Bodhi Hoffman’s life has always been centered around two things: his daughter and his hockey career.
But then he meets Honor Erikson—a curvy redhead with an aversion to athletes despite being the coach’s daughter. Or maybe, as he learns, it’s just an aversion to him.
Suddenly, the NHL’s best right-winger is wondering if he can make room in his life for the mysterious woman and her service dog. That is, if she’ll let him.
Because the secrets that Honor holds onto are meant to keep the famous hockey player at arm’s length. But fate and her father have other plans.
B. Celeste is a new adult and contemporary romance author that gives voices to raw, realistic characters with emotional storylines that tug on the heartstrings.
She was born and raised in upstate New York where she still resides with her four-legged feline sidekick Oliver “Ollie” Queen. Her love for reading and writing began at an early age and only grew stronger after getting a BA in English and an MFA in English & creative writing. When she’s not writing, she’s working out, binge-watching reality game shows, and spending time with her friends and family.
I originally picked up this book because of the PCOS and epilepsy representation in the FMC, and I’m absolutely glad I did. The author handles both delicate topics with so much care, and she makes Bodhi, our incredible MMC, an absolute king. He does his own research, listens, pays attention, and does whatever he can to make Honor feel safe and comfortable. We love a supportive man.
Honor is a girl after my own heart. She’s been through so much, and watching her blossom into this vibrant, confident woman was everything I needed. She survived the trenches with her shitty ex, and the way B. Celeste writes her finding herself again and reclaiming her power as the beautiful plus size woman she is was perfection.
And Bodhi? Not only is he a hot hockey player, but he is also an amazing single dad who shows up for his daughter every single day. He makes tough choices that are not always easy but always put her first, and it made me adore him even more.
This book is truly about two amazing humans who just needed to find each other. They are the missing pieces the other did not even realize they needed.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series, and honestly, every single book B. Celeste writes ends up being one I adore.
After a divorce from a inconsiderate man, who didn't take her or her values seriously, Honor sets out to change her story, and start over on a journey of self discovery. Little did she know that she would meet someone who would change her perspective on life. Not only is this book a hockey romance, but it's about self discovery and finding your purpose again in unlikely places!
"I don't know why fate led us together that night, but I do know that this is a second chance. I'm going to make it up to you."
I adored Honor. It's refreshing to read about an FMC with disabilities, that doesn't let that determine who she is at her core. Honor is such a strong woman, and it really shows. And, she's a plus size baddie!! Kudos to the author for depicting that in the character art. I love to see it!!! I really resonated with Honor, and admired her strength to realize that she was in an unforgiving relationship. It's so hard to come to terms with a relationship that you're comfortable in, and realize that it doesn't serve you in the way that it once did. Especially when you feel like you don't deserve more than what's given, because it's often not true. The way she went through that process, as an adult, was refreshing and so relatable. No one wants to feel like they're being set back in life, but it often happens, and it's okay! I love how the author, B. Celeste, wrote about Honor being able to reclaim her power, and confidence, as a plus size woman. I really went through the motions with this FMC. Honor struggles with PCOS, and that was enough for me to become emotionally attached to this character. The struggles and symptoms of PCOS are well researched, accurate, and handled with so much compassion! Honor also struggles with epilepsy, and I don't know much about it to speak on, but that was also handled with much compassion!
"I'm simply asking for a chance to prove to you that there are good people out there who can give you everything you want and then some."
Men written by women is a beautiful thing, I swear to god. Bodhi is the most swoon worthy man. I have nothing bad to say about this guy. He's affectionate, attentive, and his love language consists of baking and physical touch... A true "golden retriever" mmc. Him being a hockey player was an added bonus! Bodhi yearning for Honor the whole book was everything I needed, and more. The way he was a constant in her life, at her most vulnerable time, was so beautiful. He did it in a way that wasn't pushy, and worked with her timeline and how she wanted to go about things. A true MAN! He's also a single dad with a sad past, and the way he puts his daughter before anyone else makes him even more swoon worthy. He's such a "girl dad", and it shows in the way he treats and respects women!
