I have never read anything by Emily I didn't love completely! But this book just takes that love to a whole new level!! Emily is extremely intelligent, and the way she writes is dynamic and engaging. I couldn't put it down, and loved every second!

I loved everything about this book! It was a much anticipated release for me and I could be happier about the chance to read an arc copy. Thank you and I look forward to reading again on the release date and recommending this book

Teddy and Henrik’s love made me so emotional, I love them and their love so much. I also loved that there was no third act breakup/no one tried to run away. They were the family they were meant to be. Karro was a sweetheart too, i loved her bond with her Morbor and Teddy! The epilogue made me cry, honestly. So freaking sweet. I also loved the look into the Ray’s of the future, i like that everyone is moving on, such a natural progression of life

The fourth installment of the Jacksonville Rays series and I am swooned over Teddy and Henrik. This book was INCREDIBLE. I enjoyed it from beginning to end, and I felt like it was me living through all of this now.

5/5. This was one of my "drop everything now and read immediately" books of the year and woooooo buddy did Emily Rath deliver. The author created magic with the Jacksonville Rays and every single book just gets better and better. Teddy might be my favorite (as a fellow double Pisces) but nothing makes me happier in this series than seeing the Price men pop up. I cried at least 5 times (in a good way) while reading this and I'm so glad I have my pre-order for the physical book. You know I'm going to need that full series on my shelf and this series is one I will definitely be re-reading. I know Pucking Strong is just publishing this summer but I already need the next book in the series and the next Pucking Ever After volume. And, let me tell you, as someone who NEVER reads the novellas, this is high high praise because I would have kicked myself to miss The Dentist story. A++. Recommend to literally anyone who loves a good romance.

Thank you for the opportunity to review early! This was a wonderful continuation of the Jacksonville Rays' stories - I loved getting to know Henrik and Teddy. I loved the lack of a third act breakup - I liked getting to see them tackle problems together and grow together, and really enjoyed every bit of this story. Novy's destined to be the best side character, truly.

I laughed, I cried, and things definitely got steamy. This was a great slow-burn ending to the Rays series. I especially appreciated the community of characters from books 1-3. Jake and Novy always make me laugh. I really enjoyed seeing the MCs grow and find their ways to be their full selves together.

An excellent addition to the Jacksonville Rays Romance series. New readers and fans alike will fall in love with Henrik and Teddy. Rath continues to write with diverse representation in her characters and each book just keeps getting better!

Love, love, love Emily Rath's Jacksonville Rays series! Teddy and Henrik's story is just as good as every other book in this series. I love the growth both of them experience. Watching their romance bloom from friends to more was beautiful. And I'm a sucker for a good fake marriage situation. Love!

No one does love and connection like Emily Rath! This entire series is one messy, crazy, beautiful connection after another. The way she breathes life into the character, making them so relatable and vulnerable, makes me feel for full of love and relief and hope that this kind of journey is real. Henrik and Teddy went on such a crazy ride, from page one their lives were flipped and bulldozed over, and in that crazy they found each other and made a beautiful scene that had me crying all over the place. This book has a 5 star couple, with 5 star romance/spice, and 5star side characters!!! I love see the price family, the langley’s, and Poppy with her men😍 I’m so invested in this fictional world that Emily Rath made.

Pucking Strong is exactly what the title suggests—emotionally strong, character-driven, and a standout installment in Emily Rath’s Jacksonville Ray's series. While the pacing is noticeably slower than in previous books, this deliberate slow burn works to its advantage. The extra space allows for deeper emotional development, giving readers a chance to really connect with the characters and their individual journeys—its not just spice upone spice upon spice. Though, the spice is so good.

Unlike some of the recent books in the series that needed a companion novella to fill in the emotional gaps, Pucking Strong stands firmly on its own. Rath takes her time building the connection between the leads, weaving in backstory and vulnerability in a way that feels natural and satisfying. It’s refreshing to see a relationship develop with patience and complexity, without sacrificing the tension or payoff.

If you’ve been craving more character depth and emotional nuance from your hockey romance reads, this one delivers. Pucking Strong proves that sometimes, taking things slow leads to a much stronger finish.

When stoic hockey player Henrik is at risk of losing custody of his niece after is sister's passing, team physical therapist, Teddy, steps up and offers to help him. While that assistance originally takes the form of flying with him to Sweden to offer moral support and proper medical transport of the child, it turns into a marriage-of-convenience with Teddy's long-time crush.

