Cocky Mother Pucker: a fake dating college hockey romance

Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading)

4🌟, 3🌶️

This one pulled me in pretty quickly and kept me entertained the whole way through.

Nick St. George is the confident captain of his college hockey team, but behind the swagger he is one failed class away from losing his spot and possibly his pro dreams. Poppy Wylder, his twin sister's best friend and the campus genius, ends up being the tutor he desperately needs. When Poppy wants to make her ex regret how he treated her, they strike a deal. Fake dating in exchange for tutoring. It sounds simple, but spending that much time together starts stirring up feelings neither of them planned for.

Nick ended up being my favorite part of the story. He comes across as cocky at first, but with Poppy he is surprisingly soft and supportive. The way he notices the small things about her and pushes her to believe in herself was really sweet. Poppy is driven and used to holding herself to impossible standards, so watching her slowly open up and rethink what she wants for her future added a nice emotional layer. Their banter, the fake dating tension, and those charged tutoring sessions kept the story fun and engaging.

Overall this was a really enjoyable hockey romance with great chemistry, playful spice, and a relationship that grows naturally over time. I especially appreciated that there was no dramatic third act breakup and that they actually communicated and supported each other.

It was sweet, entertaining, and exactly the kind of romance I like to unwind with.

~~~~

Special thanks to Sarah Smith & The Smuthood for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨

arc-reads

Michelle Lacson Robinson

7 reviews2 followers

February 17, 2026

ARC read
I’m so glad Sarah has a spin off from the Bashers series!

This series revolves around hockey players at Hollis U. Nick St George is the star player on the team. And Poppy is a tutor at the university and Nick’s sister’s best friend. They couldn’t be more opposite. But Nick needs a tutor and Poppy agrees to tutor him in exchange for acting like her fake boyfriend.

If you like fun, fast paced rom-coms with spice, this is a great book for you!

1,530 reviews219 followers

Cocky Mother Pucker delivers exactly what I look for in a college sports romance. The banter is quick and spicy, and the chemistry is sizzling. The fake-dating setup doesn’t feel forced; it slips into something real before either character sees it coming.

Nick is the cocky, charming captain of the college hockey team. He’s struggling academically, and if he doesn’t fix it fast, he’s off the ice. He needs help, and he knows it.

Enter Poppy, his brilliant high school crush and his twin sister’s best friend. She agrees to tutor him, but only if he’ll pretend to be her boyfriend to shake up her ex. What starts as a simple tradeoff slowly shifts into something deeper, with real feelings creeping in long before either one is ready.

Cocky Mother Pucker is a delightful, fast-paced romance that hits all the right notes. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is electric, and the fake-dating dynamic actually matters to the plot.

Nick gives you the classic cocky-hockey-captain energy, but what makes him stand out is how quickly the swagger drops when it comes to Poppy. He’s sincere, protective, and completely undone by her in the best way.

Poppy is steady and smart and is trying to move past an ex who never appreciated her. Using Nick to rile up said ex adds an extra layer of tension, especially when the pretend relationship starts feeling somewhat too real. Watching her realize she deserves more than crumbs gives the story unexpected emotional depth.

While no tropes were reinvented, the story embraces its setup with confidence and charm. Nick and Poppy’s moments together feel warm, natural, and funny. Their steady shift from “we’re just faking this” to “this might actually be something” is precisely the kind of payoff that makes fake-dating romances my catnip.

Overall, it’s a flirty, heartfelt read with memorable characters and a romance worth rooting for.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

Kira Wall

47 reviews3 followers

Poppy and Nick are the best couple! I was already excited to read this book because I love reading anything Sarah puts out but this book surpassed my expectations! Nick is Poppy's best friend's twin brother, total hockey playboy and has always had feelings for Poppy since middle school. Poppy is the smart, rule following, tutor girl that has done everything to maintain excellence even since childhood but the one thing she couldn't keep neat and tidy were her feelings for Nick. After an incident in highschool she shoved her crush down and moved on from Nick until he walked into her tutoring room one day and those feelings surged back to the surface.

This book does such an amazing job of showing how they not only find their way back to each other but also learn to trust each other as well as support each other. I loved watching them find themselves not only in each other but personally as well. The character growth was excellent. I also loved how the story flowed without having any moments that stalled or felt rushed. Such a natural progression.

