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Punk as Puck #2
Pucked Up
Sometimes an anonymous tryst shows up at the rink two months later as your new hockey coach.
I have rules. Very important rules. No real names, no strings, no seeing each other again. It’s always worked out well for me, and it’s the only thing that keeps me focused as I try to climb my way into professional hockey after nearly torching my career.
I should have been king of the ice in the paraprofessional league, but instead, I let my anger and bitterness get to me. Now I’m forced to claw my way back into relevance, starting with a community team.
That would be fine if the one amazing, anonymous night I had with a total stranger didn’t end up being the Wolves’ new coach. And even that might have been tolerable if Hugo wasn’t on my father’s payroll.
But he is.
And to make matters worse, I still want him. My bad attitude and attempt to drive him away doesn’t faze him at all, and the more I push, the more he pulls me back into the last place I want to his orbit.
All I want is to join the PPHL and prove to myself that I’m a worthy player on my own merit.
Lust wasn’t on the table. And neither was love.
But the closer I get to Hugo, the more I realize that I’m not sure I want to do this without him…and the more I realize I’m not sure if I can.
Pucked Up is the second book in the Punk and Puck series. It’s an enemies with benefits, coach/player, slow burn into love romance. It features a para hockey player with a continent sized chip on his shoulder, a widower who never expected to fall for anyone after the loss of his husband, a bossy dynamic, a lot of praise, the merits of letting go, found family, and a steamy, wild happily ever after.
I have rules. Very important rules. No real names, no strings, no seeing each other again. It’s always worked out well for me, and it’s the only thing that keeps me focused as I try to climb my way into professional hockey after nearly torching my career.
I should have been king of the ice in the paraprofessional league, but instead, I let my anger and bitterness get to me. Now I’m forced to claw my way back into relevance, starting with a community team.
That would be fine if the one amazing, anonymous night I had with a total stranger didn’t end up being the Wolves’ new coach. And even that might have been tolerable if Hugo wasn’t on my father’s payroll.
But he is.
And to make matters worse, I still want him. My bad attitude and attempt to drive him away doesn’t faze him at all, and the more I push, the more he pulls me back into the last place I want to his orbit.
All I want is to join the PPHL and prove to myself that I’m a worthy player on my own merit.
Lust wasn’t on the table. And neither was love.
But the closer I get to Hugo, the more I realize that I’m not sure I want to do this without him…and the more I realize I’m not sure if I can.
Pucked Up is the second book in the Punk and Puck series. It’s an enemies with benefits, coach/player, slow burn into love romance. It features a para hockey player with a continent sized chip on his shoulder, a widower who never expected to fall for anyone after the loss of his husband, a bossy dynamic, a lot of praise, the merits of letting go, found family, and a steamy, wild happily ever after.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2025
269 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
139 books1,307 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
July 4, 2025
'Don’t fucking get sentimental. Get horny.' is CRAZY work, especially coming from the guy whose sentimentality about the situation HAS sentimentality.
Actually, jumping off of that, Boden was a lot more sappy in this than I expected going in. Like yes, given what little we saw of them in Zero Pucks, I knew going in that Hugo would have to be the one making the advances-because let's face it, Boden hated that man's guts.
I did not expect Boden to have been IN said guts(and enjoyed himself massively, too) OR that he'd give Hugo a run for his money when it comes to being a mushy mooshfest.
I was delightfully surprised by it, not going to lie.
That said, this progressed in a way that seemed unnaturally fast.
Yes, these two had a hot hookup before knowing they'd be player and coach.
Yes, there's enough background info in book one to show how hostile Boden was to Hugo. This book jumps from the hookup to straight after that hostility, so I'm thankful there's no repetition, but.....
BUT.
It's a huge jump from hot guy who calms Bodie down by gearing him the fuck up with sexual tension to....them somehow being in love?
I have no idea how /when that happened. It felt like I missed a crucial part of the story and that's what I'm here for. So I was kinda disappointed by that.
Especially given the setup book one had for how difficult Bodie was going to be with this situation.
Though to be fair, I don't know if the book disappointed me or if my expectations simply outpaced what was available.
Even then. I loved the love declarations. Even though they were interspersed with messy dick kisses. Yes. Foreskin and all.
These two are actually quite sweet together. When Boden can stop huffing and puffing.
THAT SAID......
Ford!!!
Oh, Ford.
Yeah, I'll be there no matter what.
Tl;dr? Book did not live up to the hype I had for it. Somehow loved it regardless, but I think a HUGE part of that is the disability representation in it. I don't know much about cerebral palsy so I can't speak to the authenticity of it, but the romance was neither focused on nor overshadowed by Bodie's body. Idk if that makes sense.
Bits of this were a miss for me but E. M. Lindsey made sure I'll be SEATED for the next one.
Because there's just NO WAY?
Ford? C'mon man.
I'm antsy to get my grabby little hands on that one.
Actually, jumping off of that, Boden was a lot more sappy in this than I expected going in. Like yes, given what little we saw of them in Zero Pucks, I knew going in that Hugo would have to be the one making the advances-because let's face it, Boden hated that man's guts.
I did not expect Boden to have been IN said guts(and enjoyed himself massively, too) OR that he'd give Hugo a run for his money when it comes to being a mushy mooshfest.
I was delightfully surprised by it, not going to lie.
That said, this progressed in a way that seemed unnaturally fast.
Yes, these two had a hot hookup before knowing they'd be player and coach.
Yes, there's enough background info in book one to show how hostile Boden was to Hugo. This book jumps from the hookup to straight after that hostility, so I'm thankful there's no repetition, but.....
BUT.
It's a huge jump from hot guy who calms Bodie down by gearing him the fuck up with sexual tension to....them somehow being in love?
I have no idea how /when that happened. It felt like I missed a crucial part of the story and that's what I'm here for. So I was kinda disappointed by that.
Especially given the setup book one had for how difficult Bodie was going to be with this situation.
Though to be fair, I don't know if the book disappointed me or if my expectations simply outpaced what was available.
Even then. I loved the love declarations. Even though they were interspersed with messy dick kisses. Yes. Foreskin and all.
These two are actually quite sweet together. When Boden can stop huffing and puffing.
THAT SAID......
Ford!!!
Oh, Ford.
Yeah, I'll be there no matter what.
Tl;dr? Book did not live up to the hype I had for it. Somehow loved it regardless, but I think a HUGE part of that is the disability representation in it. I don't know much about cerebral palsy so I can't speak to the authenticity of it, but the romance was neither focused on nor overshadowed by Bodie's body. Idk if that makes sense.
Bits of this were a miss for me but E. M. Lindsey made sure I'll be SEATED for the next one.
Because there's just NO WAY?
Ford? C'mon man.
I'm antsy to get my grabby little hands on that one.
July 7, 2025
4 “I was done living in the past. I wanted to exists for him. For this. For us.” stars
”I hate you.”
“I don’t think you do. I think you want this. I think you hate that I’m the only one who has ever been able to give you what you need.”
This was my most anticipated read of the month, that’s for sure, probably the entire year if we are being honest. As soon as I read the first book in this series and got a sneak peek of the couple in this book, I was sold and needed this book in my hands immediately.
Mini blurb:
Boden and Hugo had one hell of a hot one-night stand. A few weeks later, Boden discover that his new sled hockey coach (he has spastic diplegia cerebral palsy and is hard of hearing) is Hugo. Boden then starts hating Hugo and letting all his frustrations on him. Hugo is determined to show how to behave, no matter what it takes.
”I like you. I’ve liked you even when I was trying not to. I hated you for it a little bit. I hated myself for it a lot. But I couldn’t stop.”
The dynamic between Boden and Hugo was one of the best things I have ever read in a book, I just absolutely adored them together. I thought that they were the perfect foil for each other. They keep meeting in private because Boden is hiding an infinite amount of rage inside and Hugo is the only one that can tame it for a little while. This goes on and on and they end up catching feelings for each other. I loved how Hugo was the one person that Boden trusted enough to let go with, that just such a lovely touch. Side note, I also loved how they always got turned on by the rage that they felt against the other, that was just so good to me.
Boden is a bit of a brat is jaded and hates the world, and Hugo is such a steady and calming presence for him. Hugo always knew the right thing to do or say to get Boden to calm down and it was such a joy to read all about it. I loved the trust and connection that they had. Even if their words said that they didn’t want anything to do with each other, their actions showed how much they trusted each other. I loved how Boden trusts Hugo and gives him access to parts of himself that he never let anyone else see and how Hugo saw how special it was for Boden to trust him and how he wanted and cherished that trust.
I was so feral for their chemistry. Every time these two were on page together, it just got better and better. You could feel the tension in the air any time that these two looking at each other. I loved how Hugo truly sees Boden through all of his protective exterior and understands him, and I loved how gentle he was about it. He never rushed Boden or made him feel invalid for his feelings and that was such a lovely thing to read.
I didn’t require some bullshit idea of perfection. I just wanted him. I didn’t care how he came to me or how he existed. I feel in love with every single thing about him- even the antagonistic parts that lived to get under my skin.
