Pucking Around

                      

Title: Pucking Around

Author: Emily Rath

Published: Emily Rath Books, March 20, 2023

Pages: 750

Genre: LGBTQ Hockey Romance

My name is Rachel Price, and two months ago, I walked away from the perfect man. Sweet and funny, and so hot it should be illegal—we shared one magical night. No names. No strings. I never thought I’d see him again.

I was wrong. It turns out Mr. Perfect is the playboy grinder for the Jacksonville Rays, the NHL’s hottest new hockey team…and I’m his new physical therapist. Oh, and the jerk doesn’t even recognize me!

This fellowship is going to be the longest ten months of my life. Mr. Perfect Mistake will do anything to get back on my good side. Meanwhile, his best friend is the surly new equipment manager always riding my case. Worst of all, I’ve got an uncooperative goalie who thinks I can’t tell he’s hiding an injury!

This is my chance to prove myself, and I’m not risking it for anything. But with one unexpected night, one secret revealed, these men are ready to test all my limits. I can’t fall for a player…let alone three. But if love is a game, these guys are playing to win.

She thicc! I definitely should have started this book earlier in the month. Holy cow! She is a honker and I was really getting down to the wire to finish this before the 30th. Luckily it's so compelling and fast-paced and scorching hot so I did it!! And of course, I am thrilled to have all of those extra pages and relationship development between these babies!!!

What to say about Rachel Price. There is a lot that I really like about Rachel Price. HOWEVER. I hate a martyr. Specifically a "I love you too much to stay in this relationship when I might slightly inconvenience you" martyr. This is her whole vibe. Like starting from the prequel novella until the very end. She was ready to ghost the second things got uncomfortable. Not bad, or hard....uncomfortable. But she does learn, so she's got that going for her.

Jake Compton, Caleb Sanford, and Ilmari Kinnunen are perfect. They're all so different but still so perfect for Rachel and each other. I think watching them figure out how to be together is more compelling than watching them figure out how to be with Rachel. Though that part is really fun too.

And holy cow. The spice. This book doesn't PLAY! It is burn your hands hot!!

Ratings

Stars: 4/5

Spice: 5/5

BONUS Prequel Novella: 3/5 Stars

It's hot, I loved it. But I'm missing the poly and queer vibes that I'm hoping I'll get in Book 1.

BONUS BONUS Sequel Novella: 4/5 stars

I'm obsessed. I literally couldn't be more obsessed. I'm excited for Pucking Wild, but really only for more Ilmari!!!

BONUS BONUS BONUS Novella:

Titled: Lemongrass

I would absolutely read Harrison and Somchai's entire story. Their meet cute is pretty tricking smooth!! But this was a very cute snippet.