The pressure has never been more intense for Rough Riders’ star defenseman Beckett Croft. With his contact expiring, Beckett has to live up to his badass reputation every minute of every game to earn the next big deal. A deal that will secure a stable home for his five-year-old daughter. So when an injury on the ice threatens to send him to the ER, he fights protocol—until the feisty EMT refuses to take no for an answer. Beckett likes his women assertive, and the spark between them is nothing short of scorching. Her indifference to his fame and money only intrigues him more. And by the time he peeks beneath her tightly sealed edges to see her beautiful but deeply wounded soul, he’s in way too deep to pull back.
After years of shutting herself off from men, Eden is tempted by the heat that blazes when she is around the NHL’s most notorious bad boy—even toying with an inkling of “what if”. But life has taught her how painfully that kind of fire burns. And how deeply it scars. So Eden denies the spark room to grow, the same way she shut out the violence from her past, focusing instead on her career and finishing paramedic school. She’ll never rely on a man for money or security again.
But when the spark between them becomes too hot to ignore, one night isn’t enough. Soon, Beckett and Eden find themselves caught between desire and fear—with painful pasts pulling them in one direction and a fragile new love pulling them in another. All while the family and careers that matter most hang in the balance.
ROUGH RIDER HOCKEY NOVELS QUICK TRICK HOT PUCK DIRTY SCORE WILD ZONE
4.5 - "Just when I don't think you could impress me anymore, you do." Stars!
Book two in Skye Jordan’s Rough Riders Hockey series, serves up another deliciously dirty talking ice hockey player; Beckett Croft, and be warned ladies, you may just need icing down while reading the team Captains book!
I am really enjoying this series, which isn’t much of a surprise as I have loved pretty much every book I have read by this author, but Skye has definitely turned up the dirty-meter with the guys on the team, Beckett was such a sweetheart, but boy when he got going with the dirty talk there was no stopping him.
"About dessert… Are you still off the menu? ‘Cause I’ve got a craving that won’t quit."
I really liked Eden, as a woman with her own set of issues, I just adored the way she and Beck were together. Both of them are not totally sure of commitment with each other, due to other aspects of their lives, but the connection between them prevents either one from stepping away. I loved Beck’s pursuit of her as well, it was sweet and the little bit of vulnerability you see in this otherwise quite alpha male, just made him all the more endearing for it.
"Violence is a way of life for him."
You can see where the drama is going to come from in this one, pretty much from the start, and thankfully the author didn’t drag it out, so much so that it was almost here and gone in the matter of a couple of paragraphs. Now I am not one for long, drawn out, over-the-top drama, but I think I would have liked to see the villain get a little bit more in the way of their just-desserts in this one.
"Aren’t you one surprise after another."
I am so excited for the forthcoming books in the series, and the fact that we don’t have to wait too long for them; Dirty Score is due in November, and Wild Zone early December. The author is giving enough secondary character integration and development in the books that it just makes you eager for the rest of the Rough Riders guys to have their stories told.
"I think your sexy just blew my circuit."
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
I had such a good time reading Hot Puck, loved the storyline, it was entertaining, heartwarming and kept my interest was kept from start to end.
Beckett and Eden were great characters, they were likable, relatable and their chemistry was smoking!
Watching Eden and Beckett open up to put past hurts behind them and give their hearts to each other was beautiful to see. They totally earned their happiness after everything they've been through, I truly loved these two together. And that epilogue? Just perfection!
Overall, Hot Puck was a well written romance with just enough drama to keep you turning the pages and leaving you with a heart full of happy feels.
I'm loving the Rough Riders Hockey series and can't wait for the next book.
I loved this book! A sexy hockey player who is also a loving single dad? What could be better?
Beckett Croft is a defenseman for the Rough Riders and only has room for one woman in his life - his daughter, Lily. Until Eden...
Eden is an EMT with a crappy past. Her life is consumed with work and school and there isn't room for anything else.
"She wasn't living, she was existing."
But a chance encounter with a hockey hottie makes her realize just how little she is actually living.
"And wasn't that just perfect? A battered woman only interested in hooking up with the baddest of the bad boy hockey players? If that didn't scream psychiatric problems, she didn't know what did. Which made her wonder where a girl went to get a mono tune-up."
I absolutely adored this entire story. I loved how strong Eden was, even when she didn't think she was. Beckett was such a swoon-worthy man, especially when loving his daughter. And the entire Croft family was fantastic! I laughed, cried, and I got turned on. That bar scene - wowza! I can't wait for more of these hottie hockey players!! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars
It was an ok/ ish book. I really didn’t like the timeline i.e. 3 dates and that were legit in love, and then the epilogue is 3 months later to get engaged wtf. Just no. I feel like the author could have easily extended the amount of time or even a couple weeks of time jumps but nope. So unrealistic (even for a romantic novel).
