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A review by kitcat_reads
Possessive Puckboy by Saxon James, Eden Finley
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Rating as of 3/1/25 - 4.25 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️
Rating after a binge reread of Forbidden Puckboy & Possessive Puckboy (3/6/25) - 4.5 ⭐️ | 1.5 🌶️
Tropes:
- Bi Awakening
- Secret Relationship
- Nerd x Jock
- Hate to Love
- Pining & Possessiveness
**My Thoughts**
If you're planning to read “Possessive Puckboy,” do yourself a favor and start with “Forbidden Puckboy.” Trust me, you'll want to get the Kikishkin family backstory to fully appreciate the intricate dynamics of the characters. Connor's narrative is deeply intertwined with Easton's story (his brother), and knowing Easton’s journey will enhance your understanding of the conflict(s) Connor faces in his book.
One thing that stood out to me was the absence of the Queer Collective for a good chunk of the book. It was initially surprising, but as I read on, it felt oddly fitting. Seeing the QC through Easton's eyes contrasted with Connor’s own perspective created a fascinating dynamic that really made me think.
From the get-go, Connor is portrayed as a character who feels the weight of the world on his shoulders. He’s trying to be everything to everyone—his family, his team—and you can feel the exhaustion radiating off him. His character arc is compelling, though it seemed like he dove headfirst into his relationship with Parker a bit too quickly. I get that he’s an all-in kind of guy, but him catching feelings for Parker felt like insta-love—not bad, but certainly quicker than I would have thought. It makes more sense considering the timing of this story with Easton’s story in Forbidden Puckboy
Now, let’s shine a light on Parker for a moment. His ability to forgive Connor and almost instinctively protect him was sweet and adorable. It’s clear his “hatred” is a mask for his deep-seated desire for Connor's attention, which adds layers to their relationship. After a re-read, I realized that Parker’s character arc, while crucial, plays more of a supporting role as his journey of self-discovery unfolds at a quicker pace than Connor’s. It’s almost like Parker’s confidence in himself allows him to navigate their relationship with a sense of ease and clarity.
Oh, and here’s a fun tidbit: it’s wild how many people are in the loop about Connor and Parker’s relationship! They have this “secret” they need to keep, but it feels like the worst-kept secret in town.
Overall, “Possessive Puckboy” is a sweet addition to the Puckboys series with its character-driven narrative and poignant moments. There is a lot of emotional maturity between Connor & Parker which would feel odd for 26 y.o.’s. However, considering Connor’s perceived role as the third parent to his brothers and Parker’s overall life experiences, is true to their characters and is very refreshing.
****I received an ARC of this book from Foreward PR and this is my honest review****
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Death of parent