Just Winging It

For Puck's Sake #9

by Crea Reitan

One weekend can change everything.

Caulder

I’ve lived a very quiet life, keeping my deepest secrets close to my chest. I let no one in; not even my closest friends. When I’m invited to participate in the All-Star Games, I’m suddenly forced to share a hotel room, and a single bed, with a stranger. My carefully guarded world starts to come undone when he kisses me, and I can’t get enough.

Now one person shares my secret. It’s a relief, really. But just as I’m starting to fall for Lo Duvall, my world implodes. A woman in Philly claims that we hooked up in a club and she’s carrying my baby. Are we over before we can even begin?

Lo

Anonymous hookups when I’m on the road are how I manage to keep my personal life private. All I want is to play hockey and keep everything else out of the media. That gets more complicated when I meet the gorgeous Caulder Haines.

Three nights of unfiltered fuckery—that’s what we promise each other. Then we’ll go our separate ways. But by the end of the weekend, I haven’t had enough of this amazing defenseman, and don’t want to say goodbye.

I’ve fallen in love with him.

When an aspiring content creator decides to throw a wrench in my very carefully crafted plans, I know I have to do something to save what I’ve only just realized I want.

I can’t lose Caulder. I just found him. But what can I do to keep him?!

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

Genres: M M Romance, Hockey, Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Forced Proximity, LGBT

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2024

About the author

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. When she can't fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center - and utterly swoon-worthy! Don't ask her how many book boyfriends she has...

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, what impresses me most is that we're nine books into this series, and over twenty books into the Creaverse and every single story is so unique! I never know what's coming next and every character has a distinctive personality, to the point where I think I'd be able to make a confident guess at whose POV something was without being told upfront.

Caulder has grown up so much since Shiver and I love it! He goes through a really shitty experience that I've rarely seen in MM books, but I've definitely seen IRL, and it raised a lot of valid arguments.

Lo is such a romantic! His gestures, gifts and care of Caulder totally gave me heart eyes. I was definitely swoony when he talks about having loved Caulder in every lifetime 😍

The beginning of this book being at the All Stars event was also so fun because we get cameos from so many other characters and I actually know how they all link together now 😂 I was a little confused that Caulder and Owen didn't seem to have a friendship though when they're related through Luca and Orson!

Kinda never want this series to end!

[Alix · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 While I am fairly new to books by Crea Reitan, I have become a convert. I desperately need to read the back catalog of hockey books!

I was pretty sure going into this that I would enjoy the book and I did - very much! Caulder - a hockey player who is so in the closet he's never even had a hookup or told anyone that he's gay - and Lo - also a hockey player (but from a different team) is also in the closet, though he does have hookups. Both of these sweeties are touch starved as a result, but thanks to the one bed/only one hotel room situation in which they find themselves during the All-Star Game long weekend, they are able to connect and get in some much needed attention, affection, and so many sexy times. The bliss of that weekend ends up being something they can't let go, even once they go their separate ways, and they continue to be in contact. Thank goodness! Caulder ends up having to face some challenges, but Lo is his rock and this brings them closer together...which is where they belong. I love the sweetness between them as well as the spice & I love this mix!! And while I haven't read all the hockey books yet, I do recognize a lot of the characters who have cameos (extra excited to go read their stories!). I am already looking forward to a reread!


What to Expect:

* pro Hockey Player MCs
* both closeted to one degree or another
* touch starved MCs
* very hot spice
* lots of cameos!
* the Great Bed F*ckery of 2022
* Forced Proximity

Thanks to Chaotic Creatives for this ARC - I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Miss S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book... I swooned so hard. Like, I even teared up at some point because it was just so romantic and emotional. It's not something I usually tear up about.

“Do you know how many times I’ve fallen in love with you?”

I can't even point out something I didn't like about this book, other than the things I'm supposed to dislike. Like how it's a struggle to avoid being defined as your sexuality if you're anything other than straight. I felt bad for those who struggled with it, it's a pretty big theme in the book and I think it's important.

“Sexuality shouldn’t be a conversation. There shouldn’t be ‘coming out’ or labeling of any kind.”