They both had a ton of emotional damage. Hugo lost his husband 7 years prior, and he never thought he could find someone else to share his life with. Boden is focused on his hockey career, and he is convinced that because of that he doesn’t have time for love, so he never tried to open his heart to anyone before. These things added to the characters and their personalities just made me cheer for their happy every after so much! All I wanted was to be able to see these two be less lonely with each other. I was just so invested in these guys as a couple. I was waiting on the edge of my seat to see their next interactions and to see where it would lead.
Usually, I am not the biggest fan of a ton of push and pull, but I was so invested in these two and their story that I didn’t mind it in this book. I just kept crying for these two to finally get their shit together because I just wanted both of them to be happy, preferably together. I shed so many tears for these two. They just had me and my undivided attention the entire way through. I was so invested in these two characters that I couldn’t stop crying because I just wanted them to be happy and thriving.
Also, massive shutout to how the disability representation was done in this one, I learnt so much about a topic I didn’t have a ton of previous knowledge about and I always really appreciate that.
Can we just talk about the couple in the next book in the series for a second? I’m picking up exactly what is being put down here and holy. fucking. shit. am I so here for it, I need it more than I need air.
I kindly received an ARC of this book, thank you so much for that!
”I hate you.”
“I don’t think you do. I think you want this. I think you hate that I’m the only one who has ever been able to give you what you need.”
This was my most anticipated read of the month, that’s for sure, probably the entire year if we are being honest. As soon as I read the first book in this series and got a sneak peek of the couple in this book, I was sold and needed this book in my hands immediately.
Mini blurb:
Boden and Hugo had one hell of a hot one-night stand. A few weeks later, Boden discover that his new sled hockey coach (he has spastic diplegia cerebral palsy and is hard of hearing) is Hugo. Boden then starts hating Hugo and letting all his frustrations on him. Hugo is determined to show how to behave, no matter what it takes.
”I like you. I’ve liked you even when I was trying not to. I hated you for it a little bit. I hated myself for it a lot. But I couldn’t stop.”
The dynamic between Boden and Hugo was one of the best things I have ever read in a book, I just absolutely adored them together. I thought that they were the perfect foil for each other. They keep meeting in private because Boden is hiding an infinite amount of rage inside and Hugo is the only one that can tame it for a little while. This goes on and on and they end up catching feelings for each other. I loved how Hugo was the one person that Boden trusted enough to let go with, that just such a lovely touch. Side note, I also loved how they always got turned on by the rage that they felt against the other, that was just so good to me.
Boden is a bit of a brat is jaded and hates the world, and Hugo is such a steady and calming presence for him. Hugo always knew the right thing to do or say to get Boden to calm down and it was such a joy to read all about it. I loved the trust and connection that they had. Even if their words said that they didn’t want anything to do with each other, their actions showed how much they trusted each other. I loved how Boden trusts Hugo and gives him access to parts of himself that he never let anyone else see and how Hugo saw how special it was for Boden to trust him and how he wanted and cherished that trust.
I was so feral for their chemistry. Every time these two were on page together, it just got better and better. You could feel the tension in the air any time that these two looking at each other. I loved how Hugo truly sees Boden through all of his protective exterior and understands him, and I loved how gentle he was about it. He never rushed Boden or made him feel invalid for his feelings and that was such a lovely thing to read.
I didn’t require some bullshit idea of perfection. I just wanted him. I didn’t care how he came to me or how he existed. I feel in love with every single thing about him- even the antagonistic parts that lived to get under my skin.
They both had a ton of emotional damage. Hugo lost his husband 7 years prior, and he never thought he could find someone else to share his life with. Boden is focused on his hockey career, and he is convinced that because of that he doesn’t have time for love, so he never tried to open his heart to anyone before. These things added to the characters and their personalities just made me cheer for their happy every after so much! All I wanted was to be able to see these two be less lonely with each other. I was just so invested in these guys as a couple. I was waiting on the edge of my seat to see their next interactions and to see where it would lead.
Usually, I am not the biggest fan of a ton of push and pull, but I was so invested in these two and their story that I didn’t mind it in this book. I just kept crying for these two to finally get their shit together because I just wanted both of them to be happy, preferably together. I shed so many tears for these two. They just had me and my undivided attention the entire way through. I was so invested in these two characters that I couldn’t stop crying because I just wanted them to be happy and thriving.
Also, massive shutout to how the disability representation was done in this one, I learnt so much about a topic I didn’t have a ton of previous knowledge about and I always really appreciate that.
Can we just talk about the couple in the next book in the series for a second? I’m picking up exactly what is being put down here and holy. fucking. shit. am I so here for it, I need it more than I need air.
I kindly received an ARC of this book, thank you so much for that!
June 28, 2025
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
TROPES:
🏒 Coach vs player
🏒 Disability rep
This was a bit disappointing.
I really enjoyed Zero Pucks, but this installment lacked some of that lightheartedness, the found family vibes, and the romance was missing feeling.
I liked the role reversal, the dommy coach bottoming for Boden, but apart from the spice, I really couldn’t feel the connection between Hugo and Boden. It was nice, it was cute, but ultimately unmemorable.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Childhood emotional neglect
- Light D/s dynamics
- Ableism
- Grief/death of former spouse
- Top/bottom
- Coming hands-free
- Edging
- Frotting
- Intergluteal
- Spanking
“Ready?” he asked, his voice a low rumble. Oh God. I was fucked.
TROPES:
🏒 Coach vs player
🏒 Disability rep
This was a bit disappointing.
I really enjoyed Zero Pucks, but this installment lacked some of that lightheartedness, the found family vibes, and the romance was missing feeling.
I liked the role reversal, the dommy coach bottoming for Boden, but apart from the spice, I really couldn’t feel the connection between Hugo and Boden. It was nice, it was cute, but ultimately unmemorable.
“Mon petit feu.” “Don’t call me that.” He laughed and didn’t move away from me. “Why? You burn so bright.” “But I’m not yours.”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Childhood emotional neglect
- Light D/s dynamics
- Ableism
- Grief/death of former spouse
- Top/bottom
- Coming hands-free
- Edging
- Frotting
- Intergluteal
- Spanking
July 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Reading E.M. Lindsey is always refreshing, she treats disability without taboo and I love that about her books. Hugo and especially Boden, are special characters, with a lot of baggage.
I just grinned and turned to kiss Boden again. “Happy?” I murmured against his ear.
“No. It’s more than that,” he whispered back. “It’s everything.”
He was right. It absolutely was.
Boden’s story is set up as one of redemption—he’s a hot-headed, semi-pro hockey player trying to rebuild after nearly wrecking his career, living by strict, self-imposed rules.Hugo, the new coach…widower of a star hockey player, still living with the weight of his accident, disability and post death.
That dynamic should have sizzled—enemies to lovers, a no-strings night turning into something deeper. They’re both good men—broken, trying to start over. But I was still a bit let down, especially since this was trope heaven: age gap, an older bottom who’s also dominant and a caregiver? Their connection just moved too fast for what we actually saw on the page. They hook up, re-meet at the rink, have sex a couple times in Hugo’s office—nothing that really built intimacy. And don’t get me wrong, they’re good together, I just didn’t feel how they got there.
I have to say that even with the romance not totally captivating me, the found family in these series is spot on. They are completely OTT but so fierce and loyal. They treat each other like shit (in a good way) but the way they care for each other is out of this world. You know they would hide a body for you, no questions asked, just a lot of insults in the mix 😅😅😅.
I love Micah—he reminds me soooo much of Riley from Until I Saw You—all that inconvenient humor 😅 I really hope he gets his own book because I neeeed it! Him being BFF with Hugo was the best 😍
“You a Dom?”
I choked on my tongue. “A Dom?”
“Mm. I feel like a French Dom would be amazing. Christ, could you imagine?” He cleared his throat, then did a terrible approximation of my accent. He sounded like the chef from The Little Mermaid. “Get on yair knees, boy. Zis is going to huuuurt.”
“I don’t sound like that.”
I love Ford 🫠🫠🫠 And your information Carol-Ann is the prosthetic leg 😅😅😅Ford’s the kind of side character who steals every scene he's in—gruff, hilarious, lowkey vulnerable. I’m so glad his next 🙌
I saw Ford mostly dressed, leaning against the sink with his right pant leg loose over where his prosthetic should have been. “Are you not taking Carol-Ann?”
“Nah. The hussy said she wanted to stay in and watch porn.”
“You know, it’s super creepy you say shit like that when the character is a child.”
“She was a child in the seventies! She’s a nice, mature, gorgeous cougar,” he defended. “She deserves a night in to watch porn.”
I'm invested in this series, even if this one didn't totally work for me. On a side note, sorry but these covers are terrible and have nothing to do with the MC.😅
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Reading E.M. Lindsey is always refreshing, she treats disability without taboo and I love that about her books. Hugo and especially Boden, are special characters, with a lot of baggage.
I just grinned and turned to kiss Boden again. “Happy?” I murmured against his ear.
“No. It’s more than that,” he whispered back. “It’s everything.”
He was right. It absolutely was.
Boden’s story is set up as one of redemption—he’s a hot-headed, semi-pro hockey player trying to rebuild after nearly wrecking his career, living by strict, self-imposed rules.Hugo, the new coach…widower of a star hockey player, still living with the weight of his accident, disability and post death.
