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Pucking the Publicist: An Off-Limits Single Dad Hockey Romance
My first mistake was to assume an off-limits one-night stand with an NHL god might be fine.
On the eve of my first day as the Phantoms’ team publicist, in a blackout, I meet Ronan Maddox.
One locked door, one reckless kiss—and I wake up alone.
By noon, he’s my assignment—a docuseries to humanize the hardest man in hockey.
He’s the star; I ask questions.
He’s a fortress on the ice; At home–his daughter’s safe haven.
As we work, he pays attention—to me.
His steady palm at my spine, a note under my mic, the way he lets me set the pace.
Somewhere between camera checks and my stolen breath, we both fall—hard.
When a racy photo of us hits the tabloids, heads explode in the front office.
Now my job is on the line, unless I refuse to hide and go on the record –we’re done.
On the eve of my first day as the Phantoms’ team publicist, in a blackout, I meet Ronan Maddox.
One locked door, one reckless kiss—and I wake up alone.
By noon, he’s my assignment—a docuseries to humanize the hardest man in hockey.
He’s the star; I ask questions.
He’s a fortress on the ice; At home–his daughter’s safe haven.
As we work, he pays attention—to me.
His steady palm at my spine, a note under my mic, the way he lets me set the pace.
Somewhere between camera checks and my stolen breath, we both fall—hard.
When a racy photo of us hits the tabloids, heads explode in the front office.
Now my job is on the line, unless I refuse to hide and go on the record –we’re done.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 26, 2025
What a captivating page turner!!!!!!!!!!! The hockey game for the Stanley Cup was absolutely heart-pounding! However, I was really upset that Ronan didn't beat Nova's ex- boyfriend into the ground, because that creep, Chase, used way too much illegal force during the game.
I was petrified that Ronan would be taken off the field, on a stretcher, due to his injuries!
Although I really love this story, the sex scenes were really down and dirty. With a story this awesome, you really didn't need all of that as well as the excessive profanity!
I voluntarily received an Advance Copy of this book, from the author. And I am so glad I did. Thank You!
August 27, 2025
Honestly I think there could have been more interactions between Nova and Ronan and based on that I would give this book 3.5 stars. Some characters were just straight up as*holes and it was hard to keep reading. For instance the Coach should have been fired with the way that he disrespected the players. And I’m not sure what Nova was thinking when she first slept with Ronan knowing she was going to have to work with him. It seemed a little skeevy that she had that advantage…
August 30, 2025
2.5 stars. I tried to write this without too many spoilers.
First of all, I felt the writing was strong. The scenes were engaging and I felt the emotion of them, particularly the many hockey ones. However, this was more of a hockey book with a romance side interest than a romance book. Which is fine-- many sports romances are the reverse and the sports don't get much more than a passing nod.
My issues:
1. Nova and Ronan definitely had physical chemistry but the author didn't give much opportunity for the reader to see them bond beyond that.
2. Some chapters seemed unnecessary plotwise-- i.e., did we really need a full chapter about Nova -- ahem-- thinking about Ronan while taking a bubble bath?
3. One chapter ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. The action at the beginning of the next chapter didn't seem to follow directly after (there was a time jump) so it was hard to place how the two chapters went together.
4. Nova has a nemesis at work. This character essentially disappears after she plays her part in the story. It would've been nice to have some sort of closure e.g., confrontation between the two, hear about any consequences for this person's actions
5. I was disbelieving the peanuts at school thing. I know it's not a universal policy, but a lot of schools ban common food allergens like peanuts. And if she's as allergic as her reaction indicates, she needs an epipen for kids, not just antihistamines.
6. Also, why would Ronan allow his daughter to be filmed?
7. The blurb is misleading-- there's a couple of references that I don't remember in the book, but I read fast sometimes so they are things that would've been easy to miss. However, the blurb also says:
"When a racy photo of us hits the tabloids, heads explode in the front office.
