Grumpy Mother Pucker: an enemies to lovers college hockey romance

by Sarah Smith

I can’t stand Anna St. George.

The bratty and infuriatingly beautiful premed student has always gotten on my nerves, ever since we met in middle school.

But one accidental makeout changes everything.

We’ve always kept our distance, but after that insanely hot hookup, we can’t keep our hands off each other.

One problem: she’s my teammate’s twin sister, which means she’s forever off-limits.

We agree to be secret friends with benefits, nothing more.

I don’t do relationships. I’m one hundred percent focused on hockey and being the best goalie at Hollis U so that I’ll hopefully get drafted into the pros.

But the more time I spend with Anna, the deeper my feelings grow…

I’m obsessed with spoiling her in and out of the bedroom.

She makes me feel seen and cared for in a way I never have before.

If her brother finds out about us, he’ll destroy me.

But I don’t care. Anything’s worth it as long as I have her.

Hollis U book 2! Travis and Anna's book!

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Brother's best friend
He's grumpy, she's feisty
Insta-lust
Touch her and d!e
Secret romance
"Good girl"
Dirty talk
Hate seggs
No 3rd act breakup!

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey Romance, Hockey

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 11, 2026

About the author

Sarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie's stash of romance novels. She's been hooked ever since. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She is also one half of the romance writing duo Sarah Skye. Sarah also writes tearjerker fiction under the name Sarah Echavarre

Reviews

[Simoné Wolmarans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read.

From start to finish, the chemistry and tension were completely off the charts. It definitely leans more toward spice than plot, but honestly, that’s exactly what I was in the mood for and it delivered perfectly.

I really liked both Travis and Anna. Their dynamic was so satisfying to watch unfold, going from hate to undeniable attraction and then into something deeper. The brother’s best friend trope absolutely carried, and I was fully invested the entire time.

Overall, this was entertaining, spicy, and just a really enjoyable escape.

[Emmy Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this book, because the plot was amazing, the romance is a little forbidden and chemistry between Travis and Anna was off the charts, smoking hot. This book is everything you could ever want in a sports romance, it’s about a grumpy hockey goalie, the genius twin sister of his best friend, and an enemies to lovers a with the “will they or won’t they” trope tension. There was so much humour too, with Nick (Anna’s brother) being the ultimate c*ckblock without knowing it; and constantly texting them when they’re with each other. The plot was so fun, with them navigating their relationships but also their careers and school lives, it felt half realistic as opposed to most college romances. I also loved how there was no third act breakup (becuase it’s so dman common nowadays), and the plot was just filled with sweet, spicy, and fun moments that had me hooked from beginning to end. Travis is such a caretaker, yes the grumpy goalie who’s actually a softie trope is very overused, but it sells for a reason. This man calls her “sweet thing”, not only because she likes all things sweet but also because of how she tastes yk…. And the way this man is soo protective, and possessive from the start, even when they’re kinda in this weird situationship ship had me swooning. But honestly any man who knows the molecular structure of glucose is good in my books. Also Anna is a badass, I love a woman in STEM and damn girl her MCAT score was impressive. They’re is impressive individually but I love how they were here for each other in every moment, like Travis dropped everything for her like son many times, and I was just in love with this book. I can’t wait to see what comes next int his series and I give this a 5/5

[Jessie The Great · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this little universe that Sarah Smith has thrown together. These two fit so well together once they realized they were so compatible. I loved their early whoopsie in the garage and am so mad at Kyle for ruining their tryst. Okay it wasn't Kyle's fault - even though Kyle's in general are no good - but it put a stop to a hot session. One thing Sarah excels at is her spicy scenes. Every time I read it, I believe it.

I loved the secret softie hidden in the grumpy goalie. I mean he was very antagonistic to Anna - but she threw it right back. And obviously there is the forbidden aspect that seeing your best friend's sister. She's off-limits - even though it makes Nick the biggest hypocrite, since he did the same thing to Anna... Regardless, it ends up okay. The majority of this book these two seemed to get off on their mutual secret - at the same time, they were so "worried" everything would go wrong.