If you're looking for a hockey romance with second chances, a good girl that is hiding a bad girl inside, a hockey bad boy that's sweet and caring at his core, and some steamy scenes, then you're definitely going to want to read this one!

Thank you to Sarah Smith and The Smuthood for the absolute privilege of reading this incredible ARC! Can't wait to see what happens next! It's going to be so good!

Sammy

23 reviews1 follower

A fun start to a new series by a new-to-me author. Honestly the name of the book caught my eye so I think it got the job done!

Our girl Poppy is a genius on campus and eventually heading to law school, but in the meantime she spends her time tutoring fellow students and creating a huge following on YouTube with educational, study guide-like videos. The last thing she needs is for her best friend's twin, campus hockey boy, Nick St. George, to be bugging her to tutor him too. But when Poppy runs into her ex and wants to make him regret how he treated her, she fakes a relationship with Nick. Of course Nick agrees as long as Poppy will actually tutor him.

We learn a lot about the MCs once they get reacquainted: there is so much more to both of them than what they show the world. Nick may be a cocky playboy on campus but he's serious about Poppy and wants to see her succeed. And Poppy is struggling with the fact that maybe law school isn't what's right for her and coming to terms with what that means for her future. The two of them navigate these things together and it only makes them stronger as they turn their fake relationship into something more.

This had so many things I love in a rom-com - fake dating, bad boy x good girl, best friend's brother, he FELL first, no third act breakup(!!) - and it was all done really well. He also calls her honey which is sooo hot for some reason so there's also that :)

I'm excited to see what comes next for this series, especially how the set up for book two is looking! Happy release day and a huge thank you for the opportunity to be an ARC reader.

Alyssa W

138 reviews

This was such a cute, easy college hockey romance. If you like the classic fake dating trope with the popular hockey star and the nerdy, school-focused girl, this one definitely delivers.

Our MMC is your typical cocky, party-boy hockey player who suddenly needs a fake girlfriend, and our FMC is the quiet, studious type who would rather focus on classes than deal with hockey drama. Their dynamic is fun and pretty predictable in the best way — lots of banter, forced proximity, and the inevitable catching of real feelings.

The story itself is a light, quick read that’s perfect when you’re in the mood for something low angst and feel-good. My only real gripe was how often he called her “honey.” At first it was cute, but after the hundredth time it started to get a little repetitive and pulled me out of the story a bit.

Overall though, it was a fun fake dating hockey romance that didn’t take itself too seriously. Nothing groundbreaking, but still super enjoyable if you’re looking for something light and fluffy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 4 stars. Cute, easy, and perfect for a quick romance read. 🏒📚

Adriana Luzia

64 reviews3 followers

March 10, 2026

I looooved this book, and I honestly can’t wait for the rest of the series! Nick and Poppy had me hooked from their very first banter. Nick's charm isn't just in his confidence, it was in the way he stands up for her, often when you least expect it, and he exceeded those expectations in every single chapter.

The writing is super fluid, and the world - along with the family ties and friendships - is so well done. The characters, both main and secondary, are absolutely phenomenal.

And yes… it checked every single box I was hoping for in a fake dating, college hockey romance. Just perfect.

𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗹𝘆.

Ashly

470 reviews34 followers

Read

March 3, 2026

RTC

arc

Michelle

80 reviews2 followers

Poppy’s parents are both lawyers and expect nothing less from her as she continues to earn a perfect GPA while taking extracurriculars, but Poppy DOES have other dreams in mind: helping others and thriving with her YouTube Channel.

Nick, one of the best hockey players on the team, but can’t say that about his grades. He risks being kicked off the team if he doesn’t straighten up.

As fate would have it, Poppy asks Nick to be her fake boyfriend in hopes her ex will leave her alone in exchange for tutoring. Seems simple enough, right?

The slow-burn of fake dating was melt worthy. I enjoyed the character building of Poppy as she learned to stand up for herself, busted out of her shell (bathroom and door scene), and went after what she truly wanted.

Nick puts her first. He protects her. He builds her up. He supports her. He’s so incredibly proud of her. He gives her praise. He is a book boyfriend, 100%!

I love the two nicknames that Nick gives Poppy, especially the second one! You’ll have to read to find out 😉!

I absolutely loved this book. The book title drew me in and the story flowed so well that it kept me turning to the next page. Grab this book if you love these vibes: hockey, banter, spicy scenes (good girl), getting back at your ex, touch her and die, and characters that stay true to themselves.

