Scoring Goals and Stealing Hearts
Love is a lot like hockey—it’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and sometimes you end up with a few bruises. But oh man, when you score? It’s pure magic. Emily Rath captures this perfect blend of romance and sports in her latest novel “Pucking Wild”, the second installment in her Jacksonville Rays series.
Let me tell you, folks, this book is hotter than fresh ice after a Zamboni run. Rath has clearly found her groove, building on the steamy foundation laid in the first book “Pucking Around“. And just like the Rays seem to be doing this season, she’s only getting better with each game… er, book.
The Players: Meet Tess and Ryan
Our heroine, Tess Owens, is a curvy, confident 33-year-old who’s ready to leave her messy divorce in the rearview mirror. She’s got a new job, a new city, and absolutely zero time for romance. Especially not with a guy ten years her junior. Enter Ryan Langley, the Jacksonville Rays’ star forward with a heart of gold and abs you could grate cheese on.
Ryan’s your typical hockey hottie on the surface—young, fit, and focused on his game. But Rath gives him depth that’ll make you swoon harder than a fan who just caught a game puck. He’s sweet, attentive, and boy oh boy, does he know how to treat a lady.
The Game Plan: Age is Just a Number
“Pucking Wild” tackles the reverse age gap trope with the finesse of a perfectly executed slap shot. Rath doesn’t shy away from the challenges Tess and Ryan face—society’s judgement, their own insecurities, and the baggage from past relationships. But she also shows us that sometimes, the heart wants what it wants, regardless of what the birth certificate says.
The chemistry between Tess and Ryan is electric from the get-go. Their banter crackles like static electricity on a cold rink, and the sexual tension? Whew, someone call the penalty box because these two are guilty of too much man… and woman.
Penalty Minutes: A Few Rough Patches
Now, no game is perfect, and “Pucking Wild” has a few moments where it slips on the ice. Some readers might find the pacing a bit uneven, with the first half of the book moving slower than a defenseman on a breakaway. There are also a few subplots that feel a bit underdeveloped, like they were called up from the minors but didn’t get much ice time.
Additionally, while Rath’s steamy scenes are generally well-written, there are a couple that border on repetitive. I mean, we get it, Ryan has magical hands both on and off the ice. But do we need to read about it in every other chapter?
Power Play: Diversity and Representation
One area where “Pucking Wild” really shines is in its representation. Tess is a beautifully written plus-size heroine who’s comfortable in her own skin. Her bisexuality is treated as a natural part of her character, not a plot point or source of drama. It’s refreshing to see this level of inclusivity in a genre that can sometimes feel a bit homogeneous.
Rath also continues to develop the world of the Jacksonville Rays, introducing us to more players and their partners. It’s clear she’s setting up for future books in the series (rumor has it we’ve got “Pucking Sweet” and “Pucking Strong” to look forward to), and I for one can’t wait to see whose story she tells next.
Hat Trick: Three Reasons to Read
- The Characters: Tess and Ryan are wonderfully complex and relatable. You’ll find yourself cheering for them both on and off the ice.
- The Heat: If you like your romance novels spicy, “Pucking Wild” delivers. Rath knows how to write a sex scene that’ll fog up your reading glasses.
- The Heart: Beyond the steamy stuff, this book has a lot of heart. It’s about second chances, self-acceptance, and finding love when you least expect it.
Final Score
“Pucking Wild” by Emily Rath is a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s not quite a perfect game, but it’s definitely a win for the home team. Rath has proven that her first book wasn’t just beginner’s luck—she’s got real talent, and I’m excited to see how she continues to develop as an author.
If you enjoyed “Pucking Around“, you’ll love this sequel. And if you’re new to the series? Don’t worry, you can jump right in with “Pucking Wild”. Just be prepared – you might find yourself suddenly very interested in hockey… and maybe booking a trip to Jacksonville.
So grab your jersey, settle into your favorite reading spot, and get ready for face-off. “Pucking Wild” is one game you won’t want to miss.