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Hollis U #2

Grumpy Mother Pucker: an enemies to lovers college hockey romance

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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!

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2026

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About the author

Sarah Smith

24 books1,005 followers
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

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
Profile Image for Sim-fully Ever After.
402 reviews52 followers
May 16, 2026
5🌟, 3🌶️

This book gave me the biggest smile from start to finish.

It had everything I love in a college hockey romance: crackling tension, incredible chemistry, plenty of spice, and a relationship that felt genuinely sweet beneath all the heat. It was such a fun, addictive read, and I was hooked from the first chapter.

Travis and Anna were so much fun together. Their banter was sharp, their chemistry was absolutely unreal, and the tension between them was off the charts. Travis is the perfect grumpy hero, all broody and intimidating on the outside but incredibly sweet, protective, and caring underneath. Anna is brilliant, hardworking, and so easy to root for. I loved how naturally they fit together and how their relationship felt just as tender and supportive as it was spicy.

More than anything, this book made me feel giddy. It was funny, swoony, and seriously hot, with wholesome found family moments and a couple I could not get enough of. Travis and Anna were pure magic.

This was the kind of romance that makes you feel all warm and happy inside.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Sarah Smith & The Smuthood for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Profile Image for Simoné Wolmarans.
638 reviews19 followers
May 5, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Joanna Marzetti.
205 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2026
ARC REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️

I received this ARC and really appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.

This was such a fun follow-up to the first Hollis U book. I really enjoyed Cocky Mother Pucker, so I was excited to jump back into this world, and Sarah Smith’s writing continues to be light, fun, and super easy to binge.

The story follows Travis, the grumpy goalie and twin brother’s best friend, and Anna, the ambitious future med student who has spent most of her life exchanging jabs and banter with him. Their dynamic was honestly one of my favorite parts because they truly never liked each other growing up, so the enemies-to-lovers tension felt natural and believable.

I loved getting more insight into both of their backstories and realizing how much they misunderstood each other over the years. Their chemistry was there from the start, and once the attraction kicked in, it was impossible for either of them to ignore it, no matter how hard they tried.

Travis was peak grumpy goalie energy: introverted, serious, hockey-obsessed, and secretly soft underneath it all. And Ana was such a strong FMC. Intelligent, driven, and focused on her future while still having great banter with Travis.

My only small critique was that the secrecy around their relationship felt a little drawn out at times, especially considering the circumstances, but overall it didn’t take away from how enjoyable the story was.

No third-act breakup, solid tension, fun chemistry, and a cute college hockey romance? Absolutely a good time.

Read this if you love:

* Enemies to lovers
* Brother’s best friend
* Grumpy goalie MMCs
* Secret dating
* College hockey romance
* Banter-heavy couples

Final thought: We love a grumpy goalie who only smiles for her.
Profile Image for Emmy Wong.
532 reviews22 followers
May 6, 2026
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
Profile Image for Destiny Parrish.
63 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨

Thank you Smuthood and Sarah Smith for the opportunity to ARC read Grumpy Mother Pucker.

This book is an instant favorite and I didn’t want it to end. I love a good grumpy goalie who has his life turned upside down by someone he least expected.

After an accidental hookup in the dark, it turned things on its axis for these two in the best way possible. Travis being the broody goalie, and Anna is this brilliant girl wanting to become a doctor. The bickering, the banter and the support between the two main characters is perfect… but the spice 🥵 there’s nothing else like it. The way Travis and Anna fight for one another is so perfect! And I’m so glad to see Colin got what he deserved… asshole.

Seeing how with the help of Travis, Anna was finally able to stand up for herself and that was the best thing in my mind. She has the confidence to do it, but knows that if she needs him, Travis is always there to help her.
101 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2026
Another great hockey romance by Sarah Smith. Again two very attractive college kids, but I loved their initial hatred for each other. The enemies to lovers trope was interesting. And just like in all of Sarah's hockey romances: no third act break-up: yeay!!!

The only aspect I didn't truely get was that Travis all of a sudden understood all of Anna's behavior in the past. First he hated everything about her, including her nerdy being Mrs. Know it all, and then he says: God, I love your intelligence. That was a bit too much for my taste.

But otherwise: great read. Can't wait to read the next one :-)
Profile Image for Katya De.
122 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2026
Thank you Sarah Smith and The Smuthood for the ARC of Grumpy Mother Pucker.

This is very much a feel-good, comfort read with a decent amount of spice and a few heavier emotional topics mixed in. It definitely leans more toward spice than plot, but honestly, sometimes that is exactly the mood.

