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Pucking the Players
She thought her heart was frozen for good, too bad these hockey players are experts on ice. After Macy escapes an awful situation, she’s forced to go back to the town she left behind. Going back to help her dad run the hockey rink he owns wasn’t how she saw herself rebuilding a future. Especially not with the three hockey players she meets that are absolutely obsessed with her. Her ex warned her that no one would want her extra pounds and now extra baggage. But Brock, Tate, and Elias disagree, and they aren’t afraid to fight for what they want. And they want Macy. When Macy finds out about an offer to buy the rink, she realizes just how bad things have gotten. Add in the vandalism and lack of support, there’s a real possibility that they won’t make it another season. Can Macy and her players go for the goal and save the life they love, or will they miss their shot? Pucking the Players is a whychoose hockey romance. Be ready for delicious MM, A plus size main character learning to love herself, and plenty of sweet and spicy moments along the way.
(There is DV that the FMC escapes from in this book)
(There is DV that the FMC escapes from in this book)
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2023
262 people are currently reading
971 people want to read
About the author
Jarica James
136 books705 followersJarica is an American author. She prefers writing paranormal and fantasy books. When she isn't writing she is playing her xbox with her husband and fellow nerd. She has two crazy boys who make writing a challenge, but one she gladly accepts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 26, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Sooo I really enjoyed this book, I think it was a nice why choose polyamory hockey romance. It fits perfectly my taste and I’m not mad about it.
I would like to use this book to lay out some thought though.
I feel like in why choose romances it’s very difficult to get the dynamics right. A lot of people criticised Pucking Around because it was too long, but, in my opinion, the singular relationships between the MMCs and the FMC were very well explained. How they all come to trust each other and fall in love.
Here I fell like I missed it. In this book needed more interactions because this sort of insta-love was not believable. Yes attraction, but all I need to see all of it fall together in a way that makes sense.
Anyway I liked it. I imagine it is not an easy task to write a book like this and I think this was a sent successful result.
The real downside of all of this is just because I needed more Elias and maybe more single couple sex scenes (like with Elias, mainly not beyond him bi).
Sooo I really enjoyed this book, I think it was a nice why choose polyamory hockey romance. It fits perfectly my taste and I’m not mad about it.
I would like to use this book to lay out some thought though.
I feel like in why choose romances it’s very difficult to get the dynamics right. A lot of people criticised Pucking Around because it was too long, but, in my opinion, the singular relationships between the MMCs and the FMC were very well explained. How they all come to trust each other and fall in love.
Here I fell like I missed it. In this book needed more interactions because this sort of insta-love was not believable. Yes attraction, but all I need to see all of it fall together in a way that makes sense.
Anyway I liked it. I imagine it is not an easy task to write a book like this and I think this was a sent successful result.
The real downside of all of this is just because I needed more Elias and maybe more single couple sex scenes (like with Elias, mainly not beyond him bi).
September 5, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Poor Macy is in an abusive relationship bit when it starts to get physical, she calls her father! And that night, she meets Tate, Elias, and Brock, who come with her father to her rescue. The guys already feel something, but since she got out of an abusive relationship, they know she isn't ready. It doesn't hurt to flirt and tease, one does have doubts that Macy won't want all of them so he does push away for a split second but his buddies/partner tell him not to hide. The relationship between the group is slow at first, but it's insta ;). They help her with the hockey rink, trying to get the bussiness booming. And I swear they were amazing as book boyfriends. She even helped them deal with unwanted family members.
This was a good hockey. Why choose!! It's sweet and spicy! Everything you need on a sports romance!
Low angst, no ow drama/om drama, no cheating, drama, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Instalove
MFM MF MM MMMF
Emotional domestic violence
Verbal abuse
Past truama
Safe sex/no condom
Anal play/sex
Praise kink
Mentions of Violence
Hea
Poor Macy is in an abusive relationship bit when it starts to get physical, she calls her father! And that night, she meets Tate, Elias, and Brock, who come with her father to her rescue. The guys already feel something, but since she got out of an abusive relationship, they know she isn't ready. It doesn't hurt to flirt and tease, one does have doubts that Macy won't want all of them so he does push away for a split second but his buddies/partner tell him not to hide. The relationship between the group is slow at first, but it's insta ;). They help her with the hockey rink, trying to get the bussiness booming. And I swear they were amazing as book boyfriends. She even helped them deal with unwanted family members.
This was a good hockey. Why choose!! It's sweet and spicy! Everything you need on a sports romance!
Low angst, no ow drama/om drama, no cheating, drama, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Instalove
MFM MF MM MMMF
Emotional domestic violence
Verbal abuse
Past truama
Safe sex/no condom
Anal play/sex
Praise kink
Mentions of Violence
Hea
Did not finish
February 23, 2025DNF at 5%.
Something about this just doesn't work for me.
Something about this just doesn't work for me.
February 16, 2024
It was really cute
August 25, 2023
Super sweet why choose hockey romance 🙌🏼
September 5, 2023
Pucking the players
About a 3.7 stars!
Enjoyed the characters. No OP drama between the main characters.
Lots of puppy love.
Fast paced.
Just needed more!
About a 3.7 stars!
Enjoyed the characters. No OP drama between the main characters.
Lots of puppy love.
Fast paced.
Just needed more!
January 9, 2024
this was sweet and very unrealistic but damn, what a trio of perfect men, adequate palette cleanser 🫦
January 13, 2024
Cute story. Fade to black smexy scenes don’t work for me tho
July 20, 2024
I figured this would be a quick light read while waiting for a new release. I just wasn't hooked. It didn't really hold my interest. Meh.
January 27, 2025
THIS BOOK WAS SO CUTE!!!
I was laughing for probably 70% and sad for the other 30%
I really enjoyed this!!
I’m a sucker for a why choose trope 😅😅
I was laughing for probably 70% and sad for the other 30%
I really enjoyed this!!
I’m a sucker for a why choose trope 😅😅
June 18, 2025
★★
The ending was cute but it was just meh.
The ending was cute but it was just meh.
November 8, 2023
❗️SPOILERS❗️
__________________________
❤️ "I'd never believed in falling head over heels before. Yet here I was, ready to throw all caution to the wind and give them everything."
__________________________
Pucking the Players is a standalone, with a plus size FMC and 3 sexy hockey players and written in multi POV. I love when there is a plus size heroine because I feel like I can relate, especially when she struggles with her self esteem. She doesn't believe that not only 1 but 3 sexy men would be interested in her or find her attractive. And all 3 of these guys have been all in since day 1, when they go with her Dad to rescue her from her ex boyfriend. Please read the trigger warnings. There is talk of domestic violence, child abuse and trauma that two of the characters are still dealing with.
__________________________
❤️ "Macy, let me make something very clear to you," Brock said, his fingers trailing over my cheek. "We want you. Me, Tate, Elias. We'll make you happy."
__________________________
Brock, Elias and Tate are all best friends who live together and play on the same hockey league. Macy's father is their coach and the owner of the rink that they play at. After leaving a mentally abusive relationship, she returns home and helps run the rink, and bring in revenue so it doesn't have to close. When the guys run into Macy again at the rink, they do whatever they can to try to win her over. Elias is a little wary at first, because he's afraid that she could come in between them, if she didn't want to be with all of them. But, he comes around and all of them do whatever they can to help her with the rink and prove to her that they are all in. When she's at the rink alone one night, someone breaks in to vandalize the building and Tate happens to call her during it, and Elias and Brock rush off to get her. After this, they all become inseparable.
The guys are everything she needs and she is everything they need. Elias comes from money, but his parents have expectations and they don't support him. He's always wanted to cut them out of his life, but struggled with the fact that they were his parents. But when Macy sticks up for him and his parents insult her, he finally has the strength to say enough is enough. Tate struggles emotionally with baggage from his past and his abusive father, Brock and Macy are his anchors and help him when he struggles. He and Brock had been together before she came along, but with Macy around they are more about their relationship outside of the bedroom. Brock is the "luckier" one, he has parents who love him and have taken all of the boys under their wings. His parents immediately accept the relationship the 4 of them have together. And so do Macys parents.
In the end, they are able to save the rink after dealing with some drama from her boyfriend and the rivalry rink trying to take them over down. When Macy tells them that she's pregnant, they ask her to marry them. They do decide that they won't find out who the biological father is, and that Brock and Tate will get married officially and Macy and Elias will get married but together they will have a ceremony and knot tying. And I gotta say I'm always here for that HEA. I kinda need more of them, the guys were perfect.
__________________________
🔥 "Good girl." with that, he walked away like he hadn't just melted my panties right off my body."
__________________________
✔️Plus size
✔️Hockey romance
✔️RH/Why Choose
✔️MMMF & MM
✔️Praise Kink
✔️Instalove
__________________________
🔥 "Oh she's mine." Brock said. "I called her a good girl earlier, and let me tell you, she'll be on her knees for me one day and I'll treat her like a fucking queen."
__________________________
🔥MY FAVORITE SPICY SCENES ⬇️
▪️Chapter 2, first MM scene with Brock & Tate.
▪️3some with Brock and Tate... MMF (see quote below *fans self*) 🤤
▪️4some after the championship game.
__________________________
🔥 "I pulled out slowly, watching the cum drip from his ass with a satisfied smile on my face. He collapsed face firt on the bed, revealing her swollen pussy to me. Cum dripped out of them both and I couldn't help but push my fingers into her, feeling her warmth surrounding me."🤤🤤🤤
__________________________
P.S It's mentioned that Brocks mom has epilepsy, and as someone who has epilepsy I kind of loved seeing that small representation. I didn't know how much I needed that, until I saw how relatable it was to me.
⚠️ Read the trigger warnings.
__________________________
❤️ "I'd never believed in falling head over heels before. Yet here I was, ready to throw all caution to the wind and give them everything."
__________________________
Pucking the Players is a standalone, with a plus size FMC and 3 sexy hockey players and written in multi POV. I love when there is a plus size heroine because I feel like I can relate, especially when she struggles with her self esteem. She doesn't believe that not only 1 but 3 sexy men would be interested in her or find her attractive. And all 3 of these guys have been all in since day 1, when they go with her Dad to rescue her from her ex boyfriend. Please read the trigger warnings. There is talk of domestic violence, child abuse and trauma that two of the characters are still dealing with.
__________________________
❤️ "Macy, let me make something very clear to you," Brock said, his fingers trailing over my cheek. "We want you. Me, Tate, Elias. We'll make you happy."
__________________________
Brock, Elias and Tate are all best friends who live together and play on the same hockey league. Macy's father is their coach and the owner of the rink that they play at. After leaving a mentally abusive relationship, she returns home and helps run the rink, and bring in revenue so it doesn't have to close. When the guys run into Macy again at the rink, they do whatever they can to try to win her over. Elias is a little wary at first, because he's afraid that she could come in between them, if she didn't want to be with all of them. But, he comes around and all of them do whatever they can to help her with the rink and prove to her that they are all in. When she's at the rink alone one night, someone breaks in to vandalize the building and Tate happens to call her during it, and Elias and Brock rush off to get her. After this, they all become inseparable.
