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Pucked Up
A romance about men who don’t play fair and the game that changes everything.
Cass Mercer is the golden boy of the Grand Rapids Havoc—flawless on the ice, untouchable in public, and hiding secrets that would burn his empire to ash. He plays hard, parties harder, and keeps his darkest desires locked behind closed doors. Until the night he’s caught. Watched. Hunted.
Adrian Holt has been obsessed with Cass for months—since a single, forbidden glimpse that ignited a fire he’s never been able to extinguish. Now, Adrian’s back, stepping into power as the Havoc’s new CEO. And Cass? Cass is his. He just doesn’t know it yet.
Adrian doesn’t need threats. He doesn’t need blackmail. All he needs is patience. Because Cass craves danger, even if he won’t admit it. Craves control. Craves Adrian. And when the first line is crossed, Cass spirals into a game he can’t win—one where exposure is just the beginning, and surrender comes at the highest price.
But when a ruthless agent targets them both, secrets won’t be enough to survive. Not when loyalty is tested, love is a risk, and the only way out is through the fire.
A guaranteed HEA
Cass Mercer is the golden boy of the Grand Rapids Havoc—flawless on the ice, untouchable in public, and hiding secrets that would burn his empire to ash. He plays hard, parties harder, and keeps his darkest desires locked behind closed doors. Until the night he’s caught. Watched. Hunted.
Adrian Holt has been obsessed with Cass for months—since a single, forbidden glimpse that ignited a fire he’s never been able to extinguish. Now, Adrian’s back, stepping into power as the Havoc’s new CEO. And Cass? Cass is his. He just doesn’t know it yet.
Adrian doesn’t need threats. He doesn’t need blackmail. All he needs is patience. Because Cass craves danger, even if he won’t admit it. Craves control. Craves Adrian. And when the first line is crossed, Cass spirals into a game he can’t win—one where exposure is just the beginning, and surrender comes at the highest price.
But when a ruthless agent targets them both, secrets won’t be enough to survive. Not when loyalty is tested, love is a risk, and the only way out is through the fire.
A guaranteed HEA
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2025
28 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
dnf
April 28, 2025I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
DNF @ 38%
first i'd like to say that i love giving new authors a chance and i was intrigued by the premise, but unfortunately i'm having a very hard time getting into this and @38% i had to call it.
on the positive i had highlighted passages from pgs 8, 9 and 19 so it's not the narrative style per se but the lack of substance to the current tension. the ghost of what went down and chopping wood is 5 chapters too long for me. I'm not sure what or when or how the "dark" in this romance will complicate things but for now i don't think this book is for me.
I'd try whatever comes next for Frankie though because i was vibing with the first few chapters for sure!
the blurb in goodreads is incorrect as well in case s/o would like to catch that!
DNF @ 38%
first i'd like to say that i love giving new authors a chance and i was intrigued by the premise, but unfortunately i'm having a very hard time getting into this and @38% i had to call it.
on the positive i had highlighted passages from pgs 8, 9 and 19 so it's not the narrative style per se but the lack of substance to the current tension. the ghost of what went down and chopping wood is 5 chapters too long for me. I'm not sure what or when or how the "dark" in this romance will complicate things but for now i don't think this book is for me.
I'd try whatever comes next for Frankie though because i was vibing with the first few chapters for sure!
the blurb in goodreads is incorrect as well in case s/o would like to catch that!
May 4, 2025
This book is written in a unique style. Raw. Hauntingly beautiful in a landscape of homophobia.
NHL player Micah gave rookie Noah a broken collarbone and took a suspension that covers almost a full season.
"He left a mark on me," I whispered to the empty car. And not only on the outside.’
Noah hunts Micah down and wants to know why he looked at him that way before he did it.
‘I hadn't come here for closure, forgiveness, or answers. I'd come because when Micah Keller had slammed me into the boards, breaking my body, he'd shattered something else too—the careful facade I'd spent years constructing.’
Sexual tension.
Micah has had teenage experiences with vulnerability and violence due to homophobia.
"You saw something in me. And you hit it." My voice dropped lower. "You chose to hit it."
I think Micah has internalised homophobia and that Noah may have realised it too.
This book is taut ,tension filled. Waiting for Micah to finally snap.
There’s a snow storm, power cuts out and Noah kisses Micah.
It terrifies Micah, he won’t allow his desire and want to escape the walls of protection he’s built around himself.
With no power , Noah lets Micah know they need to sleep in the same bed to share heat or they will freeze to death.
Conversations in the dark…
"I saw you. That second—on the ice. I don't know how. Just… saw something. And I broke it. Because that's what I do."
"Maybe we're the same kind of broken."
"Are you going to hurt me again?"
"Only if you ask."
"You don't know what you're asking for."
The power comes back on.
Noah wakes up from a nightmare. They kiss. Micah traces the mark he left on Noah’s collarbone.
"It's part of me now. Like I'm part of you."
They make love. It’s intimate.
‘He saw me—truly saw me—and I saw him in return. We weren't the enforcer and the rookie. We were Micah and Noah.’
Micah opens up
"I saw something in myself, reflected in you. Something I'd been running from."
All this intimacy has Micah retreating back behind his walls.
Noah wants to explore the power and hunger between them but with boundaries. Safe words. No marks without permission. No closed fists. Vulnerability.
"You're mine," I whispered, my voice soft but firm. "Yours," he agreed, his voice barely a whisper.
Noah can’t help feeling that whatever peace found here was temporary—a beautiful, fragile thing that the real world would eventually shatter.
