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Mile High Puck: An Age-Gap, Fake Dating, Hockey Romance
I wrote a bestseller about a one-night stand.
I never expected him to read it.
Funny what can happen when a stranger tells you his darkest secret somewhere over Nebraska.
One snowed-in night.
No last names.
My rule.
I never thought I'd see him again.
So I wrote him.
Now everyone wants to know if my mysterious hockey hero is real.
He is.
He's Denver's biggest hockey legend heading into one last season, and the media just figured out my bestseller is about him.
His team's solution?
Fake the romance.
Feed the cameras.
Save his comeback.
How hard could it be?
Until one bed, one no-touching rule, and one maddeningly quiet silver fox make me forget it’s all pretend.
The contract ends when the season does.
By then, I'll have to choose...
The story that made me famous—
Or the man who trusted me with the truth.
MILE HIGH PUCK is a scorching standalone age-gap, fake-dating hockey romance. No cheating, no cliffhangers, ultra-hot HEA guaranteed.
I never expected him to read it.
Funny what can happen when a stranger tells you his darkest secret somewhere over Nebraska.
One snowed-in night.
No last names.
My rule.
I never thought I'd see him again.
So I wrote him.
Now everyone wants to know if my mysterious hockey hero is real.
He is.
He's Denver's biggest hockey legend heading into one last season, and the media just figured out my bestseller is about him.
His team's solution?
Fake the romance.
Feed the cameras.
Save his comeback.
How hard could it be?
Until one bed, one no-touching rule, and one maddeningly quiet silver fox make me forget it’s all pretend.
The contract ends when the season does.
By then, I'll have to choose...
The story that made me famous—
Or the man who trusted me with the truth.
MILE HIGH PUCK is a scorching standalone age-gap, fake-dating hockey romance. No cheating, no cliffhangers, ultra-hot HEA guaranteed.
- GenresSportsContemporaryHockey
349 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2026
About the author
Leighton Grace
78 books61 followersHello there! I am Leighton Grace and I'm so glad you are here! As a self-proclaimed introvert, reading is my passion...books are my passion and I want to share both with the world. Life is tough...books are magical. They allow us a bit of an escape from the frustrations of everyday life. Books have literally saved me in some very tough times - I want my books to do this for you! I want to put a smile on your face, or make you giggle or blush, even when life gets you down. ESPECIALLY when life gets you down!
When I am not reading or writing, I am busy with my teenage daughter or daydreaming my next business idea.
As an Indie author, your support means everything to me. Thank you so much for reading!
When I am not reading or writing, I am busy with my teenage daughter or daydreaming my next business idea.
As an Indie author, your support means everything to me. Thank you so much for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 21, 2026
DNF at 47% (which I never do). I mean honestly I have no idea what was happening or the point of anything that was happening. The writing and pacing was so rough and even the spice was super subpar. It was like the author was trying to justify being an author. I hated being in Frankie’s head and I’m super confused how if Nick went to rehab and talked to therapists how he’s no longer talking to one and how he still has so many unresolved issues with his dad that they effect his day to day life as much as they do.
August 18, 2026
Incredible, emotional, memorable! Don’t pass this up…
I read a lot-probably five books a week on average. This is the best book I’ve read in a long, long time.
The story line is refreshingly unique; the FMC writer references and perspective are intriguing for an avid romance reader.
Beyond that though, the story is just so honest and emotional. For me, it was more believable and impactful because it wasn’t built around “fairy tale” characters. There were no Royals, Mafia families, billionaire business moguls, poor little rich girls. There was just a minimally successful, aspiring writer and a physically broken, semi-retired hockey player ( ok, I’ll grant that he was no regular Joe, but somehow his persona was believable and wounded enough to make him feel normal). The characters are flawed, but relatable. The MMC and FMC are good people with insecurities, like most of us. They make mistakes of omission, of hard truths, rather than malice or intent.
I could totally relate to both characters and never felt like saying “what the heck were you thinking”. Their actions, which of course led to heartbreak, were understandable. That made the story that much more emotional. One knew they should be together, yet their choices, while understandable, pushed them apart.
I will admit, I cried through the last third of the book, but the conclusion was beautiful and believable.
This is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’re done reading it.
I will absolutely check out more of this author’s work. If they are half as good as this book, they will be great reads.
Kudos, Leighton Grace!
I read a lot-probably five books a week on average. This is the best book I’ve read in a long, long time.
The story line is refreshingly unique; the FMC writer references and perspective are intriguing for an avid romance reader.