Obviously I also disliked everything that happened with Caulder, media drama, and fans turning against him. It really took a toll on him. But it also gave Lo a chance to swoon us with how awesome he was. Everyone needs a person like Lo in their life. Personally I wouldn't mind spending all my lives with him as well. He was just so fudging sweet. I couldn't get enough. Lots of sweet moments in this one.

Yea, it was super corny, but sometimes we need some corny loving. And the spice? Phewww, firstly there's the very steamy weekend they're spending together, with a lot of firsts for Caulder, and then the long distance video calls, and more.

I also absolutely adored everything hockey in this book. How the team was like a family, how they interacted with the rivaling teams, the funny banter and so on.

All in all an amazingly sweet book, with a lot of swoony moments, spicy encounters and some pretty important themes throughout the book, It's definitely a book I'm going to read again.

I'd like to add that I haven't read the previous 8 books and it didn't ruin anything for me. I could tell some of the other guys already had their stories, but it only made me intrigued.

❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Hockey
❥ Rival Players to Lovers
❥ All-Star Games
❥ Both Closeted
❥ Forced Proximity
❥ One Bed
❥ Virgin MC
❥ Instant Attraction
❥ Long Distance
❥ Secret Relationship
❥ Steamy

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAULDER!! This series just grows and grows, and I love every single book.

Caulder is gay and always has been, but he refuses to come out. He just wants to be known as an athlete, not a gay athlete. So he keeps this a secret from everyone. Until he is forced to share his hotel room with another player. Lo has done well keeping his sexuality under the radar, hooking up anonymously. But Caulder is hard to resist when they’re forced to share a bed.

Forced proximity at its best everyone! Their weekend together is amazing, the heat: hallelujah. Caulder is so cute, with his innocence and inexperience. But he and Lo are fire together.

When reality is forced back into their lives, they can’t let go, they text and call constantly counting down the minutes until they can be together again. But Caulder’s life spirals when a woman accuses him of fathering her baby. A baby, Caulder is 100% sure off can’t be his. A whirlwind of accusations flies at him, to man up, to take responsibility. Lo stands at his side through all of it, the epitome of the perfect boyfriend. Being there for Caulder, a shoulder to lean on, to cry on, asking for nothing in return. He was just so sweet and cute.

Another great one by Crea, that shows the family you choose will stand by you through anything. That love is unconditional and the people that really matter will never doubt you for a second.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Beautiful

Caulder and Lo are a perfect love story. They are the a love for the ages. This is definitely my fave of the series. I’ve been looking forward to Caulder’s story for a long time and it was exactly what I needed.

[Pyro Aleksandr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5ish… I didn’t hate this, actually really enjoyed however I got the ick HARDDDDD over the “balls” talk stuff. Just couldn’t get passed it. Also anyone else get confused when all there’s more than just Lo and Caulder? All the side characters and brother with 4 husbands. Probably a me problem but ya girl gets confused.

Lo & Caulder - are cute and loving and was a nice story.

[Jeanette Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ninth story in the For Pucks sake hockey series and I might just have a new favourite story. Caulder and Lo were such a sweet couple. They are both decided to stay in the closet while playing hockey but it is a lonely existence. When they both attend the All Stars event they end up sharing a hotel room/bed after after a hotel mess up. It's a bit frosty to start with but they have chemistry and decide that they might as well take advantage of the weekend and sleep together and part ways after the weekend, however it becomes clear that they have feelings for each other. But it's difficult with them playing for different teams and staying private, however love is often more important and you find a way around it. I loved reading this.

[Caroline Forrester · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Snorf · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's fine, just really repetitive. Nothing much happens. I chalk the high rating up to fewer ratings and the only people still reading this series being invested fans. The premise is interesting, if a little unbelievable. But once they start hooking up the plot just kinda meanders for the next 55% of the book and I was bored. This book's plot was like a river pulling the characters along with it. Things just kinda happened and then immediately get resolved and both problem and solution feel unconnected from the rest of the book. The only source of drama comes out of nowhere, causes some minor annoyance, is dealt with immediately, and is clearly only in here to force the boys out of the closet which turns out to be not a big deal at all - despite it being such a huge deal for the first 3/4 of the book - and wasn't even necessary in the first place. But whatever.

