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sadiegloverx 's review for:
The Puck Stops Here
by Rachael Stewart
I went into The Puck Stops Here without reading the previous books in the Karma Pact series, and while it worked fine as a standalone, I do think some of the setup — particularly the Karma Pact itself — might’ve made more sense with that background. That said, I found the initial premise a bit far-fetched. Sienna wanting revenge for a high school heartbreak ten years later felt like a stretch. I couldn’t help but think… surely she should’ve just moved on with her life by now?
But thankfully, that setup gave us Astrid and Blake, and they made the whole thing worth it.
From the start, I was 100% Team Blake. The uncertainty in the first half over whether Astrid would end up with him or Aiden had me on edge, but Blake’s character won me over early. The grumpy x sunshine dynamic between him and Astrid was done really well — they balance each other out in a way that felt natural and genuinely enjoyable to read.
One of the strongest parts of the book was the build-up to their big argument. The emotional tension was chef’s kiss. But then… it was over almost as soon as it began. The resolution felt rushed, especially given how big a moment it was for Blake to open up and finally trust someone. I wanted more from the aftermath — more emotional weight, more time to feel the impact.
Despite that, I really enjoyed the book. It had heart, heat, and characters you could root for. The pacing was steady (until that ending), and the romance was satisfying overall. If you like hockey romance with just the right amount of angst and spice, it’s definitely worth a read