I am happy that Anna called that nonsense out. There is a good side story that hits toward the end that causes drama and there is no third act breakup! So everyone celebrate. I appreciate that. I think a lot of us do. Anyway, Travis had to take out multiple creeps for Anna. Go off king! Anna stood up for herself multiple times and management took her side. Which is amazing. It's fiction, but we can have a HEA in our imaginary worlds. I loved this book and can't wait for the rest of the series. We have BFs to lovers up next and I'm stoked for it.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I received an ARC from The Smuthood. My opinions are my own.

[Book Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Brother's best friend
He's grumpy, she's feisty
Insta-lust
Touch her and d!e
Secret romance
"Good girl"
Dirty talk
Hate seggs
No 3rd act breakup!

ARC read, thank you to the author and Smuthood PR for an early copy.

This was such a cute read! We’ve gone from best friend’s brother in book 1 to brother’s best friend in book 2. Anna and Travis have hated each other since middle school and, even though they’re now at university, can’t be around each other without bickering. Until an accidental hookup in the dark that just happens to be the hottest thing to ever happen to either of them!

Even though they’re both disgusted when they discover they hooked up, it opens the lid on their attraction to each other, even if they still can’t stand each other. And hate hookups are still hot!

When Travis steps in to rescue Anna from her abusive ex, she sees him in a new light and decides to stop fighting her attraction. Their relationship is super cute, Travis is so grumpy on the outside but soft and romantic on the inside. Not to mention very much in control in the bedroom!

The spice is definitely spicing! I’m a sucker for a pleasure Dom who’s only soft for her, and Travis fits the bill perfectly 🫠

Seeing the way they continue to show up for each other, even when they’re sneaking around, was just gorgeous, as was seeing the way they loved each other so loudly once they were out in the open.

As before, the supporting cast were great, and I can’t wait for the next book!

[Tammy Zadai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hockey romances are some of my favorite books to read and when it is about the goalie? Immediate download. This book was exactly what I needed it to be. It’s the second book in the Hollis U series by Sarah Smith and is a brother’s best friend/ childhood frenemies romance. Anna St. George is a premed student who absolutely cannot stand her brother’s best friend, Hollis U’s goalie Travis Maxton. Anna thinks Travis is a player who can’t spare a smile for anyone. Travis thinks Anna is a know it all who thinks she smarter than anyone. After a case of mistaken identity during a make out session, the heat simmering between them is undeniable. They keep finding themselves drawn to each other and as they spend more time together they realize they really don’t know each other at all despite being in each other’s orbit since middle school. This book had spice, spice and more spice but also great characters and banter. As always in hockey books there was much more underneath the goalie’s grumpiness and Anna was so much more than a brainiac that was determined to make her dream of being a doctor come true. I loved the friendship and the storyline. I’m always a fan when a book doesn’t have a third act break up but I really loved that when the two main characters faced hardships, the outcomes were unexpected. What I predicted to happen was completely wrong and I loved that.
Tropes:
Hockey romance
STEM FMC
Brother’s best friend
Childhood friends
Enemies to lovers
Frenemies with benefits

[Alix Bliffen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hands down one of the best surprise reads of the year for me.

There were so many moments that stood out. I will not list them all on here, but one quote was,
"I don't feel lonely and isolated anymore, like I have to fight my battles on my own. Because I have her. The most incredible girlfriend who stands by my side, no matter what."

I was not expecting Travis to have a reason like he did for being "Grumpy" as Anna likes to claim he is and for her to claim he never has a reason to smile.

For her brother to be his best friend and for her to not know what was going on with him says a lot to how much Nick truly valued Travis as a friend and what it meant to always having his back and being there for him no matter what.

I would want a person like Travis to be there for me in my times of need like he was for Anna. He was at the right place, right time every time she needed him and when he wasn't and she called he always showed up.

They shared something so real and special. This book was everything. I am so glad they both spoke up and didn't hide what they were feeling and that they even shared their concerns about what Nick would think and what it would do to him.

It all works out and the way this book is written is just pure perfection.

Thank you Smuthood Promo and Sarah Smith for letting me read an early copy of this book. I loved every page and I couldn't put this book down!

