Pucking Vacation

Night Hawks Hockey #0.5

by Katie Strong

*** Pucking Vacation is the prequel to Pucking Never and is a short, steamy, contemporary hockey romance. ***

If you could be someone different for one week, who would you be?

I’m a planner. A bookworm. A goal setter. And… still a virgin.

Growing up with a hockey-playing, womanizing, over-protective twin brother, I never had a problem with being the responsible twin.

Normally, I’m happy to stay wrapped up in my studies, with no desire for a dating life.

But this week, I have a new goal. One that will change everything.

I’m off to spring break with my three best friends, and for once, the goal for the week is all about me.

It’s time to find a hot guy, spend a week under the sheets, and finally lose this v-card!

No commitment, no personal details, no strings… and no heartbreak.

I’m ready to let my hair down and be someone completely different… and when the week is over, I can leave it all behind and go back to being me.

Should be easy… right?

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

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

Reviews

[Mrs. K. Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of Elle Kennedy and Liz Tomforde, I bring you Katie Strong.

I don't make those comparisons lightly; the Night Hawks Hockey series deserves to be on the same level as the Off-Campus and Windy City series. The writing is exceptional! The chemistry between Jensen and Grace"Lynn" is off-the-charts! The spice is on fire! 🌶️🥵🔥 The tension and plot have already been established, and I know for a FACT Jensen is going to go down in hockey history as "Daddy Jensen" by time I read book 1, Pucking Never!

Pucking Vacation does exactly what it's supposed to do- Provide a teaser trailer for book 1 and make you want to add the entire series to your ever-growing TBR list. I don't understand why this doesn't have more reviews, or why it isn't promoted more in the BookTok community.

I'm already this hyped-up, AND I ONLY READ THE PREQUEL! 😱 That's how addictive her writing is! I can't wait to read book 1, and I can only hope I get through the entire series before a traditional publisher picks it up because it truly IS. THAT. GOOD.

[Natalie Behnke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a quick read but a cute one. It was a perfect novella to read while actually on vacation. It was short but the quick story was told well. I like the characters enough that I’m going to continue with the rest of the series.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this short novella. i really liked Jensen and Grace alot their meeting felt like Kismet. im going to head straight into the first book so I can see how they meet again. I kinda want a book for Grace's friends and also Jensens brother now.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pucking Vacation was a cute novella and now I can't wait to read Pucking Never! Queue up KU so I can read more about Gracelynn and Jensen!

[Amanda Chaffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute prequel!! It definitely made me want to start reading the series sooner!!

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking Their Cherries -
I usually don’t like stories that end on a cliffhanger, but I really enjoyed reading this prequel and will be looking forward to reading Pucking Never. This is the first book that I have read from this author and Grab a copy of this amazing book and relax in bed before you sleep.

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

[Serena Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

’Mis recuerdos de ella tendrán que ser suficientes. Tengo que continuar con mi vida y hacer las paces con el hecho de que nunca volveré a verla. Es un pensamiento triste, pero no me retracto de su semana por nada.’


•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.



Pucking Vacation de Katie Strong Serie Night Hawks Hockey libro 0.5
Argumento:
*** Pucking Vacation es la precuela de Pucking Never y es un romance de hockey contemporáneo, breve y apasionante.***

Si pudieras ser alguien diferente por una semana, ¿quién serías?

Soy una planificadora. Una rata de biblioteca. Una fijadora de metas. Y… todavía soy virgen.

Crecí con un hermano gemelo jugador de hockey, mujeriego y sobreprotector, nunca tuve problemas con ser la gemela responsable.

Normalmente, estoy feliz de estar envuelta en mis estudios, sin deseos de una vida amorosa.

Pero esta semana, tengo un nuevo objetivo. Uno que lo cambiará todo.

Me voy de vacaciones de primavera con mis tres mejores amigas y, por una vez, el objetivo de la semana es todo sobre mí. ¡Es hora de encontrar un chico atractivo, pasar una semana bajo las sábanas y finalmente perder esta virginidad!

