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Grumpy Pucking Christmas: A Grumpy Sunshine Hockey Romance
Denton Blake hates Christmas, hates cookies and—most of all—hates losing control.
And I’m the reason his control is circling the drain.
He stormed into my bakery like a checked puck off the glass, practically accusing me of kidnapping his daughter.
Then not even twenty-four hours later, Mr. Tall, Dark and Terrifying is back at my bakery—not to apologize—but to ask me to teach that same little girl how to bake Christmas cookies.
He hates carols. I listen to them all year round.
He hates glitter. My house is covered in it.
He hates warmth… yet he keeps skating back into mine.
I should run.
He’s grumpy, moody, and has walls higher than a Chicago skyscraper.
But the more I push him away, the more I feel myself leaning in.
And when he finally breaks—when that iron control snaps and he touches me like he can't get enough—it’s a night neither of us will ever be able to forget.
But will he be able to change his grumpy ways?
And I’m the reason his control is circling the drain.
He stormed into my bakery like a checked puck off the glass, practically accusing me of kidnapping his daughter.
Then not even twenty-four hours later, Mr. Tall, Dark and Terrifying is back at my bakery—not to apologize—but to ask me to teach that same little girl how to bake Christmas cookies.
He hates carols. I listen to them all year round.
He hates glitter. My house is covered in it.
He hates warmth… yet he keeps skating back into mine.
I should run.
He’s grumpy, moody, and has walls higher than a Chicago skyscraper.
But the more I push him away, the more I feel myself leaning in.
And when he finally breaks—when that iron control snaps and he touches me like he can't get enough—it’s a night neither of us will ever be able to forget.
But will he be able to change his grumpy ways?
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2025
321 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 17, 2025
This was such a good book. This was a cute Christmas read.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 28, 2025
For the most part, I liked the book and the chemistry between Denton and Holly. The book also gave me all the feels, which is good. Random things that didn't work for me:
Their first scene together: On one hand, both of them were partially in the wrong (Denton misplacing his anger at himself/fear over losing sight of his daughter and getting upset with Holly, Holly giving food to a strange kid when she doesn't know if the kid has food allergies or sensitivities). However, both of them were also partially in the right (Holly keeping an eye on the daughter while her friend searches outside for the parents, Denton informing Holly she shouldn't have offered his daughter food).
Holly didn't strike me as a particularly good businessperson. How can she be so busy and yet not afford additional help/pay her bills? And the baking lessons-- she should've accepted Denton's offer to pay, even if she just recovered the cost of ingredients.
There was at least one scene in which Denton's assistance came with an unwarranted and unsolicited helping of mansplaining (or at least that's how I read it).
Finally, I was disappointed in the characters when they were reminiscing about customers and chose to reminisce about the time the knitting group bullied a newcomer for knitting in a different style and waited until the damage had been done to intervene.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Their first scene together: On one hand, both of them were partially in the wrong (Denton misplacing his anger at himself/fear over losing sight of his daughter and getting upset with Holly, Holly giving food to a strange kid when she doesn't know if the kid has food allergies or sensitivities). However, both of them were also partially in the right (Holly keeping an eye on the daughter while her friend searches outside for the parents, Denton informing Holly she shouldn't have offered his daughter food).
Holly didn't strike me as a particularly good businessperson. How can she be so busy and yet not afford additional help/pay her bills? And the baking lessons-- she should've accepted Denton's offer to pay, even if she just recovered the cost of ingredients.
There was at least one scene in which Denton's assistance came with an unwarranted and unsolicited helping of mansplaining (or at least that's how I read it).
Finally, I was disappointed in the characters when they were reminiscing about customers and chose to reminisce about the time the knitting group bullied a newcomer for knitting in a different style and waited until the damage had been done to intervene.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
Awesome Book!!!
I absolutely loved reading Grumpy Pucking Christmas: A Grumpy Sunshine Hockey Romance(Chicago Blades Series)!!!! All about Holly James a Young woman who owns her own bakery called Sugar Rush & bakes gingerbread people & castles & Denton Blades is a defenseman for the hockey team called the Chicago Blades and a dad to Tabitha a five year old little girl. Tabby wanders away from her dad while he’s shopping for boring ties, into Sugar Rush bakery and discovers Holly & her amazing gingerbread men. Holly gives Tabby a Sir gingerbread man and she’s nibbling away when her dad comes marching in fit to be tied that she tan away in the crowds, & yells at Holly for distracting her. Grabs Tabby by the arm and marches right out of Sugar Rush with a huff. Read about Holly & Denton as they navigate cooking classes for his five year old to learn how to bake cookies. She’s very attracted to Denton as is he with her. Even though he is grumpy they are committed to each other. Lots of emotion and plenty of toe curling does occur. Definite Read!!!!!
