Pucking Strong by Emily Rath

Let me start by saying that it took me past book one to really appreciate this series, but here I am at ‘Pucking Strong’ fully a fan and LOVING the couples.

Pucking Strong is book number four in the Jacksonville Rays series and follows a totally new couple of Teddy and Henrick (#TeamTedrick)

Whereas the previous books have been M/F or Poly, this novel is a pure M/M romance that has a veeeeery slow burn and all the angst in the world. (Which I love a good angst plot line so I’m here for it)

SPOILERS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN AHEAD

Do I need to start by saying I do love un-requited to requited?
That it’s one of my favorite tropes?
Either way, I’m saying it so you know before I give my (probably biassed) review. Haha

I will say I didn’t expect for the beginning of the book to hit me like a darn disney movie, with me teary eyed and sniffling at a parent not making it. That was dirty pool Emily Rath but it did have me fully emotionally engaged. The rest of the book also had me teary most of the time, but that’s the cost of all the ANGST. Gosh I loved it.

Teddy is the embodiment of anxiety and giving more than he can afford. His ‘word vomit’ when nervous made me laugh and also want to cry. He feels so much and I want to hug him through the pages. His character is immensely strong and adaptable, wrapped in a package of vulnerability and I love him.

Henrick is probably my favorite character so far in the series, even though he’s not actually relatable to me personality wise. Him being demi and finding his way was extremely therapeutic and validating. How he processes his feelings in a hypersexualized environment was one of the most relatable items in the book for me. It was icing on an angsty, emotional, and sobbing cake that Henrick and Teddy found each other.

This felt like the most healthy fake relationship in history. Teddy made sure to communicate and Henrick, while reserved, was always cued into his partner’s feelings – even when it was just ‘friendship’. I’m trying to think of items that I disliked on this book, and MAYBE the conflict with the family on both sides. While it’s realistic, it was just upsetting overall.