That dynamic should have sizzled—enemies to lovers, a no-strings night turning into something deeper. They’re both good men—broken, trying to start over. But I was still a bit let down, especially since this was trope heaven: age gap, an older bottom who’s also dominant and a caregiver? Their connection just moved too fast for what we actually saw on the page. They hook up, re-meet at the rink, have sex a couple times in Hugo’s office—nothing that really built intimacy. And don’t get me wrong, they’re good together, I just didn’t feel how they got there.
I have to say that even with the romance not totally captivating me, the found family in these series is spot on. They are completely OTT but so fierce and loyal. They treat each other like shit (in a good way) but the way they care for each other is out of this world. You know they would hide a body for you, no questions asked, just a lot of insults in the mix 😅😅😅.
I love Micah—he reminds me soooo much of Riley from Until I Saw You—all that inconvenient humor 😅 I really hope he gets his own book because I neeeed it! Him being BFF with Hugo was the best 😍
“You a Dom?”
I choked on my tongue. “A Dom?”
“Mm. I feel like a French Dom would be amazing. Christ, could you imagine?” He cleared his throat, then did a terrible approximation of my accent. He sounded like the chef from The Little Mermaid. “Get on yair knees, boy. Zis is going to huuuurt.”
“I don’t sound like that.”
I love Ford 🫠🫠🫠 And your information Carol-Ann is the prosthetic leg 😅😅😅Ford’s the kind of side character who steals every scene he's in—gruff, hilarious, lowkey vulnerable. I’m so glad his next 🙌
I saw Ford mostly dressed, leaning against the sink with his right pant leg loose over where his prosthetic should have been. “Are you not taking Carol-Ann?”
“Nah. The hussy said she wanted to stay in and watch porn.”
“You know, it’s super creepy you say shit like that when the character is a child.”
“She was a child in the seventies! She’s a nice, mature, gorgeous cougar,” he defended. “She deserves a night in to watch porn.”
I'm invested in this series, even if this one didn't totally work for me. On a side note, sorry but these covers are terrible and have nothing to do with the MC.😅
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
July 2, 2025
Pucked Up is an engaging romance between hockey player Boden and coach Hugo. Boden is a stubborn and frustrating player who often causes issues, but he has finally met his match in his equally stubborn and strict coach, Hugo. Together, they go on quite a journey as they navigate a complicated romance where both are very resistant to having feelings for anyone due to their deep emotional traumas.
Overall, this story has a lot of heart, and I really connected with both characters, especially Hugo, and the grief he is still processing. I loved reconnecting with these characters and can't wait to read the next one.
*** I reviewed a complimcentary copy of this story.***
Overall, this story has a lot of heart, and I really connected with both characters, especially Hugo, and the grief he is still processing. I loved reconnecting with these characters and can't wait to read the next one.
*** I reviewed a complimcentary copy of this story.***
June 30, 2025
I quite enjoyed the first installment in this series, but this one didn't work as well for me. Strange, because I'm usually trash for the "hot one-night stand, oh shit, it's my new boss!" trope. So it was less the setup, than the characters that were the problem.
I just didn't connect to Boden or Hugo at all. Boden is actively unlikable much of the time, and doggedly clings to the "I can't have a relationship or fall in love because REASONS" non-excuse for emotional idiocy. Obviously, REASONS can be convincing if they're, like, "I'm married to someone else" or "I'm a single parent with a toddler and I don't need this drama in my life, pass me my vibrator please". REASONS are less compelling coming from the brain of an unattached man whose whole personality seems to be anger and daddy issues. Hugo, meanwhile, was a more sympathetic character, but also . . . he seemingly spent the last 7 years sitting around in his apartment before taking this beer-league coaching job? What?? I really am not trying to imply that grief should operate on a timeline, but I find this baffling: we get a fair amount of insight into Hugo's relationship with his late husband, but the 7 years between Reid's death and Hugo's present is a blank, leaving Hugo defined entirely by his role in his previous relationship and his grief, without much in the way of independent interests or personality. There's just not a lot to go on, is what I'm saying. Also, Hugo is seemingly some kind of bdsm-lite sex jedi, who takes Boden in hand immediately based on vibes, mostly, even though Hugo himself is written as having barely experimented with bdsm in his pre-Reid days. The whole sexual dynamic between the two just wasn't convincing: we get Hugo making authoritative claims about what Boden "needs" and desires based entirely on a one-night stand, without any discussion or dialogue. It's not ick, but it's not really believable, either.
Also, unlike in book 1, there was almost no sled hockey in this book! Boo! Given that Boden's consuming ambition is to become a pro sled hockey player, and Hugo's entire job is sled hockey coach, we get bafflingly little actual sled hockey. These two could have been working in a cat food factory, for all that hockey -- as a sport rather than an aspiration (Boden)/ fallen idol (Hugo) -- featured in the narrative.
Three-starring because I enjoyed the friend gang -- who, standing in for the reader, finally called Boden out on his REASONS, thanks bros -- but I wish there was a bit more there, there, to Boden and Hugo.
I got an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review
I just didn't connect to Boden or Hugo at all. Boden is actively unlikable much of the time, and doggedly clings to the "I can't have a relationship or fall in love because REASONS" non-excuse for emotional idiocy. Obviously, REASONS can be convincing if they're, like, "I'm married to someone else" or "I'm a single parent with a toddler and I don't need this drama in my life, pass me my vibrator please". REASONS are less compelling coming from the brain of an unattached man whose whole personality seems to be anger and daddy issues. Hugo, meanwhile, was a more sympathetic character, but also . . . he seemingly spent the last 7 years sitting around in his apartment before taking this beer-league coaching job? What?? I really am not trying to imply that grief should operate on a timeline, but I find this baffling: we get a fair amount of insight into Hugo's relationship with his late husband, but the 7 years between Reid's death and Hugo's present is a blank, leaving Hugo defined entirely by his role in his previous relationship and his grief, without much in the way of independent interests or personality. There's just not a lot to go on, is what I'm saying. Also, Hugo is seemingly some kind of bdsm-lite sex jedi, who takes Boden in hand immediately based on vibes, mostly, even though Hugo himself is written as having barely experimented with bdsm in his pre-Reid days. The whole sexual dynamic between the two just wasn't convincing: we get Hugo making authoritative claims about what Boden "needs" and desires based entirely on a one-night stand, without any discussion or dialogue. It's not ick, but it's not really believable, either.
Also, unlike in book 1, there was almost no sled hockey in this book! Boo! Given that Boden's consuming ambition is to become a pro sled hockey player, and Hugo's entire job is sled hockey coach, we get bafflingly little actual sled hockey. These two could have been working in a cat food factory, for all that hockey -- as a sport rather than an aspiration (Boden)/ fallen idol (Hugo) -- featured in the narrative.
Three-starring because I enjoyed the friend gang -- who, standing in for the reader, finally called Boden out on his REASONS, thanks bros -- but I wish there was a bit more there, there, to Boden and Hugo.
I got an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review
July 5, 2025
DNF@60%
The pushback and stubborness are not fun at all, I can already see how this will go and I'm not enjoying it. Sorry, this is not for me.
Thoughts as reading::
Bratty brat being the brattiest brat he can be because of his uncontrollable rage and misdirected anger. Team be damned, Boden is on a war path of his making. He is so unlikable for the longest time. His path to self destruction a violent bush fire. He is no 'petit feu'.
Hugo is the wall that can support and the force to control Boden.
This book feels like a little bundle of angst for me, everything is working for them but they only see things working against them. They both have to come to terms with who they are and what they want from each other.
The pushback and stubborness are not fun at all, I can already see how this will go and I'm not enjoying it. Sorry, this is not for me.
Thoughts as reading::
Bratty brat being the brattiest brat he can be because of his uncontrollable rage and misdirected anger. Team be damned, Boden is on a war path of his making. He is so unlikable for the longest time. His path to self destruction a violent bush fire. He is no 'petit feu'.
Hugo is the wall that can support and the force to control Boden.
This book feels like a little bundle of angst for me, everything is working for them but they only see things working against them. They both have to come to terms with who they are and what they want from each other.
dnf
July 3, 2025I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
DNF @ 56%
unfortunately
And just to be absolutely clear, I usually enjoy Lindsey's work immensely, but this vibe was NOT for me.
Boden was beyond a snarling, feral character, and I am/was not a fan.
Not a single part of what I read even implied "romance", so i'm very much not the intended reader for this book.
DNF @ 56%
unfortunately
And just to be absolutely clear, I usually enjoy Lindsey's work immensely, but this vibe was NOT for me.
Boden was beyond a snarling, feral character, and I am/was not a fan.
Not a single part of what I read even implied "romance", so i'm very much not the intended reader for this book.
July 4, 2025
Pucked Up is book two in the Punk As Puck series. This MM coach/player romance story is about Hugo and Boden.
We met both these guys in book one. Boden was Tucker’s best friend and Hugo was the new coach of their sled hockey team. We saw how much Boden hated Hugo, and it seemed like the reason was because Hugo wasn’t disabled. In this story, we see how Boden and Hugo actually meet for the first time in a bar and have a hot one night stand. It isn’t until a couple weeks later they meet and discover that Hugo is the new coach of the team that Boden is the captain of.
