The Puck Bunny

by Stephanie Queen

a Boston Brawlers hockey romance spin-off
Sara
“She’s just a puck bunny. Who cares?” some asshole says.
I jump up from my seat because someone has to stand up for the girl.
“I care,” I say, My voice is loud and every player at the table turns to me. I slide a glance at Quinn, but I look away before he notices and stare directly at the offending asshole. “Aren’t puck bunnies people too, with hearts and souls and feelings and who do you think you are to say that? You shouldn’t be mean to people, any people, just because you can get away with it. You just shouldn’t.”
All the guys from the team at the table on my right stare at me. All the puck bunnies at the table on my left stare at me. And the beat of silence turns into two as I turn into a ball of seething embarrassment, the inferno heating my cheeks, no doubt to a bright red, as I try to shrink back and scramble out of my seat, slipping away from the two groups of stunned people with all kinds of judgment in their expressions.
My eyes automatically slide back to Quinn, because I can't help myself, and I find him staring back at me. Duh. I’ve just made an outrageous spectacle of myself butting into a private matter so loudly and passionately that I feel dizzy. That’s the last time I drink tequila. My heart thunders in my chest as I meet his eyes.
It takes another beat to register the expression on his face. He’s not scowling, he’s not shocked. No, he looks… pleased. Then he breaks the pause of shocked silence.
“She has a point.” He smiles that famous one-dimpled smile at me and I stumble. Then he winks and I stop breathing.
The clamor of voices starts up again and he gets swallowed up by conversation, his attention ripped away from me as suddenly as it came.
Two things war in my head. First, I need to get out of here before I literally die of embarrassment or the asshole I dissed confronts me. Second, I need to get his attention back somehow, that sweet sexy smile of approval, because it felt like having the best sex ever minus the orgasm—but only because I’ve never actually had an orgasm so how would I know. Shit.
I realize I want Quinn to be the one to take my orgasm virginity no matter how far-fetched a fantasy it is...

The Puck Bunny, a Boston Brawlers Hockey Spin-off, is a funny and poignant romp where the shy girl gets her dream guy against all the odds, scoring big for her team which includes every secret Puck Bunny everywhere.
(Warning: language and sex for a mature audience.)

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Sports, Hockey Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romance

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2023

Reviews

[Bridget Poole · Rating 1 out of 5]

if i could give zero stars i would

[Kate Powers · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I ended up scrolling through the book. Writing was terrible and all over the place. I couldn’t keep up. I was annoyed with both MCs

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara is a hockey fan. More specifically, she is a Quinn fan. She is so excited that he is now a member of her favorite hockey team. Unfortunately, she also works for the team so a relationship with him is a no no. Quinn needs to change his life. He needs to be closer to family. He has made some serious mistakes in recent years and he doesn't know how to fix the damage done so he decides to take a position with the Boston Brawlers and start working on fixing his mistakes. He is immediately drawn to Sara but tries to stay away from her because he thinks he needs to focus on hockey and family right now so he doesn't have time to date anyone. Sometimes two people find that they are meant to be together and no amount of fighting will stop it!

Sara is an interesting character because she is young and very naive, but she is also very strong. Sometimes I felt like her naivete led her to be unfair to Quinn because she wanted what she wanted even when Quinn tried to tell her he couldn't handle a relationship. In the end, I would say that she was the adult in the situation because she was willing to speak her mind and to make sweeping changes in her life in order to give them a shot at a relationship. Quinn had a pretty big growth curve in the story. He beats up on himself a lot during the story because he feels terrible about the bad decisions he has made. Once Quinn shared his backstory with Sara, I felt so bad for him. I think he was trying to fix the problems to wrong way but I can understand why he thought what he was doing would work. In the end, their 11 year age difference wasn't an issue. They had a lot in common and were in similar places with their emotional maturity. I really enjoyed getting some time with the guys from the prior stories.

I thought the "bad guy" was kind of weak. I never quite understood why this individual acted the way they did. I needed more motivation than "Quinn". Sara ends up making some pretty huge decisions but I feel like the author rushed from "Sara's making changes" to "now Quinn is ready for a relationship with her". I would have liked to give Sara a little breathing room to show she can stand on her own two feet.

