Puck Drills & Quick Thrills

CU Hockey #5

by Eden Finley, Saxon James

WESTLY

The fall from NHL superstar to domestic disaster was swift and painful. When I became the legal guardian of my five younger siblings, I had no idea what I was doing.

One year later, I’m still lost.

Coaching CU’s hockey team might be the only thing I’m excelling at. But when our star forward is failing math, I have to do what it takes to keep him on the team. Even if it’s going head-to-head with Jasper Eckstein.

One minute I’m confronting the notorious hockey-hating professor, and the next I’m agreeing to be his date to his twenty-year high school reunion.

I don’t know how that happened.


JASPER

My rules are simple. I don’t give extra credit. Ever. No matter how entitled jocks think they are, I refuse to give them special treatment.

It's not because I hate them. It's not because a hockey player broke my nose in high school.

It's fair.

But when Westly Dalton bursts into my office like a hurricane, all my principles fly out the window.

Suddenly I'm giving extra credit.

And I have a date to my reunion.

After one explosive night together, I want more, but his home life is a mess, and I don't want to get in the way. If all we can have is quick thrills, I’m okay with that.

It’s not like I could ever fall for a jock.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Hockey, LGBT, Contemporary

280 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2021

About the author

Eden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are mostly full of snark and light-hearted fluff.

She lives to create an escape from real life for herself and her readers.

She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.

Reviews

[nark · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚡️ low-angst, contemporary, sports romance.
⚡️ age-gap (10 years).
⚡️ math professor who hates hockey players/hockey coach.
⚡️ fake dating, that leads to the mcs hooking up.
⚡️ hooking up that leads to deeper feelings.
⚡️ lots of humorous banter and cute flirting.
⚡️ no dumb, unnecessary break ups at the end, yay! if anything, these two just got stronger and stronger as a couple.
⚡️ lots of appearances of other characters from this series.

Westly is such a sweetheart. he’s constantly stressed out, because he has to take care of 1626281 kids, but he always really tries his best.

“i’m the epitome of that meme where everything’s on fire with the caption “everything’s fine.” how relatable.

Jasper is so lovable. he’s petty af, high-strung and kind of a grump. he got bullied in high school by jocks, so now he highkey just hates them all. he came off as an asshole in book 4 and the beginning of this book, but he’s actually such a cinnamon roll. he just wants to be accepted and loved. West gave him all the love he needed and deserved.

they’re so adorable together, i cannot even… the way they accidentally started living together and didn’t even realise it happened.🤣 how cute is that!!!

they were always pretty good at communicating and were always there for each other. their connection just felt so effortless and natural.

“i’m in love with you, Jasper Eckstein, and you’re just going to have to deal with that. also, when we’re married, you can totally take my last name. no one will ever call you Fuckstain again.” so romantic.😌🥰

this is probably my favourite book from the series, along with book 2!

also, i wish Ezra got a book tbh, i would love to see that guy actually fall for someone!🤣

[☆ Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you read the first four books in the CU Hockey series, this last Colchester story is a must read!



In terms of timeline, this one dovetails nicely with Asher and Kole's story, where both Westley and Asher had moved home to take care of their five younger siblings, after the deaths of their parents.

As the story began, Asher was in danger of flunking his math class and being kicked off the hockey team, so big brother West swooped in to confront big bad professor "Fuckstain", but the confrontation didn't go quite as planned.

Since this was a romance, of course the grumpy, mean professor turned out to be hot and captivating, so he and West were destined to get together from their very first standoff.

Add one twenty-year high school reunion, several past bullies being shown a tiny smidge of comeuppance, and voila! Sparks and the sheets were on fire.



Most of the drama here came from them trying to hide their budding relationship from West's brother, Asher, with a heaping helping of the chaos that five younger siblings inevitably create, but all of the bumps were external to them being a couple, which was nice.

In regards to steam, it felt like there was a *lot* of it, but the feels were a bit more subdued for me here than in Asher's book.

This was a solid 4-star read for me, but I must admit that my favorites of the series were books two and four.

One last thing to note was that I couldn't help but think that, with the inclusion of Ezra for the entire last part of the book, that might have been to help segue into the new NHL series, with Ezra's story headed our way next, which I'm more than okay with. 😁

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[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.***

Initial Reaction: Entertaining opposites attract story. Perfect ending to this addicting series.

Puck Drills & Quick Thrills is the final installment in the CU Hockey universe that focuses on West and Jasper. There are great opposites attract pair that is surprisingly endearing and sickly sweet with one another which was a great surprise based on their previous appearances in this series.

One of my favorite aspects of this story is the expanded characterization of West. His appearance in Line Mates and Study Dates left me wanting more and this story completely delivered. His love interest, Jasper is a professor who has his own haunted past that works well with West's. Initially, they are misunderstood enemies, which quickly grow into a genuine friendship that blossoms into an utterly sweet romance.