The guys are everything she needs and she is everything they need. Elias comes from money, but his parents have expectations and they don't support him. He's always wanted to cut them out of his life, but struggled with the fact that they were his parents. But when Macy sticks up for him and his parents insult her, he finally has the strength to say enough is enough. Tate struggles emotionally with baggage from his past and his abusive father, Brock and Macy are his anchors and help him when he struggles. He and Brock had been together before she came along, but with Macy around they are more about their relationship outside of the bedroom. Brock is the "luckier" one, he has parents who love him and have taken all of the boys under their wings. His parents immediately accept the relationship the 4 of them have together. And so do Macys parents.
In the end, they are able to save the rink after dealing with some drama from her boyfriend and the rivalry rink trying to take them over down. When Macy tells them that she's pregnant, they ask her to marry them. They do decide that they won't find out who the biological father is, and that Brock and Tate will get married officially and Macy and Elias will get married but together they will have a ceremony and knot tying. And I gotta say I'm always here for that HEA. I kinda need more of them, the guys were perfect.
__________________________
🔥 "Good girl." with that, he walked away like he hadn't just melted my panties right off my body."
__________________________
✔️Plus size
✔️Hockey romance
✔️RH/Why Choose
✔️MMMF & MM
✔️Praise Kink
✔️Instalove
__________________________
🔥 "Oh she's mine." Brock said. "I called her a good girl earlier, and let me tell you, she'll be on her knees for me one day and I'll treat her like a fucking queen."
__________________________
🔥MY FAVORITE SPICY SCENES ⬇️
▪️Chapter 2, first MM scene with Brock & Tate.
▪️3some with Brock and Tate... MMF (see quote below *fans self*) 🤤
▪️4some after the championship game.
__________________________
🔥 "I pulled out slowly, watching the cum drip from his ass with a satisfied smile on my face. He collapsed face firt on the bed, revealing her swollen pussy to me. Cum dripped out of them both and I couldn't help but push my fingers into her, feeling her warmth surrounding me."🤤🤤🤤
__________________________
P.S It's mentioned that Brocks mom has epilepsy, and as someone who has epilepsy I kind of loved seeing that small representation. I didn't know how much I needed that, until I saw how relatable it was to me.
⚠️ Read the trigger warnings.
September 12, 2023
Jarica James is a new author for me and I can't say no to a good RH. Plus it's a curvy girl x sports romance where all the H's fall first so sign me tf up.
So Macy (h) is in an abusive relationship that comes to head when she finally tries to pack up and leave her ex Luke. He promptly starts to get violent and she flees to a locked basement while he destroys their whole house in a fit of rage. She calls her father who enlists the help of some of the players he coaches on a hockey team. The Hs Elias, Brock, and Tate all come in guns blazing and witness one of the most traumatizing moments of Macy's life.
She begins working at the hockey arena and begins trying to build her life back together while navigating having feelings for all three men.
They were so patient and considerate of her when accepting and reconciling their quickly growing feelings for her. There is small push away from one of the heroes because he's so scared to push her too soon after escaping an abusive relationship and is scared she won't want to be with all three of them and threaten the security of their friendship but the other Hs quickly get him together and on board. ☺️
What I loved:
So basically everyone is with everyone and their dynamic with one another is so very loving and sweet. James does an amazing job of setting mutual love and consideration as the foundation of all of their respective relationships. Considering that Macy is still healing from escaping a DV abuse relationship, the way they all consider her feelings and the best way to proceed with their unique relationship/ couplings was very sweet
Also Macy's relationship with her parents was so unbelievably endearing. They really did allow their daughter the space to heal and come back to herself as a formidable woman. They really were the best blend of supportive and empowering parents to help Macy get her confidence back on her own terms after Luke beat her down.
Healing from DV comes with so much shame, stigma, and internalized guilt and her parents really did hold shit down for their daughter as she reconciled her own grief and internalized shame around suddenly finding herself in an abusive relationship.
Despite the inner knowing that her parents raising her as a formidable, intelligent, and confident woman, Macy still struggles with her own internalized guilt over not seeing the red flags around her ex Luke sooner and blaming herself for not leaving sooner.
Now we all know that DV and physical abuse is never that cut and dry but it was really wonderful seeing Macy learn to come back to herself and learn to let go of that blame while accepting her new budding relationship with the heroes was so endearing.
Jarica James really shows her understanding and consideration of the complexities of healing from a physically and emotionally abusive relationship and this really emotionally heavy topic was handled with such care and thoughtfulness in the story.
Also the way they try to get her dog back after her ex got rid of him and abandoned him at a shelter. 😌👌🏾
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
No Virgins or Manwhores
Development of their relationship is fast paced later but it is slowinsta for the most part
Reverse Harem-MM MF MFM MMMF
No OW/OM drama
No Cheating
TW: Domestic Violence/ Domestic Abuse (Please be aware the first scene is the h trying to escape a violent altercation with her ex Luke. She escapes safely with the help of her father and his hockey players)
Verbal Abuse
Fatphobia
Mentions of illness (Macy struggles with PCOS and hormone regulation- girl sameeeeee)
HEA
4.5/5🌟 This was such a cute read to reprogram my brain after reading too many misogynistic manwhore hockey romances. Definitely recommend😊
So Macy (h) is in an abusive relationship that comes to head when she finally tries to pack up and leave her ex Luke. He promptly starts to get violent and she flees to a locked basement while he destroys their whole house in a fit of rage. She calls her father who enlists the help of some of the players he coaches on a hockey team. The Hs Elias, Brock, and Tate all come in guns blazing and witness one of the most traumatizing moments of Macy's life.
