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Toronto Northmen #1
Lucky Pucker
Hockey is in my blood—hell, it’s practically my birthright—but when an injury shattered my Olympic dream, I had no choice but to shift my ambitions. Now, instead of being a professional athlete, I work for them. In a world where a person can ruin their reputation in forty characters or less, it’s my job to keep my clients’ phones from being a weapon of mass destruction that decimates their careers.
Enter Luke Valentine, the NHL’s hottest, all-star defenseman, whose colossally stupid mistake has him and his team in hot water. They need me to help rebuild their reputation and I need them to boost my resume credentials for a promotion. I want to climb the corporate ladder, but my scorching hot attraction to Luke is getting in the way. With all eyes on me, I must resist temptation, but not mixing business with pleasure is hard as puck.
This book contains sarcasm, creative language, and scenes that involve sexy times. It is not recommended for children, but immature adults are perfectly acceptable.
Enter Luke Valentine, the NHL’s hottest, all-star defenseman, whose colossally stupid mistake has him and his team in hot water. They need me to help rebuild their reputation and I need them to boost my resume credentials for a promotion. I want to climb the corporate ladder, but my scorching hot attraction to Luke is getting in the way. With all eyes on me, I must resist temptation, but not mixing business with pleasure is hard as puck.
This book contains sarcasm, creative language, and scenes that involve sexy times. It is not recommended for children, but immature adults are perfectly acceptable.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2022
72 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Hilary Rose
4 books51 followersHilary Rose is a teacher who lives near Toronto, Canada. She has her master’s degree in sports journalism but decided she enjoyed writing about fictional hockey players more than real ones. She is a passionate hockey fan who sometimes gets a little too emotionally invested in her team’s wins and losses. She’s a huge Swiftie who spends far too much time sweating on her Peloton because she can’t sit still for more than a few minutes—unless it’s to write her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 21, 2022
I wrote it, so obviously I think it’s awesome!
decided-against
November 28, 2024Don’t be alarmed everyone. Yes I just added a hockey romance to my tbr IYKYK.
January 21, 2023
This book had me engaged from the start! I’ve never read a book surrounding sports and romance, so I’m glad I follow Hilary on TikTok to be able to read such a fun story!
I loved the writing. It was hilarious and the kind of humour I enjoy amongst friends. This made it such an easy read that I was able to finish in approx 6 hours.
Holly was such a sweetheart! I loved her adorable nature and that innocence she had surrounding intimate relations. I didn't see it as a bad thing, that she was 25 and still a virgin, because for some, the right person just doesn't come along until they do.
I loved the development of Luke wanting to be a better person. He was patient, caring and loveable. For him, I did find that Holly brought out the best in him. The fact that he's also hot helps!
Avery was just a bundle of fun! Can't wait to see how her story progresses. I'm there for it!
If you want spice, well you've definitely got it in this book! It was definitely a path of discovery for Holly. I liked the twists towards the end with Candy and then Ryan also. Honestly wasn't expecting anything but HEA, so for me, I was like "oh that's a nice surprise!".
Overall, I laughed, I gasped, I smiled, I may have had a few "oh my!" moments and I was left with wanting more. Can't wait for the next book!
I loved the writing. It was hilarious and the kind of humour I enjoy amongst friends. This made it such an easy read that I was able to finish in approx 6 hours.
Holly was such a sweetheart! I loved her adorable nature and that innocence she had surrounding intimate relations. I didn't see it as a bad thing, that she was 25 and still a virgin, because for some, the right person just doesn't come along until they do.
I loved the development of Luke wanting to be a better person. He was patient, caring and loveable. For him, I did find that Holly brought out the best in him. The fact that he's also hot helps!
Avery was just a bundle of fun! Can't wait to see how her story progresses. I'm there for it!
If you want spice, well you've definitely got it in this book! It was definitely a path of discovery for Holly. I liked the twists towards the end with Candy and then Ryan also. Honestly wasn't expecting anything but HEA, so for me, I was like "oh that's a nice surprise!".
Overall, I laughed, I gasped, I smiled, I may have had a few "oh my!" moments and I was left with wanting more. Can't wait for the next book!
October 13, 2022
This is a fast-paced, ice hockey romance where the FMC is hilarious and the MMC is everything you want out of book boyfriend. A forbidden romance with plenty of humour, relatable characters and swoon worthy dialogue. This is my first ice hockey based romance and I loved it. I am very much looking forward to the other books in this series.