Thank you so much for this ARC opportunity and to leave an honest review.

Emmy Wong

392 reviews12 followers

March 2, 2026

The second I saw the name of this book, I couldn’t resist signing up for the arc. I love a hockey boy and I don’t mind them a little cocky. But this book was better than I ever could have expected! It had a cute Romcom style plot, with the fake dating trope and the classic bad boy x good girl. But it was executed in the most brilliant way, and was even quite emotional at times. If you don’t believe in love, I’d say read this book because it will change your mind. Obviously I love a fake dating, and the best friend’s brother trope. But the funniest thing was how both of them had huge crushes on each other but were so oblivious. She sets “rules” for their fake relationship… but what happens when the “good girl” finally starts breaking the rules… One thing I loved about this book was how they portrayed Poppy, she’s very sweet and very smart but she also struggles. Many of us who had the “smart kid” label on us since we were young feel so much pressure to perform up to standards and be perfect. That part of Poppy really called to me, and I love how Nick helped her find herself and move away from academic validation and gaining her parent’s approval as her main goal. But Nick was also such a sophisticated character, he has this playboy complex but deep down he’s a softy and loyal to those he loves. And he’s definitely so down bad for Poppy. One of my favourite scenes is when he’s drunk and spends the night babbling and complimenting Poppy. It’s adorable and gosh I love their chemistry. This book was not just a cute hockey romcom but also connected with me on an emotional level. I give this masterpiece of a book a 5/5

972 reviews13 followers

Cute, fun, light-hearted college rom-com full of steam and swoon. I was all over the fake dating trope. It was so good, giving all the giggles and kick your feet feels. And while the reformed playboy trope isn't one of my favorites, Sarah Smith absolutely nailed it in an endearing way as opposed to cringy. Nick quickly grew on me with his carefree himbo/golden retriever personality. It balanced well with Poppy's no-nonsense attitude, giving excellent banter along with the mutual pining they had going.

Nicks dirty talk definitely makes you blush and heat up, then add the hand necklace, and I was a puddle of goo.

Even though they are college-aged young adults, I liked the maturity they had, and best of all, no pesky third act break-up.

Tropes:
Best friend's brother
Fake dating
Good girl + bad boy
Tutor + Hockey Captian
Hockey Himbo
Nerdy FMC
Slow-burn
One bed
Spicy list
Touch her and ☠️
Dual POV

This was Hollis U Book 1, and it was a great first in the series, I'm looking forward to more.

Thank you, Smuthood and Sarah Smith, for the opportunity to read this book.

Brieanna

257 reviews1 follower

This book was a good take on a classic fake-dating trope. In an effort to to get her ex to leave her alone, Poppy begins fake-dating Nick the hockey star. But Poppy has had a crush on Nick since middle school, so it's rough territory to navigate. What she doesn't know, is that Nick has had a crush on her the entire time, too.

Honestly, their internal battle of what's real versus what isn't made this book. Watching them fumble through every interaction was both frustrating and engaging. And once you add in all the external factors surrounding their "relationship," it was hard to drag myself away. Sarah did a great job of keeping me invested without dragging any one conflict out for too long.

**Special thank you to The Smuthood and Sarah Smith for gifting me an advanced copy of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

arc-reads

Joanna Marzetti

143 reviews1 follower

March 5, 2026

ARC REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️

I received this ARC and appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.

Cocky Mother Pucker by Sarah Smith is a fun start to the Hollis U series and my first time reading this author.

Nick and Poppy were honestly adorable. This story mixes fake dating with the best friend’s twin brother trope, and the fact that they’ve secretly liked each other since middle school made their dynamic even sweeter. Poppy comes from a very strict family, and watching Nick help her step out of her comfort zone and discover who she really wants to be was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The hockey team and Nick’s roommates already feel like a chaotic found family, which makes me really excited to see where the rest of the series goes.

This was a quick, fun read that had me smiling most of the time. Not super spicy, but the chemistry and character growth made it such an enjoyable story.

Read this if you're looking for:
🏒Fake dating
🏒Nerdy FMC x cocky hockey player
🏒Best friend’s twin brother
🏒Hockey team found family
🏒No third-act breakup

Kristy

382 reviews39 followers

ARC review thanks to The Smithood and author. If you want a sweet and spicy fake dating hockey romance, this is the boom for you. Nick and Poppy have known each other since they were kids. Nick is a hockey player at Hollis U and Poppy is the smart ‘nerdy’ girl. They start fake dating but of course we know that never truly works out. I loved how supportive Nick was of Poppy and vice versa. No third act break up either!