I absolutely loved reading Grumpy Pucking Christmas: A Grumpy Sunshine Hockey Romance(Chicago Blades Series)!!!! All about Holly James a Young woman who owns her own bakery called Sugar Rush & bakes gingerbread people & castles & Denton Blades is a defenseman for the hockey team called the Chicago Blades and a dad to Tabitha a five year old little girl. Tabby wanders away from her dad while he’s shopping for boring ties, into Sugar Rush bakery and discovers Holly & her amazing gingerbread men. Holly gives Tabby a Sir gingerbread man and she’s nibbling away when her dad comes marching in fit to be tied that she tan away in the crowds, & yells at Holly for distracting her. Grabs Tabby by the arm and marches right out of Sugar Rush with a huff. Read about Holly & Denton as they navigate cooking classes for his five year old to learn how to bake cookies. She’s very attracted to Denton as is he with her. Even though he is grumpy they are committed to each other. Lots of emotion and plenty of toe curling does occur. Definite Read!!!!!
December 15, 2025
He’s got more walls than a medieval fortress, and they’re topped with emotional barbed wire.”
⭐️ 4.5/5
This starts off feeling like a cozy Hallmark setup: a small town bakery, a looming corporate threat, and a grumpy, sexy man walking through the door. But then Tabby enters the picture. Denton’s five year old daughter steals every scene and instantly turns this into something warmer, sweeter, and far more emotional than expected.
Denton is closed off and grieving, while Holly is pure light and kindness, and watching them slowly heal together was genuinely touching. There were several moments that hit hard emotionally, especially around grief, love, and choosing connection over isolation. I also loved how everyone around Denton refused to let him wallow in his own self sabotage.
This book made me laugh, tear up, and melt all at once. My only complaint is that I wanted more hockey on page since it mostly stayed in the background. Still, this was a heartfelt, spicy holiday romance that completely worked for me and absolutely made me want to read more in this series.
⭐️ 4.5/5
This starts off feeling like a cozy Hallmark setup: a small town bakery, a looming corporate threat, and a grumpy, sexy man walking through the door. But then Tabby enters the picture. Denton’s five year old daughter steals every scene and instantly turns this into something warmer, sweeter, and far more emotional than expected.
Denton is closed off and grieving, while Holly is pure light and kindness, and watching them slowly heal together was genuinely touching. There were several moments that hit hard emotionally, especially around grief, love, and choosing connection over isolation. I also loved how everyone around Denton refused to let him wallow in his own self sabotage.
This book made me laugh, tear up, and melt all at once. My only complaint is that I wanted more hockey on page since it mostly stayed in the background. Still, this was a heartfelt, spicy holiday romance that completely worked for me and absolutely made me want to read more in this series.
November 15, 2025
This book has all the magic of Christmas, gingerbread, cookies, hot cocoa, snow, sprinkles and a love story. This story features Holly, the FMC who is Christmas chaos (in a good way!) and a baker and has her challenges to face. Denton, the MMC is part of Chicago Blades, is a single dad to Tabby who is an adorable 5 year old. Denton is grumpy but has what he thinks impenetrable walls due to tragic circumstances, and is adamant not to let the joy and magic of Christmas and a certain some in. This was a journey and thoroughly enjoyed every second. If you want a great Christmas book to get you ready for the season this will do it!
Highly recommend the Chicago Blades series and actually all of Alix’s books I am working my way through!
Highly recommend the Chicago Blades series and actually all of Alix’s books I am working my way through!
November 22, 2025
Grumpy Pucking Christmas by Alix Vaughn is part of the Chicago Blades Series. Denton doesn't like Christmas. His daughter Tabby loves Christmas and when he finds her with Holly he accuses her of kidnapping her. Then twenty- four hours later he is back wanting Holly to teach his daughter how to make Christmas cookies. As they get to know each other feelings form. This is a great put you in the holiday mood Christmas story that you will want to add to your kindle.