I do wish the banter had been a bit stronger throughout the whole book, because Anna and Travis were genuinely really cute together.
Watching them slowly let their guard down and become each other’s safe place ended up being my favourite part of the story.

It is cheesy at times. But in the kind of way where you just accept it because you’re having fun. Also, bonus points for characters actually communicating instead of creating drama for no reason.

🖤 Final thoughts:
A fun, spicy college hockey romance with a soft emotional core, good communication, and two characters that were easy to root for. Perfect if you want something comforting, steamy, and easy to binge
Profile Image for Dani.
85 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank You Sarah Smith & The Smuthood for the ARC, these are my own thoughts and opinions!

I was so interested in Travis and Anna's dynamic in Cocky Mother Pucker, so having this follow their story line was the best. The hate to love for them was sloppy and steamy and I loved every single second.
The dual POV in this was *everything* Travis was 🥵, the dirty talk, the way he took the time to figure Anna out AND went out his way to protect her and keep her safe multiple times, was a few of my favourite parts! I really grew to respect Anna as the story went on, as she stood up for herself and was truthful when it potentially could have hurt her (iykyk). Colin was trash and he got everything he deserved!!
The only part that wasn't my favourite was when they were finally caught; I thought it was going to be more explosive and it left me wanting a bit more. However, I loved this one and am so happy we got to see Travis and Anna finally end up together!
Profile Image for Kira Wall.
182 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2026
Sarah Smith does it again! Grumpy Mother Pucker is hot, steamy, and swoony! I am in love with the banter between Anna and Travis. I also love that Travis is like the sour patch candy that Ava loves so much. He is grumpy and broody on the outside but such a sweet and caregiving man on the inside.

Anna is Travis' best friend's twin sister and they have always argued and disliked each other since middle school. He thinks she's a know it all and she thinks he's a dumb jock with an attitude problem. Until one mistaken make out session when they both think they are someone else shows them just how easily that dislike can turn into want and need.

This book is incredibly spicy and I love that Travis is bossy with Anna but also very respectful and checks in with her at every turn to make sure she's comfortable. That is top tier green flag behavior! Travis is definitely top book boyfriend material!
10/10 definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Shannon.
439 reviews
May 11, 2026
Thank you to author Sarah Smith for the arc! I loved Travis and Anna and their enemies-to-lovers romance. I especially loved how their relationship progressed from hate to love with almost no doubt that they were becoming something more significant to each other which made this the perfect no third act breakup book. I also appreciated that there was plenty of spice and that they were well matched in the bedroom. I have enjoyed both books in the Hollis U series and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
46 reviews
May 12, 2026
A million and one stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book has my heart. Anna and Travis are absolutely adorable and I LOVE a communicating couple!! They were so mature with each other once they got past their middle school annoyance. 🤣 I will now be rereading this book whenever I need a cute, spicy, pick me up!
Profile Image for Angela.
126 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
May 11, 2026
These two definitely know how turn up the heat. Travis and Anna have known each other since middle school. Travis is not only her brother's teammate but his best friend for years. Anna and Travis have never been friends and loved to hate each other when forced to be in the same vicinity. Their snarky banter was legendary. They were the least obvious couple in their friends group. Then one night a case of mistaken identity changed everything. That night was electric and mind-blowing. They had two options, pretend it didn't happen and ignore each other or embrace the passion but keep it under wraps so no one finds out. What do you think is the best option.

Well I personally would embrace it as long as no one gets hurt but these two can't put the past in the past and they try option one. The only problem is that they both can't forget how hot they burned together. Now each interaction is tinged with sexual tension and not only annoyance. The fighting now seems like foreplay. Can they hide this new development from her brother and their friends?

Anna has always been one of the smartest people in the room along with her best friend Poppy. Now Poppy is dating her brother, making him distracted and in a much better mood. Anna is always extremely busy with classes, studying or tutoring on campus. She is serious about her grades because she wants to get into a top medical school. She hasn't put a lot of emphasis on dating because of her dreams. She won't let anything or anyone derail her. She isn't an innocent though and her exes do make her life more difficult than necessary.

Travis has been the protector of the team, the goalie, for a long time. He is very protective of the people he cares about. His high school years weren't easy with his Dad leaving when his mom got sick. He had to juggle school, hockey, and looking after her. Even now making sure she is alright is always on his mind. When his focus should be on school or hockey, its still with her. Now someone else is his focus and he will protect her too. They might be a secret but he cares about her more than he is willing to admit.

