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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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 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.
April 1, 2026
2 stars. Whhoooo boy this almost made my DNF list. I struggled through that last 1/4 of the book.
So obvi there were a lot of CONS here for me. Let's start with the big, glaring & repetitive:
1. Found in EVERY paragraph: the words land like a hit, her sigh lands like a hit, the truth lands like a punch, the words land, the sentence lands and on and just fucking on and onnnnnnn with the "LANDS" ....I mean can we just stop with this? It is in EVERY paragraph in the WHOLE book!!! Ugggghhhhhhh
2. This author just tried too hard. It's just so many heavy, one liner sentences. Idk what this author was going for? Depth? Toughness? Trying to make a point? It was none of those things. Just stilted.
3. This transitioned bizarrely from some college hockey bros doing stupid bets and then the mc catching feelings...to them getting busted with consequences/and doing a girl wrong....to a spontaneous weird kids counselor trip to Romania??? I found this just strange and a completely veers away from the plot.
4. This book read like stereo instructions. I get it..they were all like super MIT math smart but this for real lacked PASSION in alllllll the ways.
5. Consent is key, we all understand that. But omfg 450 chapters on it? It felt like a 450 page dissertation on the various levels and aspects of consent and how one interprets it and applies it. THAT is about 25% of this book. Enjoy.
Kind of a Pro: I learned more about synesthesia. It DOES dominate the book and pretty much talked about in every chapter what "colors" the MC sees. However, this did not bother me as much due to the fact that I can relate to assimilating people with colors. However, be prepared to read about this the entire book.
Idk folks, this one was a super weird one for me. It just LANDS wrong *wink with a oh gawd Noooo more*. That last 1/4 of the book I was just praying for it to be over and scrolling past pages upon pages to get to the end.
🌶️🌶️ ummm...the spice took awhile, but it was decent when it was good ya know?
👿👿 villians....hmmm...idk they were lackluster at best.
Overall: no bueno for this reader
So obvi there were a lot of CONS here for me. Let's start with the big, glaring & repetitive:
1. Found in EVERY paragraph: the words land like a hit, her sigh lands like a hit, the truth lands like a punch, the words land, the sentence lands and on and just fucking on and onnnnnnn with the "LANDS" ....I mean can we just stop with this? It is in EVERY paragraph in the WHOLE book!!! Ugggghhhhhhh
2. This author just tried too hard. It's just so many heavy, one liner sentences. Idk what this author was going for? Depth? Toughness? Trying to make a point? It was none of those things. Just stilted.
3. This transitioned bizarrely from some college hockey bros doing stupid bets and then the mc catching feelings...to them getting busted with consequences/and doing a girl wrong....to a spontaneous weird kids counselor trip to Romania??? I found this just strange and a completely veers away from the plot.
4. This book read like stereo instructions. I get it..they were all like super MIT math smart but this for real lacked PASSION in alllllll the ways.
5. Consent is key, we all understand that. But omfg 450 chapters on it? It felt like a 450 page dissertation on the various levels and aspects of consent and how one interprets it and applies it. THAT is about 25% of this book. Enjoy.
Kind of a Pro: I learned more about synesthesia. It DOES dominate the book and pretty much talked about in every chapter what "colors" the MC sees. However, this did not bother me as much due to the fact that I can relate to assimilating people with colors. However, be prepared to read about this the entire book.
Idk folks, this one was a super weird one for me. It just LANDS wrong *wink with a oh gawd Noooo more*. That last 1/4 of the book I was just praying for it to be over and scrolling past pages upon pages to get to the end.
🌶️🌶️ ummm...the spice took awhile, but it was decent when it was good ya know?
👿👿 villians....hmmm...idk they were lackluster at best.
Overall: no bueno for this reader
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 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.
March 7, 2026
It didn’t land.
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.
April 16, 2026
The Pucking Bet is a deeply relevant story with an outstanding leading lady and a young man who has a lot of growing to do. Wren is phenomenal as the science genius with extra-sensitive perception who works hard and takes care of those she loves, guarding her heart and standing strong regardless of what life throws her way. I LOVED getting to know her as the story progresses, and watching her traverse her trauma is palpably presented.
Kieran is headstrong, ego-centric, knows right from wrong, and brilliant in his own right. That he is swayed by evil people when his ego takes the lead is all too common in young adults, and the situation he puts himself into is really quite untenable. He sets a precendent as a leader of his team and community that manipulation and mal-treatment of others for personal gain is acceptable—which is never okay. I love how the author addressed each piece of the situation with truth, integrity, and accountability—shining a beacon on what happens when people are selfish and conniving, and how those choices affect others—this is really well done. The third act drama is perfectly poised and explosive, and the conclusion is unexpected in trajectory and yet so lovely.
