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 🤎

This is a perfect book if you’re not used to spicy chapters there is spice but it’s not as detailed as other books are which is a good in between.

This was such a fun read I was pleasantly surprised. It did move really fast at the beginning of the book so I was kinda lost and it was such an emotional rollercoaster throughout.

There was a lot of miscommunication which I’m not really a fan of but it gets cleared up pretty quickly. I hated Christian but he’s growing on me. I need the next book now. Loved the ending 😭

3/5⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and L.A Hart for this arc.

This was a cute fast paced quick read which was exactly what I was looking for! I love a hockey romance and the fake dating and grumpy/sunshine trope. I felt at times the story was a bit rushed, and I would have liked a bit more character depth but overall it was an enjoyable read.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️

⛸️ Dual POV
⛸️ Fake dating
⛸️ He falls first
⛸️ Rival Teams
⛸️ Grumpy x Sunshine

This book was my introduction to Author L.A Hart & I really enjoyed the book, I couldn’t keep my hands off it. I’m a sucker for a hockey romance book along with fake dating. I adored Elle so much & enjoyed reading the growth between both her & Preston.

The amount of times that ‘cupcake was used’ was the only thing that gave me an ick.

Thank you NetGalley & L.A Hart for allowing me to read & review this book.

Okay I trued my best but I just couldn't finish and simply DNF'ed. I'm a ice hockey romance girlie and I don't mind clichés in this genre but... Wow, that was so badly executed. I found the writing subpar, the characters void of any charm or essence, the chemistry between the MC missing and most of all, the dialogues so childish and repetitive.
Please who, above the age of 5, says "I know it feels YUCKY now, but things will get better"? And how dumb is this sentence "That and be a, what do you call it, hair stylist? I don't know how what you call a female barber"?? Excuse me? How is this supposed to be the main interest if he doesn't know the word HAIRDRESSER?
Big pass for me, sorry. Thanks to the editor for providing me an e-arc in exchange of an honest review.

This book is good if you just want a straightforward book. It was too much yell, not enough show. It made everyone seem like a YA soap opera

We love Em, we read them hockey romances or sports romances. Which are becoming increasingly popular here? We have the story of ellie, who is dating him president playboy of the bobcats and finds out.That there's no room in his life for her after he wins the championship. As he's planning, she's heartbroken he tells her to date whoever he wants but not to date his enemy. She has no clue who his enemy is. His name is Preston. He plays for the rival team. They're playing in the championship. Saw her and her friend. How'd your plan for them to fake date? She meets him puts the plan in action, and of course, calamity ensues. You know what happens has a couple twists in it, though. Why do Preston and chase hate each other so much? Well, that's another story, wouldn't mind a sequel to this one. Especially Ellie's best friend or Preston's sister. I thought the epilog could have been a little bit better. But all in all, it was a good sports romance

*** does have some spice to it if you like spice?

Thank you, nat galley, for art, in exchange for an honest review

Thank you for allowing me to review this book!

It was a quick and easy read. I was expecting a familiar, generic plot. The writing style felt disjointed, with the pacing and tone often abrupt so I struggled to connect with the characters. The book overall felt chaotic. Overall, while an easy read, this book just didn’t resonate with me.

This book was absolutely addictive—I was hooked from chapter one & finished it in a day! I loved the characters, and the ending has me so excited for the next book in the series.

- hockey player x hairstylist
- revenge on an ex
- fake dating to real dating
- dual pov
- curvy girl rep
- she's the exception to his "rules"

Overall, an incredible read, and I can’t wait for the next installment!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC to review!

Feedback:
The only reason I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars is the number of typos in the ARC I received. I completely understand that it may still be undergoing final revisions, so a few errors would absolutely be expected. However, there were quite a few moments where I had to pause and decipher what was meant, which pulled me out of the story.

2 stars.

The plot of this book is generic which I knew going into it, although it was not executed well. The style of writing is very choppy, with characters' personalities changing with the flip of a page. Furthermore, the plot jumped around, with the chapters not flowing into one another. Unfortunately, this book was not for me.