"You're not a bad person, honey. You were in a loveless relationship. I'm going to do my damndest to give you the kind of love that he never could. No matter how long it takes."
I will note that this is a slooooooow burn, which I love, but if you're looking for just a spicy, hockey romance, this might not be it. It focuses more on the trust and foundation of the relationship, rather than spice. Their first spicy kiss isn't until about 70% in, or so. With that being said, the buildup is everything! The yearning from the mmc, alone, was enough to do me in!!!! B. Celeste did such a great job at creating a romance that didn't feel rushed, and considering both of the character's past, I appreciate that so much. Real life situations are hard to mentally come out of, so the slow burn made this feel that much more realistic.
I picked this book up after seeing a post that the author made on a Facebook group that I'm in, and I'm SO glad that I did! This unexpectedly became one of my favorite reads of the year! Can't wait to read more by this author!
I also want to highlight the dedication in the beginning of the book. Made my heart so happy that someone GETS IT!
"(...) This is not for those who always ask when people are going to have kids. Respectfully, shut the f*ck up. It's none of your business."
Slow Burn hockey romance with representation of a FMC with chronic illness (epilepsy and PCOS).
Honor is newly divorced after a long lacklustre marriage, and looking to start over. Bodhi is a single dad, professional hockey player with golden retriever energy. In a push and pull of will they or won’t they, the two grow closer as their worlds keep pushing them together. But with Honor being reluctant after her last failed relationship, Bodhi just seems too good to be true.
I had high hopes from the other reviews and adds for this book - but it was just too slow for me. Like first real spicy kiss was 67% in. And even thought it was all very sweet, I think I was looking for more spice. Bodhi is definitely good book boyfriend material. I would also recommend a little better editing, spelling errors and wrong words just pull me out of the story. It wasn’t like a massive amount, but more than I would expect in a published released book.
Well done to the author for writing a character with disabilities.
It is refreshing to read a book where the main female character has health issues and a disability, we really need to see more books where the main characters are not stereo typically perfect. This was a cute romance that I did enjoy reading, however I do have some issues with it. I am not keen on the title of the book, I think it's quite a crude title for such a sweet story, I also hate the use of the C word and Bodhi used the words several times but it just didn't suit his cinnamon bun character at all.
Honor the main female character is clearly carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. With a history of bad relationships with her parents and her husband along with her health concerns, this made her character a bit prickly and almost brattish in parts and I really struggled to connect with her.
There are numerous spelling mistakes and grammatical errors throughout this book and also a continuity error. Earlier in the book Honor tells Bodhi she doesn't like anything pumpkin flavoured and he makes a point of accommodating for this because that's the kind of lovely guy he is, but a bit further in the book Bodhi is visiting Honor at work with snacks that includes a pumpkin spice chai latte, these are clearly editing errors and are simple things that could have been spotted and rectified if the editing had been done thoroughly.
Due to the issues I have discussed above I nearly gave this book 2 stars, however I did like the story and would probably read the sequel as long as the editing is improved.
I wanted to read this but this author has written cheating books previously so now I'm very leery of taking a chance on her🤔 need more reviews before I give this one a shot.
As someone who has PCOS and their own share of mommy/daddy issues, it was really nice reading a story with a FMC I could actually relate to in a lot of ways.
The story overall felt a bit jolting timeline/time-jumping wise. It was very tell not show, which I found frustrating when it came to learning things within the story as there just weren’t relevant or reliable connections that were shown through out.
There were some grammatical errors throughout the book which didn’t take away from the overall story, but being an arc/beta reader, my brain can’t help but see these.
I’m unfamiliar with the author, but I do genuinely think they have a lot of talent for storytelling and I can’t wait to see how they improve and grow with future works.
A cinnamon-roll hockey player, a fierce heroine and enough tension to melt the ice ❄️🔥
4.5 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️
B. Celeste’s Three Pucking Words kicks off the On Ice series with a perfect blend of heart, heat, and emotional depth. It was my first read by this author, and wow, consider me hooked. Her writing flows effortlessly: smooth, passionate, and addictive enough that I devoured this book in a single sitting.
