny Lee has been deemed completing off limits because her brother Dom is literally his only friend and growing up with a less than ideal family, Griffin cherishes the family he has with the Lee's. So out of respect for his best friend, he kept his distance until he could no longer honor that request.
Penny loves her overprotective brother, it's his partner in crime she despises. Griffin treats her as if she's invisible, a total waste of time. She's definitely not a waste of time. She has a successful business, PLDesigns, where she takes antique or unwanted jewelry and transforms them into beautiful new pieces fetching top dollar. When she purchases a stolen item, she is instantly in harms way. The original owner is someone you don't want to mess with, good thing Griffin was there to witness it. Their contempt, which basically began at first sight, is showing cracks into their secret attraction. They begin to work together to keep Penny safe and hopefully get the ring back. Maybe Griffin will win Penny's heart and survive the beat down her brother is all too ready to give.

Great enemies to lovers hockey romance! Fun, likeable characters that are very relatable. I can't wait for more in this series!!! An absolute must read!!!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[LM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh!!! The Diamond Puck-Up by Lauren Landish is easily one of the funniest, most entertaining romcoms I’ve read in a long time—with a completely original plot that had me laughing out loud! Sure, the classic tropes are there—grumpy hockey player, forbidden sister, all that good stuff—but this book is so much more than that.

The humor? Absolute perfection. Mrs. Landish, it’s like you wrote this just for me! The awkward, cheesy, and delightfully cringey moments were straight out of my own life. I adore an awkward heroine, and Penny is exactly that—a clumsy, lovable disaster with a heart of gold. And Griffin… dear, sweet, tortured Griffin. What’s not to love?

This story is a perfect mix of humor, heart, and heat—with a dash of suspense and the happily-ever-after every romance reader craves. I devoured it and will definitely be adding a hard copy to my bookshelf the second it releases.

I’m so grateful to have received an ARC—now I’m off to binge more of Lauren Landish’s books! I highly, highly recommend this adorable romcom that will leave you smiling and warm inside.

10/10—absolutely loved it!

Thank you to Lauren Landish, Montlake, and NetGalley for the privilege of the ARC.

[Julie Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for those readers who not only like the enemies to lovers trope, but prefer it with a fair share of drama. The Diamond Puck-Up felt like a constant whirlwind that kept shifting the chemistry between the MMC, FMC and her brother in sudden and at times unexpected ways.

The spice was very spicy and filled with tons of pining for each other. Well written out. Even if there were sudden and rather unexplained switches from supposedly enemies to let’s-rip-each-other’s-clothes-off moments…

“My whole life was hockey, and then I saw you. And you were the one person I could never have. You are the one person I can’t have.”

For once I absolutely loved the MMC. Griffin felt like a safe kind of bad guy. The kind that’s more bad by label not truly in his heart, and his backstory was both relatable and heartbreaking.

“I’m risking everything here, for you, because you’re worth it. Just don’t let me ruin it.”

Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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[CrystalLuvsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
The Diamond Puck-Up is an adorable rom-com with best friends’ sister, hockey, enemies to lovers and golden retriever energy all wrapped in one!
Griffin is in love with his best friend’s (very off limits) little sister, Penny, but hides it and acts as though he hates her for years. He is forced to admit his feelings for her through a series of unfortunate events when Penny purchases a diamond for her jewelry business and the mob comes after them!
You can’t help but fall in love with Griffin and his golden retriever energy (once he admits he’s in love with Penny) and Penny is absolutely accident prone! I love the positive energy this book brings. Penny is a main character who knows what she wants and won’t back down but is also relatable with her clumsy ways. She knows how to forgive and realize what’s important!
I love how this story is highly improbable, but you can’t help but laugh and fall in love with the characters along the way. Even Penny’s brother Dom is loveable with his protective, older brother attitude! Lauren Landish made me laugh the entire time! I highly recommend this if you need a feel-good rom-com to brighten your day.

[Kerri Wells Goetzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, steamy, heartfelt hockey romance that delivers plenty of laughs and tension. Griffin completely stole the show for me. He’s broken, vulnerable, and trying so hard to protect the people he cares about, even when he's protecting them from him. His mix of toughness and quiet pain made him such a great character. I wanted the HEA for him so bad!

Penny, on the other hand, was a bit hit or miss for me. While her humor and confidence added energy to the story, her constant joking sometimes went too far and made her feel a little one note. I wanted more emotional depth from her, especially given the dangerous and high stakes situations she was in. At times, her endless comparisons and sexual innuendos pulled me out of the story instead of adding to it.

Still, it's is an entertaining read that fans of sports romance will definitely enjoy, even if Penny’s humor sometimes outskates the heart of the story.

Thank you to Lauren Landish, Montlake, and NetGalley for this ARC read. This review is my honest opinion and completely voluntary.

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the genres that keep me entertained - enemies to lovers, sports romance (namely hockey), best friend/team mate’s sister, and a little snippet of mafia in the mix. All this makes for a super entertaining storyline. I love that Griffin has had a crush on Penny since he first laid eyes on her, and I love that when he went all in, he went all in, even considering his previous despicable behaviour towards her. Despite his friendship and despite his past, he was 100% team Penny, even though she didn’t know it. The theft of the diamond, and the subsequent hunt for it was a super fun addition, then there’s the mob boss, and his goons, adding a little bit of suspense. Great characters, the chemistry between Griffin and Penny is palpable, Griffin’s restraint is admirable, Penny’s clumsiness is relatable, I love that she isn’t perfect. I also enjoyed the hockey narrative, I could really visualise those games. All in all, a perfect read. I can’t wait to see where book 2 takes us. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5


Penny Lee es una diseñadora de anillos de compromiso con una curiosa maldición: puede hacer que cualquiera encuentre el amor... menos ella. Entre pedidos personalizados, caídas accidentales y momentos vergonzosos, su vida parece una comedia romántica sin final feliz. Griffin Mahoney, jugador profesional de hockey y mejor amigo de su hermano, lleva años escondiendo un secreto: está perdidamente enamorado de ella. Sin embargo, para proteger su amistad con Dominic y su propio corazón, prefiere fingir indiferencia.

Cuando un malentendido los obliga a pasar más tiempo juntos, las chispas entre ellos se vuelven imposibles de ignorar.


____


Sigo indecisa en la calificación: dejarlo en 3.5 o ponerle 3.


Me cayo mal Dom, él si podía andar de mujeriego, pero su hermana no podía tener pretendientes.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Amelia Blackmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Diamond Puck-Up
Author: Lauren Landish
Series: Dirty Puckers #1

What to expect:
*Best friends sister
*Hockey romance
*Found family

Griffin was the typical tough, damaged hockey player but without the man whore persona. I loved how he fought his feelings for years until he just couldn’t do it anymore. The MMC was definitely the best part of this book!

All the FMC kept talking about was that she is a grown, independent woman and she doesn’t need the men in her life to take care of her. Yet, all she does throughout the book is literally walk into doors and trip over her on feet. FMC’s that are written with twelve year old boy humor are just not for me.

Safety:
No OW/OM drama, no third act breakup.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this title!

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Penny (FMC) & Griffin (MMC)

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 This was an okay start to the series. The first half really dragged for me with Griffin being a jerk to Pen for most of it. I get that he was trying to keep his feelings hidden, but the considerable effort he was putting in didn’t feel realistic. I liked that he had a fluff exterior but as he kept calling himself an asshole, even after he confessed his feelings didn’t ring true.

Pen was just annoying. She didn’t come across as sunshine but just an overactive puppy. There were a couple of times where she stood her ground, especially with Dom and Griffin after Dom found out about them. But aside from that, she just grated on my nerves. Also, the mob boss storyline was not my favorite either. It was like a bad farce.

As this is the first I’ve read of this author, I’d give Dom’s book a shot and then make a choice from there.

I received this book as an arc for my honest opinion.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Griffin. He is so lost in his own brokenness and I love that he finally decides that he loves Penny too much to let that stand in his way. I love his nature to protect Penny and gis relationship with her brother Dominic and even gis relationship with their parents. I love the way Penny and Griffin snipe at each other and I love her wit and the banter she throws at Dominic. The book is well written. The emotions shine. The suspense is thoughtful and works to move the story along. The characters are three dimensional and makes sense to the story. I would have liked more from Penny's parents. I hope we get a book for Dom. It would be fun to get more from Miles and his Georgina. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Penny and "Honey". Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the.chance to share my thoughts.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Griffin is the enforcer on the Hawks hockey team. Dominic is on the Hawks also and has supported Griffin through all the abuse his parents have dished out. First time Griffin laid eyes on Dominic's sister, Penny, he was smitten but Dominic told him Penny was off limits. Penny thinks Griffin hates her by the way he has treated her for five years. Penny designs jewelry and when she goes to a pawn shop to pick up an exquisite ring, it is stolen. Now the mob boss wants it back. I loved the hockey references as they struggled to win the Stanley Cup. I also enjoyed the relationship Giffin and Dominic had both together, as teammates, and protecting Penny. When Penny realizes Griffin is in love with her, the big strong hockey player is a romantic. Great story, full of love, comradery, and mystery.

[Macarena McGonagall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the E-Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book follows the story of Pen and Griffin, she is the little sister of Griffin’s best friend and hockey buddy. Everything looked amzing, but the FMC is the definition of too much, it seemed that her whole personality was being clumsy, and she tried too much to be funny all the time and, to be honest, it wasn’t funny at all. Besides that, his brother, Griffin’s supposed best friend, was the worst brother and worst best friend ever, ugh, I wanted to throat punch him.

I’m kinda sad because the story was so promising and the plot was interesting with all the mafia stuff, but ended being like tepid tea, not bad, but not good either.

[Becca T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book! It was a brother's best friend hockey romance with a twist - I especially loved the tension with the stolen ring, the GASP I made when the bag was snatched from Griffin's hand was so loud it made my dog jump LOL.

The tension between Griffin and Penny was delicious, it was the perfect simmer to sizzle as they spent time together tracking down the ring. I loved Griffin's determination to face the mob boss to get his enforcers off Penny's trail, it was brilliant.

This book had so many levels, it was perfection.

I'm hoping we'll get Dom's book next? There's so much potential with the characters in this book - I'm hoping for more!

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun and Flirty five-star read. This one had some lovely humour in it, not massive belly laughs but some great one liners that really made you smile. Griffin was a big softie in the end, no matter how tough he has to be as an enforcer on the ice, he melts like his favourite ice cream for Penny. I loved how Penny designed jewellery as well, as it’s a line of work we don’t see often in books. I liked how Griffin struggled and was real about the fact that Domanic was his person and the risk of losing that person was so real and raw, it shone like a diamond in the end. This is a great start to a new series and I cant wait to find out who we will get to know next.

[Jadey (GetBookedWithMe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Diamond Puck-Up has all the familiar elements of a great romance, but Lauren Landish elevates it into something extra special. The story follows Griffin and his teammate’s sister, Penny, who suddenly finds herself being trailed by the mob. What unfolds is a fun, unpredictable mix of romance, laughter, and a little chaos. A reminder that life can be delightfully messy and full of surprises!!

It’s also a fantastic start to a series, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I know that I will have a good reading experience with Lauren.

Griffin is a hockey player that had a rough childhood and is best friends with Penny's brother. Griffin has always had a thing for Penny but didn't want to loose his only friend for falling for his sister.

Penny is a jewelry maker and thinks Griffin hates her. After something of hers gets stolen they work together to try and find it. Penny is funny and sassy but sometimes it was a little over the top.

This is a great rom-com to read and I read it in one day. I can't wait to see what's next!

[Lori Zakrzewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griffin might be tough on the ice as the enforcer for the Hawks, but he is a soft and squishy marshmallow on the inside, with a side of self doubt, when it comes to his best friend's sister, Penny. When Penny and Griffin get into a situation with a diamond ring being stolen, Griffin will do everything necessary to protect Penny. This latest book from Lauren Landish was the type of fun book I've come to expect from her.

[Lisa Serrano-Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a fun, flirty, hockey romance with all the charm you hope for in a cozy romance.

The banter is snappy, the chemistry kind of sizzles, and the characters have a mix of sweetness and spice that might keep you grinning while you turn the pages.

It’s the kind of feel-good romance that gives you butterflies and a few blushes. It is absolutely lighthearted, and entertaining.

#BookTok #LaurenLandish #HockeyRomance #TheDiamondPuckUp #NetGalleyReview #NetGalleyReads

[Michelle Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read. Pen is a total klutz except in her professional life. Her brother is and his best friend are hockey players. She didn’t know it but the best friend always liked her but avoided her. They run into each one day and several mishaps later with some really hilarious moments makes this story. Pen has no filter and I laughed so hard at some of the moments. It’s one of the reasons I gave the book 5 stars.

[Anne Marko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Griffin and Penny are the absolute cutest. Griffin is a star hockey player whose best friend is Dominic. Dom is basically his only family. Penny is Dom’s sister, so naturally, she’s off limits. In this he falls first, grumpy sunshine, brother’s best friend story, Lauren has added so much heart & fun to it with a bit of a mystery in top.

I typically enjoy all of her books, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Excellent pacing and extremely likable characters. Highly recommend!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was heartwarming, steamy and romantic. I think I have read nearly everything that Lauren Landish has written. This was the best one this year. Although it had some suspense to it, I think there could've been a little more.All in all, It was a great book. I look forward to the next one the author writes. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers, let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While The Diamond Puck-up is the typical setting for a good romance, Lauren Landish has turned it into something more. Yes, it’s still a great, fun romance between Griffin and his teammate’s sister, Penny. Penny who just finds herself being followed by the Mob. What happens reminds me that life can be crazy, laughter and romance.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a typical Lauren Landish book. There was lots of love lots of spice and a problem in the middle. What I really enjoyed was the no third act breakup. There was communication from both sides. The whole stolen ring mob problem was nicely written with a surprising twist. I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[FireSerene Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun and original story! It had me laughing out loud and loving every page. The perfect mix of humor, heart, heat, and a touch of suspense. A feel-good romance with the best kind of happily ever after!

[Samantha LiLoia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little too lengthy in the plot. I felt like some things were unnecessary.

[LibraryNinja_Beritk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a grumpy/sunshine story with a whimsical twist that will leave readers with a smile. Don't let that stop you from enjoying the amazing dialogue, stellar character development, and steamy scenes. Lauren Landish will keep you up so late that you'll need an excuse for the next day's activities.
Thank you Montlake Publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#NetGalley #TheDiamondPuckUp #Goodreads #libraryninja📚

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and funny brothers best friend romance with a little suspense and Doberman vibes. He's grumpy, she's an airy accident waiting to happen and I loved every second of it.

[Pauline Cassie]

Full review to follow