Diary of a bookworm

Puck Boy – Hannah Gray

Content Notes:

Published/Pages: 2023/339

POV: Dual – Hero & Heroine

Trope: One Night Stand, Friends w/ Benefits, Single Mom

Goodreads Bookshelves: coach’s daughter, college romance, contemporary romance, forbidden-romance, friends with benefits, hockey romance, one night stand, opposites attract, Single Mom, sports romance, steamy

HEA: Yes

Steam Level: Extra Steamy

Swearing: Adult

Trigger Warnings: Abandonment, Alcohol, Anxiety, Depression, Gun Violence, Hospitalization, Hostages, Pregnancy

My Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Book Description: Puck boy? I’ll take it. Heck, I’ve been called a lot worse. Good time? You know it. Just ask anyone at Brooks University. From a young age, the only thing in life I’ve ever taken seriously is hockey, and I’m not the guy who anyone—besides family and teammates—can count on. This is all true. At least until a certain curly-haired, blue-eyed goddess comes to me, looking for an easy hookup. And hook her up I do. But what’s supposed to be a one-night stand doesn’t stop at one night. What’s meant to be easy … sure as hell gets complicated fast. And it becomes clear that Addison LaConte is just as much my savior as she is my demise. They say if you love something, set it free, and if it’s meant to be, one day, it will return. Well, I don’t think our story is going to be that simple.

Goodreads Review (without spoilers)

My Review:

Cam & Addison 

I have been waiting to get my hands on this since I finished Stealing Bama in November. Cam is the older brother of Mila, who is the heroine in Stealing Bama, which is book two in Gray’s Florida East University series. It’s my absolute favorite of Gray’s.  

I have never read a romance book where the main character has a child, it’s just not really my cup of tea. However, I fell in love with Cam’s character throughout the Florida East University series. If you also read the FEU series, you’ll be happy to know that many of the characters from the series are in this book. Including Dane, Layla, Mila and Beau (Bama). 

The story starts with a one-night stand between Cam & Addy, which is obviously an unforgettable night for the two. Addy convinces herself that Cam couldn’t possibly remember who she is. He of course remembers who she is. He wants to make it a regular thing, but Addy has a daughter (who is absolutely precious) and doesn’t want to jump into a relationship, especially with the school playboy. It also turns out that Addy’s dad is Cam’s new head coach.  

Cam was a perfect book boyfriend. I mean, of course, he has his flaws. But he loved Addy and did everything in his power to show that. Even better, he loved Isla just as much. *SWOON* He built Addy up when he knew she was struggling with her appearance. “His eyes suddenly look sad. “I just wish you could see yourself through my eyes, Addison. Because to tell you the truth, you practically give me a damn heart attack every time we get close.” I loved his inner monologue, absolutely hilarious. “She’s thick in all the right places. Curvy and scrumdiddlyumptious.” He was also just the right amount of possessive. 

“Is this the greatest day of your life or what?” “Nah. I’ve already had that. But it’s a good day—a damn good day.”

Two of the most heartbreaking moments in the book you ask? 

1. When Addy ended things with Cam; “You don’t want me to let you go, Addison. And we both know it.” His nostrils flare. “Don’t do this. Don’t leave me. You’ll regret it if you do. I promise.” His eyes float to my lips. “You love me. I know you fucking do.” 

2. When Isla missed Cam; “Resting her head on his chest as he holds her in his arms. “Sorry, Mommy. I just saw Cam, and I got excited.” She looks up at him, touching her hand to his face. “Where have you been? I thought … I thought you forgot about me.” … “Bye, Cam,” she whispers. “I love you.” I can tell he’s trying not to cry. She’s never said that to him. At least, not to my knowledge. “Bye, Isla. I love you too.” His eyes stay on hers, not so much as glancing my way.” 

Did you hear that?? That was my heart breaking 😭 

Addison was a good heroine. I find myself being more critical of heroines than heros, but Addy was a solid woman and mom. She wasn’t whiney or annoying. She loved her daughter more than anything in the world and refused to settle for anything less than perfect for a partner. I mean, she ended things with Cam because she thought she was doing the right thing for Cam’s future. But we all know how it ends when you make decisions for others… not well. 

Luke Combs must be a favorite of Hannah Gray’s, because he is mentioned twice in this book and also in Stealing Bama. He also happens to be my favorite artist, so I’M HERE FOR IT. 😍 

Altogether, a fantastic read. The story line and characters were great! I can’t wait to read the next installment. 

This is book 1 out of 3 in The Puck Boys of Brooks University. It is however, a standalone.