This is a contemporary hockey romance set in Boston. This is definitely part of a series but can be read as a standalone story. This is a lighthearted love story between two people that LOVE hockey. I would recommend this story to anyone looking for a book with a lot of heart and a little drama.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Sara and Quinn’s story in The Puck Bunny by Stephanie Queen, a Boston Brawlers hockey romance spin-off; a good hockey romance with smart, strong, beautiful women, hot hockey players, with a generous side of hockey. Sara Bellagamba is working at a dead end, but her dream job for the Boston Brawlers when her major crush, Quinn James, joins the team. She’s been a fan for years, but being in such close proximity is unreal and unnerving. Quinn James, the Hollywood Hunk, has decided to come home, as he has some unfinished personal issues. Instead of continuing his career in LA, he wants to be with the team he idolized as a young boy, the Brawlers. They meet one night in a bar after disguising herself as a Puck bunny, putting one of his fellow players in place after a rude comment. At a meeting at work, Quinn recognizes her but, there’s a strict no fraternization policy in place with the Brawlers.
He is immediately drawn to Sara, but tries to stay away from her because he thinks he needs to focus on hockey and family right now; not having time to date. As Quinn and Sara get to know each other, they try to be friends, but struggle with the undeniable, instant attraction sparking between them. It’s impossible for them to stay apart. Sometimes two people find that they are meant to be together and no amount of fighting will stop it, despite the fact they could lose everything. It’s going to take some changes before Sara and Quinn can find happiness together. I highly recommend The Puck Bunny to other readers who enjoy sports romance and look forward to more in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was funny, endearing & great hockey romance. Sara Bellagamba ( yes you read that right) is a new hired employee for the Boston Brawlers. When she learns the poster of the hockey hunk she has had up in her childhood bedroom is now a Boston Brawler, she has plans, hilarious plans. Quinn James, the Hollywood Hunk, has decided to come home, he has some unfinished personal issues & instead of continuing his career in LA, he wants to be with the team he idolized as a young boy, the Brawlers. A chance meeting in a hockey hang out, after a pre-season game, Quinn eyes catches a puck bunny that seems out of place, putting one of his fellow players in place after a rude comment. From there there are times that you laugh out loud on Sara’s crazy. It makes for an interesting story line, where you laugh & pull for this most unlikely couple. There are ups & downs & a few unexpected “things” that keep you wanting t not put the book down. If you have enjoyed the Boston Brawlers series you will very much enjoy this extension of that series. Do not miss this book.

[Rebecca Unsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Puck Bunny is a Hockey romance book.it is an extension of the Boston Brawlers series but can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the Boston Brawlers series but I'm going to now after reading this one. The Puck Bunny features Sara and Quinn. Quinn is a Hockey player who has come back home to play and sort his life out after having family issues. Sara is a new employee of the Boston Brawlers, she is also a huge Hockey fan especially Quinn's. They meet one night in a bar after disguising herself as a Puck bunny but he recognises her after a meeting at work. There is instant attraction between them even though it isn't allowed. They try to stay apart and just be friends but it's impossible to do.

I really enjoyed this book, it's the first book I have read by Stephanie but definitely won't be the last. I loved Sara's character, she is quite innocent but also strong too. The things that came out of her mouth made me laugh. If you are a Hockey romance fan give this book a try

[Kelli Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story, great. Editing, needs work.

I was thoroughly surprised by the number of errors in the book given the amount of publicity I've seen for it. He had a land rover delivered in chapter 6, but later, he was driving a Jeep Wrangler. Margaret's name was interchanged with Martha frequently. They had naked time early on at Billie Mae's, but later, he comments she's "never seen" his member. Not to mention missing letters, [finish thought] in the middle of a sentence, starting sentences out missing portions, capital letters, etc.

However, that said, after a really good edit, this book really can be great! The story was good, funny, and I even teared up twice! I think the side characters were great adds, and their stories coming to completions as well really helped. Although I would have liked to have seen Billie Mae's have a little more detail and a FULL closure but the gist was there. A little more detail at the end on Sara's new job and independence could have helped close it out better but I wasn't left wanting or anything.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need an over-the-top, cheesy and eye-rolling romance to dive into and enjoy for pure entertainment- this book is all that plus some emotional drama and humor.

The storyline has heart as both characters are more than the stereotype characters they are described to be. Sara is a young college graduate, living at home while working for her favorite sports team in a low paying yet demanding entry level position. She lacks self confidence, but has big dreams about Quinn James the hockey heartthrob she’s had a crush on since high school - posted on her bedroom wall and everything.

Quinn James is trying to become a better version of himself, has given up meaningless one nightstands and arm candy. Sara is his kryptonite and he has a hard time resisting the naive, sweet and beautiful young woman.

I enjoyed this and found it entertaining. I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn is Sara’s hockey dream - an alum of her college, playboy and amazing hockey player. So she is so excited when he joins the Boston Brawlers, her hometown team and the team she just started working for in an entry-level position. She has in her mind to be a “puck bunny” to grab his attention but it backfires when she stands up for a real puck bunny. The book is a dance between Quinn and Sara - they are attracted to each other but know it is against policy to actually be together.

