Teddy meets Henrik on his way to his internship. It was love at first sight for Teddy. But Teddy hides his feelings.

SIX YEARS LATER... Teddy is back with the Rays and sees Henrik. Henrik's sister is killed in an automobile accident leaving her daughter, Karolina. But huge issue, Henrik is not a reliable parent since he travels so much for hockey, so he needs to think fast. Teddy went with Henrik for help in the matter... but they marry each other to keep Karolina... Will the marriage of Terry and Henrik work or will Terry lose Henrik?

Anytime a Dr Emily Rath book comes into my sight, I know I am in for a good time. Once again, she captures the human experience so well that I can't help but wonder if she's just stealing people's (including mine) diaries and using them for her books.
Let me get the bad out of the way now. Niblet is not the correct term and it was used so much in a portion of the book that I became annoyed. There were times when Teddy seemed to play into stereotypical black queer behaviors that made my brain itch but it wasn't enough to suggest that the entire character was full of stereotypes.

And now for the good. Everything else. Henrik and his grief, Hendrik and Teddy as they explore what demi means to them. The WAGs club, Teddy's love for Henrik's niece, the relationships Teddy has with his family and even Henrik's love for his family. The chemistry that these two characters grow into is explosive after you get through the slowest burn imaginable. The little snips of the other relationships we've grown to know and love.

If you are already a fan of Dr. Wrath, this is just another jewel in her collection. If you are new and this is where you want to jump, you can safely enjoy and know that the read is well worth it.

I was curious about this book and I appreciated the descriptions of the world of hockey and I was able to understand what was what even if i just say one match in my life.
Rooted for the characters and had fun
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I never would have guessed that Pucking Strong was going to end up being my favorite book of this series. Emily rath did such a good job with the slow burn romance and deep emotion between the couple.
She had me kicking my feet and giggling with excitement.

Book four in the Jacksonville Rays series and Emily Rath has absolutely stolen my heart with this one.
The perfect read for pride month (or every month), this book is emotional, passionate and such a sweet read. You cannot help but fall in love with each character in this novel, feeling their deep connection with one another before they admitted it to themselves.
I adored this book.
Pucking Strong is my new favourite in this series and honestly I’ll be surprised if she can top this. The honesty, the yearning, the touch him and die. Ugh it was everything.

I loveddddd Teddy and Henrik, I just felt like there was something missing. I did not feel any tension or pining like I usually do with an Emily Rath book. Henriks character development was amazing in this book though and I did love their story. I just also feel as if it could be reduced and edited down, it got repetitive at some parts.

This romance was different from what I usually read but I loved every word. It was fabulous. Emily Rath can do no wrong with smutty romances

I knew I was going to love this and I am so happy to confirm that I LOVED it!! It was such an incredible feeling diving back into this universe, and to explore two more characters was amazing.
This has easily shot to the number one spot of the series for me, and I'm so excited for everyone else to read it!

I loved this book. I would definitely say this is my favorite of the series so far. I really liked the fact the problem that the characters faced in the plot was not miscommunication. I very much enjoyed their dynamic that they had as friends and as a couple. I also enjoyed that all the other characters were sprinkled in throughout the book. They were not just in the background. I will and have recommend this to anyone who will listen!!

Love, Love, love this series! This one pulled on the heartstrings a lot more than usual, and I loved it.

What would you do to protect and keep your family together? In Emily Rath’s fourth book in her Jacksonville Rays Hockey Series, that’s what star forward Henrik Karlsson has to figure out. His only sister dies in an auto accident that severely injures her 5 year old daughter, Karoline (Henrik’s niece). Henrik’s job as a forward in the US NHL means that to care for his niece, he needs to take her to Florida. Unfortunately the Swedish Government needs to be convinced that Henrik can take proper care of Karoline in the US while he is on the road during hockey season. The Swedish Government won’t allow Karoline to leave Sweden without this reassurance. Enter Dr. Teddy O’Connor, the Rays newest physical therapist. Follow Henrik and Teddy as they fight their way through governmental red tape as well as develop their relationship in this very spicy book of the fictional Jacksonville Rays Hockey Team.

