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Revenge Puck (ARC) by L.A Hart

"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."

I’m such a sucker for a hockey romance! I loved reading Elle & Preston’s story 💕 and excited to read Christian & Maya’s story next ✨

Thank You Net Galley for the ARC 🫶🏻

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

First time reading this author and I really liked it. So funny! Especially Preston's POV. A quick, one-sitting read that's the start of a series. I will definitely continue with the next book. Each of the characters show growth throughout the story.

Thanks Netgalley for this ARC!

Surface level, this was enjoyable and quick. I read it in one sitting (fine that's not abnormal for me). I enjoyed Elle and Preston together. On the whole, I was annoyed by Elle in general - I get that your self esteem takes a hit when you get broken up with by a jerk, but it just went on and on about how unworthy she was and OMG 20lbs overweight FFS. I also found nothing redeeming about Christian, especially as a boyfriend, and couldn't see why anyone wanted to give him another chance. I'm probably rounding up for the lack of partial stars, but it was fun-ish and easy to read (I assume the typos will be fixed by press time).

2.75 ⭐️

If this story was spread out through the entire season or even the beginning of playoffs and not a two week final play off stretch the rating would have gone up. The insta-love was just a bit too much for me.

A quick and delightful romance about a hair stylist of got dumped by her boyfriend of five months who decides to fake date his nemesis.

It was really a fast paced book, by I really enjoyed it. Getting to know Elle and Preston was really nice and they do make a cute couple. Christian - the ex boyfriend - was not a nice guy at the beginning of the book. But he changed a but by the end of it and I'm happy to find out book 2 will be about him.

The romance itslef, even though was fast and dramatic, undeslined the need these two had to find someone who really loved them for who they were. And it made them grow. And Preston's jealousy was off the chart, which makes it a good plus!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, all opinons are my own

I dnf'd this book at 24%. The characters in this book seemed very two dimensional and didn't have much depth to them. I found the pace to be too quick it seemed like we got to them fake dating too quickly and it jumped from one thing to another without much explanation. The characters were very repetitive and a lot of the dialog felt quite clunky. This book did make me laugh at certain points and i found some scene's entertaining but it sadly wasn't enough to make me want to continue.

Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart is a fast-paced sports romance that blends intense emotion, revenge, and an undeniable attraction between its main characters. Set in the high-energy world of professional hockey, the book explores themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and personal growth, all wrapped in the familiar tension of a second-chance romance.

Story & Setting
The novel centers around Brielle, a woman who has distanced herself from the professional hockey scene after a painful breakup with Zane, a star player with a grudge. Zane’s initial motivation in reconnecting with Brielle is revenge, but as the story progresses, the emotional layers of their past and present begin to unfold. The story is set against the backdrop of the world of professional hockey, a setting that Hart captures well through the lens of both the sport and the off-ice drama.

The book combines moments of high-octane hockey action with more intimate, personal exchanges, offering readers a balanced mix of both. The pacing is quick, with a plot that doesn’t linger too long on one note—whether it’s the tension between Brielle and Zane or the ongoing drama of their separate lives. It moves efficiently, making it easy to stay engaged throughout the book.

Plot & Pacing
While the plot follows some familiar romance tropes—particularly the "revenge romance" angle—the author adds enough emotional complexity to make the story feel fresh. Brielle’s struggle with trust, Zane’s journey of redemption, and the push and pull between them creates a plot that is predictable in places but still enjoyable due to its emotional stakes.

The pacing is consistent, moving from one moment of conflict to the next without dragging, though some readers may find the early chapters a bit slow as the backstory and dynamics between the characters are established. Once the characters are firmly entrenched in the push-pull of their relationship, the plot accelerates, and the book becomes harder to put down.

Character Development
Brielle and Zane are both flawed but relatable characters. Brielle is a strong, independent woman who has learned to protect herself after her relationship with Zane fell apart. Her internal conflict—dealing with the pain of their past while also trying to open herself up again—forms a central emotional arc in the story. Zane, on the other hand, is driven by a sense of revenge, but as the story progresses, he is forced to confront his own vulnerabilities and feelings for Brielle.

While the central focus is on Brielle and Zane, there are secondary characters that add depth to the narrative. However, they don’t always get as much development as one might hope, and some feel more like supporting plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.

Themes
The main themes in Revenge Puck are forgiveness, second chances, and the impact of past actions. Brielle and Zane’s journey is about letting go of grudges and learning how to trust again, not just in each other but in themselves. There’s also an underlying exploration of redemption—Zane’s desire for revenge ultimately giving way to a deeper understanding of his feelings for Brielle.

