I have never watched a game of hockey in my life. My hockey experience consists of ugly hockey/netball skirts, my own personal PINK! hockey stick and a genuine fear that my shin pads wouldn't do their job during high school.

Yet, I freaking love hockey romances! From Sawyer Bennett's Cold Fury Series to Helena Hunting's Pucked series I am hooked!

This book was extra great because I feel like few stories actually focus on the puck bunnies. Instead they're either used as a break up point or for (mostly the females sadly) the main characters to criticise or judge. Lindsay Rivera used to be a puck bunny and now she's not. I felt this book managed to explain her reasoning quite well without insulting those who did chose to remain puck bunnies but also I need someone to tell me who even invented this phrase please?

Puck bunny-ness aside, I really liked Lindsay's character and I related to her so well. As someone who, clearly, loves books as much as her it was nice to see that passion in someone else. When we meet Lindsay, honestly, she's in a rut. She doesn't like who she used to be yet I feel like we meet her at a stage where she's maybe not exactly sure who the new her is either

It's rare we get to see relationships where the woman is a couple of years older than the male and I loved it. It didn't really change the dynamic that much as they're both adults but I like the out of the box nature of it all.

Ryder was adorable. Like Lindsay, he too seemed to be in a rut that he also wasn't fully aware of. Torn between two parents that didn't seem to really see him as a person with his own thoughts, feelings and passions, Ryder really just seemed to go along with whatever whichever parent was telling/asking of him at the time with no real complaints. Lindsay describes him as nice in the book and he doesn't like it but he really and truly is a nice, sweet boy. I loved getting to know him.

Plot wise, I thought it was solid and I really enjoyed it and got sad as the time decreased and the percentage increased on my kindle as I knew I was getting close to having to say goodbye to my new friends.

Rating: 4 stars

Great college hockey romance with plenty of humor and swoon!

This is part of the Taking Shots series, but can be read as a stand-alone. This is my first Madsen read and man I wish I’d found her sooner. This one was witty, funny, sweet, swoony, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Ryder and Lindsay are a good pair. Her confessions are hilarious and her struggles to get away from her former puck bunny self are admirable. Ryder is persistent and oh so sexy. Her relationship with Math was oh so realistic for anyone who has struggled with a school topic.

Ryder makes some mistakes, but he has a good heart. “Not that I don’t want to also rock that boat with you, but I just mean that you’re my person, and I want to be yours, and I hope I’m not too late.” Seriously swoon – all is forgiven.

Do not wait to pick up one of these books – you won’t regret it!

I submitted a request to the publisher to read and voluntarily review an uncorrected advance reader's copy of this book.

I have been following this series since the first book was out and have loved every word. I'm always sad to see the end of a series, but this one was an apt finale. Lindsay is a self confessed and reformed puck bunny. She knows that her addiction to hockey players can mess up all her dreams for her future and end up like her mom. So she fights Ryder tooth and nail to force him to keep his distance.

Ryder loves challenges. For the first time in his life Ryder is clear about what he wants and he wants Lindsay. Tutoring her in math is the perfect excuse. With her he can be who he truly is and as is to be expected, feelings grow and grow more complicated. Lindsay's graduating but Ryder still has two more years so they agree to have fun for as long as it lasts. But a past whether hidden or concealed always comes back to haunt you and of course Ryder makes a mess of things. And how he decides to focus on a future in the NHL with or without Lindsay is about the toughest challenge he's faced yet. A lovely conclusion to the Taking Shots series

I loved the idea of this book -- a girl who used to chase hockey players who realizes she doesn't like who she's become, is pursued by a hockey player. But the execution didn't live up to my expectations. I found Lindsay to be extremely annoying, but I did like Ryder. Lindsay went back and forth between knowing who she is and being unapologetic about it, to being ridiculously unable to control her own hormones around Ryder while keeping him at a distance. I'm frankly shocked he put up with that. Especially because the only thing he seems to like about her initially is her appearance. He talks about how hot she is all the time. It's almost as if he only wanted the challenge of the chase, except he didn't really seem to enjoy that. The author writes well and the story is well plotted, I just didn't like the characters. This happens sometimes and based on the other reviews I've read, i'm in the minority.