This is the first book in a new series by this author so more books to come. I liked Quinn’s character - he is trying to grow up, deal with the death of his dad and be a better son and brother. Sara’s characters was sweet but a little all over the place. I guess that is a realistic picture of a 20-something woman but at times it was annoying. You wished she would just own who she is.

I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Boston Brawlers series so was excited to hear about the spin-off. Here we've got Sara, who's had stars in her eyes for Quinn since high school. She's working for the Brawlers in her "dream job" along with her bestie. In a moment out of character she goes to a bar frequented by members of the team after games. With tequila in her system, she decides to jump to the defense of a puck bunny - one who was brought to tears by rude comments made by one of the players. She's in disguise and hopes that her lapse in judgement will not be noticed, but of course that is not to be. This is an entertaining story as Quinn and Sara get to know each other and struggle with their undeniable attraction. Will they lose everything or will they find their HEA? Looking forward to more in this series.

[Jeanette Durant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Sara and Quinn's book. Sara is attempting to be a puck bunny, but she's so adorably awkward that she doesn't quite carry it off. She's had the biggest crush on Quinn for years and when he joins the Boston Brawlers, where she works, she sets her sights on him.
Quinn is escaping his Hollywood lifestyle in LA and has returned to his home town roots. He's decided to ditch puck bunnies and his playboy lifestyle, but when he meets Sara, he's really intrigued by her.

The story had a lovely slow build up, with a will they/won't they vibe, and then towards the last quarter of the book their relationship really sped up and it was super rocky.
The last part of the book felt rushed, which was a shame as the first half was really good.
The ending was lovely, but I needed a bit more of how it went from them being unresolved to being together.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara grew up in a household of hockey lovers. Even her brother plays for a minor league team. She's thrilled when she lands a job in the front office of the Boston Brawlers. And beyond ecstatic when her favorite player joins the team.

There is a (supposedly) iron-clad no-fraternization policy in the organization but Sara finds a way to become friendly with Quinn. He's quite a bit older than her and he's been a womanizer for years. And yet, he's really intrigued by Sara.

This is a sexy story so this is for mature readers. There are some things in the book that are a bit unrealistic, but if you read the story for the fun romance that it is, and if you like hockey romances, this book is going to be one that you'll enjoy.

[Tracie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara has had a crush on Quinn James for what seems for every. Hes a NHL star and the man of her deepest fantasies. So when he joins the Boston Brawlers (who she works for) this is her chance to possibly get her big O. Quinn has moved back home and joined the Bosont Brawlers after an incedent with his ex which caused him to miss being by his fathers side before he passed. Quinn is home to make ammends to his family. Leaving behind his old ways and starting off simply with Hockey and Family. No puck bunnies. Till he meets Sara/Lola. This book was great to read.. funny times and lots of pent up sexual attraction. Yes I did shed some tears but so glad this book ended the way it did. I look forward to the next book.
I am leaving my voluntary honest review for this book.

[Gin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think a lot of people will think this is a cute story and will find Sara endearing, but she got on my nerves at times (especially her rambling and her actually believing she could fool people into thinking she was someone else). There were a couple of plot gaps as well-- e.g., Quinn is on the outs with his brother, and while they seemed to be getting along a little better towards the end of the book, I don't remember a scene in which they hash out their differences and begin to mend their relationship (either it was there and I missed it, or it wasn't there at all).

In general, I like this author and look forward to her next book.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed Sara and Quinn's story. We are introduced to Sara at The Tea Party, the Boston Brawler's local hangout bar as she attempts to pull off being a Puck Bunny....she's woefully unprepared for the part. I found the first 60% of the book really good, but the last part of the story felt too rushed to me. Sara gets a new job, her old one was a huge roadblock for our main characters, but we don't learn what it is. Quinn's very rocky relationship with his brother and his SIL, is just resolved. Either the relationship of the brothers is important to the story, and we need to see the resolution, or don't even throw that relationship into the plot. It felt like filler to me. I have read other stories by this author and have enjoyed them, so will continue on with this series.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.

This was cute. Sara has had a crush on Quinn since he played hockey in college. Sara and Quinn attended the college but at different times. Sara is a huge hockey fan, so when she was given an opportunity to work for her favorite team, the Boston Brawlers, she could pass up the chance. Quinn has recently signed with the Brawlers so he could be closer to his family. Sara decides to dress up as a puck bunny to meet Quinn. The night doesn't go as she plans.

I liked both Quinn and Sara. They both have some growing up to do.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara is a long-time hockey fan and especially of Quinn. When she gets her dream job in the front office and then he is traded to the team, it's a wish come true. He's trying to change his image and concentrate on hockey again. He's intrigued by Sara when she disguises herself as Lola the Puck Bunny. They are thrown together to try and help friends work a situation out and it doesn't take him long to figure out that Lola is a cover. They aren't supposed to hook up, she could lose her job and he's trying to put that playboy image behind him....I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spinoff from the Boston Brawlers series, this book is amazing!!

