First off, I love sports romances and the fake dating trope, so I knew I’d enjoy this book. It was super fast-paced, and I could not put it down. I really liked Elle and Preston as a couple. However, I do wish their romance had been more of a slow burn. It started as fake dating, and suddenly they were in love with each other. It left me wanting more in terms of the progression of their relationship. It felt very insta-love-y to me, which is a trope that personally isn’t for me. Overall, I did enjoy their relationship and watching them grow emotionally and overcome their issues. The internal struggles they faced felt very real, and it was interesting to see how that affected their personal lives as well as their relationship.

I liked the side characters, Christian and Maya, but at times, it felt like they overshadowed Elle and Preston’s story/relationship. Some subplots took me by surprise, but I’m excited to see more of these characters in the future. I think the setup for the next book was done well, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

There were quite a few editing mistakes, so I hope those are fixed before the book is released. Overall, I liked this book, and I’d recommend it to those who enjoy sports romances, fake dating, and the grumpy sunshine trope.

was such a cute read. I really enjoyed super cute!
Wished maybe the timeline was longer maybe they were together a season or something like that just to really allow the characters to develop together!

Why am I so obsessed with hockey romance novels? I DON'T IT YET I CAN'T STOP!!! I absolutely loved this book about Grumpy Preston and Bubbly Elle, who meet in an unconventional way. Every moment was fun and I can't wait to read the next in the series!

3.5 Stars

A good quick read hockey romance.

Was it in any way realistic? absolutely not but it was a damn good time.

I loved Elle representing a curvier FMC with real hang-ups about her body and feeling not good enough which so many women face daily. I liked that we didn't see her fall to her knees over her ex and she had a backbone. The MMC could definitely do with some anger management and a bit of therapy but as far as grumpy men go he nailed that part.

The story itself was fast-paced and fun, i'd have preferred the time period to be much longer, insta love is one thing but the whole book taking place over 2-3 weeks is kind of wild.

Maya and Christian were the secondary couple that I never expected to be invested in but i'll definitely be picking up their book upon release.

I did get an ARC and there was an insane amount of typos or missing words and i'm hoping this has been edited before publication.

Overall a good, fun, read that i'd recommend to sports romance fans.

Thanks to L.A. Hart and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Cute hockey romance! The FMC is bold and I love the way the characters meet! There is found family and this book leads into a series with each couple having their own book. I can’t wait to read the others!

I love a good hockey romance, I'm a sucker for fake dating, and I always enjoy a grumpy MMC so I read this super fast! It absolutely would have gotten an extra star if we'd burned slower - the fake dating turned to real dating way too quick for my personal taste, but nevertheless, if you want to spend the afternoon kicking your feet at an easily digestible and fun hockey romance, it does what it says on the tin 🏒 3.25 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC :)

I enjoyed Revenge Puck! It has a good pace, loveable characters and a realistic storyline. The MMC Preston isn’t the most popular, fan-favourite player ever which was a nice change from a lot of hockey romances. The character and relationship development for Preston and Christian is well written and emotional which really adds to the story. The FMC, Elle, is strong and assertive, owns her own business, and is relatable to a lot of women. The relationship dynamic between Preston and Elle, although frustrating at times, has a more even power dynamic than many other hockey romances and great development throughout the book.

I was really excited to read a revenge hockey book but this one fell flat for me. The writing felt immature and unbelievable for the scenarios presented. The conflicts felt forced and I didn’t really see any chemistry between the characters.

Realistic Rating: 3.5 Stars

”I love you, Elle. And no matter what answer you give me today, I’m not giving up on you or us. Ever. You’re end game for me. I’ll be here waiting for you, however long it takes.” - Preston

Tropes:
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Fake dating
🏒 Grumpy versus
🏒 Dual POV
🏒 He falls first
🏒 Jealous MMC

Characters:

Elle Townsend is our sweet, hair stylist protagonist. She gets dumped by her Hockey star “boyfriend” Christian Riley right before championship playoffs. She is angry and is out for revenge. So she starts fake dating Preston Lawrence—Christian’s enemy. Through this novel we see Elle overcome her insecurities and also grow.

Preston Lawrence is the main male character and he’s also a hockey star but on a different team than Christian Riley. He doesn’t really date as he’s career focused, but agrees to fake date Elle because he can mess with Christian Riley’s head. However, he doesn’t expect to actually fall for Elle. Preston is the perfect representation of grumpy character with a lot of anger, but is high key a simp for Elle—making him a sunshine person in the end.