Boden is out of control and trying to make Hugo look bad. When they meet in Hugo’s office to discuss Boden’s awful behavior, one thing leads to another and they hook up. There is a constant push and pull between them, but both Boden and Hugo have issues that complicate things.
I have to admit I wasn’t a fan of Boden. I did admire how he was trying to get into the Para Professional Hockey League on his own merit, but his anger and bad attitude were a bit too much for me. Since Hugo was older, I was surprised he put up with it. I also was surprised and a little bothered that Hugo waited so long to share with Boden that he was a widower.
I did love the found family with the friend group. Their love and support of each other was everything. Although I struggled with feeling the connection between Boden and Hugo, in the end I was glad they got their happily ever after. This book can be read as a standalone, but I would suggest reading book one first to get a better understanding of the characters and their relationships.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
We met both these guys in book one. Boden was Tucker’s best friend and Hugo was the new coach of their sled hockey team. We saw how much Boden hated Hugo, and it seemed like the reason was because Hugo wasn’t disabled. In this story, we see how Boden and Hugo actually meet for the first time in a bar and have a hot one night stand. It isn’t until a couple weeks later they meet and discover that Hugo is the new coach of the team that Boden is the captain of.
Boden is out of control and trying to make Hugo look bad. When they meet in Hugo’s office to discuss Boden’s awful behavior, one thing leads to another and they hook up. There is a constant push and pull between them, but both Boden and Hugo have issues that complicate things.
I have to admit I wasn’t a fan of Boden. I did admire how he was trying to get into the Para Professional Hockey League on his own merit, but his anger and bad attitude were a bit too much for me. Since Hugo was older, I was surprised he put up with it. I also was surprised and a little bothered that Hugo waited so long to share with Boden that he was a widower.
I did love the found family with the friend group. Their love and support of each other was everything. Although I struggled with feeling the connection between Boden and Hugo, in the end I was glad they got their happily ever after. This book can be read as a standalone, but I would suggest reading book one first to get a better understanding of the characters and their relationships.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
July 7, 2025
Boden was the son, and the grandson, of two fairly famous hockey players.
He has spastic diplegia cerebral palsy with a side dose of childhood non-epileptic seizures and hearing loss.
Wait .. Boden has a card with rules he presents to his hookups?!
He hooks up with Jean-Luc and has the hottest night.
Jean- Luc is actually Hugo. Boden’s new Hockey Coach for para-ice Hockey team the Wolves. Boden is the team’s Captain.
‘I’d walked into a room and set eyes on the man who had fucked me right into oblivion a few weeks before. My little fire. A man who had made me question my decision to never give my heart to anyone ever again.’
Hugo is a widower, he and his husband Reid , designed the para professional hockey league I think? Reid even has a trophy named after him, so I’m guessing he was a big deal.
Boden loses his shit that Hugo , an able bodied person in cahoots with Bodens father, is the coach.
“Petit feu, you make me want to take you over my knee and spank your ass with the way you keep defying me.”
‘I pressed a thumb to his lips, quieting his words. His eyes were blazing fury at me. God, I loved it. “Enough. You can watch your smart mouth, or I can gag you.”
So chemistry is there, and a one sided hate fueled passion.
‘Fucking him in the hotel room after picking him up at the bar had been chance. Fucking him in my office at the rink once I realized it was the only way to get him to calm down was probably the best worst mistake of my life.’
There’s going to be a celebration banquet and event for the PPHL in two weeks.
Hugo is being pressured to attend because of his late husband. Boden is being pressured to attend by his father.
‘He was everything I’d ever wanted in a partner. And he wasn’t mine to keep.’
Hugo is going to the banquet with a friend of Bodens, Micah, and Boden is JEALOUS.
Aldo in this book and series is the beautiful friendships. Bodens friends -the only people who had ever loved each other the way family should.
Boden has no idea Hugo’s former husband , the one he doesn’t call ex to Bodens annoyance, is Reid Martin.
“The Reid Martin. The guy who basically founded the PPHL.”
Micah and Hugo meet , bond and I think become besties ? Boden thinks they had sex and struggles not to hate one of his best friends.
Hugo tells Boden about Reid and that he didn’t sleep with Micah, that’s there’s offers coming in from the professional league and that he does want to date him.
In response to all that, Boden breaks both their hearts.
Ford brings the humour to a sad situation.
“It just wasn’t supposed to be him, okay?” “Why? Because he’s hot? Because he makes you make animal noises when he touches you in special places?”
Also who is Ford’s mystery man? I thought he was going to end up with Micah .
Boden and Hugo confess their love
OMG WAIT ! It just hit me , Tucker has a twin … OMG Ford’s mystery man Ian - is Killian!
He has spastic diplegia cerebral palsy with a side dose of childhood non-epileptic seizures and hearing loss.
Wait .. Boden has a card with rules he presents to his hookups?!
He hooks up with Jean-Luc and has the hottest night.
Jean- Luc is actually Hugo. Boden’s new Hockey Coach for para-ice Hockey team the Wolves. Boden is the team’s Captain.
‘I’d walked into a room and set eyes on the man who had fucked me right into oblivion a few weeks before. My little fire. A man who had made me question my decision to never give my heart to anyone ever again.’
Hugo is a widower, he and his husband Reid , designed the para professional hockey league I think? Reid even has a trophy named after him, so I’m guessing he was a big deal.
Boden loses his shit that Hugo , an able bodied person in cahoots with Bodens father, is the coach.
“Petit feu, you make me want to take you over my knee and spank your ass with the way you keep defying me.”
‘I pressed a thumb to his lips, quieting his words. His eyes were blazing fury at me. God, I loved it. “Enough. You can watch your smart mouth, or I can gag you.”
So chemistry is there, and a one sided hate fueled passion.
‘Fucking him in the hotel room after picking him up at the bar had been chance. Fucking him in my office at the rink once I realized it was the only way to get him to calm down was probably the best worst mistake of my life.’
There’s going to be a celebration banquet and event for the PPHL in two weeks.
Hugo is being pressured to attend because of his late husband. Boden is being pressured to attend by his father.
‘He was everything I’d ever wanted in a partner. And he wasn’t mine to keep.’
Hugo is going to the banquet with a friend of Bodens, Micah, and Boden is JEALOUS.
Aldo in this book and series is the beautiful friendships. Bodens friends -the only people who had ever loved each other the way family should.
Boden has no idea Hugo’s former husband , the one he doesn’t call ex to Bodens annoyance, is Reid Martin.
“The Reid Martin. The guy who basically founded the PPHL.”
Micah and Hugo meet , bond and I think become besties ? Boden thinks they had sex and struggles not to hate one of his best friends.
Hugo tells Boden about Reid and that he didn’t sleep with Micah, that’s there’s offers coming in from the professional league and that he does want to date him.
In response to all that, Boden breaks both their hearts.
Ford brings the humour to a sad situation.
“It just wasn’t supposed to be him, okay?” “Why? Because he’s hot? Because he makes you make animal noises when he touches you in special places?”
Also who is Ford’s mystery man? I thought he was going to end up with Micah .
Boden and Hugo confess their love
OMG WAIT ! It just hit me , Tucker has a twin … OMG Ford’s mystery man Ian - is Killian!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
Boden.... the anger and frustration he feels about so many situations in his life comes across so, so well!!! He's extremely prickly to everyone except his best friends / found family, and the way he treated Hugo at times was brutal, yet it was easy to see it was coming from a place of fear.
Hugo's emotional turmoil around Boden made my heart ache, but I loved the friendship he forged with Micah.
The found family aspect of this series is so amazing though, and I love how strong the bonds are, particularly between Tucker, Ford and Boden.
BUT I am high key pissed off at Ford right now. The hints that were dropped and the sneak peek at the next book kinda had me raging because I cannot believe what he's doing!!! Book three had better be fucking epic for me to forgive Ford, that's all I can say...
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
*
*
*
HRCYED2: New Release - July
Hugo's emotional turmoil around Boden made my heart ache, but I loved the friendship he forged with Micah.
The found family aspect of this series is so amazing though, and I love how strong the bonds are, particularly between Tucker, Ford and Boden.
BUT I am high key pissed off at Ford right now. The hints that were dropped and the sneak peek at the next book kinda had me raging because I cannot believe what he's doing!!! Book three had better be fucking epic for me to forgive Ford, that's all I can say...
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
*
*
*
HRCYED2: New Release - July
August 7, 2025
B- / 3.5 stars rounded up.
Pucked Up is the second book in E.M. Lindsey’s Punk as Puck series featuring a group of friends on a community sled hockey team. I loved the previous book, Zero Pucks, in which the author does a great job of setting up the enemies-to-lovers romance that is the focus of this story, and I was really looking forward to reading about team captain Boden and the new coach he hates so passionately – but unfortunately, Pucked Up didn’t live up to my expectations. The humour I enjoyed so much in book one is muted here and while I liked the two leads together, the romance feels like it’s missing several steps and needed more time to develop.