Micah gets an email from the NHL: "DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE REINSTATEMENT HEARING - ATTENDANCE REQUIRED."
Noah has a call for a tryout roster from the Northern Tier Developmental League. It’s nowhere near the NHL but it’s hockey.
Noah and Micah do the reinstatement review Zoom call .
Life goes on. "We're fucked up, you know that?" "Yeah, but we're fucked up together." "Then maybe we've got a shot."
"I love you." "You're a fucked-up bastard." I chuckled without thinking. "Yeah." "You terrify me." "I know." He kissed my right nipple. "I've never wanted anyone more."
He lifted his face, eyes steady on mine. "And I love you, too."
NHL player Micah gave rookie Noah a broken collarbone and took a suspension that covers almost a full season.
"He left a mark on me," I whispered to the empty car. And not only on the outside.’
Noah hunts Micah down and wants to know why he looked at him that way before he did it.
‘I hadn't come here for closure, forgiveness, or answers. I'd come because when Micah Keller had slammed me into the boards, breaking my body, he'd shattered something else too—the careful facade I'd spent years constructing.’
Sexual tension.
Micah has had teenage experiences with vulnerability and violence due to homophobia.
"You saw something in me. And you hit it." My voice dropped lower. "You chose to hit it."
I think Micah has internalised homophobia and that Noah may have realised it too.
This book is taut ,tension filled. Waiting for Micah to finally snap.
There’s a snow storm, power cuts out and Noah kisses Micah.
It terrifies Micah, he won’t allow his desire and want to escape the walls of protection he’s built around himself.
With no power , Noah lets Micah know they need to sleep in the same bed to share heat or they will freeze to death.
Conversations in the dark…
"I saw you. That second—on the ice. I don't know how. Just… saw something. And I broke it. Because that's what I do."
"Maybe we're the same kind of broken."
"Are you going to hurt me again?"
"Only if you ask."
"You don't know what you're asking for."
The power comes back on.
Noah wakes up from a nightmare. They kiss. Micah traces the mark he left on Noah’s collarbone.
"It's part of me now. Like I'm part of you."
They make love. It’s intimate.
‘He saw me—truly saw me—and I saw him in return. We weren't the enforcer and the rookie. We were Micah and Noah.’
Micah opens up
"I saw something in myself, reflected in you. Something I'd been running from."
All this intimacy has Micah retreating back behind his walls.
Noah wants to explore the power and hunger between them but with boundaries. Safe words. No marks without permission. No closed fists. Vulnerability.
"You're mine," I whispered, my voice soft but firm. "Yours," he agreed, his voice barely a whisper.
Noah can’t help feeling that whatever peace found here was temporary—a beautiful, fragile thing that the real world would eventually shatter.
Micah gets an email from the NHL: "DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE REINSTATEMENT HEARING - ATTENDANCE REQUIRED."
Noah has a call for a tryout roster from the Northern Tier Developmental League. It’s nowhere near the NHL but it’s hockey.
Noah and Micah do the reinstatement review Zoom call .
Life goes on. "We're fucked up, you know that?" "Yeah, but we're fucked up together." "Then maybe we've got a shot."
"I love you." "You're a fucked-up bastard." I chuckled without thinking. "Yeah." "You terrify me." "I know." He kissed my right nipple. "I've never wanted anyone more."
He lifted his face, eyes steady on mine. "And I love you, too."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
The correct blurb if people want it:
Blurb I shattered his collarbone in front of twenty thousand screaming fans. One reckless hit. One sickening crunch. One choice I’ll never take back. I thought I’d buried my hockey career—and myself—in the woods. But now he’s standing on my porch. Noah Langley, the rookie I destroyed. He says he wants the truth, but I see it in his eyes. The way he watches my hands. The way he leans closer when he thinks I won’t notice. He doesn’t want closure. And he doesn't want revenge. He wants pain. He wants me. And God help us both, I want him too—wrecked and ruined.
………………………………………………………….
I’m sure many people will like this book. This opinion is my own. The writing style just isn’t for me. The verbosity just makes the story confusing, feel a little choppy, and makes it hard to connect with the characters.
The first 50% of this book was cryptic, confusing, and repetitive. Most of the time I was just wondering what the hell they were talking about. Maybe that’s on me and I just didn’t understand the context. 🤷♀️ So many unnecessary things are repeated, a lot. Also, there are whole sentences that just appear twice, like this:
"Had a good teacher." I paused for a sip of water. "A city boy like you. I wouldn't have figured you'd take to this." "City boy like you," I said during a brief pause for water, "wouldn't have figured you'd take to this." Noah wiped his mouth with the back of his gloved hand. "I can adapt."
From my understanding (and this could be completely off base), both of them are gay and have hidden it away from the world because of painful experiences in the past. They both want something from the other that wouldn’t really be classed as ‘normal,’ and they’re both afraid and curious to explore that. Micah believes this makes him a monster and Noah apparently wants a piece of that. They’ve been running from themselves and they need each other to glue the pieces back together and learn to live.
From 50% onwards, it becomes clear that they both enjoy S&M, and that’s what they’re afraid of. I honestly don’t know why this couldn’t have been explained clearer, much earlier on. They use their joint consent to take that pain and aggression, and feel it in a more positive and constructive way. It just felt like this big drawn out reveal and then it was gone again.
We do get some questions answered in the second half. Mostly Micah’s reasons for the way he is. But for me Noah remains just as much of a mystery as he was at the beginning. You get snippets but no real answers.