I've read three of the four (or four of five, if we count the prequel) books in this series, and I've enjoyed all of them, but they are all so, so long. The author even acknowledges this in her author's note. For the other two I read, it didn't bother me so much, because they involved polyamorous relationships that justified additional character and relationship development. That justification doesn't exist with this book, which focuses on Henrik (who comes to realize he is demisexual) and Teddy (who is gay). This book describes itself as a slow burn, which I don't find, but the beginning was very slow--and not just in a sexual way. The plot took a bit to pick up, and it wasn't until about halfway where I found myself really engrossed and enjoying it. The second half of the book was very good, though, and if you're a fan of the Jacksonville Rays universe this one can't be missed (especially because it seemed like it might be the last one--but I could be wrong).

Thanks to Kensington for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars - 7/10

Tender, powerful, and emotionally resonant, Pucking Strong is Emily Rath at her best. This slow-burn romance between physical therapist Teddy and hockey star Henrik blends grief, healing, and found family into a story that’s both deeply heartfelt and undeniably charming.

With nuanced LGBTQ+ and demisexual representation, sharp banter, and chemistry that simmers on every page, Rath crafts a love story that feels authentic and earned. The pacing lags slightly in the middle, but the emotional payoff more than makes up for it. By the final chapter, you’ll feel like you’ve lived alongside these characters—and you won’t want to leave.

A standout addition to the Jacksonville Rays series and a solid read for fans of sports romance, queer love stories, and narratives that celebrate vulnerability and chosen family.

4 ⭐️

just finished pucking strong by emily rath and wow, this book was such a heartwarming and emotional journey.
i’m giving it 4 stars because while it was a beautiful story, there were a few pacing issues that slowed it down for me.

the story follows teddy and henrik, two men brought together by unexpected circumstances. teddy, a physical therapist, becomes the guardian of his niece after a tragic accident, and henrik, a professional hockey player, steps in to help. their relationship starts as a marriage of convenience but slowly blossoms into something deeper.

what i loved most about this book was the slow burn romance. the development of teddy and henrik’s relationship felt natural and genuine. there wasn’t any insta-love, just this steady, careful unraveling of walls and fears. their chemistry was undeniable, and the way they supported each other through grief and healing was touching. there were so many soft, quiet moments between them that made me melt.

the representation of a demisexual character was also refreshing and handled with care. teddy’s sexuality wasn’t just mentioned once and forgotten—it was woven thoughtfully into his character arc and the way he interacted with intimacy. it felt honest, nuanced, and respectful. i really appreciated that.

emily rath’s writing is engaging and filled with emotion. she has a way of creating characters that feel real and relatable. no one in this story felt like a cardboard cutout—everyone had depth, especially the side characters. even the little moments, like scenes with the team or teddy with his niece, felt rich and lived-in. the jacksonville rays series continues to impress me with its focus on found family and unconditional love.

however, the pacing in the middle of the book dragged a bit for me. there were moments where the story felt repetitive, and i found myself wanting it to move forward a little faster. like, i loved the emotional beats, but a few scenes could’ve been trimmed or combined without losing anything important. that’s really the only reason it’s not a full five stars for me.

that said, the emotional payoff at the end made it totally worth it. the final chapters had me soft-smiling and tearing up at the same time. i closed the book feeling full in the best way. henrik and teddy felt like a couple i’d root for in real life—imperfect, but trying their best, and choosing each other again and again.

overall, pucking strong is a beautiful story about love, healing, and the importance of support systems. it’s not just about romance, but about community, grief, and choosing to move forward. it’s a great addition to the jacksonville rays series, and i can’t wait to see what’s next. i’ll definitely be grabbing whatever emily rath writes next in this world.

thank you to netgalley and kensington books for the arc.

Pucking Strong by Emily Rath easily creates the butterflies in your stomach, the giddy inducing magic that spreads through your chest , the tug of your heartstrings, the blush of the face fanning spice & the pure swoon worthy adoration that radiates through your veins all for the emotional & all encompassing love that is this story.

This is a slower burn romance than previous books that oh my rays 😉 is worth the wait with this spectacular & steamy story. It has a heart wrenching & heartbreaking beginning that starts this tale of rough times & hardship aided with an unwavering loyal friend that jettisons a beautiful roller coaster of a journey for this new found family in the midst of healing, grieving, growing, discovering & so much more.

This is book #4 in The Jacksonville Rays series, which can be read as a standalone. However, the Jacksonville Rays are what I dream of when I think of the epitome of love, family & community, which is why they’re my favorite team & I do recommend them all.

Pucking Strong is great for those looking to read…
🩵 Spicy MM Hockey Romance
🩵 Demisexual Representation
🩵 Marriage of Convenience (Guardian to Niece)
🩵 Pro Hockey Player x Physical Therapist
🩵 Forced/Close Proximity

I am in awe of the gorgeous world this author has created with her brilliance & magnetic storytelling in abundance of humor & heart that truly showcases a shining light on & celebrates that love truly is love. Reading these stories feels like a hug, a warm cup of cocoa, puppy cuddles & freshly baked cookies all in one. These heroes are so different from each other but without giving too much away, such a phenomenal pair.

This is the type of book that burrows into your soul to the point that when you finish, all you want to do is start it all over again. While I could easily write a multi-page review, if you are looking to feel all the feels & be smitten for these two beautiful heroes, I highly recommend Pucking Strong.

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Kensington Books for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

This was definitely a slooooow burn, as promised. It was also unbelievably sweet, tender, and gentle. (Don't worry, it had Emily Rath's signature spice, I promise.) Teddy and Henrik are probably her most normal and identifiable relationship yet, and I absolutely cannot wait for more.

Emily Rath's books are addicting! I have fallen in love with the Jacksonville Rays and all of the characters throughout this series. This book was no exception. I particularly liked how Teddy brought Henrik out of his shell, and Henrik celebrated Teddy's louder, more expressive personality.

Another Jacksonville Rays book—and once again, an absolutely AMAZING read! I seriously can’t get enough of this series. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about the page count at first, but the pacing was so well done that it held my attention the entire time. This is hands down one of the best friends-to-lovers stories I’ve ever read. I especially loved that it followed a straightforward, chronological timeline—no flashbacks, just a natural build as they grew and fell in love. I’m already counting down the days until the next one!

This was a great follow up to the Jacksonville rays series I love immersing myself into any Emily Rath book. Thank you net galley!!!

Emily Rath returns with another emotionally rich and heartwarming installment in her bestselling Jacksonville Rays series. Pucking Strong, book four in the series, follows physical therapist Teddy O'Connor and star forward Henrik Karlsson through a journey of grief, healing, and unexpected love.

When Henrik’s world is turned upside down, Teddy steps in—not only as a supportive friend and colleague, but as the one person willing to go to extraordinary lengths to help. As the pair navigate media scrutiny, legal challenges, and their growing attraction, the boundaries of their arrangement blur in ways neither anticipated. The result is a story that masterfully blends forced proximity, found family, and a slow-burn romance into a powerful and deeply satisfying narrative.

A Story that Feels Like Home

Reading Pucking Strong is like being wrapped in a warm, familiar hug. Rath’s writing evokes a deep sense of belonging—each chapter draws readers into a world that’s vivid, intimate, and emotionally charged. From the very first chapters, the book delivers an emotional punch, with moments of raw vulnerability that evolve into joy, laughter, and genuine connection. Teddy and Henrik’s relationship is crafted with tenderness and authenticity, and the emotional rollercoaster they ride will resonate with anyone who’s ever loved deeply.

Strength in Representation and Heart

One of Rath’s greatest strengths lies in her celebration of love in all its diverse forms. As with the previous entries in the Jacksonville Rays series, Pucking Strong centers LGBTQ+ and multiracial relationships without sensationalising them. The representation is thoughtful and nuanced, reflecting the beautiful reality that love doesn’t look the same for everyone. The banter is sharp, often hilarious, and the dynamics between the main characters and their teammates feel like genuine camaraderie—an unbreakable bond that extends beyond the rink.

Teddy and Henrik balance one another perfectly. Their character arcs are given time to unfold naturally, allowing readers to truly invest in their journey. This slow burn is worth every page, and the chemistry between them is as tender as it is sizzling.

If Only It Didn't Have to End

The only weakness? It ends. Despite its 500+ pages, readers will likely be left wishing for more. Rath creates characters that feel like family, and saying goodbye—if only until the next book—leaves a tangible ache. It’s a testament to how well-developed her world and characters are that “The End” never feels like closure, only a pause in a greater narrative.

Final Thoughts

Pucking Strong is a beautiful, emotionally layered romance that stands strong on its own, but shines brightest when read as part of the broader Jacksonville Rays series. With themes of grief, healing, chosen family, and the courage to love, this book is a standout addition to the genre. For readers seeking spice, heart, and genuine emotional depth, this is a must-read.

Highly recommended for fans of LGBTQ+ romance, sports romance, found family tropes, and stories that linger long after the final page. If you haven’t picked up this series yet, you’re seriously missing out—it’s pucking fantastic.