I love, love, love this series and Pucking Sweet didn't disappoint! Poppy and her guys have great chemistry and the book has some hilarious lines. I'm not generally into the whole surprise pregnancy trope, but I liked this one. Can't wait to see what Emily has up next for us from the Jacksonville Rays! #MMF #surprisepreganancy #whosthedaddy #hockeyromance

I can’t get enough of this series I don’t know how Emily does it but each book I love a little more than the last one.

Poppy is a literal queen, and takes no shit. I loved how she put herself first but loved and cared so fiercely for Lukas and Cole. I liked that you were able to see both of her sides with them as well.

I love Lukas and Cole so much. Together and individually. Colton was so respectful and so attentive but dominant I was obsessed with how he handled everything. Lukas the giant grumpy teddy bear I related to him a little too much but I am also a double Scorpio so it’s no surprise. His growth was my favorite. And I loved how deeply they loved each other and Poppy.

These books might be a brick but it’s needed. I won’t shut up about this series or Emily.

I received a copy of this for my honest review

In the third book of the Jacksonville Rays series our FMC is the director of PR for the team. We have two MMCs - one is Lukas, the rough around the edges cocky playboy who makes her job hell, and the other is Colton. The one who has held a torch for her for years at their last team and is working his way to tell her his feelings. What starts as individual trysts, turns into the three of them together. But this can be a lot for each of them, whether it's knowing what this is in an instant and possibly scaring the others off, to being so afraid to let anyone in they ruin their chances. Plus the fact that her family is DC royalty and this group dynamic is not what is expected of her from her mother.

Absolutely loved being back in their world!! Emily Rath can do no wrong in my eyes!!!
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint. I keep calling it “Thiccc Goodness”. Because yes, the books are thick but they are filled with so much goodness.

I really like this series, I don't know what it is. I appreciate that it took the MCs a little longer to get together, I liked seeing the other characters from the previous books, why not. Bring on the fourth one, I'll read more about this entire team.

Emily Rath has a superpower that allows her to take the taboo subjects of the romance genre and turn them into a heartfelt emotional novel. I enjoyed Pucking Sweet. I enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes from her other novels, as well as learning about these three main characters on another level. I will say, it did feel very similar to the first novel of this series, but it didn't bother me very much.

The only thing more intense than the spice in this book was the absolute heart-stopping romance! The Jacksonville Rays already have my whole heart, and I thought I knew who my favorites were… until I got to know Colton and Lukas more. The banter in this book was pure gold, the heartbreak had be sobbing, the budding relationship gave me life, and the surprises had me gasping out loud! The book takes place in the same timeline as Pucking Around, so my expectation was to experience very little unexpected twists and turns. I have never been so happy to be so wrong! Emily Rath is the queen of not only spice, but beautiful polyamorous relationships. The window to queer love that she has given us in this book is a gift. And yes, the spice is so hot that I'm still burning! Put me on ice… hopefully with the rest of my now favorite fictional hockey team. This was a surefire 5 star read, and I will never stop recommending it!

not my favorite in the series -- definitely felt like it needed some editing down. loved all the characters but it felt disjointed with the timeline going on at the exact same time as the other books. you wouldn't know what was happening without reading those before

This book did not disappoint! Emily Rath has done it again, and I cannot wait to continue reading about the Jacksonville Rays.

If you’ve read the other books in the Jacksonville Rays series then you are familiar with Poppy, Colton Morrow, and Lukas Novikov. If you haven’t read the first two books, I recommend you stop reading this review and pick up those books. Now, since you’ve read those books you’ll understand how easily these characters get under your skin. You thought the Price family were the ones you couldn’t stop thinking about, well just wait till you read about Poppy and her boys.

I absolutely love how Emily Rath writes her characters. They are so real, raw, and relatable. They have real emotions and real problems, but best of all they aren’t fake. What they say and do is believable. All that combines to the best plot filled romance with top tier spice. You literally can’t go wrong with Emily Rath’s Jacksonville Rays series.

4.5⭐, 4🌶️

While nothing can ever beat Pucking Around for me, I REALLY ENJOYED this book! I loved the group relationship dynamics., and I absolutely adored how bad ass Poppy was! Lukas being the 'bad boy' and Cole being 'the boy next door pining' was the perfect combination. I also loved how this book started even before the timing of Pucking Around. We got this trio's story sprinkled int for P.A. and P.W., and I was worried how much I would remember, but Emily did a great job of intermingling this book with the other book plots. And then its fun just seeing P.A. and P.W. from outside couple perspectives. IT WAS SUCH A GOOD way to balance out the books.

