From Grumpy to Sweet: How ‘Dirty Pucker’ Turns Hockey's Bad Boy into a Teddy Bear!

If you're a fan of grumpy sunshine romances with a side of hockey spice, Dirty Pucker by Sarah Smith is going to slapshot its way into your heart!

This delightful read is the second installment in the Denver Bashers series, and it perfectly pairs Del, a.k.a. "Dirty Del," the NHL’s most hated player (and proud owner of the dirtiest mouth in the league), with Ingrid, the team’s bubbly and sunshiney social media queen. Talk about a match made in romance heaven!

Picture this: a brooding bad-boy jock who’s constantly stirring up fights on the ice, finding himself unexpectedly head-over skates for a girl who radiates positivity and smiles. That’s Del and Ingrid in a nutshell! What made me grin like a fool throughout the story was how, despite being Mr. Grumpster 3000, Del transforms into a soft teddy bear around Ingrid. Case in point? This man buys her tampons and snacks. Monthly. If that’s not "Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame" material, I don’t know what is! Seriously, who doesn’t love a guy who’s not afraid to show up with snacks and support during the tough times?

Now, let’s talk about the chemistry between Del and Ingrid. Let me tell you, it’s HOT. Like, “pages might spontaneously combust” hot. Their connection isn’t just physical; it’s emotionally charged and incredibly genuine. Ingrid is dealing with the lingering effects of past relationship trauma, while Del carries the weight of his troubled family history. Watching them navigate their struggles and heal together was as sweet as it was steamy. Major props to Sarah Smith for addressing serious topics like domestic violence with such sensitivity and care—it truly added a layer of depth to the story.

What I loved most about Dirty Pucker is how it skillfully avoids the dreaded third-act breakup that often plagues romance novels. Nope, none of that drama here, folks! Instead, it focuses on growth, trust, and that beautiful slow-burn kind of love that keeps you turning the pages. And let’s not forget about the other Bashers crew—getting to catch up with them was an absolute treat!

Now, I’ll keep it real: there were moments when I wished I could have seen things from Ingrid’s point of view in a more dynamic way. But hey, that’s just my personal preference. Despite that, this book delivered in all the right places, providing a satisfying and enjoyable reading experience.

So, if you’re into spicy sports romances featuring grumpy guys, sunshine girls, and a hefty dose of heart, Dirty Pucker is a must-read! Grab your copy and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, laughter, and swoon-worthy moments!