Pucking Wild by Emily Rath

In the world of sports romance, few things sizzle hotter than a hockey player falling head over skates for the girl of his dreams. Emily Rath’s “Pucking Wild” delivers that heat and then some, serving up a delicious slice of forbidden fruit in this second installment of her Jacksonville Rays series.

The Setup: More Than Just a Game

Tess Owens is a woman on the run—from her past, from her feelings, and from the suffocating grip of a toxic marriage. When she lands in Jacksonville, Florida, she’s looking for a fresh start, not a fresh face. Enter Ryan Langley, the boyishly handsome forward for the Rays who’s about to teach Tess that sometimes, the best defense is a good offense.

“Pucking Wild” by Emily Rath picks up where its predecessor, “Pucking Around,” left off, dropping us right into the steamy world of professional hockey and the even steamier world of unexpected romance. But don’t worry if you missed the first round—Rath catches new readers up to speed faster than a slapshot to the five-hole.

Characters That Score

Tess: Queen of the Comeback

Tess isn’t your typical romance heroine, and thank goodness for that. At 33, she’s lived enough life to know what she wants—and what she doesn’t. Rath paints her as a complex, multifaceted woman dealing with the aftermath of divorce and rediscovering her own worth. Her journey from scared and scarred to strong and sensual is a joy to witness.

Ryan: More Than Just a Pretty Face (and Abs)

Sure, Ryan’s got the body of a Greek god and the face of a puppy you want to take home, but it’s his heart that really steals the show. At 22, he might be young, but he’s got an old soul and a determination that would make even the toughest coach proud. His pursuit of Tess is both sweet and sizzling, proving that age really is just a number.

Chemistry That Melts the Ice

Holy hotness, Batman! The tension between Tess and Ryan could power the entire city of Jacksonville. Rath doesn’t shy away from the steamy scenes, giving us encounters that are both passionate and playful. But it’s not just about the physical—the emotional connection between these two is what really makes “Pucking Wild” shine.

Themat ic Power Play

At its core, “Pucking Wild” is about second chances and learning to trust again. Rath tackles heavy themes like emotional abuse, self-worth, and the courage it takes to start over with a deft touch. The result is a story that’s as empowering as it is entertaining.

Style: Smooth as a Freshly Zambonied Rink

Rath’s writing style is as fluid as a perfect pass. She balances humor and heart, steamy scenes and serious moments, creating a narrative that keeps you turning pages faster than a hockey player changes shifts. Her dialogue crackles with wit, and her descriptions paint vivid pictures without bogging down the pace.

Minor Penalties

While “Pucking Wild” is a solid win, it’s not without a few trips to the penalty box:

• The age gap between Tess and Ryan, while central to the plot, sometimes feels a bit overplayed.
• Some of the supporting characters could use a bit more development.
• Occasionally, the pacing feels a bit rushed, particularly towards the climax.

The Bottom Line

“Pucking Wild” by Emily Rath is a delightful addition to the sports romance genre. It’s funny, it’s sexy, and it’s got heart for days. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or couldn’t tell a puck from a football, this book will have you cheering from the stands.

Series Breakdown: The Jacksonville Rays Lineup

1. “Pucking Around“: The series opener that introduced us to the world of the Rays.
2. “Pucking Wild”: Our current star player, bringing the heat and the heart.
3. “Pucking Sweet“: Up next, promising more delicious drama on and off the ice.
4. “Pucking Strong”: Coming soon to flex those emotional muscles.
5. “Pucking Free”: The grand finale that’s sure to leave us breathless.

Final Score

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

“Pucking Wild” by Emily Rath scores big, delivering a romance that’s as refreshing as a cold drink after a hot game. It’s not just a story about finding love—it’s about finding yourself, and that’s a goal worth celebrating.

So lace up your skates, grab your stick, and get ready to fall in love with Tess and Ryan. Just remember—in hockey and in life, it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up and keep skating.