[Ay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books in this series are very sweet and intense and can get very codependent. I am enjoying them right now.

This book motivated me to start the series at the beginning. I did not need to have read the earlier books (I had read one) to enjoy this book.

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check CWs before reading

This entry in the Creaverse honestly gave me the warm fuzzies. It's such a tooth-rottingly sweet (though filled with some top-notch spice, don't worry) read that just honestly made me smile so much as I was reading. Yes, there's drama within the pages. Yeah, it's a little angsty at times. But overall, reading as Caulder found his special someone was just beautiful. Throw in the backdrop of the All-Star games - which is a new concept for me - and it becomes a great page-turner of a read.

I love how Reitan snuck in one of my favourite tropes - one bed - and used it as the best plot device to get Caulder and Lo together - The Great Bed Fuckery of 2022 had me laughing every time the name came up. Lo was so patient with Caulder on that first night, and it was honestly so sweet how he drew him out of his shell; just overall he was such an amazing partner for Caulder, so sweet and patient. I love how he never pushed, was always saying "no means no", and understood where Caulder was coming from.

As with all Creaverse books, the supporting characters make it. I loved the inclusion of Ethan, Creed and Jakub, and the references to Coach Adak. And when Luca came in with his family, I melted a little because not only did we get to see such a sweet moment between Caulder, his brother and his in-laws, but we got to see Vulcan again (sorry, he's one of my obsession characters from the Creaverse).

I really resonated with Caulder and Lo, not wanting to be "gay athletes" - this really hit hard for me. Why do we have to label everyone/everything this way; we should just be able to let people be themselves. When Max - and then Lo - had their stands against that reporter? An absolutely amazing moment, and I love that the theme continued through the book. THIS is why Reitan is one of my top authors to read.

What I loved most, though, was the drama of this story. It helped to pull Caulder and Lo closer, despite the distance, and made them both realise what was most important - each other. Yes, I was rolling my eyes a few times reading it (because of how often something like this happens in reality, not that it was predictable or poorly written), but it helped cement our boys' relationship.

I know I say this about each new book in the series that Reitan releases, but I think this is my favourite of them so far.

Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest For Puck’s Sake book has become definitely one of my favorites of the series! It’s Caulder’s book who we have recognized a few times throughout the series. Caulder has kept the secret that he is gay, his entire life. He isn’t ashamed or anything like that but he never wanted to be known as the gay athlete like so many of those around him. He just wants to be known for his skills on the ice. Now he has been invited to All Star’s Weekend, something he may have skipped because of his shy demeanor, but because a friend on his team was invited as well, he goes. But things take a complicated turn when the hotel proves to have messed up a majority of the rooms. He finds himself thrown in a room with Lo, a fellow hockey player and one he doesn’t know. And to make matters more awkward. One bed. (Yep, we get that one bed trope!) But what could prove to be a disaster proves to be the opposite. While he may be worried about being attracted to Lo, there is something about Lo that puts him at ease. And turns out, vice versa. And in a moment where they kiss, Caulder realizes that he can tell Lo his secret. And turns out, Lo has been doing the same thing as Caulder. Except while Lo goes out and does very careful anonymous hook ups, Caulder never lets him be put in any situation like that. He keeps to himself and doesn’t go out. These two have one long weekend together where they can just truly be themselves. And it changes everything. Lo can’t believe the feelings he is having for Caulder. One weekend. One weekend is all it took for him to fall and put an end to thinking he was okay with hook ups. And he is relieved to see Caulder feeling the same. As the two begin to try a secret and long distance relationship, they fall harder each day but of course nothing can run smoothly. But these two will fight and support for one another always. I absolutely loved these two. I loved their dynamic and the way they loved one another. This was definitely a favorite of mine in this series. I couldn’t put their story down! We got to see so many familiar faces and got to know some new characters as well. Getting to know Lo and Caulder was great! Another amazing addition to this series and as always can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story in this great series. Crea has created a world I want to live in. Her stories come alive and stay with you long after you read the last page.

