Desperate Pucker

Denver Bashers Series #6

by Sarah Smith

I’m one of the oldest hockey players in the NHL and recovering from an injury, which means one thing: I’ve got one chance to make a comeback, or my career is over.

I’m working with my team’s new skating coach, Maddy Macer, to get me back into shape so I can play again.

One problem: we can’t stand each other.

We clash constantly. She thinks I’m grumpy and arrogant. I think she’s spoiled and inexperienced.

But the more time we spend together, the more I realize I was wrong about this beautiful and feisty figure skater.

With her training, I’m playing better than I have in years.

And when the tension between us moves off the ice and into the bedroom, things turn explosive in the hottest way…

The more I’m around Maddy, the harder it becomes to ignore my feelings for her.

We’re supposed to be friends with benefits, nothing more.

But I can’t deny how desperately I’m falling for her.

Denver Bashers book 6! Ryker's book!

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Hockey player x figure skater
Grumpy and possessive MMC
Black cat FMC
Sick scene (he takes care of her)
Dirty talk
"Good girl"
Seggs toys
No third-act breakup!

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Romance, Sports, Hockey Romance

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2025

About the author

Sarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie's stash of romance novels. She's been hooked ever since. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She is also one half of the romance writing duo Sarah Skye. Sarah also writes tearjerker fiction under the name Sarah Echavarre

Reviews

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with Maddy and Ryker. I love how it started off with them hating each other, the banter was amazing. Both characters felt like they needed to prove themselves but really they just needed someone to believe in them 🥺 It was beyond perfect.

Honestly this whole hockey series is incredible, it’s found family, no third act breakup and really low angst.

Thank you Sarah for the ARC.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s fun pretending to be yours, princess.”

✔️hockey romance
✔️pro hockey player x figure skater
✔️enemies to lovers
✔️grumpy MMC x black cat FMC
✔️friends with benefits
✔️age gap (he’s 35, she’s 27)
✔️forced proximity
✔️caretaking
✔️no 3rd act breakup

This is just a fun hockey romance, and I really enjoyed reading it. Maddy (FMC) and Ryker (MMC) have some serious misconceptions of each other to overcome before they can move from enemies to friends and then more, and the banter and tension are done so well. We see Ryker get injured toward the end of One Good Puck (book 5 in this series), and he is determined to do whatever it takes to get back on the ice and head to the Stanley Cup finals, even though there are many people who think he is too old to still be on the team. Maddy is the owner’s daughter, but not everything is as it seems on the surface and she needs Ryker to take her seriously as the team’s newest skating coach. She is tasked with getting him back on the ice stronger than ever, but they can’t be in the same room without things getting tense and awkward. They communicate through insults, but it isn’t long before they realize the anger might be misplaced and the things they thought they knew about each other are false.

I love a good caretaking scene in a romance novel, and this book definitely delivered! He takes care of her when she has food poisoning and makes sure that she eats several times throughout the course of the story, especially when the negative voice in her head from her years of disordered eating as a figure skater tells her to restrict. He refuses to let anyone disrespect her, and when he finds out the truth about her upbringing and family (and that he was being insensitive when they first started working together) he actually apologizes. They just work well together, they push each other to be better humans and once they stop being stubborn they communicate well. I love that there is no third act breakup (in any of the books of this series to far!) and that we get to see them happy, enjoying each other and life, before the story wraps up.

I really have enjoyed this whole series, but I think Ryker might be my favorite MMC so far. If you are looking for a spicy hockey series with MMCs who are obsessed with their FMCs and no unnecessary breakups this one is a good one to check out!


*Thank you so much to the author (Sarah Smith) for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*

[Natalyastyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Author Sarah Smith for giving me yet another beautiful opportunity by sending me an ARC of your new upcoming Hockey Romance Novel⛸️🏒🩷❄️✨
“Desperate Pucker”
The 6th Installment In The-
“Denver Bashers Book Series”
7⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️READ!!!!!
Ryker💋✨is officially my new obsession!!! and yes every single one of Sarah smith’s MMC I read will always become one of my new obsession & everything and more!!🤩
This story truly captivated me from start and the way the author weaves the narrative and her beautiful ability to create an engrossing & unforgettable story with many characters that will have you laughing out loud and wishing you were in the book with them is so special 🥹and even more, especially when the two love birds always seem to leave a long lasting impression on you with each page that turns. Highlights Sarah Smith's talent for crafting such an amazing relationships with her characters that always resonate with you and when that blend of romance and hot tension simmers you seriously can not get enough of it! Always giving readers a reason to be on the edge of their seats needing to read every beautiful and memorable moment that is going to happen next and it’s a delightful experience every time🤩I’m seriously on edge right now waiting for the next installment to arrive🩷🤩

