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A review by missdevo
Well and Truly Pucked by Lauren Blakely
emotional
funny
hopeful
5.0
From the ridiculous to the sublime...
Lauren Blakely has another smash on her hands. The characters, the story, the emotional hook, and the delicious spice all come together in this delightful package. I've been a long time fan of this author's work, so I was excited to see her enter the hockey romance subgenre in a big way. I was not disappointed!
Blakely is a rom-com icon, and her chops are definitely on show here, starting with the great cat rescue of Ms. Frances Furbottom from the dastardly clutches of Briar's ex boyfriend and his new girlfriend. The story slides from slapstick to sensuous, and for me, it's the spice where she really shines. It's super hot, emotional, and varied. Sometimes in a spice heavy book, things can get repetitive and I start to skim- not so here. I savored every well written spicy scene like a decadent dessert. The journey for Briar to be comfortable enough with her own pleasure to ask for, and describe what she wants is so rewarding. I also appreciate the mental health rep we get with the character development in both Briar and her men, from anxiety and control issues, to struggles with vulnerability. Rhys, Hollis, and Gavin are friends that feel like family, and I loved that once they fell for Briar it was a priority to put everything on the line up front with each other to preserve their bond aside from their feelings for her.
I read the book on my kindle, but I will definitely be checking out the audio soon too because I am an avid audiobook girlie. It's narrated with a full cast including Samantha Brentmoor, Jason Clarke, Connor Crais, and Teddy Hamilton! I can't wait to hear some of the scenes I read with this talent bringing them to life.
Lauren Blakely has another smash on her hands. The characters, the story, the emotional hook, and the delicious spice all come together in this delightful package. I've been a long time fan of this author's work, so I was excited to see her enter the hockey romance subgenre in a big way. I was not disappointed!
Blakely is a rom-com icon, and her chops are definitely on show here, starting with the great cat rescue of Ms. Frances Furbottom from the dastardly clutches of Briar's ex boyfriend and his new girlfriend. The story slides from slapstick to sensuous, and for me, it's the spice where she really shines. It's super hot, emotional, and varied. Sometimes in a spice heavy book, things can get repetitive and I start to skim- not so here. I savored every well written spicy scene like a decadent dessert. The journey for Briar to be comfortable enough with her own pleasure to ask for, and describe what she wants is so rewarding. I also appreciate the mental health rep we get with the character development in both Briar and her men, from anxiety and control issues, to struggles with vulnerability. Rhys, Hollis, and Gavin are friends that feel like family, and I loved that once they fell for Briar it was a priority to put everything on the line up front with each other to preserve their bond aside from their feelings for her.
I read the book on my kindle, but I will definitely be checking out the audio soon too because I am an avid audiobook girlie. It's narrated with a full cast including Samantha Brentmoor, Jason Clarke, Connor Crais, and Teddy Hamilton! I can't wait to hear some of the scenes I read with this talent bringing them to life.