Sara is quirky and socially awkward and I loved her! She is passionate about hockey in general and the Boston Brawlers and Quinn James specifically. She is working her dream job (too bad it doesn't pay well!) at her hometown team. Her longtime crush, Quinn, has just joined the team. Sara could only be happier if Quinn knew she existed!

Quinn sees Sara at a restaurant after a game. She's in disguise so he didn't initially know she worked for the team. There is a no fraternization policy at work, but he is drawn to her. Will he give up everything for love?

[Danielle Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was given a Arc Copy of this book and have decided to review it as follows

Loved it

Sara is a lifelong Hockey Fan from a Hockey family as such and manages to get a job in PR with her favourite team and to make it even better her dream player is transferred there so get close to him and the team and see what they get up to she decides to dress up as Lola a puck bunny and watch the players from afar, however when one of the team gives another puck bunny a little bit of grief and puts her down sara can’t help but stick up for her,
i won’t give too much away but what follows is a witty, rollercoaster emotionally brilliant book just what i’ve come to expect when reading this great author

[Linda Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Bellagamba is working at a dead end job for the Boston Brawlers when her major crush, Quinn James, joins the team. She’s been a fan for years, but being in such close proximity is unreal! And Quinn is drawn to her too! But there’s a strict no fraternization policy in place with the Brawlers, and he has a ton of baggage holding him back!
If you love a good hockey romance with smart, strong, beautiful women, hot hockey players, with a generous side of hockey, you’re in for a treat!
I LOVED THIS BOOK AND I THINK YOU WILL TOO!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a cute rom-com story. Sara could come off kind of ditzy, but she was so cute in her adoration of her crush Quinn. It was sweet how they were drawn together. Even with the no fraternization clause in the Boston Brawlers organization, they found themselves thrown together through various team events. I enjoyed all the interactions from the team mates, each of their families, it really added to the book. And I really loved the HEA that Quinn and Sara got. If you like hockey, hockey players and cute rom com stories, this is the book to read.

[Cheryl A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute rom-com read. I love hockey romances and this was an age gap with lots of baggage. Sara who has had a crush on Quinn since growing up. She takes on her first job with the Brawlers after college and he has been traded to the Brawlers this season after 10 years with LA. She disguises herself as a puck bunny which she has had no experience and then catches the eye of Quinn at the players hangout bar. It is a fun worth the read with ups and downs romance.

[Rebecca A. Bamford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn and Sara

God I loved this book! It was sweet and fun. I Loved their journey together and their family back stories. In truth it started out a little slow. I was almost bored the first half of the book but I know this author and loved her other books, so I stayed with it. The story picked up more the second half of the book. I loved the HEA and can’t wait for the next two stories in the series. Recommended ❤️

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Queen
The Puck Bunny: a Hockey Rom-Com (Some Girls like it Cold)
Sara and Quinn
Oh wow, this rom-com was an excellent read! I loved the interactions between the H and h, their families, their friends, and at work. I lolled, I cried (yes, real tears), and I enjoyed every page!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soo good!!

Okay this had me from the first few pages.. hilarious and ngl.. love a crush turns husband kinda thing! It was honestly really good! I can’t wait to read more and hopefully hear more about jonas and Mindy and also.. the hopeful arrivals coming from Sara and Quinn.. cause that’d be hella cute!!

[Berta · Rating 2 out of 5]

hmm. I almost dnf'd this one after their first sexy scene at the fmc's friend's house. Oy. I kept reading to see if it got better. There were several times I was like wow thats just strange. I did appreciate the way Sara decided to grow up at the end. But then the story got weird and fast again and I didn't feel the connection I guess.

[Esmee · Rating 2 out of 5]

60 procent. Blijkbaar is het age gap? Hij verleidt haar en trekt zich dan steeds terug. Het is niet eens plagen, het voelt als spelen... Omdat ze te jong is voor hem. Het begin was interessant en daarna ga je je afvragen waar het verhaal eigenlijk overgaat

[Nancy Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most Happily Ever After!

Sara and Quinn’s story just made me smile the whole time I was reading. It is a wonderful story about hockey and love and what life should be all about. Sara and Quinn’s lives twist and turn and things are just meant to be!

[Ally · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF’d at 69%… I don’t think I’m in the right state to be reading this but I can’t bring myself to finish it. If Sara didn’t annoy me so much and maybe if the smut wasn’t kinda weird I would enjoy this more but alas. Time to move onto something else

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a Puck Bunny

Im all about Hockey and when I saw this book, it sounded cute. There was no romance in it, it fell short. I felt like it was rushed or something. Its a shame because the story just lacked “umph”.