Sin compromisos, sin detalles personales, sin ataduras... y sin desilusiones.

Estoy lista para soltarme el pelo y ser alguien completamente diferente... y cuando termine la semana, puedo dejarlo todo atrás y volver a ser yo.

Debería ser fácil... ¿verdad?



Mi humilde opinión:

Dos jóvenes se conocen durante unas vacaciones en la playa y es lujuria a primera vista. Cuando comienzan a pasar tiempo juntos se dan cuenta de lo especial que es el otro y que los sentimientos van mas profundo pero deciden ignorarlo porque acordaron que solo seria una aventura, sin ninguna pregunta profunda, solo sexo increíble sin ataduras, al terminar la semana cada uno vuelve a su vida.

Gracelynn esta enfocada en terminar la universidad y su regla es no salir con jugadores de hockey. El viaje con sus amigas a Miami es sobre liberarse, divertirse y perder su virginidad. Cuando conoce a Jensen se presenta como Lynn, su lado mas atrevido y lleno de confianza en si misma que él parece sacar de ella. Pero tiene que recordarse que es temporal y su relación no duraría en el mundo real. Jensen por su lado no quiere que todo termine en una semana, quiere seguir viendo a Lynn pero antes que pueda decir nada ella desaparece de su vida sin dejar rastro…

Esta es la precuela de la serie deportiva sobre hockey Night Hawks, corta, dulce y sexy que continua en Pucking Never.

[Asulley4785 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pucking Vacation by Katie Strong is a laugh-out-loud, heart-thumping, and seriously steamy hockey romance that hits all the right notes. What starts as a much-needed getaway quickly turns into a sizzling, unexpected connection that will melt even the iciest hearts.
Katie Strong perfectly blends humor, heat, and heartfelt emotion. The chemistry between the main characters practically jumps off the page—the banter is witty, the tension delicious, and the passion off the charts. What really makes this story shine, though, is the emotional depth behind the fun. There’s growth, vulnerability, and a sense of finding love where you least expect it.
If you love sports romances with strong heroines, charming (and slightly cocky) hockey heroes, and plenty of vacation vibes, Pucking Vacation is a must-read. It’s playful, flirty, and full of heart—everything I want in a feel-good romantic escape.

[Cassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pucking Vacation is an absolutely fantastic prequel to the Night Hawks Hockey series! This short read packs a punch, pulling you in from the first page and leaving you eager for more. The character development is just right; you get enough insight to become genuinely attached to their journeys without feeling overwhelmed, making it the perfect quick escape.

Ideal for a summer beach read, it’s a swoon-worthy story that teases you with fun flirtation and a bit of spice. I loved every minute of it and can't wait to dive into the full series! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a light, engaging, and emotionally satisfying read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea this was a prequel but I can imagine how the story ends. Gracelynn went to Miami on spring break with friends with one item on her checklist. Lose her V-card. She does on her first night. She and Jensen are together most of the week. At the end of the week, she’s gone.

She has one rule. Never date a hockey player as her brother Carson is one and she’s seen the macho way they act around females. Jensen is a teammate of Carson’s as well as his best friend. She may have a rule but it won’t make a difference when Jensen comes to her.

[Kelsey Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

College student Grace decides she is done being a virgin and wants a fun, no strings attached week in Miami for spring break. She pretends to be a confident and bold girl named Lynn when she meets a hot guy named Jensen. They spend a passionate week together but will they be able to let each other go?

The concept of this short prequel book was fun. I liked that it flipped the idea of having a short term relationship being the girl’s idea instead of the guy’s plan like in a lot of books. I read it before Pucking Never but you could read them in any order.

[Tina Levac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Strong’s Pucking Vacation is the perfect kickoff to her hockey romance series. It’s short, steamy, and leaves you wanting more. The heroine’s spring break adventure is fun and relatable, but it’s Jensen who steals the spotlight. He’s the full package — sex appeal, charm, and a surprising sweetness that makes him unforgettable.
This novella sets the tone beautifully, giving readers a taste of the chemistry and heart that Strong is known for. It’s a quick read that hooks you instantly and makes you eager to continue the series.

