Puck & Make Up

Rush Hockey #7

by Elise Faber

My life is full of secrets.
She's the woman who's discovered them all...
Dessie and I have a love-hate relationship.
But it’s mostly that I love and she hates.
As a member of the Rush hockey team, I don’t have a problem finding women who are willing to date me, but Dessie isn’t just anyone.
She’s a mystery, an obsession, a woman I need to claim as my own.
Only, she’s not going without a fight.
Good thing I’m a hockey player…
And fighting is what I do best.

The Rush hockey series continues with Dessie and Fox's story.

Genres: Hockey Romance, Hockey, Sports Romance

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2024

About the author

USA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team -- the Sharks! -- are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise is the mom to two exuberant boys and lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or find more information about her books at www.elisefaber.com.

Reviews

[Emily Utsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hockey, he falls first, finding your path, resisting the attraction, and hot hot spice.

The books in this series tend to be more than one book per couple. I do not know if this couple will get another book. But this book did end on a hea and not a cliffhanger like the others in the series and this book does feel complete.

This is not the first book in the series but that is okay as it can be read as a complete stand alone. Everything you need to know will be given to you.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puck & Make Up delivers an emotional and heartwarming romance that is sure to capture readers’ hearts. Featuring themes of second chances, family, and redemption, the story follows Dessie and Fox as they navigate their complicated history to find their way back to each other. Fox falls first—and hard—but his past mistakes have left Dessie with walls around her heart. Determined to prove he’s changed, Fox fights to rebuild their trust and show Dessie and their daughter how deeply he loves them both.

The chemistry between Dessie and Fox is undeniable, and their journey is filled with heartfelt moments and challenges that tug at your emotions. Fox’s unwavering devotion to Dessie and his daughter shines throughout, making him an irresistible hero. Dessie’s strength and resilience make her a relatable and compelling heroine as she wrestles with her feelings for the man who broke her heart but also loves her fiercely.

While part of a series, this book stands perfectly as a standalone, providing all the context you need to enjoy Dessie and Fox’s story. It’s a sweet, spicy, and satisfying read with a well-earned happily ever after. Fans of hockey romances and second-chance love stories will adore this book. Highly recommend!

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, short lovely read with some nice heat.

I enjoy all things Elise Faber and this novella as usual just hits the right hockey romance spot for me.

By now I think it’s the norm to see the sweetest hero in all Elise books and Fox I would say is extra sweet (in a boy teasing the girl he likes kind of way😅)

Dessie has had a lot of disappointments in her life, she feel her “picker is broken” so she’ll lost confidence in herself and ends up hiding from life to avoid more pain. Because she can’t help but like Fox, she pretends to hate him to keep herself safe.

Fox is infatuated with Dessie, he hates when she ignores him so he takes to pushing her buttons to get her attention. Until he decides enough is enough and makes him play to show her how good things could be between them. He shows her unwavering support and sweetness, shows her he’s always been paying attention and slowly Dessie gets back her confidence and finds her way to true love.

I received an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fox Brown has just received a contract to the big leagues after playing for the Rush Hockey team for some time. He’s finally made it to the big leagues! He will soon be leaving River’s Bend for San Jose!

Dessie has had a rough go…and returns to River’s Bend to figure things out. A certain hockey player (Fox), whom she’s doing her best to avoid, keeps showing up as they share common friends. Even though Fox will be moving to San Jose, he really wants to get to the bottom of why Dessie seems to dislike him so much.

Fox is such a wonderful, caring guy! Yes, Dessie has issues and needs to come to terms with them, but Fox is a real gem! He is honestly the BEST book boyfriend! He’s the one who kept reaching out to Dessie…being steady and patient.

If you love a romance story with a wonderful, emotionally strong and caring hockey player (or book boyfriend!) look no further than Puck and Make Up!