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.
November 29, 2025
2.5 stars. There were little things that tinted my opinion of the characters. The FMC seemed to be a real head-in-the-clouds, crap business person. Busy, busy, busy but didn’t have enough money to pay bills and then not taking any money for baking lessons, not even for the ingredients. Seriously you’re going to choose to go into the red when the guy can more than afford to pay you for your time AND products? The only character that showed any sense was the FMC’s friend who told her she was attracted to “damaged goods” and that the MMC was a red flashing ‘damaged’ sign.
December 8, 2025
eh… it was ok
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the MMC. But the MFC…that is where my hang up resides. I’m not sure of their ages or if there is as an age gap but she was just - I don’t know, maybe clingy? At first it seemed she was using his daughter to get close to him and she just came off needy. She gave me bunny boiler vibes. The book took forever to read because of my opinion of the MFC. Was there chemistry, yes. Was there a HEA, yes. But in the end, I just wished Denton (MMC) found someone else.
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the MMC. But the MFC…that is where my hang up resides. I’m not sure of their ages or if there is as an age gap but she was just - I don’t know, maybe clingy? At first it seemed she was using his daughter to get close to him and she just came off needy. She gave me bunny boiler vibes. The book took forever to read because of my opinion of the MFC. Was there chemistry, yes. Was there a HEA, yes. But in the end, I just wished Denton (MMC) found someone else.
November 13, 2025
Such a good Christmas story. Holly and Denton are complete opposites when it comes to Christmas. As a Baker, Hollys world is filled with sugar, spice, glitter and sparkles. When Denton’s daughter wanders into her bakery sparks fly (not the good kind). The one soft spot in Denton’s heart is for his daughter. It’s not long before Holly breaks through his walls and finds a way to his heart. Great writing and a good story with all the feels.
November 18, 2025
Does a grumpy grinchy single dad hot hockey player have a chance against a cheerful Christmas glittery baker? This for me was the perfect opposites attract with plenty of push/pull tension to keep the pages turning. Holly and Denton’s love story is an emotional journey that had me sniffling, laughing and then cheering as they figured out their forever. Perfect Christmas romance.
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.
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December 16, 2025Cute story
Hunky widowed athlete with a 5 year old adorable daughter meets a local baker.
It appears Holly can bake cookies and muffins but she is a-disaster at running her bakery. Didn’t she see the signs????
Anyway. Slow burn of flirting. Sex starts up. No mention of birth control? I guess we had to assume. I thought for sure a baby would be coming but I was wrong until the end .. after they were married.
He was a hero. He saved the day.
Again. Cute story.
Hunky widowed athlete with a 5 year old adorable daughter meets a local baker.
It appears Holly can bake cookies and muffins but she is a-disaster at running her bakery. Didn’t she see the signs????
Anyway. Slow burn of flirting. Sex starts up. No mention of birth control? I guess we had to assume. I thought for sure a baby would be coming but I was wrong until the end .. after they were married.
He was a hero. He saved the day.
Again. Cute story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2026
I loved the way this books starts out! Massive hockey player dad loses his adorable little girl! He finds her in a bakery! Holly is everything a a book girlfriend should be but the author sort of forgot all of her details! Denton redeemed himself in the 3rd act. While I liked this book and it did have a plot; it just lacked some of the details that would have made it a 4 star read. 2🌶️’s I think is a good rating for this one. A slow but good burn!
November 16, 2025
Denton doesn't do Christmas, but his daughter loves it and all its festivities. When his daughter wonders away and finds Holly's bakery sparks ignite leading to more than good cheer. I enjoyed Tabby and her precocious attitude and how she drew two people together.
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.
November 18, 2025
I dont think I like grumps in real life. But for some reason, grumps in books who do a 180 and fall for the female lead is so heartwarming. I love that a little girl is involved that kind of got them started on their love story. It's so nice to see them learn to fall in love and become a made family with such warmth in the end!
November 18, 2025
Denton is the epitome of a grump except when it comes to his daughter Tabby and Holly is just all the Christmas goodness rolled into an amazing FMC. They are total opposites but with the help of an adorable little girl they find everything they needed in each other. A beautiful and hot story about love, family and all things Christmas. Loved it.