"Colton's kisses are soul-searing and searching, like plunging into deep water. I feel moored to him, anchored and safe. Luka's kisses are the flashes of sunlight sparkling on a sun-kissed sea. There's something wild in the way he kisses, something playful and free."

I think what I may love most about Emily's books is how smoothly she can make any relationship work. I went into this book not realizing it was an MMF romance, so when Cole and Lukas started forming their friendship I thought it would be so cute. AND THEN they became more. And honestly, I feel like I was grumpiest the book ended because I wanted so much more of them! - their relationship had just started (which is a tad frustrating for how long this book is). Also, I totally appreciate how much sooner the spice kicked in for this book (the P.W. slow burn hurt my soul)

🏒Pro Hockey MMCs & PR Director FMC
💛MMF Romance (Polyamorous)
💜 Friends to Lovers
💛Accidental Pregnancy
🏒 Workplace Romance

Now, catch e heavy breathing over my phone wondering when we are gonna get Pucking Strong and Pucking Ever After, Volume III! Can. not. wait. for more of this trio as well as Teddy and Henrik. But in the mean time its time to delve into Emily's regency romance backlist!

Thank you Emily Rath for allowing me to be part of your ARC team, a well as NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an eARC of this book! This is my honest and unpaid review!

I’ve needed a good MMF and this really hit the spot. I love Emily Rath’s writing and this just kept me hooked. I wanted to take breaks from work to read more. Can’t wait for the next in the series!

Emily Rath’s *Pucking Sweet* is a charming, steamy, and heartfelt romance that brings readers into the thrilling world of hockey while exploring themes of love, trust, and second chances. As part of Rath’s ongoing series that blends sports and romance, this novel stands out with its strong character development, sizzling chemistry, and a plot that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

The story revolves around a hockey player and his unexpected romance with a strong, independent heroine. Rath masterfully balances the tension between the fast-paced life of a professional athlete and the emotional depth of a genuine love story. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, their banter sharp and often humorous, but it’s the emotional connection that truly makes the romance shine. Both characters are well-developed, with their own backstories and personal challenges, making their journey together feel both authentic and rewarding.

Rath does an excellent job of weaving in the dynamics of the hockey world without overwhelming the reader with sports jargon. Even those who aren't fans of hockey will appreciate the way the sport serves as a backdrop to the characters' relationship, rather than the main focus. The supporting cast of teammates and family adds richness to the story, providing moments of levity and depth that enhance the overall experience.

One of the standout aspects of *Pucking Sweet* is how it touches on real-life struggles, such as balancing a demanding career with personal life, and learning to open up emotionally after being hurt. Rath's portrayal of vulnerability, particularly in her male lead, is refreshing and adds a layer of complexity to the typical sports romance.

While the novel delivers plenty of heat and romantic tension, it also balances this with moments of tenderness and introspection. Some readers may find the pacing a bit slower in parts, especially when the focus shifts from romance to character introspection, but this allows the emotional connection between the characters to deepen.

In summary, *Pucking Sweet* is a delightful blend of sports, romance, and emotional depth. Emily Rath has delivered a story that will resonate with readers looking for more than just a typical love story. With its relatable characters, sharp writing, and steamy moments, this book is a must-read for fans of sports romance and anyone who enjoys a heartfelt love story with a touch of humor.

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ +♾️
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Hello favorite book of the year! I have been wanting and begging for Poppy, Novy and Morrow's story from the first moment I fell in love with the Rays universe, and these three were perfection. They were messy and chaotic but still absolute perfection.

Plus someone needs to apologize to Caleb Price, because Colton Morrow might be my favorite thing ever. But then again, I love them all, and in this universe I don't have to choose.

TROPES
✨ Hockey Romance
✨ MMF and Polyamory/ Bi-Awakening
✨ Accidental Pregnancy
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Enemies (who want each other) to Lovers

I really don't have words to explain how these fictional characters have burrowed their way so far in my heart, but this book was an utter delight from start to finish. I laughed and I cried, sometimes at the same time, and I fell in love with the relationship that Poppy, Novy and Morrow formed.

Poppy St James is the Jacksonville Rays resident PR Barbie, and I love this woman's fierce Southern Charm, her feistiness and her resilience. I also loved how Cole and Lukas both brought out different sides of her personality. It was so evident how much she needed them both and how much they needed each other, even if they fought it for eons.