Honor Erikson isn’t your typical romance heroine. She’s 30, freshly divorced, managing epilepsy and PCOS, and trying to rebuild her life under her dad’s roof. With her loyal service dog, Puck (yes, the name is perfect), she’s determined to keep things simple. Enter Bodhi Hoffman: NHL right-winger, single dad, and walking temptation with a heart of gold and a mouth that could make a saint blush.
Their chemistry? Off. The. Charts. The banter is sharp, the attraction is undeniable, and the emotional connection between them builds in the most satisfying, slow-burn way. Bodhi might just redefine what it means to be a cinnamon-roll hero: soft, patient, and swoon-worthy, yet capable of turning the air between them molten in seconds.
I laughed, I swooned, I maybe kicked my feet once or twice (okay, more than that). This isn’t just a sports romance, it’s a story about healing, second chances, and learning to let someone in even when life has made that terrifying.
Steamy, heartfelt, and deeply romantic, Three Pucking Words is a must-read for anyone who loves a sports romance with substance.
Huge thanks to Grey’s Promotions for the e-ARC, and congratulations to B. Celeste on this upcoming release (November 12th). I’m already counting down to book two in the On Ice series.
The lack of a plot (and a reason for this story to exist) is actually impressive
(The only reason why I’m admitting that I actually read this book is because I need to better my stats on gr)
But not to be solely a hater here are a few reasons why:
1. The book honestly lacks any plot line. Is there a conflict? No. Is there a problem? No. I there any reason why the characters shouldn’t be together? No. The FMC even admits straightforwardly that she doesn’t love her ex anymore and is just angry and the MMC does the same with his ex (though he is not angry) so there are no unresolved feelings even. Even her daddy and mommy issues doesn’t matter in the end and nothing happens with them (ohh the father turn out to be nice, and she just shut the mother out after seeing her during the book once, how convenient, ain’t it?) I’m sorry but I feel like I wasted my time reading this story (or lack thereof)
2. The FMC was “interesting” only because of PCOS and epilepsy WHICH DIDNT EVEN MATTER IN THE BOOK AS NONE OF IT WAS OF ANY CONSEQUENCE. You want me to actually believe that not a single unfair situation happened with her being eg denied access with a service dog? GIVE ME AT LEAST SOMETHING
3. The only kinda problem was the FMC had a problem with getting pregnant which is ofc resolved by the MMC having a daughter and a conveniently deceased mother of the child (were she alive that would’ve been a problem and we can’t have that)
4. The MMC has a potentially career-ending contusion? Well ofc that doesn’t matter, nothing will happen with it because that could create a story line and we can’t have that 🙄
Altogether there was potential but for some reason no aspects of the setting or the characters’ characteristics played any role
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Bodhi and Honor had me hooked from page one. Their chemistry?? Unreal. And Bodhi being a total girl-dad sweetheart while also being an NHL star… yeah, I melted. But what really made this book stand out for me was the disability representation. It was done so well, felt super authentic, and added so much depth to Honor and her service dog. I honestly wish more romances handled it like this.
It’s emotional, swoony, a little spicy, and just an all-around amazing read. I’m obsessed.
Three Pucking Words by B. Celeste is the first book in the On Ice Series. Bodhi Hoffman…. You are such a delicious, gorgeous man and we all need one of you!! If you love hockey player/single dad with a man-bun and every ounce of passion, possession and the desire to make you feel like the QUEEN you are, you need to read this book!