Jasper and West's love story is perfectly deliberately paced while letting you see the current status of all of the previous couples, which is wonderful to see. Overall I think this was the perfect way to end this series. It was bittersweet but absolutely worth it.

Don't forget to check out the novella: The Best Wedding Ever, it's a great send-off for my favorite pairing!

[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Didn't Connect*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

Hmmmm not sure how I feel about this book. It was enjoyable to a point but I truly just wasn't feeling the story. Nothing happened and the characters weren't all that. I kept comparing Jasper Eckstein to Derek Rutledge in Just a Bit Twisted by Alessandra Hazard and he just couldn't live up to Derek's grumpy, dominant ass. I found Jasper a bit weak and not all that sexy in my eyes. And Westly Dalton was, while an okay character to some degree, he was mostly boring. Like he had some funny moments, but I didn't really connect with him, his family or Jasper. I also didn't feel much during their sex scenes. For me, I think it missed a little depth and a little action. This book actually made me want to re-read JABT and Home & Away by Samantha Wayland as it has the perfect amount of family feeling. Overall, it was a nice enough read to have something easy and straight forward to read, but I think it's a forgettable read for me.

Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, (Can Be Read As A Standalone), Book Five.
Love triangle? - No.
Cheating? - No.
HEA? - Yes.
Favorite character? - Ummmm, good question.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably not.
Rating - 2.5/3 (weak) stars.

[Mariam, · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodbye, CU Hockey.

You're one of the best memories I'll ever have.

I’m the epitome of that meme where everything’s on fire with the caption “Everything is fine.”

Well, this was definently a surprising read. I'll be honest, after my utter dissapointment of Book 4, I didn't raise my expectations for this. I was excited yes, but I wasn't expecting too much out of this.

And then I'll be damned. Eden and Saxon pulled off the last book in this series just the right way I like.

“Okay, fine.” West nods. “I saw you and thought, mm, that sexy tweed, and then …”
“What’s wrong with tweed?”
“You look like a stereotype.”
“I’m in a classroom all day, and it’s cold.”
“I skate on ice. Being cold is not a good enough reason.”
“We’re getting way off track.”
“I dunno. If someone asks me for my boyfriend’s clothing item of choice, I’ll be sure to let them know he dresses like a geriatric Sunday school teacher.”
I look down at my jeans. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing now?”
“You’re always so … put together.”
“Coming from someone wearing running shorts and a hoodie.” I hold up my hand before he can continue. “You know what, let’s move on.”
“Fine. Sexy tweed. What’s next?”

I think, right now, it's to be expected that every book of this series, of one of these authors, one way or another, one character will find a way to piss me off so royally, it amuses me when I end the books being utterly smitten for them.

Because you wanna know my original ass first impression of Professor Eckstein?

It was my self respected, professional reading quirks : Fuck you, Professor Fuckstein.

... Being a hockey coach and ex-NHL player, I have dealt with a lot of overgrown, testosterone-filled man children in my life. It takes some epic levels of assholism to piss me off. Without having met Professor Fuckstain, he’s already managed to get on my bad side.

And well, Professor Fuckstein, with all his superiority baggage and self-centered prick-iness, he was quite the character I very much liked and adored and respected.

He had his moments and watching his character grow and mold into- well, I'm not going to spoil it but it doesn't take a genius to figure out my words, regardless, his character arc and his emotional behavior precedes me and my expectations and I have to say, he did rise above my favorite characters of CU Hockey.

West lets his eyes roam again. “For what it’s worth, if I was still doing the cheap hookup thing, I totally would have fucked you.”
“Did you just call me cheap?”
He smirks, and I get that glimpse again of this flirty, charismatic guy behind the pain. And even though the thought makes me feel hot under the collar, I step closer.
It’s not until I’m leaning in that I realize he’s not that much taller than me. “And who says it wouldn’t be the other way around?”
West catches his bottom lip with his teeth, and I track the movement before tearing my gaze back to meet his.
“We’re sharing the one hotel room while we’re away, aren’t we? We could always test it and find out.” His voice is laced with innuendo.
“You’re pushing your luck, jock.”
West’s easy smile lights up again as he backs across my front porch. “Am I not allowed to flirt with my boyfriend?”
“Save it for an audience.”
“Ooh, kinky.”
I glare at him, and he laughs.
“Sorry, sir. I’ll behave.”
And damn if those words don’t shoot straight to my dick.

And I guess another reason why I wasn't particular super amped up for this release was because I wasn't too mushy gushy with West.

This book's timeline interlaps with Asher's (his younger brother, Book 4) so there were scenes in this book where the perspective of order was of Asher, and well, through Asher's eyes, I didn't quite appreciate or like West. I thought he was reckless as hell, kind of selfish and majorly un-responsible for his own actions.


And well, I have given myself this lecture time and fucking time again, but it truly never kicks me in the fucking ass until it matters, because wow. What a selfish perspective I held.


