Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny is a delightful college sport’s romance that I am thrilled to have gotten my hands on. Funny, sweet, and filled with delicious sexual tension, the last book in Cindy Madsen’s Taking Shots Series has made me a fan.

The puck bunny in question is Lindsay Rivera, a senior at Boston University. A semester away from graduation, she’s the editor of BU’s student newspaper and has an internship lined up in New York. A year ago, Lindsay gave up on all things hockey after having her heart broken by one of BU’s players. That, coupled with her time as a hockey groupie helped her to realize that she needed more from her life. More importantly, she needed to prove to herself that she’s not her mother, who throughout her Lindsay’s childhood had a rotating door of men who provided food and shelter until Mom tired of them.

The stoic Ryder Maddox, a sophomore defenseman for BU’s varsity hockey team, has one goal in mind: make it to the NHL. Pushed hard by his father, a former pro hockey player himself, Ryder has made hockey and school his sole focus. His dad’s unrelenting pressure and criticism has left Ryder feeling that he’s’ not good enough. When he meets Lindsay, his focus changes.

While Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny is easily as standalone, it’s obvious that Lindsay and Ryder aren’t making their first appearance. Chance meetings in at least one other book drew Ryder to Lindsay and he makes it his objective to get her to go out with him. Despite her unwavering attraction to him, Lindsay, at first, refuses to give in to Ryder and reenter the hockey community that she fled from. Her notion that he’ll break her heart, especially after learning about her past, has her running at every turn.

Both of these characters are likable and relatable. Throughout the book, I found myself reminded of my own days in college as a sports reporter where I frequently had to toe the line between personal and professional. Lindsay’s struggle rang true as I established a strong connection with her. Her frequent “confessions” throughout the book had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion, adding levity when emotions started to run high. Ryder is one of my favorite college-age characters ever. Frequently in NA books, the author seems to forget that the characters are, well, newly adult. Ryder is only 20 and Madsen portrays him perfectly. He’s vulnerable when needed, sweet as he falls in love for the first time, all-alpha when he gets jealous, and subtly unsure of himself as one would expect of a man of his age. Their connection with each other is just as strong as their connection with the reader. They’re fun and flirty, building up slowly to their obvious attraction to each other.

Of course, there’s conflict as Lindsay and Ryder decide to become a couple. Her past and his parents test their relationship and when something unexpected is revealed the angst level goes up just enough to twist your heart in that deliciously painful way before the HEA makes everything better.

I keep finding these really great authors only to find out I started at the end of a series. This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last. I had no problem following along without reading the first three books.

Ryan was a super sweet guy who deserves the best girl he can find and that was Lindsay. He was smart, sweet, sexy, and could play hockey. I really liked that Lindsay had a past that though she kinda embarrassed by it, she stayed true to herself by becoming, what she thought, was a much better person for that experience.

Going back to read the rest of the series. And I recommend this book.

Thanks Netgalley

I cant say how much I loved this book. I always wondered about the women that the manwhores sleep with in books. They get such a bad rep being called names but I knew there was more to them. That in essence is Lindsay's story.

Lindsay was a puck bunny. She was the one who wore the tight clothes just to attract the attention of a hockey player. But after getting her heart-broken and a revenge plan gone wrong she decides to change her ways. Focus on graduating and the internship after that. But to graduate she needs to pass a math class and the only one to tutor her is hockey player Ryder. Ryder was attracted to Lindsay from the first time he saw her, but how can he convince her to give him a chance?

I really loved Lindsay. Even though she was 'reformed' she still never put down the other girls who were puck bunnies like she used to be. She was the hardest on herself and the choices she made. I really liked Ryder too. He was so not your typical college hockey player. He was sweet and he really fought for Lindsay to give him a chance. They were a great couple. I really liked the conflict in the story. I kind of guessed it but I'm a super sleuth when it comes to figuring those things out. I LOVED the resolution. He really worked for it and I would have done done it(view spoiler) Overall I would definitely recommend this book. Lindsay has a part in book 2 of the series but I think this can still be read as a standalone since I didn't read that book.