“Desperate Pucker,” Takes you on a journey through the romantic lives of-
(✨🩵Ryker George & Madeline Macer⛸️✨)
Where they experience a tale of- enemies to lovers, figure skater x hockey player, hot tension🔥 “It’s always been you moments” 🥹 and so much more but here’s a peak of my favorite lovers-🩷

Ryker💋✨has completely warmed my heart in so many ways from the start and the previous books in the series that soon as I was finally able to read him in his POV without an doubt I knew he was going to be my lover in every universe! And the way he’s such a sweetheart you fall for him right away! As you flip the pages you continue to grow with him and learn his unforgettable character that has such a profound passion for hockey and his career in it that it’s inspiring🥹and boy does he become truly a teasing golden retriever whenever he’s with his stunning lover girl Maddy whom he loves with everything he has that every scene you can feel his love for her through the pages and know it’s a love that’s never going to stop!🥹His character is written with so much talent and passion I seriously cannot see myself falling in love with another MMC unless it’s by favorite Sarah Smith!🫶🏻 Ryder is my new obsession and one that is going to last a lifetime💋✨

My fiery girlie Maddy AKA a beautiful & amazing Figure Skater and coach who brings all the passion and flue to the story with her personality and strong heart and loving heart and spirt for what she has a deep passion love for when it comes to her on the ice❄️✨ but you truly see her & what she embodies all beneath the surface when she comes face to face with her favorite and forever love boy whom she fell for from the very beginning even when she probably believed it🥹 her love for him is expressed beautifully in so many unique ways! Their duo together will always have you kicking your feet back and forth with every one of their hot tension moments & endless bittersweet love and adorable laughter with each other🩷✨
I seriously cannot wait to read what’s stored in next in Sarah Smith new upcoming novels🤩

[Leigh-Ann Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of Desperate Pucker by Sarah Smith

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶.5/5

I always get excited diving back into the Denver Bashers world, and Desperate Pucker with Ryker and Maddy did not disappoint! This story delivers plenty of angst early on, but what really won me over was Ryker’s unwavering protectiveness especially when he stands up for Maddy against her dad and step-siblings. 🖤

I’m a sucker for a strong found family vibe, and the banter between the Bashers and the fierce girl gang is absolutely chef’s kiss. Plus, I love that this series keeps previous couples in the mix, letting their stories continue to grow with each book.

Now I’m counting down the days until Camden’s story, So Pucking Good, drops in December! 🏒📚

What To Expect:
⛸️ Enemies to lovers
🏒 Hockey player/Grumpy/Possessive MMC
⛸️ Figure Skater FMC
🏒 Age Gap
⛸️ Good girl

#DesperatePucker #SarahSmithBooks #DenverBashersSeries #HockeyRomance #BookishLove #LivingMyBestBookishLife

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah is absolutely smashing these Basher books! They are sooo much fun! A standalone but interconnected series with the best bunch of friends. I love them all, Every time I think this is the best book boyfriend, the new book surpasses them. Ryker is the veteran of the team, fighting for his spot and working through injuries, desperately wanting that coveted Stanley Cup before he hangs up his skates. Maddy is the Bashers owners daughter, an Olympic winning figure skater, given the trainer role through nepotism. She's keen to prove herself, which she does with flying colours - Everyone loves her. Tasked to rehabilitate Ryker, they start off at logger heads but soon, hate turns to lust and then more. Loved reading the serious grump get all protective and caring and loved how the girls bought Maddy into the fold just like that. Family found, the best of friendships, hilarious boy crew with a side of Hockey thrown in, what more could you want?!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew instantly that I would like Ryker and Maddy’s love story after being introduced to Ryker in One Good Puck and when I found out that it was going to be an enemies-to-lovers workplace romance, I knew this book was definitely going to be right up my alley! Ryker is now one of my favorite MMCs. I love that he fell so fast and hard for Maddy, that he is so kind and generous to the people he cares about and of course it was wonderful that Ryker and Maddy matched so well in the bedroom. Thank you to Sarah Smith for the opportunity to read this early!

[KK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desperate Pucker
by Sarah Smith
ARC

And here I though Coach Porter’s story was the one I needed. But in this installment of the Denver Bashers series we follow Ryker, a recent addition to the Bashers and a player on the back end of his career, the”old man” on the team.