I was really trying and wanting to feel something for these two. If only for what they’d been through as kids but I just couldn’t get into it. It felt like we went around the world to get to a simple answer.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
Blurb I shattered his collarbone in front of twenty thousand screaming fans. One reckless hit. One sickening crunch. One choice I’ll never take back. I thought I’d buried my hockey career—and myself—in the woods. But now he’s standing on my porch. Noah Langley, the rookie I destroyed. He says he wants the truth, but I see it in his eyes. The way he watches my hands. The way he leans closer when he thinks I won’t notice. He doesn’t want closure. And he doesn't want revenge. He wants pain. He wants me. And God help us both, I want him too—wrecked and ruined.
………………………………………………………….
I’m sure many people will like this book. This opinion is my own. The writing style just isn’t for me. The verbosity just makes the story confusing, feel a little choppy, and makes it hard to connect with the characters.
The first 50% of this book was cryptic, confusing, and repetitive. Most of the time I was just wondering what the hell they were talking about. Maybe that’s on me and I just didn’t understand the context. 🤷♀️ So many unnecessary things are repeated, a lot. Also, there are whole sentences that just appear twice, like this:
"Had a good teacher." I paused for a sip of water. "A city boy like you. I wouldn't have figured you'd take to this." "City boy like you," I said during a brief pause for water, "wouldn't have figured you'd take to this." Noah wiped his mouth with the back of his gloved hand. "I can adapt."
From my understanding (and this could be completely off base), both of them are gay and have hidden it away from the world because of painful experiences in the past. They both want something from the other that wouldn’t really be classed as ‘normal,’ and they’re both afraid and curious to explore that. Micah believes this makes him a monster and Noah apparently wants a piece of that. They’ve been running from themselves and they need each other to glue the pieces back together and learn to live.
From 50% onwards, it becomes clear that they both enjoy S&M, and that’s what they’re afraid of. I honestly don’t know why this couldn’t have been explained clearer, much earlier on. They use their joint consent to take that pain and aggression, and feel it in a more positive and constructive way. It just felt like this big drawn out reveal and then it was gone again.
We do get some questions answered in the second half. Mostly Micah’s reasons for the way he is. But for me Noah remains just as much of a mystery as he was at the beginning. You get snippets but no real answers.
I was really trying and wanting to feel something for these two. If only for what they’d been through as kids but I just couldn’t get into it. It felt like we went around the world to get to a simple answer.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
Read
May 4, 2025DNF at 53%… I really tried, but it’s just not happening anymore. For the first half of this book also NOTHING happens. There’s a game. One MC is hurt by the other. The guilty player gets suspended for almost a season, goes to the woods and chops wood. A lot of wood. The hurt player finds him and also chops wood. And they have some weird BDSM storyline going on in the background but not really because they’re mostly just existing in the cabin and chopping wood. Literally.
Sorry. I really wanted to like and finish this book, but I can’t. It’s just too much chopping wood. And nothing else. Not rating it.
Sorry. I really wanted to like and finish this book, but I can’t. It’s just too much chopping wood. And nothing else. Not rating it.
April 21, 2025
This story has a lot to unpack.
Micah gets suspended because of breaking Noah's bone during a match. He then retreats into the mountains and stays in a cabin during his suspension. All is fine—well, as fine as Micah is concerned— until the rookie he broke ends up on his doorstep with one question in mind: Why did Micah look at him that way before hurting him?
That was the thing about scars—they remained regardless of whether anyone else could see and acknowledge them. The difference was that now, someone had seen mine. And he didn't look away.
There is a lot of healing happening in this book but is quite unconventional. These two are so similar yet so different. They have baggage and that baggage allows them to not necessarily behave in ways that you would expect others to behave when gone through the things they have. The silence between them was filled with a lot more words and understanding than speaking could ever encapsulate.
Somewhere, beneath the fury and the calculated violence of a job I'd perfected, there had been hunger. I wanted him. And I didn't know if I wanted to kiss him or destroy him. Maybe both.
Their back and forth, dancing around attraction, and unyielding trust for one another is quite special to witness.
"Are you going to hurt me again?"
"Only if you ask."
The raw hurt and comfort shown and given is a testament to how the world messes you up and expects you to gloss over it instead of deal with it. But Micah saw Noah and in turn Noah truly saw Micah and they became a we, an us instead of two people who got tangled up because of aggression, pressure, the game and expectations.
"Fall again," Micah said suddenly. "What?" "You said you forgot how fun it was. Fall again… for me."
The writing of this story is truly beautiful. The descriptive wording, minimal yet enough dialogue really stood out as if Micah and Noah were the ones truly writing their own story from their own battered, heavy hands while their heart jotted down what couldn't be spoken.
//ARC Review//
Micah gets suspended because of breaking Noah's bone during a match. He then retreats into the mountains and stays in a cabin during his suspension. All is fine—well, as fine as Micah is concerned— until the rookie he broke ends up on his doorstep with one question in mind: Why did Micah look at him that way before hurting him?
That was the thing about scars—they remained regardless of whether anyone else could see and acknowledge them. The difference was that now, someone had seen mine. And he didn't look away.
There is a lot of healing happening in this book but is quite unconventional. These two are so similar yet so different. They have baggage and that baggage allows them to not necessarily behave in ways that you would expect others to behave when gone through the things they have. The silence between them was filled with a lot more words and understanding than speaking could ever encapsulate.
Somewhere, beneath the fury and the calculated violence of a job I'd perfected, there had been hunger. I wanted him. And I didn't know if I wanted to kiss him or destroy him. Maybe both.
Their back and forth, dancing around attraction, and unyielding trust for one another is quite special to witness.