Panty Scorching - 3
Angst - 0
Tissues - 0
Storyline - 4
Value - 4
Overall - 4

Lindsay is in college and has come to the decision to stop being a "puck bunny" to the hockey team at her school after her heart is broken. But some habits are hard to break! She puts all her focus on her studies and is determined to stay away from the games, players and other puck bunnies alike. It is brought to her attention that she will be needing extra tutoring for one of her math classes.

Ryder or aka Ox.....hot, intelligent, charming sexy and naturally one of the teams best players has decided to give some of his time and help tutor. Just so happens Lindsay is his student.

It was really fun to watch these two banter back and forth and it had a few witty one liners. Lindsay, tries to fight her attraction to Ryder. At first she thinks he is just a womanizing manwhore and doesn't even want his help to study but soon realizes he is her only hope. Ryder, never one to back down from a challenge, vows to get Lindsay to change her mind about him and her preconceived notions she has about him. The push and pull was funny and romantic and I found myself smiling and loving some of Ryders tactics to win Lindsay over.

This book is a quick, fun read and will surely hold your attention. Great beach read for upcoming summer! Definitely recommend!!

When I started to read this book I did it with no expectations 'cause it was my first time reading this author, and hadn't idea how this would work for me. Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny is a Sport/New Adult Romance written with a fresh, funny and direct style, and that's perfect for this kind of stories. It has a fresh narration, smart dialogues and lovely characters. It's a perfect mix.

Hot hockey player met the only girl in campus who doesn't fall for him inmediatly. Lindsay promised to keep herself apart from the hockey scene, and when she needs help to past Math in her last semester, the one volunteering to help her is a hockey player.

Oh, the irony!

When Ryder Maddox wants something, he doesn't rest until he gets it. And he's focussed in Lindsay Rivera, the editor of the college newspaper. Who's also a former puck bunny about to have a relapse.

I've enjoyed the way Cindi Madsen built the characters, Lindsay and Ryder were wonderful, with strong and well-developed backstories and an interesting evolution trough the book. Lindsay used to be a Puck Bunny, but she promised to keep herself apart from the Hockey scene, and never (EVER) rely in a man. Ryder was focused in break the walls that Lindsay built to protect herself.

The dynamic between them was hilarious from the beggining. I had a lot of fun with this book, and despite this book is part of a series, I could read it as a standalone. The dialogues, the team dynamic with Ryder's friends, the vivid descriptions and the balance between humor, romance, sports and drama keeped me hooked till the last page.

Now I'll clear my schedule to catch up with the rest of the books in this series. Meanwhile, if you're a fan of sport romances, and also looking for something fresh, funny and romantic, this book is for you.

Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny is the latest from Cindi Madsen's Taking Shots series. From the start I loved the set up in the storytelling. The confessions are great and very timely. I quickly became enamored with Ryder. I very much found myself hoping he'd be able to get past the walls Lindsay kept throwing up between them.

While reading the previous books in the series isn't required to enjoy and follow Lindsay and Ryder's story, I'm looking forward to going back and getting to know the other characters. I'm looking forward to reading all the Cindi Madsen I can get my hands on.

Cindi Madsen’s CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY is a winning addition to the Taking Shots series. Former puck bunny and school newspaper editor of the Heights, Lindsay Rivera, has sworn off hockey players. However, persistent defenseman, Ryder "Ox" Maddox, makes it difficult when he becomes her math tutor. This story takes place at Boston College. It is suitable for New Adult audiences.

I like Lindsay. We met her in book two, ANATOMY OF A PLAYER. She was Whitney’s bitter editor because of being hurt by hockey star, Hudson Decker. Lindsay used to be a puck bunny, she didn’t like the person she became and swore off hockey players. She doesn’t want to follow in her mother’s footsteps, needing a man to support her. She is determined to become a successful independent woman.

Ryder is a great guy. He is a total math nerd and excellent tutor who doesn’t belittle the people he is helping. He comes off as quiet, but he has a great sense of humor. He has a lot of pressure being the son of a former NHL star and mother who is a politician.