He’s recently come off an injury and with his age he meds help getting back in playing shape.

Enter Maddy, Olympic figure skating medalist coming off of a scandal, and the owners daughter.

Ryker is unimpressed with this perceived billionaire princess who’s a bit over dramatic.

He quickly learns that things are not what they seem. They each have an intriguing backstory and it makes for a perfect enemies to lovers pairing.

What I loved about this story was the introduction of ice skating as a legitimate sport and how those techniques can heighten a players fitness and finesse on the ice. Al’s Maddy’s backstory is a lesson in not jumping on a social media bandwagon story with your opinion. The camera or the reel does not tell the full story.

Seeing Rykers personal life gave us so much insight to him as well, and seeing how he and Maddy truly connect their puzzle pieces to become one full picture together was an exciting journey.

Again we got to see all our old favorites from the past books in the series and it’s like visiting old friends.

Pick up this series and you’ll tear through each one very quickly.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review for Desperate Pucker by Sarah Smith

Thanks to Sarah for the ARC opportunity!

What to expect: sports romance, workplace romance, book pet, he takes care of her/saves her, owner's child, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, forced proximity, grumpy/black cat, he falls first, no 3rd act breakup, possessive MC, public spicy times, secret relationship, found family

TW/CW: overall a pretty light read but neglectful parent of the FMC, past cheating by former partner (off page), brief mention of body image issues, and recovery from an injury

Review: 3.5/5

We're back in the Bashers world (and so soon after Coach Porter and Abby's book!)!

Things I liked:
- I still love the found family we get in the Bashers' world. The team is so close, truly friends, and all the partners have great relationships with each other too. Sometimes we just love a book that shows happy relationships and this book and series are great at that.
- I love a grumpy boi! Something about a grumpy MMC just makes me so happy. Maybe it's seeing them go soft for the right person? I don't know, but I like it, okay? Ryker St. George is that grumpy MMC and I loved seeing his hard outer shell crack.
- Maddy was a good black cat FMC. We're not all sunshine and rainbows and Maddy has a pretty complicated past. Her black cat banner made sense but, truly, she's a sweetheart deep down. She just doesn't show it because she'd been burned one too many times. It was fun watching Ryker bring her back into the world.
- The nickname. I'm a sucker for a good nickname. And I loved that, at first, it was meant to be a dig but quickly evolved into the sweetest little moniker.

Things I disliked or missed the mark:
- I would love for one of the Bashers' world FMCs to be confident. Bella is the closest we get to that but even she was jaded and cautious due to a past relationship. I would love a strong, confident, gives no effs FMC in this world. All of them have some emotional past that leaves them timid or shy or reserved, particularly in the bedroom. Like, let's have an FMC who owns what she wants and is not blown away in shock when she has an orgasm. Let's normalize some badass bees here!
- The book was longer than it needed to be, pieces of it could have been cut (I'm looking at you Drunk Anna), without compromising the base of the story. And yet, I would have loved *more* on the final conflict with reporter Bobby. Outside of Daddy Macer saying he'll "take care of it," there's no resolution. Who TF is the "source"?! Was there a source? Or did he just make it up? Unclear. I'm good if it was made up for the sake of his "scoop" but then make that clearer. Because right now it just felt unresolved.
-Again, Sarah's books could use a better pass through with an editor. I'm a little behind on ARCs so I read the whole book via KU after release and, again, there's pretty simple typos and errors that should have been caught in a final editing process. I don't typically hold that against books in my actual star rating but I think it's important to note because some readers get hung up on that sort of thing.
- The books are also pretty repetitive. There was a sentence I highlighted and made a note saying I'm pretty sure I've read that exact line or something very close to it in every book of the series so far, haha. And did you know Sophie is a genius and that everyone has been so kind and welcoming? I like the books, don't get me wrong, but the writing could use a little finessing.

All's that to say, I'm excited for Camden's book. It'll be fun to have a younger player as the MMC and see that character development. I hope Camden is paired with someone who will put him in his place a little (in all the best ways). Also, with Camden being the last book of the Bashers, wondering if we've had a future peek at a spinoff series with Nick? Hmmmm...

[Jessie The Great · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this FMC has never drank Coke and barely eats cookies - and he loves baking and getting her to drink Coke. It's a thing, look past it. Madeline Macer is an Olympic Ice Skater turned Skating coach with a chip on her shoulder regarding her breakdown after her bronze medalist performance. Meanwhile, Ryker is a older, seemingly grumpy, professional hockey player - who is fighting to stay in the league after an injury due to a fight. Our favorite Hockey daddy brought in the owner's daughter to help improve his skating.