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puck and Make Up is a fabulous read. This is book one for Fox and Dessie. I cannot wait to see where this trilogy goes. I was hooked from the beginning with the fight of chemistry between Dessie and Fox. Fox with his never giving up longing for Dessie will own you a little. I love Fox and how positive he is. Then there is Dessie who has watched her best friends all fall for the hockey players and feels as if finding that happiness and level of love is not for her. She has walls and reasons. It's fun to watch the changes in Dessie as she is pushed in every way from her comfort zone she is hiding in. Fox and Dessie have amazing chemistry together. I love how Fox goes after what he wants even as timing might not be right as he's called up to the next level. I cannot wait to see where this relationship goes from here. Go one click this today.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puck & Make Up is Fox and Dessie’s captivating and entertaining story.
This is a continuation with the Rush Hockey series in the new Rush Trilogy.
We all know there is a fine line between love and hate and every time Fox and Dessie meet sparks fly. Dessie has watched all her friends fall for hockey players and it seems like it’s her turn to take a chance on love. Problem is she has built up walls around herself and it’s going to take a very special man to break through them. So will Fox get the woman of his dreams……one click to find out.
This is a great start to the trilogy and it has left me excited for what’s to come. This is a well written, heartbreaking yet heartwarming story, it has wonderful characters that you will quickly become invested in and it has the perfect mix of love, passion, angst and humour.

[Tara Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Fox and Dessie. He was patient, kind and understanding. She was determined and head strong, but she had her reasons. I wish there would have been more to do with his birth mom, but his support of her and her letting her walls down was nice.

This series is great and learning more about why she kept pushing him away and acted like she hated him was realistic. I liked that he pushed, but not too far. He knew he had to take it slow and let her see he wasn’t going to hurt her; and he played the long game. The wait was worth it, but it might not last.

The friendships in this series are fabulous and the foundation of each relationship starts with one brick and gets built a little at a time. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Marea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the next book in the Rush Hockey Series by Elise Faber. Normally you can come into her book series without having read previous ones, but this book is the exception. As I have not read the other ones, it was a bit confusing at the start with the plot. Others have said you don’t need to but I sure found it would have been better. As I read though I did get more into it.

This is Fox and Dessie’s story and you can definitely tell there was a connection in the past that is now coming to light. Especially as their secrets and complicated past comes to the surface. Will they be able to work everything out and get a HEA or will their lives become more complicated and their hearts never mend.

Thanks to 1852 Media and Elise Faber for an ARC of this book for my honest opinion

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elise Faber scores with PUCK & MAKE UP (Rush Hockey #7). Fox Brown just got an NHL contract with the Grizzlies. Before he leaves, he has unresolved business with Dessie Madden. He has to convince her that she is his, even though she hates him.

Dessie is rediscovering herself. She quit being a firefighter and is trying to figure out what to do next with her life. Fox is getting ready to move to San Jose. Fox and Dessie enjoy pushing each other's buttons. They are attracted to each other.

PUCK & MAKE UP is a heartfelt and entertaining read. It is skillfully written. It is an excellent addition to the Rush Hockey series. At 132 pages, it is a quick read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've finished this and all I can think about is how I’m not sure Dessie is the right girl for our boy Fox.

I get she's been put through the ringer by all her ex's but still. If I were Fox, I’d give up a long time ago. But maybe why I have a problem with her is that I see so much of myself in her and the way I keep people I care and love at a distance.

I'm in happy relationship for over 15 years, but at times I still let the thoughts that my husband deserves someone better get the better of me. And he too, like Fox, keeps pushing until I finally let myself relax in his arms.

And like Dessie I'm working on me all the time, so at the end she is what the doctor prescribes for Fox.

[SassyCM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do NOT like novella length books. You fall in love with characters, immerse yourself into their lives and are disappointed because their story always ends too fast.

After reading Puck & Make Up I'll revise that opinion to: I USUALLY do not like novella length books.

I really liked seeing Dessie and Fox clearing the air and finding each other. But then, who could resist a guy that makes chewy chocolate chip cookies and gives great advise for putting past work experiences to good use in a new job (I laughed HARD).

I'm very much looking forward to seeing where their journey will take them next. Especially since they're now in Grizzly territory. Here's hoping for glimpses of some of our favorite hockey players!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Fox and Dessie! How I had been waiting on their story to be told.

I fully admit that my jaw dropped at one of those first few scenes. I did not see that coming at all, but I am 100% here for it.