Pros:
Dual POV
Fast paced and keeps you hooked to the story
The plot twist/subplot that <spoiler>Maya’s baby daddy is Christian. This adds more drama and another layer to why Preston and Christian are enemies.</spoiler>

Cons:
The relationship itself between Elle and Preston. The timeline was too short like how do you go from “fake dating” to “soulmates” that fast
The epilogue was disappointing
Towards the end of the book, it felt like the plot was mainly centred around the side characters Maya and Christian
There were no cute, good quotes that I could highlight

Note to the publisher: There were a lot of editing mistakes. Some sentences made no sense. Words were missed or mixed up like the sentence “it was nice to you me” was there instead of “it was nice to meet you” or “is the team is still interested?”

Thank you NetGalley and L.A. Hart for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to L.A. Hart, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for an eARC of Revenge Puck!

"How about this? If there was an apocalypse tomorrow, who would you want by your side, helping you stay alive - a five-foot nothing guy who weighs a hundred pounds or a huge, ripped dude who could carry you to safety in one hand while busting heads with the other?"

3.5 out of 5 Stars

This book fits right into the flirty and fun hockey romance category! When Elle gets dumped by her hockey star boyfriend, he tells her the only person she can't date is his rival from the team he is playing in the upcoming championship series. So... that's exactly what Elle does. Elle and Preston begin a fake relationship that quickly turns into a relationship with real feelings. With Preston's hockey career up in the air and Elle staying firmly in her North Carolina, home the two don't want to form a true romantic attachment but their very real feelings seem to be getting in the way of that!

This book was pretty fast paced. The reader is thrown right into Elle's break up with Christian and Elle very quickly decides she is going to get back at him. The whole book takes place over about a two week span and the characters catch feelings very quickly. It was fun to watch their relationship go from flirty to serious, even if the whole thing happened way too fast. Hey - when you know, you know, right?

There were definitely some laugh out loud moments and others that were super sweet and cringey (like any contemporary romance!). I thought this was a fun, quick read and would be great for fans of Tessa Bailey, Ellie K Wilde, or Hannah Grace. The writing and word order could use a bit of work, but it's a fun read.

This was a fun read. The story moves quick and is exciting! The characters are fully flushed out and have relatable storylines.

i loved the characters and this was a very fun book. loved the fake relationship parts. i didn’t love all her negative self body talk especially at the beginning when she says she shouldn’t eat something.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-audio ARC. I really enjoyed this book with hockey romances being some of my favorite reads! Elle and Preston’s fake dating scheme was the perfect mix of angst and swoon-worthy moments, and I couldn’t get enough of their growing connection. There was also the drama of Christian in the background that kept me reading.

If you love fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, and hockey hunks with a soft side, this book is for you.

A perfect book if you’re looking for a lighthearted easy romance read. The book follows hairdresser Elle and Hockey player Preston known as the Wooly Mammoth. Preston may seem scary on the outside but he’s a softie inside and very protective of Elle. I won’t give any spoilers but all in all a really lovely read and would definitely recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley for the Arc!!

I enjoyed this hockey romance. Elle has been dumped by Christian days before the playoffs start so that he can be available to all the puck bunnies. He tells her she can date anyone but Preston Lawrence. After telling her friend Audrey a plan is hatched. I can’t wait to read more by this author. Thank you NetGalley for my advanced copy.

Overview:
Elle Townsend is blindsided when her hockey-star boyfriend, Christian Riley, dumps her right before the championship playoffs. Determined to get back at him, she comes up with a plan—fake date his biggest rival, Preston Lawrence. Preston, known for his tough, no-nonsense attitude, agrees to play along.
What starts as a strategic move quickly turns into something neither of them expected. As Elle and Preston spend more time together, their fake relationship starts feeling very real—but with emotions involved, can either of them afford to take the risk?

First Impressions:
The book immediately hooked me with its fun, engaging setup. Fake dating and hockey rivalry? Sign me up. While I found Elle and Preston’s first interaction a little over the top, it also added to the drama in a way that made the story even more entertaining.
For the most part, the story felt surprisingly realistic—the emotional reactions, relationship development, and character struggles all unfolded naturally. I loved how the book balanced drama, humor, and heartfelt moments without feeling too forced.