Bodhi and Honor… A chance meeting in a bar years ago that he doesn't remember. And the chance now to connect again. BUT, he doesn't remember they have met before!!! He’s the star hockey player, amazing single dad and truly a gorgeous, man-bun wearing, golden retriever in every way with a dirty mouth and so much spice just waiting to explode! She’s the coach’s daughter. Newly divorced. She truly has been through so much. An ex-husband that never saw the gold he had in her, PCOS which has affected so much of her health and epilepsy, which she has the sweetest dog Puck to help with. She was written so beautifully! And portrayed REAL for once! I loved this so much, to finally read about a woman’s health diagnosis not sugar coated. I also loved her being a curvy girl, yet owning it! From the time they reconnect, he is all in, smitten and ready to show her the queen she is. It’s just a beautiful story of Honor truly becoming a strong woman despite everything and everyone around her. Watching her with sweet Gemma is so precious, especially in all the fears of not knowing if she will be able to have a child with her PCOS. I loved how this was part of her story with Bodhi. Real conversations about what this means and how she feels. This is a slowwwwwww burn, lots of angst, but when they finally do give in….. Hotttttttt🔥
This story is beautiful, heartbreaking, and impossibly romantic-A gorgeously written slow burn. Truly unforgettable. I felt every feel possible, felt the emotion and healing and pure love. I love an auhor who will write AUTHENTICALLY from her heart and it showed on every page! Five shining stars for this story. You must read this book, it is so good!💙
Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
💙 Golden retriever hero 💙 Coach’s daughter 💙 Love after divorce 💙 Characters in their thirties 💙 Pro hockey player 💙 Single dad 💙 Plus size fmc with PCOS and epilepsy
*TRULY THANK YOU B. Celeste and Grey's Promo for my ARC!🖤
I just loved this book so much, it made my heart so full and happy and I want to read it again now 😭❤️
Honor made me want to dive in the book and hug her so much! I also struggle with PCOS, and I totally understood her fears about being a mom, I also have daddy issues and the same insecurities she has when it comes about love and being loved the right way, so I could relate with her in so many levels and I was just so happy Bodhi could be there to show her what love really was ❤️🩹
She’s so fierce and brave and resilient not only with her PCOS but with her epilepsy and I think we need more heroines like her, so real and with those realistic fears and insecurities, I was really invested in her journey because it made me feel hope, hope that I can find a Bodhi who will do anything for me and to show me I’m worthy of love 🥹❤️
Speaking of Bodhi, oh my god that man!! Can someone please get a machine to take him out of the book into real life pretty please?❤️😭 he’s everything good and protective and caring and loving and he communicates and has affective responsibility and he wants the best for his little girl and I could go on and on about him but at the end, he’s just perfect 😭❤️
I loved Gemma so much too! She’s the cutest little girl and the epilogue had me crying happy tears for the three of them ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 📚 Book #1 in the "On Ice" Series 📕 We Meet Bodhi in "Need You To Choose Me" 🏒 Hockey Romance 🗣️ Dual POV 🖤 M/F
We first met Bodhi in "Need You To Choose Me" and I have been hooked on him ever since! Im so glad that B. Celeste wrote his book, because him and Gemma deserve to be loved by everyone. This is my jam, its a Hockey romance but with substance and you get ice time...my small mini rant is when we get a "hockey romance" and there is literally nothing in the book about Hockey, that isnt this and I am so glad!
Honor is a FMC that is relatable, and makes those with an "invisible" disability feel seen with how her character has been written. Not only does she have epilepsy, but she is also dealing with PCOS, but this does not define her. Honor is freshly divorced, and so falling for Bodhi isnt something that she is interested in doing, but if you know Bodhi...Its kinda hard not to absolutely love him....he's just so damn perfect it kinda hurts.
Give this book a try, you are going to love it if you love the tropes below. I cant wait for more from B. Celeste!
Tropes: 🏒 Single Dad 🖤 Golden Retriever Hero 🏒 Coach's Daughter 🖤 Disability Rep 🏒 Characters in Their 30's 🖤 Love After Divorce 🏒 Service Dog named Puck!
Honestly, this book surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting a typical angsty hockey romance, and it is that… but it’s also way more emotional than I expected. B. Celeste really knows how to write characters who feel messy and real, not just pretty faces with drama.
One thing I really appreciated is how the story handles the health issues and disabilities of one of the main characters. It’s not treated like a plot twist or pity moment — it’s woven into who they are, how they move through the world, the way they protect themselves, and why they struggle to let people in. It gives the whole relationship so much more depth and explains a lot of the walls they put up. It’s handled with care, but also honesty, which I loved.