Rebeccah Reads

52 reviews

3.75 Star read - I appreciate a book that doesn't have a 3rd act breakup! Both main characters work on communicating, which I greatly appreciated, and I'm always down for a hockey and jock/nerd trope. It was a little slow in some places, but had me in my feels in others. Overall it was a cute read. I enjoyed how FMC Poppy came in to her own and started standing up for her wants and needs, and MMC Nick was supporting her every step of the way.

Natacha Silva

341 reviews5 followers

Give me a hockey romance and I'm a happy girlie.

Este livro foi incrível para eu ler de rajada.

Temos irmão da melhor amiga, temos hockey, temos fake dating, e NÃO TEMOS THIRD ACT BREAKUP!!

Há um pouco de falha de comunicação entre a Poppy e o Nick sobre o passado, no entanto, no presente acabam por se resolver.

Foi lindo ver a relação deles se desenvolver, e o quanto eles ficam mais confiantes em si mesmos desde o início do livro.

Katie

27 reviews

Review of advance copy

March 6, 2026

This book was so cute!! Former f boy turned best boyfriend ever to his twin sisters best friend, sign me up! I ate this up. Their banter was so cute and the spicy scenes were chef's kiss!

Nicole Scarborough

1,037 reviews63 followers

Nick and Poppy were so good. Their history was tough but it helped. Best friends brother is one of my favorites! The chemistry was good and it was well written.

BaLeigh Deason-Hernandez

18 reviews

February 27, 2026

“She’s so sweet and cute and smart. But behind closed doors, she’s a demon.”
HOLY FREAKING HOTNESS!!!! Cocky Mother Pucker is Sarah Smith’s newest hockey romance book releasing March 9th. From the very beginning it had me hooked, laying down kicking my feet, and just giggling in the middle of the night.

Nick is a hotshot college hockey star needing help with grades, Poppy is in need of help making her cheating ex jealous. What could go wrong? Or go soooo right. 🥵

Brea

357 reviews13 followers

Listen.
I picked up Cocky Mother Pucker expecting a cocky college hockey captain, some fake dating nonsense, and a few spicy scenes.
What I did not expect was to spend half the book laughing because the man who looks like a walking bad decision is actually the softest menace alive when it comes to one woman.
Nick St. George is the captain of the Hollis U hockey team and fully aware that he is hot. Like… painfully aware. This man has the confidence of someone who has never lost a staring contest with a mirror.
But the second Poppy enters the chat?
Game over.
Suddenly Captain Swagger is out here acting like:
“Did you eat?”
“Who hurt you?”
“Point them out.”
Sir. Relax. We just got here.
Poppy is basically Nick’s natural predator. She’s smart, organized, rule-following, and the type of person who has her life planned out in neat little boxes. Nick is the human embodiment of “we’ll figure it out later.”
Putting these two in the same room was already dangerous.
Making them fake date?
Absolutely reckless.
The banter between them is fantastic because Poppy refuses to be impressed by Nick’s charm, which only makes him try harder. And watching a cocky hockey captain realize the one girl he actually likes is completely immune to his nonsense is deeply satisfying.
The man spends half the book confused about why his usual tricks aren’t working.
Buddy… it’s because she has standards.
What I loved most about this story is that the relationship actually grows. They go from irritated → curious → suspiciously comfortable with each other → oh no this might be real.
And it happens naturally instead of feeling like a checklist of tropes.
Also… Nick falling first?
Delicious.
This man goes from confident hockey captain to emotionally invested golden retriever energy so fast it’s honestly impressive. Meanwhile Poppy is trying to keep her life organized while her fake boyfriend keeps being… annoyingly perfect.
Rude.
And the spice?
Let’s just say the good girl + cocky hockey captain combination works extremely well.
There are some very memorable moments where Poppy decides she is done being polite and Nick is like “excellent, I support this development.”
Another thing I appreciated: no ridiculous third-act breakup.
No dramatic misunderstanding that could be solved with a five minute conversation. No emotional tantrum. Just two people who actually talk to each other and handle their problems like adults.
A shocking concept in romance.
The side characters are also great, and the setup for the next book already feels like it’s going to be chaotic in the best possible way. The tension between certain characters had me side-eyeing the page like:
“Oh that is going to be a disaster. I can’t wait.”