Honestly, I'm surprised it took him 1 year to crack but at the same time, the timing made so much sense and reasoning and reflection behind it made me even more. This book smacked me in the ass and slapped my brain out for reminding me AGAIN, your perspective? That's just only one narrowed and judgemental biased bullshit. It doesn't matter how self reflective or inspiring or motivation, there's nothing as bias as shit that comes out of your mouth where it's either passion filled of adoration or hatred.

“Don’t look at me like that, or you’ll never get home.”
Sounds perfect to me, I almost say, and then my chest lurches.
Ah, guilt, my old friend. You’ve returned.

So learn from Mariam's stupid streak of she should know better #3104 and don't judge a character, a fellow comrade or a stranger by our stupid own mindset people. 👋


And with that all being left of my chest, god golly hell were West and Fuckstein so fucking cute and sweet and fucking perfect for each other. Their relationship and communication and respect they had for one another, although tentative at first, bloomed and blossomed at we got further and further.

I really respect Fuckstein as we got more into the book, the way he accepted West and all the baggage and PEOPLE he comes with, the way he treats them all fairly and lovingly, my stupid ass conceited mindset took a peg down low and simply watched (or read) how beautiful a great human being is.

“Let me in, West,” Jasper says. “Let me take care of you.”






While I lower his zipper, I lean in. “Take it. Take what you want from me.”
Jasper shudders.
“Use me.”






“In your defense, math is shit.”
Jasper shakes his head. “I can’t believe I had sex with someone who hates math.”
“I also hate English, if that’s any consolation.”
“It’s not. Thanks. What was your favorite subject in school?”
“Lunch.”







In the last few seconds, I take in everyone in the stands. The home crowd adds to the energy, and it’s a pure adrenaline high. Then my gaze gets stuck on someone. Someone who really doesn’t belong here, and I can’t help smiling.
Jasper’s pale blue eyes lock with mine, and then he lifts one shoulder as if to say, “Eh.”






There’s a loud bang, and I start, breaking the kiss to look up as a burst of light fills the sky. It’s followed by a green explosion, then a red, and all across the distance, I can hear rounds of fireworks going off.
When I look back down, I find West watching me, his red lips letting out tiny white puffs.
“You’re gorgeous,” he rasps.





I wasn’t looking for a relationship, I didn’t feel like anything was missing, but damn, West barged into my life and showed me all the ways I was wrong.

And at last, the part I dreaded and exited for the most.

The Closing Act.

Seeing ALL of them gather at the end in the viewing box 🤡 or whatever it's called (I suck at sports and even worse at terms.) Looking at them all gathered up broke me down but what gutted me most was reading West say how in awe he was of all of them, knowing they were/are such good friends and not just good friends for a period of time, but great friends who will grow old together. Who will have each other's back for rest of their lives, who will bug and annoy the other person's life because well, there was never a time to not too.



And then mother fucking Foster comes and is playing against Asher?! Oh please, it's like I'm all back at book 3 again where Asher and Foster first meet.

Foster Grant has become one of the biggest players in the NHL. His skill has only grown, he’s been invited to All-Stars week twice now, and he has a long future ahead of.

This book series means so much to me and I will always and will forever hold an emotional attachment to each and every single character of this book. One of the best things I ever did in this shit decade so far was start the cu series. Hands down.

These amazing people with these incredible books and these two great authors pave my journey and created the love that I now hold for sports romance and if it weren't for them, who knows if I still would be reading MM Romance? I mean, I still would be reading them but I wouldn't be this much of in love in them.

I'm so proud of all of my babies and I'm looking forward to continuing where ever Eden and Saxon lead us.

Settling down with someone was always a long-term goal for me. In the future. When I was in my late thirties and retiring from hockey. Sometimes life has a way of changing your game plan, but I never thought I’d be so enamored by someone so fast.

And fuck. Y'all. Ezra's book is coming NEXT YEAR!!!!!
It is:
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Rivals
✨Hate sex

And fuck me, I never thought I'd ever be excited for an enemies to lovers book, but If that doesn't give you Heated Rivalry vibes, I pity you cus I don't know WHAT WILL.

Egotistical Puckboy is coming February 2022!!!!!

“Wait, let me get this straight. Someone in a bar told you Boston sucks, you took a swing, and then Anton Hayes, who plays for Philadelphia, stepped in and saved you like you’re some damsel in distress?”
“Fuck off. I ain’t no damsel. But yes.”
“Anton Hayes. The guy you get into fights with constantly on the ice because you both have the biggest egos in the NHL.”
“Yep.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why would Anton save you from getting your ass kicked? He hates you.” Wait … “He’s not the one you—”
“No,” he says quickly. Too quickly. He clears his throat. “Okay, fine

Pre Release Thoughts

Released Date Revealed! October 6 Baby!

I can't believe this is the end of CU Hockey Series.

Prior Reaction:
This series feels like home and I can't wait for book 5 and fingers crossed, more to come.