Ryker and Maddy start off on the wrong foot and this is a solid base for the "enemies-to-lovers" trope. Obviously, he's instantly attracted to her, as he is a man of taste and has a thing for redheads. Redheads are better, I'm not biased due to my own red hair, it's just a fact. But this sassy, black cat energy FMC is determined to do her job. They both have misconceptions about each other that will be addressed and corrected later on.

Anyway, turns out Maddy is especially qualified for the job and helps Ryker speed to the top of the league and the Patron Saint of the Slap Shot was back on the ice.

So, the million dollar question, did I like this? Absolutely. I was a bit befuddled about her not ever tasting coke. She was a child once, there's no way she didn't try it once prior to her formative years where she needed to start "watching her weight" (insane). TBH though, I would have believed this more if it were Dr. Pepper - the superior soda, but Coke is such a standard pop that anyone who was raised in the states should have tasted it. I digress. Ryker introduced her to Jack and Coke like it was brand new and amazing and she was in awe of the most standard drink choice known to anyone over the age of 21. I need to stop that rant.

Anyway, they both deal with pieces of their pasts and do so together, as a unified front. It was sweet. Ryker is such a great guard dog. In return, Maddy stood up for him as well against certain naysayers. Plus, Ryker helped her through food poisoning. If he wasn't already a saint (of slap shots) he would have earned sainthood for dealing with a toilet ailment. Nobody likes tummy issues.

As always, should you read this? Yes. Read her stories. I love this series (not only Dirty Del). It's such a fun story. It's light and has the right amount of smut and dirty talk. Sarah Smith has a great formula for her storytelling.

Tropes you'll see and love:
⛸️ Enemies to lovers
🏒 Hockey player x figure skater
⛸️ Black cat FMC
🏒 Grumpy and possessive MMC
⛸️ "Good girl"
🏒 Dirty talk
⛸️ No third-act breakup!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🫑

For full transparency, this ARC was provided by the Author. This didn't affect my rating.

[Nicoletta Tompros · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Book Review: Ryker & Maddy – The Denver Bashers Series by Sarah
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I am in love with Maddy and Ryker. The way their story started with pure hate and turned into undeniable chemistry? Perfection. Their banter had me grinning, their tension had me kicking my feet, and their love had me tearing up. 🥺

Both characters are just trying to prove themselves — Maddy as more than the owner’s daughter, Ryker as a veteran fighting to stay in the game — but what they really needed was someone to believe in them. And they found that in each other. 💙

“It’s fun pretending to be yours, princess.”
Chills.

Sarah absolutely smashed another one with this Basher book! Every time I think I’ve found my favorite hockey book boyfriend, she outdoes herself again.

This series is everything I love — found family, no third-act breakup, low angst, tons of heart, and spice that flows perfectly with the story. I adored watching Maddy hold her own and Ryker become the ultimate protective grump. The girls instantly welcoming Maddy into their circle? Chef’s kiss. 👩‍❤️‍👨🏒

This book made me laugh, swoon, and even lose sleep (because there was no way I was putting it down). Ryker and Maddy are pure magic — caring, fiery, and so real.

✨ Tropes:
✔️ Hockey Romance
✔️ Pro Hockey Player x Figure Skater
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Grumpy MMC x Black Cat FMC
✔️ Friends with Benefits
✔️ Age Gap (35/27)
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Caretaking
✔️ No 3rd Act Breakup

This series just keeps getting better — hilarious teammates, the best girl squad, and the perfect balance of heat, heart, and humor. I’m officially obsessed with the Denver Bashers world. 🏒💋

#BookReview #HockeyRomance #SportsRomance #DenverBashers #RykerAndMaddy #SarahWritesRomance #FoundFamily #EnemiesToLovers #GrumpySunshine #AgeGapRomance #BookTok #Bookstagram #RomanceReaders #SpicyBooks #BookObsessed #RomanceAddict #HockeyBookBoyfriend #NoThirdActBreakup

[Tifftatum40 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐
Dedication:
For the ones who refused to give up.

Ryker really didn’t stand out to me when I was thinking about One Good Puck before starting this one. The only thing I remember was he was the “old guy.” I can say Ryker is my favorite just knocking Gavin out of the #1 spot. Sorry Daddy Porter 🥺. I think what put him on top was the acts of service. He was there for everyone in his life but he wanted to do it in quiet way. He was never afraid to say thank you to his parents and siblings. Not only that a man that cooks for her when they are just “friends” gets me every time along with taking care of her when she sick.