Character Development & Relationships:
Elle is a strong yet relatable protagonist, trying to navigate heartbreak while figuring out what she really wants. Her growth from someone acting on impulse to someone understanding her own feelings was well-paced and satisfying.
Preston isn’t your typical “bad boy athlete.” He’s not a player, not reckless, and definitely not looking for casual romance… or romance in general. Instead, he’s blunt, emotionally guarded, and deeply protective of his younger sister, Maya. His tough exterior is a defense mechanism—he doesn’t let people in easily.
But aside from that softer, protective side, he’s also physically intense. Fighting is second nature to him, and he doesn’t hesitate to throw a punch if the situation calls for it. He’s not violent without reason, but he’s brutal in the way he handles conflict—whether it’s protecting his family, asserting dominance on the ice, or dealing with frustration in general. His aggressive nature makes him an even more interesting contrast to Elle, who is far more controlled and cautious in how she navigates emotions and situations.
And of course, I have to say it—I’m a total sucker for fake dating and grumpy-sunshine dynamics. The chemistry between Elle and Preston was fantastic, with their interactions shifting from playful tension to deep emotional connection. Their slow shift from pretending to something real was so well done, and I felt every moment of it.
One of the biggest surprises for me was how much I fell in love with Maya’s character. Preston’s relationship with his sister was such an important part of the story, and it added another emotional layer beyond just the romance. And when I found out the next book is a second-chance romance featuring Maya, I got genuinely excited. I already feel connected to her as a character, and I need to see how her story unfolds.

Realism, Pacing & Timeline:
For a fake dating sports romance, this book felt remarkably grounded. The emotions were believable, and the progression of Elle and Preston’s relationship felt natural rather than rushed.
That being said, one aspect that could be seen as unrealistic is the short timeline—everything happens within just a few days, and their feelings develop very quickly. I completely understand why some readers might find it hard to believe that such strong emotions could form in such a short time. And to an extent, I agree—it’s fast.
But at the same time? Sometimes people really do fall for each other that quickly. Love at first sight (or at least very fast attraction) happens. Whether it lasts is a different question, but that’s not something this book tries to explore. It’s about the rush of emotions, the tension, and the chemistry in the moment—and in that sense, it worked for me.

Strengths:
Engaging storyline with a perfect mix of drama, romance, and humor.
Good chemistry between Elle and Preston, making their slow-burn romance feel authentic.
Preston’s character arc—his emotionally closed-off, physically intense nature makes him stand out.
Maya’s storyline was compelling—she wasn’t just a background character, and I’m excited for her book.
Fake dating + grumpy-sunshine trope—if you love these, this book delivers!

Weaknesses:
Their first interaction felt a little too exaggerated—not a huge issue, but it stood out compared to the rest of the book.
Some predictable moments—it follows classic romance beats, which isn’t a bad thing, but if you’re looking for plot twists, this isn’t the book for that.
The timeline is very short—everything happens within a few days, making the intensity of their emotions feel a bit fast. However, I didn’t mind it as much because the book is about the feeling of falling in love, not necessarily the long-term reality of it.

Final Thoughts:
Revenge Puck was an absolute joy to read—fun, emotional, and filled with characters I genuinely cared about. It delivered everything I love about fake dating romances while adding enough depth to make the story feel fresh.
And for the first time in a while, I’m actually excited about a sequel of a romance book. Maya’s second-chance romance has so much potential, and I can’t wait to return to this world.
But one of the most unexpectedly entertaining things for me was the nickname “Ellie” being associated with a cow—while at the same time, my own dog Ellie was lying next to me on the couch, peacefully snoring in her sleep. The comedic timing of that could not have been better. 😂

✔ Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
✔ Would I continue the series? No question.
✔ Will I be first in line for Maya’s story? You better believe it.

I absolutely loved this book! Hockey romances are my ultimate comfort reads, and this one had everything I adore—drama, rivalry, and sizzling chemistry! Elle and Preston’s fake dating scheme was the perfect mix of angst and swoon-worthy moments, and I couldn’t get enough of their growing connection.

Preston completely stole my heart—his gruff exterior and hidden depth made him such a compelling character. And the way he and Elle challenged and supported each other? Perfection! The tension with Christian added just the right amount of drama without overshadowing the romance.