Soon they are sneaking around and having a lot of fun. They are having quiet nights in and not so quiet nights as well. Feelings became real and thoughts of the future together are not so scary. The scariest part is the thought of going public, admitting that they are everything to the other. Can what they have in private be even better once everyone knows? Can they both have their dream careers or would they have to compromise? I think these two can survive anything thrown their way and come out stronger together. I loved Travis and Anna. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves Hockey romance especially college hockey. Both books in this series are amazing!

Thank you Sarah Smith and The Smuthood for the ARC and the opportunity to review this wonderful book!
Profile Image for Lindsey Adams.
1,392 reviews27 followers
May 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Another fantastic book by Sarah Smith has landed! Book 2 in the Hollis U series, Grumpy Mother Pucker, has it all. Laugh out loud moments, witty banter, spice, tension so thick you can cut it, and an off limits romance that brings the drama. I found myself instantly drawn into our MCs storylines. It becomes clear early on, these two don’t know the first thing about each other, rather they have created assumptions from what they see versus what they experience. But this helps lay the groundwork for when a line is crossed these two can’t stay away from each other. Sarah has given us two characters that remind us to not judge someone before getting to know them.

Travis and Anna have known each other since middle school. Anna’s twin brother, Nick, is best friends with Travis, so they see one another a lot. From the beginning they are like oil and water. Constantly bickering, making snide comments about the other, but if you read between the lines, it is easy to see there is something more bubbling under the surface. A spur of the moment make out session brings takes that bubbling to a full on boiling over, as now that these two have tasted each other, they don’t want to stop. Thus a secret relationship ensues, but it isn’t long before lust becomes love and real, meaningful feelings are developing.

I really loved how Sarah made it apparent, these two have really never gotten to know each other. As they get closer, Anna sees Travis in a new light and realizes that a lot of her original thoughts were wrong and based on nothing but hearsay. It is the same for Travis. Having seen Anna as his best friend’s sister only, he realizes he has missed out on getting to know a smart, funny, and beautiful woman. Their relationships with Nick are also hanging over their heads, as they don’t want him to find out, but know they can’t avoid him forever.

Sarah gives us so much in this book, beyond great spice and flirtatious banter. There is heart to this story as these two navigate their growing affection towards each other. When finally faced with having to come clean with Nick, they stand firm together and don’t let him dictate what they want. Travis really shined for me, as you get to know him on a deeper level and what he is experiencing. This book is a good read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🏒Enemies to Lovers
🩺Brother’s Best Friend
🏒Teammate’s Sister
🩺PreMed FMC
🏒Hockey Goalie MMC
🩺Secret Romance
🏒Grumpy x Feisty
🩺Hockey Romance
🏒Touch Her and 💀
Profile Image for Jessica Tittermary Culp.
93 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2026
I recently read Grumpy Mother Pucker by Sarah Smith, and this was a true enemies-to-lovers, brother’s best friend hockey romance. While I really enjoyed the book overall, the beginning felt a little slow and repetitive at times as we bounced back and forth between Anna and Travis’s POVs. We were often getting the same scenes and conversations from both perspectives, and some of the language and thoughts felt a bit duplicative.

Thankfully, that didn’t last too long because once this story picked up, I was hooked. I really appreciated how the relationship development unfolded between Anna and Travis. Their connection was built on contradictions, tension, misunderstandings, and slowly learning who the other person really was underneath all the walls they had up.

What really made their relationship work for me was how deeply their abandonment issues shaped the way they reacted to each other. Travis is still carrying wounds from his father abandoning him, while Anna is dealing with the fallout and emotional damage from her past relationship with her TA. You could really see how those insecurities fueled their reactions, fears, and eventually the third-act blowups between them.

At its core though, their relationship became about support and showing up for one another - something neither of them was truly used to. I loved that their bond wasn’t just physical attraction, but learning how to trust someone enough to lean on them.

Of course, the biggest complication was Anna’s brother, who also happens to be Travis’s lifelong best friend. Before Anna, he was Travis’s person - the keeper of all his secrets and the one who’s been by his side since elementary school. The sneaking around added tension, but I actually appreciated that the fallout when everything came out was handled quickly and rationally instead of being dragged out for unnecessary drama.

This was such a solid hockey romance that hit a ton of favorite tropes while still feeling emotionally grounded. The spice was descriptive and well done, but I especially appreciated that the story focused on the build-up, tension, foreplay, and emotional connection first instead of rushing straight into bed together.

Overall, Grumpy Mother Pucker delivered the angst, chemistry, emotional depth, and satisfying HEA that make hockey romances so addictive, and by the end I was fully invested in Anna and Travis’s story.
Profile Image for Alayna Humphrey.
24 reviews
May 17, 2026
Dare I say I enjoyed this enemies to lovers romance story even more than book 1 of this series!