Now my job is on the line, unless I refuse to hide and go on the record –we’re done."
One of the last chapters ends with Nova and Sadie seeing a tabloid piece about Nova and Ronan that includes a picture from the night they met. The women act as if this is serious. Then.... nothing. Nova isn't called in by management, she doesn't tell Ronan about the photo; heck, he doesn't even appear to know about it. The picture and article aren't mentioned again. All we're left with are chapters about hockey.
8. Coach calling the players 'girls.' I know this sort of misogyny exists in male sports, but do women authors really need to perpetuate it for 'realism'?
It's too bad I had these character and plot issues, because the writing itself was good.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
First of all, I felt the writing was strong. The scenes were engaging and I felt the emotion of them, particularly the many hockey ones. However, this was more of a hockey book with a romance side interest than a romance book. Which is fine-- many sports romances are the reverse and the sports don't get much more than a passing nod.
My issues:
1. Nova and Ronan definitely had physical chemistry but the author didn't give much opportunity for the reader to see them bond beyond that.
2. Some chapters seemed unnecessary plotwise-- i.e., did we really need a full chapter about Nova -- ahem-- thinking about Ronan while taking a bubble bath?
3. One chapter ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. The action at the beginning of the next chapter didn't seem to follow directly after (there was a time jump) so it was hard to place how the two chapters went together.
4. Nova has a nemesis at work. This character essentially disappears after she plays her part in the story. It would've been nice to have some sort of closure e.g., confrontation between the two, hear about any consequences for this person's actions
5. I was disbelieving the peanuts at school thing. I know it's not a universal policy, but a lot of schools ban common food allergens like peanuts. And if she's as allergic as her reaction indicates, she needs an epipen for kids, not just antihistamines.
6. Also, why would Ronan allow his daughter to be filmed?
7. The blurb is misleading-- there's a couple of references that I don't remember in the book, but I read fast sometimes so they are things that would've been easy to miss. However, the blurb also says:
"When a racy photo of us hits the tabloids, heads explode in the front office.
Now my job is on the line, unless I refuse to hide and go on the record –we’re done."
One of the last chapters ends with Nova and Sadie seeing a tabloid piece about Nova and Ronan that includes a picture from the night they met. The women act as if this is serious. Then.... nothing. Nova isn't called in by management, she doesn't tell Ronan about the photo; heck, he doesn't even appear to know about it. The picture and article aren't mentioned again. All we're left with are chapters about hockey.
8. Coach calling the players 'girls.' I know this sort of misogyny exists in male sports, but do women authors really need to perpetuate it for 'realism'?
It's too bad I had these character and plot issues, because the writing itself was good.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
The writing is good and the author has captured the good, the bad and the indifferent elements of all those involved with the Philladelfia Phantoms hockey players and team. The effects of working within this professional sport doesn't promote tolerance and shows the more difficult side of it all. There are good interactions and good intent, but it tends to wax and wane depending on what is happening at the given time.
The main characters are Ronan, recently widowed with a 5 year old daughter Page, team captain and Nove PR publicist.
The couple meet one stormy night and hook up. He leaves and they lexy meet at the stadium..she knew about him, but he didn't know about her. The romance elements are a small part of the main story, which is concentrated within hockey and team needs. It sometimes feels it is second best, as the couple's interaction peaks and troughs. Ronan flits between lust for Nova and guilt for Susan, his late wife. Nova seems to coast between work and relationships, not only with Roban, but fellow colleagues, especially her boss who is full of contempt towards her and a fully as her behaviours encourage bullying and harassment. The coach is demanding and derisive. The team determined and dedicated. I felt the ending was rushed and incomplete; it doesn't fully explain future prospects, save for a proposal and the final chapter provides an insight into their relationship 10 years later...3.5*
The main characters are Ronan, recently widowed with a 5 year old daughter Page, team captain and Nove PR publicist.