The dynamic between the leads is classic slow-burn stubbornness: tension, banter, a little heartbreak, and those soft moments that sneak up on you. And the guy? Total grumpy-athlete energy, but with enough vulnerability to keep him from feeling like a cliché.
If you’re into emotional-but-not-too-heavy romances with sports vibes, complicated characters, and a relationship that feels earned, this one hits the spot. Definitely one of those books you finish and immediately want to chat about.
Three Pucking Words is everything you want in a hockey romance — raw emotions, addictive tension, complicated characters, and a love story that refuses to let go of you, long after you’ve closed the book.
B. Celeste delivers a deeply layered story about a girl trying to protect her heart and a boy determined to prove he deserves a place in it. What seems like a simple sports romance quickly becomes a beautifully messy, emotional journey. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is undeniable, and the vulnerability? Absolutely gut-punching in the best way.
What makes this book shine is how real the characters feel. Their fears, their missteps, their growth — it all unfolds so naturally. Celeste writes with the perfect balance of heat, humor, and heartache, giving us a romance that feels both swoony and meaningful. And the hockey backdrop adds just the right amount of athletic intensity and team dynamic without ever overshadowing the emotional core of the story.
If you love: 🏒 Hockey romance 💔 Emotional depth + slow-burn tension 🔥 Banter and chemistry you can feel 📝 Characters who make mistakes, learn, and fight for love
…you’ll devour this book.
Final thoughts: A heartfelt, emotional, and beautifully written romance that hits you right where it counts. Three words? I loved it
I love Honor. I love how B. Celeste almost always has a real issue in every single one of her books that women deal with on the daily. I love how she highlights these issues because most people have no clue how it effects a women not just physically but emotionally in their everyday lives both short-term and long-term. I also loved how Honor’s mom was portrayed.
I love Bohdi. I love what a great father he is and making sure what is best for his daughter. I love how, like most unexpected pregnancies, he questioned whether he wanted to be a father, how he was going to be as a father, if he wanted to be with his partner long term. I love how he changed his whole life to be a father. I just really loved everything about this entire story.
B. Celeste always has a story and that’s one of my favorite things about her books. I also love seeing other characters from past books and seeing where they are and catching up with them is always fun! You won’t ever catch me skipping a B. Celeste book.
This story had me hooked from the start. The chemistry between these two is undeniable—he’s a devoted single dad, and she’s learning to heal after a toxic marriage. Their bond grows from genuine friendship into something passionate and real.
What stands out most is how he shows her her worth and helps her see that she’s still whole, even after everything she’s been through. The emotional connection feels authentic and beautifully written.
Once that friendship line is crossed, they’re hot together! It’s a true slow burn, full of tension, tenderness, and payoff.
The story also touches on PCOS and potential infertility, handled with care and honesty—so definitely check trigger warnings.
“They say that crying over someone means you care. It’s when you stop that the hope is gone.”
A heartfelt, healing romance about love, self-worth, and second chances.
Hockey Romance Golden Retriever MMC Coach’s Daughter Single “girl” Dad Plus Size FMC w/ PCOS
This is a slow burn romance with a single dad hockey player who falls fast and hard for a curvy FMC with PCOS.
This story is such a pull at the heart strings love story. It is full of heartache but then also heals you in the best of ways also.
It may be low spice but is full of romance and love between Honor and Bhodi.
Thank You Briar and Greys Promo for reminding me with this beautiful ARC that true love really exists and matters as much as sexual chemistry does in life. Real life happens and with true love we can heal and take on life w/ our partner supporting us through thick and thin. Sickness and in health both. Also, it doesn’t hurt she has a hockey player putting her up on a queens platter. Just saying lol
Three Pucking Words is a sports romance with matchmaking parents. This is Bodhi and Honor’s story filled with coach’s daughter/single dad romance and a second chances at love. I love how Honor is finding herself again after her failed marriage, she moved back with her dad. I like how she is slowly rebuilds herself and her relationship with her dad. Bodhi is a hockey player/single dad trying to do his best with the situation he is in. I love how they slowly get to know each other(again) and build a friendship. Their story is a sweet story with definite spice and understanding. I also love how it really shows support to service dogs and their job of helping people. I also love the connection Honor builds with Bodhi’s daughter and his friends. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read more!!