She begins working at the hockey arena and begins trying to build her life back together while navigating having feelings for all three men.
They were so patient and considerate of her when accepting and reconciling their quickly growing feelings for her. There is small push away from one of the heroes because he's so scared to push her too soon after escaping an abusive relationship and is scared she won't want to be with all three of them and threaten the security of their friendship but the other Hs quickly get him together and on board. ☺️
What I loved:
So basically everyone is with everyone and their dynamic with one another is so very loving and sweet. James does an amazing job of setting mutual love and consideration as the foundation of all of their respective relationships. Considering that Macy is still healing from escaping a DV abuse relationship, the way they all consider her feelings and the best way to proceed with their unique relationship/ couplings was very sweet
Also Macy's relationship with her parents was so unbelievably endearing. They really did allow their daughter the space to heal and come back to herself as a formidable woman. They really were the best blend of supportive and empowering parents to help Macy get her confidence back on her own terms after Luke beat her down.
Healing from DV comes with so much shame, stigma, and internalized guilt and her parents really did hold shit down for their daughter as she reconciled her own grief and internalized shame around suddenly finding herself in an abusive relationship.
Despite the inner knowing that her parents raising her as a formidable, intelligent, and confident woman, Macy still struggles with her own internalized guilt over not seeing the red flags around her ex Luke sooner and blaming herself for not leaving sooner.
Now we all know that DV and physical abuse is never that cut and dry but it was really wonderful seeing Macy learn to come back to herself and learn to let go of that blame while accepting her new budding relationship with the heroes was so endearing.
Jarica James really shows her understanding and consideration of the complexities of healing from a physically and emotionally abusive relationship and this really emotionally heavy topic was handled with such care and thoughtfulness in the story.
Also the way they try to get her dog back after her ex got rid of him and abandoned him at a shelter. 😌👌🏾
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
No Virgins or Manwhores
Development of their relationship is fast paced later but it is slowinsta for the most part
Macy (h): 20ish recently escaped and abusive relationship
Elias (H1): 28yo celibate a longgggg time but the most reluctant to start something with Macy out of fear
Tate (H2): late 20's in a romantic and sexual relationship with Brock (their scene together in the beginning was so sweet and you could really see how protective they are about all of each other) both Tate and Brock stop fucking others as soon as they meet Macy but they still fuck each other
Brock (H3): late 20's- same as a Tate
Reverse Harem-MM MF MFM MMMF
No OW/OM drama
No Cheating
TW: Domestic Violence/ Domestic Abuse (Please be aware the first scene is the h trying to escape a violent altercation with her ex Luke. She escapes safely with the help of her father and his hockey players)
Verbal Abuse
Fatphobia
Mentions of illness (Macy struggles with PCOS and hormone regulation- girl sameeeeee)
HEA
4.5/5🌟 This was such a cute read to reprogram my brain after reading too many misogynistic manwhore hockey romances. Definitely recommend😊
November 17, 2025
SUMMARY: Macy calls her dad to rescue her from an abusive relationship. As the coach of a hockey team, dad brings a few players with to help with the situation. Three players, Brock, Tate, and Elias, find themselves consumed by their insta-lust/love for Macy. Will Macy find the hockey players as irresistible as they find her? Especially as the men fawn over her and help her realize her attractiveness and self-worth?
REVIEW: Pucking the Players by Jerica James is a standalone, contemporary, hockey romance that is fluffy, sweet and cute. It is a Why Choose story. For being such a short book, it included an impressive amount of sm*t, as well as a fair amount of actual hockey play.
Macy had PCOS. Like many real-life women, her chronic condition affected her weight. Throughout the story, we peeked into Macy's journey towards increased self-esteem and positive body image. She tried to embrace her curves and treat her body well, yet sometimes the mean snarky comments from others derailed her self-confidence. Brock, Tate and Elias were amazing hype guys, always complimenting Macy and letting her know how s3xy she was. I truly appreciated the beautiful fat representation of a curvy woman learning to embrace her sensu@lity.
Elias is an upbeat, warm golden retriever MMC. Tate is a burnt (tragic backstory) but devoted cinnamon roll MMC who is supportive and protective. Brock is a sweet combo of both golden retriever and cinnamon roll who is the quasi-leader of the group. These men fell first and fell hard for Macy. It was insta-love, as well as insta-lust.
I love that the story highlighted a couple MM scenes that happened outside of the MMFM scenes. It was one of the best examples of a loving and emotionally connected relationship between two of the characters.
Bonus Tip: Look for the hilarious antics of the old ladies during their water aerobics class as they tease and harass one of the MMCs. Grace was an absolute hoot!
I can't place my hand on it, but the story was missing some vital component to make it "great". The pacing was uneven and the story felt rushed. It had a great premise and started off with a bang, but then the plot began to feel flat. The writing didn't inspire the emotional connection between the four MCs that I hoped for. I wanted to feel deeply invested in the characters, but just didn't..... (?)