It is hard to do a true enemies to lover. Maddie and is Ryker really do dislike each other from their first meeting. Maddie has been a figure skater basically her whole life but she had never coached anyone. With Ryker as dedicated as he was there was no way he was going to take a chance on her. She convinced him to let her do one session with her. In that session she was able to prove she knew a lot more about recovering fro an injury than he gave her credit for.

Their banter back and forth had me cracking up. At times though they did hurt each other with their words so that did make them enemies.
"You’re on my a@@ like back pockets.” - Ryker. This one had me giggling.
“He’s still standing too close to her. He’s still looking at her too much. He touched her. Twice. That’s already way to f..king much.” - Ryker This is when I started kicking my feet because I knew he was getting ready to fall hard.

Tropes:
🏒 Enemies to lovers
⛸️ Hockey player x figure skater
🏒 Grumpy and possessive MMC
⛸️ Black cat FMC
🏒 Forced proximity
⛸️ Sick scene (he takes care of her)
🏒 Dirty talk
⛸️ “Good girl”
🏒 Segg toys
⛸️ No third-act breakup

Thank you Sarah Smith for the ARC of this book. It was easy to give my honest review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I’m not alright at all. Here I was, thinking that Sam and Dakota was my favourite and then, Sarah Smith writes this book and Ryker and Madeline stole my heart. This is my favourite of the series (for now, Camden, I’m waiting for you). And the topics Sarah touched in this book, about the importance of being surrounded by people who cares, who knows what’s important to you sometimes is the way to conquer your goals. On the other hand, mental health, a topic that she’s touched in this series previously, here is related with the athlete and competition world, and Madeline’s story is a a great example of it.
Ryker is a big grumpy hockey player 😮‍💨and Madeline has her walls quite high to protect herself. Happily we know what usually happens next.

Please Sarah, receive my sincere congratulations because you’re getting better and better with your books!

Tropes you can find in this book:
- Hockey romance
- grumpy/grumpy
- mental health/eating disorders representation
- found family
- no 3rd act break-up
- dual 1st person POV
- past traumas recovery
- enemies to lovers!!

This book has wide open doors scenes , in pure Sarah’s styles. With lush, passion, love (even if they don’t know yet😉), so if you’re a fan of bossy, dirty talked grumpy hockey player with bourbon eyes, I don’t know what are you waiting for??

My ratings:
5/5⭐️3/5🌶️

I’ve received this book as an ARC and I’d like to thank Sarah Smith for letting me read this book in advance and allow me to give my honest opinion.

[Payton Sheffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Desperate Pucker
Sarah Smith
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

This book was such a good extension of the Denver Basher Series! Ryker is one of the new guys on the team but since book 4, he has really jelled well with his teammates. After suffering a knee injury, Ryker meets Maddy, his new skating coach. I loved Maddy so much because she was not going to let Ryker walk all over her and we get that from their first meeting. Maddy is an Olympic bronze medalist but also is the owner of the Bashers daughter. After their first meeting, Ryker and Maddy start to grow closing, albeit slowly. This story really pulls at the enemies to lovers and the banter is such a great part of it. I also loved that Ryker and Maddy really talk to each other and have some deep conversations that move their chemistry along organically. Sarah Smith has such a great way of making all these characters develop organically and it never feels forced. The stories and their whole group outings flow so easily that you almost feel like you are sitting right next to them! Maddy and Ryker were more mature to me, in the sense that they both had some trauma but they took that trauma and made themselves better because of it. Now the spice was exceptionally hot and the found family was sweet. I live for the group chats of the boys so much!

Thank you again to Sarah Smith for letting me review this book! One of my instant buy authors who always has a great book coming out!

[Lemonnyyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

💖🏒Desperate Pucker By Sarah Smith🏒💖

415 Pages

Denver Bashers Book 6

How desperate was I to get stuck into this book.. The answer was very, I love this series and this one had me foaming at the mouth.

Ryker is on the older side of the other hockey players in the league and needing to see a skating coach after an injury he thinks he knows best about when to be back on the ice and clashes with his new coach when she tells him otherwise, Madeline thinks he is grumpy and arrogant and he thinks she a spoilt and not suitable for the job. However, the more time they spend together they realise that isn't the case.

I think I may have said this before in a review of a previous book in this series but I love love love when previous couples make an appearance, the girls are all so accepting of Maddy and welcome her with open arms which is everything to her, and the Bashers are well... the Bashers, swoon worthy men who worship their women.

