Warning: do not read this book if you have sore stomach muscles (ie post stomach bug...or surgery), cough when you laugh, or pee when you cough. Because Pippa Grant has written a book that can turn a very foul mood into a lovely world filled with glitter and unicorns and puppies (cow-dogs?) and love and friends. Charming as Puck is a best friends/best friend's little sister book. Technically a stand alone book; but don't do the disservice of not reading all the books because you need to for a better life and better read.
If you've had the pleasure of reading Beauty and the Beefcake, you've been introduced to our main characters Nick and Kami. Kami is Nick's little sister's best friend; Nick is a handsome hockey player who has some very rough edges. They've been friends themselves for years, until 8 months ago they changed the relationship to include benefits. Their outrageous banter and antics made the book more than enjoyable and an absolute treat, as the two grew in their relationship.
We went into the book knowing Nick was a big brother who would stand up for his sister. But wouldn't hesitate to pull a good prank and have a good time. He was a main reason his whole team had to have “charm school” and mandatory volunteer hours. But despite the fuzzy logic and rocky choices he makes, he's a man who goes after what he wants with his whole self and has a very strong moral compass. Kami is the sweet, slightly younger than Nick, woman who has managed to always be there for him, keeping some of the minor details of his life in order. She's a great vet and good friend, and she wants more from their mutually beneficial arrangement. It was fantastic to watch them work through their struggles, whether self made or for the better of the new relationship.
Heat is never a problem in a Pippa Grant book. We know from the blurb they've already had the benefits, and the love seems one sided. But it doesn't take long to experience that the “benefits” they share are smoking and make mine seem a bit lacking. Kami makes Nick work for the new benefits though, and whoa, hello hot flashes! :)
I read this whole book in less than 4 hours, start to finish, in one sitting. So yes, it reads fast, but in the most delightful way. Ms. Grant made me laugh, cry, snort, and nearly pee my pants. All while rooting for Kami and Nick, enjoying seeing the Berger twins again, and wishing I had more pets and better friends.
This is an amazing feel good book. The characters have absurd yet fantastic friends and family, antics to keep you on your toes, and emotions that run the gamut of hope, joy, despair and end in only the way hockey romance can. Can't recommend this book and author enough.
Favorite Quotes:
“Your genome sequence is incomplete.” “She just called you a Neanderthal, in nerd.”
“Oh my god, your mother saw my vagina,” she moans “Probably not,” I say. “ I mean, my head was in the way.” “That's not any better.”
“I'm supposed to talk to you about where babies come from. Your mother says you were doing it wrong.”
“They said charm school wouldn't work on me. Those fuckers were wrong.”
“There's nothing better in all the world than the sight of Kami laughing. She's cookies and cream ice cream on triple fudge caramel brownies. She's winning the Cup all over again every hour of my life. She's the only person in the world I'd trust with my heart.”
“There are so many better gifts than marriage and dream houses with room for cow-dogs.”
Star Ratings:
Plot = 5/5 Characters = 5/5 Heat = 5/5 Writing Style = 5/5 Overall Rating = 5/5
**Reviewed for Seraphim Book Reviews**