I Pucking Hate to Love You

Pucking Love #3

by D.L. Gallie

I vowed I'd never get involved with a client again. That was a lesson I thought I only had to learn once. When I’m assigned Stefan Däuchmen aka Doucheman, I realize I have a huge problem.
My number one rule is “never date someone from work” … or “a douche.” One would think because he’s an egotistical manwhore jerk, I would be safe from his charm. But my new, very attractive client has me questioning if rules were made to be broken.
I have to remind myself constantly it doesn’t matter how good-looking he is. With his panty-melting smile, rich chocolate eyes, and washboard abs, or the heart of gold he hides under his douchey exterior. He’s my client and I’m not going there—again. But the more time I spend with him, the harder I fall.
I pucking hate to love him, but I can’t help it … I’m so pucking screwed.

Other books in the series:
I Pucking Hate That I Love You
A Pucking Good Christmas
I Pucking Hate That You Love Me
I Pucking Hate To Love You
It's Pucking Fake
...and a few pucking more

Genres: Hockey Romance, Hockey

Unknown Binding

About the author

~Books, wine and a spicy good time ~

DL Gallie writes spicy romance with elements of comedy and suspense. She currently lives in Central Queensland, Australia, her husband and two teenagers. She and her husband have been together since she was sixteen, and although they drive each other crazy at times, she couldn’t imagine her life without him.

Shortly after her son was born, DL began reading again. With encouragement from her husband, she picked up the pen and started writing. Almost ten years later and the voices in her head won’t shut up.

DL enjoys listening to music, drinking white wine in the summer, red wine in the winter, and beer all year round. She’s also never been known to turn down a cocktail, especially a margarita.

Follow her at the following:

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www.facebook.com/DLGallieAuthor

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www.instagram.com/dlgallieauthor

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www.twitter.com/AuthorDLGallie

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www.amazon.com/-/e/B01JYSV39A

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www.bookbub.com/authors/dl-gallie

Reviews

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Pucking love series by DL Gallie and it does not disappoint. I love these Alpha MMC who think that they will not fall into the trap of what is known as Love!!
Stefan "the douche-man" Dauchmen met his match when Wren entered his life as his life coach to try and put his life back together as his self implosions leave him to be the talk of the town and front page news for the media. This is proving to be an issue within his team and him as a player for the LA Legends.
Wren promises to remain impassive to his charm and wrestles with trying to bring Stefan in line and out of the media proves to be harder than she thought.
The banter and Stefan up to his usual antics with the rotating door of different women every night has Wren second guessing her choice to try and make Stefan a better man than he was showing to the outside world. Under his "douche-man" exterior lay a guy with a heart of gold!
They both become closer as they slowly let there defenses down, but when Stefan is surprised with a puck bunny claiming he is the father to her child, all hell breaks loose.
Wren, hiding her growing feelings towards Stefan, realizes too late, that his life is going to change completely from how he knows it now.
A great all round story with lots of nuances in the story to keep your interest and be invested in the outcome of Wren and Stefan and their HEA!
Another worthy 5 star read by DL Gallie

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Wren and Stefan’s story. Both characters carry baggage from the past and handle it in their own ways. Stefan, used to people leaving him, pushes them away before they get the chance, worsening his chaotic life and public image.

Enter Wren, whose job is to repair his image and keep him on the straight and narrow. This is no easy task, as Stefan is often caught with groupies or seen drunk in the headlines. He needs help quickly, so Wren moves in to supervise him 24/7, which brings its own set of complications. Wren has a strict rule against sleeping with clients, but rules are made to be broken. Stefan is attractive, can be sweet, and is quite irresistible despite his flawed behavior. The real Stefan underneath all the ruff exterior, is in there somewhere, and Wren just needs to help him find himself, turn his life around, and become the man everyone suspects he can be.