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

soo, is Ezra going to have his own story or what? 👀 anyways, i adored Westly and Jasper together. they were really cute and i loved their banters so much (which is my recurring feelings for this series tbh). although i haven’t been reading much lately - bc, ugh, school and life - these two truly made my day a bit better today. ♡

[ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

the perfect end to one of my fave series😊 honestly so bittersweet... im gonna miss these idiots.

i adored Jasper and West both as individuals and as a couple. West might be my fave Dalton brother... sorry Asher😌

their playfulness was so fun and cute to read. they really made me giggle a time or two. they brought out the best in each other and complimented one another so well— their first meeting filled with snark and tension, blossoming into a soft companionship and desire to know more about each other, despite low-key resenting the fact, just had me grinning.

i loved West’s protectiveness over Jasper, always building him up and defending him no matter what. seriously, West breaking that bitch’s nose? marriage material🥰

while Jasper’s pettiness and uptight nature made him immediately one of my faves from this series😭 im a whore for uptight and petty bitches. like Jacobs is my #1 bitch... so i seriously have a type. despite those qualities he didn’t come across as a dick, but instead was kind of adorable. i think bcos the exploration of his trauma and insecurities was executed so well, that he was immediately so likeable and sweet.

which leads me to how their insecurities and chaos weren’t skimmed over, but was both acknowledged and explored between them. just bcos they were in a relationship doesn’t mean the insecurities of Jasper’s past and the chaos of West’s future was immediately solved— they grew and blossomed together, each other’s greatest advocates and defenders. they’re always my fave type of romances, when i can feel and see the personal and romantic growth without being bogged down by unnecessary shit, but focused on the relationship growth as the plot instead.

and all of the Beck and Jacobs crumbs too was enough to keep me fed for a lifetime. those bitches still got me in a chokehold🤪

“I’m in love with you, Jasper Eckstein, and you’re just going to have to deal with that. Also, when we’re married, you can totally take my last name. No one will ever call you Fuckstain again.”

so i gotta do a final ranking for one of my fave series😏

1. Face Offs & Cheap Shots
2. Puck Drills & Quick Thrills
3. Line Mates & Study Dates
4. Power Plays & Straight A's
5. Goal Lines & First Times

...but not me wanting Ezra to have a book? after i loathed him so much in the previous one? him with his arch-rival on the ice? would be spicy🤌🏻

[Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp · Rating 4 out of 5]

|| 3.5 stars ||

➛First read: November 2021 | ★3.5 stars
➛Second read: November 2023 | ★3.5 stars

This book has me on the fence. On the one hand, I truly enjoyed this novel and there were hardly any boring moments, but then on the other hand, there was also nothing mind-blowingly awesome about it. It was just very.. adequate.

I did genuinely love the family dynamics in this. I actually wish there was even more of that in this book, even though it was already a really big part of it. West having to be a dad for all his siblings was honestly very endearing and I really believe he wasn't giving himself enough credit for it. He is such a good guy; I definitely developed a major soft spot for him.

Jasper and West's relationship was fun, and I truly adore how insanely in love Jasper appeared to be with West. At first, Jasper was wary of West, but after a while, he genuinely seemed to carry this man on hands and knees, and I honestly think he would have done anything to make West happy. He just wanted to be the one to take care of West, especially since West usually had to be the one who takes care of everyone else. This dynamic between them was truly very cute and sweet!

"I want to believe you're good enough for him..."
"I am. Because he'll always come first to me, but I know I won't be the first to him, and that's okay."

However, I am just not quite sure if I really understood why these two fell so deeply for each other to begin with. They did not appear to really know each other, since they hardly ever talk or see each other at the beginning of their relationship. Of course, this develops over time and they eventually are together all the time, but they're already in an extremely committed relationship at that point. So... I guess I just failed to see how exactly they got to that level.

I do have to say that I did not like what I saw from Asher (from Line Mates & Study Dates) here. He was super childish and petulant, and if I hadn't already read a whole book where I grew to love him, I would have judged him as a super annoying character based on this book. I don't understand why he was portrayed like this though, because I would have thought he had gotten better since the ending of his own book, especially now that he is together with Kole... It seems like this book made him take a lot of steps backwards, which was unfortunate to say the least. I was actually really looking forward to seeing West and Asher bond, but we didn't get any of that here. Such a shame.


'CU Hockey' series:
1. Power Plays & Straight A's - 3.0 stars
2. Face Offs & Cheap Shots - 4.0 stars
3. Goal Lines & First Times - 2.5 stars
4. Line Mates & Study Dates - 3.5 stars
5. Puck Drills & Quick Thrills - 3.5 stars

Novellas:
5.1. The Best Wedding Ever - 3.0 stars
5.2. See You In Boston - 3.0 stars

Spin-off 'Puckboys' series:
1. Egotistical Puckboy - 2.0 stars
2. Irresponsible Puckboy - 3.5 stars
3. Shameless Puckboy - 1.5 stars

Other Eden Finley and Saxon James books:
‘Fake Boyfriend’ series - var. ratings
‘Famous’ series - var. ratings
‘Cash Me Outside’ series - var. ratings
‘Never Just Friends’ series - var. ratings
‘Frat Wars’ series - var. ratings
Making Him Mine - 2.0 stars
‘Mike Bravo Ops’ series - var. ratings
The Dating Disaster - 3.5 stars

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4.5~

I don't know why it took me so long to read this book, but I loved it.

Enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, geek/jock, age gap ... what more could I ask for?

Highlights: high steam, low drama, a bit of jealousy, great secondary characters, fabulous HEA/epilogue.

There was maybe a bit too much family drama for my taste (Asher threw a ridiculous temper tantrum when he found out West and Jasper were together), and why the hell did West feel guilty all the time when he gave up his life and career to be there for his siblings? But overall this story was a definite win.

Also, Ezra better get his own book. That's all.

[MarianR · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4⭐
So... I want to clarify that I liked it. But I didn't love it like I expected. It does not mean that it is bad, but I felt that in general everything happened quickly and that everything was mostly happy (except the problems with the children), rather in terms of the relationship of the mcs. WHICH IS NOT A PROBLEM IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING WITHOUT COMPLICATION... I guess for me it was not the best time to read it.
Go read the wonderful reviews from my friends and I hope you enjoy it more than I did! ❤️

[Em Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This might’ve been my least favorite in the series 😬 Which is really saying something after Seth and Cohen’s book, but I digress. I’m trying not to sound like a huge hater (even though I will definitely sound like one in this review), and I’m definitely in the minority here, but most of this story missed the mark for me. For starters every character needs to join the #GoToTherapyChallenge, starting with Jasper. Unresolved childhood trauma that has morphed into a vendetta against jocks he is still deeply entrenched in 20 years later is…well it’s something alright. I never really warmed to Jasper, but if I’m being honest I never warmed to West either.

When the book starts you are immediately dropped in the thick of the story, which is not a favorite writing move of mine. The pacing throughout felt jumbled. So much was going on while at the same time it felt like nothing was really happening either. Like the last few books, this one felt too long and started dragging around the 65-70% mark. Jasper and West never really gave me sexual tension or the warm and fuzzies, and the sex was kind of boring too 🤷🏻‍♀️ Lastly, and this very petty, but 🗣🗣🗣28yrs/38yrs IS NOT THE HUGE AGE GAP THIS BOOK TRIES TO MAKE YOU BELIEVE 🗣🗣🗣

Anyway, lots of people will love this so please ignore my ramblings 😌 Also…

#TeamJacobsAndBeck4Ever 🏆

Series Ranking
🥇Face Offs & Cheap Shots
🥈Line Mates & Study Dates
🥉Power Plays & Straight A’s
🏅Goal Lines & First Times
🏅Puck Drills & Quick Thrills

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook - 4 stars

Story - 3.5 stars

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best everything!

***

I am bereft. I seriously did not want this series to end, but end it has and what a book to close out on.

Westly and Jasper are everything! They start off as sort of enemies, but they're not really, both simply misunderstand the other and when both become privy to the traumas the other has had to live with, things rapidly change.

It's obvious from the start they're mutually attracted to each other, sparks fly each time they're in the same room. We've also had brief peeks into their character via the other books in the series but you soon find out, that's only scratched the surface.

West, oh West. He's struggling so badly with looking after his orphaned siblings and trying to keep a stable home for them and he's still not fully come to terms with everything he had to give up. We've seen West through Asher's eyes Line Mates & Study Dates but that isn't the real West.

When he and Jasper finally get it together, OMG the sexual chemistry blows your head off. All West wants to do is give up control and Jasper, because of his background, well he's 100% on board with taking it.

I felt so much for both of them, the emotions really do get put through the ringer in this book but it's never gratuitous, there's also always the hallmark humour that these two authors have brought throughout the CU Universe and it was wonderful to catch up with some of those other characters.

There's so much goes on that the book flies by and I was in two minds because I needed to find out where they would end up and whether things would work out with the team in the Frozen Four too, but I also didn't want to turn the last page.

Honestly, I don't want to say goodbye to CU Hockey, or the wider world of the NHL pro-leagues because it's been so much fun.

There is a fab bonus scene to download from Prolific Works which brings things to a close with the epicness that is Jacobs' and Beck's wedding. You don't want to miss that!

#ARC kindly received from the authors via Foreword PR in return for an honest and unbiased review

[Meags · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

A very satisfying ending to the consistently wonderful M/M college CU Hockey series.

Although they ran out of queer college boys to bask in the spotlight, Saden made a great choice giving this series one final book, this time focusing on assistant coach Westly Dalton and grumpy professor Jasper Eckstein.

A background character until now, Westly is an ex-pro hockey player in his mid-twenties, who has given up his lucrative hockey career to move back to Vermont to work as an assistant coach while raising his five recently orphaned younger half-siblings, with help from his college-aged, hockey playing hot-shot of a brother Asher (an MC of book four).