Loved the love/hate relationship that these two had going on. I understand why Dessie was acting the way she was. I also love that Fox was willing to break down those walls. Dessie's uncle also did what he had to do, and I fully support his decision.

Puck and Make Up was a quick read, and I fully admit I wish it the story had been longer. I would have loved to witness Fox and Dessie's relationship evolve a bit more. Yet I know that Elise must have a good reason for going the novella route. It was still good to see them get their HEA.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rush Hockey Trilogy #1

Fox Brown just got a contract to play hockey for the Grizzlies, one of the newest teams in the league.

Dessie is back in River's Bend trying to figure out what to do with her life. She feels broken. She caught her fiance and coworker together. Though this isn't the first time she's been hurt by an ex.

Fox likes Dessie a lot but knows he has to tread carefully. He has been trying to help her come up with ideas of what she wants to do with her life. When they grow close and get together she panics and drives back to River's Bend leaving Fox. He loves her but is it enough?

4 stars

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puck & Make Up is a sweet but emotional romance where he falls first and hard but has a few walls to break down to get her heart. Ms. Faber always finds a way to weave her characters and storylines into your heart and she did just that with Dessie and Fox. Dessie has not had the best of luck in picking out the men to date. There is one man, Fox, who she secretly likes but he has a knack for pushing her buttons. Fox is determined to have her see that her picker is not broken and that he is the man for her. I loved how determined he was to prove to her he is the man for her and they could have a wonderful relationship. Fox holds nothing back and shows her how caring and sweet he can be.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pick and Make Up is part of the Rush Hockey series, but is book one in a trilogy all about Dessie and Fox.
There is a fine line between love and hate and Fox and Dessie have been walking that fine line for a while and it seems all the secrets that they have each been keeping is what they used to keep each other at arms length. Fox, however has been given his dream job playing for the NHL and will have to leave town. He wants Dessie to come with him and will do whatever it takes to break down her walls and earn her trust. In turn, his secrets need to be shared. This is just the beginning for these two and there is more to their story and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though Dessie has feelings for Fox she has been hurt by love in the past, so she believes the only way to protect herself is to keep him at a distance. That has been working however Fox is not willing to let things continue and will accept nothing less than the truth.

Fox has had feelings for Dessie for a while and he wants more than the animosity between them. He is determined to find out what is holding Dessie back and show her that she can trust him with her heart.

Fox is patient and understanding and knows when to push forward and pull back while he lets Dessie set the pace of their relationship.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fox and Desi have made a couple of appearances in other Rush Hockey Books and now we finally get to see how things play out between them she's come back to town with her daughter needing to figure things out but her past Fox is there she dose all she can to avoid him. Fox messed up in his past and Desi is having a hard time believing he's changed but Fox won't give up he maybe about to leave for San Jose and be part of a Major NHL team but he won't leave Desi behind. Loved how there story finally played out and they got there HEA ending.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Alyson Buxey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Fox and Dessie it just wasn’t quite enough. I was expecting more drama from Dessie’s backstory, she had been portrayed as tough as nails so I expected her to be undone by something more. Fox’s gentle persistence fit well and I appreciated her uncle. As the novella at the at least for now end of the series there was a lack of tying anything up. I felt like I missed the Annie Donovan chapter. I wasn’t worried at the end of the second trilogy regards the loose ends because I thought they would be tied up in the novella but that didn’t happen. I was also left wondering what happened to Ryan and Veronica who just vanished

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puck and Make Up, book seven in the Rush Hockey series follows Dessie Madden and Fox Brown. When Fox receives a contract to play for the big leagues, aka the NHL, he will be leaving River’s Bend behind to move to San Jose..but he’s also leaving Dessie behind too. Fox has been infatuated with Dessie for awhile now, but Dessie does everything to ignore him since she’s lost all confidence in herself after choosing a string of the wrong guys. As Dessie pretends to hate Fox, Fox becomes more determined to show her just how good they could be together. Will they have a chance to become more than friends? Or will Fox move to San Jose before he can break through her walls?

[DesN2004 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, so glad we finally got Dessie and Fox's story!! It would have been so easy for Fox to give up and move on with Dessie's attitude in previous books, but he never does. The attraction and chemistry keeps him hooked and her fighting it. I loved them together once they figured things out, and was sad when it ended, I wanted more of them. There is always something to overcome, and seeing the characters work it out together is always enjoyable to read. Great series and book!!

I received an ARC of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dessie and Fox have a push and pull relationship that will pull you in immediately and have your wanting to see them finally get past themselves and into each other's arms. When they finally collide? Fireworks!

I loved the banter with these two and how their relationship slowly progresses. Dessie's past comes to light, making her reactions to things understandable, and thankfully, Fox is there to show her that taking a risk is worth the reward.

I highly recommend this one if you like a slower relationship progression, character growth, witty banter, and bearded hockey men. 🏒

[Christine Blood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dessie and Fox's story!
Fox could have given up and moved on with Dessie's bad attitude in other books.
Fox Brown just got a contract to play hockey for the Grizzlies, one of the newest teams in the league.
Dessie is back in River's Bend trying to figure out what to do with her life. She caught her fiancé and coworker together and now she feels devastated. She’s doing her best to avoid Fox, but it keeps getting harder because of their shared friends.
Fox likes Dessie a lot but knows he must tread carefully. Will he get he answers he is looking for or will it even be enough?

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Dessie and Fox’s story.
Fox plays for the Rush hockey team, and he can have any girl he wants, but the only one in his eyes, is Dessie, who he has a love / hate relationship with. Fox is determined to knock down the walls from around Dessie’s heart.
This is a well written, easy, and quick read, with family, friendships, emotions, secrets, engaging and realistic characters, undeniable chemistry, romance, tension, humor, and love, which leads to an entertaining addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fox and Dessie make a cute couple. He's the big strong guy who can't wait to tear down the walls of Dessie's. She's the girl who has gotten burned one too many times and can't open herself to love. That is until Fox finds that one place in her heart that needed him.

They have a lot of great banter and their chemistry is off the charts, but it felt like if you hadn't read the other books in the series you would be lost. I was happy with the change in Dessie that made the ending so much more satisfying.

[Mumto2girls · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Dessie and Fox was such a sweet novella and a lovely way to return to the Rush team. I loved how we got to “visit” with friends from previous stories - there was even a mention of Smitty! I love how Fox’s determined focus on Dessie gave her the push to find herself again and to create a life that she truly wanted and that fit who she was openly and unapologetically. This story was just a lovely and quick read and, as life gets busier before the holidays, this is just the type of book I want to read right now. I happily read and reviewed this story.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never miss an Elise Faber romance - they are my comfort reads. PUCK & MAKE UP is her the latest release and was a super sweet and sexy frenemies to lovers, hockey romance. Fox was such an amazing male MC. He truly loved Dessie and did everything he could to win her over and win her over he did. I enjoyed watching them fall in love even when Dessie tried to ignore her feelings, you could just see how much she was in love with Fox. I couldn’t put this one down. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hockey player Fox has been in love with Dessie since the day he met her. Former fire fighter Dessie has done everything to push him away and he does not know why. This novella is the story of how Fox finally won her over - there may be chocolate chip cookies involved! I liked the kindness the two main characters showed each other, especially Fox. He really wanted Dessie to be successful in whatever she does.

I have not read the full series this book is a part of - I thought this worked fine as a stand alone.

I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Puck & Make Up ( Rush Trilogy #1) by Elise Faber

I was so excited when I heard that Elise Faber had a new series releasing. If Puck & Make Up is anything to go by, then she has another winning series in her hand.

This is Fox and Dessie’s story and I quickly became hooked. The sparks fly between these two and there is a fine live between love and hate.

I loved how determined Fox was to make Dessie his. These two are meant to be together..

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

Fox is the hockey player. He has a love-hate relationship with Dessie. But he wants her. And he will do anything to make her his. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, hockey romance then you’re going to love it.

[Cori Hamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Dessie and Fox! Dessie has so many walls built up around herself and refuses to let anyone in. Fox is so sweet in supporting her in any way she needs, but not allowing her to run away from him. He is persistent, yet gives her space.

This was a quick, easy read. I loved how fast paced it was, but still allowed for character growth!