This was such a great read, with so much chemistry and so many sparks between these two that you'll keep turning the pages to see if they can find HEA.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed Wren and Stefan’s story. Both with past baggage and each dealing with it differently. Stefan is used to people leaving and he pushes them away before they can up and leave making more trouble for himself and his image. That’s where Wren comes in, she’s there to fix his image keep him on the straight and narrow but it’s really hard when every time you turn around he’s with a pick bunny or flat out drunk and all over the news. He needs help and fast the only issue is Wren moving in to be there 24/7 to keep him in line which causes more problems. She has a rule no sleeping with the client, but we all know rules are meant to be broken. He’s hot, he can be sweet and a little irresistible and still a douche, but the real Stefan is in there somewhere and she just needs him to find him to turn his life around and be the man everyone knows he can be. Such a good read, so much chemistry and sparks from these two you’ll keep turning the pages.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since the first book in the Pucking Love series, Stefan has always been a troublemaker. In this fourth book in the series, he is still causing havoc with his antics and hence, Wren gets assigned to be his handler in LA. To do so, she moves into his home to better supervise him. Despite her being his roomie, he continues his playboy ways with the bunnies.

For about half the book, Stefan is still in his doucheman and playboy mode and it does get a little tiring. But things start to turn interesting after he reveals his background to Wren after a painful episode. They also decide to embark on a secret relationship with lots of spicy and sweet moments.

Slowly but surely, Stefan is now reformed and his image is no longer in trouble. This means Wren is no longer needed as his handler and she has to return to New York. Before she leaves, they embark on a trip to Vegas which turns out to be a defining chapter in their lives.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stefan Dauchmen is still being the Douche-man that got him transferred to LA Legends. Still running wild with his bunnies and being in the papers for his antics. They decided to bring in image/handler for him. In walks Wren Brooke who will be his roommate and handler.

Stefan has finally met his match with Wren. While Wren helps Stefan to turn his ways around, they get under each other skin.

As the sparks fly between them, Wren doesn't want to fall into another scandal with sleeping with her client. She keeps telling Stefan they can't be together, but he tells her he wants her.

This story pulls at your heart strings with Stefan and Wren they both really don't want to get hurt. But the love they have for each other will carry them through it. Lots of steamy s**.
This was received as ARC for honest review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stefan’s reputation for his off-ice activities continue to escalate and has drawn the ire of his team. They are no longer willing to stand by and let it continue so Wren has been engaged to repair the situation and part of her assignment is to live with him.

Wren has been burnt in the past and is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional. That was easier when she only saw his behavior and not the reasons for it and now, they must decide where they go from here.

We met Stefan in the previous books of this series however you are about to find out that you didn’t really know him at all. The interactions between Wren and Stefan are both humorous and hot but there is also an emotional component as she shows him that he deserves better than the life he is living.

[Kerrie Juric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Pucking Love Series by DL Gallie is my favourite so far.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

We first meet Stefan “Doucheman” Däuchmen in book 1 and since then he’s lived up to his name as a douche. I despised him even more in the beginning of this story, I Pucking Hate To Love You, with all the douchey things he was doing. But, his character is one of my favourite ever, and I hate to admit that I pucking love that Douche.

When you have such a strong MMC like Stefan, there needs to be an equally strong leading lady, and the FMC Wren, was the perfect counterpart. The way they help each other heal without even realising it was really sweet.

This book is an enemies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn with a secret romance and the redeeming of the douche that will give you lots of laughs, sexy banter and spice!

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stefan Däuchmen, (Doucheman) the left defensemen for the New York Crushers and was traded to the LA Hockey Team. 

Wren works for a company who is hired by the LA Hockey team who now has to move from NYC out to LA to 'live' with Stefan to be his handler. Wren now has to try to keep him out of the spotlight and out of the public's eye.

Stefan is great on the ice, a hockey god, but, when it comes to being in public and handling his 'off' ice appearance he can't do it. He has to be center of attention. That's his downfall. If he has a bad night on the ice, he is even worse at making himself the one to watch on the outside, more booze, and partying occur. 

Will Wren be able to get Stefan under control?  Or will Stefan take himself out and lose his whole career? 

I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I read IPHTILY I wanted Stefan's story, and lemme tell ya, I Pucking Hate To Love You was so worth the wait.

IPHTLY is an absolute whirlwind of emotions from the get go.
Both Stefan and Wren come into this story with their own baggage, Stefan's front and center for the whole world to see, Wren's a little more close to the chest, and the baggage that they come with.......WOW.

I'm trying to keep this review vague as to not give anything away, IPHTLY has spice, betrayal, friendship, forgiveness and most importantly growth.

My review is not doing this book justice. Just please, read it. It could be read as a standalone, but I recommend them in order.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Stefan was a wild man who could not be contolled and would not allow anyone to control him and tell him what to do. This put his ice hockey career in jeopardy and enter Wren. Wren his hired to handle Stefan and keep him on the straight and narrow and all chaos ensues. The story was fun and at times emotional but the characters were all great and the journey Stefan and Wren had to their HEA was not an easy road but ultimately they were able to overcome all the obstacles in their lives. DL Gallie gives a book that is not only fun but also a story about inner turmoil and love. This whole series is a must read.

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Stefan was a really big jerk and definitely a wild card at first. As his hired handler, Wren was supposed to help him clean up his image as a professional hockey player. When he was behaving, he was nice and did well, but that would only last a couple weeks before he would mess up again. Wren really liked him in his good stages, but was frustrated so much by his bad mistakes. The chemistry between them was always there though. This book was steamy, funny, and had a great storyline and lesson. Would definitely read this again! I received a review copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[The Book Fairy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the chaos that surround the characters of this book, or rather the chaos that Stefan created for himself and dragged poor Wren into. The fact that she can not only see behind the wreckage that he has created of his led is a testy to her strength which made me admire her more and more through out the book along side with wanting to strangle him! By isn’t that what makes a great book? Something that will get your emotions involved? And this has it in spades! The fighting both on and off the ice are what kept me glued to the page. Nothing better than reading drama with major spice in it!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this incredible series, and this is Stefan and Wren’s story.
Stefan is a playboy, who needs redeem his image, and he is assigned to Wren as his keeper, and she moved in as his roommate, but she had her work cut out for her.
This is a well written story which is easy to read, with secrets, emotions, undeniable chemistry, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and steamy page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Christina Bays · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was a great story. It was great to finally get Stefans story. He and Wren are pretty amazing together...once they both get past their issues. The story is written really well and is a pretty fast and easy read.

Stefan is a playboy who is often caught in the tabloids...for all the wrong reasons. When its time for his image to get over hauled they bring in Wren who get assigned to him to keep him in line. She has a rule to never get involved with her clients...again. But as rules they say....are made to be broken.

[Vi Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy redemption Batman!!!

Um ex-ca-use me, how the heck did Doucheman just get redeemed??
I went into this book loathing Stefan, but as the story progressed and his angle was revealed bit by bit, and after multiple whiplashes from his behaviour, I found myself *dare I say it* liking him.
Then liking him a little more.
Then back to wanting Wren to walk away from the douche.
Then, ultimately, craving their HEA—because it comes, and it's so freaking perfect.

IPHTLY is a spicy, angsty, push/pull read and highly recommended!

[Jean Dewsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoughly enjoyed reading about Wren and Stefan's journey.
Both have had previous relationships that have caused heartbreak and drama in their private and professional lives, that have left them both rattled.
While their journey had plenty of humour sprinkled with sadness and drama it also hadheartbreaking moments too. Two stubborn people who have had to protect themselves from the public.
It was a pleasure to read

[Mrs Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc, Never say never Wren. I didn't think it was possible to to like Stefan. Lets be honest if you have read the other books in the series you will too question this. But yeah I can see why Wren changed her mind. I really am enjoying this series. It can be read as a standalone but will make more sense of you read the previous ones.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read this author before but this book stands alone.
The hockey player Stefan is an idiot, lives for his puck bunnies and make unsavoury headlines in the media. The team is desperate to tone him down or he is out.
Wren is assigned to be his 'keeper' but he seems uncontrollable.
The chemistry is there, will she cross the line and lose her job?
A fun read, I enjoyed it.