Overall, Cocky Mother Pucker is funny, spicy, sweet, and ridiculously bingeable. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is excellent, and Nick St. George might be one of my favorite unexpectedly-soft hockey captains I’ve read in a while.
If you like: 🏒 Fake dating
🏒 Best friend’s brother
🏒 Hockey romance
🏒 Smart girl x cocky athlete
🏒 Banter that actually lands
🏒 Spice that shows up right on time
This one is absolutely worth the read.
Huge thank you to Sarah Smith and The Smuthood for the ARC!
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next book because the tension brewing there is already giving “this will absolutely end in chaos.” 🏒📚🔥

Emma

652 reviews21 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

March 5, 2026

"You know it’s love when you’d rather do life on hard mode with them, than have an easy life with anyone else.”

✔️college hockey romance
✔️fake dating
✔️best friend’s brother
✔️bad boy x good girl
✔️reformed playboy
✔️tutor x athlete
✔️no 3rd act breakup

4.5⭐️

When I first met Nick (MMC) in his brother’s book (Desperate Pucker), I thought he was a stereotypical party boy college athlete and I wasn’t sure if I would like a book where he was the main character, but I love that this book proves that he is so much more than that. He and Poppy (FMC) are complete opposites, at least on the surface, and it was fun to see him shed his party boy persona and see her come out her shell. At first, Poppy doesn’t like Nick and wants nothing to do with him, but as time passes and they spend real quality time together (and a miscommunication from high school is cleared up), she realizes that her perception of him is very much removed from the reality of who he actually is on the inside.

Nick is a playboy at the start before he starts spending time with Poppy, and that isn’t a secret to anyone, it is extremely evident from the first page. That said, I love watching the playboy fall hard when the right person comes along, and that is the best way to sum up this book. He is actually the sweetest, most uplifting and attentive partner, and the moment he realizes that he might get a chance to be in Poppy’s life, there are no other women. He doesn’t *really* care about partying, it is just something to fill the time around hockey. Hockey is his one true love, until Poppy comes into his life in a more significant way and he realizes that there is room in his life for both the sport he loves and the woman he loves. The fake dating aspect of this story is fun, and their reasoning for fake dating in the first place makes sense. I like that the main drama is actually external to the relationship, and they work together and support each other to deal with that drama.

I really like how Ryker (Nick’s brother) and his wife show up in this story, though it’s brief, the scenes they are in are impactful and it’s sweet seeing more of their HEA. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and finding out how a *very* unlikely couple end up getting together.

*Thank you so much to the author (Sarah Smith) for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*

2026-arc

Nazzealous

57 reviews

ARC Review: Please, when I saw that it was a college hockey romance, OFC I WILL READ IT.

Thank you @authorsarahs and @lovenotes.pr for the ARC!

This is Book 1 in the Hollis U series, and my first book I’ve read from Sarah Smith and definitely not the last!!!!

Setting: College hockey. Himbo hockey captain failing his grades. He hires his twin sister’s best friend, who hates him to tutor him. Fake dating. Opposites attract. 😂😮‍💨

First few chapters? Terrible first impression of Nick. He’s a cocky player. Blergh. LOL.

Nick St George (MMC):

Cocky hockey captain. His love language: words of affirmation, acts of service, and…a very dirty mouth. He has a secret crush on Poppy since high school. Cocky jock outside, cinnamon roll inside. Sweet, protective, affectionate, romantic. MAN GETS HIS CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT <3

Poppy (FMC):

Smart, nerdy, but hot. Studious, educational YouTuber. Daughter of strict lawyers, always feels like she’s never good enough (ugh so relatable huhu). Used to have a crush on Nick but hates him because of something in high school. Gradually, Poppy brings out the best in Nick.

The tension starts around 35–40%and after that? I INHALED THIS BOOK IN ONE SITTING.

I love how the author describes emotions through physical sensations instead of just naming them like anxiety, anger, love, embarrassment. Chef’s kiss. I cried at 94%during the conversation with Poppy’s dad. 🥹

Nick = Poppy’s biggest cheerleader. He makes her breakfast, celebrates milestones with her, cuddles her to sleep. He falls first, and the hardest. Swoon, swoon, swoon. UM GUYS, WHY ISN’T HE REAL??

I absolutely loved the dichotomy of Poppy’s reaction watching Nick play hockey in the beginning vs the 80% mark.

