Between the Pages: A Deep Dive into Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an early copy of Revenge Puck! This was my first book by L.A. Hart, and I can confidently say it won’t be my last. As a sports romance fan, I usually devour these kinds of stories, and this one was no exception. It was a quick, easy read that kept me entertained throughout, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from L.A. Hart in the future!

Summary of Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart

After Elle Townsend is dumped by her hockey star boyfriend Christian Riley on the eve of the championship playoffs, she devises a plan for sweet revenge—a fake romance with Christian’s arch-rival.

Preston Lawrence takes his hockey career very seriously because brawling on the ice is the only thing he’s good at. With the championship trophy and his contract extension on the line, he needs to figure out a way to control his temper that always flares and gets him ejected whenever he faces his rival.

So, when a heartbroken blonde asks Preston for a photo with him to try to make Christian jealous, he raises the stakes. Known for avoiding the spotlight, Preston kisses Elle in front of a crowd of sports reporters, certain the video will go viral.

Their “fake” kiss felt a little too real for Elle and Preston. It looks real to Christian too, who goes ballistic when he sees Elle in the stands wearing Preston’s jersey, and holding up a sign that insults the size of Christian’s “stick.”

Infuriating Christian helps Preston keep his head in the game so his team could win game one of four. That’s why he suggests to Elle that they keep up their charade through the championships.

Christian and Preston have a complicated history. Their rivalry intensifies further when they begin to fight over Elle.

As Elle and Preston grow closer, secrets unravel, causing Elle to question if Preston’s feelings are genuine or just a part of his revenge plot against Christian.

Will Preston be able to convince Elle that his feelings for her are real, or will Christian find a way to win her back?

Review of Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart

Fake dating? Sports romance? Revenge Puck‘s blurb had me at hello. Those are two of my absolute favorite tropes, so I knew I had to read this book. It was exactly the kind of lighthearted, fun read I was in the mood for. I really enjoyed getting lost in this story.

Plot Analysis of Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart

Revenge Puck follows Elle and Preston in a fiery mix of fake dating, rivalry, and unexpected emotions. After being dumped by her famous hockey player boyfriend, she can sleep with anyone else but Preston Lawrence. Elle refuses to wallow in heartbreak. Instead, she hatches a plan, make him jealous by pretending to date his biggest rival, Preston.

Characters of Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart

Elle Townsend: Elle is so relatable! She’s confident, but she also has insecurities, and she handles them in such a healthy way. It’s great to see a character who isn’t perfect but is still strong and self-assured. The balance feels so authentic.

Preston Lawrence : Preston’s grumpiness is undeniable, but it’s part of his appeal. And his possessiveness of Elle? Let’s just say I’m a sucker for that kind of hero! His character arc was great, and I loved the more open, expressive Preston we saw at the end.

Elle & Pres : Elle and Preston’s chemistry ignites almost instantly, giving the story an undeniable insta-love feel. However, their dynamic is full of energy, with playful banter that had me giggling throughout. As their fake relationship deepens into real emotions, it becomes clear how well they complement each other, offering balance, grounding one another, and turning their unlikely connection into something more meaningful. The miscommunication was so frustrating that I couldn’t enjoy their dynamic in those parts of the book.

Pacing & writing style

The writing could use significant editing and more polished dialogue to make the story more immersive. Some word choices felt awkward, and there were noticeable errors, including typos, misplaced words, and missing phrases. These issues repeatedly took me out of the narrative, making it harder to stay engaged. A more refined edit would have greatly improved the reading experience.

The pacing in Revenge Puck is energetic and fast-moving, making it an engaging and easy read. The romantic tension between Elle and Preston builds quickly, with playful banter and emotional moments keeping the story dynamic. While the quick flow keeps things exciting, certain conflicts and emotional beats feel rushed, leaving little time to fully explore character depth and development. A slower buildup in key moments could have enhanced the emotional impact and allowed the romance to feel more organic. Despite this, the chemistry between the leads and the fun premise make it an entertaining read.

Tropes and Trigger warnings of Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart

Tropes Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart

• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Dual POV
• Fake Dating
• He falls first
• Possessive MMC

Trigger warning of Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart :

• Depression (brief mention, not the MC)

Final Thought

Revenge Puck is a fun, easy-to-read hockey romance that blends humor, spice, and character growth, though it does fall into some predictable territory. Right from the start, I knew where the story was headed, and while that’s typical for romance novels, it felt a bit too familiar in this case.

That being said, Elle and Preston’s chemistry is undeniable. Their banter is witty, their attraction is immediate, and the fake-dating trope gives the story a lighthearted edge. Their journey was fun to follow, and I enjoyed the banter and emotional tension that carried the narrative forward. It’s definitely an enjoyable read, especially for fans of grumpy x sunshine dynamics and sports romances.

However, as the story progressed, I found myself longing for more depth in their relationship. The romance between them felt more like insta-lust than a genuine connection, and I couldn’t quite buy into them falling in love so quickly. The constant miscommunication also frustrated me, and while some readers might enjoy this trope, it’s not one I gravitate toward.

Despite these critiques, I’m excited to see what happens in the next book, as I found the couple in book two much more intriguing. Revenge Puck is a light, fast-paced read, but it didn’t quite hit the emotional highs I was hoping for. It’s a fun read, but not one that left a lasting impact for me. Big thanks to NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC!

About the author

L.A. Hart is the alter ego of New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lane Hart. Under this pen name she writes steamy sports romance.

Most of Lane’s books take place in her home state of North Carolina where she lives with her husband, fellow author D.B. West, and their two beautiful children.

Practical Information for Readers

Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart Book Formats

• Paperback/ Hardcover : Ideal for readers who enjoy the tactile experience of holding a physical book.
• eBook: Convenient for on-the-go reading, available on all major e-reader platforms.
• PDF Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart : While some may search for a PDF version, it’s recommended to opt for legal eBook options to support the author.

Where to find Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart PDF

1. Amazon Kindle: Offers a user-friendly interface with customizable reading settings.
2. Barnes & Noble Nook: Another popular platform with a wide selection of e-books.
3. Apple Books: Provides seamless integration with Apple devices and a smooth reading experience.

Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart Age Rating

Revenge Puck by L.A. Hart contains some explicit scenes, though it is not considered highly graphic. Given its content, it is generally recommended for mature readers, typically aged 17 and older.