[Amber Pickerill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life's too sport image consultant, Wren, has her biggest challenge yet. Stefan lives up to his name as the biggest douche on and off the ice.
When he finally drops his guard can Wren turn his image around or will he ruin both of their careers.
I knew Stefan would be a great book and it lived up to my expectations!!

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a book I wanted

I am really not a fan of this MC getting a redemption. While I love Wren, I don’t think the dbag deserved a HEA. There were even more inconsistencies in this book, and lots of formatting issues…I feel like this book wasn’t even proofread. Safe to say, this is the end of this author for me.

[Must read Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! I’ll admit that I was a bit worried on how the douche could possibly be redeemed but he did it and their story was amazing. Lots of steam and a good plot. Can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren and Stefan have the ultimate enemy to lovers relationship. She uproots herself to be his handler. He despises the live-in babysitter. Deja vu becomes a real thing for Wren when their situation takes a turn. I thoroughly enjoyed their story.

[Kelly McGrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story did not disappoint. Book 3 was great!! The banter and antics of Stephan and Wren were fantastic. This was my first book in this series and I immediately went back to read the others. DL Gallie has written an amazing series with this one! Loved it!!!

[Brandy Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick read is entertaining with witty banter, secrets and amazing chemistry. Wren and Stefan are perfect for each other. It was great to see them help each other heal and fall in love. The story was well written, easy to read and kept me engaged right until the end.

[Rhiannon Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

She made me hate him… then she made me love him.

Ohh Stefan. I didn’t think I’d have these feelings for you. But you had me swooning.

I adored this story so much.

[Kaylene Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** ARC REVIEWER******

Another great book in the Pucking series.

Received this book as an ARC and I Hated the MMC in other books. Warmed to him in this one. Arrogant, Obnoxious and thinks he’s god gift to hockey and women.

Luckily alongside him was a strong as FMC to rope him in and tell him he’s not in fact gods gift and his attitude sux.

Love their dynamic, the banter, and she could give as much as she got (and with him she got plenty). She is the perfect woman to put him in his place.

Roller coaster ride that’s for sure. Well worth the read.

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked this book. We never know who we are going to fall in love with, the heart wants what it wants.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just loving this series and all these hot and oh so wrong for you men when they find their "woman". Enjoy how this author brings all the characters together and makes it a fun and sexy read.

[Karen Hrdlicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephan's story is the one we've all been waiting for, and it does not disappoint. It has all the hockey hotness and schmexy times along with his bad boy behaviors.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pucking is quickly becoming my new favorite word, all thanks to D.L. Gallie's latest addition to the "Pucking Love" series. "I Pucking Hate To Love You," the fourth book in this steamy, ice hockey romance series, had me saying "pucking" more times than I can count, much to the amusement of those around me.

Stefan Däuchmen, aptly nicknamed "Doucheman," is the kind of hot MC you love to hate—and hate to love. His arrogance and undeniable charm make him the perfect blend of frustrating and irresistible. But what really sets this book apart is the palpable heat and chemistry between Stefan and Wren.

Wren is hired to clean up Stefan's image, and her no-nonsense attitude is exactly what he needs. Beneath his cocky exterior lies a complexity that Wren is determined to uncover. The dynamic between these two is electric, with each interaction adding more depth to their evolving relationship.

D.L. Gallie masterfully balances humor, heat, and heartfelt moments, making "I Pucking Hate To Love You" a must-read for fans of romance and hockey alike. If uyou're ready to be swept off your feet by a story that is as pucking hot as it is endearing, this book is for you.