Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny (Taking Shots) - Cindi Madsen

Cindi Madsen’s CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY is a winning addition to the Taking Shots series.  Former puck bunny and school newspaper editor of the Heights, Lindsay Rivera, has sworn off hockey players.  However, persistent defenseman, Ryder "Ox" Maddox, makes it difficult when he becomes her math tutor.  This story takes place at Boston College.  It is suitable for New Adult audiences.

 

I like Lindsay.  We met her in book two, ANATOMY OF A PLAYER.  She was Whitney’s bitter editor because of being hurt by hockey star, Hudson Decker.  Lindsay used to be a puck bunny, she didn’t like the person she became and swore off hockey players.  She doesn’t want to follow in her mother’s footsteps, needing a man to support her. She is determined to become a successful independent woman. 

 

Ryder is a great guy.  He is a total math nerd and excellent tutor who doesn’t belittle the people he is helping.  He comes off as quiet, but he has a great sense of humor.  He has a lot of pressure being the son of a former NHL star and mother who is a politician. 

 

I love the witty banter between Lindsay and Ryder.  I like how both characters grow as a result of their relationship, becoming better individuals. 

 

I enjoyed the plot and Cindi Madsen’s writing style.  I love the confessions throughout the story.  Sadly, Lindsay never really had any friends.  I appreciated that she befriended the girls from the three previous books: Lyla Wilder, Whitney Porter, and Megan Davenport.  The hockey passages were skillfully written.   I love the paintball scenes.  There were numerous unexpected twists that made the story compelling.  The novel had a great ending that felt well resolved.  I look forward to the next story in the Taking Shots series.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.