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A review by steca2
Pucking Wild by Emily Rath
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book could easily be written off as a cute, very spicy hockey rom com — because it is those things - but it’s so much more. If this book wasn’t so spicy (and don’t get me wrong, I loved the spice) this would be one of my go-to reading recommendations to everyone!
The author handled Tess’ DV history with care and the abuse from Troy was so well done. Tess’ abuse history could have been easily just a one-note “evil villain” story with no long term consequences but the author created a nuanced and complex trauma which made me anxious and uncomfortable when reading it — exactly what you should be feeling when reading about DV. Tess’ history not only shaped how she viewed her romantic relationship with Ryan but how she interacted with the world as a whole. Tess was full bodied and real. I wish we learned a little bit more about Ryan, delve a little deeper into his personal history, but he was still wonderful and very well written.
My only edit would be the timeline as it felt really fast and unrealistic. Excluding the romance (bc instalove/he falls first is a trope for a reason…), just the logistics of taking over a charity and planning a gala, that alone takes more than 6 weeks. For it to make sense, in my head I made the timeline closer to 3 months lol
And while I do love Rachel, Mars, Jake, and Caleb’s story, I think I may like this one more as it’s more grounded and realistic. Oh but I LOVED Mars’ in this book, he was truly a gem! Rachel was also great but I appreciated that she wasn't the perfect friend. She let Tess make her own choices -- even when she was acting out of fear -- and supported her.
The author handled Tess’ DV history with care and the abuse from Troy was so well done. Tess’ abuse history could have been easily just a one-note “evil villain” story with no long term consequences but the author created a nuanced and complex trauma which made me anxious and uncomfortable when reading it — exactly what you should be feeling when reading about DV. Tess’ history not only shaped how she viewed her romantic relationship with Ryan but how she interacted with the world as a whole. Tess was full bodied and real. I wish we learned a little bit more about Ryan, delve a little deeper into his personal history, but he was still wonderful and very well written.
My only edit would be the timeline as it felt really fast and unrealistic. Excluding the romance (bc instalove/he falls first is a trope for a reason…), just the logistics of taking over a charity and planning a gala, that alone takes more than 6 weeks. For it to make sense, in my head I made the timeline closer to 3 months lol
And while I do love Rachel, Mars, Jake, and Caleb’s story, I think I may like this one more as it’s more grounded and realistic. Oh but I LOVED Mars’ in this book, he was truly a gem! Rachel was also great but I appreciated that she wasn't the perfect friend. She let Tess make her own choices -- even when she was acting out of fear -- and supported her.