I’ll be honest, I tore through You’re Pucking Kidding by Livvy Stone in one sitting and loved every minute of it. If you crave fake fiancé chaos, best friend’s brother tension, or just want a sports romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this book checks all the boxes.
The 2-Hour Quickies format kept the pace snappy, and Livvy Stone’s humor had me grinning. I found the small-town hockey setting and laugh-out-loud banter set this apart from the usual quick romance reads.
Key Takeaways
The book moves fast with no filler, making it perfect for readers who want a quick, fun romance.
Fake fiancé and best friend’s brother tropes create exciting tension and playful moments.
The chemistry between the main characters feels real and keeps the story engaging.
Humor and small-town charm add lightness and make the romance enjoyable.
Ideal for busy readers who want a steamy, funny story they can finish in one sitting.
Summary
Book Overview
I have to admit, I picked up You’re Pucking Kidding because I needed something light and fun after a long week. The story kicks off with our heroine in a sticky situation—she needs a fake fiancé, fast. Who steps up?
Her best friend’s brother, who just happens to be a charming hockey player. The small-town setting feels cozy, and the hockey backdrop adds a playful twist. I found myself grinning at the banter and rooting for these two from the start.
The book moves at lightning speed. I blinked, and I was already halfway through. That’s the beauty of the 2-Hour Quickies series. You’re Pucking Kidding doesn’t waste time with filler.
Every scene pushes the story forward, and I never felt bored. The plot is simple but delivers exactly what it promises: fake engagement shenanigans, awkward family moments, and a slow-burn attraction that made me want to keep turning the pages.
Main Tropes
If you love romance tropes, this book is a goldmine. Here’s what stood out to me:
Fake Fiancé: The main couple pretends to be engaged, leading to hilarious and sometimes cringeworthy situations.
Best Friend’s Brother: That forbidden, off-limits vibe adds extra tension.
Sports Romance: Hockey plays a big role, but you don’t need to know the rules to enjoy it.
Small-Town Charm: Everyone knows everyone, which means secrets don’t stay hidden for long.
Humor: The jokes and witty dialogue kept things light, even when the stakes felt high.
I couldn’t put it down. The mix of humor and heart made this a perfect pick-me-up read.
Plot
Pacing
I have to give props to Livvy Stone for how she keeps the story moving. The 2-Hour Quickies format means you get zero fluff. Every scene matters. I blinked, and the characters were already in the thick of their fake engagement.
The pacing feels like a hockey game—fast, a little wild, and never boring. I never found myself skimming or wishing things would hurry up. Instead, I felt like I was right there, watching the action unfold.
The story jumps right into the main problem. No slow build-up.
Each chapter brings a new twist or funny moment.
The tension ramps up with every page, especially as the fake relationship starts to feel real.
I noticed that the book balances action and quieter moments really well. There are scenes where the couple faces awkward family dinners or small-town gossip, and then suddenly, you get a burst of romantic tension or a laugh-out-loud joke.
This mix keeps things fresh and stops the story from feeling flat. I think the quick pace actually helps the romance feel more intense, since there’s no time for the characters (or me) to overthink things.
Trope Execution
If you love tropes, this book delivers. The fake fiancé setup gets used right away, and it leads to some truly funny and sweet moments. I loved how the best friend’s brother angle adds an extra layer of forbidden tension. The main character knows she shouldn’t fall for him, but the chemistry is impossible to ignore.
The fake engagement leads to forced proximity—lots of close calls and almost-kisses.
The best friend’s brother trope means there’s a secret to keep, which adds drama and excitement.
The hockey player hero brings a playful, competitive vibe that makes every scene pop.
I found myself rooting for the couple because the tropes felt familiar but not tired. The story doesn’t drag out misunderstandings or fake drama. Instead, it uses the tropes to push the characters together and force them to face their feelings. The small-town setting makes everything feel more intense, since everyone is watching and gossip spreads fast.
To be fair, I sometimes wanted a little more time with the characters, but the quick format means you get all the good stuff with none of the filler. The plot in You’re Pucking Kiddingleft me grinning and flipping pages way past my bedtime.
Characters
Chemistry
I have to give props to Livvy Stone for making the chemistry between these two characters feel so real. From the first fake engagement scene, I felt the spark. The banter had me grinning, and the tension? It felt almost chilling at times. I caught myself rooting for them, even when they tried to deny their feelings.
The stolen glances made my heart race.
Every awkward family dinner felt like a test of their willpower.