December 29, 2022
unexpected expected plot twist 👀
August 22, 2022
This was such a fun and light read with great characters (main and side ones). The story of Holly and Luke is beautiful, captivating and heartwarming. These two are adorable and lovable. Especially, I love the communication they shared, the maturity and their strong and willed personalities. Highly recommended!
August 22, 2022
Such a good book. It was a fast paced, light hearted read and I cannot wait to read the other books written By Hilary. I really liked the characters too.
Would recommend.
Would recommend.
November 26, 2024
DNF at 30%. Couple of reasons (these are not spoilers, they happen within the first few chapters)
- The heroine finds a photo of the hero kissing a man at a pride parade, and her reaction is to be “sick to her stomach.” No consideration given to it being taken out of context, or maybe he’s bi but not ready to disclose?
- Very purposeful use of the term “nazi” when referring to a character’s strict adherence to the rules. One thing to make an off handed casual comment, another to double down with “he called me a XX? ‘Yup, I’m a XX’”
- Heroine was too child-like. She is meant to be a 25 yr old professional woman on the cusp of a big break at work, but she thinks and acts like a teenager. She wore a graphic tank with a big-boob pun for a fun night out with girlfriends, despite calling herself a member of the itty bitty tittie committee (so the shirt is like…a bad joke? Crass, unfunny, not the choice a professional 25-yr-old would make—that’s teenager behavior)
- Similarly, descriptions of “boys acting badly” feel crass and immature. The book was written in 2022, surely we all—but especially young athletes who grew up with social media and are probably followed by their parents and families—know not to post booby pictures on the internet
- That said, 2 stars for 3 reasons: a) these things bothered me personally, but I can understand that they may not be bothersome to others. b) the author’s understanding of the game of hockey is masterful. And as a hockey fan myself (the reason I picked up the book!) I find no fault in her descriptions of the game/league and actually applaud her. c) it’s not badly written at all, the writing is actually quite good, I just think the author is making poor choices in the telling of the story. Maybe further in her series she finds a beta/editing team that helps her get it right. In this one, she does not.
- The heroine finds a photo of the hero kissing a man at a pride parade, and her reaction is to be “sick to her stomach.” No consideration given to it being taken out of context, or maybe he’s bi but not ready to disclose?
- Very purposeful use of the term “nazi” when referring to a character’s strict adherence to the rules. One thing to make an off handed casual comment, another to double down with “he called me a XX? ‘Yup, I’m a XX’”
- Heroine was too child-like. She is meant to be a 25 yr old professional woman on the cusp of a big break at work, but she thinks and acts like a teenager. She wore a graphic tank with a big-boob pun for a fun night out with girlfriends, despite calling herself a member of the itty bitty tittie committee (so the shirt is like…a bad joke? Crass, unfunny, not the choice a professional 25-yr-old would make—that’s teenager behavior)
- Similarly, descriptions of “boys acting badly” feel crass and immature. The book was written in 2022, surely we all—but especially young athletes who grew up with social media and are probably followed by their parents and families—know not to post booby pictures on the internet
- That said, 2 stars for 3 reasons: a) these things bothered me personally, but I can understand that they may not be bothersome to others. b) the author’s understanding of the game of hockey is masterful. And as a hockey fan myself (the reason I picked up the book!) I find no fault in her descriptions of the game/league and actually applaud her. c) it’s not badly written at all, the writing is actually quite good, I just think the author is making poor choices in the telling of the story. Maybe further in her series she finds a beta/editing team that helps her get it right. In this one, she does not.
October 18, 2024
DNF at 30% because the FMC sees a photo online of the MMC kissing a man at a Pride parade and freaks out that he’s gay and using her as a beard. As if a man can’t be bi. This book came out in 2022. Realistic or plausible reaction to the situation or not, an author’s words are written with intention, and I’m disappointed that this was used as a device to create tension. There are so many other ways to draw his faithfulness into question without making the FMC “sick to her stomach” over seeing an old photo of him kissing a man before they ever got together.
I enjoyed the MMC and the hockey accuracy, and I really wanted to like this book. There were several other things about the FMC that gave me the ick—she comes off as a jealous, insecure teenager when she’s supposed to be 25–but this one was way too much for me to forgive.