Anna and Travis had undeniable tension and chemistry when we met them in book 1, and that carried over into their own book. Having always been vastly different growing up, the 2 have always gone the relationship route of sarcasm, slight digs, and extreme exasperation at the other's presence.

Only after a super spontaneous, HOT, and accidental almost hook up mix-up at Travis' 21st birthday, do Anna & Travis start to wonder if there is more to the other than what they've always seen on the surface.

Both having to deal with heavy & real life problems *trigger warnings for parent with cancer, abandoment of parent during sickness, abuse of power & blackmail involving academics* and on several occasions, Travis comes to Anna's aid and rescue when he finds out she is in trouble/danger. It's in these moments that Anna recognizes that maybe Travis doesn't actually hate her.

"He's not selfish. He's not a jerk who doesn't care about my feelings. Not even close." (Ch. 17)

And while Travis helps Anna in more physical situations, Anna helps Travis in healing the emotions he never lets himself feel. There's a lot of emotional breakthrough with Travis when it comes to conversations had with his Mom and with Anna.

"When we break apart, the look in his eyes has softened. He still looks sad, but there's a gleam of hope. A spark. And it's because of me." (Ch. 46)

Travis may not have a sweet tooth, but he is HELLA sweet on Anna. And remember at the beginning when I said their accidental almost hook up was HOT? It stays steaming throughout the book. Where Travis (who tends to be a man of few words) knows just the right things to say and the best way to use his mouth.

A wonderful read that gives you the full rollercoaster of emotional growth through a romance blooming without a third act break up. The 2 of them leaning on each other for support and stregnth is what makes this reationship so swoonworthy.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
33 reviews
May 13, 2026
Grumpy Mother Pucker is book 2 in the Hollis U series and it follows Travis and Anna. The chemistry between Travis and Anna from beginning to end was intense and undeniable! Travis and Anna are constantly bickering with one another and they simply cannot stand each other. Even the scenes of them together in Cocky Mother Pucker had them bickering with one another over anything and everything. Their constant banter just adds to their sexual tension and it is the perfect set up for a great enemies to lovers trope.

Anna is the twin sister is Travis’ best friend and teammate, Nick. Which means according to bro code, she should be off limits. Travis and Anna have never been attracted to one another, however, everything changes once they accidentally hookup. After their hookup they can’t stop thinking of one another and begin to see each other in a different light. Noticing things that they didn’t notice about one another before. No matter how hard they both try, they can’t stay away from one other.

Travis is such a protective and possessive grump. The way he steps up to protect Anna from situations where other people made her feel uncomfortable had me swooning. Despite being a grump, he is a complete softie who cares deeply for the people close to him and would do anything for them. I found it especially hilarious when Ivy (Travis’ mom) was showing Anna Travis’ baby photos. He was simply born a grump who loves chicken and hates everything sweet 🤣

Both Travis and Anna suffer from imposter syndrome, which I feel like most people can relate to. And what I loved about their relationship was how supportive they were of each other. Providing words of encouragement and simply being there for one another with no questions asked and without any hesitations.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Grumpy Mother Pucker, it was such a great follow up to Cocky Mother Pucker. Travis and Anna truly turned up the heat in this one. It was such a fun and light hearted read! I can’t wait to see what happens next in the Hollis U series!
Profile Image for Kirstie.
57 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy
May 10, 2026
This was a fun and quick little read.
I wouldn’t necessarily I classify this as enemies to lovers, more like dislike to lovers.
The plot is definitely spice-heavy, but the friends-with-benefits dynamic made this plausible and less of an issue, and there were plenty of meaningful moments woven in throughout. I loved watching them break down their misconceptions about each other and slowly build something real. They showed up for each other in difficult moments, and their chemistry was great from the start. The tension early on was especially well done, I enjoyed their dynamic, they matched each other’s freak in the best ways.
I did like how the situation with Anna and her TA was handled in the end, how she spoke her truth and was heard and he was dealt with accordingly. I really wanted to punch that guy. A lot. I was a bit underwhelmed with the conversation with his fiancée too, it felt it was short and sort of downplayed for the magnitude of the situation.
While I was glad the situation with Travis was a positive conclusion it felt less realistic in some aspects, especially within a professional sports organization, but it handled the subject matter of privacy for public figures and people making assumptions without information well.
I had a brief moment where I reconsidered how much I liked Nick near the end, but Anna calling out his double standards was handled really well, and I appreciated that he listened, reflected, and reacted accordingly. He’s clearly a great friend to Travis, so I’m glad.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. It’s low drama, low angst, and thankfully skips the dramatic third-act breakup. The relationship is allowed to naturally develop and grow.
If you enjoy spicy sports romances with low angst, solid chemistry, and some genuinely lovely moments, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to The Smuthood for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Vicky.
106 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, and as a huge dark romance girlie, it was a nice palate cleanser.