Together, they’re slowly finding their feet, although most days it feels to West like he’s drowning under a weight of responsibilities he wasn’t prepared to shoulder and he just hopes to God he’s doing right by the still-grieving kids.

After a run-in on campus with hockey-hating professor Jasper, West unexpectedly finds himself offering to play fake-boyfriend at Jasper’s high school reunion, in exchange for cutting his brother Asher some slack in Jasper’s usually strict and unforgiving class.

A fake-date leads to one steamy night of release for the overwhelmed jock and his slightly-older (but definitely geek-sexy) professor. Before they know it, West and Jasper find themselves growing closer with every emotionally charged conversation and physically explosive rendezvous, soon admitting to wanting more from each other than secret hook-ups.

Now, they just have to work out how to ingratiate broody Asher to his most-hated teacher (it’ll take a miracle) and hopefully the rest of the kids will jump on board the West-is-happy-and-in-a-relationship train. What could go wrong?

Honestly, it was just the right amount of low-angst and emotional significance to make this steamy and romantic M/M sequel hit the right notes. I really liked getting Westly’s story and Jasper proved to be a good match for him, with their palpable chemistry and opposites-attract nerd x jock vibes.

I loved Jasper’s hilarious professor friend Dave and I enjoyed seeing all the past series couples thriving on page, but I wasn’t too keen on the presence of playboy Ezra, old friend of Westly’s, which makes me super apprehensive to read the spin-off series his story kicks off with Egotistical Puckboy. Maybe I read his character wrong, but I couldn’t stand the guy. I’m hoping I find the inspiration I need to read on, because if this series was all 4.5 or 5 star reads then I don’t want to miss out on finding more hockey gems by this Aussie author duo.

Mostly, I loved all the at-home family stuff, which built nicely off the established scenario from book four, especially in the way we got to see the situation through a different set of eyes (West’s not Asher’s) while still running the stories events parallel to book four, which was cool. I loved all the kids and I adored the way overwhelmed older brothers Westly and Asher found their feet (all while butting heads) and built a stronger and happier environment for their heartbroken-but-healing family. It was beautiful and heartwarming to watch unfold, and, honestly, was probably my favourite story arc of the entire series because it got me right in the feels.

Although not my personal favourite pairing of the series, I still enjoyed reading Westly and Jasper’s opposites-attract, age-gap romance, with a touch of family drama, hockey action, and steamy romance for days, it was pretty much guaranteed to be a hit with me.

Great series. Will re-read.

*****************************

CU Hockey Series

Book 1 - Power Plays & Straight A's (5 Stars)
Book 2 - Face Offs & Cheap Shots: Special Edition (4.5 Stars)
Book 3 - Goal Lines & First Times (5 Stars)
Book 4 - Line Mates & Study Dates (5 Stars)
Book 5 - Puck Drills & Quick Thrills (4.5 Stars)

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Rounding up!

“Is there anything I can wear that would meet your approval?” “Nothing. You looked amazing in it.” My cheeks heat as I shake my head. “Careful, it almost sounds like you’re flirting.” “Oh good, I’m doing it right, then.”

Overall liked. A lot!

I’m going to be honest. I wasn’t sure I was even going to read this one because I hadn’t cared much for the last two. In fact I’m pretty sure I DNF one of them. 🤔 So I was ambivalent at best. But then I read Nark and Starla’s reviews and thought I might as well try. Why not? And I’m happy that I did. It was fun! For sure the best one since book two. I’m sorry but nothing can be better than my babies Beck and Jacobs.

(Speaking of them, if you read this book, read all the way to the end. There’s a link for a Prolific Works short story with their wedding. 😍)

Here’s the good, the neutral and the one meh.

✅ The guys. Jasper and West were a duo I could root for. I really liked both of them. Which is always helpful in enjoying a book. 😂
✅ Good chemistry. 🔥
✅ Mini fake relationship. It wasn’t a large part of the book but it was fun while it lasted.
✅ Communication skills! These two talked! How novel.

I think there are more likes but I’ll have to add them as I think of them…

⚠️ So the chemistry WAS good. But I admit once they did get together, I lost a TINY bit of interest. I would have liked there to be a longer period of push/pull and maybe a bit of angst. I know, I know. I said I liked the communication and I DID. But I would have liked a little more build up. This is just a personal preference.
⚠️ There was a big age gap but they both seemed the same age so it was kind of not worth them having that gap.

🚫 Asher. I think him being so anti Jasper was too much. I get it. He wasn’t the nicest at first but he wasn’t all crazy either. Just a teacher not wanting to give extra credit. Is that really something to have a long grudge about? How old is he? This whole thing bored and irritated me.

Anyways. Can we get a spin-off with Ezra now? 🤣

“Sorry, but it’s not every night a six-foot-one wall of muscle shows up at my door for hugs.”