I love the witty banter between Lindsay and Ryder. I like how both characters grow as a result of their relationship, becoming better individuals.

I enjoyed the plot and Cindi Madsen’s writing style. I love the confessions throughout the story. Sadly, Lindsay never really had any friends. I appreciated that she befriended the girls from the three previous books: Lyla Wilder, Whitney Porter, and Megan Davenport. The hockey passages were skillfully written. I love the paintball scenes. There were numerous unexpected twists that made the story compelling. The novel had a great ending that felt well resolved. I look forward to the next story in the Taking Shots series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny is sweet, sassy and sexy! I love me a good hockey romance and Confessions is just that.

Lindsay is a smart, sassy heroine. She's what women should aspire to be. No doormat here! She's a woman who's had her heart trampled by a hockey player, so she's sworn off hockey players now. But, there's this hot guy, Ryder "Ox" Maddox, who keeps "running" into her and will not leave her alone. He's bound and determined to get to know her. The problem is, he's a hockey player. Yep, the first guy Lindsay's noticed since her heart got shredded is a hockey player, so she's doing her damndest to stay away from him. So what if she can't help but look at him every so often, OK, every so often meaning A LOT. It doesn't mean she'll ever do anything about it, because she needs to graduate, and to graduate she has to master this stupid math class that's killin her. And that's where sweet, sexy Ryder comes in. He's not just sweet and sexy, he's smart, and he offers to tutor her in math and she caves because she HAS to pass this class. And of course, you know where things are headed once he starts tutoring her.

I love Confessions. It's hot, it's sweet, not terribly angsty as a lot of NA fiction is and Lindsay and Ryder are awesome characters. They've got chemistry in spades and they're adorable together. I haven't read the rest of this series, but I am definitely planning on it now.

This is the fourth book in the Taking Shots series and I will say that I enjoyed the other books in the series a little more than this one. But, this was still a cute, fun read. It was just a little too predictable and I didn't feel a strong connection to the characters.

This is my first novel by this author and I really enjoyed myself. I enjoyed myself so much that I added her other books in this series to my ever growing TBR list (I got to see how the others landed their girl).

Ryder was hella sweet and so damn sexy it made me swoon every time I read about him or read from his pov. There was just something so magnetic about him. I really have no clue how Lindsey stayed so strong when she was in his presence. I enjoyed the slow build from friendship to lovers. He was patient. And kind. And took it at her pace ( ven if at times it felt like a snail’s pace).

Lindsey had one hell of a background story. There was a reason she was so hesitant to jump into any kind of relationship with another hockey player. And when all the pieces were laid out I really couldn’t blame the girl. She wanted to hold herself at a higher standard then when she was a well know puck bunny. But the silly girl had it all wrong, she was just the wrong hockey players puck bunny. I’m glad she held out for the right guy, because boy does the right guy (hockey player or otherwise) really make all the difference.

I can’t wait to go back in this series (even though it can be enjoyed as a standalone ) and read about the other hilarious and sexy hockey players of Boston College. I recommend this book to anyone who’s ever had a confession to make, and went about being heard while they made it. Mine is… man do I wish I was Ryder Maddox’s puck bunny. Lawd have mercy!

4.5 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

OK, so I will admit that because of shifting priorities in reading, I have not yet had a chance to read books 2 and 3 of this series, but other than getting spoiled that those couples have a HEA (which duh), I don't think it spoiled my reading experience in the slightest. All it did is make me want to go back and read those books NOW NOW NOW, so let's hope that I can fit them in before the year is out (especially Dane, he made me laugh). And quite honestly the "family" of players and girlfriends added so much to this story, I LOVED having them there.

