Dirty Pucker by: Sarah Smith (Audio Review)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Dirty Pucker, the second standalone installment in Sarah's Denver Bashers series, is a phenomenal pro-hockey romance that delivers a uniquely refreshing spin on the grumpy-sunshine and friends-to-lovers tropes. The audiobook version elevates the story to another level with an outstanding duet performance by June deBorahae & Dane Anderson. Both narrators match the characters perfectly, capturing every ounce of tension, vulnerability, and humor.

Book Description

I’m the most hated player in the NHL. I’m famous for fighting dirty, and it’s earned me a nickname: Dirty Del.

When I get traded to the Denver Bashers, I’m told to clean up my act.

The team’s social media girl, Ingrid, is helping me sweeten my public image. She’s everything I’m not: bubbly and likable with a sunshine smile.

She’s also stunningly beautiful–and totally off limits. Her cousin–my teammate–hates my guts and warned me to stay away from her.

But the more time we spend working together, the more I like Ingrid. When I open up to her about my darkest secret, she makes me feel comforted and supported. And when she tells me about the terrible way her ex treated her, I’m determined to spoil her in every way…in and out of the bedroom.

It’s not long before I start to catch feels.

I need to focus on my career. I don’t need any distractions, especially not a relationship.

But I’m falling hard for this beautiful sunshine girl.

Dirty Pucker is a pro hockey grumpy sunshine romance. It is book 2 in the Denver Bashers series.

About Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie's stash of romance novels. She's been hooked ever since. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She is also one half of the romance writing duo Sarah Skye. Sarah also writes tearjerker fiction under the name Sarah Echavarre.

My Thoughts

Dirty Pucker, the second standalone installment in Sarah's Denver Bashers series, is a phenomenal pro-hockey romance that delivers a uniquely refreshing spin on the grumpy-sunshine and friends-to-lovers tropes. The audiobook version elevates the story to another level with an outstanding duet performance by June deBorahae & Dane Anderson. Both narrators match the characters perfectly, capturing every ounce of tension, vulnerability, and humor.

The story follows Del, infamously known as "Dirty Del," the most hated player in the NHL due to his reputation as a ruthless fighter. When he gets traded to his home team, the Denver Bashers, his new teammates give him a decidedly icy reception. However, Del's rough exterior is a shield born from growing up in a domestic violence household; he requested the trade specifically to be closer to his mother and sister to protect them from his troubled father. With his new coach threatening to bench him if he keeps fighting, Del is assigned to work closely with Ingrid, the team’s sweet, bubbly, and privileged social media specialist, to help clean up his public image.

The chemistry between these two complete opposites is immediate, sparking a forced proximity situation that quickly evolves from a deep friendship into a blazing-hot romance. Ingrid is the first person to see right through Del's defensive walls, offering him genuine comfort and support when he opens up about his dark family history. In return, Del falls first and harder, dedicating himself to building up Ingrid's confidence after a toxic ex left her insecure, even spoiling her by tracking down her favorite snacks every month. Despite the clear mutual attraction, their relationship is deeply complicated by the fact that they work together, and Ingrid’s cousin is a fellow Basher who actively detests Del and warns him to stay away.

What makes this book so satisfying is the incredible character development and the absence of a frustrating third-act breakup. Alongside the central romance, Del’s journey to earn the respect and brotherhood of his new teammates is beautifully executed, building to a heartwarming climax where the team finally unites. Balancing heavy, serious themes with top-notch banter and intense bedroom spice, Dirty Pucker is a swoon-worthy, high-heart read that will leave hockey romance fans eager for the next book in the series.

Other books I've read by Sarah Smith HERE!!!

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