Puck Buddies

Puck Buddies #1

by Tara Brown

The princess and the puck.

Sami Ford has it all.
Looks. Money. Happiness.
Her life is perfect.
But only if one doesn't look too closely.

Matt Brimley is a sports god.
Hockey fans adore him.
Girls everywhere want to worship at his skates.
He’s living the dream.
If the dream involved everyone expecting you to be nothing but a jock.

These two rich kids could be the perfect couple.
If he didn't think she was a spoiled princess, and she didn't think he was a dumb puck, they might be.

But hating someone doesn’t mean you can’t want them.

Genres: Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, New Adult, Hockey, Audiobook, Contemporary

Unknown Binding

First published June 25, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne

Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.

Reviews

[Fran · Rating 1 out of 5]

WHAT.A.HOT.MESS.

This is seriously the lamest, most ridiculous book I've ever read. I would have DNFd but I skim-read it until the end because I wanted to know if it would ever get better. It didn't. It got stupid and stupider.

I'm sorry, I don't usually leave negative reviews, but this is just god-awful. I don't have a problem with the writing because it is good (I think). But the story?! Man, it's taking the poor little rich kids to another level. I just don't get the logic of anything in the book. There's the petty drama. The immature characters. The annoying back and forth. The cheating (puck bunny, anyone?). But really, just, what are they even doing or not doing to each other and with each other?

I.DON'T.GET.IT. And apparently, it's not the end of Matt and Sami. Because there will be a continuation. What. No thank you.

P.S. I really liked the prologue, BTW. It gave me such high hopes.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars!
I didn't read the first book in this series and doubt I will. This one was good at times but kind of boring. I didn't feel the connection between Matt and Sami. Not sure if I want to read a whole other book about these two spoiled rich kids:(

[Michelle [Helen Geek]]

07/16/2016 -- Strangeness going on here.

I pre-ordered this from Amazon. It got cancelled telling me the release date had changed. I saw it again with a new date, so I pre-ordered this again. Twice again the release date changed until yesterday I got an email cancelling my pre-order again. I feel bad for this author. Something is going on. Her first book in this series was entertaining and I was looking forward to the next installment. I'll wait patiently .. I guess. Which is NOT a strength of mine :)

[Jaime · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recommendation: READ THIS BOOK BEFORE READING ROOMMATES!!!!!

What HAPPENED!?

I LOVED Roommates and was REALLY looking forward to this book. I loved Sami in the first book and was excited to see where her and Matt's relationship was going to go. I didn't realize that this book would essentially be the prequel to Roommates. Knowing the outcome made this story drag on and on. It was very back and forth and very infuriating. It didn't add anything to Sami's personality other than a rich girl, woe-is-me vibe, which I didn't like AT ALL. It made her and Matt completely unrelatable. Not to mention, I didn't appreciate Matt's "I'm a nice southern (rich) guy who thinks I'm better than all the other rich people." I kept rolling my eyes in disgust every time he would judge Sami for doing something when he was doing similar things.

The prologue to this story would have been great and maybe a few flashbacks would have even been fine, but to have the whole story of how they came to be? Personally, I think this should have been the first book in the series. It would have made for a much more interesting read had we not seen where the story would end up. I do want to read the next book because it sounds like it's going to coincide with the first book and possibly go beyond it. I do like Matt and Sami, I just did not like this book.

My suggestion to anyone reading this series- read this one first and then read Roommates. Ms. Brown should really change it to Puck Buddies (Roommates 0.5) to encourage people to read it first. I can't stress how much Roommates spoiled this book for me. It was like someone telling you the end of a book (though I understand that it is NOT the end of their story) and then reading it anyway. All you're doing throughout the book is anticipating what you already know is going to happen.

[~Kristin~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Pam Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Puck Buddies Stars

I want to know what audible was thinking putting this book under the sub-genre gothic. It was more like a contemporary romance/ sports romance, nothing gothic about it at all.

It isn’t a deep profound kind of book its surface a little predictable but overall I liked the book. I didn’t feel like Matt was a dumb jock at all and I didn’t feel like Sami was a Miss Priss. I quite liked their back and forth it made the story more believable.

I do wish it hadn’t ended like that because though I liked the overall story I will not be continuing with the series.

The narration was ok, it matched the book well.

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

rich people problems




the book had its bright moments but sadly they were overshadowed by a lot of drama I can't relate to or care for... ending is confusing, abrupt and HFN ( probably bc there are more books in the series but still) ..