[Nicoletta Tompros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy hockey player x best friend’s twin sister?? SAY LESS. 🏒

Sarah Smith (the queen of smutty hockey romance) absolutely nailed it again with this one.

This man?? The grumpiest man alive… but somehow also a full-on walking green flag. Make it make sense.

And it all starts with:
“I just had the hottest hookup of my life with a woman I can’t stand… and she thought I was someone else.”

Yeah… that’s where everything spirals.

They go from enemies who cannot stand each other to one hookup that changes everything… and suddenly he’s completely hooked.

Oh and ONE problem:
She’s his teammate’s twin sister, which means she’s completely off-limits.

So obviously… they agree to a secret friends-with-benefits situation.

What I loved most about this book was the balance yes it’s spicy AS F, yes the tension is insane, but it’s also so emotional. Both of them are going through things, and watching them show up for each other and become each other’s safe place?? It hit.

The banter was perfect, their quiet moments (like watching Grey’s Anatomy together) were everything, and the way he runs to her when she needs him?? I was done.

And Travis… my heart actually broke for him.

Also… THE TATTOO AT THE END???
You’re kidding me. I was unwell.

He may be grumpy, but he loves HARD even if he pretends he doesn’t.

Coming May 11th — add this to your TBR immediately.

[pagesofzai · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

I was kindly given an ARC of Grumpy Mother Pucker and this was amazing! from the start this had me hooked, the tension between Travis and Anna was insane!! the attraction and spice between them was palpable, I loved every second of it! they had such good chemistry and their dynamic was so good, I loved their back and forth banter. even their simple moments together were adorable, I loved how they were open and comfortable with each other and were soft when talking, it was so cute. Travis was grumpy but a sweetheart underneath, my heart broke for what he and his mum went through. he’s so protective and caring and supportive, he’s a dream. Anna was so hardworking, I loved her as a character, she was the kindest. this book was so good, it honestly made me feel giddy and like I had a crush! the way they supported each other and loved being in each others company, they were so sweet and intimate together, they really complemented one another. the found family and friendships in this were so wholesome! this was such an easy read, the writing was good and the story flowed, I was hooked and didn’t want to put it down, it’s always this way with Sarah’s books! this was a great read, really enjoyed this! (thank you to Sarah Smith for the ARC, all opinions are my own)
Grumpy Mother Pucker releases May 11!
4.25⭐

[Laced In Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Smuthood for the ARC 🙌
4.25⭐️, I also loved book 1 in the series!
📱Text threads
🔥 Spice
🏒 Hockey romance
😜 Enemies to lovers
👌 Secret hookups
🌶 Brothers best friend
I want to start by saying that I honestly didnt really get the whole 'grumpy' MMC thing... I dont think I would use that word to describe Travis - he has been through a lot and carries a lot on his shoulders. He was incredibly sweet and kind throughout the book so I wasn't sold on the grumpy goalie facade...
Also, I didnt get the enemies to lovers as much as I wanted. I feel maybe a prologue or a few chapters to begin with about their past showing their relationship before might have helped. For me they just said the words I hate you then jumped eachothers bones and then became an incredibly sweet (no pun intended) couple.
However I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and would definitely recommend reading!
Anna mistakes brothers best friend and goalie Travis for someone else in the dark and things get steamy 🔥 when the lights are back on she realises her mistake - it wont happen again...
Until it does! Several times... 👌😜
The pair then hookup in secret and lean on eachother in times of need like a true sweet couple.
I loved the spice, the attraction and care between the pair. I liked both characters and also the found family elements.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Can’t never get enough of Sarah Smith!! If she writes it, I read it, that's it. In her previous book we met Anna, a walking brain loyal with a nemesis; and Travis, the grumpy goalie of Hollis U Hockey team, and Anna’s nemesis since middle school. And like in every tale, that hate turned in lust and then, care.
Anna has a dream, she wants to be a doctor, and she works so hard and studies a lot to get it; Travis wants to go pro, that way he could take care of her mother and makes his dream come true.
They knew each other since middle school, but they didn't get along. Now in College, they still hate each other but, after an accidental hook up, something changed.
The attraction evolves in lust and then care, pure and deep care and love. So great this book, that I can't wait for the next one.