I enjoyed the MMC and the hockey accuracy, and I really wanted to like this book. There were several other things about the FMC that gave me the ick—she comes off as a jealous, insecure teenager when she’s supposed to be 25–but this one was way too much for me to forgive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
OMG!!!!! I just love everything about this book from the plot to the characters just everything!!!! I love Luke and Hollys connection so much and how they were able to get through all the obstacles that try to keep them apart. 🥰
Luke is the captain for the Toronto Northman and his coach wants him to clean up his image with the media relations team, where he happens to meet Avery and Holly. He's needing to pick up his keys from a bar where he happens to meet Holly and she ends up getting sick on his shoes. Regardless to that embarrassing situation, Luke finds Holly extremely attractive and will find a way to get to know her better. This book has a few twist that will definitely keep you on your toes.
Definitely a 5 ⭐️ read and an amazing first read for the year 2025❤️ i'm already halfway through the second book of the series, Sweet pucker!!
Luke is the captain for the Toronto Northman and his coach wants him to clean up his image with the media relations team, where he happens to meet Avery and Holly. He's needing to pick up his keys from a bar where he happens to meet Holly and she ends up getting sick on his shoes. Regardless to that embarrassing situation, Luke finds Holly extremely attractive and will find a way to get to know her better. This book has a few twist that will definitely keep you on your toes.
Definitely a 5 ⭐️ read and an amazing first read for the year 2025❤️ i'm already halfway through the second book of the series, Sweet pucker!!
April 28, 2025
I follow this author on threads and her knowledge of hockey is why I stay. As a hockey fan I appreciate a hockey romance that actually talks about hockey. This does and it does it accurately and well. Holly works in social media consulting and helps fix and manage train wreck sports players. One player, Luke, literally had a scandal of the booby variety. It was actually kinda funny. Anyway, we have a workplace romance as they work together to fix not only him but the Toronto Northmen. (An imaginary team that I bet is her version of the Maple Leafs) You read this knowing exactly what’s going to happen but I was so surprised by the fact that we had a discussion about women in the workplace and double standards. I actually loved it. A woman says or does the wrong thing and her career can be ruined while the guy does fine. Yeah, in this romance or any hockey romance if the relationship goes public the male hockey player will do just fine. She will lose her job. This recently happened with the NY Rangers and a member of their social media. It’s crap. I love that the author did discuss it and did it well. She gets it. We do have a virgin FMC which can be really awkward but I think this was done right. We weren’t rushed into things and this girl was appropriately panicky and overthinking. Luke was also very sweet and wooed her nicely.
Also, she is right. It’s hard to tell WAGs apart. 🤣 I enjoyed this book and am literally hyped so hard for Avery’s story. It feels like a second chance and I hope there is grovel.
This story was cute, spicy, and entertaining. Worth a read.
Also, she is right. It’s hard to tell WAGs apart. 🤣 I enjoyed this book and am literally hyped so hard for Avery’s story. It feels like a second chance and I hope there is grovel.
This story was cute, spicy, and entertaining. Worth a read.
September 3, 2022
Do I have any interest in hockey, nope. I’m a football girl myself. Did I devour every single page of this book, yep. Holly is an associate of a PR agency forced into working for the dashing Luke Valentine, the Hockey Captain of a Toronto NHL team. Luke and his team have gotten themselves into a pickle and mucked up the teams image. Holly and her hilarious best friend Avery team together and clean up the teams image. However, along the way Holly falls for the team captain Luke Valentine. Holly is forced to choose between career and love. Holly is so relatable. A lot of romance MFC are too perfect and hard to relate to. Holly is the perfect balance of quirky and awkward. So many of the situations in this book were relatable by how awkward they were. I also loved the sprinkle of references of some of my favorite things like Taylor Swift and Greys Anatomy. I honestly am can’t wait to read the next book .
September 8, 2022
Admittedly, I'm a sucker for a hockey romance. So they automatically are good for me.. but let me tell you WHY beyond the fact that it was a hockey romance.
Hilary writes strong women. Holly isn't some damsel in distress waiting for someone to save her and pay her way through life, she knows what she wants. She has and is willing to work her way to the top solely based on merit.
And sure, Luke is a millionaire hockey player, but his net worth is barely mentioned and not written as a focus of the book. This story was all about Luke and Holly and their ups and downs.
It was funny, it was captivating, it was anxiety ridden (or maybe that's just the anxious empath in me who was feeling second hand nerves for Holly) it was sexy and it was sweet .
I cannot wait to read about Lily and Emerson's stories. I can already tell that these fiery women are going to keep their hockey players on their toes!!!
Hilary writes strong women. Holly isn't some damsel in distress waiting for someone to save her and pay her way through life, she knows what she wants. She has and is willing to work her way to the top solely based on merit.
