Pucking Friendsmas

by Katie Strong

What happens when the Night Hawks trade the arena for a snow-covered cabin?

Pure. Christmas. Chaos.

After a not-so-jolly holiday for everyone, Zander’s got a plan—the ultimate Friendsmas. A full-blown Christmas do-over.

Easy, right?

All they need are a few decorations, a tree, some gifts, and one perfectly cooked meal.

nothing about it is easy.

These guys can score on the ice, but decking the halls? Total penalty. The tree won’t stand, the oven’s on strike, and Gizmo—the cat from hell—is plotting his next takedown.

With only hours to save Christmas 2.0, the Night Hawks are skating into full-blown festive disaster.

But somewhere between the laughter, burnt dinner, and questionable decorations, they find something better than perfect.

Because perfection was never the goal.

And when this team comes together, it’s more than friendship—

It’s family. Loud, messy, and one disaster away from burning down Christmas.



Pucking Friendsmas is a steamy, holiday novella in the Night Hawks Series. It is best enjoyed after book 5 in the series, Pucking Enemies.

Genres: Christmas

127 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2025

Reviews

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Gifts in Life are True Friendships and Love -
I absolutely enjoyed reading this wonderful festive romance that was set in a beautiful location and will definitely bring a smile to your face by the time you finish reading it. I was hooked on the story from the first page and didn’t stop reading until I reached the end. The characters in the story were relatable and the heat was set at the right level to ensure the reader had a truly wonderful reading experience. I urge you to read books one to five in the Night Hawks Hockey Series before reading this one, to truly appreciate the characters and storyline. This is a definite must read book.

I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book it’s nice cleanser

Blurb

What happens when the Night Hawks trade the arena for a snow-covered cabin?

Pure. Christmas. Chaos.

After a not-so-jolly holiday for everyone, Zander’s got a plan—the ultimate Friendsmas. A full-blown Christmas do-over.

Easy, right?

All they need are a few decorations, a tree, some gifts, and one perfectly cooked meal.

Spoiler: nothing about it is easy.

These guys can score on the ice, but decking the halls? Total penalty. The tree won’t stand, the oven’s on strike, and Gizmo—the cat from hell—is plotting his next takedown.

With only hours to save Christmas 2.0, the Night Hawks are skating into full-blown festive disaster.

But somewhere between the laughter, burnt dinner, and questionable decorations, they find something better than perfect.

Because perfection was never the goal.

And when this team comes together, it’s more than friendship—

It’s family. Loud, messy, and one disaster away from burning down Christmas.

[Reading_with_AAron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas do-over, a snowy cabin, a bunch of hockey goons, 2 pregnant spouses, and demonic cat what could go wrong?

I laughed so hard reading all the shenanigans these guys got up too! I am honored to be a part of Katie's arc team, I love her hockey goons!

Can't wait for the next one in the Night Hawks series, I am so ready to see Sutton settle down!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Christmas was a no go for these hockey playing buddies for one reason or another after Rylee shows her disappointment to Zander that they weren’t together for Christmas,pregnancy hormones are kicking in and she’s feeling blue and all in. When he’s showing he’s down,with his brothers in arms as they share they’ve all been there too this Christmas time hasn’t been fun. They have a week left before they’re on the ice . So they hit on the idea ,why not have a do over? I mean a bit of tinsel a tree and food get them in the mood . Can’t be too difficult to pull off. They’re the NightHawks a well oiled machine when on the ice .Ha the girls would scoff if they knew because though this dream hockey team can deke till the cows come home ,planning friendsmas is one puck pass too many .Two of the girls are with child and Gizmo the cat is running wild . It’s ever so funny and this is a snow covered cabin they’re in. The tree won’t stand and the oven not lighting ,everything’s going wrong ,so badly it’s frightening and now with the girls due anytime soon ,the guys haven’t got long to save Christmas no. 2 .It’s a scream a veritable dream fun read . If things can go wrong they do and with speed! With burnt food and a bit of indigestion looming ,there’s no glooming nor mooning faces .it’s Christmas their way and they have it made even if it’s not staid and perfectly aligned and timed . They have a good time and that’s all that matters but boy are the guys shattered. Very well written and a divine storyline. Pucktastic puns and lots of steamy fun and laughter and hockey ever after .