The banter between Travis and Anna at the start was what first got me hooked. It had that lovely, sharp energy that makes the enemies phase feel genuinely fun rather than just an obstacle. But the book really shifted for me during that first moment they spent together, when he realized she’d mistaken him for someone else. My heart absolutely went out to him there. You could feel the sting of embarrassment and the sudden spike of insecurity. It made him feel so much more human and vulnerable than your typical MMC character.

Everything began to make sense when you realise why he was so guarded, and how much he has to deal with. It really hurt seeing him struggle under the weight of his mum being ill, and his dad walking out on them both at the same time. When he has that moment of panic and thinks something is wrong with his mum, it just breaks my heart. He is such a well-written character, and everyone will want him as their book boyfriend, especially when you see what a softie he is at heart. He is constantly going out of his way to make Anna happy, even when they were still firmly in the “just friends” territory. There was no ego in it, just a genuine desire to look after her.

I also really loved the dynamic with her brother and the rest of the team. There’s something so steady about the way they always show up to defend him, even when he isn’t expecting it. That sense of loyalty made the scene where her brother finally finds out about the relationship even better. Seeing her stand her ground and show her brother that she was willing to fight for Travis, and that Travis was someone worth fighting for, was exactly the moment the story needed. It felt like a proper, hard-earned partnership.
Profile Image for Principesa.
24 reviews
May 12, 2026
If you love an enemies‑to‑lovers trope fueled by petty misunderstandings, long‑held grudges, and two people who would rather spontaneously combust than admit they’re into each other… this book is for you!

Sarah Smith’s second Hollis U installment brings Travis and Anna front and center, and yes, you can read this as a standalone. But if you skip book one, you’re depriving yourself of premium slow‑burn tension and swooning.

Travis and Anna have known each other their entire lives—he’s her twin brother’s best friend, which means they’ve had years to perfect their bickering. He’s convinced she’s a know‑it‑all; she’s certain he’s a judgmental grump. They’re both wrong, but they’re too busy snarking to actually talk. Then they accidentally make out in a dark garage at a party. Oops. When the lights flip on, the horror is mutual… but so is the “oh no, that was actually really hottt!” energy. And that’s when things get delicious!

Their dynamic is pure gold. Travis is protective and sweet in that quietly devastating way—he’ll boss her around, then immediately soften it with a gentle “Is that okay?” that could melt steel. Anna is stubborn, spicy, and just bratty enough to keep him on his toes. She pokes at his emotional walls until they crumble, and he steadies her in ways she didn’t know she needed. Together, they’re a perfect storm of tension, tenderness, and “I can’t possibly have feelings for you, can I?” energy.

Watching them go from lifelong frenemies to genuine vulnerability is addictive. The romance is sweet at its core, but the delivery is hot enough to fog up your Kindle.

Travis and Anna’s chemistry is undeniable and their story hits that perfect balance of heat and tenderness. I loved this book. It’s a perfect addition to the series and a must‑read for fans of character‑driven campus romances.
Profile Image for Kristy.
41 reviews
May 19, 2026
True love is sometimes found in the not so obvious people.

Anna & Travis

I've been waiting for Grumpy Mother Pucker by Sarah Smith since reading book 1 of the Hollis U Series, Cocky Mother Pucker. It definitely did not disappoint! Although this is a standalone and can be read by itself, it is helpful to read Cocky Mother Pucker first. It will give the full extent of the enemies-to-lovers between Anna & Travis. They are full on enemies in book 1 and then only partially enemies in Grumpy Mother Pucker. Thankfully there is tons of spice in this book, write out of the gate too, and it is (chefs kiss) soooo good!!

I wasn't sure I liked Travis when reading Cocky Mother Pucker, as he came across as kinda mean and cold hearted. But after reading Grumpy Mother Pucker and getting the full extent of his backstory it all makes perfect sense. He's quite the enigma, brooding closed off introvert on the outside. But with Anna he is sweet, kind, protective, open emotionally and "bossy" when it counts 😉. I saw Anna in a better light as well in this book, Grumpy Mother Pucker. Originally she came across as snotty, arrogant, with a "she's always right" attitude with anyone who wasn't Poppy (her best friend) or immediate family. But you definitely see a different side of her in Grumpy Mother Pucker. One she keeps hidden and only let's be seen by a select few. It's her kind, compassionate, vulnerable, "am I good enough" side that you see in Grumpy Mother Pucker.