This book will have you hooked in a matter of minutes and not want to let go, if only I didn't have a full time job I would have been finished a lot sooner!

I would highly recommend this series as a whole if you are looking for something to knock your socks off in the best way! For Fans of Hockey Romances, Enemies to Lovers, Grumpy and Possessive MMC, Black Cat FMC, and some extra delicious Spicy Goodness.

[pagesofzai · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

I was kindly given an ARC of Desperate Pucker and this was fantastic!! I enjoyed this so much and was so worth the wait for Ryker’s book! one thing about Sarah Smith is she knows how to write good books and great characters. Ryker is such an amazing person, he’s so caring and genuine and I just loved him. he was such a good brother and friend. Maddy was so sweet too, she was such a hard worker and good person, I loved them together. they had such good banter and chemistry. the found family/friendships in this again are amazing, the girls and the team are all so wholesome and it’s something that is perfect in every book of the series. seeing Ryker and how soft and caring he is was so good, I loved how protective and caring he was over Maddy but also how she was the same over him. they were so good together, they complemented each other so well and they were perfect. cannot wait for Camden’s book, so excited for his story!! this was such a good read, so enjoyable and did not want to put it down! definitely recommend! (thank you to Sarah Smith for the ARC, all opinions are my own)
Desperate Pucker releases October 6!
4.5⭐

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to thank the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the story of Ryker (oldest player on the Bashers) and Maddy (Bashers new skating coach and daughter of the owner) who are forced to work together after Ryker’s injury. From a disastrous first meeting to Maddy helping Ryker become one of the best skaters in the league they decide to have a friends with benefits relationship determined they are not built for a real relationship.

What I Loved:
- Nicknames, Ryker has a few different nicknames for Maddy and I just adore how they affect her
- Elevator, a scene I was not expecting and changed everything about their relationship
- Basher Partners, all of the ladies from the previous books in the series take Maddy under their wing and I just adore their dynamic
- Caretaker, both Ryker and Maddy have always taken care of themselves and I just loved how they started trusting each other enough to let the other help care for themselves
- Spice, Ryker helps Maddy figure out what she likes in bed and it is 🥵

I absolutely devoured this book and I was upset I had to do my dumb job cause it got in the way of my reading time. I loved the Ryker and Maddy dynamic and how well they fit in the Bashers players and their partners. I cannot wait to see how their relationship grows through the future books in the series as I’ve gotten to see all of the other relationships. If you are looking for a hockey enemies to lovers romance, with a side of secret hook ups, lots of banter, spice and a great cast of characters all around then please check out this book.

[Natalie Intihar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah! The transition from dislike to love for Ryker and Maddy was so good. I loved seeing them go through the process of discovering their similarities as well as their chemistry- which is sizzling. Desperate Pucker truly is just the latest hit in Sarah Smith’s amazing Denver Basher series, all of which are so so good!

Ryker and Maddy start this story with a chip on each of their shoulders and a desire to prove their haters wrong. Their misconceptions about each other at the beginning of the story are just proof of how the surface can be deceiving. There was so much depth to these characters and to their relationship, and their ability to learn from each other was huge.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but no one writes hockey romance like Sarah does. It’s so easy to transition from feeling on the ice with Ryker to being in the stands with Maddy. There’s not a bad book in this series, and I highly recommend everyone read Desperate Pucker (and the previous books as well!)

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grump and the Black Cat

This Hockey team keeps on keepin' on. Iykyk.
Maddy and Ryker start off absolutely *hating* each other, but we get to see them slowly falling for each other. They learn more about the other, realizing that they judged the other based on what they think they know about the other's situation, and they couldn’t be more wrong about each other. The more they learn, the harder they fall. The Bashers team is full of romantics. ;)
This is the third book I’ve read from this series, and though I am going back and reading the first three, I greatly appreciate that there is just enough backstory given in each of the books about the other characters that it’s not a huge deal if the others haven’t been read prior. Sure, it definitely helps, but you can still enjoy these stories without having any prior knowledge.
The spice in this book, though, just kept on spicin. These two, once they finally admitted it, could not keep their hands off each other. Perfection for the enemies to lovers. This is just a fun series, and I can’t wait to see what Sarah does with our boy Cam!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

hockey romance
pro hockey player x figure skater
enemies to lovers
grumpy MMC x black cat FMC
friends with benefits
Age gap (he's 35, she's 27)
forced proximity
caretaking
no 3rd act breakup
Enemies to lovers
Dirty talk
“Good Girl”
Sick scene (he takes care of her)
Seggs toys

I absolutely love diving into the Denver bashers world! And I was not disappointed!!
I loved bakers protectiveness, even against Maddie’s family sticking up for her.
It starts off with Maddie, who is an ex ice skater turned skating coach with a chip on her shoulder. And Ryker fighting to stay in the league as he.”old” in the league standards and they don’t think he’ll play the same after recovering from his injury.
So to improve his skating, he goes to the owner’s daughter. Maddie. He’s instantly attracted to her their banter on point the dirty talk. Was hot!🥵

“ it’s fun, pretending to be yours, princess.”