Tropes you can find in this book.
- Hate to love
- Childhood acquaintance
- Enemies to lovers
- Collegue romance
- Hockey romances
- Grumpy/nerd
- NO 3rd act break Up
- Harrasment experience
- Dual 1st person POV
- Found family

This book is clearly an open-door book, and, as always with a Sarah Smith book, those scenes are great, lots a feelings, and lust...Cheff's kiss.

My ratings:
4,5/5⭐
2/5🌶️

I’ve received this book as an ARC and I’d like to thank the author, Sarah Smith for letting me read this book in advance and allow me to give my honest opinion.

[Ems · Rating 4 out of 5]

The grumpy Hollis U goalie, Travis ends up hooking up with a team mates sister he can't stand, by mistake, but now he can't get her out of his mind.
Anna can't stand Travis arrogant, grumpy ass, but one mistake in a dark room changed the entire dynamics between the two.

This book was so funny, Travis and Anna really unlocked new sides of each other! And oh my god, i did not forsee that much open door action :o🔥

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars, because at times it was a bit too much open door action and not enough personal interaction between the two, and there were a few times I felt their personalities seemed forced somehow. But i still enjoyed the book, it was so fun to read about Travis and Anna and how they went from disliking each other so much to lovers to more💕 their other sides was a joyful to see come alive. They both stumble across hindrance, one that disgusted me so much!(applause to Sarah Smith for writing such a awsome disgusting person!) And one that was so annoying! Sarah writes in a easy going way, with full of sassy and bratty comebacks, and its always a joy to read the hockey series, I take them all to my heart💕

I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a lot of open door action and romcom.

[Amanda Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hockey and a brother best friend romance?!?! Those are two of my favorite things!!

Our FMC Anna is smart, dedicated and driven! She wants to be a doctor and works hard for her passion! Our MMC Travis is a grumpy goalie from the college hockey team and is always serious and cranky.

I love a sunshine/grumpy troupe as well! And it is SO well done. They are both under different stressors in their lives and grew up together but not together! Travis is her twin brother best friend since middle school so why they weren’t friends and didn’t hang out a whole lot but they were always around each other.

They find something in each other to comfort the stress they both carry on their shoulders and learn things they never knew about one another and the tension and spice is so damn hot! They are also hiding their situation-ship-to-relationship they both keep hidden from her brother and man when it comes out does she really put her brother on his place! She tells him! This was such a good fun and super spicy read and I loved every minute of it! I read this all in one sitting because once I started I could not put it down!!

Thank you TheSmuthood for choosing me for the ARC read!!

[Lemonnyyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

💙🏒Grumpy Mother Pucker by Sarah Smith🏒💙

377 Pages

Hollis U Book 2

Oh my gosh! This book has such a hook for an opening, their distaste for each other is palpable and I am lapping it all up like its my last meal.

Being back at Hollis U as well as into Sarah's books is like coming home and it's one I do not want to leave. 
There is so much I want to say about this book but I cannot give it all away!
Both Anna and Travis are beyond perfect for one and other and I absolutely love how it all went down when others find out! I absolutely love seeing the previous couples in the same series make appearances but I love it even more when we see couple from couples from the Denver Bashers! Also did I sense a tease for a 2nd gen series 👀.

I would highly recommend this book as well as anything else Sarah writes, the found family in both series is just absolutely incredible! For Fans of Hockey Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Brothers Best Friend, Secret Relationship, and a whole bunch of Spicy Goodness.

[Leigh-Ann Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of Grumpy Mother Pucker by Sarah Smith

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶.5 /5

I devoured this one the second it hit my Kindle - such a fun, easy read. This series just keeps getting better and better!

Travis and Anna’s story was everything I hoped for and more! Give me enemies-to-lovers mixed with brother’s best friend, and I’m all in!! The tension between them has been ongoing since Cocky Mother Pucker, so getting their own book felt like the payoff we were waiting for.

Travis definitely leans into that grumpy exterior, but watching his walls come down especially with Anna and Ivy added so much depth to his character. It made those softer moments hit that much harder.

I’m obsessed with the world Sarah has created and already counting down to Blake’s story next!!

What To Expect:
🏒 Enemies to lovers
🏒 Brother's best friend
🏒 He's grumpy, she's feisty
🏒 Insta-lust
🏒 "Touch her and d!e"
🏒 Secret romance
🏒 "Good girl"
🏒 Dirty talk
🏒 Hate sex
🏒 No third-act breakup!

#HollisUSeries #SarahSmith #ARCReview #LivingMyBestBookishLife

[Lisa G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. First time reading one of Sarah’s books.

Grumpy Mother Pucker was such a fun, addictive read—I couldn’t put it down.

This is one of those perfect enemies-to-lovers/brother’s-best-friend romances where the tension has been building for years. Anna and Travis have known each other since middle school, and they argue constantly… but it’s very clear there’s something more under the surface. Travis is the grumpy, hockey-playing goalie, and Anna is focused on becoming a doctor—total opposites, but it just works.

That birthday party scene?? Lives rent free in my head. Anna going into the dark garage looking for her crush and just going for it… only to realize she’s been making out with Travis the whole time 😭 And then she says the wrong name and everything crashes down—SO good.

From that point on, I was hooked. The banter, the tension, the slow shift from enemies to something real—I was rooting for them the entire time. And Travis?? Did not expect him to turn into such a top-tier book boyfriend, but here we are.

Overall, a solid 4-star read for me. If you love hockey romance, built-up tension, and that “we’ve always been it for each other” vibe, this is definitely a must-read.

[Rebecca Angevine · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC REVIEW***
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

I was really excited about getting the ARC for this book after how much I enjoyed the first book.

I loved the enemies to lovers troupe but also throwing in that it was her brother’s best friend made it ten times better. You could tell even with them not getting along that they had the tension and banter that is always shows sign that there’s something more they just don’t know it yet.

I’m always a fan of a book where both the MMC and the FMC learn and grow together through their separate struggles. For Travis he had to learn to let people in and to show them who he really is and know that not everyone is going to be like his dad. For Anna she had to learn that she can and will succeed in getting the career that she wants and also have that balance of work and personal. Plus not every guy is going to leave if they are the one. It was a beautiful thing to see happen for both of them and loved that we didn’t have to go through any third act breakup.

Really looking forward to Blake and Briar’s book!!!!! 😁

[Pages With Teastains · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travis and Anna can't stand each other, but one night when they accidentally make out, everything changes.

This was such a heart-warming story, and it gave me so many happy feels throughout. The chemistry was off the charts, and the tension between them was perfectly built.

Travis is the absolute best book boyfriend! He's protective of the ones he loves. He cares deeply, and he is just so damn sweet to Anna. He's possessive of her, but not in the red-flag kind of way. He has his moments of being bossy and filthy, especially when it comes to the spicy scenes. He's a sweet guy with a filthy mouth!

Anna is feisty and also off-limits to Travis because she's the twin sister of his teammate and best friend. She has such determination to achieve her goals, and I love how she stands up for herself, even when it could mean she loses the one thing she's working towards. I love a strong FMC.

This is the first book by Sarah Smith that I've read, and I'll definitely be back for the next one!

[fictional_flirts · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC*
Honestly, I love a hate to love moment bc I just feel the tension is so good, and the author def nailed the tension aspect. I enjoyed most things about the book, like the characters and the plot, but my main issue was the pacing. I understand it takes place over a few months, but it felt rushed in some places and slow in others. I think Anna and Travis were really cute and wholesome with their dedication and FOR ONCE actually admitted their feelings for each other without dancing around it for ages. I cannot stand when authors make characters hide their true feelings for forever but Sarah did not so I was happy. The spicy scenes were delicious and dirty, just the way I like it, and there wasn’t heaps of repetition so I kept reading them. I also didn’t love Nick as a character, and btw I did not read his book, but he just felt so annoying and cocky in a way that I didn't like. I may have felt different if I had read is book. Honestly, a really quick and enjoyable hockey romance with plenty of good spice and cute moments

[Stephanie Mayhem.and.MoodReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏒Hockey Romance
🩵Brothers Best Friend
🏒Enemies to Lovers
🩵Secret Relationship
🏒He’s Grumpy X She’s Feisty

-ARC received, all opinions are my own-
I really liked the characters in this story. Travis the grumpy goalie and Anna, the bratty, smart mouthed brainiac. Who both turned into marshmallows when they realize that maybe that don’t hate each other like they thought they did!
The characters were built up well, individually. But I felt like things were a little inconsistent in the character building as a whole. They’ve known each other since middle school and he is best friends with her brother, but his mom doesn’t know her? Or just things that even if they weren’t close, the fact that the mmc was so close to her brother for so many years they should have known about one another. Despite the minor hiccups, I did enjoy the overarching story and how Travis and Anna’s relationship grew.

[Alexis Fennell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC!!


At first I didn’t know how I felt about Travis but now I’m asking How do you not fall in love with grumpy Travis! Ik his best friend’s sister Anna couldn’t resist it!


In my opinion the grumpy goalie for sure falls first. This book shows struggles of sickness, broken families, found families, and solid friendships! The enemies to lovers aspect was good I just wish we would have had more. It didn’t seem like they were enemies just annoyed with each other! The spice was good too but it could have been amazing if he put Anna on top of some more things 😂😂 I really enjoyed both main characters. They didn’t really have any negative qualities which is perfect for the lovey nature of this book! I hated that we didn’t get very much about side characters but that’s what the future books are for!! 💕 The surprise at the end was so freakin creative I absolutely adored it!!!!! 🥰🥰

[Shannon Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced copy e book from the author

THIS BOOK!! My expectations were met then exceeded then blown away! I loved it!! This is a hockey romance in a league of its own!

Travis cannot stand his best friends sister Anna who’s feelings for Travis are mutual that is until a mistaken identity hookup that leads to some serious angst and longing that changed everything for them! As feelings grow and tensions rise these two must figure out what they are and how they feel about each other all while keeping it a secret from Anna’s brother Kyle .

This book had some of the best spicy scenes I have read in a long time, the way these two are practically made for each other! The chemistry is intense and I could not put this down I had to know what happens!

I refuse to hear the words “Good Girl” ever again unless they come out of this man’s mouth!!!

Sarah Smith delivered an amazing sports romance and I can’t wait to read more from her!

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kicking and screaming at Travvie and his obsession. We all know goalies are a special breed and Travis Maxton is no different, he's grumpy, he owns that crease and he's a six foot something of hotness. He's also never got on with his best friends twin sister, Anna St George (legendary St Georges from Sarah's books!!) The heat off these two when bickering is insane, so of course when they're done with the bickering and banter, they have you melting. Even before they were friends, Travis kept Anna in his orbit, masking his feelings with the hate for her but we all know better and boy was he obsessed when he got the chance to shine. Protective, possessive and patient, all the best P's. No 3rd act break up because that's my jam, and Sarah Smith books are definitely my jam.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Kristen Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy Mother Pucker would be my favorite book of this series thus far. I have always had a soft spot for Grumpy Goalies. There is just something about them. Travis is the perfect embodiment of the Grumpy Goalie. He is quiet, possessive, dominant, and just so sweet in the inside for the perfect person. Travis is walking Green Flags. He was described as "the Grumpy hockey goalie who just so happens to be equal parts bossy sex demin and sweetheart in bed." I just adore Travis.

Sarah Smith knocked this one out of the park. There were sweet moments, hot and spicy moments, and a few tense moments. She touched on so many different subjects in this one book. I cannot wait to see what else she may come up with.

You can expect to see:
🏒 best friends brother x twin sister
🏒 Grumpy Goalie
🏒 sickly sweet moments
🏒 secret relationship
🏒 sexy jersey picture

[Chiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hollis U Books deserve 5 stars just because of the covers. This one and Cocky Mother Pucker are some of the best I've ever seen!