I really enjoyed this next installment of the Jacksonville Rays. It did seem a little contrived how Teddy accompanied Henrik to Sweden, but it worked. I liked getting glimpses of characters from the previous books. It’s fun seeing where they are in their life journeys. This is a stand-alone book, but if one has read the first three books and previous novellas, one has a better understanding of the various back stories of the other characters of the Jacksonville Rays.

I wish to thank Kensington Publishing for providing this book and selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

#kensingtonpublishing #jacksonvillerays #hockeyromance #spicyromance

I want to live in this universe forever. Emily writes such beautiful stories full of love, family, and joy. Even the serious topics have a hopeful feel to them. Emily’s books are always such a wonderful experience

When I first heard about this book coming out it quickly became my most anticipated of the year. Upon completion I must say that this book is even better then I could’ve ever imagined. I already was in love with this world and the characters within it, I didn’t think it was possible to love them more yet here I am. Emily Rath with another masterpiece on her hands. The character development, the love, the personal development are all top tier. I’m going to reread this book over and over. Absolute perfection!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Emily Rath for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

I fell in love with this series right from the beginning with Pucking Around, and this latest book was everything I hoped it would be. It’s refreshing to immerse myself in a world that feels like a safe space, complete with a welcoming group of people, particularly within a professional sports team. The fact that everyone in the Jacksonville Rays series is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community unless stated otherwise, is incredibly refreshing. I particularly enjoy the theme of found family, which resonates deeply with me. Having characters who love each other without judgment or expectations is something precious, and I can never get enough of it in these books.

Returning to this series feels like catching up with old friends, and I love getting to know the new protagonists as well. I become so emotionally invested in each book that I find myself laughing, crying, and experiencing all of the characters' joys and heartaches alongside them. I genuinely miss these characters when I finish reading, which is why I have reread this series multiple times. I’m thrilled that I can now revisit Henrik and Teddy's story over and over again.

Teddy is such a quintessential double Pisces, and it was a delight to explore his perspective. Although I am not a double Pisces myself, my sun sign is Pisces, so I found many aspects of his character relatable. He had me laughing out loud numerous times as I experienced the world through his eyes. Henrik was a great balance to Teddy, and I was always excited when we would switch to his POV so I could learn more about him and how he sees the world.

I will always recommend this series to anyone who will listen, and this book only strengthens my argument. If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you waiting for? If you have, I can’t wait for you to read this one—you won’t regret it!

This is my favourite book so far this year 🥰 like teddy says in the beginning of the book, it feels like coming home! I love these people so so much. Teddy and Henrik is adorable 🥰 they deserve everything ❤️
Loved seeing the others again as well.
Feel good book/series of the century
Infinite stars

The series is always so fun and the narrative fits my style.
I always read the books in one sitting

I love this series so much!!! The books are amazingly escapist and fun, while also being complex and meaningful. Love this series.

The breathless scream I let out when I was approved for the ARC was… well this was everything!! Written a little different than the other books , we follow Teddy and Henrik on such a beautiful emotional journey to be together ! It was a slow burn well worth the wait! Rath handled the more difficult topics with such care!! And god the smut was good but honestly it was the possessiveness and care between them !! I especially loved the both the interview for ESPN and the secondary one for the adoption agency !! And the ending was so beautiful !! Just such a wonderful story that I can’t wait to purchase and have on my shelf !!!

I knew I’d love Teddy and Henrik, but it was very sweet and exactly as described- slow burn romance, a little bit of miscommunication and media attention but happy ending for sure.

I’m glad Teddy and Henrik didn’t see as much hatred or outrage that the Prices did, kind of setting the way for future couples.

OH MY GOSH!

I normally HATE slow burns but this was absolutely perfect. I think this might have become my favorite in the series. The one liners were great, the spice was just right, and the internal battles were so touching. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for everyone else to get to read it!