Also I had a big issue with the way they dealt with her “trauma”. Like she had this big thing, and it was affecting her actions but then suddenly it’s not??! Or like him PUSHING her boundaries somehow made it ok not bad? Like after their big fight, she reveals the whole trauma with kids and he pushed her to meet his daughter that freaken night!! Like 1 sentence later. And she’s clearly like no I don’t want to, & he’s like welll let’s try anyways and then super anxious but she is fine after?! That didn’t make sense to me. So a couple of those like red flag situations.
Also the climax just sucked.
Only redeeming part of this book was the adorableness of him with his daughter & the camaraderie with his teammates.
Overall, wouldn’t really recommend. There are better single dad/hockey romance novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Hot Puck by Skye Jordan was a book I could not put down; from the minute this couple meets, through their ups and downs to the very last chapter I was completely enthralled with this couple and their journey.
There are three things that Beckett Croft loves in the world; his daughter, hockey and his family who has helped him out so much since he found out he was a dad 2 years ago. Beckett's entire life changed the minute Lily was dropped on his doorstep, but he doesn't regret a moment of it. Lily is his life and while he'd like to find time for a woman, he won't do anything to risk the custody battle he plans to win.
Eden Kennedy has worked hard to move past the hell her life was in California before she moved to Washington D.C. She works for an ambulance company while studying to be an EMT at Johns Hopkins University. Her life is busy and she hasn't dated since she relocated, mostly due to what happened in her last relationship.
Eden's first impression of Beckett wasn't all that good, but his charm and witty banter make her smile so when he pursues her she can't help but be flattered. Not a fan of hockey and less of a fan of violence, Eden isn't sure Beckett is the kind of man she wants to get involved with, but with some encouragement from her friends she agrees to see him. I loved these two together; they both had sharp wit and sharper tongues which made for some lively conversations. The attraction between them was palpable and when they got physical they just about melted my Kindle. Seriously, some sexy, sexy times but it was more than just sex; they talked and they laughed and even though Eden was skittish, Beckett didn't give up or let her hide. I love that he had to work hard to convince her to take a chance on him and work hard to assure her he was worth taking a chance on.
There was some exciting hockey play in this book, lots of sexy times and some sweet moments as well. Quite simply, Hot Puck was a well rounded, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable romance and I loved every minute of it!
2 stars for the Hero and I really disliked the heroine. She doesn’t deserve the hero, I hate it when any character becomes super judgey with preconceived notions.
Oh my goodness, this series just keeps getting better and better. Hot Puck, the second book of the Rough Riders Hockey series, reached out, grabbed a hold of me and would not let me go. This book was completely different than the light and fluffy feel of the first book. Don't get me wrong it wasn't so deep that you couldn't relax and enjoy it, but it had all kinds of feels that left me breathless.
I don't even know where to start with Beckett. He was an amazing character that couldn't have been more perfect. He was thrust into fatherhood after a one-night stand shows up with a 2 year old daughter in tow. She's the worst kind of mom and wants nothing to do with her daughter other than to use her to get money. Beckett steps up and is the best daddy, but he's not dumb. He refuses to allow the baby mama to use his daughter which brings on a lot of added issues.
Eden has a past that still continues to haunt her. Professionally, she's a rock and all kinds of bad*ss. Personally, she lives in fear and hides from life as much as she can. Being the victim of abuse is not just something you overcome in a minute, but it's even harder when the first man you have any kind of connection with after everything happens to make his living being an enforcer in a violent sport.
This couple was amazing! I loved Beckett and his family. I loved that they stepped up and helped fill the gaps when hockey claimed his attention. I loved that any free time he had he devoted it to his little girl. And I loved how he understood Eden and eased her into his life even though at one point it almost backfired on him.
This book is a must read!!! I cannot wait to read more of this series.
Skye Jordan’s Hot Puck is an attention-grabbing and heartwarming read. NHL defenseman and single father Beckett Croft needs to make sure he has a great season with his contract expiring. After an injury during a game, he wants to blow off everyone’s concern but the EMT on the job, Eden Kennedy, puts him in his place. This contemporary sports romance primarily takes place in Washington DC. It is suitable for adult audiences.
I liked Beckett. Being the captain of the Rough Riders, he is a great leader. He looks out for his team mates. He is a wonderful father to Lily. I love that he appreciates Eden’s feistiness and pursues her. Eden is an admiral heroine. She had a difficult past. I like that she became on EMT to help others that were in situations similar to what she went through. I love her values. She is hard working. She is tough and well trained in work situations. It is understandable why she was hesitant to go out with Beckett. I’m glad she went with her gut and gave him a chance. The two have amazing chemistry and help each other grow.