Boden Morin has rules when it comes to men - no real names, no strings and no repeats. They’ve always worked for him and he has no intention of changing them. Not even for the gorgeous, older man he picks up in a bar and who rocks his world and just… sees him in a way Boden has never experienced. That way lies danger, and Boden has no intention of getting involved with anything (or anyone) who might divert his focus from his ambition to make it into the PPHL (para-professional hockey league).
Boden and his friends play for the Wolves, a community para-hockey team, and in the previous book, the team owner appointed a new coach, Frenchman Hugo Martin – whom Boden hated on sight. So intense was his anger and his emnity toward the newcomer that he tried to get his team-mates to dislike Hugo, too, and even encouraged them to disregard his instructions for their on-ice plays. It was completely irrational and quickly turned into an untenable situation – and Boden knew it, but just couldn’t squash the fury that was eating away at him and making him take out his frustration on everyone around him. Because, of course, Hugo is The Guy, the one who asked all the right questions, fucked like a dream, took care of him like no-one ever has - and who Boden hasn’t been able to forget in the weeks since that night. Arriving in the meeting room to discover that Hugo was to be the Wolves’ new coach was a massive blow – made worse by the fact that Hugo’s cool greeting indicates he doesn’t remember Boden at all.
Hugo lost his husband, Reid, seven years earlier, and has been kind of purposeless ever since. But he’s finally started to feel ready to move forward, that he needs to find a way out of his old life – which is why he accepts the coaching job when it’s offered to him by Arnaud Morin, an old friend of Reid’s. The last thing he’d expected was to discover not only that Arnaud’s son was the team captain – but also that he was the man who, in just one night, had made Hugo question his decision to never give his heart to anyone ever again. He hides his shock and does as Boden had asked, greeting him casually and pretending they’ve never met, surprised at and unable to explain the other man’s outright hostility. As the weeks pass and Boden’s attitude just gets worse, Hugo knows he has to do something to change things or the team is going to fall apart. He recognises Boden’s need for control and his need to fight for it, and knows there’s a (definitely unorthodox) way he can help Boden to calm down, quiet those angry voices and release some of his tension and hostility.
Boden and Hugo are carrying a lot of emotional baggage, but the story focuses more on Boden’s issues, most of which relate to the pressure of family expectations and his frustration at not being where he wants to be in his playing career. A hugely talented athlete and chamption Paralympian, Boden’s career has stalled following the incident that got him banned from competing in the event for eight years, and earned him a name as something of a liability. Not wanting to have to deal with questions about Boden’s temperament and unpredictability, the Wolves’ former coach never bothered to bring in scouts from teams in the PPHL, so Boden’s career has never really taken off the way it should have. To make matters worse, he’s the perpetual disappointment, the son and grandson of two fairly famous, able-bodied hockey players who fully expected him to be a hockey prodigy and follow in their footsteps into the NHL. Well, that’s never going to happen, and part of Boden’s journey is coming to accept that no matter what he does, his father is never going to fully accept him for who he is, a whole person who is content in the body he was given and is capable of making his way in life on his own terms.
Boden is fierce and funny and doesn’t hold back, and I absolutely loved the ride-or-die friendship between him, Tucker and Ford, who are more Boden’s family than his biological one has ever been. I liked Hugo’s calmness in the face of Boden’s fiery temper, his obvious care and his understanding of Boden’s needs – both in bed and out of it. They’re good for each other and I really did like them together, but there’s a big jump from hooking up to give Boden a safe way to release some of his pent-up rage to being in love, and while there’s no doubt about the sexual tension simmering between them, the progression from one to the other is rushed and I felt like there was a chunk of the falling-in-love part of the story missing. Also missing is some idea of what Hugo has been doing for the past seven years other than "rotting" (his words).
Once again, the disability rep in the book is excellent. Unlike Tucker, who was born able-bodied but lost his legs and one eye in an accident and had to learn to adapt, Boden was born with Cerebral Palsy and has lived with its effects for his entire life. The author writes knowledgeably and matter-of-factly about the condition and doesn’t make it a focus of the story - it’s just part of who Boden is.
I can’t deny that I’d have liked there to have been more of a real progression in the romantic relationship between Boden and Hugo, but while Pucked Up didn’t hit the spot in the same way Zero Pucks did, it’s nonetheless an entertaining read if you adjust your expectations for the romance.
Pucked Up is the second book in E.M. Lindsey’s Punk as Puck series featuring a group of friends on a community sled hockey team. I loved the previous book, Zero Pucks, in which the author does a great job of setting up the enemies-to-lovers romance that is the focus of this story, and I was really looking forward to reading about team captain Boden and the new coach he hates so passionately – but unfortunately, Pucked Up didn’t live up to my expectations. The humour I enjoyed so much in book one is muted here and while I liked the two leads together, the romance feels like it’s missing several steps and needed more time to develop.
Boden Morin has rules when it comes to men - no real names, no strings and no repeats. They’ve always worked for him and he has no intention of changing them. Not even for the gorgeous, older man he picks up in a bar and who rocks his world and just… sees him in a way Boden has never experienced. That way lies danger, and Boden has no intention of getting involved with anything (or anyone) who might divert his focus from his ambition to make it into the PPHL (para-professional hockey league).
Boden and his friends play for the Wolves, a community para-hockey team, and in the previous book, the team owner appointed a new coach, Frenchman Hugo Martin – whom Boden hated on sight. So intense was his anger and his emnity toward the newcomer that he tried to get his team-mates to dislike Hugo, too, and even encouraged them to disregard his instructions for their on-ice plays. It was completely irrational and quickly turned into an untenable situation – and Boden knew it, but just couldn’t squash the fury that was eating away at him and making him take out his frustration on everyone around him. Because, of course, Hugo is The Guy, the one who asked all the right questions, fucked like a dream, took care of him like no-one ever has - and who Boden hasn’t been able to forget in the weeks since that night. Arriving in the meeting room to discover that Hugo was to be the Wolves’ new coach was a massive blow – made worse by the fact that Hugo’s cool greeting indicates he doesn’t remember Boden at all.
Hugo lost his husband, Reid, seven years earlier, and has been kind of purposeless ever since. But he’s finally started to feel ready to move forward, that he needs to find a way out of his old life – which is why he accepts the coaching job when it’s offered to him by Arnaud Morin, an old friend of Reid’s. The last thing he’d expected was to discover not only that Arnaud’s son was the team captain – but also that he was the man who, in just one night, had made Hugo question his decision to never give his heart to anyone ever again. He hides his shock and does as Boden had asked, greeting him casually and pretending they’ve never met, surprised at and unable to explain the other man’s outright hostility. As the weeks pass and Boden’s attitude just gets worse, Hugo knows he has to do something to change things or the team is going to fall apart. He recognises Boden’s need for control and his need to fight for it, and knows there’s a (definitely unorthodox) way he can help Boden to calm down, quiet those angry voices and release some of his tension and hostility.
Boden and Hugo are carrying a lot of emotional baggage, but the story focuses more on Boden’s issues, most of which relate to the pressure of family expectations and his frustration at not being where he wants to be in his playing career. A hugely talented athlete and chamption Paralympian, Boden’s career has stalled following the incident that got him banned from competing in the event for eight years, and earned him a name as something of a liability. Not wanting to have to deal with questions about Boden’s temperament and unpredictability, the Wolves’ former coach never bothered to bring in scouts from teams in the PPHL, so Boden’s career has never really taken off the way it should have. To make matters worse, he’s the perpetual disappointment, the son and grandson of two fairly famous, able-bodied hockey players who fully expected him to be a hockey prodigy and follow in their footsteps into the NHL. Well, that’s never going to happen, and part of Boden’s journey is coming to accept that no matter what he does, his father is never going to fully accept him for who he is, a whole person who is content in the body he was given and is capable of making his way in life on his own terms.
Boden is fierce and funny and doesn’t hold back, and I absolutely loved the ride-or-die friendship between him, Tucker and Ford, who are more Boden’s family than his biological one has ever been. I liked Hugo’s calmness in the face of Boden’s fiery temper, his obvious care and his understanding of Boden’s needs – both in bed and out of it. They’re good for each other and I really did like them together, but there’s a big jump from hooking up to give Boden a safe way to release some of his pent-up rage to being in love, and while there’s no doubt about the sexual tension simmering between them, the progression from one to the other is rushed and I felt like there was a chunk of the falling-in-love part of the story missing. Also missing is some idea of what Hugo has been doing for the past seven years other than "rotting" (his words).
Once again, the disability rep in the book is excellent. Unlike Tucker, who was born able-bodied but lost his legs and one eye in an accident and had to learn to adapt, Boden was born with Cerebral Palsy and has lived with its effects for his entire life. The author writes knowledgeably and matter-of-factly about the condition and doesn’t make it a focus of the story - it’s just part of who Boden is.
I can’t deny that I’d have liked there to have been more of a real progression in the romantic relationship between Boden and Hugo, but while Pucked Up didn’t hit the spot in the same way Zero Pucks did, it’s nonetheless an entertaining read if you adjust your expectations for the romance.