Overall I give the book three stars. It was an enjoyable and easy read, but was only mediocre. There wasn't anything that was spectacularly good OR bad about it. If you love fluffy, why choose, hockey romances, I encourage you to give it a try.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Alternating first person
Narration: Dual
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: Hockey Romance, Why Choose (MMFM), MMCs fall first and hard, Mental Health rep, PCOS rep, Fat rep
Series / Standalone: Standalone
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: @Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
FABLE: Book Lover IRL
. . . . . . . . .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
REVIEW: Pucking the Players by Jerica James is a standalone, contemporary, hockey romance that is fluffy, sweet and cute. It is a Why Choose story. For being such a short book, it included an impressive amount of sm*t, as well as a fair amount of actual hockey play.
Macy had PCOS. Like many real-life women, her chronic condition affected her weight. Throughout the story, we peeked into Macy's journey towards increased self-esteem and positive body image. She tried to embrace her curves and treat her body well, yet sometimes the mean snarky comments from others derailed her self-confidence. Brock, Tate and Elias were amazing hype guys, always complimenting Macy and letting her know how s3xy she was. I truly appreciated the beautiful fat representation of a curvy woman learning to embrace her sensu@lity.
Elias is an upbeat, warm golden retriever MMC. Tate is a burnt (tragic backstory) but devoted cinnamon roll MMC who is supportive and protective. Brock is a sweet combo of both golden retriever and cinnamon roll who is the quasi-leader of the group. These men fell first and fell hard for Macy. It was insta-love, as well as insta-lust.
I love that the story highlighted a couple MM scenes that happened outside of the MMFM scenes. It was one of the best examples of a loving and emotionally connected relationship between two of the characters.
Bonus Tip: Look for the hilarious antics of the old ladies during their water aerobics class as they tease and harass one of the MMCs. Grace was an absolute hoot!
I can't place my hand on it, but the story was missing some vital component to make it "great". The pacing was uneven and the story felt rushed. It had a great premise and started off with a bang, but then the plot began to feel flat. The writing didn't inspire the emotional connection between the four MCs that I hoped for. I wanted to feel deeply invested in the characters, but just didn't..... (?)
Overall I give the book three stars. It was an enjoyable and easy read, but was only mediocre. There wasn't anything that was spectacularly good OR bad about it. If you love fluffy, why choose, hockey romances, I encourage you to give it a try.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Alternating first person
Narration: Dual
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: Hockey Romance, Why Choose (MMFM), MMCs fall first and hard, Mental Health rep, PCOS rep, Fat rep
Series / Standalone: Standalone
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: @Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
FABLE: Book Lover IRL
. . . . . . . . .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
January 21, 2024
I had seen this book and thought the cover was cute and when I needed a palate cleanser I thought why not read it and boy am I happy I did! I hadn’t read a ton of hockey romances and was happy to read an RH that was on the lighter side. It’s been a tough month with hard news for my family so I wanted a book to get lost in and smile and swoon and this author did just that, so thank you!
I loved the dynamics of the guys, how much they are friends and a made/found family before Macey comes into the picture. I swooned with Brock and Tate (I love M/M) and Elias was such a flirt and made me giggle so much. I felt for Tate and Elias with their past, I couldnt get over how Macey handled Elias’ family hahah and then how nurturing and kindred spirits Tate and Macey were. Weaved the feelings really well with all that. I think this book started with a bang in the beginning and I was instantly sucked into this world with how Macey’s dad got there with the guys to protect his daughter. Her dad in this book was probably my favorite side character. The way he gave the guys a couple “talks” haha and how he reacted to Roscoe coming back. So cute!! Reminds me of my dad (tries to be all stoic but when his furbaby or mine is in the room all bets are off haha). I also loved Sam, I hope she gets her own story because I loved her quirks and how she adopted Macey as a best friend hahaha.
I thought the plot and steam were done really well, they were balanced. I didnt feel like I had too much smut and we had a couple subplots that helps make this standalone well rounded. I enjoyed the plot to keep the rink open and the connection with the animal rescue that had Roscoe (what Brock and the guys did was so cute, gave me butterflies), the friendship with Sam, Brock’s and Macey’s family, the evil ex, etc. And last but not least, I loved that Macey has curves and the guys loved them and would get on her if she talked down about herself. The way they made her feel sexy and good about herself, how she would dress up for the game and they loved it. I connected so much with her (curvy girl, self-esteem issues, who loves sports and dresses up hahaha) and to see her growth and her become happy with herself after everything was a nice change of pace and helped me think things could happen for me too in real life ❤️
I will be checking out more by this author, I am in need of more fluffy books and she has a bunch from what I saw. Definitely would recommend!
I loved the dynamics of the guys, how much they are friends and a made/found family before Macey comes into the picture. I swooned with Brock and Tate (I love M/M) and Elias was such a flirt and made me giggle so much. I felt for Tate and Elias with their past, I couldnt get over how Macey handled Elias’ family hahah and then how nurturing and kindred spirits Tate and Macey were. Weaved the feelings really well with all that. I think this book started with a bang in the beginning and I was instantly sucked into this world with how Macey’s dad got there with the guys to protect his daughter. Her dad in this book was probably my favorite side character. The way he gave the guys a couple “talks” haha and how he reacted to Roscoe coming back. So cute!! Reminds me of my dad (tries to be all stoic but when his furbaby or mine is in the room all bets are off haha). I also loved Sam, I hope she gets her own story because I loved her quirks and how she adopted Macey as a best friend hahaha.