Caulder Haines has been in previous books in this series, so I was excited to see where we would go in this story.

One bed, two strangers. Has the recipe for disaster or a delicious night or two of fun.

What with Caulder being a secret gay man (he’s not ashamed, but hockey is first and foremost, life will come after he retires) and Laurent “Lo” also being gay (his hook ups are very controlled) they don’t want anyone to find out and then it becomes a media circus.

A weekend of fun, that was all it was suppose to be. To be able to be themselves. But as the weekend ends, both know it was way more than that! But how can they be together, when they live so far apart? And neither have said they are gay, so that’s something that would need to be said (and both are adamant that their gender preferences would remain quiet until they retired!)

I loved the hockey banter/the contest and catching up with some many previous characters (most have their own books) I also really liked how Lo never made Caulder feel uncomfortable, nor did he ever pressurise him into doing something he wasn’t comfortable with. I cheered as a hockey game was played (been a while since we had a game in the books) and could feel the cold on my cheeks (I do love a descriptive scene) 😊

The spanner in the works happens around (65% into the book)
And it throws both Caulder and Lo into a tailspin! And there is a reason why I don’t believe it was Caulder (but it’s not my secret to tell 🤐)
But how will Caulder explain himself? How will Lo respond to his boyfriend being the father of a baby? I can tell you this, I’d love to have Lo in my corner. He’s so supportive, caring and downright hot (his possessive tone gave me shivers 😜)

This one ranks as possibly my 2nd/3rd favourite in the series. And I absolutely loved it.

Can’t wait for the next book 👍🏻

🦋

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caulder and Lo are another great addition to this series. If you haven’t read them all, you can dive in, but you’re missing out on some amazing stories, and friends don’t let friends do that! ;-) In this one, we have our two hockey hunks, and neither is “out” to the hockey world. Caulder has always been gay, and he’s identified that way since he was young. However, he wants to be known as an athlete, not a gay athlete. He’s surrounded by friends who have kept him out of uncomfortable situations, and he’s stayed resolutely single, never knowing what being with someone else is like. Lo keeps his activities discreet, relying on apps. Both men, regardless of not being a part the “gays can play” media circus the league has created, are not just supporters, they are allies (and this is one of my favorite scenes in the book!). These men are tossed together as roommates through a twist of fate and become so much more over the course of a whirlwind weekend. Readers learn so much because you see Lo interacting with Caulder’s friends, who are like his family, and you see both men do things a little differently than normal because they are desperate for more time together. When Caulder’s life starts to fall apart after he returns home, you see the people who never left his side or doubted his truth as they become the rock he can lean on even if he was barely hanging on as everyone else turned against him. Despite the distance, Lo remains a constant for him as well and helps him surround himself with the team he needs to repair the damage from the allegations and defend himself. They never lose their spice either despite the miles between them. This was exceptionally well done, from connection, weathering Caulder’s storm together, and physical separation to their HEA. This is one of my favorites in the series now because these two may be a little sweet, but who doesn’t need something a little gooey with their spice? I can’t wait to see what’s next because this series just keeps giving as the world expands!

[Mariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a few thoughts


The family/connections and the men and their perfect relationships and everyone’s unconditional acceptance is almost too unbelievable. The story takes place where everyone seems to be on the LGBTIA+ spectrum and not one person has a problem with that. Which is awesome but I just struggle to get into the story when everything is picture perfect fantasy. I mean there’s one scene when Caulder and Ethan walk into the locker to over hear another character openly talking about working out with a plug in to keep his ass tight to work the muscles harder. There’s a zero percent chance this would ever be locker room talk in a professional sports setting, specifically hockey. Caulders brother is married to 4 men, Lo’s mother married her mother in law as revenge for her husband cheating on her with Lo’s mother’s sister- Lo’s aunt, it’s just all too unbelievable.

There are sooo many side characters. Name after name and they’re all from different countries so they have regional names and it’s hard to follow.