July 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This is a really sweet book and definitely a good palate cleanser after an emotional read. I recommend it, especially if the tropes interest you, but it didn’t wow me. It was fluffy and I didn’t, for a second, believe these two men were in love with each other. Their relationship seemed like it was built entirely on lust. It doesn’t have to do with the timeframe either. I’m okay with some insta-love and I believe that some couples can fall in love in a couple of months, but not if they don’t talk to each other!
I thought we were going to at least get exposition that explained how they have had conversation conversations or spent time together or got to know each other, but nope! We don’t get to see them hang out. We don’t get to see them go on a date. We don’t get to see them have any conversations that last longer than 30 seconds unless they’re arguing or fighting. how am I supposed to believe that these men love each other when they don’t even know each other?
It just frustrated me because the book was really sweet and it had the possibility to be amazing, but it turned out surface level. I felt the relationship lacked any depth and there were a lot of missed opportunities.
I also wished we got to see a little bit more of Tucker and I’m a go. To see them settled and happy.
If the next book is about who I think it is, I don’t know if I’ll enjoy it or not. I love a good redemption art, but some characters are just awful human beings and I don’t see this one in particular being redeemed.
This is a really sweet book and definitely a good palate cleanser after an emotional read. I recommend it, especially if the tropes interest you, but it didn’t wow me. It was fluffy and I didn’t, for a second, believe these two men were in love with each other. Their relationship seemed like it was built entirely on lust. It doesn’t have to do with the timeframe either. I’m okay with some insta-love and I believe that some couples can fall in love in a couple of months, but not if they don’t talk to each other!
I thought we were going to at least get exposition that explained how they have had conversation conversations or spent time together or got to know each other, but nope! We don’t get to see them hang out. We don’t get to see them go on a date. We don’t get to see them have any conversations that last longer than 30 seconds unless they’re arguing or fighting. how am I supposed to believe that these men love each other when they don’t even know each other?
It just frustrated me because the book was really sweet and it had the possibility to be amazing, but it turned out surface level. I felt the relationship lacked any depth and there were a lot of missed opportunities.
I also wished we got to see a little bit more of Tucker and I’m a go. To see them settled and happy.
If the next book is about who I think it is, I don’t know if I’ll enjoy it or not. I love a good redemption art, but some characters are just awful human beings and I don’t see this one in particular being redeemed.
July 7, 2025
3.5 rounded up!
I was expecting a little bit more of a power dynamic based on the teasers that were used to promo this book so I think overall this just wasn't what I was expecting? That's not necessarily a bad thing but I felt like Hugo and Boden spent more time not together than they did together so it was hard for me to really see their connection.
I liked the arc of Boden being rightfully upset about Hugo being a coach and then having that moment of understanding when he finds out about Hugo's past and who he is in relation to the PPHL world. I liked the friendship between Boden, Ford and Tucker - I think especially Ford and Boden. Their little found family is so cute and I hope there will be books for Micah, Jonah, and Journey.
Overall, this was cute but it was just missing a little something for me!
I am SO unbelievably curious for book 3 though because if it Ford and who was implied then there's going to need to be the redemption arc of a lifetime like omg !?
I was expecting a little bit more of a power dynamic based on the teasers that were used to promo this book so I think overall this just wasn't what I was expecting? That's not necessarily a bad thing but I felt like Hugo and Boden spent more time not together than they did together so it was hard for me to really see their connection.
I liked the arc of Boden being rightfully upset about Hugo being a coach and then having that moment of understanding when he finds out about Hugo's past and who he is in relation to the PPHL world. I liked the friendship between Boden, Ford and Tucker - I think especially Ford and Boden. Their little found family is so cute and I hope there will be books for Micah, Jonah, and Journey.
Overall, this was cute but it was just missing a little something for me!
I am SO unbelievably curious for book 3 though because if it Ford and who was implied then there's going to need to be the redemption arc of a lifetime like omg !?
July 8, 2025
4.5/5
This is second in the series, and I think it's best enjoyed if you read in order (the timelines overlap but aren't redundant) but it's not necessary. It features wonderful disability rep - while this is my first paraprofessional hockey book, it seemed to be well done. It also features a delightful found family, scorching spicy times, a grumpy grump who turns into a cinnamon roll for the right guy, and hurt/comfort. The lead in to book 3 has me feening for it!
This is second in the series, and I think it's best enjoyed if you read in order (the timelines overlap but aren't redundant) but it's not necessary. It features wonderful disability rep - while this is my first paraprofessional hockey book, it seemed to be well done. It also features a delightful found family, scorching spicy times, a grumpy grump who turns into a cinnamon roll for the right guy, and hurt/comfort. The lead in to book 3 has me feening for it!
July 15, 2025
Here's EM Lindsey's "Pucked Up." It's the second novel in her Punk as Puck series.
["Sometimes an anonymous tryst shows up at the rink two months later as your new hockey coach.
I have rules. Very important rules. No real names, no strings, no seeing each other again. It’s always worked out well for me, and it’s the only thing that keeps me focused as I try to climb my way into professional hockey after nearly torching my career.
I should have been king of the ice in the paraprofessional league, but instead, I let my anger and bitterness get to me. Now I’m forced to claw my way back into relevance, starting with a community team.
That would be fine if the one amazing, anonymous night I had with a total stranger didn’t end up being the Wolves’ new coach. And even that might have been tolerable if Hugo wasn’t on my father’s payroll.
But he is.
And to make matters worse, I still want him. My bad attitude and attempt to drive him away doesn’t faze him at all, and the more I push, the more he pulls me back into the last place I want to his orbit.
All I want is to join the PPHL and prove to myself that I’m a worthy player on my own merit.
Lust wasn’t on the table. And neither was love.
But the closer I get to Hugo, the more I realize that I’m not sure I want to do this without him…and the more I realize I’m not sure if I can."]
When you read the first book, you were frustrated and confused about Boden's actions and feelings. When explained, we semi-understood, as much as we could when it was information given second-hand, but getting it first-hand here? The empathy really entered the chat. And getting Hugo's POV? Shit, end me know. We got allll of the information and background and Feels. Soooo much complication, sooo many hurt emotions, soo many missed moments, so many times were I almost (and did) cry.
This love story was littered with moments of kismet. It was beautiful and tragic. They were meant to fall in love with each other, but if so many horrible things hadn't happened, hadn't changed them forever, they would never have met.
Also, Boden finding out exactly who Hugo is and how he's even more qualified to help him get back to the PPHL than anyone was *chef's kiss*. Dramatic as hell, sure (but so is Boden). But it made Boden eat his words all those weeks ago.
Quote of the day: “Love is never cruel, and loving is never hard, but being brave isn’t always easy.”
Trigger Warnings: childhood emotional neglect, parents' unrealistic expectations, off-page mentions of assault on a date, internalized ableism, ableism, self-deprecation, loss of MCs former spouse, grief, toxic relationship with parents, and more.
#grr #arc #arcteammember
#zeropucks #puckedup #emlindsey #punkaspuck #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Sometimes an anonymous tryst shows up at the rink two months later as your new hockey coach.
I have rules. Very important rules. No real names, no strings, no seeing each other again. It’s always worked out well for me, and it’s the only thing that keeps me focused as I try to climb my way into professional hockey after nearly torching my career.
I should have been king of the ice in the paraprofessional league, but instead, I let my anger and bitterness get to me. Now I’m forced to claw my way back into relevance, starting with a community team.
That would be fine if the one amazing, anonymous night I had with a total stranger didn’t end up being the Wolves’ new coach. And even that might have been tolerable if Hugo wasn’t on my father’s payroll.
But he is.
And to make matters worse, I still want him. My bad attitude and attempt to drive him away doesn’t faze him at all, and the more I push, the more he pulls me back into the last place I want to his orbit.
All I want is to join the PPHL and prove to myself that I’m a worthy player on my own merit.
Lust wasn’t on the table. And neither was love.
But the closer I get to Hugo, the more I realize that I’m not sure I want to do this without him…and the more I realize I’m not sure if I can."]
When you read the first book, you were frustrated and confused about Boden's actions and feelings. When explained, we semi-understood, as much as we could when it was information given second-hand, but getting it first-hand here? The empathy really entered the chat. And getting Hugo's POV? Shit, end me know. We got allll of the information and background and Feels. Soooo much complication, sooo many hurt emotions, soo many missed moments, so many times were I almost (and did) cry.
This love story was littered with moments of kismet. It was beautiful and tragic. They were meant to fall in love with each other, but if so many horrible things hadn't happened, hadn't changed them forever, they would never have met.
Also, Boden finding out exactly who Hugo is and how he's even more qualified to help him get back to the PPHL than anyone was *chef's kiss*. Dramatic as hell, sure (but so is Boden). But it made Boden eat his words all those weeks ago.
Quote of the day: “Love is never cruel, and loving is never hard, but being brave isn’t always easy.”
Trigger Warnings: childhood emotional neglect, parents' unrealistic expectations, off-page mentions of assault on a date, internalized ableism, ableism, self-deprecation, loss of MCs former spouse, grief, toxic relationship with parents, and more.
#grr #arc #arcteammember
#zeropucks #puckedup #emlindsey #punkaspuck #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
June 26, 2025
Copy received from Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review
This is the 2nd book in the Punk as Puck, and whilst it may be read as a stand alone, you will miss out on a lot of the nuances and relationships from the first book.