"Are you going to hurt me again?"
"Only if you ask."
The raw hurt and comfort shown and given is a testament to how the world messes you up and expects you to gloss over it instead of deal with it. But Micah saw Noah and in turn Noah truly saw Micah and they became a we, an us instead of two people who got tangled up because of aggression, pressure, the game and expectations.
"Fall again," Micah said suddenly. "What?" "You said you forgot how fun it was. Fall again… for me."
The writing of this story is truly beautiful. The descriptive wording, minimal yet enough dialogue really stood out as if Micah and Noah were the ones truly writing their own story from their own battered, heavy hands while their heart jotted down what couldn't be spoken.
//ARC Review//
April 23, 2025
I fell so in love with this book. The writing style is so beautiful!
The reason for Noah seeking out Micah shouldn’t really work? He drives to a secluded cabin to get the answer to why Micah broke his collarbone.
He obviously suspects something. But to start a relationship on that is… bold? But somehow in the book it works. If you’re willing to have a little romance book faith.
Micah is quite a broken character. We get glimpses in his past and it explains a lot why he acts the way he does.
Noah slowly tries to peel his armor away and it works.
The book is mostly set in a cabin somewhere in the woods. So they are forced to talk things out and to acknowledge whatever is between them.
To be honest I sometimes had a bit of trouble with following the MCs actions and their thoughts behind it. But they got it and it worked for them!
I feel like I criticize the book a bit here and I have to say that I think it needs a bit more work here and there.
But still I can’t rate less than 5 stars!
Because it gave me the most amazing feeling!
I absolutely loved the writing style. I enjoyed reading the book so much.
Also I really fell in love with the characters. I can pinpoint why and where exactly but they just burrowed themselves into my heart.
It is slow burn and I could just feel the desire between them. But also the confusion. And maybe a bit of hatred.
The book could’ve been twice as long and even then I would enjoy every little scene where Micah chops wood.
The reason for Noah seeking out Micah shouldn’t really work? He drives to a secluded cabin to get the answer to why Micah broke his collarbone.
He obviously suspects something. But to start a relationship on that is… bold? But somehow in the book it works. If you’re willing to have a little romance book faith.
Micah is quite a broken character. We get glimpses in his past and it explains a lot why he acts the way he does.
Noah slowly tries to peel his armor away and it works.
The book is mostly set in a cabin somewhere in the woods. So they are forced to talk things out and to acknowledge whatever is between them.
To be honest I sometimes had a bit of trouble with following the MCs actions and their thoughts behind it. But they got it and it worked for them!
I feel like I criticize the book a bit here and I have to say that I think it needs a bit more work here and there.
But still I can’t rate less than 5 stars!
Because it gave me the most amazing feeling!
I absolutely loved the writing style. I enjoyed reading the book so much.
Also I really fell in love with the characters. I can pinpoint why and where exactly but they just burrowed themselves into my heart.
It is slow burn and I could just feel the desire between them. But also the confusion. And maybe a bit of hatred.
The book could’ve been twice as long and even then I would enjoy every little scene where Micah chops wood.
dnf
April 22, 2025DNF. The blurb is incorrect but that did not bother me at all. What did bother me was where the aggression at the beginning leads to. There are better ways to show that someone is interested in S&M. A look and then violence because of that look, where nothing else seemed to have happened, is just really weird.
I did not read the whole book, so there is probably an explanation of why MC1 (sorry, already forgot their names) could read the need for pain in MC2 and attacked him but surely in a televised game is not how to go about it. I wish I had known in advance what it was about as it would have saved me a couple of hours reading. This is a shame because I love nothing more than forced proximity with hurt/comfort notes. I am ok with dark themes as well, so the violence did not bother me at all but I wish what happened at the beginning had lead the characters to a different journey.
I liked the writing style and the not saying everything at the beginning actually works quite well for me, so I will give this author another chance.
I did not read the whole book, so there is probably an explanation of why MC1 (sorry, already forgot their names) could read the need for pain in MC2 and attacked him but surely in a televised game is not how to go about it. I wish I had known in advance what it was about as it would have saved me a couple of hours reading. This is a shame because I love nothing more than forced proximity with hurt/comfort notes. I am ok with dark themes as well, so the violence did not bother me at all but I wish what happened at the beginning had lead the characters to a different journey.
I liked the writing style and the not saying everything at the beginning actually works quite well for me, so I will give this author another chance.
April 21, 2025
Pucked Up by Frankie Abraham was an interesting read that at times was a little confusing. Noah and Micah have a violent history that sets the story up. Both are hockey players and Micah caused Noah’s injury by purposely hitting him and breaking his collarbone and causing a head injury. Noah decides to confront Micah because he “saw something in his eyes right before the hit”. I was interested enough but felt like the author was purposely trying to be vague and wordy about what was happening between the two. I felt like we got to know Micah pretty well and why he behaves the way that he does. But Noah was so two-dimensional. Why was he hiding who he was? The ILYs came out of nowhere for me. I didn’t really feel like they had enough time together to actually fall in love (since so much time was spent splitting wood and talking in circles). Also, what happened when Micah returned to the NHL? I like the idea of this story better than the execution.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
May 5, 2025
I'm not sure I have the right words to review this book. The writing style is very unique. It's raw, emotional and visceral. Both Noah and Micah are broken, and while Micah delivers a devastating hit on Noah, there's a kinship there. They see who the other one is deep down so clearly. While Micah becomes a recluse during his suspension, Noah goes to find him and bring him back. They are more alike then they thought and they see something in each other, which could be scary or the best thing ever. The way they talk to each other felt so raw and exposed, there was no hiding behind anything, and that made this story so unique. Feelings were there and they didn't mask them, they brought them into the light and examined them.