Now that that's out of the way, OMG SWOON!!! And you know who that swooning is for? Oh yeah, it's all for Ryder. That boy is a perfect mix of sweet/funny and sexy/aggressive. Like could there really be a more potent combination?? I love me a beta boy, and while I would NOT call Ryder a beta boy in the slightest, I felt like he had some of those qualities you know? He was just so sweet and attentive and I felt like he surprised me at many turns (just as he surprised Lindsay). And the way he pursued her with such single-minded determination? Holy hot balls!! (is that a saying? I'm making that a saying) ANYWAYS, he was the perfect omega boy, with a healthy dose of alpha traits mixed in as well. I honestly can't imagine anyone not falling in love with him. Or maybe I just can't get out of my own head, and I'm in love with him.

I also really enjoyed his backstory, and how it shaped him and the decisions he made. I thought that his growth was realistic, because while I was in love with him, he did need a smack or two along the way. But it made it satisfying to see him do what he could to prove his feelings. And that was another thing I enjoyed, I appreciated that the forgiveness wasn't easy (because he really did f* up), and he had to fight for her a bit. That paint gun scene was immensely satisfying, as was the way the ending played out (sorry can't elaborate, it would be spoilerific to the extreme).

Now don't be fooled, I'm not done with my gushing. Why? Because we don't just get a smoking hero, we also got a fabulous heroine to match him. Lindsay was sassy, and vulnerable, and had a lot of depth. I LOVED being in her head and seeing her fight through her instincts honed by her bizarre upbringing. She had such a journey to go on, I can't even tell you.

And this brings me to the most surprising thing about this book that seriously just won me over, mostly b/c I was expecting something different. This book totally could have gone down judgemental lane, but Ms. Madsen hit it out of the park by avoiding that pitfall. I mean, come on people, Lindsay was a former puck bunny!! And so many authors just love to throw those girls under the bus, but Ms. Madsen tried to give us a different perspective of why they might do what they do. And not only that, but Lindsay even admitted that they all had their own motivations, and she tried hard not to fall into the trap of judging girls who might enjoy one night stands. I know I can fall into this trap myself, even if I try not to, so I just really appreciated this sooooo much. Lindsay was unhappy with her former life because of her *own* reasons, not because it's inherently shameful. I loved the lack of double standard that showed. Right on Lindsay, right on.

So I'll end this review with a Confession of my own: I watch quite a bit of hockey (heck, my Oilers are in the playoffs as we speak and I'm GLUED to the TV for it), so I love a good hockey romance. But damn, do these books give an unrealistic representation of the number of good looking hockey players. I'm not saying they don't all likely have amazing bodies, but when I look up and down the bench, I'm really not seeing teamfuls of gorgeous guys...or at least not gorgeous to me. No offense hockey players, I'm sure it's me and not you. :P

It was my first book by Cindi Madsen, and already following and want to read more, starting with this series. I love sport romance and I truly enjoy every page of it. I laughed and love the characters. It’s about a Lindsay, a former puck bunny, that doesn’t want to do anything with hockey again or the players for that matter. That is until she is failing Math and Ryder comes into the picture. He doesn’t know her old ways and Lindsay is trying her hardest to figure the attraction she has for Ryder a hot hockey player.

The story line will make the page turn in a steady fast pace, you will laugh out loud and have you heart melt in others. I totally recommend you read all of them as I am sure the other books in the series where as enjoyable as this one.

Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny is a fun, light-hearted, college romance. Lindsey has taken a self-imposed break from all things hockey players and hockey after having her heart broken by a hockey player. This is made difficult when hockey player and her current math tutor, Ryder, makes his interest in Lindsey apparent. Will Ryder be able to get pass Lindsey's defenses to win her heart, and will Lindsey be able to overcome her past?

I thought Ryder was the perfect guy for Lindsey. He knew what he wanted and tried everything to win over Lindsey. There was a part towards the end when he made a stupid decision, but then righted his wrong. At first I had trouble connecting with Lindsey, but as the story progressed and we learned more about her past, I really came to admire her decision to change her lifestyle and focus on her future. I also liked reading Lindsey's former puck bunny confessions. There were a lot, but they worked perfectly throughout the book. Although I enjoyed this book, I have to admit that it took until about 40% to really get into the story. It might have just been my mind set at the time, but getting past that part I really had fun reading this story. If you're in the mood for a college-age, hockey romance then Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny is perfect for you.