The narrators performed the various roles beautifully with emotion, passion, and pizzazz. Their voices are easy to listen to and smooth in presentation, keeping the story moving along nicely. I loved the cameos from the Defenders and their ladies, the brief glimpses into the future, and the growth arc of Kieran’s character was well-played. There are some triggering moments in this one for sure, but it is well worth the read/listen.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kieran is headstrong, ego-centric, knows right from wrong, and brilliant in his own right. That he is swayed by evil people when his ego takes the lead is all too common in young adults, and the situation he puts himself into is really quite untenable. He sets a precendent as a leader of his team and community that manipulation and mal-treatment of others for personal gain is acceptable—which is never okay. I love how the author addressed each piece of the situation with truth, integrity, and accountability—shining a beacon on what happens when people are selfish and conniving, and how those choices affect others—this is really well done. The third act drama is perfectly poised and explosive, and the conclusion is unexpected in trajectory and yet so lovely.
The narrators performed the various roles beautifully with emotion, passion, and pizzazz. Their voices are easy to listen to and smooth in presentation, keeping the story moving along nicely. I loved the cameos from the Defenders and their ladies, the brief glimpses into the future, and the growth arc of Kieran’s character was well-played. There are some triggering moments in this one for sure, but it is well worth the read/listen.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2026
Kieran & Wren - Wren: brilliant, quiet girl who sees colors, has a crush on a classmate (not Kieran), and has lost her parents in a tragic accident. Kieran: popular hockey player, secretly extremely smart, but tied in with some low-quality acquaintances. Kieran accepts a bet/challenge to make Wren fall for him and goes to great lengths to be in her orbit, offers her undeniable compensation to tutor him (which he doesn't need), and even proposes fake-dating Wren to make her crush finally take notice of her.
Over time, Kieran realizes he's falling for Wren, but keeps all the truth to himself. Wren continues to fall as well as build quality relationships with Kieran's friends and family....until the truth finally comes out.
In the aftermath, Kieran takes full blame for the bet and the consequences, but the repeated emphasis that he used his position and privilege to seduce her and has no position to at least even talk to Wren to apologize.
I felt like the story as a whole felt entirely similar to She's All That without the prom, but far longer and drawn out than necessary. The addition of Wren's niece & the concert(s), the camping trip to Romania, LOTS of focus on Wren's synesthesia, not much connection back to the story of Wren's parents for the aunt/niece to be brought in, and both Isabella and Reed as villains...just was too much. A lot of tangents & added pages that didn't really bring the story further along.
Overall a decent story, but far longer than necessary in order for me to have felt engaged in the story the whole time.
Over time, Kieran realizes he's falling for Wren, but keeps all the truth to himself. Wren continues to fall as well as build quality relationships with Kieran's friends and family....until the truth finally comes out.
In the aftermath, Kieran takes full blame for the bet and the consequences, but the repeated emphasis that he used his position and privilege to seduce her and has no position to at least even talk to Wren to apologize.
I felt like the story as a whole felt entirely similar to She's All That without the prom, but far longer and drawn out than necessary. The addition of Wren's niece & the concert(s), the camping trip to Romania, LOTS of focus on Wren's synesthesia, not much connection back to the story of Wren's parents for the aunt/niece to be brought in, and both Isabella and Reed as villains...just was too much. A lot of tangents & added pages that didn't really bring the story further along.
Overall a decent story, but far longer than necessary in order for me to have felt engaged in the story the whole time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 💖
May 8, 2026
I had some issues with this book. Was it intentionally a retelling of Dangerous Liaisons, or was that just coincidence?Of intentional, I wish it would have been mentioned somewhere. As it is, I just kept comparing how it was the same. It wasn't until about 60% that I figured it actually was intentional.
I think my biggest problem was the last 20%-ish of the book, with the trip to Romania. That just didn't fit for me. It felt like something completely different. I get that there needed to be something for them to get their HEA, but this just seemed to spring up out of nowhere and just felt awkward to me.
How badly did the editor overlook just how often things would LAND with the characters? I swear it was every page. Seriously, rein them in a bit! Wouldn't a proofreader pick up on that, too?
I actually read this one without having read the rest of the series (which is rare for me). I am not going to immediately move to the other books in this series, but if I come across them later, I wouldn't be against picking them up.
I think my biggest problem was the last 20%-ish of the book, with the trip to Romania. That just didn't fit for me. It felt like something completely different. I get that there needed to be something for them to get their HEA, but this just seemed to spring up out of nowhere and just felt awkward to me.