I thought the plot and steam were done really well, they were balanced. I didnt feel like I had too much smut and we had a couple subplots that helps make this standalone well rounded. I enjoyed the plot to keep the rink open and the connection with the animal rescue that had Roscoe (what Brock and the guys did was so cute, gave me butterflies), the friendship with Sam, Brock’s and Macey’s family, the evil ex, etc. And last but not least, I loved that Macey has curves and the guys loved them and would get on her if she talked down about herself. The way they made her feel sexy and good about herself, how she would dress up for the game and they loved it. I connected so much with her (curvy girl, self-esteem issues, who loves sports and dresses up hahaha) and to see her growth and her become happy with herself after everything was a nice change of pace and helped me think things could happen for me too in real life ❤️
I will be checking out more by this author, I am in need of more fluffy books and she has a bunch from what I saw. Definitely would recommend!
July 14, 2025
Pucking the Players is sweet but spicy why choose romance with protective and possessive hockey players, with some sensitive topics.
Macy is packing to leave her boyfriend when he becomes aggressive and she runs into the basement and calls her dad.
Brock, Tate and Elias are with her dad at the ice rink and goes with him to retrieve Macy. The three of them are on Macy’s dad’s hockey team, it’s not NHL, but there is a statewide championship.
After their rough initial meeting, Brock and Tate instantly know they want her, while Elias thinks having her in their lives will separate them and sever their relationship, but it doesn’t because she wants all three of them.
I love the plus size representation of our beautiful, strong and confident FMC, Macy. There are times were she does have those insecurities were she thinks the guys aren’t going to like her body the way it is, but they help dissolve those insecure thoughts and show her how much they love and worship her body. She comes to terms with these thoughts, and this is how her body is and she’s okay with the rolls, cellulite and soft stomach. I enjoyed her character so much and can relate to her so much. I’m plus sized and have those insecure thoughts every now and then as well but I know this is how my body just is and I’m learning to love it.
I enjoyed the banter between Tate, Brock and Elias and how supportive they are of one another and I like Brock and Tate’s relationship within their relationship with Macy.
They each have their own struggles, especially Tate and Elias with their parents. I liked how Brock knows when Tate needs him to comfort him 😉😉 and how make take those toxic thoughts away. And Macy helps Elias to finally cut ties with his own parents at their horrible lunch with them where they continuously insulted Macy and her size.
I loved the characters, friendships that are built, the banter and let’s not forget about the spice! It was so hot and it balanced well with the sweetness of their romance!
Macy is packing to leave her boyfriend when he becomes aggressive and she runs into the basement and calls her dad.
Brock, Tate and Elias are with her dad at the ice rink and goes with him to retrieve Macy. The three of them are on Macy’s dad’s hockey team, it’s not NHL, but there is a statewide championship.
After their rough initial meeting, Brock and Tate instantly know they want her, while Elias thinks having her in their lives will separate them and sever their relationship, but it doesn’t because she wants all three of them.
I love the plus size representation of our beautiful, strong and confident FMC, Macy. There are times were she does have those insecurities were she thinks the guys aren’t going to like her body the way it is, but they help dissolve those insecure thoughts and show her how much they love and worship her body. She comes to terms with these thoughts, and this is how her body is and she’s okay with the rolls, cellulite and soft stomach. I enjoyed her character so much and can relate to her so much. I’m plus sized and have those insecure thoughts every now and then as well but I know this is how my body just is and I’m learning to love it.
I enjoyed the banter between Tate, Brock and Elias and how supportive they are of one another and I like Brock and Tate’s relationship within their relationship with Macy.
They each have their own struggles, especially Tate and Elias with their parents. I liked how Brock knows when Tate needs him to comfort him 😉😉 and how make take those toxic thoughts away. And Macy helps Elias to finally cut ties with his own parents at their horrible lunch with them where they continuously insulted Macy and her size.
I loved the characters, friendships that are built, the banter and let’s not forget about the spice! It was so hot and it balanced well with the sweetness of their romance!
May 1, 2024
"Pucking the Players" by Jarica James delves into the complexities of healing from trauma while navigating new relationships. Macy, the protagonist, is depicted with depth and sensitivity as she continues to recover from escaping a domestic violence situation. The author intricately weaves Macy's journey of healing into the fabric of a captivating Reverse Harem Hockey romance, adding layers of emotional depth to the storyline.
What sets this novel apart is the portrayal of the dynamic between Macy and her romantic interests. Despite the challenges they face, the relationships are portrayed as loving, supportive, and tender. James skillfully explores the nuances of Macy's connections with the male characters, crafting a narrative that is both steamy and emotionally resonant.
Additionally, the incorporation of MM romance adds a unique twist to the traditional hockey romance genre, providing readers with a fresh and engaging perspective. Overall, "Pucking the Players" offers a compelling blend of romance, healing, and sports, making it a must-read for fans of heartfelt romance novels.
What sets this novel apart is the portrayal of the dynamic between Macy and her romantic interests. Despite the challenges they face, the relationships are portrayed as loving, supportive, and tender. James skillfully explores the nuances of Macy's connections with the male characters, crafting a narrative that is both steamy and emotionally resonant.
Additionally, the incorporation of MM romance adds a unique twist to the traditional hockey romance genre, providing readers with a fresh and engaging perspective. Overall, "Pucking the Players" offers a compelling blend of romance, healing, and sports, making it a must-read for fans of heartfelt romance novels.