The pacing wasn’t right for me, and I’m sure time was passing way faster based on the writing but then at about 80%, Lo comments it’s been two months since the All Star game. I feel like it was written way longer than two months worth of time. There were quite a few time jumps which is fine, weeks go by, hockey gets played but some chapters were written in one MCs pov and then the next chapter was the same scene in the other MCs pov, but I never felt like this was necessary and it happened at odd times, never super important to the story.

Also the cover art bothers me. Neither of these men are described to have multiple tattoos, no giant dragon on one arm or a huge skull with a crown on the other’s ribcage. It’s such a specific cover and then nothing in the book, I don’t like when authors do that.

Lo is incredibly accepting and understanding of Caulders limits. It was nice to see a main character be so patient with his partner.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Initially, this was good. I liked how patient and sweet Lo was with Caulder as well as Caulder being honest with Lo. They were sweet.

There were two, maybe three, things that bothered me:

1. For once, when someone doesn't want to be out, I want them to be able to not be forced to come out due to situations like what happened here. It seems like the books goes from "I don't want to be known as the 'gay hockey player,' just a hockey player" to "huh, I guess it wasn't really that big of a deal coming out in the end even if I had to do so because of what happened." It always seems to be that in the end, it's better just to be out. But. No? It's their choice (it should be, anyway) to come out or not. It's not selfish for them to stay closeted if that's what they want. It's different for everyone. Stop using situation like this one (or the previous ones in the other books) to make them come out and then seem to be totally okay with it. UGH.

2. Caulder wasn't a huge fan of having kids to begin with, but then this situation happens, and he definitely didn't. Which is a completely okay thing to not want! But Lo ... he kind of pushed the issue a little with it, even at the beginning of the baby situation when Caulder said that this was going to traumatize him ... Lo was like "well, it would be 'our' choice, which is a different thing" blah blah blah. You don't push the issue when your partner is having a really hard time and when he has already said he didn't want kids. Yes, you can discuss it if you want kids, but not like that.

I can't remember the other issues I had, but the above really annoyed me, so thanks, but no thank you.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book
Series: For Puck's Sake #9

Character Development: 3.5/5 • The first glimpse of Caulder was in Shiver (1st book in For Puck's Sake series). Out of all the side characters in Shiver, he was the one I was most excited for. I also forgot that his brother was Luca Haines from For Your Forever (4th book in For Your Love series). While neither Lo or Caulder grew up with parental trauma or trauma from being gay, they are conditioned to hide themselves. They are more than their sexuality and want to be recognized as themselves, not how they identify.

Plot: 3.9/5 • The plot was engaging and well written. There is definitely more hockey in this one than most of the For Puck's Sake series but it makes sense to the plot. Caulder and Lo find each other at the All Stars Game. I loved reading their interactions during the game, cheering silently for one another while competing against one another.

Writing Style: 4.5/5 • The book was well written, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Things were explained in a way that didn't feel like overkill. As always her writing made me feel like I was in the heads of the MCs.

Spice Level: 3/5 • QUEEN OF CONSENT has done it again. These boys were soooo freaking good. Both touch starved and needy.

Overall Rating: 4/5 • This book felt very much like a loving warm family reunion. All my favorite MCs from the previous books in the For Puck Sake series came together at the All Stars Game. It was so sweet seeing how the relationships from previous books developed and grew. Also love that the Bozik clan, Ethan, Jakub, and Creed were so protective of Caulder. Now to our main men Lo and Caulder - I feel like I say this with every new book in the series but I love these two so much. They were just so ooey gooey sweet. I loved how Lo did little things to brighten Caulder's day. I enjoyed their very domesticated long distance relationship. All in all, it was a great installment to the series.

Tropes:
• Forced Proximity
• One Bed
• Touch Starved
• Virgin MC
• HEA

Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Louise Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Winging It is the ninth book in the For Puck’s Sake series and follows Caulder and Lo as a mistake they’re staying at for the All Star Tournament leads to them sharing a room, and a bed, and it turns out that they both have more in common than they initially realised.

This was an absolutely excellent book. I loved the story, it kept me interested and wanting to read and I loved how circumstances bought these two characters together. The characters were great, I loved how they contrasted each other and how well they worked together. I also loved that I got to see one of my favourite secondary characters in this series on page (yes I absolutely loved Azure and any little tidbit we get on him). But what I love most about this book is the reasoning behind the characters actions, mainly Caulders, and how they just wanted to be known as athletes rather than their sexual orientation. I thought this added a new dynamic to the world and it was something I hadn’t actually considered before it was raised in this book. I love the worlds that Crea has created and I find myself falling a little bit more in love with each one with every book I read and that’s because each book feels like an individual story with new views and adds to the world.

Overall, this was a brilliant book and another fantastic addition to the series. I would highly recommend giving it a read.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book in this series and I have to say I really loved it! There were times I was emotional during this book and had so many different mixes of emotions. I really enjoyed these characters and the plot of this story. So good!

I really loved the way Lo was able to win over Caulder. Especially after everything he was going through. I was swooning so hard with these two. Lo was so sweet and caring I just loved everything about him. Hockey played a big part of this and I enjoyed it so much more with that. I loved the banter in this book made me smile.

Spice? Yess! There is plenty of spice. But also plenty of sweet and lovable moments too. I loved the way they both came to care and love each other. But my favorite is the passion between these characters. Very down worthy!

Overall, this book was so cute and worth the read! I’m excited to read others in this series because it was such a cute book! I throughly enjoyed this story and can’t wait for more by this author!

[Liza Broadaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crea can just stop now! These two were the perfect I’ve loved you multiple lifetimes couple. One bed at the All Stars game got these 2 soulmates together.

Instant feeling of safely in sharing big secrets and honestly the sweetest connection. These two were not high spice but what we do get was amazing! These two just loved being in the others presence. They craved compassion, and touch and intimacy more than sec and their long distance secret relationship most definitely could have been hard. Lo was instantly in love and our sweet innocent C just didn’t know what to do with him sometimes!

For those who have read the rest of the series the cameos in this book will make you giddy! So many favorites and so much fun banter and love between everybody!

As always Creas books are not for everyone….she calls out bias, stereotypes, idiots in government and does not back away from the hard! I love this about her stories so if it’s not your thing…as she says….move along!

[Stacey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of my favorite Crea Reitan books it was so heartwarming and swoon worthy. Caulder and Lo are two men who have both been keeping their true sexuality to themselves, wanting to he seen as Hockey players not Gay Hockey players. When the hotel for the all star games has some mix up they end up in the same room sharing a bed. The chemistry these two have was through the roof but not only that they were sweet to each other and it just made your heart smile while you read. This book was the perfect pace and even with some unexpected drama, I loved how these two just came together standing strong and the drama made them an unstoppable couple. You also get the true family support from all their friends and family. I was just the perfect read I could not get enough of these two. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Winging It - Soul Connection

“Our souls recognized each other,” I insist, bringing my body down to his so I can press my mouth to his soft lips. “Everything in me recognizes you.”

Lo and Caulder’s love story has been highly anticipated, and author Crea Reitan has given us all the love!

As gay professional hockey players, Caulder and Lo both have chosen to keep their love lives private. Caulder has even gone deeper by not having any form of romantic relationships.

When an Allstar game plants these two in an overbooked hotel, sharing not just a room, but a bed, both of their lives change.

Just Winging It, book 9 in the For Puck’s Sake series, gives us an inside look at the emotional baggage that pro athletes carry, on and off the ice. But it also gives us the hope that love, especially shared, wins!

[Elise H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐️

Cinnamon roll characters
Sweetness overload 💕
Love at first sight ❤️‍🔥

Honestly, couldn’t remember Caulder from Shiver… oops… but I LOVED his story.
The way Laurent just goes at his pace, is willing to wait for Caulder to be sure of what they’re doing, understands him so completely 🥹

Maybe a little less smut during their first week end and I would have loved reading about Caulder’s coming out to his family (besides his brother and his partners)

Loved the idea of soulmates from past lives.
« I think you were mine in every life I’ve lived, Caulder. Our souls recognized each other, »

« I know you’re the second half of my soul. »
Swooning 🫠🫠🫠

As always, it was great to see past characters.
Max and Derrick have a kid???
Ethan, Jakub and Creed always so in love
Glimpses of Noah and Adak 😍

[Amy Hallford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calder and Laurent are so perfect for each other. Both of them know they are gay but won’t let themselves give in until their professional hockey career is over.