These two, Anna & Travis, are so amazing together, I love their chemistry. I've already read Grumpy Mother Pucker by Sarah Smith twice and will definitely read Cocky Mother Pucker and Grumpy Mother Pucker again at least two more times before the end of May.

This book has:
Enemies-to-lovers (enemies 20% of the book lovers 80%)
Hockey scenes - MMC is the goalie
Lots of spice
Good Girl
Secret Relationship
Ride or die female best friend
Team mate banter & unwavering support
Bossy, sweet, protective, caring MMC
Independent, sassy, sweet, kind FMC
Brothers bestfriend & teammate
Bestfriends Twin Sister
Friends with Benefits
No 3rd Act Breakup
Profile Image for Jessie The Great.
375 reviews42 followers
Review of advance copy
May 5, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Michele with Book Nook Buzz.
623 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy
May 8, 2026
Grumpy Mother Pucker by Sarah Smith surprised me in the best way possible! I expected this to lean a little more immature because of the college setting, but the writing felt much more mature and emotionally grounded than I anticipated, which made it such a fun and engaging read for even an experienced romance reader.

Anna and Travis have been sworn enemies for years, and their relationship completely changes after one accidental makeout in a dark garage. Travis being best friends with Anna’s twin brother only adds to the tension because she is absolutely “off-limits.” The chemistry between these two was undeniable from the start, and once the sparks fly, the tension just keeps building. I genuinely could not stop reading.

I loved watching their relationship evolve from hate to friendship to lust and eventually love. The emotional progression felt believable, and I ended up connecting with both characters more than I expected to. Travis especially had some surprisingly sweet moments underneath all the grumpiness, and I loved how protective and obsessed he became with Anna.

The spicy scenes definitely delivered, and the banter and dirty talk kept things entertaining the entire time. Plus, the hockey scenes were such a bonus for me! As a newer hockey fan, I got ridiculously excited anytime the sport showed up on page.

If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers romances with secret hookups, strong chemistry, protective heroes, and no third act breakup, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

And the Grey's Anatomy references!! YES!!

Thank you to Smuthood and Sarah Smith for the opportunity to read this fun eARC. Easy 4 stars from me!

Posted on Book Nook Buzz
Profile Image for Natasha.
181 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 10, 2026
Grumpy Mother Pucker had me smiling the entire time. Give me a grumpy hockey goalie who is secretly soft for his mom and absolutely gone for his girl, and I am immediately invested.

Travis and Anna were everything I want in an enemies-to-lovers college hockey romance. Their chemistry was explosive from the start, but what really sold me was how well they balanced each other. Anna is feisty, bratty, and ambitious and refuses to back down, while Travis is bossy, possessive, and grumpy in that way that only makes it hotter when he folds for her.

The banter, tension, and secret relationship dynamics were so fun, and once these two gave in to the attraction, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The spice was great, but I also loved how supportive they were of each other outside the bedroom. They genuinely respected each other’s goals and ambitions, and that emotional support made the relationship feel stronger than just physical chemistry.

Travis especially won me over. Underneath all the grumpy goalie energy, he’s such a stand-up guy. The way he cared for Anna, protected her, and showed up for the people he loved made him impossible not to adore.

One of my favorite things about this book was the group dynamics and side characters. Even though I haven’t read the other books in the series or connected universe yet, the interactions made me want to. And Blake and Briar’s book? Absolutely moving up my TBR after this.

If you love:

🏒 Grumpy/sunshine
🏒 Bother's best friend
🏒 College hockey romance
🏒 Secret relationships
🏒 Protective, obsessed MMCs
🏒 Feisty FMCs
🏒 “Touch her and die” energy
🏒 No third-act breakup

…this one is definitely worth the read.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for haley hunt.
158 reviews
May 13, 2026
ARC Review.
First I want to thank Smuthood PR and Sarah Smith for the opportunity to read this story.

Grump
y Mother Pucker is the second book in teh Hollis U Book series.

This story follows Anna and Travis.
Anna is outspoken and loves to get under her brother's best friend Travis's skin. Travis is Anna's brothers best friend who is moody and always grumpy. They both have argued with each other since they were kids. These two had such amazing banter and kept me laughing constantly. Their accidental hook up in the dark was everything I didn't know I needed and apparently they didn't know it either. Travis steps up to help Anna from her abusive ex and from that point on she looks at him with new eyes. Travis is the grumpy man with a soft heart. I absolutely loved this couple and thier chemistry!