August 10, 2024
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
📚Pucking the Players by Jarica James
🎧 Narrators: TJ Clark and Jessica Marchbank
Tropes:
Why choose
Sweet but Possessive Hockey Players
Coach’s Daughter
Small Town
Plus Size FMC
No Third Act Break Up
MM
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎤🎤🎤
Review:
This was a new to me author and I was excited to listen to it! This story starts off with the FMC escaping her ex bf. The going back to her hometown to help her dad hockey rink and rebuilding herself. Her ex verbally abused her with her weight. The 3 MMC are Broke, Tate, and Elias. And the FMC is Macy. It turns out that the hockey rink is in danger of being sold.
My thoughts, I love the narrators they did an awesome job. Broke and Tate are the MM in this why choose. They had a relationship before Macy come alone. Macy made them a family with Elias. This story is cute! All the men have their own personalities. I really like how they all blend together. Would I recommend this story yes I would, it’s cute and loving, uplifting, no bullying after the first part. Just all love and good feels.
📚Pucking the Players by Jarica James
🎧 Narrators: TJ Clark and Jessica Marchbank
Tropes:
Why choose
Sweet but Possessive Hockey Players
Coach’s Daughter
Small Town
Plus Size FMC
No Third Act Break Up
MM
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎤🎤🎤
Review:
This was a new to me author and I was excited to listen to it! This story starts off with the FMC escaping her ex bf. The going back to her hometown to help her dad hockey rink and rebuilding herself. Her ex verbally abused her with her weight. The 3 MMC are Broke, Tate, and Elias. And the FMC is Macy. It turns out that the hockey rink is in danger of being sold.
My thoughts, I love the narrators they did an awesome job. Broke and Tate are the MM in this why choose. They had a relationship before Macy come alone. Macy made them a family with Elias. This story is cute! All the men have their own personalities. I really like how they all blend together. Would I recommend this story yes I would, it’s cute and loving, uplifting, no bullying after the first part. Just all love and good feels.
December 12, 2023
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️
Plot: 3/5 ⭐️
Romance: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 3/5 ⭐️
POV: Multiple
Tropes:
🔴 Reverse Harem/MMFM
🔴 Domestic Abuse rep
🔴 Bisexual MMCs
🔴 Mental Health rep
🔴 Hockey romance
🔴 Touch her and die
🔴 Body positive
I wish I were Macy. I would've gotten not one but three HOT, HOCKEY players who has extraordinary personality as well.
Who wouldn't want men who are
1) body positive,
2) does NOT micromanage you, and,
3) support you in EVERYTHING in their lives?
I am sorry for those insta love fans, but I really don't understand how one sees a person and decides that this is the person they want to live the rest of their lives with? I have read so many romance books and as much as I love reading insta love, as any other person does, I cannot seem to bring myself to believe how such a thing is even POSSIBLE?!
This book has one less rating mainly due to that. The guys saw her and they immediately realised she is theirs?! I just got to my limit of reading insta love books and I am tired of trying to understand something that I like to read often 💔
I cannot help but muse that since the author has included so many important and necessary topics like mental health, domestic violence, etc etc, could be the reason why this book didn't do what it was supposed to have done. Plus, I went with very low expectations as well, since my standards have been skyrocketed in everything in my life.
Plot: 3/5 ⭐️
Romance: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 3/5 ⭐️
POV: Multiple
Tropes:
🔴 Reverse Harem/MMFM
🔴 Domestic Abuse rep
🔴 Bisexual MMCs
🔴 Mental Health rep
🔴 Hockey romance
🔴 Touch her and die
🔴 Body positive
I wish I were Macy. I would've gotten not one but three HOT, HOCKEY players who has extraordinary personality as well.
Who wouldn't want men who are
1) body positive,
2) does NOT micromanage you, and,
3) support you in EVERYTHING in their lives?
I am sorry for those insta love fans, but I really don't understand how one sees a person and decides that this is the person they want to live the rest of their lives with? I have read so many romance books and as much as I love reading insta love, as any other person does, I cannot seem to bring myself to believe how such a thing is even POSSIBLE?!
This book has one less rating mainly due to that. The guys saw her and they immediately realised she is theirs?! I just got to my limit of reading insta love books and I am tired of trying to understand something that I like to read often 💔
I cannot help but muse that since the author has included so many important and necessary topics like mental health, domestic violence, etc etc, could be the reason why this book didn't do what it was supposed to have done. Plus, I went with very low expectations as well, since my standards have been skyrocketed in everything in my life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2023
Pucking The Players is an awesome, why choose, hockey romance with m/m, a plus size FMC, and plenty of smexiness!
I very much enjoyed this book. I’m really getting into this whole hockey romance boom and this book definitely quenched that thirst.
Macy flees from a bad relationship and lands at her parents house and working at her dad’s ice rink. Brock, Tate, and Elias are best friends who play on her dad’s hockey team and take a liking to Macy.
I loved the characters and the storyline, and the writing, character and relationship development, flow, and world building are all terrific. If you love hockey romance then I would absolutely recommend this book!
I very much enjoyed this book. I’m really getting into this whole hockey romance boom and this book definitely quenched that thirst.
Macy flees from a bad relationship and lands at her parents house and working at her dad’s ice rink. Brock, Tate, and Elias are best friends who play on her dad’s hockey team and take a liking to Macy.
I loved the characters and the storyline, and the writing, character and relationship development, flow, and world building are all terrific. If you love hockey romance then I would absolutely recommend this book!
September 7, 2023
Reverse Harem Hockey romance with MM? Yes Please!! I absolutely loved everything about this book! I devoured this book so fast I couldn’t even believe it!