I loved the way they teased each other, but you could tell there was something deeper.
At one point, I actually laughed out loud when they almost got caught sneaking around. That kind of playful energy kept me hooked. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to see if they’d finally admit what everyone else already knew.
Development
I’ll be honest, with a quick-read like this, I worried the characters might feel flat. That didn’t happen here. Both leads felt likable and real, even with the fast pace. The best friend’s brother angle added a layer of forbidden excitement. I could see why she tried to resist, but he made it impossible.
The heroine starts off guarded, but her walls come down as the story goes on.
The hero isn’t just a cocky hockey player. He shows real vulnerability, especially in private moments.
Their growth feels believable, even in a short book.
I liked how the best friend’s brother trope wasn’t just a gimmick. It actually shaped their choices and made the stakes feel higher. The small-town setting meant every secret felt bigger, and every slip-up mattered. By the end, I felt like I knew these two, and I wanted them to get their happy ending.
To be fair, I wished for a few more quiet moments between them, but the story never lost its heart. The chemistry and development made this romance stand out from other quick reads.
Romance
Tension & Depth
I have to admit, I started this book expecting pure fluff, but the romantic tension surprised me. The fake fiancé setup creates instant sparks. Every time the main couple shares a look or a secret, I feel the heat. The best friend’s brother angle adds a forbidden thrill. I kept thinking, “Are they going to get caught?” That question made my heart race.
The story doesn’t just rely on jokes. It digs into real feelings.
The hero shows his softer side, which makes the romance feel honest.
The heroine struggles with her own fears, and I could relate to her worries.
I noticed that the emotional moments sneak up on you. One minute, I’m laughing at a silly hockey prank. The next, I’m holding my breath as the couple faces a tough choice. The book balances these shifts well. I never felt whiplash. Instead, I felt like I was on a roller coaster—one that left me gasping and grinning.
“I expected a joke, but found a story with real heart and depth. The laughs made the serious moments hit even harder.”
Steam & Humor
This book knows how to turn up the heat without losing its sense of fun. The steaminess feels natural, not forced. Every stolen kiss or almost-touch made me want to read faster. The author uses humor to break the tension, so the romance never feels heavy.
The banter is clever, with bird puns and playful teasing.
Awkward situations lead to laugh-out-loud moments, especially during fake fiancé mishaps.
The steam comes in quick bursts, but it always fits the mood.
I love how the story mixes comedy with real emotion. One review said the writing is “thoughtful and well-balanced,” and I agree. The jokes never undercut the romance. Instead, they make the sweet moments even sweeter. I finished the book feeling both happy and a little breathless. That’s the kind of romance I want to read again.
Writing
Style & Voice
I have to give props to Livvy Stone for her writing style. She writes with a voice that feels fresh and real. The dialogue pops off the page. Every conversation sounds like something I’d overhear in a coffee shop or locker room.
I found myself grinning at the quick comebacks and clever jokes. The banter between the main couple never feels forced. It’s sharp, playful, and sometimes a little flirty.
Short, punchy sentences keep the story moving.
Witty dialogue makes the characters feel alive.
Humor is sprinkled everywhere, but the emotional moments still land.
I love when an author can make me laugh and then hit me with a line that feels honest. Livvy Stone does that well. She doesn’t waste words. Every scene has a purpose. I never felt lost or confused, even when things got chaotic. The writing style matches the story’s energy—fast, fun, and a little wild.
Sometimes I read so fast, I have to go back and reread a line just to enjoy the joke again. That’s how you know the voice works.
Quick-Read Impact
I’ll be honest, I usually worry that quick reads won’t give me enough time to connect. This book proved me wrong. The short format actually made me more engaged. I felt like I was right there with the characters, reacting in real time. The story never drags. Every page matters.
Quick-read stories encourage me to interact with the text. I find myself thinking about the characters and their choices, even after I finish.
Short bursts of reading help me stay focused. I don’t get bored or distracted.
Reflecting on the story as I read makes me feel more involved. I catch myself rooting for the couple and laughing at their mishaps.
Research shows that short, informal writing—like reader response journals—helps people connect with stories. I get that. When I finish a book like this, I want to talk about it, write about it, or just think about what made it fun. The quick format lowers the pressure. I can just enjoy the ride.
To be fair, sometimes I wish for a few more quiet moments, but the fast pace keeps me hooked. I couldn’t put it down, and that’s the best feeling.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Positives
Here’s what really worked for me:
Fast pace: I blinked and the story was already racing ahead. No time for boredom.
Trope execution: The fake fiancé and best friend’s brother angles hit all the right notes. I felt the tension and the forbidden thrill.
Humor: The banter had me grinning. I actually laughed out loud at some of the hockey mishaps.
Chemistry: The main couple’s spark felt real. Every stolen glance made my heart race.
Small-town charm: I loved the nosy neighbors and the cozy setting. It made every secret feel bigger.
Quick-read format: Sometimes I just want a story I can finish in one sitting. This book delivered that perfectly.
I couldn’t put it down. The mix of laughs, steam, and heart made this a perfect pick-me-up after a long day.
Drawbacks
To be fair, the quick-read format does come with a few trade-offs. Here’s what left me wanting more:
Limited character depth: I noticed the characters didn’t get as much time to grow. Research shows that strengths often cross over and don’t always fit neatly into boxes. Some traits, like bravery or humility, can be tough to measure or show in a short story. I felt that here—sometimes I wanted to know more about what made these characters tick.
Rushed moments: A few scenes felt like they ended too soon. I wanted more quiet time between the couple, just to see them open up.
Predictability: The story follows the tropes closely. I guessed a few twists before they happened.
Not much background: The side characters and hockey world felt a bit thin. I wished for more details about their lives outside the romance.
I still enjoyed the ride, but I found myself wishing for a few extra chapters to really dig into the characters’ hearts. Sometimes, quick reads just can’t give you everything.
Who Should Read
Ideal Audience
I always wonder who would enjoy this book like I did. If you like romance for a quick break, this book is for you. I finished it in one sitting. It’s great for busy people who want a full story fast. If you enjoy fake fiancé drama or best friend’s brother tension, you’ll like this. If you want a sports romance with jokes, you’ll feel at home.
Here’s a quick look at who might enjoy this book most:
Key Evidence | Implication for Ideal Audience | |
|---|---|---|
Age | Millennials read the most books among generations; over 50% of children aged 6-17 use libraries | Great for teens, college students, and young adults who love fast-paced stories |
Gender | Women read more than men; romance is the top-selling genre mainly consumed by women | Perfect for female readers who crave romance and humor |
Ethnicity | White, Black, and Hispanic students show lower reading proficiency in multiple states; post-Covid literacy gains lost, highlighting disparities | Good pick for anyone looking to boost reading habits with something light and fun |
If you read between classes or at lunch, this book fits your life. I’d give it to anyone who wants a quick, fun romance with some spice and lots of heart.
Similar Titles
If you’re like me, you want more after a good romance. Here are some books that are a lot like this one. They have fake relationships, sports, and small towns. These books have high ratings on Goodreads and Amazon, so many people like them.
Pucked by Helena Hunting – Hockey, jokes, and fake dating. Over 100,000 ratings on Goodreads.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy – College hockey romance with jokes and heart. Lots of fans and reviews.
The Off-Campus Series by Elle Kennedy – More hockey, more laughs, and swoon-worthy moments.
The Roommate Pact by Allison Ashley – Best friend’s brother, close quarters, and a fast pace.
I always check reviews before picking a book. Books with over 1,000 reviews mean lots of people enjoyed them. If you like these, You’re Pucking Kidding will be a treat.
I tore through You’re Pucking Kidding in one sitting and had a blast. The fast pace, sharp banter, and fake fiancé drama made it a fun escape, even if some moments felt rushed.
I noticed that, just like jurors swayed by pre-trial bias, my love for these tropes shaped my verdict. If you want a quick, steamy romance with laughs and small-town charm, this one’s for you.
Dionysus Review Rating: 6/10
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this book spicy or more sweet?
I’d say it’s a mix! The story has some steam, but nothing too wild. The chemistry feels real, and the flirty banter adds heat. If you like a little sizzle with your laughs, you’ll enjoy it.
Do I need to know hockey to enjoy the story?
Not at all! I barely know the rules myself. The hockey parts add fun, but the focus stays on the romance and the fake fiancé chaos. You won’t feel lost if you’re not a sports fan.
Can I read this as a standalone?
Yes, you can! I jumped in without reading any other books in the series. The story stands on its own, so you won’t miss anything important.
Is there a lot of drama or angst?
Nope, not much. The story keeps things light with jokes and awkward moments. There’s a little tension, but nothing that left me stressed or upset.
Would this book work for a book club?
If your group likes quick, fun romances with lots of laughs, I think it’s a great pick. The tropes and banter give you plenty to talk about, even in a short read.
