Book Review: Pucking Around by Emily Rath – The Longest Sports Romance Book Ever?
Updated: Dec 9, 2024
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to read a 750-page sports romance? Welcome to Pucking Around by Emily Rath, a romance novel that dares to push the boundaries of the genre by weaving a tangled web of relationships, steamy chemistry, and hockey drama. Featuring a reverse harem dynamic, this book delivers a love story that’s anything but conventional.
But is Pucking Around worth your time and emotional investment? Let’s dive deep into this sprawling romance, dissecting its highs, lows, and everything in between.
Book Summary
At the heart of Pucking Around is Rachel Price, a talented physical therapist who crosses paths with three very different men. After a one-night stand with "Mr. Perfect," who later turns out to be a pro hockey player, Rachel’s professional life becomes entangled with her personal life. As fate would have it, Rachel is appointed as the new physical therapist for the Jacksonville Rays, a hot new NHL team. She soon finds herself navigating romantic tension with not just one, but three men on the team.
The story centers around the complex relationships Rachel develops with the men in her life: the playful and persistent "Mr. Perfect" (Jake), the rugged and stern equipment manager (Bobby), and a secretive goalie (Mars) hiding a significant injury. This isn't just a run-of-the-mill sports romance; it's a polyamorous exploration of love, lust, and loyalty set against the backdrop of professional hockey.
While the plot promises high stakes with Rachel’s professional career on the line, the real tension comes from the slow-burning relationships between her and the three men. This steamy novel delivers drama, sizzling romance, and tender moments—making it both compelling and unpredictable.
Author’s Style and Craft
Emily Rath excels at building tension, both on and off the ice. The narrative’s slow-burn pacing allows the chemistry between characters to develop naturally. The writing balances humor, heat, and heart, particularly in the dialogue. While there are some spicy moments, they don’t overshadow the emotional connections that Rath cultivates.
Her portrayal of each character, especially Rachel, feels real and grounded despite the larger-than-life scenario of dating three professional athletes. The novel’s structure alternates perspectives, providing insights into each character’s inner thoughts. However, the pacing sometimes drags, especially given the 750-page length, leaving readers occasionally yearning for more decisive plot movement.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Pucking Around is more than just a romance novel. It explores themes of love, identity, and self-acceptance through the lens of non-traditional relationships. The polyamorous nature of the romance challenges societal norms, pushing readers to think critically about what love can look like outside of monogamy.
Trust, vulnerability, and the power dynamics within relationships are also key themes. Rachel’s role as a professional physical therapist presents a unique conflict between her personal desires and her career, making the novel not just about love, but about navigating life’s complex intersections.
On a broader scale, Rath touches upon themes of masculinity and the unspoken emotional challenges faced by professional athletes. Each of Rachel’s love interests grapples with personal issues, be it the physical toll of sports or emotional baggage, adding depth to their characters.
Strengths
One of the major strengths of Pucking Around lies in the chemistry between the characters. Rath masterfully crafts believable, organic relationships, particularly between Rachel and Mars. Mars, the goalie, stands out as the emotional anchor of the book, offering a more layered connection with Rachel.
The book’s steamy scenes are well-written without feeling gratuitous, serving to build intimacy between characters rather than just being there for shock value. Rath’s skillful balance of playful banter and heartfelt moments ensures that readers are both entertained and emotionally invested.
Additionally, the book stands out for its portrayal of polyamory in a way that feels genuine and not sensationalized. Rath normalizes this dynamic, allowing readers to focus on the relationships rather than the novelty of multiple partners.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, Pucking Around does suffer from its lengthy word count. At 750 pages, the novel often feels bloated, with several subplots that could have been trimmed for tighter pacing. The stakes, although repeatedly emphasized by the characters, don’t always feel as high as the book suggests.
Moreover, while Rachel’s relationships with Mars and Jake are well-developed, Bobby’s role in the dynamic feels less fleshed out. The emotional arcs could have been explored more deeply, especially given the length of the novel. Finally, some readers might find the repetitive nature of the characters’ interactions a bit tiresome, as much of the romantic tension plays out similarly across different scenes.
Comparative Analysis
Compared to other sports romances, Pucking Around distinguishes itself by its polyamorous relationships. While books like The Deal by Elle Kennedy focus on a singular romance, Pucking Around goes beyond by exploring how multiple partners coexist in one relationship, making it more akin to books like Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight.