The book starts out in the middle of a pretty traumatic situation with Macy and her ex. She escapes said situation and returns home. She starts working with her dad at the ice rink and that's when she “officially” meets Brock, Elias, and Tate! These guys were taken with her from the first look at her bubblegum pink hair! I loved these guys! They were super sweet, have their own demons to deal with and yet extremely possessive over Macy. In all honesty, the possessiveness goes both ways as you see a bit of it from Macy once she gives in to her guys!
This is not just a story with spicy scenes with her guys, it also shows how she overcomes her own challenges and becomes comfortable in her own skin! But there is plenty of spice too! 😮💨
The book starts out in the middle of a pretty traumatic situation with Macy and her ex. She escapes said situation and returns home. She starts working with her dad at the ice rink and that's when she “officially” meets Brock, Elias, and Tate! These guys were taken with her from the first look at her bubblegum pink hair! I loved these guys! They were super sweet, have their own demons to deal with and yet extremely possessive over Macy. In all honesty, the possessiveness goes both ways as you see a bit of it from Macy once she gives in to her guys!
This is not just a story with spicy scenes with her guys, it also shows how she overcomes her own challenges and becomes comfortable in her own skin! But there is plenty of spice too! 😮💨
August 26, 2023
Don't let the cover fool you, it starts off kinda dark. But aside from that, it's a sweet story of a plus size woman meeting these 3 hockey players. She is hesitant to start a relationship after getting out of a bad one. But Tate, Brock and Elias are completely on board. They want her. They just have to prove to her, they are trustworthy and good guys. I loved the incorporation of hockey. The fact that they play hockey wasn't just mentioned or glanced over, we were there for the nitty gritty of the games. And that was just awesome! I hope we get to a see a story on Sam.
August 28, 2023
I adored these characters… Macy is fantastic and so relatable in her image struggles. I loved what a hard worker she was and how she’d do anything to help her father with the rink/family business. Macy’s guys and her father prove that there are great men in the world, and not everyone is like her ex. I was happy to see positive mental health/therapy representation here. The guy’s gym/pool class scenes gave me life and had me laughing so hard (IYKYK). If you’re looking for a great read with guys who truly love everything about their lady, look no further!
August 28, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is about a young woman escaping a bad relationship. Her dad comes to her rescue with several guys on the team he leads. When she's back home she helps out her dad and finds out things are difficult for him. She has also managed to gain the attention of a few guys on the team. They want to be around her but can she let her guard down? Can she accept severel guys at the same time? Loved it!.
August 28, 2023
This standalone was full of so much sweetness despite some troubling pasts.
Macy has just gotten out of an abusive relationship and finds a few of the loving men on her father's hockey team irresistible as they help her towards realizing her worth. These characters fit together so dang well that I read through the whole book in one sitting. The steam was delicious and there was minimal angst. I loved it! I'm curious to see if this lovely author will give us more from this world.
Macy has just gotten out of an abusive relationship and finds a few of the loving men on her father's hockey team irresistible as they help her towards realizing her worth. These characters fit together so dang well that I read through the whole book in one sitting. The steam was delicious and there was minimal angst. I loved it! I'm curious to see if this lovely author will give us more from this world.
September 21, 2023
Hockey and why choose
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Macy starts in a really dark place. It definitely begins with a bang. Watching her pull herself together was awesome. She struggles but is determined. I loved the plus size representation. The guys were amazing of course. I think Tate and the old ladies swim class was some of my favorite moments. I really enjoyed this and I’m hoping we may get more books in this universe.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Macy starts in a really dark place. It definitely begins with a bang. Watching her pull herself together was awesome. She struggles but is determined. I loved the plus size representation. The guys were amazing of course. I think Tate and the old ladies swim class was some of my favorite moments. I really enjoyed this and I’m hoping we may get more books in this universe.
April 9, 2024
4.5 stars.
This was SO cute. I loved every moment of it. The men were so sweet and kind and caring. There was a suitable plot (a bit thin and stereotypical, but well executed). I loved it.
The end dragged a bit too much for me and it needed a good edit plus the dynamic between the men was a little strange. I would rather either all three be together or none of them, but other than that, so enjoyable.
This was SO cute. I loved every moment of it. The men were so sweet and kind and caring. There was a suitable plot (a bit thin and stereotypical, but well executed). I loved it.
The end dragged a bit too much for me and it needed a good edit plus the dynamic between the men was a little strange. I would rather either all three be together or none of them, but other than that, so enjoyable.
August 22, 2023
Great Hockey Why Choose
Love me some hockey RH. I really liked our curvy girl Macy and the men were just so sweet. Loved how they were all in out the gate and weren’t afraid to let her know it. I’m always a fan of FMCs overcoming abusive relationships and finding true love. Strikes a cord with me every time.
4/5 ⭐️
3/5 ❤️
Love me some hockey RH. I really liked our curvy girl Macy and the men were just so sweet. Loved how they were all in out the gate and weren’t afraid to let her know it. I’m always a fan of FMCs overcoming abusive relationships and finding true love. Strikes a cord with me every time.
4/5 ⭐️
3/5 ❤️
August 28, 2023
Well I just devoured this book in one morning. I was swept away with this sweet why choose Hockey romance. I am hoping that this author does more books in this universe. I loved Macy and her Guys so much. This book was so sweet and also very steamy , I was completely hooked , I need more. Amazing five star read that I would definitely recommend.
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