What I will say, is that the beginning of the book was a bit vague, and I struggled a bit to make sense of what is happening, but then the story picked up and I was hooked.
Definitely an interesting read! Be ready for unfiltered thoughts and feelings.
What I will say, is that the beginning of the book was a bit vague, and I struggled a bit to make sense of what is happening, but then the story picked up and I was hooked.
Definitely an interesting read! Be ready for unfiltered thoughts and feelings.
April 20, 2025
In this dark hockey MM romance, Micah an enforcer in the NHL ends rookie Noah’s career. But even after suspension and seclusion he cannot escape Noah, as he turns up at his doorstep wanting answers. This book follows two broken men finding solace and belonging in each other. And you will not want to put it down until you are done. I highly recommend this book
April 23, 2025
this book was just not for me. even after they were in love it still felt to me like they disliked eachother other then their physical relationship. 🤷🏻♀️ I wasn't a bad book it just wasn't for me I think.
May 3, 2025
Micah + Noah
-mm romance
-dark hockey romance
-rivals to lovers
-forced proximity
ohhh this story hurt me! i love them & they both need a big hug!
-mm romance
-dark hockey romance
-rivals to lovers
-forced proximity
ohhh this story hurt me! i love them & they both need a big hug!
May 5, 2025
My first book by this author and it was kind of slow and not much happening. Felt a little repetitive but the plot was interesting. Maybe I’ll try another book.
May 4, 2025
I found Pucked Up by Frankie Abraham captivating from the very first page. It kept me engaged all the way through, and while it does explore some darker themes, it never felt too intense. It struck a great balance that kept me interested without feeling overwhelmed.
After a heated match ends with Micah sidelined for injuring a rookie, he escapes to a remote mountain cabin to lay low during his suspension. He's prepared for silence, solitude, and maybe a bit of guilt, but not for Noah, the very rookie he hurt, to track him down. Noah isn’t there for revenge. He wants answers. Specifically, what that charged, unreadable look Micah gave him right before everything went sideways actually meant.
Rather than following a typical path to healing, this story leans into the messiness of two people who’ve been shaped by pain in very different ways. Their connection doesn’t rely on grand gestures or constant conversation, instead, it grows in the in-between moments, where silence becomes a kind of language. They're not easily categorized as “broken” or “fixed,” but rather as two individuals learning how to coexist with their pasts while slowly building something new together.
Theirs is a story not of perfect timing or clean resolutions, but of two people colliding in the wreckage of everything they’ve endured. Micah and Noah come together not despite their pain, but because of it, drawn in by an unspoken understanding that neither of them has to pretend anymore. What started as a confrontation slowly unravels into something softer, quieter, a bond formed not by fate, but by choice in the aftermath of chaos.
The narrative unfolds with a quiet intensity, almost like a memory whispered rather than told. Instead of heavy dialogue, the weight of the story is carried through subtle gestures and atmosphere. It’s as though the characters left pieces of themselves behind in every scene, unspoken emotions etched into the silence, telling a story louder than words ever could.
4/5 Stars!
After a heated match ends with Micah sidelined for injuring a rookie, he escapes to a remote mountain cabin to lay low during his suspension. He's prepared for silence, solitude, and maybe a bit of guilt, but not for Noah, the very rookie he hurt, to track him down. Noah isn’t there for revenge. He wants answers. Specifically, what that charged, unreadable look Micah gave him right before everything went sideways actually meant.
Rather than following a typical path to healing, this story leans into the messiness of two people who’ve been shaped by pain in very different ways. Their connection doesn’t rely on grand gestures or constant conversation, instead, it grows in the in-between moments, where silence becomes a kind of language. They're not easily categorized as “broken” or “fixed,” but rather as two individuals learning how to coexist with their pasts while slowly building something new together.
Theirs is a story not of perfect timing or clean resolutions, but of two people colliding in the wreckage of everything they’ve endured. Micah and Noah come together not despite their pain, but because of it, drawn in by an unspoken understanding that neither of them has to pretend anymore. What started as a confrontation slowly unravels into something softer, quieter, a bond formed not by fate, but by choice in the aftermath of chaos.
The narrative unfolds with a quiet intensity, almost like a memory whispered rather than told. Instead of heavy dialogue, the weight of the story is carried through subtle gestures and atmosphere. It’s as though the characters left pieces of themselves behind in every scene, unspoken emotions etched into the silence, telling a story louder than words ever could.
4/5 Stars!
April 30, 2025
This title is accurate, as this is one pucked up story. Not sure what I was expecting, but this really wasn’t it. There is very little hockey in this, aside from the initial incident that seemingly set this whole story into motion. But, even that was really confusing. I kept expecting this to get clearer as the story went on, but aside from continually reminding us of it without further explanation, I pretty much gave up and moved on.
Turns out, the reasons behind the initial incident are even more “pucked up” than one can imagine, and they really just were into S&M but didn’t know how to express that or get over their insecurities about it. Figuring this out and then executing violence all based off of a look seemed really irresponsible, and if you watch hockey at all, you know how easily this could have ended up so much worse for both guys. Lord knows I love me some dark and/or violent stories, but this one just didn’t work for me. It seemed a line was blurred between actual S&M and violence. I really struggled with inflicting pain on someone through injuries as opposed to finding safer S&M practices to give someone the pain they desire.
