Author: Emily Rath
Series: Book 1 in the Jacksonville Rays series
Category: Sports Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
"Red alert. Back up, Rachel. Shut it down. I'm not getting involved with a co-worker. I don't care if he's gorgeous and working a smolder so hot it burns." - Rachel
Damn, I needed a minute after finishing this one... 🥵🔥!
For all the sex (and I should add a couple more "x"'s to that) Pucking Around, there was surprisingly so much more to this book. I appreciated that not everything was easy, or clean-cut, because real life and real relationships are messy.
All of the main characters were fully developed, had fears or secrets, and they not only found each other but leaned on one another in their fight to be happy.
"'Because I'm not normal, Jake. We're not normal. We're extraordinary. Be extraordinary with me.'" - Rachal
Rachel was funny and at times a hot mess, I didn’t expect to be laughing so much. She was a strong, sexual woman who was ultimately scared of anyone getting hurt, including herself. Due to her complicated life, she repeatedly tried to protect those she loved but didn't always make the right choices. Good thing her men were not going to let her run and hide when that was her usual of dealing with hard things.
"She's fearless. Crazy. A total hurricane." - Caleb
Jake was everything he was in the prequel and more. His friendly nature and open personality were refreshing for an MMC. I loved how he never held back in pushing for what he wanted and was a perfect balance to the others in their group who were more reserved and afraid of how their lifestyle choices would be judged. Day one, Jake was all in.
"'This isn't just sex for me, Rachel,' Jake adds, his face solemn. 'Hell, at this point, I'll settle for just breathing your air. I'll rub your feet on the couch after a long day. I'll do your laundry. I'll hold your purse while you shop for trail mix. That's how crazy I am about you. I have to be me, and this is who I am. This is how I feel.'" - Jake
Though Caleb might be called the grump of the group, he came across as mostly angry and standoffish to me. He was a giver by nature, available whenever anyone needed help. His journey to fully accepting himself was slow but so worth it when Caleb was finally able to express how he felt and accept affection in return.
"Is he an asshole or is he charming? Maybe he's a charming asshole." - Rachel
How I loved Ilmari! Call me a sucker for tall, strong, and silent, but he took it to a whole other level and it worked in a big way. He was a quiet observer but when he spoke, our Finnish goalie was often the voice of reason.
"Don't poke the bear, Rachel. Don't poke the desperately attractive, sexual magnet of a man-bear." - Rachel
The dynamic between the four main characters was complex but reflected many of the trials traditional relationships go through as well. While the book dealt out some insta-love or lust initially between Rachal and her three men, surprisingly it didn’t feel as cheesy as other stories where they push everyone together so quickly. There was enough meat to the story that the individual relationships felt natural.
"'We will never stray, never waver. We will seek no exit. Love us and watch how we love you in return. One family. One unit. Unbreakable.'" - Ilmari
My biggest pet peeve in sports romances is the lack of sports, either on the field or as a plot point in the story. Luckily, Emily Rath gives us plenty of time on the ice, and hockey plays a role in almost every aspect of the story, not just as a convenient device when needed. I can't wait for the second book in this series to come out so I can review as well, Pucking Wild will be released in August 2023.
I'd highly recommend this to any hockey lover who likes a whole lot of spice with their ice!
Tropes and Themes: Reverse Harem, Why Choose, MM, Sports Romance, Hockey Romance
Blurb
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.
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