The book does a good job of addressing these emotional themes without becoming overly heavy-handed. The characters’ growth feels organic, even if the plot at times relies on familiar romance formulas.

Writing Style & Tone
L.A. Hart’s writing is accessible and direct, with a tone that matches the intensity of the characters’ emotions. The dialogue feels real, and the chemistry between Brielle and Zane is palpable. The writing is straightforward, allowing the focus to remain on the characters' evolving relationship rather than on overly descriptive passages or complex world-building.

While the romance and tension are the main focus, Hart does provide enough insight into the world of professional hockey to make the setting feel authentic without bogging down the story with unnecessary details. The pacing is fast, but the emotional moments are given time to breathe, ensuring that readers feel the weight of the characters' actions.

Criticism
While Revenge Puck is an enjoyable read, it does follow a fairly standard structure that could be predictable for some readers, especially those familiar with the revenge romance genre. There are few surprising twists, and some secondary characters lack depth. A stronger focus on expanding the supporting cast could have added more dimension to the story.

Additionally, while the romance is compelling, the emotional resolution at the end might feel somewhat rushed, with the characters’ growth and reconciliation happening quickly after the climax.

Conclusion
Revenge Puck is a solid, engaging sports romance that will appeal to fans of second-chance romance, hockey, and revenge-driven plots. L.A. Hart effectively combines a fast-paced narrative with emotional depth, making for an enjoyable read. While the plot may not be groundbreaking, the chemistry between the leads and the emotional payoff will resonate with many readers.

It’s a recommended read for those looking for a quick, steamy romance with a bit of emotional intensity and a sports backdrop.

This was such a fun read! This is a cute hockey romance with a fake dating trope. I really enjoyed the quick witt and banter between the characters as well as the development with Preston and Christian. I thought some parts were a little rush but I think this is a great starter book when dipping your toe into sports specifically hockey romances. It had good background, world building, characters, an okay plot and was just overall a really quick, easy, fun read.

I enjoyed this. Hockey romance involving a revenge plot to get back at an ex. Hit good beats on humor and added a specific family dynamic I’m not sure I’ve read before. Also interesting in the fact that pretty much every problem traces back to the control issues of the MMC. That, and a super truncated timeline (why couldn’t this have taken place over the course of a season rather than just the 7 games of a championship?) pulled my rating down a bit. Entertaining and funny (with a great hockey innuendo running gag) but with the really short timeline it doesn’t necessarily feel like the MMC’s character growth was earned.

-hockey romance
-getting revenge on your ex
-best friends to rivals (MMCs, not the main couple)
-“stick” jokes

Adult female who believes a five month relationship is long term, is ceremonially dumped by aforementioned partner. In the mature and grown up manner of all heroines in romance novels, she obviously immediately seeks out his arch rival, a big hairy man on the opposing hockey team.

I have mixed feelings about this story. On one end it is a perfect no brains required romance novel with a great HEA. The two leads are both interesting enough and have backstories that justify at least most of their actions. I did also enjoy the complications that came with the relationship between (view spoiler) I also really enjoyed that he fell first in this fake relationship.

What I did struggle with is the constant misunderstandings that littered the entire story. While I do enjoy a few, particularly if it adds a little pizazz to the plot, I didn't get that here. I felt that most of these were nonsensical and unnecessary, with their only purpose to drive the two apart for a couple of moments, leading to the story becoming very dialogue heavy.

Either way, it certainly didn't take me long to get through the pages and I certainly enjoyed the overall story.

Revenge Puck by L. A. Hart
She has just been dumped in a terrible way, and wants to make him suffer. So she tries to get a selfie with his nemesis, and former friend, that turns into fake dating, lots of OM Drama too.
This was such a great read! Hockey/sports romance is one of my favs of course but this had some excellent elements, with a little sprinkling spice but not a lot. Overall well written and enjoyable.

This one just wasn’t for me. I love a hockey romance and it had potentially, but it felt like there were too many things going on that had to get tied up so it felt rushed. The characters needed more development for me as well. The concept of the story was good, but the execution was lacking.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart is a fun and fiery sports romance that combines betrayal, fake relationships, and intense rivalries. After her boyfriend dumps her before a major hockey playoff, Elle plots revenge by teaming up with Christian’s rival, Preston. What starts as a simple plan to make Christian jealous quickly escalates as the chemistry between Elle and Preston becomes undeniable. With stakes high on and off the ice, Elle is torn between two rival hockey players, each with their own motives. The story is full of twists, passion, and plenty of heated moments, making it an enjoyable read for fans of love triangles and sports drama.

