I was beyond chuffed to see this pop up as Read Now from Kensington Books. It was absolutely one of my most awaited books this year, though I’m dreading this series wrapping up - one book to go after this one.

We caught a glimpse of Teddy and Karlsson’s predicament at the end of book 3 but we weren’t to know the reasons for the fake marriage. It plays at the heart strings and was incredibly emotive as we see them not really knowing one another at all but navigating complex circumstances. There’s quite a bit of push and pull between them - for Teddy it’s a sense of ‘what have I done’ and for Karlsson it’s about ensuring Teddy isn’t tied to him forever, and offering him a way out.

I wasn’t prepared for the intensity of the feelings between these two, though they express themselves entirely differently. Teddy is unapologetic, fun and chaotic. Karlsson intensely private, taciturn and leaves his talking for the ice. It’s one of those times when others ‘see’ things before they do whilst the couple is digging deep into their issues.

Great community as always with the Rays and theirs growing families. We see some glimpses of what we came to love about these diverse relationships and families from their own books, but seeing them progressing beyond those pages really makes delving into this world worth the investment.

Great, meaningful conversations, discussions about consent and then seeing it in practice. Respect, sexual and personal identity are some of the themes explored.

Devoured it.

Loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I rate this 5 stars and 4.75 chili peppers for spice. Omg omg omg Teddy and Henrick are everything! I swooned, I cried, and I laughed. I didn’t think it was possible for me to like another book in this series more than Pucking Around but this one is my new fave! I loved the plot, loved their romance, and loved seeing all of my favorite Rays throughout this book. I thought it was going to feel weird jumping years ahead of where the last book ended but I didn’t even bat an eye at the time jump. I can’t wait to re read this when the paperback and audiobook comes out!

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I can’t believe we’re are book 4 of 5. The epic series continues with Teddy and Henrik’s story following a terrible loss and upheaval. Emily Rath does a fantastic job at world building, well written and vulnerable characters, and opening readers eyes to non-traditional family structures. This book was especially good as it included the families from the previous 3 books and keeps their stories moving alongside the new couples’. I’m going to be heartbroken when this series eventually ends

This is by far my favourite book in the series so far!! I love a slow burn, for me this was the perfect balance of plot/romance/spice. I also adored both of the main characters and really appreciated the demisexual representation. SO relatable! If you're looking for a queer hockey with tender emotion AND hot sex, this is definitely the book I'd recommend.

I absolutely love and cherish each of these beautiful stories Emily Rath writes. I am absolutely blown away by her tenderness, emotion, and characters that feel like family every time. The Jacksonville Rays are a series you can come back to over and over and over again, and never get enough. It’s a comfort read, and Pucking Strong just made the top of the list.

I’m not one to write long reviews, except for books I absolutely love and authors I absolutely adore. So buckle up, because Emily Rath is amazing and her work speaks for itself.

I loved Henrik and Teddy’s story. After the teaser in book 3, I was so excited to see a marriage of convenience and see how the story pans out. (It’s one of my favorites!) I cried, I laughed, I fell in love with these characters and don’t want to let them go. Absolutely no spoilers in this review.

Teddy and Henrik have a slow burn and chaotic start to their journey. The yearning Emily teases about was so real. As a quiet and introverted person who has trouble letting others in, who always circles around others and conversations, Henrik’s character really spoke to me and my own experiences. Teddy, is the opposite, outgoing, loyal and loving, and wears his heart on his sleeve. Opening up to each other and exposing their fears, while trying to navigate new experiences is only just the beginning!

I love that in this book we get to explore the different types of love as well. In the blurb, Teddy admits he loves Henrik, and he doesn’t want to get hurt. How that love changes and evolves is such a beautiful, gut-wrenching, and amazing story. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy and highlight and cry over all my favorite quotes again. Everyone deserves love, no matter what, and Emily Rath creates such beauty in helping love our flaws. Thank you for that.

I hope everyone loves this story as much as I do, I’ll accept no negative criticism and this book deserves 100 stars.

Thank you to Emily Rath and Kensington for the opportunity to review.

Pucking Strong by Emily Rath is a slow burn that really delivers on the spice. It’s got all the tension and emotion of a fake marriage romance, but with the added twist of it being MM, workplace, and set in the world of pro hockey. Teddy and Henrik have insane chemistry, and once it gets spicy, it really gets spicy!