Is the writing phenomenal? Not really. But it’s an easy, cute, addictive read. Some dialogue could be more natural, especially the parents, but it didn’t stop me from loving it!!!!

This book is cute. Spicy (Nick FKING St. George omg) But mostly really damn cute🥹 I read it in one sitting (okay technically one day, with a nap and dinner 😂).

I NEED MORE NICK AND POPPY NOW!! Also can’t wait to read Anna and Travis’ book next. Enemies-to-lovers? Fave.

Tropes:

- Fake dating
- Hockey himbo MMC
- Nerdy FMC
- Best friend’s brother
- Bad boy / good girl
- Hand necklaces
- STFUATTDLAGG
- Don’t touch her energy
- Dirty talk
- Good girl
- NO third-act breakup

Amy

6 reviews

I received this book as an ARC and I really appreciated the opportunity to read it early!

As soon as I read the summary/ blurb I was really excited to read this book! It had the basic tropes that I love to read when it comes to romance (i.e. fake dating, bad boy x good girl, best friend’s brother, no third act break up, etc.). And I mean I also just love a good old hockey/ sports romance so how could I not check this book out.

This book was really good at showing characters who supported each other. I always loved reading about how much Nick admired Poppy and how he basically just thought the world of her. The same thing goes for Poppy and how she really admired how Nick was once she really got to know him. I also really liked that there was mutual pining since they both had crushes on each other for a long time due to their long history with each other but…

For me, a lot of the story felt like I was going through the motions in this book. It felt a lot like I was getting things told to me rather than be allowed to feel what the characters were feeling towards each other. I did also feel like there were so many tropes in the book (which is by no means a bad thing) that it didn’t really have a chance to fully flesh them out. Like, a lot of things got resolved quickly which made a lot of parts feel rushed and made it difficult to get emotionally invested in what the characters were going through. Personally, I would’ve enjoyed getting to delve into the characters a little more. I also would have loved just a bit more yearning with slightly less spicy scenes since I felt like it took up a lot of scenes that could have been used to develop their relationship in other ways but I think that might be more of a preference thing.

With all that said though, I still enjoyed reading this book and everyone is different and maybe this particular story just didn’t move at my normal pace for romance. So, I’d still encourage people to check this book out and maybe you’ll be captivated by Poppy and Nick.

Fav quote :

"You know it’s love when you’d rather do life on hard mode with them, than have an easy life with anyone else.”

Danique

32 reviews1 follower

Earlier this week ‘Cocky Mother Pucker’ by Sarah Smith released, which is book 1 in the Hollis U series. I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book through the smuthood. Thanks again for the opportunity.

Nick St. George is well known around campus. First of all he is the captain of the university’s ice hockey team. Second, he is extremely good looking. And third? Well the ladies and himself can’t stop bragging about his “stick”. Is he cocky? Understatement of the year. Are it all facts? Yeah..
There is only one little problem, his grades are immune to his flirtations. Failing classes is not an option, since it will mean he gets kicked out of the hockey team and lose his shot in hopefully play in the NHL one day. So he asks the smartest person he knows to tutor him; his twin sisters best friend, Poppy Wylder. The bigger problem? She hates him.
But when she wants to get back to her ex-boyfriend and asks Nick to pretend they’re dating, she agrees to tutor him. One semester, that's all. Except the heart doesn’t give a warning when it really starts to fall…

I think it's safe to say that ice hockey has become part of my personality in the last few months. I absolutely love ice hockey romances. I don't know what it is exactly, but hey I am not complaining. Sarah has a nice pleasant writing style. It was easy and quick to read, I actually flew through the chapters. Also because the length was very pleasant. I do have to say that my expectations weren’t met, but that’s mostly because I missed tropes that were “advertised” when signing up for this ARC. Therefore I was a bit confused. However, it was still a nice read. The only downside was that it felt a bit repetitive, which became a bit annoying at some point. They are unaware of their feelings for eachother, they confess their feelings, and then they are afraid if they feel the same way again. However, there were also many nice aspects!
The characters were lovely. The friendship between Poppy and Anna, and the friendship between Nick and the other guys on the hockey team felt realistic. The chemistry between Nick and Poppy was spot on. I personally felt that the tension between Poppy and Brody, and Poppy and her dad could have used some more work, but that’s me.
All and all I think it’s a fun quick read that fans of Ice hockey romances will enjoy

Cocky Mother Pucker is a spicy, fast paced, college ice hockey romance. Ideal for fans of fake dating, sport romances and bad boy x good girl romances.