However, unlike the darker, more intense tone of Den of Vipers, Pucking Around keeps the mood lighter and more playful. Rath attempts to blend steamy romance with emotional depth, though it doesn’t quite reach the same emotional impact as Kennedy’s books. Still, the novelty of its polyamorous angle makes Pucking Around a unique entry in the sports romance genre.
Target Audience
Pucking Around will appeal primarily to fans of sports romances, especially readers who enjoy books with strong female leads and unconventional romantic dynamics. Those who appreciated Den of Vipers for its reverse harem elements will find something familiar here, but with a lighter tone.
However, it may not be for everyone—especially readers who prefer a more concise story or aren’t comfortable with the idea of polyamorous relationships. Content warnings include graphic sexual content and depictions of injury, which may be a consideration for some readers.
Personal Impact
As a fan of sports romances, I found Pucking Around to be an enjoyable, albeit lengthy, read. The characters are charming, and the unconventional relationship dynamic keeps things interesting. While the plot didn’t completely captivate me, the emotional connections and playful banter between Rachel and the three men made the journey worthwhile.
Conclusion
Pucking Around is an ambitious novel that takes on the challenge of depicting a polyamorous relationship within the sports romance genre. While its pacing may not suit everyone, fans of slow-burn romances with a lot of character development will find themselves invested in Rachel’s journey.
If you’re in the mood for something different, with a mix of lighthearted romance, emotional depth, and steamy chemistry, Pucking Around is worth the read. Just be prepared for a long ride!
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FAQ Section
Is Pucking Around suitable for readers who aren’t into sports? Yes, while hockey serves as a backdrop, the main focus is on the relationships and emotional dynamics.
How spicy is this book? The book contains graphic sexual content and steamy scenes, so it’s best suited for mature readers.
What themes does Pucking Around explore? It touches on polyamory, professional ethics, trust, and vulnerability.
Is there a sequel to Pucking Around? Yes, the story sets up for a sequel, expanding on the characters and relationships.
How does this book compare to other hockey romances? While it shares common sports romance tropes, its exploration of polyamory sets it apart.
Is the reverse harem trope well-handled? The relationships are well-developed, though one character’s role feels less explored.
Are there any content warnings? Yes, graphic sexual content, injury details, and cursing are present.
Is Pucking Around more plot-driven or character-driven? It’s more character-driven, focusing on the emotional dynamics between Rachel and her love interests.
Who is the standout character in the book? Mars, the enigmatic goalie, is often highlighted as the most compelling character.
What’s the overall tone of the book? Lighthearted with moments of emotional depth and humor.
Additional Reading and Resources
More Book Reviews from That Love Podcast
If you enjoyed this review, check out our takes on other fantastic reads:
All the Little Raindrops by Mia Sheridan: A Harrowing Journey Through Trauma and Resilience
The Backtrack by Erin La Rosa: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time, Love, and Self-Discovery
The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce: A Vintage Blend of Love, Friendship, and Second Chances
The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey: A Heartwarming Hockey Romance That Scores Big
Romance Community Resources
For more romance novel reviews, discussions, and recommendations, check out these fantastic resources:
Dear Author - A trusted source for honest and well-thought-out reviews, often featuring witty commentary.
All About Romance - One of the oldest romance review sites, offering extensive reviews, author interviews, and discussions covering various romance genres.
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books - Known for its humorous and insightful reviews, this site also features a podcast and community discussions about romance novels.
Heroes and Heartbreakers - This site provides reviews and recommendations, highlighting both popular and lesser-known romance novels.
Romance.io - A site with a comprehensive database of romance novels, offering user-generated reviews and recommendations across various subgenres.
We hope these additional resources enhance your romance reading experience and help you discover your next favorite book!
Enjoyed what you read? Subscribe to That Love Podcast’s newsletter for the latest blogs, updates, and exclusive giveaways! Share the joy—pass along our blogs and website to family and friends so they can join in on the fun. Let’s spread the love together!
"For more inspiration on personal transformation, check out the Transform Your Life series at That Love Podcast (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/transform-your-life) and explore wellness tips at That Blissful Wellness Podcast (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/thatblissfulwellnesspodcast)."
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