Plot
The plot is Ryder and Lindsay's relationship. Ryder offers to tutor her in math and thus are forced together. Ryder pursues, Lindsay can barely control herself, yet somehow does, in a back and forth that seems to go on way too long. There are some decent subplots, like Lindsay's family issues. Her mother relies on men to support her, and Lindsay swears she'll never be like her mom. Ryder is also preparing for the playoffs, so a relationship may be the last thing he needs, and yet for some unknown reason, he still goes hard after Lindsay. Where the book really worked for me was the hockey aspect. Practice, athletic superstition, parental expectations, and the team dynamics all worked together to keep me invested in the story.

Characters
They both came across as shallow to me. Early on, Lindsay mentions a friend who settled down with a nerdy type, which she can't understand at all. She's all about the hard bodies and good looks. Same thing with Ryder. Lindsay's relationships with other girls is unhealthy, although she does realize that as well as the fact that it's her own fault. Where I liked Lindsay the most was when I read her confessions. These were heartfelt and honest. But then she'd do something completely stupid and I lost my tenuous respect for her. The rest of the characters intrigued me, though, to the point I want to read the earlier books in the series. I may discover I like Lindsay more if I can see her through the eyes of other characters.

What I Enjoyed About CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY
1. The Confessions. I liked Lindsay the most when she was being open and honest, when she was unapologetic about her sexuality and her reasons why.

2. Hockey. The hockey aspect was easily my favorite part of the book. It might be a subplot, but it still kept me engaged and I'm not really a rabid hockey fan. Although since the Chargers packed up and left town, the Gulls might be my new favorite local sports team.

3. Ryder. When he wasn't being a jealous jerk or refusing to take no for an answer, he was a complex character that drove some of my favorite scenes in the book. His history and drama with his dad added a lot of interesting depth to his character.

4. Daddy Issues. Both Ryder and Lindsay suffer from this common young/new adult-ism, but in different ways. I like the way the author approached them differently -- more subtly with Lindsay and more direct with Ryder.

5. Breakups. I love me a good angsty romance and while overall the romance was only a meh for me, the big dramatic breakup scene was what turned me around and made me invest in these two.

Bottom Line
Hockey, college romance, and a couple of kids with a lot of growing up to do.

Thank you to Entangled and Netgalley for a copy of the ARC in exchange for a fair review.


Disclaimer I was unaware until I started reading this today that it was part of a series!


That being said I don't feel like I was missing out on anything but picking this up on book 4, after reading it and loving it I will be going back to read 1-3!


Lindsay is the editor of the school paper and reformed Puck Bunny when Ryder makes his way into her life. She has done everything she can to run away from and avoid falling into her former behavior. She is shocked when he offers to help tutor her in math and explains the math to her in such a way that she can actually understand it.


Ryder doesn't understand why Lindsay keeps running away from, but the more he gets to know her the more he wants to be with her. As they continue to fight their feelings and her past, and his past will they be able to admit how they feel? Or will everything work against them?


I could not stop reading their story, I absolutely adored Lindsay and Ryder. She was so honest, that I cringed for her when she had to tell him embarrassing things. I couldn't wait for them to stop chasing each other and get together. That twist had me reeling and wanting to yell at someone. I know I am vague but spoilers.... Just from reading I can maybe guess who the first three books are about, but I loved the dynamics and friendships.


I also feel that I must admit that I might have a thing for hockey players too because the title and the cover are exactly why I wanted to read this book, and this is the second romance series about hockey players that I have devoured. Well, I will be devouring this one. I highly recommend it, and meanwhile, I will be going to the beginning and reading them all!

Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny by Cindi Madsen

I'm really enjoying this series by Madsen and Confessions a great addition to it. This is the story of Ryder and Lindsay who we've met briefly in the previous books.

