✨4 stars✨

I read the first book in this series years ago and I just found it okay/ a little ridiculous, and the second and third book didn’t really interest me. However, the plot for this one did, and I enjoyed this book so much more thankfully! Were there certain parts of this book that felt unbelievable, like marrying a man you barely know in order to help him get custody of his niece after her mum dies in a car crash? And doing so in a country you’ve never been before? Yes absolutely. Yet I found myself really caring for the little family that Teddy and Henrik created with Karolina.

I think another reason I preferred this book is because this was much more of a slow burn, especially compared to the first book in the series. Also, this book (while still being over 500 pages in some editions) was noticeably shorter than the first book which was another positive. I absolutely flew through this, especially the second 50% of the book.

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

This was such a beautiful book. It’s so much more than just a sports romance. It had family, romance, sports, and everything that makes the perfect romance mixed in! It had me laughing, crying and swooning. I loved the fake relationship turned real as well. Very sweet

The tropes, the inclusivity, the slow burning YEARN. Pucking Strong was so unlike any other hockey romance that I’ve read.

Say goodbye to your stereotypical macho hockey player obsession and hello to your latest quiet, Swedish hockey player infatuation. If you liked Ilmari in Pucking Around, Henrik is about to blow him out of the water.

Dr Teddy O’Connor, initially the intern to the Ray’s, had the meet-cute of the century with a god-worthy player six years ago. What started as a crush, developed into unrequited love. And now Teddy’s back, with a full-time position. Which means continuing to obsess full-time, over a man he believes he can never have.

“I’m just a chaotic double Pisces who gets his life saved by a beautiful man and immediately fights the toxic urge to ask, “Your place or mine?”

After some life-altering, heartbreaking news (seriously Emily, Henrik’s reaction ruined me), Henrik must return to Sweden to become the caretaker to his 5 year old niece and bring her back. Teddy, attempting to be a knight in shining armor, offers to go with him.

A quick trip to Sweden. Shouldn’t be a problem, right? Makes sense for him to go as Henrik’s niece is injured and needs to recover before getting on a plane. Teddy can help. That’s how he justifies offering to fly halfway across the world with his crush anyway.

This book put me through so many emotions. Teddy’s sense of humour was a perfect contrast to Henrik’s grumpy manner. The storyline itself was heart-wrenching and hopeful. Henrik’s storyline is something you felt that you were experiencing second-hand through the writing. All I wanted was the happy ending for a little girl who just lost the most important person in her life.

But Henrik and Teddy’s story...

“Why are you so fucking calm? You’re like Frosty the fucking Snowman over there. Meanwhile, I’m Elsa, totally out of control, just turning everything to ice with my chaos fingers!”

Usually, I would highlight the basics of each trope, but I think it’s important to go in blind into this book, like I did. It has everything you could ask for – marriage of convenience, a healthy exploration of sexuality and grumpy x sunshine main characters.

“Do you trust me, Teddy? Do you trust my heart as I trust yours?”

I do recommend using a Kindle/E-Reader of some sort though. I was Google Translating like my life depended on it. By the end of the book, I was convinced I could speak romantically purely in Swedish (sike, couldn’t pronounce a single word).

“Wounds to the body are one thing. I know how to heal those. But wounds to the soul?”

UGH. The quotes I highlighted through this book made me want to tattoo them on my skin.

It’s romantic, emotional, hopeful and a whirlwind of every other feeling. It may be a slow burn, but it’s worth the wait for when things start to heat up.

“Because while I’m falling more in love with him and his adorable niece every day, I’m ultimately just part of a problem he’s trying to fix.”

Sooo many cameos from the rest of the Ray’s. Which just added to what was already a perfect plot. There’s nothing like the family support of a hockey team.

“You can’t drown if you’re holding onto the dock.”

“He was a dream. Now he’s my home.”

HIGHLY recommend!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin (Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House) for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

We're finally back baby!

After not really jiving with books 2 and 3 in this series, I was still highly anticipating book four because it had a trope I love, fake marriage. And I am so glad that I really enjoyed this one. I think the pacing worked really well, it was just the right length (in fact, it could have been longer, something I never thought I would say) and I felt like we got to know the characters. Their relationship developed naturally and there wasn't too many competing story lines which meant it could flow as it was meant to. I love that Teddy could be as dramatic as he wanted and it was part of what Henrik loved about him, not something despite.

I will say this does have some unusual takes on the fake marriage trope. For instance, they don't fake kiss as this is a rule they actually lay out. I think some readers will be expecting those classic moments to rack up the tension. I was as well. But upon reflection I actually like that the writer did this. It feels more mature and added to the slow burn element. It also made a lot of sense considering the way Henrik approaches his own sexuality, and it allowed him room to explore what that meant for him. Because he's on the demisexual/ace specturm (the word they use in the book is demisexual) it meant he wasn't forced to be uncomfortable and he was able to learn how his sexuality worked for him and how to articulate it, which was really lovely.