Beyond that, these two dance around each other trying to give and get what they each need/want and feel the other does, all while still not really communicating. At times, I was expecting them to be role playing that they were basically strangers. I had a lot of unanswered questions and never really got drawn into the characters.
While I did like the initial premise of this story, the execution just didn’t fulfill my needs and I struggled to really enjoy it.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
May 3, 2025
"Pucked Up" by Frankie Abraham is a mesmerizing read that defies conventions. Without giving away the plot, I can confidently say that this book is a masterclass in storytelling. Abraham's writing is exceptional, weaving a dark, edgy, and intense narrative that grips you from start to finish.
The characters are multidimensional, with rich backstories that justify their complexities. The romance is far from traditional - it's a deep dive into the darkness of the human psyche, where two flawed individuals find solace in each other's shadows.
The setting of the cabin in the mountains is atmospheric and immersive, with every descriptive word carefully chosen to create a sense of foreboding and tension. Abraham's prose is evocative, drawing you into the world they've created.
What struck me most was the author's ability to balance the darkness with a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. This isn't a story about redemption; it's about embracing the shadows and finding love in the darkness.
Overall, "Pucked Up" is a unique, extraordinary novel that will appeal to readers who crave something different. If you're looking for a thought-provoking, intense romance that will leave you breathless, look no further. I eagerly await Frankie Abraham's next project, hoping they'll continue to push boundaries and create more unforgettable stories.
The characters are multidimensional, with rich backstories that justify their complexities. The romance is far from traditional - it's a deep dive into the darkness of the human psyche, where two flawed individuals find solace in each other's shadows.
The setting of the cabin in the mountains is atmospheric and immersive, with every descriptive word carefully chosen to create a sense of foreboding and tension. Abraham's prose is evocative, drawing you into the world they've created.
What struck me most was the author's ability to balance the darkness with a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. This isn't a story about redemption; it's about embracing the shadows and finding love in the darkness.
Overall, "Pucked Up" is a unique, extraordinary novel that will appeal to readers who crave something different. If you're looking for a thought-provoking, intense romance that will leave you breathless, look no further. I eagerly await Frankie Abraham's next project, hoping they'll continue to push boundaries and create more unforgettable stories.
April 19, 2025
Standalone. Light BDSM. Dual POV.
In his rookie year in the NHL, Noah gets seriously injured by Micah on the ice, and it begins an unusual series of interactions as Noah tracks Micah down to his secluded cabin. Hiding away, Micah is not prepared to face Noah or his past, but inexplicably they are able to connect from that initial point of pain and build something deeper.
This story was confusing at times, communication was not a priority, and only later in the story did I get a sense of more of the meaning behind the motivations of the characters. I was very interested to see where this story was going, both Micah and Noah seemed to read each other in some deeper way and when they do get to a point of explaining feelings it felt more like a regular romance story (although quick moving). However, there was a lot left unsaid which might be frustrating for readers, but overall I found I was engrossed in their story and felt happy with where their relationship ended up and the HEA.
In his rookie year in the NHL, Noah gets seriously injured by Micah on the ice, and it begins an unusual series of interactions as Noah tracks Micah down to his secluded cabin. Hiding away, Micah is not prepared to face Noah or his past, but inexplicably they are able to connect from that initial point of pain and build something deeper.
This story was confusing at times, communication was not a priority, and only later in the story did I get a sense of more of the meaning behind the motivations of the characters. I was very interested to see where this story was going, both Micah and Noah seemed to read each other in some deeper way and when they do get to a point of explaining feelings it felt more like a regular romance story (although quick moving). However, there was a lot left unsaid which might be frustrating for readers, but overall I found I was engrossed in their story and felt happy with where their relationship ended up and the HEA.
April 23, 2025
********** Contains Spoilers**********
I rated this book 3.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 4 stars. This is the first book that I’ve read by Frankie Abraham and even though it didn’t completely hit the mark for me, I’ll definitely try reading more of Frankie’s books in the future. I enjoyed this book but it didn’t pack the usual punch I expect and I’m not 100% sure why. We learn quite a lot about Micah’s past and what shaped him into the man he is today but we don’t get to know much about Noah at all really. I felt their relationship moved at warp speed, considering the reason Noah tracked Micah down in the first place and not everyone would understand it, but it works for them so why not? I’m looking forward to reading more books from Frankie in the future. I’d recommend this book and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I rated this book 3.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 4 stars. This is the first book that I’ve read by Frankie Abraham and even though it didn’t completely hit the mark for me, I’ll definitely try reading more of Frankie’s books in the future. I enjoyed this book but it didn’t pack the usual punch I expect and I’m not 100% sure why. We learn quite a lot about Micah’s past and what shaped him into the man he is today but we don’t get to know much about Noah at all really. I felt their relationship moved at warp speed, considering the reason Noah tracked Micah down in the first place and not everyone would understand it, but it works for them so why not? I’m looking forward to reading more books from Frankie in the future. I’d recommend this book and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
April 21, 2025
Please note…Goodreads currently has an incorrect blurb for this book. Thank you to another reviewer who has posted the correct one.
This story explores the emotional scars and buried trauma of its characters—especially Micah.
After a brutal match leaves rookie Noah with a broken collarbone, Micah is suspended and retreats to a secluded mountain cabin in search of silence and solitude. But his peace is short-lived when Noah unexpectedly appears at his doorstep, asking a single, piercing question: Why did you look at me like that before you hurt me?
This isn’t your typical light and fluffy read. At times, it can be a bit confusing, but the writing is powerful and emotionally driven. With the darker themes, It may not be what most readers expect, yet it’s compelling enough to keep you turning the pages—hoping, somehow, against all odds, that Micah and Noah find their way to a happy ending.
This story explores the emotional scars and buried trauma of its characters—especially Micah.
After a brutal match leaves rookie Noah with a broken collarbone, Micah is suspended and retreats to a secluded mountain cabin in search of silence and solitude. But his peace is short-lived when Noah unexpectedly appears at his doorstep, asking a single, piercing question: Why did you look at me like that before you hurt me?
This isn’t your typical light and fluffy read. At times, it can be a bit confusing, but the writing is powerful and emotionally driven. With the darker themes, It may not be what most readers expect, yet it’s compelling enough to keep you turning the pages—hoping, somehow, against all odds, that Micah and Noah find their way to a happy ending.
April 23, 2025
There was a lot of promise within this book. I really was interested in the blurb I read. I'm not sure the book met my expectations fully, mostly in regards to Micah. I think his propensity towards violence and his self-hatred and the way it manifested itself outward wasn't properly forewarned and wasn't adequately addressed in the story either. The characters honestly weren't bad other than that, and I liked the overall writing style. That anger just was hard, and Noah's relatively easy acceptance of it was...off?
It just felt off for me, would be the way I say it I think. I think, too, some of the information about the NHL fell flat too. Again it could be me not suspending reality well enough but things like season long suspensions and agents not advocating for their players (including rookies) don't fit for me.
Also the blurb on Goodreads doesn't match to blurb on GRR or the book I read.
It just felt off for me, would be the way I say it I think. I think, too, some of the information about the NHL fell flat too. Again it could be me not suspending reality well enough but things like season long suspensions and agents not advocating for their players (including rookies) don't fit for me.
Also the blurb on Goodreads doesn't match to blurb on GRR or the book I read.
April 27, 2025
Please note, the blurb listed on Goodreads isn't the correct one (at the time of writing this).
I really wanted to like this book. I liked the premise and I was interested to see the dynamic between Micah and Noah after what happened on the ice. I think my biggest problem is that I constantly felt like I was on the outside looking in; I didn't really 'get it' if that makes sense. Although the book is well written, the style of writing sadly just didn't work for me. I found it a bit too airy and philosophical almost, leaving me confused at times where I was always reading between the lines about what they meant. It felt like hard work to properly understand their love for each other by the end of the book. There were parts that were much more engaging but also quite a few slow bits. Some people will absolutely love this book and the HEA they had together but sadly not my favourite.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I really wanted to like this book. I liked the premise and I was interested to see the dynamic between Micah and Noah after what happened on the ice. I think my biggest problem is that I constantly felt like I was on the outside looking in; I didn't really 'get it' if that makes sense. Although the book is well written, the style of writing sadly just didn't work for me. I found it a bit too airy and philosophical almost, leaving me confused at times where I was always reading between the lines about what they meant. It felt like hard work to properly understand their love for each other by the end of the book. There were parts that were much more engaging but also quite a few slow bits. Some people will absolutely love this book and the HEA they had together but sadly not my favourite.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
April 30, 2025
This was a very interesting style of writing that I think could be a little like marmite – you’re either going to love it or hate it. I found it difficult to get into at first – there was a lot of chopping wood and internal dialogue, as well as what felt like a lot of symbolic conversations. My biggest issue was not feeling anything for the two main character – I think the desire to make this dark meant that too much was left unsaid and I couldn’t see how they were attracted to each other, let alone how they fell in love.
I don’t think it helps that the original blurb that I read for this was different/incorrect – it meant that I went into the story expecting one set-up and got another. The writing is coherent, can be evocative and the story is well constructed but it didn’t have the coherence I needed and the darkness I expected barely materialised. I will look out for more from Frankie Abraham and am glad that I gave this a try.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews.
I don’t think it helps that the original blurb that I read for this was different/incorrect – it meant that I went into the story expecting one set-up and got another. The writing is coherent, can be evocative and the story is well constructed but it didn’t have the coherence I needed and the darkness I expected barely materialised. I will look out for more from Frankie Abraham and am glad that I gave this a try.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews.
April 28, 2025
Dark emotional romance. It’s a slow burn relationship with angsty passion. This is a story you will remember long after you read it.
Micah is an older hockey player who almost killed a rookie on the ice. Micah did not want to but when he looked into Noah’s eyes yes and saw a reflection of himself he didn’t know how to deal with it and slammed the younger man so hard Noah had to be hospitalized for months.
Once Noah recovers he makes it a point to seek out Micah for answers. Of course Micah wants nothing to do with the rookie and in no way wants to explain himself and his past or the fact that he is gay. He suffered severely as a young man and does not wish to share this with Noah.
But Noah is stubborn and is in it for the long haul needing to break down the barriers that stand between both of them.
Micah is an older hockey player who almost killed a rookie on the ice. Micah did not want to but when he looked into Noah’s eyes yes and saw a reflection of himself he didn’t know how to deal with it and slammed the younger man so hard Noah had to be hospitalized for months.
Once Noah recovers he makes it a point to seek out Micah for answers. Of course Micah wants nothing to do with the rookie and in no way wants to explain himself and his past or the fact that he is gay. He suffered severely as a young man and does not wish to share this with Noah.
But Noah is stubborn and is in it for the long haul needing to break down the barriers that stand between both of them.
May 4, 2025
Ok- so you need to stick with it! This is def a dark romance of two broken men. They don’t need saving they need each other.
Micah is a hockey vet (15 seasons in) defense huge man. He hits a rookie in his first season in the NHL basically ruins his career.