Having said that, I was hooked from book one by Anna and Travis, they hated each other since high school and I was so intrigued if something could have happened between them.

And Sarah did not disappoint. The way they hooked up the first time was honestly chef's kiss, I freakishly enjoyed it so much and I kept coming for more and more and more.

The way their connection developed from hate to love into the full blown love they shared at the end of the book, was fantastic. How they relied on each other about their innermost feelings, fears and desires; their banter, the spice, basically everything in this book did it for me

Thank you Sarah Smith and The Smuthood for the gifted arc. All opinions are my own

[Keles Wyntor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy from the author.

This book has everything: Grumpy/sunshine, hockey, brother’s best friend, secret relationship, protective boyfriend etc. on top of having literally all of the best tropes, this story had so much heart. Travis, while grumpy and brooding, had a lot going on that Anna didn’t know about. Travis’s character was written so well. It was just Travis dealing with a lot, Anna also had struggles. I loved how they supported each other through the struggles and that just made them stronger. I was also very happy that there wasn’t a third act break up! Anna and Travis’s relationship was developed so well that a third act break up would have been shocking. If you love hockey romance, and even if you don’t, I highly recommend reading this book!

[Rebecca Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Where to begin? This spicyyyyy enemy to lovers story line was on fire. So much so that I devoured it in under 24 hours.

I am not a sporty girl in real life, but who knew I’d be hooked on a hockey romance 2 minutes in? Sarah has definitely left me needing more hockey in my life.

The tension, the walking red flags turned green, the situations that turned out completely different than how I expected them to… All of it just hit every mark I needed it to. I simply can’t wait to read more from Sarah Smith!

If you are a fan of enemy to lovers, hockey romance, brothers best friend, a little bit (or a lot) of obsession, spice and major green flag behaviour, you’ll love Grumpy Mother Pucker.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I did it again everyone! I read another book in one day. I had the pleasure of reviewing this book early because I was added to the ARC team. Thank you so much for the opportunity Sarah Smith! Hockey romance books are my Achilles heel and this one did not disappoint.

Mr Grumpy aka Travis, is the perfect broody, misunderstood goalie for Hollis U. And this man, falls for his best friends twin sister. The beginning of this book took off fast with a dark garage and an accidental passionate moment that turned to romance 🥰 I ate this book up, Anna is the perfect sour patch kid and the glucose molecule tattoo 🖤😈🖤 Made my heart melt! Loved this book! Would highly recommend! Oh and the 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ was defiantly there everyone if you were worried! It won’t disappoint 💀

[Nat’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 rounded to 5

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a grumpy hockey goalie. Travis is such an amazing character and I love his relationship with Anna. The history they have together as frenemies just adds to the tension. I love Anna’s intelligent and witty banter with Travis which makes the spicy scenes that much more delicious!

I recommend this novel to those that like hockey romances, loathe to love, a grumpy yet protective MMC, and the brother’s best friend trope.

Thank you to Smuthood and the author for letting me be part of this ARC. Please note all reviews are my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Lisa Raham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is new to me, so I was unsure of what to expect with this advanced reader copy.
This book was so good! I'm typically not a fan of insta-lust, I'm a slow burn girlie for sure. However this was so well done, the element of having them hate each other to start made it absosulte fire.
The spice was top tier as well. It started out pretty much like hate f***ing lol but devloped slowly and bloomed into hot intense love making.
The mmc was so protective and sweet to her out of the bedroom and cocky and bossy in the bedroom. Serious book boyfriend perfection!
I will be going back to read more from this author for sure!

[morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW ❤️❤️
it’s official after reading Grumpy Mother Puckers, @authorsarahs is my favorite author and I’m not even exaggerating. 😭🩷
@authorsarahs is such an amazing author and all her books are top tier and Grumpy Mother Pucker is no exception. She has quickly become one of my go to authors and favorite author and I do not say that lightly. I cannot stop reading her books 🩵‼️
She deserves all the hype and appreciation for her books because they are truly wonderful.
She is the absolute queen of spicy hockey romance books 🥵 🌶️
I cannot stop reading her books and falling absolutely in love with all of her characters. 🥰🤭