My Thoughts
Book Review
Book name: Pucking Wild
Author: Emily Rath
Genre: Romance Novel, Contemporary Romance, New Adult Fiction, Coming To Age
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️
My review:
I was uncertain about how I would feel about this story after reading the first book, but I can honestly say that I enjoyed it more than I anticipated. I feel like this story had an actual plot that I understood and could easily follow with no problems, and it grabbed my attention a little bit. Now I’m not saying it’s my favorite or the best book I read this year, but it was more readable than Pucking Around and it still had me annoyed at times with the same thing in the first book, which was the ridiculous pet names they give the guys, lack of communication and TOO MUCH SEX.
Surprisingly, I was more interested in Tess's relationship (or lack thereof) with her estranged husband Troy than her relationship with Ryan, which is something that rarely happens in the stories I read.
Both epilogues I found myself cringing and rolling my eyes, I wish the whole public display wasn't a thing in either book.
#BookReviews #hockeyromance #unfiltered #puckingwild #emilyrathbooks
As a devoted fan of contemporary romance, especially those with a sports twist, I was incredibly excited to dive into 'Pucking Wild' by Emily Rath, a book that has been making waves as a bestselling TikTok hockey romance. Before even opening the pages, the striking cover, featuring a prominent hockey puck in a net, immediately signals the genre and hints at the thrilling narrative within. I remember seeing copies with promotional stickers promising 20% off and even a bonus chapter, which only added to the allure. What is 'Pucking Wild' about, beyond the obvious hockey theme? It’s a story that plunges you into the vibrant, often chaotic, world of professional hockey, but at its heart, it’s a journey of unexpected connections and personal growth. I went into it with an open mind, especially having heard mixed reviews about its predecessor. What truly captivated me was the unexpected depth I found in certain character arcs. While the main romance is certainly a highlight, I found myself equally, if not more, invested in the journey of Tess and her estranged husband, Troy. This kind of secondary character development is a rare gem in romance novels and something I genuinely appreciate when it’s done well. Like many readers, I have my preferences when it comes to romance tropes and narrative styles. The original review mentioned some pet peeves, such as the pet names and occasional communication breakdowns. I can definitely relate to how these elements can sometimes pull you out of the story. However, I often find that these quirks are part of the charm (or challenge!) in contemporary romance. It’s a fine line between endearing and annoying, and every reader’s tolerance is different. The level of intimacy and steamy scenes is also a common discussion point in this genre. For me, it largely depends on how well it integrates with the plot and character development. If it feels organic and contributes to the emotional connection, I'm all for it. If it feels gratuitous, it can become a distraction. Overall, 'Pucking Wild' truly surprised me. It's a book that, despite a few personal quibbles, held my attention and offered a narrative that felt cohesive and engaging. The buzz around Emily Rath’s work, particularly from its strong presence on TikTok, definitely set a certain expectation, and for the most part, it delivered a fun, readable experience. If you’re a fan of hockey romance and looking for a book with plenty of drama, a touch of angst, and some truly memorable characters, 'Pucking Wild' is definitely worth picking up. Don't forget to check if your copy has that enticing bonus chapter!