November 22, 2025
I enjoyed this engaging and entertaining romance with drama, secrets, loss, growing emotions, and finally realizations. The MCs are defined, likable, have issues, and are good for one another. Secondary characters are also good additions to the storyline. I liked this book. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
November 30, 2025
Denton has a reason why he hates Christmas, but meeting Holly is like a soothing balm for his heart, and his young daughter Tabby. With love, friends, some drama and plenty of Christmas sprinkles and magic, this is a lovely steamy read that leaves a heartwarming feeling.
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.
February 7, 2026
Sparkly
Cute story. Likeable characters. Lack of continuity. In beginning, Holly was being offered money to give up bakery. At end, she was evicted because he was her landlord? Also , no mention of pipes being fixed. However, she went back to business immediately. No big cleanup.
Cute story. Likeable characters. Lack of continuity. In beginning, Holly was being offered money to give up bakery. At end, she was evicted because he was her landlord? Also , no mention of pipes being fixed. However, she went back to business immediately. No big cleanup.
November 5, 2025
Do you know what this romance book right here delivers. Let me tell you that it has 5 plus star characters (Holly and Denton) 5 plus star romance that makes this one FANTASTIC HOT and STEAMY romance book. Holy Hockey pucks this romance book is one I can read over and over again it's that terrific.
November 17, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. Yes, Denton has a lot of angst to work through but I loved him and Tabby from the beginning. Holly was just what they both needed. Well written with wonderful character and great steam.
December 11, 2025
Simple but good
Denton and Holly didn't like each other at first but Tabby,debtor's daughter loves Holly. Holly teaches them to make cookies and they grow closer and Denton tries to help save Holly's bakery. A nice romance!
Denton and Holly didn't like each other at first but Tabby,debtor's daughter loves Holly. Holly teaches them to make cookies and they grow closer and Denton tries to help save Holly's bakery. A nice romance!
December 19, 2025
4/5 🌟
2/5 🌶️
Such a cute devourable holiday read with
🎄widowed single dad
🎄small town vibes in a big city
🎄 grumpy MMC professional hockey star
🎄sunshine FMC baker
🎄who saved who
🎄all the holiday treats
🌲 reluctant allies to lovers
2/5 🌶️
Such a cute devourable holiday read with
🎄widowed single dad
🎄small town vibes in a big city
🎄 grumpy MMC professional hockey star
🎄sunshine FMC baker
🎄who saved who
🎄all the holiday treats
🌲 reluctant allies to lovers
December 18, 2025
The Fortress of Solitude
Sunshiny girl. Reserved guy. Little girl full of sprinkles. This is a lively, lovely story about a hockey player but not about hockey. Even if you know nothing about hockey you will enjoy this read.
Sunshiny girl. Reserved guy. Little girl full of sprinkles. This is a lively, lovely story about a hockey player but not about hockey. Even if you know nothing about hockey you will enjoy this read.
December 18, 2025
Grumpy Christmas
This is a new author for me and I can certainly say that I loved it. I liked seeing Denton thaw and the big gesture he made brought tears to my eyes. I’ll certainly be reading more from this author!
This is a new author for me and I can certainly say that I loved it. I liked seeing Denton thaw and the big gesture he made brought tears to my eyes. I’ll certainly be reading more from this author!
January 2, 2026
Loved this for a holiday read. He hates Christmas and then needs her help to make his daughter happy. He enlists her to give cookie lessons to his daughter but enjoys her sunshine and starts making reasons to continue to see her. It’s a sweet and spicy holiday read.
November 13, 2025
The perfect grumpy/sunshine Christmas story. Denton has sworn off Christmas/Joy/Love except for his daughter and hockey. Holly has a bakery that is a Christmas Candyland. When Denton's daughter slips away and slips into the bakery he makes quite an impression. Things get interesting quickly as Denton is wrapped around one little girl's finger and soon to be hopelessly in love with a baker!
November 11, 2025
Such a great story and the ending was GREAT!!! Love the grumpy main character and Tabby !! This is a must read for Christmas!!
December 13, 2025
Cute Christmas story
This book had so much feeling and joy. Some sadness that made me cry and the joy that made me so very happy. Loved it.
This book had so much feeling and joy. Some sadness that made me cry and the joy that made me so very happy. Loved it.
December 16, 2025
Its like a classic hallmark Christmas movie in book form
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews