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The Pucking Bet: A Fake Dating, College Hockey, He Falls First Romance
It started as a bet at a packed frat party.
As BU hockey royalty, I’m used to easy wins. Girls chase. Doors open. Nothing’s off-limits.
So when my teammates dare me to make the quiet girl by the door fall for me, it’s not even a challenge.
But up close?
Wren Marin is trouble disguised as restraint.
She doesn’t flirt. She doesn’t chase. And she definitely doesn’t want me.
Suddenly my reputation is on the line.
We strike a
She pretends to be my girlfriend. I help her make her crush jealous.
Temporary. Mutual. Simple.
Except nothing about Wren is simple.
Late-night study sessions start as strategy—my excuse to get close.
But somewhere along the way, I forget the bet
I thought this would be an easy win.
But then the truth comes out—
and I’m the one on my knees.
And now, if I’m going to get Wren back, I have to prove I know the difference between taking something…
and earning it.
A fake dating, college hockey romance where the most wanted man on campus falls first—and falls hard—for the underestimated girl who refuses to be anyone’s prize.
As BU hockey royalty, I’m used to easy wins. Girls chase. Doors open. Nothing’s off-limits.
So when my teammates dare me to make the quiet girl by the door fall for me, it’s not even a challenge.
But up close?
Wren Marin is trouble disguised as restraint.
She doesn’t flirt. She doesn’t chase. And she definitely doesn’t want me.
Suddenly my reputation is on the line.
We strike a
She pretends to be my girlfriend. I help her make her crush jealous.
Temporary. Mutual. Simple.
Except nothing about Wren is simple.
Late-night study sessions start as strategy—my excuse to get close.
But somewhere along the way, I forget the bet
I thought this would be an easy win.
But then the truth comes out—
and I’m the one on my knees.
And now, if I’m going to get Wren back, I have to prove I know the difference between taking something…
and earning it.
A fake dating, college hockey romance where the most wanted man on campus falls first—and falls hard—for the underestimated girl who refuses to be anyone’s prize.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2026
172 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 16, 2026
2.5-3 stars ⭐️ The first 1/3 of this book was not that great, because the H was not likable. The MMC had a massive ego. His POV was 🤢 and basically he was just scum. I almost DNF, but I’m glad I didn’t. I won’t say this is a grovel book; this is a book where the MMC has to do extensive work on HIMSELF. The character development in this book is good.
(possible spoilers ahead with recap)
So H is a hockey God at his college. His ego is out-of-this-world. He’s a playboy and thinks he’s just so wonderful. His big brother plays professional hockey and H also looks to be drafted to the NHL.
At this party one night, there this bytchy OW named Isabella. I guess all the guys want her, but she super selective or something. 🤷♀️ *cue drama queen *
Anyway, Isabella tells H that *IF* he can hook up with the loser h and shag her- then Isabella will let H have her anyway he wants to. 🥴 So sounds like H really wants to have smex with Isabella. (I admit this whole bet plot was iffy. Isabella and H at first made it seem like a smex deal, then later it was pushed as a bet to keep H’s top dog status at school.)
h- is a really smart book worm. She’s mostly likable. She doesn’t wear makeup or dress up. She’s more worried about school. She’s a scholarship student. Her parents died in a car crash a few years prior. She’s nOt lIkE oThEr gIRlS
H immediately starts trying to date her. She’s like NO. He manufactures a lot of things to put her in his orbit. She is constantly telling him no. H finds out that h has a crush on another guy. H says “pretend date me and it will get his attention” so they fake date. 🥴 Anywho….H falls for her HARD and fast. h slowly falls for H. It really is a cute development……but you have that “bet” hanging around. Most of H’s POVs at this time are how he needs to tell her but he’s scared of losing her. As the reader, YOU know it’s going to be the 3rd act breakup.