If you love fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, and hockey hunks with a soft side, this book is a must-read! I was hooked from page one and didn’t want it to end. Definitely adding this to my list of top-tier hockey romances! 🏒❤️🔥

This was a cute fun read. When a simple plot for revenge turns into something more complex.
Watching both MC's grow and face their inner feelings head on was refreshing. I enjoyed this story line, and the plot was fun.
Overall, this was a quick enjoyable read, and I can't wait to see what the second book has in store for us!

3/5 stars

Ah, the age-old art of revenge: petty, dramatic, and, when executed correctly, deeply satisfying.

In Revenge Puck, L.A. Hart serves up a whirlwind of fake dating, jealous exes, and a hockey rivalry so intense it might just melt the ice.

Elle Townsend, our freshly dumped heroine, takes a page out of the *How to Ruin Your Ex’s Life* handbook and enlists her ex's biggest rival, Preston Lawrence, for some good old-fashioned emotional chaos.

But, as these things go, the line between faking it and catching real feelings blurs faster than a slapshot. While the book is brimming with drama, tension, and just enough chemistry to keep the pages turning, the breakneck pace and occasionally disjointed development leave it teetering between an all-star read and a penalty-worthy infraction.

The book dabbles in themes of revenge, emotional growth, and second chances, but the overarching theme? Chaos. Delicious, messy, emotionally turbulent chaos. The enemies-to-lovers and fake dating tropes are strong, but the pacing sometimes undercuts the emotional depth these themes could have had.

- Elle Townsend: She starts off strong—angry, impulsive, and hell-bent on making Christian suffer (relatable). But her rapid switch from heartbroken to head-over-heels for Preston in less than two weeks? A bit too speedy for believability.

- Preston Lawrence: Our angry, emotionally volatile hockey hunk has trauma (because, of course, he does). He’s got serious possessiveness issues, but hey, that’s a romance novel staple at this point. His arc would’ve hit harder with more gradual development.

- Christian Riley : The ex-boyfriend turned side plot MVP.

- Side Characters : The subplot with Maya and Christian sometimes overshadowed the main romance—probably not the intention, but definitely where my attention drifted.

Hart leans heavily into dialogue, which keeps things moving but often at the expense of real emotional build-up. We get some inner monologue, but not nearly enough to really invest in these characters. The whole story plays out over less than two weeks—which is just not enough time for the emotional rollercoaster this book tries to sell.

While fake dating and rivals-to-lovers aren’t groundbreaking, the hockey-fueled revenge plot was a fun twist. It just needed a little more room to breathe. Also, the fact that all of this takes place in a single series instead of an entire season? A missed opportunity for some long-term, slow-burn tension.

What Worked
- Entertaining, fast-paced drama that keeps you hooked.
- Preston and Christian’s rivalry adds a layer of intensity beyond the romance.
- The revenge angle was good, well because who doesn’t love a little well-executed pettiness?

What Didn’t Work
- The relationship speed-run—we went from “fake dating” to “soulmates” in the blink of an eye.
- Preston’s emotional volatility? 🚩🚩🚩
- The epilogue didn’t solidify the romance—it just *amplified* how rushed everything was.
- Side plot takeover: Maya and Christian low-key stole the spotlight.

If you’re here for realism, Revenge Puck might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re looking for a quick read—the kind that’s messy, dramatic, and best enjoyed with a side of popcorn—this one delivers. The chemistry could have been stronger, the emotional arcs deeper, and the timeline much longer, but at the end of the day, it’s an entertaining one.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5 – Fun, chaotic, but ultimately too fast for its own good. Will I read the next book? Absolutely—because if Christian and Maya’s story is anything like this, it’s going to be one hell of a ride.

In recent years, I’ve been in my hockey era, which is probably why I devoured this book. Normally, I’m not a big fan of fake dating tropes, but this one hit differently. Who doesn’t love a girl like Elle trying to get back at her ex—with the help of his nemesis, Preston? While there were moments Elle frustrated me with her constant self-doubt (I just wanted to yell, “Girl, know your worth!”), I really appreciated the moments of redemption and the characters’ personal growth. The plot twist was a highlight—even though I guessed where it was heading within the first few chapters, it was still satisfying. A minor critique is that Elle and Preston’s relationship felt a bit rushed, but I loved it nonetheless. Also, a huge shoutout to Maya—she absolutely needs her own book!

Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and L.A Hart for providing an advanced reader’s copy 🤎