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is literally 2 rich kids walking around going "woe is me, my life is so hard". Spare me.

Sami Ford and Matt Brimley are two of the worst characters I've ever read. And together, they are just horrible. Sami is basically Paris Hilton meets Lindsay Lohan - without the rehab stints (the author mentions this many times, so just remember, no rehab). She doesn't understand how life really works outside high society- think she has no clue what a freaking hot dog is when presented to her. Her life consists of being seen of club openings, playing big sister to her best friend who - as we told constantly - is not well off (she has to go to community college *gasp*), shopping, and partying. But don't worry, deep down she has a heart and wants to be loved for who she is inside. (which to me was still a spoiled little rich girl, but what do I know?)

Then there's Matt Brimley - superstar and now NHL hockey player. He comes from one of the richest families on the Upper East Side but he's the black swan of the family. I mean, obviously playing in the NHL is not an acceptable career for a socialite (is it still socialite if it's male? I don't know if I've ever heard a male equivalent) His father has basically washed his hands of his son leaving Matt all by his lonesome. But that's ok, because he has his drunk ass friends to take him out and throw puck bunnies at him. Classy friends, I know.

The story takes place over something like 4 years. They meet then don't see each other for awhile then randomly meet for a night and then don't see each other for awhile and they randomly...ok, you get where I'm going here. And every time this happens, Sami is a bitch and Matt is a pompous ass flirt. But it's ok because deep down they like each other and have a real connection (we were told this, I never saw it).

So why two stars instead of one? Matt's butler and driver were amazing characters and so was Sami's maid (governess?). Oh and I liked the friend Carson. Everyone else was just egotistical and extremely unlikable.

Oh and I love hockey so gotta give props whenever that sport pops up.

So if you want a book about rich people being rich and talking about how great they are, then this book is for you. Or even if you like your romance quick and no real feelings - I mean, the sex was hot - then this may also be for you. But none of the above appeal to me, so I wasn't a fan. The next book in the series is about a completely different couple and people seem to like that one a lot more so I may check it out but I'm really on the fence about that right now.

[*The Angry Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Holy wow!

Okay. Gonna attempt to string together some coherent thoughts and call it a review.

First and foremost, I love reading Tara Brown. She's different, and I dig it.

Second, kudos to a book for taking me out of my head. With the pending GRE and work craziness added to my already full plate I really needed a mental break. I knew it would take a hell of a book to give me a break from my monkey mind.

I guess, technically, this was a romance. Sort of. But it felt more like a modern coming of age story. Sami is a wealthy socialite. Not the cute glamorous kind generally found in these books. She's an asshole. And her anger and frustration and shittiness felt real. I loved this book bc I loved Sami. Matt, the "hero," is also rich, but plays hockey. Sami has issues. Matt makes judgments. They struggle through the entire book. And the ending...was something else.

The pleasure in the book came from watching Sami break apart and piece herself together. She's an unapologetic train wreck. But a really likable one. I think if I'd read the synopsis I wouldn't have read this book. But I picked it up bc I adored the first one and really enjoy this author. There are flaws sure. But for a light read it was engrossing. I identified with Sami. And I liked how she was more of a focus than the relationship. (But, seriously, that ending though...)

[Kayread · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so confused during this book. One thing I've noticed is I'm starting to not have tolerance for when the H is with OW's even if he and the h are not seriously dating. I say this because if I would reread Roommates I would give it a different rating. Brody was with a few but Natalie was on/off with William. Back to puck buddies. So much back and forth. This can not be the same Sami I liked from roommates. Matt was crazy about her but yet he cheats. Yes, I know he didn't start it but he sure finished it in Tandy's mouth. He could have pushed her off and covered his dick. I know he kept going back and forth about Sami not being quality but more of a good time girl. He had made a date with her and then gets sucked off after the game. No!! Later at a Christmas party Tandy reappears. He tries to brush her off but not good enough. She gets his dick out and begins to fuck him. He starts to vomit. He still cheated right there imo. Why do people drink so much they have no control over their bodies. Their relationship was so stressful. She breaks it off after the shower blowjob becomes public knowledge but ends up taking him back with rules. I went on to read book 3 just to ruin the rest of my weekend.

[Erin]

DNF after only 45 minutes of the audiobook.

I just cannot do it. The main female character is so insipid, shallow, and flat out dumb that I just can't.