Beyond that though, the story is just so honest and emotional. For me, it was more believable and impactful because it wasn’t built around “fairy tale” characters. There were no Royals, Mafia families, billionaire business moguls, poor little rich girls. There was just a minimally successful, aspiring writer and a physically broken, semi-retired hockey player ( ok, I’ll grant that he was no regular Joe, but somehow his persona was believable and wounded enough to make him feel normal). The characters are flawed, but relatable. The MMC and FMC are good people with insecurities, like most of us. They make mistakes of omission, of hard truths, rather than malice or intent.
I could totally relate to both characters and never felt like saying “what the heck were you thinking”. Their actions, which of course led to heartbreak, were understandable. That made the story that much more emotional. One knew they should be together, yet their choices, while understandable, pushed them apart.
I will admit, I cried through the last third of the book, but the conclusion was beautiful and believable.
This is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’re done reading it.
I will absolutely check out more of this author’s work. If they are half as good as this book, they will be great reads.
Kudos, Leighton Grace!
September 16, 2026
Hard Pucking Pass
This was my first go with this author, and will no doubt be my last. I got about 10%in, where the MFC was still in third person dialogue - out loud - while being intimate with the MMC, and was so put off by the entire thing that I decided to stop right there.
From the get-go, the MFC was corny and so over-the-top about being a writer and her career. Seems the author mirrors her perfectly because this read as though a pre-teen made this up in her diary. We get it, the MMC is a writer, but dear lord, to keep circling that drain ad nauseum, and right at the beginning too, made it completely unbearable.
The MMC wasn’t that great either. From what little I got from him, he seemed boring and one dimensional, like his female counterpart.
Too bad, the story seemed like it would be good too.
This was my first go with this author, and will no doubt be my last. I got about 10%in, where the MFC was still in third person dialogue - out loud - while being intimate with the MMC, and was so put off by the entire thing that I decided to stop right there.
From the get-go, the MFC was corny and so over-the-top about being a writer and her career. Seems the author mirrors her perfectly because this read as though a pre-teen made this up in her diary. We get it, the MMC is a writer, but dear lord, to keep circling that drain ad nauseum, and right at the beginning too, made it completely unbearable.
The MMC wasn’t that great either. From what little I got from him, he seemed boring and one dimensional, like his female counterpart.
Too bad, the story seemed like it would be good too.
September 28, 2026
Don’t let the cover fool you.
Wow. I wasn’t expecting this book to be this good. The level of emotional turmoil in this book was completely unexpected. The twists, the turns, the angst, the yearning, the honesty… just wow. I couldn’t put this book down and spent the whole time reading this with my heart about to burst out of my chest. Their relationship was so realistic and raw. The waiting for truths to come out was so honest and real. The tropes felt like real life. Such a satisfying read and wish I could read this book for the first time again. This book will land in my top 5 reads for this year. Will definitely be reading more from this author.
Wow. I wasn’t expecting this book to be this good. The level of emotional turmoil in this book was completely unexpected. The twists, the turns, the angst, the yearning, the honesty… just wow. I couldn’t put this book down and spent the whole time reading this with my heart about to burst out of my chest. Their relationship was so realistic and raw. The waiting for truths to come out was so honest and real. The tropes felt like real life. Such a satisfying read and wish I could read this book for the first time again. This book will land in my top 5 reads for this year. Will definitely be reading more from this author.
August 10, 2026
Excellent book
This is what happens when you do something underhand, and honesty goes out the window and lies go around the world before truth gets her boots on. Frankie is afraid of flying, gets upgraded to first class on a flight and sits next to a stranger. He is a hockey player and on said flight he revels several secrets. She is a romance writer and keeps all the secrets until she writes a book with him as the main character. What happens next could be described as a catalogue of errors!
This is what happens when you do something underhand, and honesty goes out the window and lies go around the world before truth gets her boots on. Frankie is afraid of flying, gets upgraded to first class on a flight and sits next to a stranger. He is a hockey player and on said flight he revels several secrets. She is a romance writer and keeps all the secrets until she writes a book with him as the main character. What happens next could be described as a catalogue of errors!
August 9, 2026
This book had me completely locked in from the very beginning. I was pulled into the story after that first line and stayed that way until the last word. It’s so steamy and entertaining and sweet. It was a little bit of everything. I am a huge sucker for an age gap or fake dating trope. And this book gave me both in one of the best ways I have read recently. The connection between Nick and Frankie was so sweet and genuine. The chemistry was beyond heated and undeniable. These two had me white knuckle holding the sides of my kindle trying to see what was going to happen. Things between Nick and Frankie felt so genuine and real, even when (or more accurately especially when) the fake dating was happening. The tension was amazing and kept me invested. But it was the need to see what they would build together that had me turning the pages as fast as I was. This story takes you on an emotional ride filled with hurt and healing, connecting and loss. But the ending makes everything worth it. It’s hard fought and well deserved. And utterly perfect.