Ryder is a D-man for the Boston College hockey team and is in relentless pursuit of Lindsay, editor of the college newspaper. Too bad for him, Lindsay is a reformed puck bunny and has sworn off everything hockey-related. Desperate times call for desperate measures and her need for a math tutor pushes her into acknowledging and reacting to the simmering attraction that's always been there. Alas, the path of true love is riddled with obstacles -most of them put up by Lindsay herself- so the two have to work for their HEA.

I reeeeeally enjoyed this book! I loved the characters; I thought they were true to themselves and to each other. Their personalities made them easy to like and easy to relate to. They both had their own issues: some parental, some career-oriented and they worked through them in a way that made me root for them the whole way through. I understood Lindsay's determination to keep Ryder at arms length and her aversion to hockey players in general and I loved Ryder for breaking down her barriers and knowing when to push and when to hold back. All in all, a fantastic addition to a great series.

*arc received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

**4.5 stars**

This was my first read in this series and Cindi Madsen, but it also won't be my last. This book can be read as a standalone, but I promise you'll want to go back and read the read of the series. I know I one clicked them all shortly after I finished this book. You get hints that the other books in this series of standalones, which just gives you more reason to want to go back and read their stories as well.

Confessions of Former Puck Bunny was a hockey romance filled with laughter and characters who were so easy to love! Lindsay is former puck bunny who has recently changed her ways. Because of this change she wants nothing to do with hockey or its players. She has found other things to occupy her time, such as being the editor of the school paper, which allows her to draw little attention to herself. She is able to avoid all things hockey, giving others on the staff the chance to write the stories, and focus on editing the paper. The only problem with this is, her English skills are amazing, but her math skills? Not so much.

Enter Ryder. The hot hockey player who also loves math. Ryder has had a thing for Lindsay and doesn't want to stop until he can pursue her. Ryder has no idea about Lindsay's former puck bunny ways and when he finds out, he doesn't care. He just wants Lindsay and he won't stop until he gets her.

Lindsay and Ryder have to figure out how to get out of their comfort zones, trust each other and learn how to be in a real relationship. Their journey was fun to read and had you laughing out loud. I loved reading their story and I can't wait for more from Cindi Madsen in the future.

**I submitted a request to the publisher/author to read and voluntarily review an uncorrected advance reader's copy of this book**

Cindi Madsen creates a fun, flirty, sexy, and engaging tale that will draw readers in from the very first page. CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY is told in a confessional style from the main character, Lindsay's, point of view. She fully admits to being a "puck bunny" ( 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 itself) but she has been on a mission to change her ways. Her newfound resolve is tested when she meets hot defenseman, Ryder "Ox" Maddox. Will Ryder be able to break down her walls and hang ups about dating a hockey player? Will secrets from their past rise up and ruin their chance at happiness? Readers will be eager to find out. This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. Definitely recommend!

I really liked Madsen's storyline and couldn't put this book down. I couldn't get enough of Lindsay and Ryder's chemistry. Lindsay's confessions are so good and I loved reading her struggles of staying away from Ryder.

A few moths ago I read Crazy Pucking Love but I had a lot of problems with that and didn't like it that much. For some reason I still requested Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny when I saw it was available and I have to tell you, good thing I requested it because I LOVED this book.

First of all, I absolutely adored the main characters in this book. I didn't know if I would like them or not, since that was my main problem in the previous book in this series, but I ended up loving Lindsey and Ryder. They were amazing. Lindsey was a great girl. She was strong and knew what she wanted from her life but she still had her fears. I loved how much she grew in the book. Ryder was just the best. I loved him. He was a great guy and he really tried to help Lindsey with her fears. He did mess up a few times and I wasn't happy with him for a bit but in the end I loved him. I also really liked his story because while it looked like he had a perfect life he still had his issues. Also, these two together were amazing. One thing I really loved about their relationship is that they started out as friends (even if they both wanted more). It was great to see how Ryder respected Lindsey's boundaries and choices. I also really liked that they talked about things. You know how in some books the main characters barely talk? Most of the times I don't like that at all so seeing these two interact was the best thing ever. It was also great to see how much they helped each other. It was also great that they had an amazing chemistry XD. I also liked the plot. It was kind of predictable and at one point I predicted their main conflict.