Lily’s mom, Kim Dixon, stirs up some interesting controversy in the story. She is a selfish individual. I am so glad Lily was fortunate enough to come into her father’s life.
I enjoyed the plot. It was believable and thought-provoking. Skye Jordan was knowledgeable with both her hockey and EMT descriptions. The book had me mesmerized from start to finish.
This is the first book I have read by Skye Jordan. It will not be the last. Skye Jordan is a gifted writer. She did an amazing job with both her character development and plot. I will definitely plan on continuing reading this series.
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Hot Puck is hot enough to melt ice, and sweet enough to melt your heart.
Beckett completely stole my heart! What a wonderful, charming, swoony man he is. A tough as nails hockey player, a devoted and doting father, a caring son and brother...what more could a woman ask for?!? Um, not much if you ask me! But with Eden, Beckett's got his work cut out for him.
When Beckett and Eden meet, sparks fly- and we're not talking the good kind. It takes a little convincing from her friend for her to even give him the time of day, but when she does...oh baby, these 2 heated up the pages! But it's not all heat and lust between them, and their journey, as individuals and as a couple, so was so compelling I couldn't put the book down.
Although neither of them is really in a place in their lives where they're thinking about a relationship, they can't deny the feelings that are growing between them. I loved how Skye built their relationship- it wasn't easy, and at times it was even a little frustrating. But oh how I loved seeing these 2 fall in love. This is just an all-around fantastic story- you'll want to wrap Beckett, Eden, and Lily in a great big hug and never let them go!
***An arc was received in exchange for an honest review.
In the second release in the Rough Riders’ Hockey series, we meet Beckett Cross, who not only is a badass defenseman, he’s a sexy single daddy. Too much is on the line now for Beck, who has to worry about the life he can give to his little girl, than what kind of off the ice scoring his career sends his way. When an injury on the ice forces a trip to the hospital, Beck can’t seem to get the sexy and bossy EMT from his thoughts.
Eden has sworn off men, but that doesn’t mean that the arrogant and stubborn, Beckett Cross hasn’t given her dirty thoughts a workout. With Eden’s past lingering, ensuring that her future is limited – at least in the love department, Beck has his work cut out for him.
This was another great installment of the story. Two characters, a slow burn with instant sparks. I loved the chemistry between these two. I loved their vulnerabilities and I am a sucker for a single dad. There is just something about a man who makes his little girl his entire world.
Skye Jordan can for sure write a great romance, but she writes explosive sex scenes in addition to that fantastic love story.
The book lacked trigger warnings for abusive relationships and miscarriages, and it went into unnecessary and difficult-to-read detail. I almost didn't finish it because I felt blindsided by the content.
Moreover, I had a significant issue with how they handled the protagonist's "trauma." It seemed inconsistent, as her past was affecting her actions, but then it was suddenly brushed aside. The way he pushed her boundaries made it appear as if it was acceptable, which didn't sit well with me. For instance, after a major fight, she revealed her trauma related to kids, and he pressured her to meet his daughter that same night, only for her to be anxious initially but ultimately fine. It didn't make sense and raised several red flags.
Furthermore, the climax of the book was disappointing. The entire book just went too fast to develop in a way that felt natural.
The only positive aspects were the adorable interactions between the male lead and his daughter, the camaraderie with his teammates, and the intimate scenes because they were written so very well.
He prides himself on being in control on and off the ice. Beckett has a team to lead, an image to uphold and a contract to secure - but multiple surprises send his life in a direction he never thought he'd go. Father, daughter, injury and love were never part of the plan, but may end up being the best detour he ever made. Eden is well on her way to securing her future. Determination has helped her rise above abuse and insecurity and set her on the course of helping people. When Beckett is injured and Eden steps in to help is when the fireworks begin. Ms. Jordan proves that just because a story is sexy doesn't mean it can't have an impact. Hot Puck takes on child neglect and domestic abuse but also delivers a romance that is as hard hitting as the force of a hockey puck.
For some reason i stopped reading this book halfway through and I fully regret it. I loved the ending of this book and how everything came together and I’m happy that Beckett and Eden got their happy ending🥹
Beckett Croft and Eden Kennedy may not think they have time for a relationship, but the chemistry between them isn’t something Beck’s willing to brush to the side, and with a little push and a whole lot of flirting, Beckett and Eden become something that is worth fighting for despite the turmoil that exists in both of their lives.