The couple meet one stormy night and hook up. He leaves and they lexy meet at the stadium..she knew about him, but he didn't know about her. The romance elements are a small part of the main story, which is concentrated within hockey and team needs. It sometimes feels it is second best, as the couple's interaction peaks and troughs. Ronan flits between lust for Nova and guilt for Susan, his late wife. Nova seems to coast between work and relationships, not only with Roban, but fellow colleagues, especially her boss who is full of contempt towards her and a fully as her behaviours encourage bullying and harassment. The coach is demanding and derisive. The team determined and dedicated. I felt the ending was rushed and incomplete; it doesn't fully explain future prospects, save for a proposal and the final chapter provides an insight into their relationship 10 years later...3.5*
August 29, 2025
Nova Lark is headed to the Philadelphia Phantoms to be their new Head of Media Relations. She needed to get away from her ex who played for the Vultures the same team she had worked for and just left. Driving to Philly she gets caught in a blackout rainstorm, has a flat tire and car service can't get to her for hours and of course the hotel is full. And who does she run into but Ronan Maddox, a player on her new team.
Ronan Maddox is the captain and main center for the Phantoms. He's also a widower and father of a 5 year old little girl named Page.
They end up spending the night together in his hotel room but he's gone in the morning.
When Nova shows up for her first day at work she finds out that Ronan is her new assignment, following him and documenting everything and this on a guy who usually stays out of the limelight. Shouldn't be a problem until a photo hits the tabloids of the two of them and puts her job on the line.
4 stars
After their first meeting up it was a slow burn with way more hockey than anything else.
This was a first with this author for me and the story was good. There are some issues like their coach I thought wouldn't be tolerated and maybe even her boss but it is what it is.
The epilogue helped some but with all the teammates you really didn't know what their status was and all that seemed rushed.
Ronan Maddox is the captain and main center for the Phantoms. He's also a widower and father of a 5 year old little girl named Page.
They end up spending the night together in his hotel room but he's gone in the morning.
When Nova shows up for her first day at work she finds out that Ronan is her new assignment, following him and documenting everything and this on a guy who usually stays out of the limelight. Shouldn't be a problem until a photo hits the tabloids of the two of them and puts her job on the line.
4 stars
After their first meeting up it was a slow burn with way more hockey than anything else.
This was a first with this author for me and the story was good. There are some issues like their coach I thought wouldn't be tolerated and maybe even her boss but it is what it is.
The epilogue helped some but with all the teammates you really didn't know what their status was and all that seemed rushed.
August 31, 2025
Rating 3.5 stars. Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. I actually enjoyed the hockey part of the book more than the romance haha. The way the author described the hockey matches were amazing, I could honestly feel the tension, adrenaline, highs and lows from the wins and losses...wow! The romance part wasn't bad, but it did feel too quick a switch from lust to love, especially since Ronan and Nova's interactions are mostly/solely physical, so it felt too unrealistic that it was love when there was so much unresolved between them, especially little Page's feelings. It also felt a little 'wrong'/ deceitful of Nova to sleep with Ronan in the first instance with what she knew was going to happen the next day and it's never addressed which felt a little odd. Ronan is also constantly up in his head with guilt but instead of addressing it, he flip flops on his feelings and then suddenly decides and declares his love (it gave me whiplash). In the end, they get their HEA but I wanted less bedroom scenes and more conversations, interactions and connection between Ronan and Nova, and Page, to actually experience how their relationship as a unit/ family grows. The premise was good but for me, the execution fell a little short and needed more depth to make it great.
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.
September 1, 2025
This is the first book by this author and I absolutely loved Ronan and Nova. Their banter was witty, chemistry for miles and the steam off the charts. One night of passion, no strings and when the dust settles over you and what just transpired you run because you feel guilty and leave what could possibly be your future in that room and run. Little did Ronan know he would see Nova again. These two were fire, mixed signals, survivors guilt and dealing with his feelings for his late wife. His little girl Page was such a sweetie and brings these two together in a way. Both wanting to be with each other, just unsure if it’s right. Great read and I would definitely read this author again.