September 15, 2026
Here’s the thing, the story itself was great, even if there were some significant non sequiturs. I enjoyed having more mature characters with depth and challenges. The addiction issues were handled well and were given the weight they deserved. I enjoyed it and am glad I read it.
That said, the writing kept pulling me out of the story. I read the whole book wondering if the author needed a better editor or if the approach was intentional. It reminded me of watching old James Bond movies as a kid. I never quite understood every confusing detail but generally knew who the bad guys were, which was enough to enjoy the story. The same was true here. Many sentences (or fragments) just didn’t make a lot of sense. I’d have to read and re-read paragraphs.
Both characters had the same voice, too. Those voices reminded me of someone with dementia, where they say a lot of words that sound ok on the surface but mean nothing.
The self narration and naming inanimate objects was weird, too.
All those things said, I read this in two days and enjoyed it overall.
That said, the writing kept pulling me out of the story. I read the whole book wondering if the author needed a better editor or if the approach was intentional. It reminded me of watching old James Bond movies as a kid. I never quite understood every confusing detail but generally knew who the bad guys were, which was enough to enjoy the story. The same was true here. Many sentences (or fragments) just didn’t make a lot of sense. I’d have to read and re-read paragraphs.
Both characters had the same voice, too. Those voices reminded me of someone with dementia, where they say a lot of words that sound ok on the surface but mean nothing.
The self narration and naming inanimate objects was weird, too.
All those things said, I read this in two days and enjoyed it overall.
Review of advance copy
Mile High Puck by Leighton Grace was a fun, entertaining hockey romance that kept me turning the pages. I really enjoyed the combination of fake dating and the age-gap dynamic, especially as the relationship slowly developed from something that was supposed to be temporary into something much more genuine. The chemistry between the characters was definitely one of my favorite parts. There was plenty of romantic tension, emotional moments, and enough angst to keep things interesting without taking away from the overall fun of the story. I also liked the hockey setting, which added an enjoyable backdrop to the romance. While some of the tropes and plot points felt familiar, the story was still an easy and enjoyable read. Overall, Mile High Puck was a satisfying, steamy romance and a great choice when you're looking for a fun escape.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2026
so good i couldn’t stop reading
Here it is almost 2 a m and I just finished reading. This is the first time I’ve read a book by L Grace and I was not disappointed. Nick is such a great guy who let his guard down and Frankie just happened to be an author who was sitting by Nick on a plane. Frankie meant no harm but life happens and comes back to bite both of them. They stick together and make the best of the situation only to realize they are falling for each other. There is banter and sad parts but has a good storyline. This is a book I’ll put in my library so I can read again. I loved Nick and Frankie and so will you. I’m going to check out other books by this author 5⭐️’s
Here it is almost 2 a m and I just finished reading. This is the first time I’ve read a book by L Grace and I was not disappointed. Nick is such a great guy who let his guard down and Frankie just happened to be an author who was sitting by Nick on a plane. Frankie meant no harm but life happens and comes back to bite both of them. They stick together and make the best of the situation only to realize they are falling for each other. There is banter and sad parts but has a good storyline. This is a book I’ll put in my library so I can read again. I loved Nick and Frankie and so will you. I’m going to check out other books by this author 5⭐️’s
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a fabulous read. Mile high secrets cause a stir but the chemistry in this book between Frankie and Nick is sizzling hot reaching 5 on the spicy pepper scale at times. Along with that comes enough emotion to have you laughing out loudly in places, and crying in others. This hockey romance has it all, and I loved every single moment of it. Nick makes a fine addition to the silver fox book boyfriend list. Absolutely fabulous.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. They hook up without full names being given but things change when a book she writes gets published. Nick and Frankie are required to fake a relationship that becomes real. However a reporter digs up a truth that was to be kept secret. I liked how when things blow up. They handle it perhaps not with grace. The best is when all truths are revealed and Nick and Frankie are together and in love.
August 8, 2026
Mile High Puck by Leighton Grace was such a fun and addictive hockey romance! I loved the age-gap and fake-dating setup, especially watching Nick and Frankie’s relationship turn from a temporary arrangement into something real. Their chemistry and emotional connection were fantastic, and I enjoyed the mix of angst, secrets, and hockey drama. Nick’s silver-fox energy was definitely a bonus! A steamy, entertaining read with plenty of heart and a satisfying HEA. Five stars from me!