I will say if you're hoping for cameos from previous characters, that's not what this book is about. I mean they're in it, but they are very much side characters. But I guess that's what the novellas are for. I don't see any plans for another set of novellas which is a shame, as I would take some about this couple.

I'm officially going to see out this series and read the last book. I'm hoping we can get a good 50-50 balance on what I enjoyed and what I didn't and I'm curious to see who the next story is about.

Pucking strong was everything and so much more, I haven’t been this obsessed with a couple in a long time! Henrik and Teddy have my heart, reading their story was exactly what I needed. Emily Rath can do no wrong with this series, this book proves it!

Pucking strong

Emily Rath never misses!

I have been so excited for Teddy and Henriks book and it did not disappoint.

I adored the plot of this book. Fake marriage to save his niece from going into foster care? It had everything I wanted! Grumpy/Sunshine, One Bed, Fake marriage, Friends to Lovers…

Teddy is such a beautiful character. He is loud, messy, emotional and I loved it all. Seeing him grow and find his most authentic self was amazing. Having Henrik be the one to help him find his center? There couldn’t be a better match.

I loved Henrik! He’s quiet, pensive and introverted. The complete opposite to Teddy in every way and yet they complement each other so well. The way he opened up his life and finally started living for something other than Hockey was beautiful. I loved seeing him explore his sexuality and thought this was represented wonderfully.


The full gang make an appearance with their families and this is something I look forward to in ever book. You can really see how their relationships have developed and flourished.

Just perfection as always! I am so excited for the next book

Pucking Around was my first ever foray into the world of Hockey Romance, and it still lives in my head as one of the best 'why choose' books I have ever read.
So when the opportunity came for me to Arc read Pucking Strong, I jumped at the chance to revisit the Jacksonville Rays.

This book focuses on PT intern Teddy and Henrik Karlsson, although it is set 6 years after the other books, so it is not following the same timeline this time around.

Unlike in previous books in this series, this book is a SLOW BURN! The spice is amazing and plentiful, but you have to work to get there! But this added so much more to the characters and the story this time, really getting to know the two male leads before the romance happened. It is one of my favourite romance tropes, and this book had me practically squealing with joy when they finally sealed the deal.

I can't wait for the final book in this series. Even though it feels bittersweet that it's coming to an end, I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute!

Firstly a huge thank you to Emily Rath and NetGalley for the arc when I tell you I SCREAMED when I got the email that my most anticipated read of the year had been approved.

I could easily have read this book in 24 hours but I stretched it out a week just because I didn’t want it to end….

I knew miss Emily would not let me down, this book was everything I needed and more.

5 stars isn’t enough at this point I need a ten star option.

I don’t want to give too much away but this is absolutely your sign to add this book to your tbr you will not regret it.

I just know people are going to fall in love with chaotic but loveable Teddy who wears his heart on his sleeve and will forever go out of his way to please others. Sweet anxious Teddy meets our second mmc Henrik… who is well…the complete opposite of Teddy but y’all will fall head over heels for him as well (just like I did). Henrik is the strong, broody and silent type but he loves hard and protects those he loves fiercely (especially his Husband 😏).

If, like me, you loved Jake and Caleb’s story you will adore these two.

Teddy and Henrik’s love story is one that burns slowly but when it does… man is it good. Protective ‘you’re my husband’ Henrik had me SWOONING. Oh em gee are these guys worth the wait.

The EPILOGUE?? HELLO!? Yeah I was balling. The found family trope will forever get to me.

Tropes:
- Marrige of convenience
- Nicknames (in a different language 😉)
- Found family
- Single dad (ish)
- MM hockey romance
- Demisexual rep
- Opposites attract
- Forced proximity (he plays for the team, he’s the teams physical therapist)
- Workplace romance
- Not so HR friendly massages ;)

After a tragic start, Henrik and Teddy find themselves married with shared custody of Karro, Henrik's niece. Teddy was the intern, now returned as a doctor, and has a huge crush on Henrik. Henrik is a serious hockey player who would do anything for his family, but forgets to live life, instead of just existing in it, when he is outside of Sweden and away from his loved ones.

These two are forced together and need to learn their new dynamic and how to take care of a child. They both learn so much about each other and themselves in this book. The slow burn here was incredible, and when the spice got started, it was impeccable.

For the length of the book, I would have liked a bit more depth. There is so much upheaval in all of their lives and so much being discovered, I wish we had seen more of those details. I would have liked to see more of Karro's feelings. She is young but would still have thoughts on everything happening around her. We did see snippets, but I needed more. Some parts felt a touch repetitive or too slow, and then it was missing those other touches of depth, which would have pushed this up for me.

I loved the family and how they came together unconventionally, but loved each other anyway.

Oh wow, this book totally stole my heart. If you're used to the high-spice, insta-love vibes of the earlier Jacksonville Rays books, then Pucking Strong might catch you off guard with the emotional slow burn, but it does it beautifully.

If there’s two tropes I usually dislike its kids and fake dating. And yet, this book somehow made me love both. While the situation that leads to Teddy and Henrik’s fake marriage is a little out there, the way they come together in Henrik and Karolina’s time of need is genuinely heartwarming, and I adored watching them grow into a little family. Teddy and Karro’s bond was especially precious, with some of their scenes honestly making me tear up. I also appreciated the twist on the single dad trope, with Henrik being Karro’s uncle and newfound guardian, which gave both characters equal footing as they figured out parenting together.

Henrik and Teddy are such great characters. Teddy is a total emotional whirlwind—open, loving, and dramatic in the best way—while Henrik is quieter and more reserved, but full of this steady, caretaking strength. Not to mention his “you are my husband” protective streak, which damn near had me screeeaaaming! Although Teddy’s been in love for years, it takes time for Henrik to get there, but the slow burn made the eventual payoff feel incredibly earned. Their love story is quiet, gentle, and rooted in respect, which made it even more moving and captivating for me.

And yes, this is an Emily Rath book, so the spice does arrive eventually, bringing all the emotional intensity with it. The demisexual representation was really well done, and I loved going on that journey of self-discovery with Henrik. It made the intimacy between them feel all the more meaningful.

I honestly don’t know what else to say except that I loved this book. The characters, the tenderness, the depth of feeling, it all hit me in the best way, and I can’t get them off my mind. This is easily my favourite in the Jacksonville Rays series so far.

♾️⭐️

My kindle was glued to my hand until I finished this.

Teddy and Henrik. TEDRIK!!!!

I fell in love with Teddy in the first book of the series when he was just a cute & nervous intern.
I wanted a book about him ASAP and I am so glad that we finally have it!
Henrik is grumpy, stubborn & also so fricken hot. They way he takes control 🔥🫠

So much heartbreak and grief from the get go. I’m an emotional reader, and this book had me going through a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish.

This story was so different to the previous ones in the Jacksonville Ray series. In my opinion, it’s the BEST one!

Filled with:
• Self discovery
• Family fallouts
• Love confessions
• Super hot s*x scenes
And much, much more.

This book follows 2 men on a journey to find each other and what it means to be someone’s everything.

Omg another great rays book. ‘TEDRICK’ is going to take something to be beaten for HEA. This book not only had me holding back some tears it had me laughing so hard I was crying.
Highly recommend not only this book but the whole series, can’t wait for more books from Emily.

Teddy & Henrik ❤️
If I could give this more than 5 ⭐s I absolutely would!
I adored this book! Read in just over a day so I was absolutely hooked.
I absolutely love Teddy & his dramatics 😂 and Henrik is quite closed off until we get to know him. Karro is just the sweetest little girl and my heart broke for her after losing her mum.
I cried and laughed during this read, it was just so good.
Considering there is so much spice in the other books in this series there isn't loads in this one but that didn't make a difference to me when reading. It takes a while to get to the spice but once you understand Henrik you know why. Once the spice hits it's just so good!!
I love the relationship that grows between Teddy & Henrik and also Karro, they are the sweetest little family.
We also get to see the main characters & all their kids from the other books which was just amazing.
I would say this is 100% my favourite book from the series!
Thank you, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House + NetGalley, for the opportunity to read Pucking Strong!

I received the ARC yesterday and immediately devoured it—holy shit. While Picking Sweet will always be my number one (because Novy owns my heart and I am loyal to a fault!), Pucking Strong is easily tied for second place with Pucking Around.

Let’s talk about Teddy: he’s my new comfort character. Wonderfully written—silly, dramatic, and instantly lovable. Henrik’s journey was deeply emotional and quietly powerful as he found his family through caring for Karro and Teddy. I really loved the dynamic between the three of them; the family aspect was one of the most heartfelt parts of the book.

That said, I do wish we had more from Karro—especially emotionally. It would have been great to see her struggling more openly with all the changes in her life. That kind of depth would have added a new layer to the story and challenged the boys in meaningful ways.

Teddy’s mom? Could not stand her. She knew it was a marriage of convenience, yet treated Henrik like he forced Teddy into it at gunpoint. She seriously pissed me off.

Now, pacing: this book dragged in parts. I’ve never had an issue with the length of Emily’s books before, but this one felt repetitive. The “double Pisces” thing and the constant Icarus comparisons were overdone and pulled me out of the story. Also, I didn’t understand how Teddy was supposed to be replacing Rachel when we never saw him doing any of the things Rachel did in Pucking Around, like traveling with the team. That whole element felt confusing and underdeveloped.

While I didn’t connect with the characters on a deep personal level, I still appreciated their journey and the quiet, sweet moments—Henrik bringing Teddy iced coffee? Adorable.

Now for the good stuff: pretty much everything else. Henrik’s grief arc. The gentle way he and Teddy explore what being demi means to them. Teddy bonding with Henrik’s niece. The WAGs club. The explosive chemistry once the very slow burn finally paid off.

I also loved the little glimpses of the Rays and their relationships—but I wanted more. Henrik’s lack of connection with the team kind of dulled that signature Emily Rath magic for me. There were fewer cameos and not enough emotional payoff with the wider team, which left something missing.

I didn’t feel as much tension or pining as I usually do in Emily’s books, but Henrik’s character development was top-tier, and their story still resonated. The book could use some tightening—certain parts were repetitive and could be trimmed down—but overall, this was a worthy addition to the Jacksonville Rays universe.

Every time I return to Jacksonville, it feels like coming home—and even when I don’t connect with every character, Emily Rath’s ability to capture the human experience shines through.

I was slightly worried when starting Pucking Strong, because I had read the previous book in the series (Pucking Sweet) just before and it had left me with the feeling that maybe the series had gone on for too long, and it was time to end.

I am happy to report that I was wrong because Pucking Strong was SO GOOD. I loved everything about it - the story, the drama, the marriage of convenience trope, the sweetest characters. Teddy’s feelings being so strong and him being afraid of being hurt, but somehow unable not to fall even further for his husband. Henrik’s slow discovery of his own feelings, attraction and sexuality. Emily Rath 100% delivered, and in my opinion, this turned out to be the best book of the series.

OMG TEDDY AND HENRIK WTF DID Y’ALL DO TO ME??? i don’t even think i can describe how much i loved this book like— i received the ARC yesterday and immediately devoured it holy shit. this is most definitely my second favourite in the series (pucking around being my #1)!!!!

first of all, teddy and henrik were the definition of opposites attract & grumpy sunshine OMGGGG. i really saw myself in both of them— teddy with his overthinking and henrik in the representation of demisexuality :) and ON TOP OF THAT the single dad trope served 🤌🏽🤌🏽 karo was so stinking cute, i lowk wanted more of her!!!! her relationship with both teddy and henrik was just everything and i LOVED seeing the rays & WAGs be incredibly supportive (the found family trope is truly EVERYTHING to me).

i will say i agree with henrik bc keeping up with our previous characters AND their kids was HARDDD but i still loved seeing them anywayss.

DEVOURED IT IN ONE WEEKEND
loved loved loved it SO MUCH
Emily Rath has such a unique way of creating fully fleshed characters and relationship complexity - you just get swept up in the worlds she creates

I absolutely adored this book! As a whole, this series is so beautiful. Each story is so well written, and each character has been though out so well. I love the peaks into previous characters and how we get to see where their lives have led. I loved the chemistry between Henrik and Teddy, and it was a delicious slow burn! Their friendship and the beginning of their relationship was sooo good, and I love that Henrik began to open up and become more loving towards the people around him. I loved that this book dealt with difficult topics so well, such as Henrik learning more about his sexuality. I love the relationship between Teddy and Henrik's niece and how they become closer over the time they spend together. I love that Teddy is so welcomed by the hockey teams partners, and how they all welcomed Henrik's niece. This team is such a beautiful family! This is a long book, but I devoured it in a day, I could not put it down. I love Emily's writing and how she builds a storyline.

This was my first return trip to the Jacksonville Rays since Pucking Around and it was a joy to be back in Florida!
Having not yet read books 2 & 3, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but there was just the right amount of interconnectedness for me - other couples and characters were reintroduced and contextualised without over explanation or assumption that you’d read every prior book.
When I read sports romance, I want some sport too, and there was a really good balance of on ice and off ice action, which is sometimes lacking in hockey romance.
I loved the slow burn, the spice and so many of my favourite micro tropes made an appearance. Confessions of love in a language one of the characters doesn’t speak will always get me.
At its core, this is a story about the power of vulnerability and letting yourself be known and loved, and how in turn that can help you find or rediscover parts of yourself.

ARC Review
Pucking Strong by @emilyrathauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes:
🌈 MM Romance
🌈 Demisexual Rep
🌈 Multiracial romance
🌈 Marriage of Convenience
🌈 Forced Proximity
🌈 Only One Bed
🌈 Found Family

Pucking Strong is another solid installment in this series. Henrik and Teddy weren't really mentioned much in the previous books, so I was really interested to see how their story would unfold, and I was not disappointed at all. When Emily said it would be a slow burn, she wasn't kidding. This definitely felt more plot driven, but it still had the spicy scenes we all expect from her. I couldn't have asked for more 😍

Thank you to @netgalley @michaeljbooks and @penguinrandomhouse for approving my request for a copy of this arc.