We have humor, spicy, heat, chemistry, banter, and emotions.
I really enjoyed this book.
First of all, I want to say, I know that this was the third book in this series, but this is my first book in the series and I enjoyed it as a standalone. I did not feel that I was missing out on anything integral to the plot of this book by having not read the previous 2 books.
I felt like the plot had a lot of chaos - but it was written well.
Astrid and her revenge plot? Hello.
Did I mention that Astrid falls for her ex-boyfriend's twin brother Blake? lol.. what?! What a premise my friends, what a premise.
Multiple POVs. However, there was some switching up of the POV in some of the chapters and that can make it feel a bit disjointed.
However, I still enjoyed this book very much.
The plot is fairly well structured, other than the switching of POVs mid chapter, etc. The pacing was good.
The characters were all so interconnected and I loved that. The characters were also fairly well developed. I was able to stay engaged for the majority of the book.
The ending was emotional. I had some tears.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Great addition to your summer TBR.
Happy Reading!

Karma and Operation Heartbreak!

Journalist Astrid Sinclair never expected to find some new best friends when she was stranded at the airport where they all dished on their ex’s. Now they wanted to help each other get revenge on the ex in Operation Heartbreak and Astrid’s target for karma is Sienna’s ex is NHL superstar Aiden Carter.

Aiden Carter was one of the Titan Twins with his brother Blake and her article was to help Blake with his image with the team and fans. But with Astrid needing to get closer to Aiden it made her start to get feelings for Blake even though he wasn’t her intended target for karma.

There are some deeper parts to The Puck Stops Here where you find out more about Aiden and Blake but I’ll let the reader learn all about Astrid with Aiden and Blake.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a fun, flirty sports romance with plenty of chemistry and just the right amount of drama. I loved the dynamic between the main characters—the banter was sharp, and their connection felt genuine. The hockey backdrop added that extra layer of excitement, and the romance had a great mix of heat and heart.

There were a few moments where I wished for a bit more emotional depth or development in the storyline, but overall, it was exactly what I wanted: entertaining, sexy, and satisfying. Perfect if you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, steamy sports romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously

The Puck Stops Here is a fun, sexy romance about a fierce female hockey coach and a charming player who clash—and spark—on and off the ice. It’s full of chemistry, banter, and emotional depth as both characters deal with past struggles while falling for each other.

The story is fast-paced, easy to read, and full of heart. There’s a good mix of steamy moments and real feelings, with strong, likeable characters.

Good if you like: sports romance, strong women, and steamy love stories.
Not so good if you don’t like: explicit romance or sports settings.

I really enjoyed this, it wasn't too heavy on the sports elements, but hockey does play a central role for the two MMC's. Astrid the FMC is determined, complicated and clumsy, and her role as a journalist has to balance against her revenge mission plans.
This definitely does have John tucker must die vibes which I am all for, as a group of women come together and plan how to get revenge on their exes. Astrid's role was to make Aiden fall in love for her then break his heart, but she didn't count on his twin brother charming her, confusing her feelings and mission.
Her role as journalist helps her to uncover more about both brothers and put the pieces together that led to her friends heartbreak, as well as expose their tragic past.
It's an emotional and dramatic journey, exposing all the characters vulnerabilities, and I enjoyed the dynamics of Aiden being the protector and golden boy, and Blake being the broody bad boy.
It had swoony moments, humour, awkward interactions, and believable chemistry.

This was my first book in the series, and honestly... I’m on the fence about picking up the others.

The setup is fun—four scorned women meet at an airport and decide to get back at each other’s exes in a "John Tucker Must Die" kind of way. Enter Astrid, who goes undercover to take down an NHL star, only to start catching feelings for his twin brother, Blake.

And Blake? Yeah, he pretty much carried the book for me. Total bad boy vibes with a hidden soft side. I loved any scene with him and Astrid.

But the whole premise of deception, especially while she’s actively falling for Blake—was hard to get behind. I get it’s supposed to be fun and messy, but it made it harder for me to connect with Astrid.

Still, if you’re into sports romance, a little chaos, and forbidden love vibes, it might be worth checking out. Just not sure this series is for me. 🤷‍♀️

This book was so good!! I think this is my favorite in the series so far. The chemistry between our main characters was perfect. The two MMCs were hilarious, and literally, they are perfect.
The FMC was truly independent and brave, but also somewhat clumsy. The love triangle was a bit confusing, but I enjoyed it as well. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys sports romances.

A light reading with deep topics.

I didn't see it coming. I thought this will be like another fun hockey romance-- because I haven't read any of other Karma Club books (which I am now regretting).
This book made me laugh and cried. At some point(s) I hate Astrid and Blake (lol) and got frustrated.
I couldn't relate to their chemistry at first but then the story just flow and I enjoyed it until the end. Great book for cozy read!

A karma fuelled series about a group of newly formed friends who set out to seek revenge and payback both on and for each others previous love interests let downs and betrayals. An interesting take, especially as I've now realised that although this is the third in the series, each one is written by a different author so I appreciate the originality of the concept.

I really loved the bond and relationship between the two brothers, and the honesty and depth of their lives off the ice ...the ice hockey setting was just👌🏻

Perfect for fans of a sporty ice hockey setting where the tension is high, romance revenge pacts gone wrong, and strong female characters with a female friendship group backdrop.

I haven’t read any of the other Karma Club books, but I definitely enjoyed The Puck Stops Here!
I love hockey romance, no idea why but here we are, and this one had some sizzle, great character development and fantastic banter.
Astrid is fantastic as the female main char. She sees right to the heart of people and doesn’t judge what she sees. She also really wants people to see themselves the way she does. Enter Blake who definitely needs an Astrid in his life! Who doesn’t love a bad boy with a secret heart of gold?
Knowing the reason why she was writing her articles my heart hurt as the story went on and I am so happy with how it all ended! Sweet, spicy and a nice easy read! Perfect as a summer read despite the cold ice rink setting!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This one deviates a little from the others, in that the hero isn’t an ex but the twin brother of an ex. It was enjoyable and I’m looking forward to the last book.

I absolutely loved this book! Having read the first two in the Karma Series, I think The Puck Stops Here might be my favourite so far.

While the first book had a bit more humour, the chemistry in this one really stood out. The two male main characters (twin brothers) are everything you’d want in a man: kind, protective, and even a little sensitive. And what about the FMC? She totally holds her own. She’s strong, caring and yes, a little clumsy in the most relatable way. She also lives with PMDD which is touched on throughout the story in a really thoughtful and respectful way.

There is (kind of) a love triangle but it helps build the story. Even if love triangles aren’t usually your thing, I wouldn’t let that stop you as it adds to the drama without being shady.

One of the standout parts for me was that we got to see the strong friendship between the female characters from the series. That bond really shines through and made the story even more fun.

If you haven’t read the Karma Series yet, I’d highly recommend it. There are four books, each written by a different author and somehow they all manage to keep the characters feeling true and consistent. It’s such a fun series! I cannot wait to read the 4th and final book!

5 ⭐️ The Puck Stops Here by: Rachael Stewart is Publishing June 17, 2025 with Boldwood Books

Another book from the Karma Series each written by a different author. While revenge isn’t my thing I do love the sisterhood they have with one another.

Now for this story, oh my gosh I loved it. I could not put it done. I loved reading from the different point of views. Each gave insight to the individual characters thoughts and feeling. Yet written in a way that you could still get the sense for the other characters. The chemistry and witty banter you could feel it reading the pages. A mix of heavy and light. It was well balanced and addictive. This is one I could read again even having finished it. I’m so excited to read more by Rachael Stewart and the rest of the joint authored series.

Warning a few spicy scenes.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read before publishing and shares my honest thoughts.

'The Puck Stops Here' delivers a delightful mix of sass, spice, and sports-fueled tension that makes it hard to put down. This book is a fast-paced, trope-filled treat for romance fans who like their revenge plots messy, their banter snappy, and their hockey players hot.

Astrid is a force—clever, bold, and refreshingly unapologetic in her pursuit of payback. Her chemistry with brooding twin Blake brings a delicious twist to her plans, upending everything she thought she was after. The love triangle is handled with humor and heart, with just enough angst to raise the stakes without weighing down the fun.

Blake is a standout love interest—grumpy but sincere, with layers that peel back slowly and satisfyingly. Their opposites-attract dynamic is full of spark, flirtation, and emotional tension that makes every stolen moment sizzle.

The premise is a bit over-the-top at times, and the revenge plot edges on chaotic, but that’s part of the charm. If you’re here for drama, steam, and a heroine who doesn’t back down, *The Puck Stops Here* hits the sweet spot.

A spicy, smart, and wildly entertaining hockey romance with just enough heart to make it more than just a game.

My thoughts:
Though this is Book 3 in The Karma Club Collection, it can certainly be read as as a standalone.
Twin hockey players, Aiden and Blake are the main characters in the story along with Astrid.
The story focuses on friendships, relationships and family. Along with that, we get a fun sports romance with lots of chemistry!
This was a fun read though it wasn’t as spicy as I thought it was going to be.
Definitely a quick read that will keep your interest.

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

As someone who’s enjoyed this series and loves Hockey Romance, I was so excited to read this instalment and it didn’t disappoint.

The Karma Club series follows a friendship group out for revenge. When a group of women serendipitously meet at an airport, friendships are formed and revenge pacts created. Each has a ex that’s seriously wronged them and they decide to get their revenge - each girl will take another one’s ex down.

Here we follow Astrid - her target is Aiden, who left his childhood sweetheart behind for NHL fame and stardom. She plans to get revenge by letting him know exactly how it feels to be left behind, she’s going to make him fall for her and then leave him in the dust. The only issue - his twin brother Blake. When sparks fly with the wrong twin, will Astrid be able to break Aiden’s heart without breaking her own?

Aiden is a good guy who’s made bad choices. Well, bad choices in relation to Sienna and his love life, but what he saw as the only choice for his brother and his mom. Sienna was caught in the crossfire - left behind but not told why. I felt really bad for Sienna - how things worked out for her and what happened in the aftermath of being left behind. He might’ve had his reasons for leaving but he still deserves some sort of payback for the hurt he caused. Just a complicated situation all round!

Blake is a typical bad boy who needs an image reform - or that’s how he makes himself out to be. His outward persona doesn’t match who he actually is - as emphasised in the contrast of how he behaves in chapters in his POV compared to how he acts in others. I just hoped he’d make it out of the book without becoming collateral damage in the revenge plot Astrid is running against Aiden.

Astrid was such a strong FMC - struggling with her own abandonment issues and health struggles. Such a good friend to the girls! She really connected with Blake and struggled with the rising tensions between them, as she has to stay focused on getting justice for her friend. I loved how she was able to read people and see the true picture - really developed the idea that she was a successful journalist.

I just love this series - I can’t wait to see how it wraps up in book 4! Also I need to know how Harvey gets his comeuppance!

ARC copy provided by Boldwood Books & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Because I read pretty fast, and sometimes struggle with “what to read next,” I love a good series. While I prefer series by one author, I have enjoyed a few by multiple authors. When I read “Settling the Score” by Clare Connelly, I fell a bit in love with all of the characters. I decided to go back to the beginning and read the other books. I found the first two books easily, and really enjoyed them. When I found out the third book wasn’t out yet, I was a bit heartbroken. That’s why I was so thrilled to get a chance to read it a bit early!

If you have read first two books, you are probably aware that they take place during the same timeline. This book is also on that timeline. While I do believe this book could be read as a standalone, it does add to the enjoyment and the understanding of some of the conversations if you have read the other books. I will say that you could probably read the books out of order; however, definitely read book four LAST!

In regards to this specific book, I loved it just as much as all of the other books in the series. Having read book four already, it was a bit nice knowing that everything was going to work out just fine. I am excited to read more books by these authors in the future.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

This is the least strong of the series so far, but it was fun. There's a type close to the beginning where Aiden's last name is misspelled although I expect that would be fixed by publication. I think I didn't buy the immediate attraction and the rest of the book was colored by that.

If you want spicy hockey, this is the book for you. Rachel Stewart cranks up the heat in The Puck Stops Here and the fun never stops.

This book gets right all the fun, spicy parts of life, as well as the romantic nuances that I come to expect in a hockey romance novel.

I couldn't put this book down and I flew through it, never wanting it to end. The plot may be simple at times, but that doesn't make it any less interesting. I can not wait to see what she writes next. She's made a believer out of me.

5 Chilli Peppers
5 Stars
For Sure!!

Another great read in this series. I must admit I don’t ordinarily enjoy stories about hockey players and avoid them. However, because this was part of the Karma series, which I have loved so far I gave it a go. I’m so glad I did because this was another great read which once again fitted flawlessly with the other books I had already read about characters I had already fallen for. I cant recommend this series enough, strong female lead characters, misunderstood men, complicated lives and hot romance. What more could you ask for? Looking forward to the final book