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pucking Friendsmas
Katie Strong
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 of 5) Spice 🌶️ (ARC Copy)

This is a short holiday story, which begins with Zander and Ryle the new sesh Night Hawk couple wishing their Christmas had been just a bit better. Not feeling right about it Zander decides to confide in the boys (Jensen, Carson, and Owen). He then realizes he isn’t the only one whose holiday didn’t go as planned. That shared disappointment sparks a brilliantly chaotic idea: a Christmas redo.

From that moment on, you’re whisked into a whirlwind of fun, heartfelt, and downright hilarious adventures as the boys do everything in their power to give the girls the magical holiday they truly deserve. 🎄❤️
If their journey made you laugh, swoon, or believe in love a little more.

First off, I loved the glimpse we got of the couples happy ever after, and the hints at future books. 👀 Like every reader, though, I definitely found myself wishing the story had been just a little longer. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these couples yet. I wanted just a bit more of Carson’s happy ever after, and personally, I felt like Zander and Owen completely stole the show. They were the stars of the whole Friendsmas chaos. Recommend this short read if you are a fan of Night Hawks and can’t get enough of the couples. 🫶🏽

[Marea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendmas something many of us have had at sometime in our lives but not in the way this story is about. Let’s just say that is spicy, spicy, spicy when a group of hockey players, their wives and a friend or two come together in a remote location trying to make up for the holiday they didn’t have together. It should be easy right? I mean not too hard to get some decorations together, a few meals and let the women relax. But then again this is a group of hockey players trying to put this all together, so there is definitely going to be some problems…like no tree, a big mixture of decorations, a snow storm and a cat!!

This is a great book that is going to make you laugh from start to finish all while adding some spiciness into your life. I love how Katie Strong brough the characters from previous books together for the holidays and gives you some ideas of who will be up next in a possible couple.

Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pucking Friendmas is such a fun little holiday escape. The Night Hawks head to a snowy cabin to redo Christmas after everyone’s original holiday went sideways, and of course nothing goes as planned. The tree won’t stay up, the oven quits, and Gizmo the cat causes absolute mayhem. It feels like watching your favorite people try their best and fail in the most endearing ways.

What I loved most is how much heart sits underneath all the chaos. Each couple has their own rough history with Christmas, and this do-over becomes a chance for them to rewrite those memories together. The guys try so hard to make the day special, even when everything falls apart around them, and it makes the sweeter moments really land.

It is cozy, romantic, a little ridiculous, and full of that found-family feeling the Night Hawks series does so well. A great pick if you want something festive that will make you smile.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect holiday novella to get you in the spirit with our favorite Nighthawks! I would recommend reading the other books before this one so that you can follow along with who the characters are.

The guys decide to pull off a Christmas do-over for the girls, and the laughs don’t stop when you see why the guys aren’t usually the ones who decorate and get things ready around the holidays. What they lack in general organization, they make up for in enthusiasm. Gizmo, the cat, is also planning his perfect holiday which may interfere with the one the guys are planning.

This is a short, hilarious, sweet and spicy novella that will have you wondering just what will happen to the guys next while the girls are relaxing at the spa.

I received an ARC from the author and it was perfect for my holiday pre-season reading.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely had a blast reading this Christmas addition to the Night Hawks Hockey series, getting to get the POV's of multiple characters on this fun, wacky, and hilarious adventure!!
I did not put this book down until it was finished, and I want to read it all again!!

I highly recommend reading the series and then enjoying this fun time with the team and their partners. (All standalone fun, but get all the details as you read all of them.)

Learning new things, trying their hardest to make everything perfect, and all around having fun, even if a little stressful. Don't forget all the spicy fun these crazy couples get up to! 😜😘
Little furball Gizmo, giving grief to everyone 🤣 (gotta read Pucking Enemies to know this little kitty cat)

Thank you, Katie, for my chance of ARC reading this book!! 😊

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful festive Christmas novella to help you get into the swing of Christmas and get an update from all of our favourite Nighthawk couples! I would suggest reading the full books first so that you know the characters and the background, so that you get the full effect of all the updates!