And sure, Luke is a millionaire hockey player, but his net worth is barely mentioned and not written as a focus of the book. This story was all about Luke and Holly and their ups and downs.
It was funny, it was captivating, it was anxiety ridden (or maybe that's just the anxious empath in me who was feeling second hand nerves for Holly) it was sexy and it was sweet .
I cannot wait to read about Lily and Emerson's stories. I can already tell that these fiery women are going to keep their hockey players on their toes!!!
February 2, 2023
I really loved this book. I thought it was fun, light-hearted and sweet. I haven't read any hockey romances before but I'm hooked now! I will definitely be on the lookout for more from the Toronto Northmen series.
I really liked how this was set in Toronto. As a Toronto native myself, growing up with hockey is a very cultural experience and I think Rose captured that well. I thought the premise was interesting, how the FMC was brought in as a PR consultant to clean up the teams image. The spice was great and progressed nicely.
My only issue with the book was the use of the word "hymen". I have no problem with virgin protagonists who lose their v-card during the book but the talk of the hymen gives me the "ick". Especially since we now know that a broken hymen is not indicative of not being a virgin. This was more a personal critique and I wouldn't have said anything about it at all but it was brought up several times.
That being said, I was engaged the whole time while reading. There are lots of highs and lows and the stakes kept getting higher. Overall, a great book! Can't wait for the next one.
I really liked how this was set in Toronto. As a Toronto native myself, growing up with hockey is a very cultural experience and I think Rose captured that well. I thought the premise was interesting, how the FMC was brought in as a PR consultant to clean up the teams image. The spice was great and progressed nicely.
My only issue with the book was the use of the word "hymen". I have no problem with virgin protagonists who lose their v-card during the book but the talk of the hymen gives me the "ick". Especially since we now know that a broken hymen is not indicative of not being a virgin. This was more a personal critique and I wouldn't have said anything about it at all but it was brought up several times.
That being said, I was engaged the whole time while reading. There are lots of highs and lows and the stakes kept getting higher. Overall, a great book! Can't wait for the next one.
September 11, 2022
This was a fast paced, fun and sexy read. As an Australian, I have next to no understanding of hockey, but after reading this all I can say is I am now a HUGE fan!
Where can I get me a Luke Valentine?!” Holy hell he was sexy and sweet and goddamn perfect! The way he loved and cherished Holly was swoon-worthy. Holly was sassy and awkward and so much fun, you can’t help but fall in love with her.
I’m blown away by this debut novel by Hilary and I can’t wait to read more about the Toronto Northmen…I wonder if I can convince my husband to move to Canada?!🤔
Where can I get me a Luke Valentine?!” Holy hell he was sexy and sweet and goddamn perfect! The way he loved and cherished Holly was swoon-worthy. Holly was sassy and awkward and so much fun, you can’t help but fall in love with her.
I’m blown away by this debut novel by Hilary and I can’t wait to read more about the Toronto Northmen…I wonder if I can convince my husband to move to Canada?!🤔
October 19, 2022
I learned about this book from Hilary Rose’s TikTok video about talking to her Dad about her book and smut. I ordered the book the same day.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMFrx21t6/
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and fun. The author is Canadian and the story has lots of Canadian and Toronto references. The love story is a little predictable and cheesy at times, but what love story isn’t?
I think the book could be polished a little, as there is some missing punctuation and word errors, but all-in-all it was a great read. Definitely recommend this one.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMFrx21t6/
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and fun. The author is Canadian and the story has lots of Canadian and Toronto references. The love story is a little predictable and cheesy at times, but what love story isn’t?
I think the book could be polished a little, as there is some missing punctuation and word errors, but all-in-all it was a great read. Definitely recommend this one.
March 4, 2023
sweet as candy
Hilary Rose hit it out of the park here!
If you’re someone who wants to read Hockey romance written by someone who KNOWS hockey? This is the book people! Hilary’s knowledge of the game and insane way of making you love every single character just pushes this book right to the top!
Holly and Luke were the absolute sweetest! And I simply cannot wait to find out what’s in store for Avery and Ryan… and Lily and Chase! Give me all the puckers!!
Hilary Rose hit it out of the park here!
If you’re someone who wants to read Hockey romance written by someone who KNOWS hockey? This is the book people! Hilary’s knowledge of the game and insane way of making you love every single character just pushes this book right to the top!