I received this eARC voluntarily.

Kirsty

529 reviews10 followers

Review of advance copy

March 4, 2026

Our boy is the captain of his college hockey team. Confident. Filthy mouthed. Fully aware of his assets, both athletic and… otherwise. He is chaos in skates and I adored him immediately. But underneath the swagger? A guy who is one failed class away from losing everything. The pro hockey dream hanging by a GPA thread. That vulnerability sneaks up on you and suddenly the cocky exterior feels like armor.

Enter Poppy Wylder. Genius. Ice queen energy. Still holding a grudge from high school. She needs a fake boyfriend to make her ex combust. He needs a tutor to keep his place on the team. The deal practically writes itself.

Fake dating supremacy achieved.

The tension is unreal. He has had a crush on her forever. She thinks he is an overgrown ego with a stick. Watching him absolutely fold for her while pretending not to care? Delicious. The banter sparkles. The tutoring scenes are charged in ways that should be academically illegal.

And that first unexpected kiss? I had to put the book down and pace.

What I loved most is how soft he is with her. Yes, he is cocky. Yes, he talks a big game. But when Poppy opens up about her dreams, he listens. He supports. He becomes her loudest hype man. Meanwhile she challenges him to be better, to actually apply himself, to believe he is more than a pretty face with a killer slapshot.

The spice is spicy but playful. The good girl with a secret naughty streak paired with a golden retriever bad boy who worships the ground she walks on? Elite combination. And the fact that there is no third act breakup? Bless this book. Let adults communicate and choose each other. Revolutionary.

By the end I was fully invested in them building something real beyond the fake dating contract. He does not just want her for a semester. He wants forever and he works for it.

Hockey. Fake dating. Nerdy girl. Himbo captain with a heart of gold. This book is flirty, funny, surprisingly tender, and ridiculously addictive

TarynLA

243 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

March 5, 2026

MF Sports Romance

Great read!! This was funny with the perfect amount of angst. What amazing banter between these two, their chemistry was undeniable and the spice was delicious when it hit. I loved Poppy & Nock together ❤️

Nick needs help with his grades before he gets kicked of the hockey so he asks Poppy for help but she turns him down. Then Poppy’s ex starts trying to get back with her and she notices how jealous he was of Nick….. so she tells him they’re dating….. Nick agrees to fake date playing by her rules but he wants something in return….. for her to tutor him 😏

Poppy is so surprised by all the sweet things he does for his parents, she’s never seen anything other than his ‘cocky playboy’ side. He also does sweet things for her but she thinks he does all of it because he just wants to look like a ‘doting’ boyfriend.

Things are starting to feel different after a while on both sides, unknowingly of course, but some miscommunication when they were teenagers is holding her back from thinking it’s anything but fake on his end. But when the issue was brought up for the first time since it happened, they fully communicated like adults 😁👏

They were so supportive of one another and what they truly wanted to do with their lives….. even if it was different from what they were planning on their whole life 😉

No cheating, no OWD, there is her ex drama, no third act breakup with a HEA.

* Best Friend’s Twin Brother
* Hockey Player / Himbo MMC
* Smart ‘Nerdy’ FMC
* Bad Boy / Good Girl
* Fake Dating
* It’s Always Been You
* Supportive / Doting MMC

Looking Forward to Anna and Travis’ story!!

“That’s why I keep my YouTube channel a secret. I do it because I love teaching and connecting with people. It’s a break from all the law school stuff.”

“You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met, Nick. You put me first. You build me up. You’re proud of me. You’d do anything to make me smile, to see me happy. To protect me.”

Brittney

25 reviews12 followers

Review of advance copy

March 7, 2026

📚🏒Cocky Mother Pucker🏒📚

🏒Fake dating
🏒Hockey MMC
🏒Nerdy FMC
🏒Best friend's brother
🏒Only one bed
🏒STFUATTDLAGG
🏒"Don't f*cking touch her"
🏒Dirty talk
🏒"Good girl"
🏒No third-act breakup

Available March 9th - will be available on kindle unlimited, kindle and paperback 📚

First I want to say a big thank you to @smut and @sarah for letting me have chance have an Advanced copy 🥰

I absolutely loved this book, did I stay up till 1am reading it… yes yes I did 🤭🤣
This was my first book by this author and it definitely won’t be the last! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series 🤭😍
Straight from the first chapter I was obsessed 😍😍 there are a lot of tropes mixed into this book but they all fit sooooo well!!! The characters growth and chemistry in this book is just amazing!!