H has this scummy friend who knows about the bet, and he tries to take advantage of the situation by drugging h to SA her. H saves her in time. (This was also another confusing plotline since H is partially blamed for this when it comes out later about the bet. WHY? H is not responsible for some other guy drugging and trying to SA the heroine)
H introduces h to his family group. Everybody loves h. I did get annoyed at the friend/family group. The other women did a makeover on h. Ugh. (Sorry…but on a personal level, I would be insulted. That ruined the women’s group for me)
H and h finally have smex. She’s a V. Hasn’t even kissed anybody before.
You could definitely see the changes in H’s actions and his POVs over this time.
Then…….💥💥💥 Isabella releases on social media all about the bet along with videos and pictures.
63% in
“The Prize: One night with Isabelle Merteuil. Any way he wants. Status: BET WON”
h is devastated. She confronted H and he tried to make excuses, then he grabbed her arm wanting to explain. Since h knows karate- she put him on his arse in front of everyone. 😂😂😂
I appreciate the fact that H’s family confronted H about his actions and called him out. I also liked that the college hockey team suspended him and he basically lost his NHL contract. I loved that the guy h first had a crush on, ended up becoming her BFF and he protected her during this.
You could feel h’s heartbreak, but it didn’t go on and on….slowly she started to heal and make peace with it.
The “grovel” was definitely long. Well, personally… I would never take this H back, but that’s just me. 🤷♀️ But for a fictional h- yes!
He gave her space (one, because he knew she needed it, and two, because the school said he couldn’t bother her)
h had her summer planned to do some camp counselor thing in Romania. They were short a counselor, so H was invited. He took it on and learned a lot about himself there. They slowly built back a relationship.
If think they were split up for about 4/5 months 🤷♀️
The epilogue is 5 years later. They are married and have a daughter.
So…the negatives I do have about this book.
1. It’s way too long.
2. All the talk about h seeing colors everywhere.
3. Why was H partially blamed for h almost being SA?
4. The whole “bet” plotline was goofy and what the winnings would be made no sense.
5. I really didn’t understand why her name was Irene and she went by wren.
6. Again, the author spent way too much time talking about people/items giving off colors.
7. I love consent. BUT There comes a moment where it’s almost too much consent. It was like every single move he made, he would ask for consent.
8. I had a hard time understanding the author when she mentions that H used his privilege to hook up/shag h. 😩 huh?
The book was okay. I was interested but I wouldn’t read it again and I have no desire to read the other books in this series. I do feel like there were moments the book was too preachy.
(possible spoilers ahead with recap)
So H is a hockey God at his college. His ego is out-of-this-world. He’s a playboy and thinks he’s just so wonderful. His big brother plays professional hockey and H also looks to be drafted to the NHL.
At this party one night, there this bytchy OW named Isabella. I guess all the guys want her, but she super selective or something. 🤷♀️ *cue drama queen *
Anyway, Isabella tells H that *IF* he can hook up with the loser h and shag her- then Isabella will let H have her anyway he wants to. 🥴 So sounds like H really wants to have smex with Isabella. (I admit this whole bet plot was iffy. Isabella and H at first made it seem like a smex deal, then later it was pushed as a bet to keep H’s top dog status at school.)
h- is a really smart book worm. She’s mostly likable. She doesn’t wear makeup or dress up. She’s more worried about school. She’s a scholarship student. Her parents died in a car crash a few years prior. She’s nOt lIkE oThEr gIRlS
H immediately starts trying to date her. She’s like NO. He manufactures a lot of things to put her in his orbit. She is constantly telling him no. H finds out that h has a crush on another guy. H says “pretend date me and it will get his attention” so they fake date. 🥴 Anywho….H falls for her HARD and fast. h slowly falls for H. It really is a cute development……but you have that “bet” hanging around. Most of H’s POVs at this time are how he needs to tell her but he’s scared of losing her. As the reader, YOU know it’s going to be the 3rd act breakup.
H has this scummy friend who knows about the bet, and he tries to take advantage of the situation by drugging h to SA her. H saves her in time. (This was also another confusing plotline since H is partially blamed for this when it comes out later about the bet. WHY? H is not responsible for some other guy drugging and trying to SA the heroine)
H introduces h to his family group. Everybody loves h. I did get annoyed at the friend/family group. The other women did a makeover on h. Ugh. (Sorry…but on a personal level, I would be insulted. That ruined the women’s group for me)
H and h finally have smex. She’s a V. Hasn’t even kissed anybody before.