"You can't call them BLACK cabs... that's racist! And most of the cab drivers are white!"
Are you effing kidding me? And that was in the first 10 minutes.

Also, author really doesn't know London if she thinks that the tube is going to be closed on NYE and that there won't be any cabs around. That is their bread and butter nights, so seriously stop.

I love Ice Hockey stories. But I'm 45 minutes in, there was only a 30 second mention of hockey, but 40 minutes of dealing with this stupid spoiled rich girl whining about her reputation in the press, and her poor poor best friend. "I don't understand why my father can't just pay for your tuition at Columbia" <- seriously? What planet does this chick live on?

I'm done. I just can't do it. Skimming other reviews, apparently this will not get better, and frankly I'm can't hold out till we get to the hockey part to see if it will get remotely better.

Also, the female narrator is awful, all the voices sounded exactly the same so it made me bored.

[Elaine Skinner · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the hell was that? I felt like I was on an acid trip...while attempting time travel. What. A. Hot. Mess. DNF and proud of it!

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Puck Buddies was the first book in the Puck Buddies series by Tara Brown. The books are best read in order.

I’ve taken a break from formal reviews for a while, but a couple quick thoughts: First, it’s important to note that this is not a stand a lone but the first part of a story and ends on a cliff hanger. I’m ok with those, IF it’s stated up front - this was not, so I’m a little aggravated at the moment, but I’ll get over it. Second, these characters are depressing - but possibly realistic. I really didn’t like either of them very well until the epilogue - which means I most likely will like their follow up book since I did like the change in them for the epilogue. So that’s a plus. However, it’s also important to note that their follow up is not book two of the series, but book three. Thankfully, I read book two several years ago so I can go straight to book three. I have high expectations for book three, which in the end will make this book worth it!

Note: this is not a safe plot line for those looking for monogamy. If you follow the safe guidelines for your reading pleasure, you should skip this book.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just really hated this. My rating probably would have been 3 stars because I like the series but the release debacle made me annoyed at this book before it even started. I loved the first book so I don't know how this one went so wrong but it totally did. My problems:
1. Romance authors tend to slut shame, it just happens in so many books where the female lead talks on and on about how they don't sleep around like "those other girls," side note - who are these mysterious "other girls" that women talk about as though they are the devil (ie "I'm not like other girls," excuse me but why are other girls so bad). Back to slut shaming, usually I just try to ignore but given my other annoyances at this book it grated at me too much to even try to ignore it.
2. Why was this a prequel? I hate hate hate when I don't know going in that it's a prequel - I thought this was gonna talk about Sami but pick up after the first book and this being a prequel kind of ruined this and the first one for me because I basically lost any good feelings I had towards Sami.
3. Sami treats everyone so terribly through most of this book - she's not relatable at all and so I didn't really care what happened to her.
4. Why was this sooooooo long. It made me dread picking up my kindle cause I didn't want to deal with it.
5. And finally the "woe is me my family is so rich" trope is ridiculous. You face the same problems as everyone else you just have more privilege while doing it so I don't know why I'm supposed to have any sympathy for these characters.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

One star off for cliff hanger. I did not see the end and assume another book for these characters. They are great characters. They are dealing with rich people problems and that is interesting. They lack maturity but they grow by talking to therapist or a cousin in Kentucky (who has a lot of good advice) because these kids have had little parental involvement in their lives.

It's a very tricky thing being in NHL and that lifestyle and demands attributed to professional athletes. I think Beast is going to have to lay off alcohol and learn how to fend off Puck bunnies.

[Sam Larks · Rating 2 out of 5]

2:5 stars there wasn't anything wrong with it but I didn't like Matt! He got a BJ from a OW and the "accidentally" put the tip in OW while he was drunk at a party.......Hmmmm not impressed! Especially with the fact that his being around women throwing themselves at him will be a constant in their lives!
Then my other issue was after she found out she left him (I'm thinking GoGirl!) but all he had to do was drop to his knees and ask her to give him another chance......and she does Pffft! (With stipulations, like she's not sleeping with him for a year but still) pfft!

[Mary McFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!!! I really wish this would have come out first before roommates but it was fun to see Nat and Will The Douche in the beginning too. This makes me want to reread Roommates so bad and I really wish that Bed Buddies comes out soon!

[Deniz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5Stars

[Vera · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretty cover, that's what made me pick it up, and hockey. Not that good of a story, unfortunately. The writing was good but the story and its characters didn't make much sense to me.

[Ginny Deffendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

By Tara Brown

They say not to judge a book by it's cover, right? But how many of us do that? #GUILTY

What do you think of when you see this cover? To me, I expected a happy little teenage love story... Like the Princess Diaries meets The Mighty Ducks. Or like my 90s favorite, The Cutting Edge. What I got was more like Gossip Girl meets Youngblood...

Sami Ford is a wealthy New York socialite who lives life in the public eye. She is a total princess. Matt Brimley is an up-and-coming hockey god. She'd be into him if he acted like he remembered the night he kissed her.... The best and worst night of her life.

I was not expecting this book to be so...dark. These characters are jaded. Like I said, I was expecting light and fluffy. That's what I was looking for while under house arrest forced to stay home with a horrible case of vertigo.

I wasn't expecting so many uses of the F word.... or the ubiquity of casual sex. But it was playoff hockey time and I enjoy any hockey romance so it was worthy of my time.

That said, I'm not sure I liked Sami or Matt very much. My favorite character seemed to be Matt's cousin who kept telling him he was being an idiot! Since finishing the book I've read some of the Goodreads reviews. Apparently this is a prequel to another book, Roommates, which people liked. I didn't love this one, but I definitely liked it enough to check out the sequel.

Three stars!

[Sarah Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a long time ago originally and I'm giving this a reread because the series is finished. What I will say is I don't remember him being quite so...well...dumb. Like he is not smart. In fact, I think I may not be rooting for them to work out. Still...3.5 stars and I will.be reading on...

[emilyreadsandreviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, it was okay. I felt like no emotion and I really could have given a hoot less about the main characters.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only listened to this book as it had Cooper North narrating, and had it not been him, I would have stopped after the first two chapters. This was a terrible book in MHO.

[Jackie Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

[Michelle Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

--My hands are on her arms and my lips crash down on hers as I lift her up into me. She kisses back, moaning softly, “I hate you!”
“I know, baby. I hate you too. But you feel so good.” I suck her lip, letting her breath become my air.

Oh, y'all, I love me a good enemies to lovers story, and this story ranks right up there with the intensity of the characters and the hateful passion they exhibit.

Sami Ford is a 'princess' the the worst ice queens society has breed, according to all the tabloids and of course those closest to her. She is amongst of the richest families and is expected to hold a certain standard when out in public. She beautiful, she's ruthless and she would never fall for a blue collar hockey player.

Matt is an NHL player for the Rangers, just moved back to New York. And he is on Sami's hate list. Her friends have never seen her act that way towards anyone. She doesn't seem someone worth her energy to hate them. But Matt finds himself on that side, all because she says he lied. Lied about not knowing her and lied that night in London.

--Our kissing isn’t like our first time; it’s not soft or passionate. It’s desperate and savage. There’s biting and viciousness. Hate fuels every movement, every taste, but I don’t care. I want more. He makes my stomach tense in a way I can’t stand, but I don’t want it to stop.

When their hate towards each other ignites into sparks, they can't seem to stay away from each other, even when they are hating each other.

--I’m reliving the moment she finally smiled at me, just the once.
It ruined everything.
Ruined me.

--I offer her my heart to destroy. The same way she did me.

Of course not every story can go smoothingly, and there is going to be something, somewhere to mess it up. Read this delish story to see if the Blue Collar hockey player and finally melt the frigid Ice Queen for good.

The chapter headings in this book had me giggling, and I just loved Cousin Beverly! The characters are privileged and broken, just trying to find their own way in a society that wants them to act a certain way, be a certain way. I want more! I can't wait to get more of their story because I wasn't expecting that ending to be honest, I must have more of their story! Tara has a way of doing that, giving you a great story and make you still want more!

[Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first met Matt and Sami in Roommates as the respective best friends of Brady and Natalie, who just happened to be together. I can recall how much I wanted to know about how the two met and became a couple. When Tara Brown announced the surprise release of Puck Buddies, I knew I wasn't going to be let down. Well, I also wasn't prepared for the story and my emotions.

Sami is misunderstood. Her public persona is completely incongruous with who she really is. Unfortunately for her, only a few people have been allowed into her inner circle and really know her, so everyone else just knows what they see in the tabloids and gossip shows. I really liked Sami. I mean yes she's extremely privileged, and can even come across as snooty, but all I saw when I read this book was a girl looking for a real connection. She felt a spark with Matt and she really wanted him to see her, not everything surrounding her.

Matt was a total surprise. He came across as really laid back in Roommates and so I guess I was expecting the same here, and he is, sort of. I loved getting to know more about him. I loved the way he was terrified of his Gran and the way he called Bev his cousin for help. Seeing how easy going Matt was, I was astonished at how often he made major mistakes and stuck his foot in his mouth. I mean I wanted to knock some sense into him.

Sami and Matt together were wonderful. Yes they generated enough heat and electricity to wire a building, but I loved seeing them open up to each other and just be vulnerable with on another. I think that's why when one of them messed up, it literally felt like the point of no return for those two. I got so caught up in the story that there may have been moments when I legit cried. I mean Tara Brown has a gift of words and story telling no doubt, but I wasn't expecting my emotions to be so deeply involved too.

Matt and Sami's story in incomplete. I can't wait to read more of their journey from where this book ends to where they are in Roommates and beyond. And kudos to Tara Brown for giving readers a story they wanted, but one with deep emotional depth.

[Meran Rhodes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is it so hard to write female characters who have some semblance of self respect? The beginning of the book didn't bother me because she was young and acting out and learning lessons. By the time Matt starts to put the moves on her, he does it in such a way that makes her feel cheep and she knows she should stop it and show more respect for herself but instead decides her hormones are more important than self respect and goes for it just to feel like a "borrowed whore" (as the book would say) afterward. I understand that people have sex and I get that my view of what that should entail is "old fashioned" and so I let a lot slide as far as when sex happens or how it happens in books but this...this is just sad a and ridiculous and makes me want to yell at Sam and punch Matt. Just no. Its not okay to sell yourself so incredibly short of your value as a woman and for Sam to have those thoughts and then through them out the window because biceps...no. On top of that both Matt and Sam act like immature, spoiled brats even though they consider themselves SO much more advanced than most of the immature, spoiled brats in their circle. Well, they aren't and that high and mighty attitude makes them even more annoying. I was so looking forward to this book and it just pissed me off.

Aletha George and Cooper North, however, did a fantastic job with the narration. I've heard Cooper North in a few other books and really liked him every time. Aletha George is a new narrator to me but was good for her part

[Amy Daws · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved! Such a s e x y rom com of a read. Seriously, so many hilarious one-liners in this and such a sharp, dry wit. Honestly, the funniest book I've read all year.
Matt and Sami were such dynamic characters. They made me LOL and swoon on many occasions. And I loved how imperfect they were. Sami's scene where she calls Matt blue-collar was cringe worthy but oh so enjoyable and if you can make me still like the girl after that, that's called depth in a character! And Matt...ugh, the boy just could not stop screwing up, but he's the most charming, likable Beast ever.
It's an unconventional love story to be sure. It's chock full of angst and barriers that get thrown at these two along the way. Both of them being their own worst enemy at times, but I loved it. Truly.
Yes it has a cliffy, there's warnings everywhere from upset readers, but gosh, come on. Just enjoy the ride this author took us on! She has a plan for us and I for one can't wait (but I happily will) to see what Sami & Matt have in store for their upcoming "arrangement". :) 5 Stars of hilarious puck worthy fun!!!

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I m too poor n old to understand their love story. If u think it is a love story. What I have been told, two rich, spoiled young adult, did everything they like without thinking, when I pleased I come, leave without notice when I was angry.

Do I see the responsible couple who deeply in love? Maybe they were but I didn't feel it, because I m too old to understand or feel it.

Next time, will check it n read all the reviews first, life is too short. This is not the one fit the people in middle age, even I do enjoy the first, I don't think the second fit me, n the third goes to Sami n Matt, I may not consider to finish theirs journey. Don't get me wrong, if you are young, read it, may be u can find them really interesting.

[Irma *Irma The Book Whisperer* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Lord! What a story.

After Roomates, which I loved so much, I knew I had to read Puck Buddies.

When I'm reading a story, I seek for angst, lust and passion. I felt like Puck Buddies has lust, has passion but it also felt like a mouse and a cat game. Which I totally loved. I loved Matt and Sami as characters, I felt connected to the story and was captivated by it.
Somewhere at the third quarter the pace of the story slowed down but it picked right up and delivered that brilliant cliff that has me sitting at the edge of my seat while waiting for some more of Matt's and Sami's story.