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I have dealt with a lot of overgrown, testosterone-filled children in my life. It takes some epic levels of assholism to piss me off."

Oh, how I loved Jasper and West's story. Jasper was so growly and stuffy and quietly lonely. And West was so stressed out and desperate for someone to take control.

"Jasper Eckstein is sex wrapped up in the package of a Sunday school teacher."

Puck Drills & Quick Thrills is the last installment in the fabulous CU Hockey series by Eden Finley and Saxon James and it was a great read.

If you've loved the other books, you'll adore this one too.

Love all the tropes - opposites attract, nerd v jock, fake dating that quickly escalates into more - and plenty of steam, as you'd expect from a Saxon and Eden book 🔥🔥🔥.

"Is there anything I can wear that would meet your approval?" "Nothing. You looked amazing in it."

This one doesn't top Line Mates & Study Dates for me, but it's a close second.

Highly recommended.

4 ✨✨✨✨

[lakshmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second favorite in this series. Absolutely fantastic 😮‍💨

[Lau ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“What was your favourite subject in school?”
“Lunch.”

Puck Drills & QuickThrills is a solid nerd-jock romance to close the CU Hockey series. Wes and Jasper were really easy to like, the flirting and fake dating were great and, as always, the side characters made everything even better.


“Is there anything I can wear that would meet your approval?”
“Nothing. You looked amazing in it.”
“Careful, it almost sounds like you’re flirting.”
“Good, I’m doing it right, then.”


The only problem I had was that, while I enjoyed the lightness of the book, it felt a bit off balance with the heavier parts. Wes had to say goodbye to NHL to take care of all his half-siblings after his step-mother and dad died. He put a lot of pressure on himself because he wanted to be a good father to them and I didn't quite like the way all this was handled.


Now to the important part: I was so excited when I read about Ezra and Anton Hayes being enemies/lovers. I can’t wait to read their book!! (Yes, I’m assuming that book is going to happen. There’s no way the authors didn’t do that on purpose)

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 tweed party stars

A GOOD ENDING FOR THE SERIES

Is it really over?! I liked this series so much. All installments weren't necessarily big hits for me, but I loved the CU Hockey universe. We got a nice wrap-up, so I'm not complaining... too much 😥

Unfortunately, after my crush for Line Mates (and of course my infinite love for Book 2 : #BeckJacobsForever 🤣), Puck Drills didn't hit as hard. Don't get me wrong, I still liked it. But it wasn't the fireworks I was waiting for - except for the steamy scenes that were very very very hot🔥

I was curious about West's side of the Dalton family's story. He seemed high strung and kind of overwhelmed by the situation. Taking care of his siblings was a big change for him. He was overly guilty for missing his past careless lifestyle and felt like a failure as he struggled with them. Seeing him slowly easing into his role was heartwarming, as you could witness his family supporting him. And Jasper contributed a lot in this evolution.

Jasper wasn't as nerdy as I expected. He was a caring man who needed validation. His past trauma prevented him to fully live his life and getting in contact with West helped him get closure. I loved how he managed to find a home with West's family. There were a few parallel plotlines about him and the kids that I'd have like to see more developped, like Hazel's school problems and Rhys's future with math. They created a nice dynamic between them, but I wanted more.

As a couple they were hot, but also a bit bland - yes, it's possible. There was a lot of teasing, but no real banter, as Jasper didn't have enough of this smart-mouth I loved so much in previous main characters. Both of them were already in their "future", like West said at some point. There weren't questions about figuring themselves out and possible separations thanks to their career, so the book lacked the hint of angst I need in my romances. I thought Ezra would REALLY bring it out, or even Asher's reaction, but no... So I liked this book, but I was expecting more from the closing installment tof this amazing series.

WARNING !!! There's a short story about Beck and Jacobs's wedding linked at the end of the ebook. Don't miss it, it was AMAZING 💖💖💖

[hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book first before i read the rest of the series and i originally rated it 4 stars. but now that i've read the series in order and reread this, i'm changing my rating to 5 stars 🥺 these are all interconnected standalones but having read them in order this time, it enhanced my reading experience even better this time. west and jasper deserve all the stars in the world so. ❤️‍🩹

that epilogue was truly the perfect conclusion to this series. i've never felt more satisfied after finishing a series. foster and asher having an amazing nhl career, kole doing his residency, also asher and kole still going strong despite their busy af jobs, my favs beck and jacobs being ENGAGED 😭 west and jasper also getting married 🥺 my heart could not handle all these emotions. i'm really going to miss all these characters. i never thought i would come to love this series so much, especially after book one not being my favorite.

now onto rereading the puckboys series so i can see all these charaters again.