I also really enjoyed the writing. This is my second Cindi Madsen book so I don't know her style that well yet but I had a few problems even with the writing in the previous book I read. This one was way better. I loved the dual POV and how Lindsey and Ryder had very distinct voices. I also really enjoy that this was a fast paced book (unlike the previous one) and that flew nicely. This was just way better than the previous one and it makes me want to read the other books in the series.

Overall, was really good. This book ended up being a huge surprise to me and I wasn't expecting to love it so much. If you love new adult romances you need to give this one a shot without any doubt.

Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny is book four in the Taking Shots series. This book brings us Lindsay's story. We met Lindsay previously when she was working on a story with Whitney. I was a little unsure when I first started reading this one, generally a character that has villain characteristics in other books, makes it more difficult for me to grow any sort of attachment. That was definitely not the case in this one. I loved Lindsay and Ryder from the very beginning a d couldn't wait to see how their story would end.

Ryder and Lindsay had so much in common, yet they were so different. Lindsay is trying to get over her past and move in with her life. Ryder, tired of trying to please his parents, follows his heart and attraction in order to go after the one girl he wants. I think it's possible that Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny is my favorite book in the series.

~ Jessica

I seriously can't believe this is the last book in the series, when did this happen? I have mixed feelings about this, on one hand I'm so happy to have gotten this book because I have enjoyed Cindi's hockey series so much!, but on the other hand it's sad to say goodbye to these couples.

In this fourth installment, which can totally be read as a standalone, out main characters are Ryder and Lindsay. I must say I was surprised that Lindsay was going to be the heroine; she has a past as a puck bunny and she's done the best she cans to get rid of that image and change her ways. When we first met her I kida saw her as just this woman scorned so I really couldn't imagine what reading from her point of view was going to be like. I don't particularly like the idea of a girl being from guy to guy or flirting with a lot of them, I can't really connect with that so I had worried I might not empathize with Lindsay or have trouble connecting with her; but Cindi did a great job in writing her character, you get to know about her past, her insecurities and you just see how her characters evolves.

As for Ryder, well he may be a couple of years younger that Lindsay, but man he is totally swoon-worthy! Lindsay definitely didn't have a chance. Yes, he is super hot but more than that you really fall for his personality, for his actions. He's caring, protective, determined and also a math nerd but trust me that doesn't diminishes his attractive at all. Ever since he saw Lindsay, he's wanted to get to know her better, break through her walls and hopefully start something with her; but with him being a hockey player, Lindsay is very reticent so he'll have to fight hard for what he wants, and the more he persist the harder it gets for Lindsay to keep denying that attraction, specially since they start spending more time together. Their path isn't easy, so they'll have to face some challenges if they decide what they have is worth fighting for.

Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny was a great read, Cindi's writing and the pace of the story is very fluid and that along with great characters seals the deal for me. Btw I also loved that we can see the couples from the previous stories in this book! Congrats, Cindi!!!

I really enjoyed this read. Lindsay is a senior in college and was all about cozying up to the hockey players earlier in her college career, until she made the mistake of falling for one of them and he broke her heart. Now she stays far, far away from that crowd. When Ryder meets Lindsay, he is drawn to her, but she wants nothing to do with him. When he ends up getting her attention by tutoring her in math, he is hoping he can move out of the friend zone.

Ryder and Lindsay were easy characters to like. I found myself rooting for Ryder and hoping that Lindsay would give him a chance. I loved the hockey boys and the close friends that Ryder had. I loved how the girls instantly took Lindsay into the fold. It was a great group of friends that made the book so enjoyable. What I loved most though is that in a way Ryder and Lindsay both saved each other. Ryder found out there is more to life than hockey and Lindsay found out that she really didn't want to be alone and it was OK to let people into her life. This was a good read.