Lukas is the bad boy that you just have to love, he's got a tender underbelly, but in order to get him to show it, you have to go through 10 layers of f*ckery (and I mean this in the very best way). Thank goodness for Cole Morrow, because this man is as sweet and stubborn and they come. He is a Leo through and through and the absolute needed calm in the storm that is Poppy and Novy.

I can't find a single fault with this book, other than I immediately want more. The spice was fan freaking-tastic, the banter was absolute next level and the emotional parts... well I sobbed quite a few times.
I just loved it and had over 400 tabs and highlights, so it’s safe to say this one deserves all the stars in the sky.

I am so obsessed with this series and the whole Jacksonville Rays found family, it's not okay HAHA. This book was everything I expected and more! I absolutely love how Emily Rath builds emotional connections and relationships between the characters, then dives into the spicy scenes. And how her books tend to have emotional subplots as well? Everything is perfection.

Pucking Sweet started off a little bit slower than the other two, but then it really accelerated. I read it in under 24 hours! Novy, Colton, and Poppy all complemented each other so well. I loved how the author developed each character individually, plus spent equal time developing each relationship. Novy/Poppy, Colton/Poppy, and Novy/Colton all had a distinct relationship dynamic and foundation, which was great.

I have to say I think Novy is my favorite character in this entire universe. We love a complex MMC who works through his abandonment and attachment issues. He's so The Bolter and The Archer by Taylor Swift-coded. I liked how he seemed so extroverted and open-book, though that was just a mask so he didn't have to be vulnerable. And Colton was the sweetest friend and his secure attachment perfectly complemented Novy. And I love how Colton was so loyal and always saw the best in him.

And the emotional subplots with each of the characters' backstories? UNWELL. Also the spice. Her spice always hits so hard haha. And accidental pregnancy? Another one of my favorite tropes. Plus Poppy was a great FMC. I loved how go-getter she was, and it was so satisfying when she finally stood up for herself.

I'm already so excited for the next book/novella in this series! And on a final note, this finally pulled me out of my hockey romance reading slump lol.

This sizzling MMF hockey romance had me hooked from start to finish. Poppy St. James, the new PR Director for the Jacksonville Rays, is set on staying professional. However, her resolve crumbles when she’s caught between the wild Lukas Novikov and the charming Colton Morrow. The chemistry between the trio is electric, and Rath does an incredible job balancing humor, banter, and intense romance. What I loved most was how the story delves into finding family and breaking societal norms. The characters are so relatable, and the emotional depth of their journey kept me captivated. If you like MMF, then this one is for you.

I think Lukas might start to rival Caleb as my favorite Ray. This book was utterly enthralling from beginning to end. I’ve never been happier to be a Leo who happened to marry a Scorpio and this book showed me why we’re such a perfect match. You will fall in love with Lukas and Colton will make you! Poppy has so much to deal with and I can only hope we get some more of her showing her family how happy she is in Pucking Ever After Volume 3.

If you loved the rest of the Jacksonville Rays universe you will ADORE this! 😍
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

emily we must have words😩this book did me in! i never know what to exactly expect with miss rath’s books but i am never disappointed

i can’t even lie, at first i was shocked when i realized the timeline of this book starts allll the way before pucking around and wasn’t really feeling the idea, i was trying to get right to the good stuff but getting to see everything slowly develop, seeing other POVs to certain scenes and moments were everything

this book had endless ups and downs (i should not have been gasping for air the way i was at the 97% mark😭)
i laughed, cried, screamed, and hollered, yet it all just made for an amazing reading experience

this little family means EVERYTHING to me and i’m so happy with the story they got

side note: pucking ever after volume 3 is going to hit SO damn hard, i need it desperately

side side note: the set up for the next full length novel????? now THAT is tea

While this is book three in the series, I feel like it reads well as a standalone! This is a great MMF romance with a love triangle vibe, until it's not. It's an emotional ride that I couldn't put down, I just kept flipping page after page disregarding the time. She truly shines in her hockey romances and really brings these characters to life.

I may be the odd person out in that I liked this book, but didnt love it.

Rath writes good characters, I enjoyed reading this book. However, it did drag at times for me. This book is pretty long for what it is, and I feel it could have been a bit shorter.

I did enjoy the hockey aspect of it, and the spice. But I wasn't blown away by this book.

Still, I think others will enjoy it, and I do recommend it!