[Helen Lohman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel was fun to read. Getting to be a different version of herself, Gracie spends her spring break doing something she normally wouldn’t. She has a fun time meeting a guy, spending the week with him, and she leaves going back to her “normal” life. He falls fast and hard, but left heartbroken when she doesn’t reveal who she is. Excited to read Pucking Never! This was a great novella and certainly grabs your interest!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short Novella, but it hooked me. Had to buy the next book.

GraceLynn and her best friends go to Miami on vacation. She has one thing on her mind, lose her V. On the first night she meets Jensen, she tells him to make her week memorable, with no sharing of any information or details about their lives...
She even tells him her name is Lynn, to keep her identity private.

But Jensen wants more, but Lynn sneaks away... will he ever find her.

[Lunden Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Arc Review*

This book is a short prequel to Pucking Never. It follows Gracelyn and her friends as they spend Spring Break in Miami. While Gracelyn is a studious girl with her nose always in a book, she becomes Lynn who is only looking for a man to take her v-card and give her a week she’ll never forget. She meets Jensen and they have a fun-filled week before she needs to break it off and get back to reality. Sadly, he doesn’t want things to end but has no information to find her after she slips out while he’s asleep.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super cute, quick and spicy read about a girl taking charge of her life and turning her spring break into a life-changing week. I loved Grace's friends, and the way they supported her. And I loved her instant connection with Jensen.

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

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prequel to Pucking Never, I read this novella after reading the full length novel. I would have liked to read it first, to get the dynamic between the characters but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of either story. I really enjoyed them both and loved the characters. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved Pucking Vacation! As someone who's usually into sci-fi and darker fiction , this book was a breath of fresh air. From the start, the excitement of Spring Break with Gracelynn and her friends hooked me. I loved how she embraced herself as "Lynn" and stuck to her plan.

When Lynn left Jensen, my heart couldn’t handle it. Excited to read Pucking Never!

Pucking Vacation is definitely worth the read!

[Terra Oenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is a fast read and a vacation story plus V card taboo. Gracelynn goes on spring break with her friends and determine to get rid of her virginity but is determined to stay away from hockey players, but when ahe sees Jensen feelings start ,but no strings will they see each other again? cute story, but warning its cliffhanger book.

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story of "let's just have fun on vacation" that turns into a real connection. This is a prequel to Pucking Never, where you are introduced to the characters and how they meet. This story ends on a cliffhanger, but with a full book coming out to continue the story. Can't wait!

[Emzy Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful short sweet story. My heart was weeping at the end. The characters are completely relatable and realistic. I was there with them for the whole time. I saw the end coming and I still cried. Such a beautiful story.

[Kalexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to know “Lynn” and Jensen in this prequel novella. They meet during spring break and agree to a fling, and only a fling, for the week. They both catch feelings, and Jensen doesn’t want things to end. Sweet with medium spice. Can’t wait to continue with their story.

[Therese · Rating 4 out of 5]

4★

quick cute read!
Cute vacation novella & w the ending definitely makes you wanna read the next one, added to my immediate tbr.
I thought what we got see see/know about each character this far I enjoyed and ready to learn more.

[Haiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this was such an easy read and made me get the rest of the series !!! I normally don’t read this style of books but I have to say I am really glad that I did !!! Also the TITLE is why I wanted to read this book and I am a BIG hockey fan 💋
#GoPens

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great prequel!!! Looking forward to the book/series‼️

[Cloe Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

loved this prequel novella so much! i feel like this is the perfect set up to "Pucking Never" and i can't wait to read that too! this book overall was super easy to read, fun, quick, and was just the right amount of everything. i enjoyed the secretive aspect and the characters dynamic!

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

[Brenda H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

[Catarina Domingos · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good prequel to picking never.
It was cute and fun and light.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to follow