5 ⭐
2.5 🌶️

BLURB:

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.

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 seggs
No 3rd act breakup!
Profile Image for Alex Davis.
11 reviews
Review of advance copy
May 15, 2026
Thank you to Sarah Smith and the Smuthood for providing me with an arc for Grumpy Mother Pucker: an enemies-to-lovers college hockey romance (Hollis U Book 2) in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice-level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Whoo! This was such a delightful, lighthearted read by Sarah Smith. Travis and Anna are such dynamic, funny, and relatable mmcs, and I love seeing familiar faces like Nick return in this second installment! This novel combined two of my favorite tropes, enemies-to-lovers and brother's-best-friend, to create this unputdownable masterpiece. (Like seriously, I could not avoid reading this book if I wanted to.)

After a steamy (almost) ONS/makeup sesh, we are introduced to a spicy rivals dynamic between the two main characters. They display their distaste for one another, yet cannot avoid the undeniable chemistry. Anna is a driven, badass, STEM-girl and does not have time for a distraction--- specifically the distraction of Travis, who is a brooding hockey player. It doesn't help that Travis' best friend just so happens to be Anna's brother (all hail Nick St. George), and they are stuck in this awkward situation.

Sarah does a great job illustrating the pull between these two characters, and I can feel the tension myself! It makes the build-up that much better, and when they finally profess their love for one another... cutest thing ever! Also, despite Travis' quiet nature, he doesn't play about his girl. Man, is this guy possessive, and I ate it up! Let's just say an unlucky TA was put in his place. As deserved.

I recommend this book for anyone looking for an easy read, as I know you will be drawn to the story and enjoy it as much as I did! I cannot wait to read the rest of the series, and will be patiently waiting for the rest of Ms. Smith's masterpieces.

Tropes:
- badass FMC (STEM girl) x brooding hockey player
- hate-to-love
- brother's best friend
- forced proximity
- ONS (almost, sorta.)
- sneaking around
- college romance
- found family

Thank you again to the Smuthood for providing me with an arc!!! Happy reading!
Profile Image for Sierra.
292 reviews13 followers
May 11, 2026
✨Arc Review✨

Grumpy Mother Pucker
Book 2 in Hollis U
Available 05.11

🏒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!


This was such a fun, easy read with all the best tropes 👏🏼 The enemies to lovers tension?? SO good. And when the hate turned into those HOTT AF hookup sessions… yeah, I was fully hooked!

From start to finish, the chemistry between Travis and Anna was completely off the charts.

Travis and Anna have hated each other since they were kids. He’s her twin brother’s best friend, super grumpy and moody, while Anna is stubborn, outspoken, and absolutely knows how to push his buttons. They spend most of their time arguing, and the banter between them was honestly one of my favorite parts 😝 But then things change after one night at a party, they end up alone in a dark room and, thanks to a case of mistaken identity, have the hottest makeout session of their lives 👀 And from there? The tension only gets better.

I really loved watching their relationship evolve from hate, to friendship, to undeniable attraction, and eventually something deeper. The emotional progression actually felt believable, which made me way more invested than I expected. Travis especially had some surprisingly sweet moments under all that grumpiness, and I loved how protective and obsessed he became with Anna. (The car scene in Vegas 👀)

The spicy scenes absolutely delivered, the dirty talk deserves an A+ and the group dynamic of side characters was top tier! And Blake and Briar’s book? Seriously trying to be patient while waiting for the next book in this series!

Thank you to author Sarah Smith & Smuthood pr for this arc!
Profile Image for rosesreadsromance .
102 reviews9 followers
May 12, 2026
🏒She’s pissed at me, and it’s turning me on.🏒

There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a single heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment. — Sarah Dessen, "The Truth About Forever"

If there’s one trope I will never get tired of, it’s enemies to lovers 😮‍💨❤️‍🔥 And this book delivered everything I love about it: the tension, the teasing, the denial, the hidden feelings they refused to admit even to themselves..…absolutely addictive ☺️

From enemies ➝ enemies with benefits ➝ friends with benefits ➝ lovers??? YES, PLEASE 🫠✨

Travis is the definition of grumpy hockey player perfection 🏒🥵 ... handsome, confident, talented, protective, and secretly so soft for Anna 🫶🏻

Anna’s smart, fierce, sassy, strong, and studying to become a doctor 👩‍⚕️🩺 I loved how she never let him get away with anything. Their chemistry was everything 🥰