[Papie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so sad this series is over! I loved this one, perfect end to the series.
West and Jasper were just amazing!
Age-gap
Fake boyfriend
Jock-nerd
Amazing sexy times

West has been drowning in the responsibilities of raising his 5 younger children. He is stressed, exhausted, drowning in parenting guilt (If you are not a parent, it’s that overwhelming feeling that whatever you do, it’s not good enough. It’s killing you slowly.) Jasper knows just how to take charge and take care of West, and get him out of his head and away from his guilt. And let’s just say it had me forgetting all about my parenting guilt too. 🔥🔥🔥

Hot, sweet, fun! Around 40% I was sad that I was almost half way through, I never wanted the book to end. But sadly, like every other book in this series, I was a little bored and ready to wrap it up at 70%. Too much sex? Too much sweetness? Not enough angst? Who knows? 🤷‍♀️

I loved Jasper and West, and especially that they were grown men, a fun change in this NA series. I also loved how we got to catch up with other characters from the series.

But like everybody else, I want an Ezra book! I know not everyone is made for relationships, but we are romance readers, we live for this shit. So. Please?

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Definitely a favorite of the series.

I was really curious about West and Jasper in the last book and this one did not disappoint.

Surprised Ezra isn't getting a book?!

[Ash🍉 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll be honest and say this was only an okay read for me. I dunno if it’s because I was just reading the mother of all slowburns but I felt like everything fell into place for these two too quickly at the start. Everything else was enjoyable to read but I wasn’t blown away by it. I’ll still be looking forward to the spin off series next year.

[Ben Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is west and eckstein's story and i'm so freaking excited for it!

__
Sad the CU series is over, but this was such a good send off.

[ivy]

DNF @ 33% - Jasper’s dirty talk is making me cringe 😝

[haletostilinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I absolutely adored this!

This just flew by for me, and these two had such amazing chemistry. The story just flowed perfect and these two flowed perfectly together. I didn't feel a misstep once in this.

We knew Westley, the oldest Dalton brother and the one legally responsibly for his and Asher's five younger siblings, had gone to Asher's math professor to try to let him give Asher extra credit that he had previously refused him.

We know that that was the start of a love story, and what a love story it was. They bounced off each other so well, and they just worked together from the start.

When Jasper Eckstein, said math professor, has a 20 year high school reunion coming up, he wants to go to prove to his high school bullies that he became more, that he became better than them. And with some meddling from his friend Dave, it ends up being that Westley offers to be Jasper's pretend date to the reunion to show up his bullies, who played hockey in their small town as well and it would show them a thing or two for Jasper to show up with a former NHL star.

From there, though these two quickly give into their attraction, but Westley at first says it can only happen once, because he can't date with the life he has at the moment, having to be the one to take care of the kids.

But soon enough, we see that it gets to West, and we see where he went when he left that one night in the previous book when it all became too much. He goes to Jasper, who is there for him, and is there for an escape for West when everything gets so overwhelming at home.

From then on, these two want more, but things are still crazy for West, but as they start to see each other, they have to navigate how to become more and deal with West's younger siblings, even Asher, who didn't like Jasper as a professor.

They take their time for it to really become serious to tell them, but I loved when they did. It's a big responsibility for Jasper to choice to come into, helping look after 5 kids, but he does, and he does it well.

When he comes to tutor Rhys, who is a math genius, he and Rhys bond, and soon he's bonding with the other kids as well. He falls seamlessly into their chaotic family.

I just loved this. It was so perfect, I couldn't put it down. This was a definite win for me, all the stars for this. What a way to cap off this wonderful series. I definitely wouldn't mind reading more from this author team duo, that's for sure. (Would potentially want to see if Ezra would every actually settle down...maybe with another player he apparently slept with...hmm..🤔)

HIGHLY recommend this. Two massive thumbs up from me! Just lovely <3

[Preeti · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5Stars

So much for saying that I have never experienced a reading slump.😩😩 This past week taught me, you never say Never. This is the 5th book where I liked the characters, storyline and even enjoyed them to a certain extent but everything felt so bland as if I am eating a curry dish without any spices.😂😂

Still, I liked both Jasper and West and even though the relationship started with fake dating tropes and casual, it quickly became interesting. Both the MCs were sweet with each other and we do not have any stupid misunderstandings or forced separation. Even the family drama or should I say West's sibling drama was entertaining. 

We also have some hot smutty scenes, but overall I didn't enjoy it as much as the second book of this series. I have DNF, the first and have not read others so I am in no position to comment on them. But, this series is an okay-ish read for me.

[Vilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

EDIT: Ezra and Anton's book are coming February next year and will be the first book in the new spinoff series!!!!! So excited 😍

A good ending to an amazing series! I love this author duo and hope that this will not be the last they write together. (Ezra Anton book anyone??)

Beck and Jacobs are the best couple in the series and that still stands, even though I liked West and Jasper they could never have been to push down BeckJacobs from the top.

I liked that we got to know more about the Dalton family and each sibling, and how important they were to the story.

Also that epilogue!!! With all former main characters present and a look into where their futures headed 🥺

[Liya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scorching chemistry and organic relationships development. Plus, a bit of fake boyfriends (yes, I love this trope) and a jock who loves to bottom. Loved West and Jasper and their story.