You could definitely see the changes in H’s actions and his POVs over this time.
Then…….💥💥💥 Isabella releases on social media all about the bet along with videos and pictures.
63% in
“The Prize: One night with Isabelle Merteuil. Any way he wants. Status: BET WON”
h is devastated. She confronted H and he tried to make excuses, then he grabbed her arm wanting to explain. Since h knows karate- she put him on his arse in front of everyone. 😂😂😂
I appreciate the fact that H’s family confronted H about his actions and called him out. I also liked that the college hockey team suspended him and he basically lost his NHL contract. I loved that the guy h first had a crush on, ended up becoming her BFF and he protected her during this.
You could feel h’s heartbreak, but it didn’t go on and on….slowly she started to heal and make peace with it.
The “grovel” was definitely long. Well, personally… I would never take this H back, but that’s just me. 🤷♀️ But for a fictional h- yes!
He gave her space (one, because he knew she needed it, and two, because the school said he couldn’t bother her)
h had her summer planned to do some camp counselor thing in Romania. They were short a counselor, so H was invited. He took it on and learned a lot about himself there. They slowly built back a relationship.
If think they were split up for about 4/5 months 🤷♀️
The epilogue is 5 years later. They are married and have a daughter.
So…the negatives I do have about this book.
1. It’s way too long.
2. All the talk about h seeing colors everywhere.
3. Why was H partially blamed for h almost being SA?
4. The whole “bet” plotline was goofy and what the winnings would be made no sense.
5. I really didn’t understand why her name was Irene and she went by wren.
6. Again, the author spent way too much time talking about people/items giving off colors.
7. I love consent. BUT There comes a moment where it’s almost too much consent. It was like every single move he made, he would ask for consent.
8. I had a hard time understanding the author when she mentions that H used his privilege to hook up/shag h. 😩 huh?
The book was okay. I was interested but I wouldn’t read it again and I have no desire to read the other books in this series. I do feel like there were moments the book was too preachy.
March 9, 2026
Kieran and Wren's Story
This is the final book in the Defenders Diaries and it is very different from the others. This book features college hockey stars Kieran O'Connor, brother of Liam and Erin, and a college student, Wren Marin. It is by far my least favorite book in the series and probably the author's books overall.
Kieran agrees to a bet with a bitchy acquaintance to date and have sex with brilliant but shy Wren. Yes this is bad but the author acts like he killed someone. She stresses that he uses his privilege to seduce her. Really? He didn't force her to do anything that she didn't want to do.
It is total BS that the author places partial blame on Kieran for Reed's drugging of Wren.
I liked both characters and I also liked the ending. I did not like the preaching and messaging, especially after the bet goes public. The book is much too long, dwelling on Kieran's fear of the bet going public.
I hope that this is not where the author is going in future books.
This is the final book in the Defenders Diaries and it is very different from the others. This book features college hockey stars Kieran O'Connor, brother of Liam and Erin, and a college student, Wren Marin. It is by far my least favorite book in the series and probably the author's books overall.
Kieran agrees to a bet with a bitchy acquaintance to date and have sex with brilliant but shy Wren. Yes this is bad but the author acts like he killed someone. She stresses that he uses his privilege to seduce her. Really? He didn't force her to do anything that she didn't want to do.
It is total BS that the author places partial blame on Kieran for Reed's drugging of Wren.
I liked both characters and I also liked the ending. I did not like the preaching and messaging, especially after the bet goes public. The book is much too long, dwelling on Kieran's fear of the bet going public.
I hope that this is not where the author is going in future books.
March 13, 2026
♾️5 Rules stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
3🌶
Norocul cand esti un mood reader? dai peste o poveste ca asta, ce te tine treaza toata noaptea, te face sa plângi, ca mai apoi sa te vindece.
3🌶
Norocul cand esti un mood reader? dai peste o poveste ca asta, ce te tine treaza toata noaptea, te face sa plângi, ca mai apoi sa te vindece.
March 8, 2026
long read
This was a pretty long red and hot on a few hard topics. It did fall a bit flat for me. I really wanted to love it, I just got a bit bored. Had slight heat, good chemistry and a drawn out storyline.
This was a pretty long red and hot on a few hard topics. It did fall a bit flat for me. I really wanted to love it, I just got a bit bored. Had slight heat, good chemistry and a drawn out storyline.
Review of advance copy
I never thought I would love the college romances but the Defenders Series hits differently and while this is the only “college” book in the series (I think) it fits right in with the rest of them.
Wren has synesthesia, a condition that associates colors with words and sounds. So her whole world is seen differently when there are big emotions or crowds, or meeting people for the first time.
This was a first for me, being exposed to this condition and it sounds overwhelming but also amazing. I wonder if this is part of the reason why the ocean is so calming with the blues and greens. I guess that’s a close as I will ever come to understanding it.
I digress, she is an engineering student at BU and meets Starboy hockey player, Kieran at a frat party but isn’t impressed. Let’s just say he doesn’t hear no very often and she isn’t afraid to say it.
I love her personality, you can see her struggles with people and getting what she wants. She has a hard time trusting and does not make it easy to get close to her. Which is self preserving while also closing herself off. She is fiercely independent and doing her best to get through school on her own as her parents died when she was a girl.
Kieran is the star winger on the BU hockey team. Hockey is in his blood, his older brother paved the way and his NHL contract is within grabbing distance of he can just keep making plays and not making waves. But one stupid bet could jeopardize everything he worked for as well as lose the girl he had for only a blip in time.
This story is so on point for college. The sheer stupidity of the adolescent brain is baffling sometimes. I remember being there thinking I knew everything and nothing would blow up in my face because that stuff only happened to other people. Same story here. Kieran takes the bet that he can close the nerdy girl, Wren, but never even thinks about the fact that’s she is his person and he just screwed up everything by not telling her how the relationship started with a lie.
I kept waiting for him to man up and tell her and he didn’t. And as it does, it blew up spectacularly. Full spectacle of drama in the courtyard of the school, phones out, videos recording, evidence immortalized by media of his failure and her humiliation.
The tension and connection of these two was so amazing though and you could see from the very beginning that there was something there even when they both denied it. And when it blew up it was just as heavy.
I know this review is a rambling mess but I really love this series and if you are into sports romances at all then try the Defenders series. It has all the great hockey moments on and off the ice that keep you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wren has synesthesia, a condition that associates colors with words and sounds. So her whole world is seen differently when there are big emotions or crowds, or meeting people for the first time.
This was a first for me, being exposed to this condition and it sounds overwhelming but also amazing. I wonder if this is part of the reason why the ocean is so calming with the blues and greens. I guess that’s a close as I will ever come to understanding it.
I digress, she is an engineering student at BU and meets Starboy hockey player, Kieran at a frat party but isn’t impressed. Let’s just say he doesn’t hear no very often and she isn’t afraid to say it.
I love her personality, you can see her struggles with people and getting what she wants. She has a hard time trusting and does not make it easy to get close to her. Which is self preserving while also closing herself off. She is fiercely independent and doing her best to get through school on her own as her parents died when she was a girl.
Kieran is the star winger on the BU hockey team. Hockey is in his blood, his older brother paved the way and his NHL contract is within grabbing distance of he can just keep making plays and not making waves. But one stupid bet could jeopardize everything he worked for as well as lose the girl he had for only a blip in time.
This story is so on point for college. The sheer stupidity of the adolescent brain is baffling sometimes. I remember being there thinking I knew everything and nothing would blow up in my face because that stuff only happened to other people. Same story here. Kieran takes the bet that he can close the nerdy girl, Wren, but never even thinks about the fact that’s she is his person and he just screwed up everything by not telling her how the relationship started with a lie.
I kept waiting for him to man up and tell her and he didn’t. And as it does, it blew up spectacularly. Full spectacle of drama in the courtyard of the school, phones out, videos recording, evidence immortalized by media of his failure and her humiliation.
The tension and connection of these two was so amazing though and you could see from the very beginning that there was something there even when they both denied it. And when it blew up it was just as heavy.
I know this review is a rambling mess but I really love this series and if you are into sports romances at all then try the Defenders series. It has all the great hockey moments on and off the ice that keep you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2026
Plot: 3/5 • Spice: 2/5 ➡️➡️➡️ Too many cliches in this one. Wren, taken in by her aunt and uncle after her parents die, is trying to make her way through university. As a scholarship student she takes her studies serious. Kieran, attempts to woo Wren. He’s after her because he placed a bet with Isabelle that he couldn’t get her. Challenge accepted.
He sits next to her in class. Tries to get her to go to dinner. Tries to get him to help study. Even though he doesn’t need the help. He may be the alternate captain of the hockey team, but he’s actually really smart.
Eventually she caves when he offers her financial compensation for her tutoring. They wind up on a project
together, along with Theo. The guy Wren is pining for. Kieran makes a deal with her to help him keep the girls away and he’ll help Wren try to impress Theo into noticing her. Fake relationship commence.
We get some slight feelings here. Nothing crazy, but enough
for Kieran to invite Wren to the cottage up north for the weekend with his brothers and their families. She accepts. She is absolutely welcomed. They love her instantly. Days in the cabin the action picks up. (Note: of course, Wren, is our virgin FMC)
After returning back to campus things start to unravel. Wren is assaulted. Kieran defends her honor. And the secret about the bet finally comes out. Both of them shatter. Both were already in love with each other, but this changes everything.
Months go by. Graduation. Acceptance to MIT. Family meetings. Trips across the world. We do eventually get a SLOW reconciliation. But it drags to get there. We get our HEA.
This was just okay. I wanted more groveling. Instead I got a passive “wait her out” to heal process. 🤷🏻♀️
He sits next to her in class. Tries to get her to go to dinner. Tries to get him to help study. Even though he doesn’t need the help. He may be the alternate captain of the hockey team, but he’s actually really smart.
Eventually she caves when he offers her financial compensation for her tutoring. They wind up on a project
together, along with Theo. The guy Wren is pining for. Kieran makes a deal with her to help him keep the girls away and he’ll help Wren try to impress Theo into noticing her. Fake relationship commence.
We get some slight feelings here. Nothing crazy, but enough
for Kieran to invite Wren to the cottage up north for the weekend with his brothers and their families. She accepts. She is absolutely welcomed. They love her instantly. Days in the cabin the action picks up. (Note: of course, Wren, is our virgin FMC)
After returning back to campus things start to unravel. Wren is assaulted. Kieran defends her honor. And the secret about the bet finally comes out. Both of them shatter. Both were already in love with each other, but this changes everything.
Months go by. Graduation. Acceptance to MIT. Family meetings. Trips across the world. We do eventually get a SLOW reconciliation. But it drags to get there. We get our HEA.
This was just okay. I wanted more groveling. Instead I got a passive “wait her out” to heal process. 🤷🏻♀️
March 6, 2026
***I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review***
I was surprised at the get-go! This wasn’t your typical fake dating romance. I found it intriguing and the character development was not what I expected. I also found the unique use of synesthesia to broaden the development of the FMC gave the reader a way to see through a window not often seen through.
From the beginning, you could tell the MMC and FMC were struggling with common issues we all experience: insecurity, trying to aspire to other people’s perceptions of our self-worth, and the struggle we all experience to “fit in with our peers” as we go through high school, college, and into our early adult life.
***SPOILER*** I was so very pleased the FMC stood her ground and did not succumb to “what she should do” vs “what I need to do to stay true to my belief system and my feelings.” Forgiveness does not come immediately, as many other books portray that it occurs instantly. The fact that the MMC and the FMC gave each other the space to come to a mutual decision, while neither pressured the other, was extremely refreshing!
I highly recommend this hockey romance; it will blow your perception of what you think a hockey romance is! FIVE STARS!.
I was surprised at the get-go! This wasn’t your typical fake dating romance. I found it intriguing and the character development was not what I expected. I also found the unique use of synesthesia to broaden the development of the FMC gave the reader a way to see through a window not often seen through.
From the beginning, you could tell the MMC and FMC were struggling with common issues we all experience: insecurity, trying to aspire to other people’s perceptions of our self-worth, and the struggle we all experience to “fit in with our peers” as we go through high school, college, and into our early adult life.
***SPOILER*** I was so very pleased the FMC stood her ground and did not succumb to “what she should do” vs “what I need to do to stay true to my belief system and my feelings.” Forgiveness does not come immediately, as many other books portray that it occurs instantly. The fact that the MMC and the FMC gave each other the space to come to a mutual decision, while neither pressured the other, was extremely refreshing!
I highly recommend this hockey romance; it will blow your perception of what you think a hockey romance is! FIVE STARS!.
March 22, 2026
I enjoyed this. 4 solid stars simply because the book took me by surprise.
It’s not your run-of-the-mill college hockey romance. It’s MORE. And that more made it nicer, deeper, kept me wanting to see where it’s headed and then finish it.
The writing style was unique. It felt stunted in places but not overwhelmingly and I finally found it flowing in my mind. So, that 4th star is really for the author for writing the book the way they did.
Character growth was great. I loved the way the MMC acknowledged his mistakes to their full extent - the damage of it all, the toxic world he’d helped build and been part of - all of it. Loved it! When his brother calls him out on how he didn’t notice the extent of his abuse until the FMC started to matter to him was gold.
The story itself would be nothing special if not for the MMC’s redemption arc and the way it was written. Loved that part.
The book was long but didn’t feel so because it had to be this length. Anything short of would’ve been rushed.
I would have liked to see a stark difference between the voices of the MCs. The peculiar writing style of the author bled between characters but that’s not exactly a flaw. Just an observation.
Overall, I’m glad I read this 💖
It’s not your run-of-the-mill college hockey romance. It’s MORE. And that more made it nicer, deeper, kept me wanting to see where it’s headed and then finish it.
The writing style was unique. It felt stunted in places but not overwhelmingly and I finally found it flowing in my mind. So, that 4th star is really for the author for writing the book the way they did.
Character growth was great. I loved the way the MMC acknowledged his mistakes to their full extent - the damage of it all, the toxic world he’d helped build and been part of - all of it. Loved it! When his brother calls him out on how he didn’t notice the extent of his abuse until the FMC started to matter to him was gold.
The story itself would be nothing special if not for the MMC’s redemption arc and the way it was written. Loved that part.
The book was long but didn’t feel so because it had to be this length. Anything short of would’ve been rushed.
I would have liked to see a stark difference between the voices of the MCs. The peculiar writing style of the author bled between characters but that’s not exactly a flaw. Just an observation.
Overall, I’m glad I read this 💖
March 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this coming-of-age story between Wren and Kieran. At its core, it’s a powerful lesson about consequences and how one selfish decision can hurt the people you care about most. When Kieran makes a bet and manipulates the situation to make Wren fall for him, you know from the start that it’s going to blow up — and it does.
What I appreciated most was that the author didn’t rush to fix everything with a neat, pretty bow. The fallout felt real. There was genuine pain, heartbreak, and a lot of hard conversations. The healing wasn’t instant, and the characters actually had to work through the damage that was done. That emotional depth made the story feel authentic and ultimately so much more satisfying.
If you’re looking for a romance that doesn’t shy away from messy growth, tough lessons, and earned redemption, this one is definitely worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What I appreciated most was that the author didn’t rush to fix everything with a neat, pretty bow. The fallout felt real. There was genuine pain, heartbreak, and a lot of hard conversations. The healing wasn’t instant, and the characters actually had to work through the damage that was done. That emotional depth made the story feel authentic and ultimately so much more satisfying.
If you’re looking for a romance that doesn’t shy away from messy growth, tough lessons, and earned redemption, this one is definitely worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Kieran lost a lot of points at the start of the book and had some serious making up to do. It was like watching an accident you knew was going to happen but couldn't look away. Both he and Wren were complete puzzles that I had a difficult time solving; they were both quirky and mysterious, making them hard to follow at times, but made me more determined to understand them.
Wren is calculated and likes to be safe, and Kieran is the playboy jock trapped in his brother's shadow. By the end, Kieran had more than redeemed himself, and I finally gained an understanding of their unique chemistry. The perfect balance of snarky drama, building tension, and some seriously sizzling moments. This book had some total cringe moments, but it was totally worth it!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wren is calculated and likes to be safe, and Kieran is the playboy jock trapped in his brother's shadow. By the end, Kieran had more than redeemed himself, and I finally gained an understanding of their unique chemistry. The perfect balance of snarky drama, building tension, and some seriously sizzling moments. This book had some total cringe moments, but it was totally worth it!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2026
All the feels!
Wow, the angst in this story seriously tugged at my heartstrings!
Hockey player Kieran thinks he has it all: a future in the NHL, girls falling over themselves to be with him, plenty of friends, and a loving family. But a bet forced on him by a treacherous woman will fundamentally change him in ways he could never have imagined.
Wren knows better than to trust a playboy, but something about Kieran pulls her in even as her instincts warn her to step away. What starts as a prid-pro-quo agreement—she tutors him, he helps her to get noticed by her crush—turns into an overwhelming attraction. If only she would have listened to her heart.
Wren is betrayed in the worst way, yet manages to get up and keep going while Kieran faces total loss in order to learn humility.
Excellent read.
Wow, the angst in this story seriously tugged at my heartstrings!
Hockey player Kieran thinks he has it all: a future in the NHL, girls falling over themselves to be with him, plenty of friends, and a loving family. But a bet forced on him by a treacherous woman will fundamentally change him in ways he could never have imagined.
Wren knows better than to trust a playboy, but something about Kieran pulls her in even as her instincts warn her to step away. What starts as a prid-pro-quo agreement—she tutors him, he helps her to get noticed by her crush—turns into an overwhelming attraction. If only she would have listened to her heart.
Wren is betrayed in the worst way, yet manages to get up and keep going while Kieran faces total loss in order to learn humility.
Excellent read.
March 11, 2026
This is part of Summers Defender Diaries series. A great addition to the series and can be read as a standalone. Our main characters are Kieran and Wrenn. Kieran is a star in his college hockey team and hockey is in his blood, he's destined for the NHL and all that comes with it. Wren has synesthesia, a condition that associates colors with words and sounds and felt the author did a great job of allowing readers to see thru that rare perspective. Kieran takes a bet he shouldn't thinking it will be an easy win, little does he realize that he could lose it all. Summers delivers a well written and captivating, smooth flowing storyline that is well paced and beautifully balanced. I really enjoyed this read and I'm looking forward to more!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2026
A drinking bet. Collage hockey players at a party. Everyone is drinking. The hot girl dares the main male character to take a bet. He takes it with plenty of witnesses. The main female character is a math nerd. She becomes part of the bet unknown to her. There then delves into the story which circles around. Becomes as complicated as calculus. Morphs into a beast of its own. There are other characters involved that have been introduced before but the story is so good it could be read as a stand alone. It is a hard book to put down and you will better to cross your fingers for the ending you hope for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story kept me in an uncomfortable state-of-mind for the characters anticipating when and how the FMC would ultimately find out about The Bet. Like the other books it was a smooth and interesting read that pulled me in from the start. The characters are easy to connect with and I was pulling for the MMC throughout. The synesthesia of the FMC worked in seamlessly and gave even more character insight. I enjoyed the story and getting to see familiar faces from other books.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2026
Bet to Ruin
Wow, what an amazing read. It was emotionally heavy in some parts as ot progressed. Kieran is offered a bet to seduce Wren. While their romance starts off under false pretenses, they are immediately smitten. However, the truth comes out in a way that not only affects their relationship but everything else as well. This was a story worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, what an amazing read. It was emotionally heavy in some parts as ot progressed. Kieran is offered a bet to seduce Wren. While their romance starts off under false pretenses, they are immediately smitten. However, the truth comes out in a way that not only affects their relationship but everything else as well. This was a story worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2026
Beautifully written
This is one of the most beautifully written “hockey player/bet” romances that I’ve ever read. The story is so much more than a popular hockey jock who makes a bet to win the nerdy girl. The FMC is a strong woman and the growth and self-discovery of the MMC is impressive. There are important issues addressed in this book and it has substance that so many are lacking.
This is one of the most beautifully written “hockey player/bet” romances that I’ve ever read. The story is so much more than a popular hockey jock who makes a bet to win the nerdy girl. The FMC is a strong woman and the growth and self-discovery of the MMC is impressive. There are important issues addressed in this book and it has substance that so many are lacking.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The best of the Defenders stories. Wren is pretty but un-noticed, he’s the popular golden boy with a big ego and falls hard in more than one way. Two wonderful characters that both have secrets and a complicated relationship caused mainly by him. I’ve read all the Defender books released and this is my favorite.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2026
I don’t normally choose college romance books. But I love this author. I loved this story. It was written perfectly in the college setting. I love that the author created a character with Synesthesia. Wren’s character shows us how things look through her eyes. Kieran is a star athlete but he is also a stupid boy/man. One stupid decision may cost him Wren. I love their story. Great book!
March 20, 2026
This book reminds me of the movie, She's All That (1999), except that was high school and this is college. Yet, there is still the "cool kids" placing a bet on someone who is unpopular. I did enjoy reading Kieran's character development throughout. And the effects of what happens when you mess with someone's life.
March 8, 2026
It all started with a bet. Things were going great until they weren’t. This was so emotional. I enjoyed this book very much. It was a great addition to the series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
March 7, 2026
It didn’t land.
March 16, 2026
The Pucking bet was Kieran and Wren’s story. It was an engaging read that gave me all the feels. I received an early copy. And voluntarily leaving this review.
March 19, 2026
I don’t know how to explain I love it and I hate it. I sobbed and got mad at the plot and style.
March 30, 2026
Good but slow at times
Review of advance copy
The Pucking Bet is a college hockey romance by AJ Summers. This is my first read by AJ Summers and it won’t be my last. As someone who is in their hockey romance era; I loved this book. This book has some of my favorite tropes; fake dating, he falls first, and jock X tutor.
The Pucking Bet follows the story of Kieran the campus hockey god and Wren the “nerdy” engineering student. Wren and Kierans relationship develops from Wren’s need for a fake boyfriend and Kierans wanting to win a bet to make Wren fall in love with him. What happens when a fake relationship turns real. Drama is bound to happen.
One thing that I loved about this book, unlike the early 2000s movie like She’s All That is the fact that Kieran actually faced consequences for the bet. The use of my least favorite trope, the 3rd act breakup, was used perfectly in this book. The breakup allowed Kieran to actually have character development. Without that development; I wouldn’t root for Kieran and Wren to get back together. And I was rooting for them to get together. The chemistry was intense and the spice between them was well written.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Pucking Bet follows the story of Kieran the campus hockey god and Wren the “nerdy” engineering student. Wren and Kierans relationship develops from Wren’s need for a fake boyfriend and Kierans wanting to win a bet to make Wren fall in love with him. What happens when a fake relationship turns real. Drama is bound to happen.
One thing that I loved about this book, unlike the early 2000s movie like She’s All That is the fact that Kieran actually faced consequences for the bet. The use of my least favorite trope, the 3rd act breakup, was used perfectly in this book. The breakup allowed Kieran to actually have character development. Without that development; I wouldn’t root for Kieran and Wren to get back together. And I was rooting for them to get together. The chemistry was intense and the spice between them was well written.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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