Holly and Luke were the absolute sweetest! And I simply cannot wait to find out what’s in store for Avery and Ryan… and Lily and Chase! Give me all the puckers!!
July 13, 2025
Overall this was a great read. FMC Holly is the daughter of a hockey star dead beat day and a former hockey star in her own right, before a career ending injury put her on the trajectory to be a fixer of sport player reputations. MMC Luke is a hockey star, team captain in need of a fixer for himself and his team. Think forbidden office romance, sneaking around with the help of best friend Avery. I apricated the frank discussions about women in the workspace - especially one dominated by men- and the double standard that exist. FMC is a virgin and while I thought that the spicy parts were done right - there was just alot of focus on it in the beginning that was a little awkward. And while I'm not a hockey fan per say - I felt that the sport was represented well and we actually got the sport as part of the story which I love.
February 23, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I was sucked into it right from the start and it just got better and better!
Holly and Avery are the bestest of friends and the way they work together towards everything is awesome! Luke just snuck right in and stole the heart of Holly and it was so funny to see Avery giving him tips and rooting them on!
I cannot wait for the next 2 books to come out!
Holly and Avery are the bestest of friends and the way they work together towards everything is awesome! Luke just snuck right in and stole the heart of Holly and it was so funny to see Avery giving him tips and rooting them on!
I cannot wait for the next 2 books to come out!
January 4, 2025
This book was a great way to start 2025! The book is a sweet little love story about Holly and Luke. Holly works in sport relations with her BFF Avery the are helping the Toronto Northmans fix there reputation and Holly falls for The captain in the sweetest way possible this is a warm cup of coffee in a cold hockey arena Cannot wait to read more by Hilary
October 14, 2022
This book made you feel all the emotions. It was a warm easy read. Wished I could have rated it 4.5 stars. You don’t need to like hockey too enjoy it but it makes it that much better :) can’t wait to read another 😉
December 25, 2022
Loving Lucky!
This book was a fun read. Hilary Rose built a great cast of supporting characters that you couldn't help but fall for. I was rooting for Holy and Luke through their secret relationship. I can't wait to read A very as story.
This book was a fun read. Hilary Rose built a great cast of supporting characters that you couldn't help but fall for. I was rooting for Holy and Luke through their secret relationship. I can't wait to read A very as story.
April 1, 2023
Game winning goal for Luke and Holly!
What a great romantic story of Luke and Holly. Forbidden romance he’s the hockey player she’s his PR rep hired by his hockey team. Great spice between these two.
What a great romantic story of Luke and Holly. Forbidden romance he’s the hockey player she’s his PR rep hired by his hockey team. Great spice between these two.
November 10, 2023
Such a good Canadian Hockey story!
I love that this is set I'm Toronto and they drove up North for vacation. Being from Northern Ontario I loved having a story set close enough to home. I can't wait to see Ryan and Averys story!
I love that this is set I'm Toronto and they drove up North for vacation. Being from Northern Ontario I loved having a story set close enough to home. I can't wait to see Ryan and Averys story!
October 16, 2022
Loved it!
Loved this story, so easy to read and fell in love with the characters too. Funny, charming and just a bloody good read :)
Loved this story, so easy to read and fell in love with the characters too. Funny, charming and just a bloody good read :)
October 12, 2022
Super fun read
As a book and hockey fan, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book!!! Fun, engaging and entertaining!
As a book and hockey fan, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book!!! Fun, engaging and entertaining!
December 27, 2022
A perfect romcom read
So many reasons to love this books. Strong female leads with a great story line. Holly and Avery are hired to clean up the image of the Toronto Northmen team from start to finish the book keeps you wanting more. I hope we get Avery’s and Lily’s story.
So many reasons to love this books. Strong female leads with a great story line. Holly and Avery are hired to clean up the image of the Toronto Northmen team from start to finish the book keeps you wanting more. I hope we get Avery’s and Lily’s story.
August 19, 2023
No spoilers. I loved this book. I wish I had pulled it from my TBR sooner. Holly and Avery are such great characters! I love their friendship. Many laugh out loud moments! Lucky is a great male lead and I cannot wait to read the next book! It’s more plot than spice and that’s absolutely perfect!
June 10, 2024
So good
I am so enjoying lucky and his world. I think it is fun and sassy with a little bit of Spice. I can't wait to read more by this author
I am so enjoying lucky and his world. I think it is fun and sassy with a little bit of Spice. I can't wait to read more by this author
August 24, 2022
Definitely, a lot going on but a really fun read. Looking forward to more books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews