A review by booktalkwithrae
Pucking Around by Emily Rath

dark funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I had fun with Pucking Around! It’s a spicy, fast-paced romance with a polyamorous twist that really sets it apart in the hockey romance genre. The steam? Top tier. The scenes were incredibly well written—detailed, varied, and thoroughly enjoyable. If you’re looking for a book that leans hard into spice, this absolutely delivers.
I also appreciated the polyamory aspect. The relationship dynamics were emotionally layered and added something refreshing to the usual romance formula. It was nice to see a more open, non-traditional structure that didn’t feel like a gimmick.
That said, it’s a solid 3.5 stars for me. I liked it, but didn’t fall head over heels. Rachel’s character felt a bit flat at times, and considering how long the book is, a surprising amount of it felt rushed. I would’ve loved to see more buildup in the relationships—more tension, more slow-burn—and a little less of the insta-love.
Overall, it was a fun, spicy read, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for something sexy and entertaining, but don’t expect deep character development or a super fleshed-out romance arc.
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