Sunday, February 16, 2025

Pucking Sweet by Emily Rath

A hockey romance with heart, heat, and a whole lot of drama

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"Pucking Sweet" by Emily Rath is a delightful, spicy, and surprisingly heartfelt addition to the sports romance genre. It proves that sometimes the best plays happen when you color outside the lines – or in this case, when you add an extra player to your lineup.

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Ice hockey may be a cold sport, but Emily Rath’s latest novel “Pucking Sweet” turns up the heat to scorching levels. The third installment in her Jacksonville Rays series skates circles around typical sports romances, delivering a sizzling menage story that’ll have readers fanning themselves faster than a penalty box door swinging open.

A League of Her Own: Poppy St. James Takes Center Ice

Meet Poppy St. James, our plucky protagonist who’s about to learn that sometimes the best defense is a good offense—especially when it comes to matters of the heart. As the new PR director for the Jacksonville Rays, Poppy’s got her hands full wrangling a team of rowdy hockey players. But it’s two particular defensemen who really keep her on her toes:

  • Lukas Novikov: The bad boy with a heart of gold (and abs of steel)
  • Colton Morrow: The steady, loyal player who’s been pining from afar

What starts as a professional relationship soon morphs into something far more… intimate. And boy, does Rath know how to write some steamy scenes! Let’s just say the penalty box isn’t the only place where things get hot and heavy.

Hat Trick of Heat: MMF Romance Done Right

“Pucking Sweet” doesn’t just dip its toe into the waters of polyamory—it does a full-on cannonball. Rath handles the complexities of a three-way relationship with surprising depth and sensitivity. It’s not all smooth sailing (or skating), but watching Poppy, Lukas, and Colton navigate their feelings is as thrilling as any overtime shootout.

The chemistry between all three characters is electric. Whether it’s Poppy and Lukas trading barbs, Colton’s quiet intensity, or all three of them tangled up together (wink wink), every interaction crackles with tension and possibility.

More Than Just a Pretty Face-Off

While the romance is undoubtedly the main event, “Pucking Sweet” offers more than just titillating encounters. Rath weaves in:

  • Sharp, witty dialogue that’ll have you snorting with laughter
  • Genuine character growth as our trio learns to trust and communicate
  • A fascinating look behind the scenes of professional sports PR
  • Themes of found family and learning to stand up for yourself

Penalty Minutes: A Few Minor Infractions

No game is perfect, and “Pucking Sweet” does fumble the puck occasionally:

  1. The pacing in the middle section drags a bit, with a few too many “will they, won’t they” moments.
  2. Some secondary characters feel underdeveloped, serving mainly as plot devices.
  3. The resolution of Poppy’s family drama feels a tad rushed and too neatly wrapped up.

These minor quibbles don’t detract much from the overall enjoyment, but they’re worth noting for readers who prefer their romances without any rough edges.

Power Play: How “Pucking Sweet” Stacks Up in the Series

Fans of the Jacksonville Rays series will find plenty to love here. While “Pucking Sweet” can be read as a standalone, it’s even more satisfying for those who’ve followed the team from the beginning. We get cameos from familiar faces and hints at future pairings that’ll have readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

For those keeping score:

  1. Pucking Around“: A solid opener that introduced us to the Rays’ world
  2. Pucking Wild“: Amped up the heat and expanded the cast
  3. “Pucking Sweet”: Takes the series to new heights with its daring premise
  4. “Pucking Strong” (upcoming): Promises to continue the winning streak
  5. “Pucking Free” (announced): Has big skates to fill after this scorcher

The Final Buzzer: Is “Pucking Sweet” Worth Your Time?

In a word: Absolutely. Emily Rath has delivered a romance that’s as satisfying as a perfectly executed slap shot. “Pucking Sweet” manages to be both incredibly sexy and surprisingly sweet, with characters you can’t help but root for both on and off the ice.

If you’re looking for:

  • A steamy, consent-focused MMF romance
  • Hockey hunks with hearts of gold
  • Strong female characters who don’t need saving
  • A perfect beach read (or cozy up by the fire read)

…then “Pucking Sweet” should be at the top of your TBR pile. Just maybe don’t read it in public unless you’re comfortable with some serious blushing.

Breakaway Bonus: What’s Next for Emily Rath?

With two more books announced in the Jacksonville Rays series, it’s clear Rath isn’t hanging up her skates anytime soon. Readers will be eagerly anticipating how she can possibly top the heat level of “Pucking Sweet,” but based on her track record, I have no doubt she’s up for the challenge.

In conclusion, “Pucking Sweet” by Emily Rath is a delightful, spicy, and surprisingly heartfelt addition to the sports romance genre. It proves that sometimes the best plays happen when you color outside the lines—or, in this case, when you add an extra player to your lineup. Now if you’ll excuse me, I suddenly have the urge to watch some hockey…

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"Pucking Sweet" by Emily Rath is a delightful, spicy, and surprisingly heartfelt addition to the sports romance genre. It proves that sometimes the best plays happen when you color outside the lines – or in this case, when you add an extra player to your lineup.Pucking Sweet by Emily Rath