September 4, 2025
She is beginning a new job on the heels of a breakup. He is a widowed hockey player with a 5 year old daughter. A flat tire leads to a chance meeting Ana night of passion. She is now the new publicist for his team and he is the focus of the current marketing campaign. Will their passion continue to ignite or will his grieving keep him from starting something new? I adored this story. I especially loved the relationship between Paige and Nova. Claudia the media director….not so much. She was cold and vindictive. But there always has to be one character everyone hates….right? I especially loved the epilogue with the glimpse into their future. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
August 29, 2025
4.5 stars! Ronan and Nova have a one night stand at a hotel when she is moving to town for her new job with the hockey team. Ronan happens to be the captain of the hockey team she is working for. Their chemistry is magnetic and there continues to be a lot of push and pull throughout the book. Ronan’s wife passed away a year earlier and he’s raising his daughter as a single dad. While in the midst of hockey season and playoffs he can’t resist his attraction to Nova but is struggling with loving someone else after his wife. The story is well done and the dynamics between the two are excellent! Great epilogue as well!
August 30, 2025
I loved this book. Nova is stranded with a flat tyre. After finding a motel she meets Ronan in the bar. He offers her his room and when sparks fly between them then they share a steamy night together with real chemistry. Ronan is a single Dad who’s wife died 9 months earlier. He can’t shake off the guilt and leaves without saying goodbye. Unbeknownst to him, Nova is the new Head of Media for his hockey team. Their paths cross sooner than he thinks and what results is a push and pull of feelings and trying to deny their attraction. This was a brilliant read with great characters and plenty of heat. Definitely recommended.
September 3, 2025
Nova has just started at Philadelphia Phantoms as Communication and Media person.
Ronan, the captain, is thinking about retiring to have more time with his daughter, Page, he's a widow and although he has feelings for Nova he feels guilty for having them. He still thinks about his wife.
Nova has feelings for him and Page, but he blows hot and cold so she doesn't know where he stands.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining read from Evie
Ronan, the captain, is thinking about retiring to have more time with his daughter, Page, he's a widow and although he has feelings for Nova he feels guilty for having them. He still thinks about his wife.
Nova has feelings for him and Page, but he blows hot and cold so she doesn't know where he stands.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining read from Evie
August 29, 2025
Pucking the Publicist by Evie Butler is the story of Ronan and Nova. They met perchance and had a wonderful time. Then, he ghosted her. Little did he know, he’d see her again…sooner than he thought!
This was a great Hockey story. He’s the captain of the team. She’s the newly hired marketing manager for the team. The stuff they go through, the things they hide, the drama surrounding everything…makes for a great story! There’s lots of hockey action! Good story!
This was a great Hockey story. He’s the captain of the team. She’s the newly hired marketing manager for the team. The stuff they go through, the things they hide, the drama surrounding everything…makes for a great story! There’s lots of hockey action! Good story!
September 3, 2025
Grief seems endless, guilt overwhelming, for the survivors. Questions of how to go on, how to find happiness again, and how to embrace life without your partner. Ronan is stuck in grief until he meets someone stranded in the rain. Nova is a ball of fire, running from her own demons, but she isn’t afraid to comfort a child or stand up for herself.
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.
September 3, 2025
Truth or Dare: Truth this hockey romance book is going to deliver some heat that you’re going to need a cold shower after reading it.
Dare: I dare you to think that you are going to be able to put this 10-star book down. Ronan and Nova have some sizzling romance that has you gasping for air sometimes. Well maybe not that intense but these 2 characters are definitely going to give you the Oh Wow’s from start to finish.
Evie deserves an applause 👏 for writing one heck of a terrific book.
Dare: I dare you to think that you are going to be able to put this 10-star book down. Ronan and Nova have some sizzling romance that has you gasping for air sometimes. Well maybe not that intense but these 2 characters are definitely going to give you the Oh Wow’s from start to finish.