I really enjoyed this book! It drew me in from the title and author. Once I started reading I spent much of the time laughing and enjoying the story. It was fun and flirty. Lindsay and Ryder just had this connection even though she had given up on hockey guys. Ryder was content to help her with math and prove to her that he was worth the risk.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Seriously the sweetest funniest book ever. Confessions of a former buck bunny is an amazing book. Usually we read book making the puck bunnies look bad but here we get the story of how real they are. It wasa beautifully written story. You have love,sassiness, seriously funny and sweetness. I cant say more for this book but it a Definitely a must have read, promise its unputdownable.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Review Copy of this book.

3.75 stars---CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY is the fourth installment in Cindi Madsen’s contemporary, new adult TAKING SHOTS hockey, romance series focusing on the members of Boston College hockey team. This is rookie Ryder ‘Ox’ Maddox, and journalism student Lindsay Rivera’s story line. CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

DEFINITION: ‘Puck Bunny-noun-A female ice hockey fan whose interest in the sport is primarily motivated by sexual attraction to the players rather than the enjoyment of the game.’

Told from dual first person points of view (Ryder and Lindsay) CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY follows Lindsay as she struggles to pass her final class of university math. Enter rookie hockey sensation Ryder Maddox, Lindsay’s latest math tutor, and the man with whom Lindsay will fall in love. What ensues are Lindsay’s attempts to keep her distance from everything hockey, hoping to heal her reputation and forget about the past.

Lindsay Rivera is a former puck bunny whose reputation with the players precedes our heroine’s introduction including her failed attempt to seduce then destroy team member Hudson Decker and the BC hockey team (Anatomy of a Player #2). As a rookie, Ryder Maddox is unaware of Lindsay’s reputation, or her previous one-night stands with the members of his team. Ryder’s attraction to Lindsay will be complicated when the past reveals more than either one knew.

The attraction between Ryder and Lindsay is immediate but Lindsay struggles with her past reputation, staying clear of all things hockey related including the members of the team. One year ‘clean and sober’ from the world of hockey Lindsay fears falling back into old habits when Ryder Maddox enters her life. Ryder intends to prove to Lindsay that the past is in the past; his pursuit of our story line hero is sweet and romantic. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous couples play secondary and supporting roles including Lyla and Beck, Whitney and Hudson, Megan and Dane. We are introduce to Ryder’s parents: his father, a former professional hockey player, and his long suffering mother who struggles with sins from the past.

The world building follows the BC hockey team as they vie for the playoffs towards another championship season. Ryder and Lindsay’s relationship continues to build although Lindsay struggles with her previous behavior and reputation.

CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY is a predictable story line with a couple of twists that add some outside conflict into an already struggling relationship. The premise is realistic and engaging; the characters are spirited, colorful and animated; the romance is fated and passionate. CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY is an enjoyable and welcome addition to Cindi Madsen’s TAKING SHOTS new adult, romance series.

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Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny is a great romantic comedy book. The story was easy to follow and it kept my attention from beginning to end. The characters were well developed, and their banter had my laughing out loud. I loved seeing past characters. I enjoyed this hockey book!

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This is a great book, this is the fourth book in the Taking Shots series written by Cindi Madsen. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

I have loved every book in this series and Lindsay and Ryder were no different. I am so sad to see this series come to an end!!

Lindsay was a puck bunny before falling for a player and getting burned. Now, she's not in any way interested in hockey players or hockey parties or anything at all to do with hockey. Until she meets the intensity that is Ryder "Ox" Maddox and needs his math tutoring skills in order to graduate on time. Since Ryder is younger, he doesn't really know anything about Lindsay's past. What he does know is that he is drawn to her and once he sets his sights on something, he achieves the goal.

I couldn't put this book down but I never wanted it to end. I'm definitely going to miss the characters in the Taking Shots series. Lindsay and Ryder's story was a perfect end to a lighthearted, sweet, funny, heat filled series.

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*