Pucking Around
Rachel Price's journey starts with the classic "magical one-night stand with a stranger" premise, but Rath immediately subverts expectations when Rachel lands her dream sports medicine fellowship with Jacksonville's NHL team, only to discover Mr. Perfect Mistake doesn't even recognize her!
While the initial setup between Rachel and her unrecognizing one-night stand provides plenty of tension, Rath expands the emotional landscape by introducing multiple potential love interests, including the grumpy equipment manager and a superstitious goalie.
The hockey world comes alive with authentic details about training, team dynamics, and the unique superstitions and rituals athletes develop. Rath clearly knows her hockey, which grounds the romantic fantasy in a world that feels genuinely researched rather than superficially sporty.
Rachel's evolution throughout the book feels earned rather than arbitrary. Her internal conflict between professional ambition and personal desire creates genuine emotional stakes that transcend the typical romance novel conflicts. Each of the male characters has distinct personality traits and backstories that make them more than mere eye candy.
"Pucking Around" delivers steamy scenes that will fog up your reading glasses while still creating characters with genuine depth and a story with emotional resonance. Rath’s portrayal of a woman navigating male-dominated professional spaces feels authentic rather than contrived.
If you enjoy sports romances with feminist undertones, complex character dynamics, and enough steam to melt ice, this book deserves a spot on your TBR immediately. Just maybe don't read the spicier scenes in public—you've been warned!
Rating: 5/5 Hockey Pucks✨