Evie deserves an applause 👏 for writing one heck of a terrific book.
September 7, 2025
Pucking the Publicist by Evie Butler
I loved reading Nova and Roman's story. Nova took a new job working for the hockey team the Phantoms in Philadelphia. On her way there she gets stuck in a blackout and ends up hooking up with Roman. He is gone in the morning and he happens to play for the hockey team. Their story has tension, heat and beautiful ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved reading Nova and Roman's story. Nova took a new job working for the hockey team the Phantoms in Philadelphia. On her way there she gets stuck in a blackout and ends up hooking up with Roman. He is gone in the morning and he happens to play for the hockey team. Their story has tension, heat and beautiful ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2025
Sizzling, addictive, captivating, alluring, this book has it all. The slow burn between Ronan and Nova is sizzling and spicy, the kind you can’t let go of. This story deals with grief, guilt and raw emotions that grips your heart and makes this reading a compelling one. A highly recommended reading and a 5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating ! Evie you’re AMAZING !
August 30, 2025
If you love a feel good swoon worthy story with a hot hockey single dad then this one is sure to please. Ronan is a widow and isn’t looking for love but he can’t get the gorgeous Nova out of his head. Nova has sworn off of dating hockey players but Ronan Maddox is too hard to resist. I loved Maddox and Nova’s story. They have sizzling chemistry 🔥🔥🔥. Loved it.
September 1, 2025
Ok damn! This book was hot, and the energy was non-stop! Ronan with his back and forth, Nova trying to figure out all out and little Page being the cutest damn person ever. It was an emotional and sexual roller coaster and I am so here for it!
August 29, 2025
Where there moments of this story that I really like Ronan, yes. Where there also times in this story I wanted to punch Ronan, also yes. lol. But I do love reading a story where you have a MMC that drags is feet on accepting his feelings.
August 29, 2025
Nova and Ronan had a lot of chemistry and the two made a wonderful couple. The overall story is well done and does add a bit of a struggle for our leading man that give it extra depth.
September 1, 2025
After an explosive night Nova and Ronan circle each other like sharks. With lots of hockey - some chapters were like watching a game on tv - and some random hook ups that eventually lead to a HEA.
September 3, 2025
A fast paced instant attraction with plenty of angst. Nova and Ronan have major chemistry and the game descriptions are great! Great surrounding characters as well.
September 9, 2025
Good amount of spice & hockey. Enjoyed seeing more of the actual on ice talk between the players. Sweet lines with the kiddo.
September 8, 2025
I enjoyed this story. Ronan and Nova have an interesting start and the chemistry and tension between them was good. I love the back and forth between them and how they finally come to terms with their issues. Evie Butler knows how to do spice too! I would recommend.
September 26, 2025
I love a good hockey read, especially one that has plenty of ice time in it! This was a truly fantastic book! I was instantly intrigued by Nova and Ronan. Truthfully…I was so gone for them! They had that amazing push/pull connection and chemistry that was off the charts!
There are two reasons why I didn’t rate it the full 5 stars I felt that this book could have easily earned. The first is the many fantasies that Nova kept having about Ronan. I get that it’s normal to fantasize, but for me it became too much, so much so that I just started to skim over them or bypass them altogether. The second is that there was not much info on Ronan’s wife. It was such a big thing to happen, but it was almost barely mentioned. I definitely would have liked more about her, as a person and Ronan’s wife, and about what happened to her.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
There are two reasons why I didn’t rate it the full 5 stars I felt that this book could have easily earned. The first is the many fantasies that Nova kept having about Ronan. I get that it’s normal to fantasize, but for me it became too much, so much so that I just started to skim over them or bypass them altogether. The second is that there was not much info on Ronan’s wife. It was such a big thing to happen, but it was almost barely mentioned. I definitely would have liked more about her, as a person and Ronan’s wife, and about what happened to her.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews