The Diamond Puck-Up

Dirty Puckers

A brooding hockey enforcer and a spirited jewelry designer find love—and trouble—when a stolen ring brings them together in this steamy romance from Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Lauren Landish.

NHL enforcer Griffin Mahoney has spent years protecting his team on the ice—and his heart off it. The one woman who makes his stone-cold exterior melt? His best friend’s sister, Penny Lee. But when a stolen ring entangles her with the Mob, Griffin’s protective instincts override his promise to stay away.

As a custom jewelry designer, Penny transforms family heirlooms into modern treasures. She’s always thought her brother’s best friend was grumpier than a bear with a hangover—until she discovers the brooding hockey player’s hidden soft side. Their undeniable chemistry catches them both off guard, even as danger circles closer.

With Stanley Cup playoffs looming, Mob threats escalating, and her overprotective brother ready to cross-check them both into the next season, Griffin and Penny’s path to happiness is anything but smooth. Together they’ll discover that true love, like diamonds, can withstand any pressure—and shine even brighter for it.

©2026 by Lauren Landish. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Hockey Romance with a plot

I loved that this was an adorable hockey romance with some spice but a plot I enjoyed. Grumpy x sunshine 🩷

Cute

Narration Style: Dual

Both narrators were perfect for their character.

Griffin was grumpy with Penny, but when things went awry, he went all-in on helping her and was kind of sweet.

This was a cute and easy read. There was some tension, banter, and spice. I don’t mind third-act conflict, but this one didn’t make much sense and was resolved way too quickly.

I still enjoyed this and would recommend it to others who like a grumpy brother’s best friend where he never really hated her romance.

Super cute

This story is super cute. I love Griffin and Penny. I love that. Griffin fell in love a penny at first sight, but respected his best friend enough to put up a roof that he hated Penny all those years. The shenanigans at Penny gets into are hilarious. The spice is great. I really enjoyed it. It was a really cute story.

A Fun Book

Griffin might be tough on the ice as the enforcer for the Hawks, but he is a soft and squishy marshmallow on the inside, with a side of self doubt, when it comes to his best friend's sister, Penny. When Penny and Griffin get into a situation with a diamond ring being stolen, Griffin will do everything necessary to protect Penny. This latest book from Lauren Landish was the type of fun book I've come to expect from her. AUDIO: Carly Robins and Lance Greenfield were amazing as Penny and Griffin.

Cute romcom, great female narrator, not a fan of male narrator

It was a fun story but the male narrator did zero favors for romance. The female narrator was fantastic as usual! However, he was jarring and the opposite of sexy. There are so many great male narrators and I don’t understand why he is repeatedly casted to do good books.