3.5 Math made Terrific! Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
This is a strong entry to the Taking Shots series. We have a young woman who has taken a good look at her life and decide she is making an about face in her behavior. In the past she was a PUCK BUNNY... and now she stays as far away from any Hockey Player as she can.

She is getting ready to graduate and start a hard earned internship in NYC with a newspaper. Only one last class to finish...but trouble is.... her math grades suck... and any tutor she tries to use all talk Math like it is a foreign language...like gobbledygook.....
3.5 Math made Terrific! Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
This is a strong entry to the Taking Shots series. We have a young woman who has taken a good look at her life and decide she is making an about face in her behavior. In the past she was a PUCK BUNNY... and now she stays as far away from any Hockey Player as she can.

She is getting ready to graduate and start a hard earned internship in NYC with a newspaper. Only one last class to finish...but trouble is.... her math grades suck... and any tutor she tries to use all talk Math like it is a foreign language...like gobbledygook.....

Naturally, the only person who makes Math make sense is Ryder "Ox" Maddox, College Hockey Player. He is into her. She is fighting her attraction. Let the games begin...

Oh, this ought to be fun, let's see how this plays out.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher NetGalley via for an honest review.

With spot on comedic timing, the perfect amount of youthful angst and delectably adorable first person delivery, Ms. Madsen did what she set out to do. Touch the heart with her humorous yet optimistic and highly addictive romance. Lindsay was looking for love in all the wrong places. Her penchant for excess led her into the arms of many a hockey player but left her feeling broken and empty at the end of the game. Seeking to break a bad habit, Lindsey swears off hockey players and their humongous egos. And men. Until a smart, funny and sexy guy crosses her path. Ryder is the man of her dreams, but can she break her own rules and open her heart to the one type of man, she's sworn off?

Confession: I've only read one book in this series. Regardless, they are all standalone and this one gives a good idea about what happened before. Normally I would be opposed to puck bunny stories but this one seemed to focus on vying away from that and changing. Lindsay used to be part of that world but the fall out of her experiences made her take a good look at herself and realized the mistakes she made. Now focused on her life after graduation and making the right choices.

Oh there's that pesky math class she has to pass. I can relate I hated math. Problem is she has a hot hockey player as her tutor one she has trouble resisting. Worried she might fall back into her old ways she avoids and pushes him away. Ryder is silent and intense but actually a nice guy. Smart too. Not your typical jock indeed. Quite persistent too. Sexy and sweet in the right times. I like that they got past each others walls and knew each other more through the tutoring. The banter was pretty cute and fun. They are actually better around one another plus that chemistry was overflowing.

I have give prop to Linsday to recognizing the need to change and knowing herself well. I have to say Ryder's persistence in all things does pay off. At this point with Ryder being younger and Lindsay ready to graduate can they make it work past that? You have the meddling family drama added with dad to complicate things. Some parts did drag for me but it's their story. That ending I felt like it wrapped up fast after it was all drawn out for me.

Cindi Madsen writes a sexy and sweet college based sports romance that cover the highs and lows of student life and the pressures after. For Lindsay and Ryan they met at well a deciding point for both. Add their budding relationship it's all fair game. The cameos from the other team mates make it more fun as well. I have no idea if this will be the last but there is a whole team still.

A while back I read the third book of this series, Crazy Pucking Love, and while I liked it, it didn’t blow me away or anything. I mainly had issues with the character’s back stories and the fact that I thought something was missing. I had no such issues with this one.

I thought the writing was way better on this one, and the dual POV worked way way better. Lindsey and Ryder had super distinct voices, so I loved the dual POV on this one. Also, Lindsey’s confessions throughout the book just made it all better.

I really liked both main characters. I loved Lindsey and I thought she was such a strong girl. I understood her fears and doubts, but I also loved that Ryder saw right through her and fought for his girl. Ryder was a pretty great character all on his own. I loved the connection and the chemistry between the two of them. The romance was sweet and strong, as it was based on a mutual understanding and thorough knowledge of each other.