Oh Boden. You had me in the first book, with all your dislike of the new coach.
And now we know why. But also, WHY?!?!
A one night stand turns up as your new coach? Yeah, I could get being p!ssy. I could get a lot of your feelings.
And I felt your hurt as what might have been with your career and future.
And Hugo. Oh how I loved him from the minute he turned up at the rink.
There is so much hurt for them both, and even when they don't want it, they are each other's comfort, and they do it well - an all different ways.
I loved how the story progressed and we learn more of their pasts, how hard their futures may have looked, and now with light at the end of the tunnel, I adore how they come out better at the end.
I also adore the family that they have found in their friendship group. Nobody has it easy, yet they make life better every day for each other.
And now I need the next book, stat!
This is the 2nd book in the Punk as Puck, and whilst it may be read as a stand alone, you will miss out on a lot of the nuances and relationships from the first book.
Oh Boden. You had me in the first book, with all your dislike of the new coach.
And now we know why. But also, WHY?!?!
A one night stand turns up as your new coach? Yeah, I could get being p!ssy. I could get a lot of your feelings.
And I felt your hurt as what might have been with your career and future.
And Hugo. Oh how I loved him from the minute he turned up at the rink.
There is so much hurt for them both, and even when they don't want it, they are each other's comfort, and they do it well - an all different ways.
I loved how the story progressed and we learn more of their pasts, how hard their futures may have looked, and now with light at the end of the tunnel, I adore how they come out better at the end.
I also adore the family that they have found in their friendship group. Nobody has it easy, yet they make life better every day for each other.
And now I need the next book, stat!
June 30, 2025
4 stars
Second book of Punk As Puck series, this time is Boden's turn to get his happily ever after.
In the previous book we left him arguing with the new Coach, Hugo: his friends thought he was angry because Hugo is not disabled, but the reality is that they had a wonderful night together a few weeks prior and agreed on one night stand but both of them can't stop thinking about each other.
Their dynamic is complicated: Hugo has grieved his late husband for a long time, he's been feeling lonely and from the moment he met Boden, he knew they could have something meaningful. But Boden's own rules and their new relationship as coach/player complicate things. Boden, on the other hand, never felt so understood and cared for like he was in Hugo's arms, but he firmly believed he had to put his dream of going pro above everything else.
Even if they don't seem to communicate with words very well and there's a constant push and pull between them, they're still able to form a connection, where Boden craves Hugo's thoughtfulness and care and where Hugo discovers he can open his heart again and that Boden is the right man for him.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I wouldn't have minded see more of Hugo's possessiveness and protectiveness toward Boden. Moreover, his initial dominance seemed to fading the more their relationship progressed.
The physical scenes are intimate and precious. This wasn't a surprise, seeing that this author is amazing at that. Their MCs' bodies may not be perfect and the author doesn't pull back from giving us all the ugliness and the hard truths, but the MCs' feelings and emotions are always a special kind of beauty.
Next book will be about Ford and, oh my goodness Ford! What kind of mess did you get yourself into??? I literally cannot wait for his book (and the redemption arc that's hinted) and I hope the author is considering giving Micah his own story too.
Do not forget to download the wonderful bonus epilogue (link at the end of the book).
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Second book of Punk As Puck series, this time is Boden's turn to get his happily ever after.
In the previous book we left him arguing with the new Coach, Hugo: his friends thought he was angry because Hugo is not disabled, but the reality is that they had a wonderful night together a few weeks prior and agreed on one night stand but both of them can't stop thinking about each other.
Their dynamic is complicated: Hugo has grieved his late husband for a long time, he's been feeling lonely and from the moment he met Boden, he knew they could have something meaningful. But Boden's own rules and their new relationship as coach/player complicate things. Boden, on the other hand, never felt so understood and cared for like he was in Hugo's arms, but he firmly believed he had to put his dream of going pro above everything else.
Even if they don't seem to communicate with words very well and there's a constant push and pull between them, they're still able to form a connection, where Boden craves Hugo's thoughtfulness and care and where Hugo discovers he can open his heart again and that Boden is the right man for him.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I wouldn't have minded see more of Hugo's possessiveness and protectiveness toward Boden. Moreover, his initial dominance seemed to fading the more their relationship progressed.
The physical scenes are intimate and precious. This wasn't a surprise, seeing that this author is amazing at that. Their MCs' bodies may not be perfect and the author doesn't pull back from giving us all the ugliness and the hard truths, but the MCs' feelings and emotions are always a special kind of beauty.
Next book will be about Ford and, oh my goodness Ford! What kind of mess did you get yourself into??? I literally cannot wait for his book (and the redemption arc that's hinted) and I hope the author is considering giving Micah his own story too.
Do not forget to download the wonderful bonus epilogue (link at the end of the book).
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
July 6, 2025
Confusing and Unlikeable Characters
The first book in this series was a mix of entertainment and frustration because I found one of the main characters so hard to enjoy. This book was unfortunately no different.
Boden was really tough to read in this book. I was intrigued by his character in book one and excited for his HEA but yeesh his character is not easy to like. He spent the majority of the book acting like a total jerk to everyone, mostly in situations where it was undeserved. Then he also spent the majority of the book saying the complete opposite of what he wanted to say and getting in his own way. It could have been nice to read how he turned things around and got his head straight, but instead the end of the book was quick and unsatisfying.
He acts like crap to his friends constantly and then is just forgiven, he has a man fall in love with him despite continuously treating him like crap and spending very little time with him, he doesn’t “fix” his relationship problems so much as simply change his mind and hope for the best, and the person he’s the nicest to in the book is his narcissistic father.
Hugo had his moments of sweetness and I did feel for him and his history but the way he spoke about his first husband was weird. Sometimes he was sweet, sometimes he implied there were things wrong between them, it was tough to really connect to his story because it felt like the author was changing the tone and backstory from page to page to simply fit the moment the story needed then. It was confusing and annoying and made me inevitably care about no one.
Ugh I’m just curious enough to possibly try book three but we’ll see.
Tropes: Hookup to Lover, Secret Relationship, Forced Proximity, Disability Rep, Love After Loss, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️ 1/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM
The first book in this series was a mix of entertainment and frustration because I found one of the main characters so hard to enjoy. This book was unfortunately no different.
Boden was really tough to read in this book. I was intrigued by his character in book one and excited for his HEA but yeesh his character is not easy to like. He spent the majority of the book acting like a total jerk to everyone, mostly in situations where it was undeserved. Then he also spent the majority of the book saying the complete opposite of what he wanted to say and getting in his own way. It could have been nice to read how he turned things around and got his head straight, but instead the end of the book was quick and unsatisfying.
He acts like crap to his friends constantly and then is just forgiven, he has a man fall in love with him despite continuously treating him like crap and spending very little time with him, he doesn’t “fix” his relationship problems so much as simply change his mind and hope for the best, and the person he’s the nicest to in the book is his narcissistic father.
Hugo had his moments of sweetness and I did feel for him and his history but the way he spoke about his first husband was weird. Sometimes he was sweet, sometimes he implied there were things wrong between them, it was tough to really connect to his story because it felt like the author was changing the tone and backstory from page to page to simply fit the moment the story needed then. It was confusing and annoying and made me inevitably care about no one.
Ugh I’m just curious enough to possibly try book three but we’ll see.
Tropes: Hookup to Lover, Secret Relationship, Forced Proximity, Disability Rep, Love After Loss, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️ 1/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM
July 5, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I had high expectations after the first book for Boden and Hugo’s story and EM Lindsey as always just blew them out of the water. This story is perfectly written. It ties in their extra my rocky animosity driven start, gives a background to their first interaction, the slow evolution of they discover they can get what they need from the other and how they are better for it.
The swoon is epic in this one. I loveeeeed the nicknames, nod to a power exchange, the unconditional support, the spectacular found family that are really representative of the themes EM Lindsey always delivers in with emotionally rich writing that grabs a hold of you.
Boden is angry, lost, resentful and when he finds out Hugo is the able bodied coach for their team he is enraged, specially when he feels Hugo doesn’t remember their one night together. Hugo in his words has been rotting since his loss, drowning in apathy, till something sparks when he sees the brazen stranger across the bar.
Their relationship dynamic, the push and pull, the shift from animosity to love was absolute fire. The other thing EM Lindsey handles so well in her stories is any kind of disability rep and this series of differently abled hockey players is perfection in my opinion.
I highly recommend checking out this series, this was a great addition and I can’t wait for Ford’s story next.
I had high expectations after the first book for Boden and Hugo’s story and EM Lindsey as always just blew them out of the water. This story is perfectly written. It ties in their extra my rocky animosity driven start, gives a background to their first interaction, the slow evolution of they discover they can get what they need from the other and how they are better for it.
The swoon is epic in this one. I loveeeeed the nicknames, nod to a power exchange, the unconditional support, the spectacular found family that are really representative of the themes EM Lindsey always delivers in with emotionally rich writing that grabs a hold of you.
Boden is angry, lost, resentful and when he finds out Hugo is the able bodied coach for their team he is enraged, specially when he feels Hugo doesn’t remember their one night together. Hugo in his words has been rotting since his loss, drowning in apathy, till something sparks when he sees the brazen stranger across the bar.