It seems that everyone had a less than stellar Christmas one way or another… so the guys decide to arrange a surprise Christmas do-over for the ladies. This is full of all the expected mishaps and mayhem. The book is full of fun and spicy romance. The guys may struggle with the logistics and a demon cat isn’t a great addition to their plans, but this is a short, fun, sweet and spicy novella.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bringing all the friends together for a late Christmas celebration was a great time to spend time and remember how all the couples met and fell in love. I read all the books in the series so this pulled everyone's story into one and gave me time to reminisce. There was no drama, just friends who enjoy spending the time with each other. The guys wanted to surprise their women and they did in a big way. I have loved all the characters and this was a little reminder of why. The last single female in the women's friend group may have met her match so there definitely will be another book. I can't wait.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

A do over. After many of the couples in this series have a Christmas that was spent apart, the boys decide to do a Christmas do over as a surprise. The story starts out with a Pucking rendition, so the worry became there would be very little storyline to hold the pucking together. Surpriedly, under all the covers and beneath the steam, there is a tale. Knowing this isn’t a group that can keep their pants on, each couple makes the most of their Pucking fantasies and in most cases their Pucking habits. Have always enjoyed the story with this group and was wishing for more raccoons and less rabbits in the mix.

[Gavin Sessions · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review 📚🏒

Pucking Friendsmas
By Katie Strong

This one was super cute and short the perfect quick holiday read. I loved how it felt like a fun mix of everyone’s stories all wrapped into one festive Friendsmas vibe. Cozy, lighthearted, and easy to fly through, it definitely put me in a cheerful mood.

If you’re looking for something sweet with just a little heat and lots of holiday charm, this is a great pick.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
🌶 1 spice
🎄 Short • Cute • Feel-good romance

#bookreview #friendsmas #quickread #cozyreads

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freaky, Funny, Fake Christmas With Friends
All the friends from the Night Hawks have had a more or less ruined Christmas and therefore they came up with the idea of having a surprise rerun. What a wonderful story with couples I’ve met before, charming interaction, steamy love scenes and a lot of laughs. A weekend with snow and ice and a crazy cat. What more can one want? Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Desiree Henley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Night Hawks series and having all your favorite characters under one roof was such a holiday treat. I loved this novella by Katie Strong because it gave me a deeper glimpse into the lives of the characters we know so far and set up for the next book in the series. Reading this gave me the warm fuzzies in my heart while making me laugh. This will definitely bring you into the holiday festivities with a little spice.

[melgra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of laughs and lots of spice. I love that this book starts out following Zander’s and Rylee’s story. Of course it features all of our favorite Night Hawks and their leading ladies plus Sutton, Wilder, and Jayce.

All of our MCs had terrible Christmases, so the boys decide to put together a Friendsmas. The banter with the boys, the unexpected incidents, and the sneak peak into each couples lives makes this book a fun, quick Christmas novella. Can’t wait for the next in the series.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Pucking Friendsmas” by Katie Strong

-A hilarious holiday romp where the Night Hawks attempt a Christmas do-over with pure chaos and heart. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Mishaps, spice, and one unhinged cat keep the laughs rolling through this snowy cabin reunion. A warm, festive novella that shines brightest if you know the team—and perfect for slipping into the holiday spirit.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness who needs a fireplace when the first pages are hot enough to melt the room🔥🥵

Loved seeing the whole gang back together and the banter is pucking hilarious. 😂

Absolute chaos wrapped in that feel-good Christmas vibe with plenty of spice on top.

Reading this ARC was pure joy. So many "awww, I remember that!” moments" that give like nostalgic vibes. Honestly, I'll ride with the Night Hawks until these hockey hunks hang up their skates for good.

[Takiyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pucking friendmas is a cute funny short romance. We have the guys and the girls who all had a terrible Christmas. The guys wanted to change that by having a surprise redo Christmas. I loved reading the POV of several different characters. The funniest part for me was when the guys had cut the tree and started running because they heard a noise and thought it was a bear. I died from laughter reading that part. I thoroughly enjoyed the entirety of this book, and I recommend you give it a read.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* - Rounded up to 5...

What a BLAST to have the whole gang together for this Christmas Novella! I loved revisiting the various characters, and seeing where they are as we wait for (and get a little taste of) the next book the series.

Hilarious, as well as heartwarming, scenes made this a truly fun and spicy read...

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helen Lohman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun! I love this little extra we get to read on the team and their “Friendmas.” Love that we get to see point of view from all the couples and a few of their single friends. All the banter back and forth and the surprises that they do for each other was so fun to read! Katie certainly set it up for the next book and I’m WAY excited for it!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from Katie, and it felt like an early Christmas gift! Pucking Friendsmas is a sweet Christmas novella that features all of the characters from her Night Hawks Hockey series. It’s a quick, but spicy read, and if you enjoyed any of those books, you’ll enjoy this. I highly recommend reading at least Pucking Enemies before reading this one so you’re not totally lost.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute holiday novella where the guys want to have a make-up Christmas for their ladies. This story was such an adorable after the happily ever after with our favorite Night Hawk couples. There's chaos, romance, a friendly hockey game, AND a new couple brewing. Still giggling at all the men and how they love their women, and definitely at Wilder calling the men "idiot sandwiches".

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this group of people. The boys antics are laugh out loud hilarious. And Gizmo! Katie's use of words to give details of their surrou dings, the shenanigans and friendships bring you along on their adventures. 5 stars loved it. I received a free copy via BookFunnel and the review and opinions are my own.

[Jen Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super cute novella featuring characters from Katie Strongs books. This is lighthearted and sweet. So many funny lines and found family banter. I loved seeing the relationship with the boys and the friendships with the girls. I REALLY enjoyed the scenes with the couples. This was a super quick read and it was awesome.

[Pat Stanton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many Night Hawks and partners

I usually enjoy the author's books but this one was not a favorite.
There are too many characters with chapters, going back and forth. I have read all the books but this was confusing.
The cat needs some training and a "no" when he misbehave, not a cuddle.
This book is not really recommended. It doesn't add anything to the Night Hawks saga.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a not so Merry Christmas, the guys decide to take matters into their own hands and create a Christmas do-over. They set up a weekend getaway for Friendmas. Oh my goodness the chaos that ensues is positively hilarious. Loved every bit of this quirky holiday romance. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this was longer. Probably about the only negative thing I have to say about it. It was such a cute little novella after “Pucking Enemies”. Perfect to help get you into the holiday mood. The spice is immaculate. And you get to see into each person pov which I found to be a great touch. So many parts had me laughing. I can’t wait to read Katie’s other books of the friends

[Sarah Freilinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I love that we get to see where all of the couples are after their story is over. Of course my favorite is Gizmo. He gets into everything and really is the devil incarnate.
Recommend reading all the previous books before this one so you get the backstory for each couple. Now we just need a Sutton/Jaycee book.

[Brandie Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. So many giggles and so much spice. The guys of the Night Hawks hockey team decide to have a Christmas do-over together to make up for some not so great holidays separately. If you have read the Night Hawks series our favorites are back as well as Gizmo the cat. There were a couple of things that distracted me for a minute and question myself if I read it right but only two things. If you get distracted by stuff like this like me I noticed and questioned myself so I went back and double checked I wasn’t mixing characters up. One is a character in a scene that further in the same scene is in another state. The second is a mix up of which floor characters are on after it being written specifically that they were on the first floor. That said, it was still a fun quick read. Perfect for putting you into the Christmas spirit with a cup of your favorite warm drink.

Do you need to read the other books in the series? I think it would make the experience better for you and this is a fun series so I would absolutely recommend the rest. If you just want the holiday story and aren’t afraid of not knowing everyone (because this is from multiple points of view) and their backstories go for it.