For Calder that means living like a monk, where as Lo hooks up when he is away after carefully ensuring that the lesson he is with has jonidea who he is.

After a mix up that causes them to share not only a room but one bed at the all stars game sparks ignite and they give it their all for the three days promising at the end they will go on their way and never speak of it. But that doesn’t happen as they both realise it wasn’t just a weekend and they have developed feelings.

Thrown in a woman who claims to be pregnant with Caulders kid and some declarations of said feelings and you have a very good book.

[Malissa Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

This book was written beautifully. Lo and Caulder are the perfect MCs. Their story focuses on one being a virgin as one is not. They both are gay but no one knows. Why? Because it really shouldn’t matter if you are or not. Thats no one’s business. And that’s what they believe as well. They want to be seen as athletes not straight or gay athletes but just athletes. It’s like people judging you based on who your parents are or siblings are instead of who you are and what you’ve accomplished. And by the time the book ends both realize that they are soul mates and have loved each other for thousands of years. To me that is just so freaking sweet. This book definitely deserves 5 stars ⭐️ no questions asked. Keep up the great work Crea Reitan. Just amazing. 💜

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series so much and I'm so happy Caulder finally got his story. I don't think I've ever fallen in love with two characters so quickly in my life. I can't even think of a single thing in this story that I wasn't a fan of. I loved the fact this brought up the issues of being defined by your sexuality. As someone in the LGBTQIA+ community as well as someone with a lot of health issues, I dislike being defined by my conditions or my sexuality and I could feel both character's frustrations.

This book is forced proximity at its finest and I loved every second of it from start to finish. Add in the heat, a little drama and we have the perfect story.

Can't wait to see what comes next in these wonderful worlds that the author, Crea Reitan is building.

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, good...

I compared this series - I talked in my previous reviews that this series feels a bit like bingo with every trope and kink from (queer?) romance know to the world of fiction and every book claims at least a few of them. It makes for an interesting reading but also pretty wild results. I didn't click with every book but this, this one feels... normal. Almost mundane. Two men unwilling to come out, forced together by circumstances to give each other a chance, making something work despite their conflicting obligations... might have been boring but the tension from those very relatable and normal problems kept it in a very nice place between average and dramatic - just enough intensity to keep it going, just enough normalcy to soothe and enjoy.

Recommend.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Winging It is book nine of the For Puck's Sake Series.

This is my favourite from the series so far. I absolutely loved both of these characters.

Lo was such an understanding and supportive character. He was a great solid force for Caulder to have behind him when things got tougher for him. I really liked that about him. He didn't have any malicious thoughts. I loved the interactions between Lo and Caulder. They were both so great with each other. I liked how there was no unnecessary drama pulling the two apart from each other. It just seemed to make them stronger.

This was just another great installment to this series.

[A reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh em gee, love Caulder & Lo! They are both sweethearts and pair so well with each other. This was a nice break from the enemies to lovers/opposites attract, just two like-minded dudes - boy meets boy and they fall in love 💕 also, love the little Van Doren shout out.

This was paced realistically without skimping on the heat, definitely not a slow burn. IMO, wasn't super angsty but did have a dash of drama with a very sweet HEA. Absolutely love all the characters in the Crea world, especially how everyone is captured with a wide lense and how each MMC truly is their own person with a unique personality.

Highly recommend, especially if you need a sweet yet steamy palette cleanser!

[Val MM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book for what it has but also what it doesn’t have. So many MM romances books are plagued with certain lazy plot points for the sake of angst. This book has NO frustrating miscommunication, NO “he deserves better than me so I’m going to leave, NO homophobic teammates, NO characters refusing to admit how they feel about each other. And NO third act breakup. What it does have is heart, pining, angst, crazy good sexy scenes, and a perfectly happy, but not OTT, HEA. I’ll admit some of the books in this series have landed better than others. This is on par with my favorite of the series, Shiver.