"That's ail I want, Maddy. None of this matters if you're not there with me."

I’m absolutely in love with this series and I 💯 recommend the whole series! I can’t wait for camdens story so Pucking good!

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 4 out of 5]

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Desperate Pucker delivers exactly what I’ve come to expect (and love) from Sarah Smith — a feel-good, emotional, and spicy sports romance with plenty of heart. Ryker and Maddy have great chemistry right from the start, and I really enjoyed how their initial tension slowly melted into a genuine connection.

The hockey aspect isn’t just background noise — it’s woven into the story and helps drive both the plot and the characters’ personal growth. I especially liked how we see Ryker working through his injury and how Maddy pushes him to open up, both on and off the ice.

Smith’s writing is warm and easy to fall into, the banter sparkles, and the steamy moments are on point (grumpy x black cat energy lovers, you’ll be very happy here).

That said, after several books in the Denver Bashers world, the formula does start to feel familiar — comforting, yes, but also a little predictable. Still, Ryker and Maddy’s story stands out for its emotional honesty and chemistry, making this another solid addition to the series.

[Piu Sarkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so apparently Sarah’s books have a direct line to my heart because… wow. This one? Had me kicking my feet, screaming and grinning like an idiot.

Ryker is the kind of brooding, battle-worn hockey hero you can’t help but fall for — the man’s been through hell and still fights like it’s his last game. And then there’s Maddy — the figure skater turned trainer (and yes, the owner’s daughter 👀). She’s sunshine, determination, and quiet steel all wrapped into one. Their banter? Explosive. Their chemistry? Off the damn charts.

I adored how Maddy didn’t let anyone write her off — she earned her place, proved herself, and won hearts (including Ryker’s, obviously). The friend group dynamic? Top-tier found family vibes. The teasing, the chaos, the love — it made everything feel so alive.

This book is grumpy × sunshine, rivals-to-lovers, and “I’ll take care of you even when I’m mad at you” perfection. Heartfelt, spicy, and full of that cozy, chaotic hockey energy I live for.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so hard to put down! It almost made me stay up past my bedtime, but I put it down like a grownup and finished in the morning making me late! Ryker is the cutest. He is helpful, generous and loves his family. I loved his dedication to himself and his team. Maddy is just as amazing. I loved her. She is so strong and determined and it stinks that it had to come from a place of sorrow, but I was rooting for these two. The spice is off the charts! It flows with the story and helps progress their feeling along. I also loved the support of the team and the women they love. A great girl squad! I said love a lot but it was so good! And thank goodness the plot wasn’t “it’s against the rules.”

This was my first book by this author and I can’t wait to go back and read the backlog of this series as well as #7! 5/5⭐️ 5/5🌶️

I received an advanced copy of this book.

[Nicole (NicoleIsBooked) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ryker is injured and he needs help with his skating, he meets his new skating coach. Maddy is a former Olympic figure skater, and she begins her job as the team skating coach. Ryker immediately dislikes Maddy because her dad is the owner of the team, and he wrongly assumes that she is a spoiled princess.

Maddy helps Ryker with his skating, and their feelings start to develop. After they share a steamy elevator hookup, both of them want more, but they don't want a relationship. As they become friends with benefits, things heat up, and there's dirty talk, toys, and lots of her being a good girl.

Ryker appears to be a grumpy hockey player, but he really is so sweet to Maddy when he takes care of her when she's sick.

Their dynamic was sweet and spicy, and I always love seeing the other couples from the previous books.

[Ems · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my god this series just keep getting better and better!
the writing of Sara Smith is so freaking smooth, and the characters are so real i feel like im going through the stories with them!

the romantic story about Maddy and Ryker is angsty, fun, hot as hell and amazing! the insecurities they both have, makes my heart weep for them both. i love how we get to follow their journey together from dual POV and first person.

i give this book 5 out of 5 stars because it is just such an amazing book and i was so invested in it. Even though im not a hockey person in real life, i was freaking rooting for the guys during their hockey games! such a feeling, such intensity, extremely well written! there really isnt that much of a plot, but trust me there is drama, anger, hot steamy open door scenes, funny and easy going times and of course romance🩷

i recommend this book to anyone into romance.

[Extraspicybooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book added to the Denver Badgers hockey series! And what an amazing book it was 🫠🥵😏

Maddy the Olympic medal winning figure skater is now a skating coach for some of the Badgers players and that would include the extremely grouchy Ryker. Maddys dad is the owner of the team and their relationship is non existent and definitely comes with a side of trauma.
When Ryker agrees to use a skating coach after being injured he does not expect a snotty princess that only has this job because of nepotism. Although he very quickly learns how amazing Maddy really is. He turns into the most swoony care taker when she gets food poisoning and he just never stops after that.
I couldn’t seem to put this book down! I’m so in love with this series! Excited for Camdens HEA 🫣

[Maurisa Risareads221 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Ryker gets assigned a new coach to help him recovery after an injury. It’s the owners daughter and former figure skater Maddy. but Ryker does not need a spoiled rich girl helping him.

Maddy has had a rough go and helping the hockey teams through recovery is a dram job. Bow if Ryker would just let her help him.

Soon they realize they both have misunderstood things about each other. And they may just like each other more than they thought. But they both only do casual right?

I love this series! I will be sad to read the last book.



#desperatepucker #denverbashersseries #book6
#dirtypucker #sarahsmithauthor
#romcom #romancereader #hockeylover #hockeyromanceera
#bookboyfriendsdoitbetter #idratherbereading #risareads221reviews #risareads221

[Gavin Sessions · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Book Review: Desperate Pucker by Sarah Smith 🏒💋

I love me a good enemies-to-lovers romance, and this one absolutely delivered! 😍 Ryker St. George and Madeline “Maddy” Maser have both been through so much, yet they still manage to shine through it all strong, resilient, and so easy to root for.

My absolute favorite part was when Ryker stood up for Maddy to her dad and siblings… as he should! 🙌 That moment had me cheering for him so hard.

Sarah Smith gave us the perfect mix of tension, growth, and heart. If you’re into hockey romances with depth, sass, and all the feels, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. 💕

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 5/5
Spicy rate 🌶️🌶️🌶️

#BookReview #DesperatePucker #SarahSmith #HockeyRomance #EnemiesToLovers #RykerAndMaddy #RomanceReads

[Sanvi Speaks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have one word...no two words...READ IT!!!!!!!!
Each and every single book in this series so far. I loved it and every single time I say this but yes, this is my favourite so far.

Hate to love ✅
Sports romance ✅
Figure skater x Ice hockey player ✅
Slow burn ✅
Grumpy and sunshine ✅
Black cat FMC ✅
No third act breakup ✅
He takes care of her when she is sick ✅

Seriously what else you need😍😍😍 I absolutely love their characters and I loved each and every scene between them. Their relationship, their bond and THE CHEMISTRY, the way they support each other🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 everything about them is top notch❤️

Not to mention I am getting so invested and connected to all the couples so far that I would be crying when this series ends ❣️

[Katie Hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Book Review 📚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am screaming!!! I loved this! Okay, if you don’t know, I am a hoe for enemies to lovers. 🥵🥵 with that being said, I do wish our main characters had been enemies for a little longer. I felt like we quickly moved onto the lovers part which don’t get me wrong, was fantastic 😘 I just love when they really hate one another.

Anywho, I loved my man Ryker. 💋💋💋 I’m also a hoe for a “good girl” & some good dirty talk. Which this book had plenty of.

Aside from the good stuff, I really enjoyed Maddy’s character and watching her blossom in this story. She was able to overcome some emotional things & I was happy for her to get her happy ending. I cannot wait to go back & read the rest of this series!

[Heidi Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was simply obsessed with Ryker and Maddy. Ryker is the oldest player on his team and is coming back from an injury. Maddy is the owner’s daughter who is a bronze medal ice skater. Maddy is going to be a skating coach to Ryker to get him back up and skating. Ryker immediately writes her off as a spoiled owner’s daughter and refuses to work with her. How will these two work together? I love this story and could not get enough of it. I loved the chemistry between to the characters. I cannot wait for the next installment of the Basher Hockey Series. Spice 3.5/5🌶️

🏒 Enemies to lovers
⛸️ Hockey player x figure skater
🏒 Grumpy MMC
⛸️ Black Cat FMC
🏒 Sick scene (my absolute favorite)
⛸️ No Third act breakup!!!