REVIEW: The Pucking Proposal by Lauren Landish

The Pucking Proposal by Lauren Landish: As a woman in sports journalism, Joy has learnt to expect the unexpected and kind of just roll with the punches, after all if she wants to be taken seriously then she cant let the guys walk all over her. So all the weird pregame locker room rituals are second nature now for Joy, though walking in on the Maple Creeks goalkeeper, Dalton, in a somewhat compromising position, well that was definitely not on the agenda for Joy. If there is one thing that Dalton is determined to do, it is to take his team to championship this season. So when his chance encounter with his teammates sister, Joy, leads to the team wining that nights game, convincing superstitious Dalton that he needs to see Joy before every game in order for the team to continue on their winning streak, and so their new pregame ritual is born. Between their rather odd ritual and spending more time together new feelings begin to form, but with Joys no dating athletes policy and his teammates rule of no dating Joy, Dalton has to think hard and fast if this thing with Joy is worth all the drama that could come…

I love a sports romance and this book was definitely one of the good ones. This Pucking Proposal was a total treat to read from start to end, I loved all the lighthearted drama and humour that filled this book and the slight forbidden romance element that played a role in Joy and Daltons relationship but most of all I just adored seeing this couple shamelessly falling in love with each other as the story progressed even though they were both so sure that they wouldn’t catch feelings during their arrangement.

Joy was such a sweetheart, I loved getting to see how she navigated her way in such a male dominated job but still remained so uniquely herself. Joy was a total treat, I loved all of her sass and that she was such a ball buster when it came to dealing with the guys. As for our hero, well it was pretty easy to like Dalton, with his easy going nice guy persona. While he might be a real sweet guy, Dalton was all alpha and he had no issues flexing his desire for dominance, though I did like seeing his softer side when he was with Joy.

I think these two characters really came alive once they got together, this was when things really got interesting. Aside from having great sexual tension and some amazing banter, I loved the fact that Joy helped show Dalton that there is so much more to life than hockey and that he has so much more to offer the world. Though the thing hold these two back really was Joy and her fear and insecurities, though I loved how patient Dalton was with her and that he never gave up on them. One of the things that I normally love about romance novels is the fact that most of the time there is a big grand gesture, and this book really didn’t disappoint, more so because this time round the grand gesture was made by our girl Joy.

The supporting characters were just perfect, I loved the entire team and getting to see them all banter and rib each other. There was such a great bromance between all the guys and getting to see them supporting each other. Truly I can not wait for more of the Moose crew! If you like cute, spicy sports romances then this is definitely the book for you!

Book Info:

Publication: February 18, 2025 | Montlake | Maple Creek #2

When it comes to hockey, unflappable Maple Creek sports reporter Joy Barlowe is privy to a lot of behind-the-scenes locker room activity. Like stumbling upon Dalton Days in all his unabashed glory. After the muscled goalie goes on to score better than he ever has, he proposes Joy take another peek before his next match. It works, and a provocative pregame tradition is born.

Dalton has the best stats in the league, but he’s also superstitious. Now he’s found his good luck charm. Joy is not only game, she’s playing along. She’s also his best buddy’s younger sister and totally off-limits. What happens between them has to be their late-night FaceTime secret. That’s the naked truth. So is the fact that Joy and Dalton are discovering there’s more to each other than meets the eye.

Falling in lust? Easy to hide. Falling in love? Much harder. Now Dalton has one more proposition for Joy. And the fallout could rock Maple Creek.