August 16, 2026
Frankie and Nick meet on a red-eye flight, followed by one night together with nothing but a first name. There's tension, a hockey legend and an author, age gap, fake dating (turned real of course) and more. A great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2026
Never expected to cry to a sports romance - especially not one I randomly stumbled onto. The Stanley cup scene at the end had me in tears and I actually enjoyed the voice of the weird sentence structures. The characters are flawed yet incredible and relatable. And I just loveeeed the premise. 10/10.
August 8, 2026
This romance book starts off with a GORGEOUS silver fox on the cover and ends with the best Hea ending you can dream about.
This is a steamy, utterly addictive, page turning book that is going to leave your breathless due to the intense characters and the romance.
This is a steamy, utterly addictive, page turning book that is going to leave your breathless due to the intense characters and the romance.
September 8, 2026
Wow!
This story about Nico & Francis is one if the most beautiful and touching I've ever read. This is my first Leighton book and I cant wait to read the rest of her's. The story was exceptional and the writing was both dynamic and passionate.
This story about Nico & Francis is one if the most beautiful and touching I've ever read. This is my first Leighton book and I cant wait to read the rest of her's. The story was exceptional and the writing was both dynamic and passionate.
September 15, 2026
swoon worthy
If you are looking for a feel good, teary eyed, slightly spicy hockey story, this book is for you! Strangers turn almost enemies turn fake dating, so good! Would read again!
If you are looking for a feel good, teary eyed, slightly spicy hockey story, this book is for you! Strangers turn almost enemies turn fake dating, so good! Would read again!
September 15, 2026
Finish Standing
Wow. 70% into the book and I honestly did not like the FMC. I wanted to throttle her. Stick with it though, it gets better; she gets better. The ending was perfect, and powerful.
Wow. 70% into the book and I honestly did not like the FMC. I wanted to throttle her. Stick with it though, it gets better; she gets better. The ending was perfect, and powerful.
September 24, 2026
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME!!!! I have never written a review before but I need to. This read like AI wrote it! The writing was so bad and what do you mean they fell in love with each other after a one night stand and 18 months apart!?! 0 stars honestly
October 1, 2026
A true gem
I loved this book. I loved the story (stories.) I loved the characters including the one gone but never forgotten. I can't remember the last time I sobbed this hard reading a book and I regret nothing. Read this!! But keep some tissues close.
I loved this book. I loved the story (stories.) I loved the characters including the one gone but never forgotten. I can't remember the last time I sobbed this hard reading a book and I regret nothing. Read this!! But keep some tissues close.
October 7, 2026
Loved it
I throughly enjoyed reading this story. Nico and Frankie are perfect for each other. Very well written, I was hooked from the first. Definitely recommend reading this book!
I throughly enjoyed reading this story. Nico and Frankie are perfect for each other. Very well written, I was hooked from the first. Definitely recommend reading this book!
November 7, 2026
Fun Read
This was a quick, fun and enjoyable read. A one night stand with a sexy silver fox becomes a plot for a best selling romance novel. To protect his image they agree to fake date but soon their fake relationship turns to love.
This was a quick, fun and enjoyable read. A one night stand with a sexy silver fox becomes a plot for a best selling romance novel. To protect his image they agree to fake date but soon their fake relationship turns to love.
September 3, 2026
Oh my, it took a me a bit of time to figure things out but once I did (and as the main character always reads the ending first… I did that). And that was actually helpful! I laughed and I cried and I got angry …. This is now one of my favorite books and is written my one of my absolute favorite authors!!
September 4, 2026
This story was Fabulous. I love when a writer hits all my emotions. I laughed. I cried. I connected with the characters. I want to be friends with the people from this world.
September 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this story about Nico & Frances. The story was compelling and the characters engaging. This was my first book from Leighton, and I look forward to reading many more.
September 12, 2026
wow. just wow.
This book HAD ME. Ah! Amazing story telling, beautiful, heartbreaking, laughter and tears. ALL of it. Thank you, Leighton. You got me out of the slump. ❤️
This book HAD ME. Ah! Amazing story telling, beautiful, heartbreaking, laughter and tears. ALL of it. Thank you, Leighton. You got me out of the slump. ❤️
September 17, 2026
Loved this book, emotional roller-coaster.
September 20, 2026
I struggled with the writing a little in the beginning… then I struggled with her… but then, this just became beautiful and I totally got it. I adore Nick.
September 21, 2026
Had two older and mature characters which I liked, but u however did not like this authors writing
September 23, 2026
The premise was great but I just couldn't take the execution. The writing wasn't smooth or natural at all. I didn't like the FMC or her anxious third person narrating. I made it 23%.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews