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The first book in a new romantic comedy series by USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Lynx about a hockey player who is anything but nice. When he needs the help of his teammate's sister, the sweet-as-pie local veterinarian, to save his dog, he wonders if his secret crush from the past might be more than puppy love.
My teammates call me Grumpy Old Man.
I get the grumpy part. It’s not as if I was ever the life of the party. But I am not old. Geez, I'm only thirty-two.
Despite the only partly correct nickname, there's two things you need to know about me. The first, I love my dog and would do anything for that crazy mutt.
The second thing, well, it involves my teammates' sister. The woman he told me to stay away from. What nobody knows is I have a had a crush on her for years.
Why am I telling you this?
My dog was in an accident and the only one who could save him? You guessed it. My secret crush who is the local veterinarian.
What did I do to thank her? I got her fired. Now my secret crush thinks I'm a grumpy jerk too.

233 pages, ebook

Published March 31, 2022

767 people are currently reading
1279 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Lynx

51 books976 followers
Elizabeth Lynx is a USA Today Bestselling author that writes steamy romantic comedies.

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5 stars
361 (21%)
4 stars
455 (26%)
3 stars
497 (29%)
2 stars
247 (14%)
1 star
145 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
40 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2022
Dnf! Hate the heroine seriously why would you pay rent for a bf who cheated on you and stay on your job where your boss is the woman your boyfriend is still sleeping with! She just let them walk all over her and she wonder why her life sucks. Both her and her brother are in this situation because they can’t stand up for themselves. Her brother’s problem omg! Who in the right mind would let his ex-wife who btw cheated on him and leave him to take care of their son get everything in their divorce leaving him nothing just because he still loves her. They are definitely brother and sisters. 🤮
133 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2022
I never DNF a book but this one would be the exception, the fact the heroine would work for her boss who she found sleeping with her boyfriend, let the boyfriend stayed at the apartment she paid, still considered to continue working for her boss, the boss telling her “I will satisfy your boyfriend while you still support him economically” and the boyfriend suggesting the same….,, no! Nope! I can’t bring myself to kept reading this book. It is a style of reading of this author to always portray her female main characters as doormats, stupid, with zero selfsteem. I gave her a chance with the billionaires series but can’t waste anymore time with this kind of plot.
1⭐️ just because is hard to write a book and the potential of being a good plot from the hero perspective but because of the weak female character development and no one is that stupid to behave like that with a cheater bf or a boss, well minus 4 stars.
Profile Image for Sammy Storey.
310 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2023
…there’s no way. what a dumpster fire mess of a book. I should’ve known after that first chapter but I forged ahead.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
361 reviews18 followers
February 13, 2024
DNF at 50%

All I can say is thank god I didn’t waste any money buying this book

Writing: This is my first time reading Elizabeth Lynx and it wasn’t a good start. The writing itself was confusing and jumbled. Some sentences were hard to read and made it frustrating. There were also a lot of holes in the plot. How could her brother, who had full custody of his son, be broke from paying his wife alimony? It just didn’t make sense. And speaking of things that don’t make sense…how did a small town manage to get a major league hockey team? There’s apparently no vet in 60 miles, but they have pro hockey?!?

Plot: Convoluted and weird. The characters were unlikeable and the story made no sense. So many things could’ve been avoided or fixed if Cillian acted like a normal human or Daisy acted like she had a spine.

MMC: Cillian was just mean and lived a very sad life. I get that he has trauma, but that doesn’t excuse the way he treats others. It’s honestly a miracle that anyone was even willing to talk to him.

FMC: I think I hated her more that Cillian. Daisy was so much of a pushover that I had to put my kindle down to take a break from the stupidity. She walks in on her unemployed bf screwing her lazy and mean boss. And what does she do… she leaves them to have sex, continues to pay rent on the apartment even after leaving him, and goes back to work under her boss. She’s so weak and pathetic that she was one of the main reasons I gave up on the book.

Spice: I didn’t really make it to any spice. They kissed once, but it wasn’t memorable.

Overall: I’d rate this as one of the worst sports romance books that I’ve ever read
Profile Image for Stacey Both.
45 reviews
October 26, 2022
I’m trying to figure out if all those five star folks and I read the same book! From the first page, the all sound stupid! Daisy and Andrew both sound bumbling and poorly written. Jackson sounds dim, mean, and unwise. Cillion is so caught up in his sad little ways that he can’t even comprehend what the coach is telling him about his job and his team?! Love can make you stronger and braver but it cannot make you smarter! And the dumb rumors, these people act like middle schoolers not adults with professional lives! Ugh, what a waste of time!
Profile Image for Michael K.
784 reviews30 followers
May 21, 2023
For me this is another one of those, 'erm, did we all read the same book?' Because this grump was not lovable, nor was he particularly interesting, or kind.
THEN, you have a lot of plot backpedaling, and then things getting resolved without it being stated for clarity, or even...to make it smooth. It's just very haphazard.
"Well--you just didn't get it there's a lot of twists." Yeah, but the way they're all introduced is what the problem is. It's sloppy writing. And that's really unfortunate for a series opener, that's all I'm sayin'.

Plus, I just want to emphasis that the heroine in this is super, super whiny. She's a wallflower, but in a doormat way, not a minding her business way, and that's always UGH to read. Also, I have never met someone (who successfully completed advanced schooling for a title) refer to themselves as LESS THAN that title in their work. Like, yes, she's a vet. tech in pay, but her credential's don't change just because of the jobs she does under contract. She's still a licensed veterinarian. And if she completes the tasks of one when her boss is out...she's obviously qualified? Idk, that detail is so obviously warped for the drama factor but damn.

Good luck!
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,809 reviews53 followers
March 25, 2022
Grumpy as Puck is a fantastic start to a new series. I loved this one so much. I could not put it down. This is why I love Elizabeth Lynx so much. I always get a big smile on my face and laugh out loud when it comes to one of her books. Grumpy as Puck will leave you giggling with Cillian's grumpy pizza loving ways and all of Daisy's mishaps. Daisy is sweet and goes with the flow. I love how she is with her nephew ands. She is a wonderful veterinarian who is looked down on by her boss. There is such chemistry between Cillian and Daisy that heats up the pages and will put a smile on your face. If you love hockey romance or even that teammate's sister romance than you are just going to love this one so much. Cillian and Daisy have a few awkward moments that will make you giggle out loud. I for one cannot wait for more of the Blue Ridge Mountain Hockey series to come. This is just book one and I'm already hooked. Go one click this one now and meet Daisy, Cillian and the rest of the hockey team.
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,619 reviews61 followers
March 29, 2022
If you haven’t read Ms. Lynx’s work, you really really should. She has a great way of telling a story that will keep you engaged as well as smiling and laughing throughout, at least all the books I’ve read do. Grumpy as Puck fits that description to a tee. The characters are just meant to be. Cillian is a grumpy hockey player who lives for hockey and pizza. But his grumpy old man ways are holding him back with his teammates. Daisy is a happy go lucky vet who dreams of becoming a full time vet. She also happens to be Cillian’s best friend's sister who he’s been told to stay away from. Little does his bud know he’s had a crush on her for years. But what happens when his dog needs a vet and Daisy answers the call? It causes them both more trouble and hilarious moments.


I can’t wait for more from this new series. If you haven’t grabbed up Grumpy as Puck, I highly recommend you do. You won’t regret it. 2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars
1,465 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2022
So excited for this new series.

We are back at Blue Ridge Mountain but for a whole different reason. Hockey hunk and the local veterinarian shared a kiss two years ago that did not end well. Now, he needs her help. He may be attracted to her, but he cannot act on it because this certain beautiful woman is also the little sister to one of his teammates.

Grumpy as Puck is so much fun. We witness Cillian at his grumpiness and then we find out what has made him so cold and heartless. Daisy has her own share of problems and can only wonder what it would be like to have another kiss from her brother’s teammate.

I loved the buildup to this couple and the tension was over the top. The drama that these two faced with ex’s was unbelievable, especially for Daisy. This story is a wonderful escape to small town life and everlasting relationships.
Profile Image for Elle Golden.
Author 5 books61 followers
March 27, 2022
Another funny story by this author.

As you can always expect from Elizabeth, this book was light and easy to read.
The situations the characters found themselves in were as insane as they were funny.

Daisy and Cillian were equally awkward but also passionate about their dreams, their goals, and their families.
I admit I had to convince myself into liking Daisy, but I loved Cillian from the start, grumpiness and all.

He was sweet, loyal, and adorable, despite his sour mood. Actually, his sour mood made him even more special.
I loved how he stepped up for the things he believed in, how he protected the ones he loved and how willing he was to get out of his comfort zone to be a better person.
Cillian and Daisy made for a great team, they understood each other in a way nobody else did.

I really enjoyed this story and I'm excited to see what shenanigans the other players will bring.
Profile Image for Mary Fazzi.
1,245 reviews10 followers
April 12, 2022
Cillian is on a hockey team that is good. The team is good but the players don’t always get along. Cillian has had a drinking problem and others don’t forget that. Then during the drinking he lost his mom. Things changed. Now he’s sober and helps out with his dad and the farm. One of the players is Jackson and has a son and a sister named Daisy. Daisy and Jackson have been on their own for a while since losing their dad and their mom never being in their life. Cillian and Daisy have seen each other at parties but don’t have a lot to go on. They have a connection but something always happens. Will Daisy and Cillian have a chance together or not?
Profile Image for Angela.
77 reviews
September 23, 2023
Let's be clear, this is really 1/2 star for the effort of writing a really terrible book. The characters all suck, the plot is ridiculous, and if I wasn't a person who never quits, I would have DNF'd this book. Should have known better. 3rd book and LAST I read from this author. My love of hockey should only go so far. Save yourself the torture and read Sawyer Bennett, Toni Aleo, or Jami Davenport.


Profile Image for Elizabeth.
200 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2022
You would figure since everyone is an adult in this book, they would act like, you know, adults. Instead it was glorified douche teens.
4,143 reviews25 followers
April 2, 2022
Good romantic comedy
4.5
I really liked this story, rather tender, a little hot and funny, with characters for whom I immediately had empathy: Daisy, because she discovers that her boyfriend is sleeping with her boss and that she may no longer have a job, and Cyllian who has a grumpy reputation and who is starting to get old to be a professional hockey player, all strewn with the intervention of exes of all kinds from each other's respective pasts.
The whole thing is an enjoyable romantic comedy to read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
102 reviews
May 8, 2023
I struggled to make it through this book. The writing was immature, there was no character development, and barely a plot. I will neither continue this series nor read the author again.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,417 reviews
May 12, 2023
DNF. Pretty awful and stupid.
77 reviews8 followers
June 2, 2023
...

Even for a free book, it was really terrible. Very immature, it felt like something a Teenager would write. One cringe after another. I really wish I had dnf-ed.
Profile Image for Hannah May.
777 reviews18 followers
December 4, 2023
Even though I do not like the miscommunication trope, this one I did not actually mind. I love Daisy's love for animals and that she would do anything to continue working with animals. I was not expecting everything to unfold that did, because oh my, that was crazy. I did enjoy the growth that Cillian went through with himself, and as well as Daisy's growth to not let everyone walk all over her, as in the beginning it made me annoyed that she was not standing up for herself.
Profile Image for Olivia Beasley.
7 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2024
Feels like a middle schooler wrote this. So many issues with the plot and how the characters are written. So confused on how this is a best seller…
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
2,905 reviews22 followers
May 6, 2023
Cillian lives for Hockey and Pizza and he is best described has being a grump and not interested in his teammates other than on the ice. Daisy, is a vet who one day finds her deadbeat boyfriend in bed with her boss. They meet accidentally in a broom closet at a party and everything changes for them. Daisy is the sister of one of Cillian's teammates , therefore hands off! Their mutual attraction will bring them together when Cillian's dog needs her help. Funny, sweet, entertaining story that is a great beginning to this new series. I can't wait to see what's next in store for us. I volunteered to review this story.
Profile Image for Mimapdx.
15 reviews
September 22, 2023
If you are thinking about reading this book, don't. It's utterly rubbish.
The main characters are just stupid. The plot it's all over the place.
I've read a lot of books in my life and this is seriously one of the most pathetic ones. Just plain awful.
I wish I could go back in time and unread it. Yes, that bad.
Profile Image for Kat Darling.
152 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2025
This may have had some potential but definitely could use a rewrite.

Things I didn’t like/made me cringe:
⚫️ mfc, Daisy, walks in on her bf and her boss naked in her bed
▪️she states she wants to keep those sheets. girl why??
▪️she leaves the apartment she solely pays rent for and continues paying the rent while her ex lives there and doesn’t clean up
⚫️ mmc, Cillian, is just sooooo grumpy he doesn’t know how to get along with people or be nice. He’s on a team but doesn’t know how to interact with them but wants to be their captain?
⚫️ you learn more about Cillian’s parents- especially his mom who passed from cancer, and their dog rather than the budding relationship of him and Daisy
⚫️ cillian is obsessed with pizza, there’s more of a relationship with it for the first 50% of the book than with Daisy
▪️it’s mentioned 68 times throughout the 231 pages
▪️On pg 16 he mentions it NINE times
▪️throughout pages 14-20 it’s mentioned TWENTY-FIVE times
▪️end of ch 16, they just hooked up for the first time and Daisy mentions getting pizza and he gets hard again and is ready for round 2 🥴
⚫️ third act breakup bc Cillian didn’t know he was married. To later find out he was drugged by his gf at the time as a prank by her and her side piece, the captain of his team- felt a little dark romancey for this plot
⚫️ the spice is only worth mentioning bc of how cringe it is. There’s only 1 spicy scene 60% in where Daisy refers to his member as a “banana” twice, and Cillian announces what he’s doing mid makeout- “we’re doing this” and “we’re going to fuck”
⚫️ discrepancies in writing
▪️first mentioning how Daisy smells of lavender but later saying she smells of lilacs
▪️how does this small town have only 1 vet within 100 miles but have a pro hockey team?
▪️if Jackson has full custody of his kid, why is his ex getting alimony and why is he broke as a pro hockey athlete living in a 1 bedroom apartment sharing a room with his son?
⚫️ after Cillian makes captain, 4 of his grown ass teammates hold him down and tickle him 🥴
⚫️ the miscommunication!!
▪️Daisy constantly runs away from everything
▪️Cillian takes everything so personally he automatically assumes everyone hates him
98 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2024
This was a very nice and easy read. Most of the characters are fun and sweet. I found the miscommunication funny but also slighty sad. I love how the book ended and to be honest: I wouldn't mind continuing the series as I find it like a pallet cleanser. I do recommend you read Grumpy as Puck!
Profile Image for Donna Smith.
1,260 reviews9 followers
March 22, 2022
A new serie from Elizabeth Lynx? Yes, please! She writes rom com so perfectly imperfect. What I mean by that is some of the situations these characters get into just make me laugh! This is no different. Cillian is as serious about hockey as he is about pizza. No body messes with either. And he is somewhat vocal about telling his teammates where they went wrong. Ok, a lot vocal. But if he wants to be captain, he's going to have to change. Daisy is the nurturing best friend/sister/girlfriend/employee. Her only dream is to be a veterinarian and cuddle all the animals. Her boss though is the absolute worst in more ways than one and refuses to bring her on as a full time vet. Her boyfriend....well he's not worth the thought. Her brother is making the best out of his situation and she's just supportive. And her friends definitely have her back. I laughed, I got emotional and I swooned at parts of this book. Can't wait to see where the rest of the team lands.
486 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read, quick, had lots of push and pull, sexy times and an HEA. I did have a hard time at first liking Daisy because she not very touch, easily pushed around (not physically) and just put up with way too much crap. Fortunately, she got that out of her system throughout the book and I started respecting her a whole lot more after this. Cillian was a grumpy dude, but with Daisy in his life, he begins to change and it's nice to see his transformation. I would recommend this book due to it being a fun read.
Profile Image for Kristen (belles_bookshelves).
3,072 reviews19 followers
October 1, 2023
“You always have choices.”

What the summary said: grumpy hockey player

What he actually is: a dude who’d rather relax at home with his recently widowed father on his nights off eating pizza.
(Like, excuse me? When given the option between Netflix and social interaction? I’m going introvert every time, too.)

What the summary said: HE has a secret crush on HER

What it actually is: they both literally like each other assume the other one doesn’t
Profile Image for Lori Caprio Tate.
494 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2023
This is a great RomCom that will have you loling and Rotfing. Cillian and Daisy have great chemistry that will have you rooting for them and hoping they end up together. Their encounters will keep you in stitches and their chemistry will keep you panting. Look forward to the rest of this new series.
118 reviews11 followers
April 6, 2022
Mild

Mild heat, mild humor, minor plot. Even a Christian romance would have the H and h hug before 50% into the story.

The h was a flighty doormat, and the H was just bland. So much disappointment for a $4.99 book. 😴
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,748 reviews168 followers
May 22, 2022
Lynx always makes my day a little bit brighter. Through her over the top characters and irresistible stories I have no trouble remembering how to smile. Gillian and Daisy are joy personified. Far from perfect, it's the flaws that I found most endearing. Full of humor and heart.
120 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2022
Grumpy as puck

Omg what a fun read. Awesome title too Elizabeth!!!! Can't wait for the next book. Cillian and Daisy are awesome together.
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