Beckett Croft is one swoonworthy single father, and even though he wasn’t prepared for his daughter to enter his life, he stepped up and for the last year, his focus has been on making a home for Lily and solidifying his place as captain and enforcer for the Rough Riders. But all it takes is one encounter with a sassy and take-charge EMT to open up Beck’s world and his heart a little more, allowing Eden Kennedy to see that someone who has violence in his blood doesn’t have to be that way with her and perhaps she can start living instead of existing with a man who makes her feel alive for the first time in two years.
The second book in Skye Jordan’s Rough Riders Hockey series, Hot Puck, proves that hockey players are so much better than their stereotypes and illustrates just how difficult it is for someone to go outside her comfort zone when the scars from her past still hold her back. Beckett and Eden’s relationship isn’t easy, and there are some miscommunications and secret information that could be their undoing unless they figure out how to make this thing between them everything they never thought they wanted.
Skye Jordan does a great job of illustrating exactly who Beckett and Eden are and why they live the lives they do, which makes it easier for readers to understand their hesitancy in moving forward with one another. There’s a lot for Eden to work through in order to stop isolating herself, but once she recognizes what Beckett brings into her life, Eden’s more open to the emotions Beck brings out in her and works to be more open, fun, and carefree.
I’m a sucker for sports romance stories, and Skye Jordan’s Rough Riders Hockey series is quite the guilty pleasure and a definite must read for romance readers who love their sports and their steamy scenes!
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Holy cow. I love when a book is all consuming to the point that my body is aching from sitting still for so long reading or I have completely lost track of time because I am too caught up in the characters’ lives. Hot Puck by Skye Jordan did just that for me the last couple of days. From the single father Beckett and his adorable daughter Lily, to the feisty Eden who is overcoming a horrific past and believe Beckett and Lily are everything she can’t have in life. Jordan writes a heavy-hearted story that also is filled with incredible passion and joy.
Beckett Croft is a hot shot NHL player for the Rough Raiders who happens to meet EMT Eden Kennedy when he takes a bad hit on the ice. Their meeting is absolutely hilarious because he is expecting Eden to be like every other woman in his life and fawn all over him. He is quite surprised when she puts him in his place and his usual charm doesn’t work. As someone who was been a victim of violence in the past, she has no interest in a hockey player that is responsible for so much violence on the ice.
Once Beckett finally wins a date with Eden, things explode in a fury of passion and heat and intimacy. I was hoping that Hot Puck was not going to be a hook-up turned real love plot because I am generally not a fan of those. However, I should have known Jordan would throw in a lot of complications for Beckett and Eden and turn the story into one that is captivating. There are a lot of things that Beckett and Eden have to overcome in addition to their own doubts or emotional insecurities. Jordan is a fantastic storyteller and knows how to write a unique story that engages the reader from the beginning. Her characters have so many layers to them and you can’t stop reading until you peal them all back.
I loved Hot Puck and thought the story could not have unfolded any better. In addition to falling in love with Beckett, Eden and Lily, the supporting characters are ones I want to hang out with. I am glad there are two more books in the series for me to read! If you have yet to read Skye Jordan or just want to read a hot, sexy, contemporary romance, give Hot Puck a try. It can be read as a stand alone even though it is part of the series. You will love it!
This book desperately needs a page detailing the trigger warnings.
The book is a quick read, but I felt like some of the word count could’ve been spent on fleshing out the characters better.
Both MCs have a lot on their plate, but Eden has so much trauma from her past that is still impacting her in the present. So I felt like her actions were quite inconsistent in this area because it was just brushed off. It was hard to root for the couple when we don’t read about the ways Eden is supported. It just feels like you’ve read pages of smut and filler chapters.
Beckett made a joke saying ‘You haven’t had much kid experience’. This was said to a person who had lost her child at the hands of an abusive partner. I found this joke so horrendous and just plain insensitive.
The ending felt unsatisfying and rushed
03/10/25 - This review is unchanged; a few minor grammatical errors were corrected.
Kind of some spoilers ahead but you kind of find these facts out quickly when you start to read. I really really enjoyed these two. Beckett and Eden were a perfect match. She was feisty and didn’t just jump all over Beckett like he was used to. He had to really try to get things to work with her and it was refreshing to read that. LOVE that Beckett was a single Dad. Love that he was fighting for his daughter and that he really took time to be with her when he wasn’t traveling for hockey. I like how when things got rough for them and she tried to pull away…he didn’t let her. He stood his ground and waited for her to listen to him. He didn’t just run away and try to “lose himself” in another woman…which I see happen a lot in these types of books…but not Beckett. He was a good Hero.