How badly did the editor overlook just how often things would LAND with the characters? I swear it was every page. Seriously, rein them in a bit! Wouldn't a proofreader pick up on that, too?
I actually read this one without having read the rest of the series (which is rare for me). I am not going to immediately move to the other books in this series, but if I come across them later, I wouldn't be against picking them up.
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.
April 11, 2026
I loved Wren & Kieran's story... the dialogue is top shelf. The book is fast paced & easy to read/listen to. Loved the characters & the ending. Didn't really care for the LONG 3rd act breakup, but understood it. I loved their time overseas. 🤩
I loved the narrators, they did a great job & the book was easy & delightful to listen to.
This is part of the Defenders Diaries series, as interconnected standalones. All of the books in the series are fantastic! You won't want to miss this great series!
*college hockey romance
*he falls first
*fake dating turns into more
*tutor
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to the author (A J Summers), publisher, narrators, Audible & Booksprout for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the narrators, they did a great job & the book was easy & delightful to listen to.
This is part of the Defenders Diaries series, as interconnected standalones. All of the books in the series are fantastic! You won't want to miss this great series!
*college hockey romance
*he falls first
*fake dating turns into more
*tutor
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to the author (A J Summers), publisher, narrators, Audible & Booksprout for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
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.
May 3, 2026
It was an okay read. The bet was weird off the jump, and the blow up about it was strange too. Then, Kieran and Wren became boring with restraint. Not to mention the trip to the Delta was out of left field.
Isabelle also left with no explanation. She was a menace for a majority of the book, and she's just written off? I feel like I have more questions than answers after everything that happened.
I loved Liam and Erin and their crew bringing Wren into the fold even after the implosion. I also liked Theo and Aubrey.
Isabelle also left with no explanation. She was a menace for a majority of the book, and she's just written off? I feel like I have more questions than answers after everything that happened.
I loved Liam and Erin and their crew bringing Wren into the fold even after the implosion. I also liked Theo and Aubrey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
April 16, 2026
Kieran and Wren's story was interesting. A fake dating romance that turns into more done right. A male character who used to get the girl with no issue has to actually work at it to win the girl. I liked their chemistry. I enjoyed their romantic journey.
I think that the actor read the story decently. It was an easy voice to listen to and I was entertained.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think that the actor read the story decently. It was an easy voice to listen to and I was entertained.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2026
Difficult, fascinating, and down right despicable
Can anyone truly be so cruel and egotistical to think this all about you. The bet was absolutely horrific . if you really needed the queen you could have just called and paid for a call girl. Girls like Isabelle are a dime a dozen. Theo and Wren are something like precious stones waiting to be uncovered.
Kieran and When are something to behold now that Wren has opened Listens eyes.
Can anyone truly be so cruel and egotistical to think this all about you. The bet was absolutely horrific . if you really needed the queen you could have just called and paid for a call girl. Girls like Isabelle are a dime a dozen. Theo and Wren are something like precious stones waiting to be uncovered.
Kieran and When are something to behold now that Wren has opened Listens eyes.
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.
April 4, 2026
Pucking Perfect!
The Pucking Bet is a great story. The characters are dynamic and they have great character development. They endure the plot line and grow with it more than any other story in the series. The outcome of their story is perfectly Keiran and Wren, nothing forced just natural and balanced and so worth the read!
The Pucking Bet is a great story. The characters are dynamic and they have great character development. They endure the plot line and grow with it more than any other story in the series. The outcome of their story is perfectly Keiran and Wren, nothing forced just natural and balanced and so worth the read!
April 4, 2026
Best of the series
I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this one or not. What story could be written that wasn't in the first books. OMG! This wasn't just first romance and fake dating, it was sooo much more! I don't want to give it away, but the development of Kieran and Wren and their story was beautiful, heart wrenching and made it the best book of the series. Great job AJ!!
I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this one or not. What story could be written that wasn't in the first books. OMG! This wasn't just first romance and fake dating, it was sooo much more! I don't want to give it away, but the development of Kieran and Wren and their story was beautiful, heart wrenching and made it the best book of the series. Great job AJ!!
April 11, 2026
Not your typical hockey romcom
Kieran and Wren’s love story has more depth and intellect than your typical hockey romcom. While some parts seem to drag on and some wrapped up too quickly it’s still a fun read that leaves you feeling warm and happy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kieran and Wren’s love story has more depth and intellect than your typical hockey romcom. While some parts seem to drag on and some wrapped up too quickly it’s still a fun read that leaves you feeling warm and happy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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