Their relationship dynamic, the push and pull, the shift from animosity to love was absolute fire. The other thing EM Lindsey handles so well in her stories is any kind of disability rep and this series of differently abled hockey players is perfection in my opinion.
I highly recommend checking out this series, this was a great addition and I can’t wait for Ford’s story next.
July 4, 2025
Pucked up
Punk as Puck Book 2
E. M Lindsey
Bodie & Hugo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Disability rep
Coach and player
Hurt / Comfort
Found family
Praise kink
Touch Starved
Black cat/ golden retriever
These two were great. Bodie put up such a fight. True definition of black cat
“He was everything I’d ever wanted in a partner. He was the one person who knew how to give me what I needed— how to take control and allow me to let go without making it feel like I didn’t have a choice.”
Hugo was so patient. He knew what Bodie needed.
Ugh Bodie was so stubborn. Sheesh
“If you need me,” I told him, “you know where my room is.” “I won’t.”
My heart hurt for Hugo. I feel Bodie needed some more groveling time lol
“I would have loved you quietly from afar for the rest of my life if that’s what you needed.”
They both need healing. I hope they find it in one another.
“Boden. I think I’m falling in love with you.”
I am glad they got their hea in the end. I can't wait for the next book in the series
Punk as Puck Book 2
E. M Lindsey
Bodie & Hugo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Disability rep
Coach and player
Hurt / Comfort
Found family
Praise kink
Touch Starved
Black cat/ golden retriever
These two were great. Bodie put up such a fight. True definition of black cat
“He was everything I’d ever wanted in a partner. He was the one person who knew how to give me what I needed— how to take control and allow me to let go without making it feel like I didn’t have a choice.”
Hugo was so patient. He knew what Bodie needed.
Ugh Bodie was so stubborn. Sheesh
“If you need me,” I told him, “you know where my room is.” “I won’t.”
My heart hurt for Hugo. I feel Bodie needed some more groveling time lol
“I would have loved you quietly from afar for the rest of my life if that’s what you needed.”
They both need healing. I hope they find it in one another.
“Boden. I think I’m falling in love with you.”
I am glad they got their hea in the end. I can't wait for the next book in the series
July 6, 2025
A great second in the series and I’m dying for the third! I love Hugo. He’s patient and loving and enjoys taking care of those he loves. He considerate and thoughtful. I really love Boden too. He takes a minute to love (sorry boden) because of his prickly exterior but he’s so passionate and caring for those he loves.
I love how these two initially get together and how muddled that makes Hugo’s new coaching job. I love how this book overlaps with book one, but isn’t redundant. The found family aspect is amazing and the disability rep seems spot on, as per usual with this author.
I liked Hugo’s backstory and his connection to the game. Their relationship worked for me because Hugo took the time to see past Boden’s grouchy exterior and defense mechanisms. He saw him for who he really was and he gave him what he needed in the way he knew boden could accept it. Overall, this was a great book in a great series.
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, disability rep, coach/player, sled hockey, found family, ESL, widow mc, anonymous hook up, enemies to lovers
I love how these two initially get together and how muddled that makes Hugo’s new coaching job. I love how this book overlaps with book one, but isn’t redundant. The found family aspect is amazing and the disability rep seems spot on, as per usual with this author.
I liked Hugo’s backstory and his connection to the game. Their relationship worked for me because Hugo took the time to see past Boden’s grouchy exterior and defense mechanisms. He saw him for who he really was and he gave him what he needed in the way he knew boden could accept it. Overall, this was a great book in a great series.
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, disability rep, coach/player, sled hockey, found family, ESL, widow mc, anonymous hook up, enemies to lovers
July 16, 2025
4.5⭐️
I loved this, probably just as much as the first one. Boden is a prickly little arsehole, but behind his fear is just someone who wants to be treated like everyone else and loved for all of who he is.
Hugo has felt great loss and has finally found himself again with Boden. He knows just how to manage his firecracker of a boyfriend. He was kind, patient, and knew how to take care of him in a way that made Boden feel seen.
I thought the push and pull and attitude from Boden would get a little tiresome, but it didn’t, and by the end, I was begging him to just take something for himself for no other reason than because he wanted to. I loved the little extra chapter where Boden’s dad got a reality check too!
And I guess we can all guess who Ian really is! WTF?! I hope it’s not just one long sob story because it’s going to feel a little flat after Tucker’s POV. Bring it on, Ford is a good guy, and I can only hope he knows what he’s doing 😂
Another great one, really enjoyed it.
I loved this, probably just as much as the first one. Boden is a prickly little arsehole, but behind his fear is just someone who wants to be treated like everyone else and loved for all of who he is.
Hugo has felt great loss and has finally found himself again with Boden. He knows just how to manage his firecracker of a boyfriend. He was kind, patient, and knew how to take care of him in a way that made Boden feel seen.
I thought the push and pull and attitude from Boden would get a little tiresome, but it didn’t, and by the end, I was begging him to just take something for himself for no other reason than because he wanted to. I loved the little extra chapter where Boden’s dad got a reality check too!
And I guess we can all guess who Ian really is! WTF?! I hope it’s not just one long sob story because it’s going to feel a little flat after Tucker’s POV. Bring it on, Ford is a good guy, and I can only hope he knows what he’s doing 😂
Another great one, really enjoyed it.
July 3, 2025
Of course I've been impatiently waiting for this book since meeting Boden in the first one. Thankful for the arc I received! I read this in one sitting and it was everything I wanted.
Falling for Hugo was easy, in my case, and getting to watch Boden fall despite his best efforts was of course fantastic. I knew Boden would be a divisive character but that's exactly the type of character I like. A bit feral, a bit fragile, and definitely in his own way. I can always relate to an 'unlikeable' character. They feel the realest to me. Both characters felt grounded to me.
I will devour any single glimpse of Micah as well-- can't wait for that one. But first... Ford, baby, what are you DOING.
I've also said it before, but these books got me into sled hockey and I'm also so thankful for that because man sled hockey is cool. Yet another EM Lindsey book for me to recommend all the time!
Falling for Hugo was easy, in my case, and getting to watch Boden fall despite his best efforts was of course fantastic. I knew Boden would be a divisive character but that's exactly the type of character I like. A bit feral, a bit fragile, and definitely in his own way. I can always relate to an 'unlikeable' character. They feel the realest to me. Both characters felt grounded to me.
I will devour any single glimpse of Micah as well-- can't wait for that one. But first... Ford, baby, what are you DOING.
I've also said it before, but these books got me into sled hockey and I'm also so thankful for that because man sled hockey is cool. Yet another EM Lindsey book for me to recommend all the time!
June 25, 2025
Thank you to the author and publisher for this ARC. This was book two in the series and I loved it. Boden and Hugo have so much pain and how they overcome it and find each other is beautiful. Boden closes himself off from people and only does anonymous one night stands and finds himself with Hugo. Hugo know that Boden is or him but agrees to the hookup. When they cross paths again sparks fly. This was just as steam as it was sweet. I love the disability rep in these books. The way EM Lindsey writes really makes the character come alive. You really feel their struggles and pain as well as their triumphs. I can’t not wait to read about Ford! I look forward to more in this series.
July 6, 2025
ARC review
I was so excited for their story and it was way better than I thought it would be.
Boden was so complex, you can't help but love him. He didn't want anything getting on his way to going pro but he didn't forsee Hugo appearing.
Hugo was such a good man, he didn't give up on Boden, he was always there for him. He respected him and loved him exactly as he was.
They just made so much sense together, I loved them
I was so excited for their story and it was way better than I thought it would be.
Boden was so complex, you can't help but love him. He didn't want anything getting on his way to going pro but he didn't forsee Hugo appearing.
Hugo was such a good man, he didn't give up on Boden, he was always there for him. He respected him and loved him exactly as he was.
They just made so much sense together, I loved them
July 7, 2025
This is the second book in the Punk as Puck series by author E.M. Lindsey. This book had a great cast of characters. Oddly, I liked the friends and their dark jokes more than Boden and Hugo. I did enjoy the chemistry between Boden and Hugo and felt like this propelled the series in a good direction. Excited to see what is next for this series.
July 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. I was a bit worried as Boden seemed to always be moody but I loved the way this one was done.
But the lil snippet of who's going to be Ford's love interest? Now that's gonna be some good drama...
But the lil snippet of who's going to be Ford's love interest? Now that's gonna be some good drama...
July 6, 2025
wow intense
Boden has a huge chip on his shoulder. Hugo is starting over since his husbands death. A one and done hook up goes wrong when Hugo shows up at Boden’s hockey rink. Angry words, sexy times, secrets and falling in love makes for a hot intense read.
Boden has a huge chip on his shoulder. Hugo is starting over since his husbands death. A one and done hook up goes wrong when Hugo shows up at Boden’s hockey rink. Angry words, sexy times, secrets and falling in love makes for a hot intense read.
July 7, 2025
The book had a good plot but it didn’t keep me super interested unlike Tuckers book did. But I’m glad to see that Boden got his HEA with Hugo. Boden definitely deserved his HEA in this book.
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