The fun plot line and fast pace of this novel made the read quick, easy and enjoyable. The drama was funny but the story still had some depth. Characters were loveable. This romance is a basic hockey romance, which was perfect for what I was searching for. I would recommed to anyone looking for a silly romance.

I believe there was some issues with language and themes. Through out the story we understand Elle as being plus-size, however the cover completly disregards this and makes the whole representation a slap in the face. During the whole novel the slut-shaming and sexism was slightly annoying. It felt very wattpaddy in that way. Additionally I believe the discussion around abortion was slightly problematic, it felt like it wasn't considered and shamed which is problematic.

Elle is casually dumped by hotshot hockey player Christian and finds out he’s been cheating every away game. Preston is the ex’s rival-on-ice and is more than willing to come out of his grumpy shell to get revenge. When Elle and Preston team up, they are making out and making waves to upset their enemy Christian during the championship season, but neither one realizes how hard they will fall.

This book has all the right ingredients on paper: a hockey romance, fake dating, and the classic grumpy/sunshine dynamic. While the plot has great potential and plenty of solid tropes, the execution falls flat. The writing could benefit from heavy editing and sharper dialogue to bring the story to life. That said, it’s a decent read—the spice is there, and the characters are fairly relatable. It feels like a strong concept that just needs more polish to truly shine.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book.

I always do like a good hockey romance, but this one I just found a little too fast-paced with it all happening within afew days...which is just way to fast in my opinion. I just struggled to fall in love with it.

This book is a light-hearted romance. The FMC was truly relatable and made me feel seen. As a woman who isn't a size 0 and the intrusive thoughts that maybe as a chunkier woman that a man who is a hockey god wouldn't want us. Some of the things I loved most about this book was the Banter between Elle and Preston. It naturally built their romance and made me love the pairing even more. I loved that the aspect of the book starts out as a fake-dating relationship and moves into something more. I can't wait to read more!

While, this book certainly ticks off all the boxes of a sports romance it did feel a bit shallow in places that I was expecting it to feel deeper. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a fun, loving, feel good sports romance.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book!

I really really wanted to like this but I just couldn’t. The premise was good as a lovely palate cleanser easy read with great tropes (grumpy/sunshine, fake dating) but this just didn’t deliver unfortunately.

The characters were so undeveloped and I essentially knew nothing about them except the MMC has massive anger issues (and was pretty toxic), and the FMC was deeply insecure. They did not have enough chemistry for me to believe the romance and there wasn’t really much plot to save the book from a low rating.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC for my honest opinion. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

Revenge Puck By L.A. Hart
Publication Date February 1, 2025
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Who would like this book:
If you enjoy Elle Kennedy’s book then this book is your perfect next Read. Any hockey romance reader should give L.A. Hart’s newest book Revenge Puck a Read, the perfect revenge fake dating to love story.

Summary:
Revenge Puck follows Elle Townsend (FMC) as she navigates her most recent breakup with hockey star Christian Riley. Whats a girl to do when her ex-boyfriend gives her one guy that's off limits and just so happens to be his biggest enemy on the ice…you plan the perfect fake dating with him. Enter wooly mammouth himself Preston Lawrence. They do say “The enemy of my enemy is my friend”. Elle and Preston use their shared hatred of Christian to make him jealous and give Preston the edge on the ice, but along the way the lines get blurry of whats fake and whats real. Read Revenge Puck to see how things play out for Elle and Preston.

Review:
I really enjoyed this book it was the perfect fake dating to love story romance novel. The characters all grow and develop as the story goes even some you might not think can not redeem themselves. The plot lines is smooth and the story line flows well and wraps up perfectly in my mind and sets up for the next book in the series. I'm excited and already anticipating to read L.A. Hart’s next book in the Shot at Love Series

Thank you L.A. Hart, Editor’s Choice Publishing, and Netgalley for the advance copy of Revenge Puck

Real talk, I really, really, really wanted to like this book. I was so excited for it. The premise was good, but the execution was not. I ended up DNFing at 40%, which was in Chapter 14. Unsure on the Page Number.

So why did I DNF? I found that the main characters had zero chemistry, and both of them fell really flat for me. I already guessed why the MMC hates the OM, and I'm right about that, but the biggest reason was the FMCs clear insecurities about herself thanks to her ex-"boyfriend". It was so bad that she thought the MMC was rejecting her when he wasn't, he was just giving her time. And the fact that she was clearly not over the OM -- I just...

I'm disappointed.

Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.