The main conflict was predictable, but again, I felt it was understandable. And I was afraid for a little bit that Lindsey would try to put her dreams on hold, like Megan tried to on the previous book, but I’m glad that it didn’t came to that, and they found a perfect solution for both of them.

Overall, I really enjoyed this sweet NA hockey romance, and it made me want to pick up book 1 and 2 of this series. Give it a chance.

Confession #1: I’ve been eyeing every book in this series so far, but due to time constraints and inability to commit, Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny is the first book I’ve actually read. You should know that this did not have a negative impact on my reader experience at all. I mean, unless you count the fact that I now need to go back and read all the other books immediately, because I was completely charmed by every single character in this book.

Confession #2: I adored – like crazy, freaky adored Ryder. Holy buckets you guys, hold on to your hearts. Not only is he this giant sexy hockey player, but he’s funny, sweet, sensitive and just a little bit nerdy which is basically my perfect man and I will never stop swooning at his feet. I mean, sure, there was that moment that I wanted to punch him in the junk for being an idiot. It was short lived though. And he made it incredibly easy to forgive him. I just flippin’ loved him so much.

Confession #3: I also really enjoyed Lindsay. I sometimes struggle when a character is so gunshy. The back and forth can wear on me and I lose patience quickly. That wasn’t the case with Lindsay. For the most part I completely understood her issues and related to her. My heart hurt for her as she tried to sort through her own issues and find her way in the world. I loved how she blossomed with Ryder – the warm, funny, playful person she turned out to be as she grew not only in her relationship with him, but in the friendships she formed with his tribe. I loved her more than I expected to – and that was a super happy surprise.

Confession #4: I had so much fun reading this book. It had its more serious moments, but it overall had a light (without creeping into fluffy territory), happy feel to it. It was an easy and engaging read – I was sucked right in and flowed right along with it until that super heart-melting, delightful end. If you’re a fan of flirty banter and completely swoonworthy heroes, I think you’ll have a lot of fun with this book too!

***5 ‘Locking You In’ Stars***

The cover was definitely a lure but the hook was the fact that the jock was the tutor and I just had to see how it would all play out and holy hell did I devour this book! I had to force myself to put it down and get workstuff done. It was sweet, smexy, funny and brought out all the feels as I fell into adoration (and at times frustration) with Lindsey and Ryder.

I adored Lindsey from her first confession. She didn’t sugar coat anything when it came to who she was as a puck bunny, her reasons she stepped away from it, and who she saw herself as now. In fact it was blunt and at times harsh, which was refreshing but had her pigeonholing herself in a whole new way. I loved her wit, sass and heart.

Ryder was all kinds of sweet, smexy, charming and unassuming in a lot of ways. He wasn’t blind to how people viewed him, but he didn’t let it go to his head. His tenacity was a huge draw for me, but so was how observant he was and how he poured all of himself into attaining his goals.

From the very beginning I had a general knowledge of how Ryder and Lindsey’s journey to their HEA would play out simply from the title. I knew the past was going to cause problems, but it took me a bit before I figured what the catalyst would be and I was like “whoa”. I was hoping I was wrong, and quite honestly I was hoping that they wouldn’t have to deal with it all, because I loved them together. Their interactions were sweet and funny and had a fluidity about their interactions, even when the sexual tension was ratcheted up, that drew me in and had me rooting for them, even when the bomb was finally dropped. That was honestly painful and I was totally on #Team…, but I loved how everything worked out in the end.

This is my first book ever by Cindi Madsen and I absolutely loved it! The writing was engaging, the pacing was good and I really enjoyed the dual first person POV’s. The couples/characters from the previous books are a part of the story but this can be read as a standalone without feeling like you’ve missed out on something important. I thought all the supporting cast of characters were written well and added depth to story without taking any of the focus away from Lindsey and Ryder, and I will definitely be on the lookout for the next in the series as well as finding spots in the TBR list for the author’s other books.