I’m known for three things:
I’m captain of my college hockey team.
I’m hot.
I’ve got a big “stick” and plenty of pretty ladies to handle it for me.
Yeah, that’s cocky as hell, but it’s true.
One problem: I’m failing my classes.
I need to get my grades up or I’m off the team, and I’ll lose my shot to play pro hockey.
So when Poppy Wylder asks me to fake date her to get back at her ex, I’m in. Under one condition: she tutors me.
I’ve had a crush on this beautiful genius since we went to high school together. She hates me though.
But one unexpected kiss changes everything. This good girl with a naughty streak in the bedroom is my fantasy come true. She confides in me about her dreams. I tell her mine.
We agreed to call it quits at the end of the semester, but I’ve caught major feelings…I want to make Poppy mine for real…I just have to convince her to take a chance on the guy she never wanted.
(ARC Review)
Sarah Smith truly never misses, and Cocky Mother Pucker is the perfect kickoff to the Hollis U series. What starts as a cocky college hockey romcom quickly turns into something surprisingly heartfelt, layered, and genuinely emotional.
Nick St. George is known for three things: he’s captain of the hockey team, he’s ridiculously hot, and he leans into his bad-boy reputation like it’s a full-time job. Our very first impression? He wakes up sandwiched between two women. Cocky. Confident. Living up to the legend. But beneath the swagger and the smirk is a guy quietly panicking about failing classes and losing everything he’s worked for.
Enter Poppy Wylder.
“I’m a sucker for a pretty girl with an attitude. And Poppy Wylder always has an attitude when it comes to me.”
Nerdy, top-of-the-class, tutoring-at-the-writing-center Poppy. She’s smart, sweet, and carrying the crushing weight of academic perfectionism and parental expectations. When she needs a fake boyfriend to get her ex off her back and Nick needs a tutor to save his GPA (and NHL dreams), the deal is obvious.
Fake dating. Tutoring. Totally professional.
Except… absolutely not.
What I loved most about this book is how Sarah plays with first impressions. Nick is labeled the dumb jock constantly, sometimes to his face, and yes, at times it stings. But it’s intentional. The story peels back those layers and reveals the real Nick: loyal, observant, protective, thoughtful. A golden retriever disguised as a black cat. He hypes up Poppy’s YouTube channel, publicly celebrates her wins, makes sure she’s comfortable at all times, and is constantly checking in for consent. The “Don’t f*cking touch her” energy? Immaculate. But it’s balanced with softness that makes you melt.
“I care about her so much. I’m insanely attracted to her. I love spending time with her. When she’s happy, I’m happy. I’d do anything to make her laugh, to keep her safe…Emotion surges through my chest. For a second, I feel unsteady, but in a good way.”
And Poppy? I related to her so much. The “smart kid” label. The pressure to always perform. The fear of not being enough unless you’re achieving something. Watching her slowly untangle her self-worth from academic validation was so satisfying. Nick doesn’t overshadow her; he elevates her. He encourages her dreams, takes her passions seriously, and reminds her she’s allowed to take up space.
Their chemistry is playful and natural from the start. The banter feels easy. The progression from fake to real feels earned. The miscommunication about their long-standing crushes is almost painful in the best way — two idiots mutually down bad and completely oblivious.
And can we talk about drunk Nick babbling compliments? The cutest!
The spice? Whew. Confident, dirty-talking captain energy meets shy-but-not-so-innocent good girl. The dynamic is delicious without ever feeling careless. Even in the hottest moments, there’s intention and care behind it.
“So much for your rules, wild girl. We’re just a couple of rule breakers now.”
What really sets this apart is that it isn’t just a fluffy hockey romcom. It’s about growth. About shedding labels and going after your own destiny. About choosing someone and actively showing up for them. And bless Sarah for giving us no third-act breakup — just communication, maturity, and two people deciding they’re worth the risk.
Nick and Poppy don’t just fake date, they become each other’s safe place.
“I never wanted to be anyone but yours, Poppy.”
This one was swoony, spicy, funny, and unexpectedly emotional. I’m officially obsessed with Hollis U and already desperate for more (Travis and Anna, I’m looking at you).
Release Date: March 9th, 2026
Thank you to Sarah Smith and The Smuthood INC. for the ARC read!