Cutie pie Noah, who is somewhat obsessed with Micah because Micah “saw him” the real him.
The guys have abuse back stories that we don’t ever get full background, but enough information to deduce the situation.
Both are in the closet and both like s&m dom/sub
Micah is suspended for a season for hitting Noah and secluded or the woods. Noah shows up and forces him to open up and they both share their trauma.
I would say this books is actually really sad, ye sit has a HEA, in a way it happens in real life ie no one has a perfect life.
I received this ARC via GRR and this is my own opinion. Would o recommend? Yes.
Micah is a hockey vet (15 seasons in) defense huge man. He hits a rookie in his first season in the NHL basically ruins his career.
Cutie pie Noah, who is somewhat obsessed with Micah because Micah “saw him” the real him.
The guys have abuse back stories that we don’t ever get full background, but enough information to deduce the situation.
Both are in the closet and both like s&m dom/sub
Micah is suspended for a season for hitting Noah and secluded or the woods. Noah shows up and forces him to open up and they both share their trauma.
I would say this books is actually really sad, ye sit has a HEA, in a way it happens in real life ie no one has a perfect life.
I received this ARC via GRR and this is my own opinion. Would o recommend? Yes.
April 21, 2025
An Enjoyable and Well Written Book
I’m a huge MM Hockey romance fan and when I saw Pucked Up I instantly added it to my KU library. This story is well written and the scenic and sensory perceptions of situations are beautifully detailed. Both Micah and Noah’s characters are really likeable, deep and well rounded and will have the reader invested in their lives. The story explores the impact of past trauma and intense emotional turmoil experienced by both characters, particularly Micah. This book contains minimal drama apart from the initial incident upon which the story is written ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m a huge MM Hockey romance fan and when I saw Pucked Up I instantly added it to my KU library. This story is well written and the scenic and sensory perceptions of situations are beautifully detailed. Both Micah and Noah’s characters are really likeable, deep and well rounded and will have the reader invested in their lives. The story explores the impact of past trauma and intense emotional turmoil experienced by both characters, particularly Micah. This book contains minimal drama apart from the initial incident upon which the story is written ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 21, 2025
This was my first time reading a book by this author, and it definitely won’t be the last. The story of Micha and Noah takes you on a truly interesting ride—it was a total page-turner. From one chapter to the next, I found myself needing to know what would happen next.
It’s a very compelling story, one that pulls you in with its depth and emotional range. The feelings that stood out most to me were trust, fear, honesty, perseverance, strength, facing your past, and love. It’s a touching journey that kept me fully invested from start to finish.
I’m excited to read more from this author!
I received this ARCfrom GRR and voluntarily leaving my review.
Monica
It’s a very compelling story, one that pulls you in with its depth and emotional range. The feelings that stood out most to me were trust, fear, honesty, perseverance, strength, facing your past, and love. It’s a touching journey that kept me fully invested from start to finish.
I’m excited to read more from this author!
I received this ARCfrom GRR and voluntarily leaving my review.
Monica
May 4, 2025
I received a free copy of this ebook from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
Cute story. I don't know how dark it was supposed be, but i definitely found it to be an emotionally charged read. The story progressed and I felt like I kept wanting to know more about Micah and Noah's past. By the end though, I felt deflated. We get one scene about Micah in high school and a vague few sentences about Noah. The romance felt a bit tame for me to consider a true dark romance. I expected a little more, especially from Micah. Not a bad start overall, but definitely needed more back story.
Cute story. I don't know how dark it was supposed be, but i definitely found it to be an emotionally charged read. The story progressed and I felt like I kept wanting to know more about Micah and Noah's past. By the end though, I felt deflated. We get one scene about Micah in high school and a vague few sentences about Noah. The romance felt a bit tame for me to consider a true dark romance. I expected a little more, especially from Micah. Not a bad start overall, but definitely needed more back story.
April 22, 2025
Healing Together
When Noah and Micah initially reunited after a vicious hit that injured Noah, I wasn't sure what to expect. Micah wasn't either. Noah was seeking out a truth he was fairly certain of, but wasn't sure Micah would ever give him. They have both been through some things in life. It was beautiful watching them reveal themselves and offer acceptance. Too often, people try to change you, and that just doesn't work. Noah and Micah just learned how they fit together as is. I liked it a lot.
When Noah and Micah initially reunited after a vicious hit that injured Noah, I wasn't sure what to expect. Micah wasn't either. Noah was seeking out a truth he was fairly certain of, but wasn't sure Micah would ever give him. They have both been through some things in life. It was beautiful watching them reveal themselves and offer acceptance. Too often, people try to change you, and that just doesn't work. Noah and Micah just learned how they fit together as is. I liked it a lot.
Read
April 28, 2025I was not sure where this was headed when I saw "dark" hockey romance and after reading it, I a glad I went out of my reading zone to read it. Micah and Noah are both broken dealing with issues from the hit that Micha put on Noah, ending his rookie career. Micah is so torn he has withdrawn and hiding out but Noah finds him seeking answers. Two broken men who slowly accept and love one another. A darker book but a good book. Be prepared to see the impact of trauma and the emotional aftermath from that trauma. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
April 29, 2025
3.5⭐️s this is the author’s second book and I liked the first one but this one was completely different it was a take on a darker romance and I do like a good dark story but ithis didn’t really work 100% and while the story was decent and I liked Cass and Adrian well enough there coming together and getting to the I love yous just didn’t pace well for me. It was only the authors second book and it was a decent enough read that other people will probably really like so I’ve rounded it upto 4 ⭐️s.
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