If you love fast paced spicey ice hockey romcoms then this is for you!!
Make sure you get your hands on this 😍🥰

Book overview…📚

I’m known for three things: I’m captain of my college hockey team. I’m hot. I’ve got a big “stick” and plenty of pretty ladies to handle it for me.
Yeah, that’s cocky as hell, but it’s true.
One problem: I’m failing my classes.
I need to get my grades up or I’m off the team, and I’ll lose my shot to play pro hockey.
So when Poppy Wylder asks me to fake date her to get back at her ex, I’m in. Under one condition: she tutors me.
I’ve had a crush on this beautiful genius since we went to high school together. She hates me though.
But one unexpected kiss changes everything.
This good girl with a naughty streak in the bedroom is my fantasy come true.
She confides in me about her dreams. I tell her mine.
We agreed to call it quits at the end of the semester, but I’ve caught major feelings…I want to make Poppy mine for real…
I just have to convince her to take a chance on the guy she never wanted.

Once you read this book you will understand when I say…
The bedroom at the party 🤭🤣
The first kiss 🤭
The door 🤭
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Lindsey Adams

1,220 reviews24 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

What a wonderful and fun read Cocky Mother Pucker ended up being. Sarah Smith provides laugh out loud moments that balance perfectly with the sweet romance and heated scenes throughout the book. The chemistry of our MCs is felt throughout their story, simmering just below the surface needing to spill over. I love reading about a strong, cocky athlete finding the one person he is soft and vulnerable with. One of my favorite tropes for sure.

Nick is living large in college. Captain of the hockey team, game on and off the court, and very aware of every asset he has. All that is hanging by a thread, however, as he is failing enough classes to make him ineligible to play. He decides a tutor is needed and ends up asking the smartest person he knows. Her terms…not what he was expecting. As they exchange services, he begins to realize how he never noticed her.

Poppy doesn’t like Nick and hasn’t since high school. She also never expected him to ask for her help, which she promptly declines. She soon realizes Nick may be able to help her out in return. Getting back at her ex with a new “boyfriend” seems like the perfect revenge. Fake boyfriend for tutoring, that’s her fee for Nick. When he agrees, she isn’t ready for who he turns out to be. Nick is sweet and enduring, not the person she remembers from high school.

As they get to know each other, the feelings begin to take a detour from their agreement. I loved watching them both be honest and open with each other when it comes time to clear up the past. Sarah did a fantastic job in bringing these two together. It was easy to read about them going from “enemies” to friends to so much more.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🏒Fake Dating
💙Best Friend’s Brother
🏒Hockey Himbo MMC
💙Nerdy FMC
🏒Dirty Talk
💙Hand Necklaces
🏒Touch Her and 💀

Dimitra

514 reviews11 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

February 27, 2026

Cocky Mother Pucker 🏒
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Sarah Smith for trusting me with this ARC!🦋
Nick is the College Hockey's golden boy.Captain.Wins game like he was born for this and... he is failing his classes.
Leading him to understand,that if he does not pass all his NHL dreams may disappear in an instant.
Poppy,was always in the top old her classes,so it is not so weird when her best friend's brother asks her for some tutoring.Nothing can go wrong.
OH.MY GOD.
This was PERFECT 🍒
To start with,Smith's writing is beyond wonderful,with this making the story to flow by really easily and trust me YOU DON'T WANT TO.Yet,she built a wonderful love story between our main characters that is all yours to enjoy.
Saying about main characters,for the first time I want to start with the mmc.
Nick was SO,SO,SO CUTE.
Like golden retriever dressed as a black cat.
When you start reading about him,you will feel like he is the standard college hockey character that you have read about a gazillion times,but NO.
The way he speaks,supports,just is ,was so unique.We experience sides of him that no one else has seen,& that's who he truly is inside from the jersey.
Continuing,Poppy is our nerdy fmc,which most of us relate 🫡.
What we mostly view from her is the pressure that she has been receiving for the most of her life & how well she handles it.Personally,I loved to see how she got herself free from this with the help of Nick,and of course due her new confidence that she had beside him.
So,if you ask ME .Yes,they are the PERFECT couple with the PERFECT romance.✨
Out on Mar,9th📝
5⭐

Nolia Reads

69 reviews7 followers