But what made me love this book even more was the way they always showed up for each other 🤍 The little moments: watching TV together, taking care of one another, the protective scenes, the teasing, the quiet support... felt just as special as the spicy scenes 🌶️🤤☺️

And don’t even get me started on the relationships in this book 😭 The bond between Anna and Nick, Travis and his mom, Anna and Poppy... everything felt so real and emotional 😍

The secret relationship because she’s his best friend’s sister??🤫 I was obsessed the entire time 😩❤️‍🔥

If you love:
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ brother’s best friend
✨ hockey romance
✨ tension & banter
✨ protective MMCs
✨ spicy romance
...you NEED to read this book 📚💖

📖 Grumpy Mother Pucker by Sarah Smith (ARC) 🏒 🩺
Profile Image for Keely Anderson.
11 reviews
May 13, 2026
ARC REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity!!!!

This book was such an addictive and entertaining read. I had so much fun diving back into the Hollis U world, and Sarah Smith’s writing once again made it impossible to put down!!

Travis and Anna’s relationship was definitely a feel-good story unfolding from the start. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic felt so natural, especially with all the history and tension between them. The constant banter, frustration, and underlying attraction made every interaction so entertaining to read.

I loved how layered both characters were. Travis had that classic grumpy, hockey-obsessed exterior, but underneath it all he was caring and protective in the sweetest ways. Anna was strong, driven, and easy to root for, and I really enjoyed seeing her challenge Travis at every turn!! Who doesn’t love a girl who challenges her man!?!

The chemistry between them was there from the very beginning, and once things started heating up, it was impossible not to be completely invested. The brother’s best friend trope was done so well, and the tension throughout the story kept me hookeed!!!!!

One thing I really appreciated was the lack of unnecessary drama. The relationship development felt genuine, the emotional moments landed well, and the story balanced spice, humour, and romance perfectly.

Overall, this was such a fun, spicy college hockey romance and a super bingeable read. If you love enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine vibes, brother’s best friend tension, and lots of chemistry, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up. 📚🌶️🌶️🏒
623 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2026
This was such a fun and funny read for me. From the very start I was pulled in and interested in the story. This story had everything I wanted and even more. The tension and chemistry and connection we get between Travis and Anna was absolutely amazing. From the very start I was invested in the relationship Travis and Anna share. It was so endearing to watch their dynamic go from tension to chemistry to deep and undeniable attraction. I truly felt for these two trying to hold on to their happiness without hurting others. They had such a genuine and real relationship. These two shared such sweet and adorable instances. And the spicy moments between them were hot hot hot 🥵 I found myself swooning and fanning my face at various times throughout this story. The banter and sass and prodding they give each other honestly next level too. I was laughing so hard when things wavered between spiteful heat and a heat of a whole different kind. Everything between them kept getting better and better with each turn of the page. It was refreshing seeing the type of dynamic they had with each other. The protective instincts Travis has for Anna was so sweet and hot. He did everything he could to keep her safe and make sure she was happy. And that growl was beyond sexy. The communication they have and the desire they share to be together was endearing to say the least. Watching things grow and develop in their relationship was so endearing. I couldn’t help but want them to get every happiness they desired. And the ending they received was exactly what they deserved. It was the best ending I could have imagined for them. And I cannot wait to see what comes next in this series.
Profile Image for Angie.
134 reviews6 followers
May 22, 2026
Brothers best friend with hate spice

I’ve been waiting for their story after seeing their interactions in the first book of this series. Knowing that these two have absolutely loathed each other since they were pre-teens, just leans more into the tension that has been growing between them. After Anna goes into the garage, thinking she was following the guy she was crushing on, she ends up in a hot and heavy makeout session with Travis, her brothers best friend. They realize really quickly that there is something there, there’s a spark there, and even though they continue to hate each other, they started sneaking around. Once they realize that there is actual feelings developing between the two of them, they now have to be concerned with her brother finding out and how he would react – knowing that he has said Anna is off limits. Overall I really enjoyed this story, and it was a quick moving story. Travis was there multiple times after their first hook up to stand up for Anna, making sure that she is taken care of. There were multiple times within the story though that things were a bit repetitive, and I think that could have been removed, especially as we got further into the story. Overall though, the tension and chemistry is there from the beginning, giving us more to look forward to on each page as the two start to fall for one another. This was a fun and easy read, with lots of spice, sexual tension, banter and a little bit of blackmailing that Anna has to deal with. I really enjoyed this story overall though.
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