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance readers copy.
This is the first in a new series, and this is Bodhi and Honor’s story. Bodhi and Honor crossed paths in a bar a few years previously, and now he is a focused single dad to his daughter, and if the NHL star right-winger, while Honor is newly divorced, and moves into her dad’s guest house, and being unable to drive because of seizures, she takes a job as the social media person for the hockey team her dad coaches. This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, tension, challenges, secrets, workplace romance, second chances, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, sports romance. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
7 STARS HOLY CRAP I devoured this book in like 8 hours, I couldn't stop reading. I'm absolutely OBSESSED with Bodhi, he's actually one of the most incredible MMC's I've read. My only problem with him is that he's blonde but I'll overlook that just for him. He's such a good father and Gemma is so stinking cute. And should I talk about HONOR?! She is so strong and such great representation!!! She has been through more than a lot of people and she is still that awesome!! Puck absolutely takes me out, I love him so much. Thank you so so much for this ARC, I'm gonna need every book in this universe please and thank you!
Well....I went in expecting a basic angsty hockey romance.....what i got? emotional damage but In the best way🤪
B. Celeste really said “let’s make these characters human” and then delivered messy, real, vulnerable chaos and i loved it!!! The disability rep? Done with actual care, not as a plot twist or pity moment. It added so much depth to why the characters protect themselves the way they do.
The romance is pure stubborn slow-burn energy; the tension, banter, soft moments that sneak-attack your heart, and a grumpy athlete who's secretly a marshmallow🤭
If you want a sports romance with feelings, complexity, and an HEA that feels earned, this one hits hard. Definitely a “read it and immediately scream into the group chat” book!!!
Big thank you to Greys Promotion& B. Celeste for my eARC Copy🥰
Finally, we get Bodhi’s story! I’ve been waiting for this one, and it didn’t disappoint. I absolutely loved him and Honor together. Their chemistry and connection was so genuine.Can I get a hockey player that bakes for me please? The scenes with Gemma were adorable and added such a sweet touch to the story. The slow burn was so good, perfectly paced. Plus love the rep for pcos! My only wish is that it was a bit longer so we could see more of them as a couple and a family. Still this was such a fun read!
really loved this story of Honor & Bodhi. Honor had such a rough life with so many people in life disappointing her. Her ex-husband treated her like utter garbage and her parents left much to be desired.
I’m so glad that she was able to meet Bodhi and have someone who really appreciated her for exactly who she was. The complimented each other so well.
I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series!
Honor and Bodhi are absolute perfection!!! I was hooked from page one and couldn’t stop reading! This is such an incredible start to a new series — full of passion, emotion, and totally addictive storytelling. The author does an amazing job exploring fresh, unique topics that make this book stand out. I’m already counting down to the next one! A must-read for sure!! 💜💙
This was a cute slow burn hockey romance featuring the most adorable little girl Gemma and her dad Bhodi and the female lead Honor and her service dog Puck. These two meet years before their lives unexpectedly bring them back together but only Honor remembers the meeting. While getting back on her feet post divorce, Bhodi and Gemma show Honor that family comes in all shapes and sizes and that there are genuine people out there.
If you love a single dad romance, this is for you 🥰 Bodhi is the ultimate cinnamon roll swoon 🤩 this is a different take on the whole hockey coach’s daughter trope where th dad actually wants them together!!
This was a super sweet read, slow burn with a chronic illness rep
🐕 hockey romance | single dad | chronic illness rep | coach’s daughter
A golden retriever single dad that plays hockey? Sign me up! I loved everything about this book, especially how the relationship between Honor and Bodhi developed.
This book does have a plus size FMC who has epilepsy and PCOS. (I love when books portray real life issues women deal with everyday) Also her ex husband is the worst 😒