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Punk as Puck #1
Zero Pucks
Sometimes what happens in Vegas shows up at your door two weeks later to tell you that he’s the guy you married while you were blackout drunk.
Tucker:
Waking up alone in a strange hotel room, missing my prosthetic legs, and no memory of what happened the night before is not how I wanted to spend my estranged twin’s bachelor party trip.
Yet there I was, legless and zero idea how I got there. Or who I spent the night with. Which is…not great.
Though I suppose that trauma lies somewhere between losing my legs in a car accident which killed my career in the NHL, and my brother running off with my fiancée.
So, in the grand scheme of things, not the worst weekend I’ve had.
But while I’m no longer a bitter, angry man, I’m also maybe—kind of, sort of—not the most well-adjusted person on the planet. And that shows when an adorable, dimpled, wild-haired man shows up at my door to tell me that the hazy night in Vegas had a very specific ending:
At some point, after several chocolate cake shots and trauma dumping, Amedeo and I found Elvis and got married.
The easy thing to do would be to make sure the marriage isn’t valid. But when have I ever made anything in my life easy? Especially since the incentive is getting to keep this man in my orbit.
We might have had the weirdest beginning of any married couple, but now I’m feeling strangely determined to give us both the happily ever after we deserve.
Zero Pucks is the first book in a rom-com, strangers to lovers, MM romance sled hockey series. It features a ride or die hockey found family, snarky best friends, the Team Dad who refuses to approve of bad decisions, why sled hockey is way more terrifying than standing hockey, awkward first dates, steaming hot first kisses, and a Golden Retriever of an Alternate Captain determined to give them both the happiest of ever afters.
Tucker:
Waking up alone in a strange hotel room, missing my prosthetic legs, and no memory of what happened the night before is not how I wanted to spend my estranged twin’s bachelor party trip.
Yet there I was, legless and zero idea how I got there. Or who I spent the night with. Which is…not great.
Though I suppose that trauma lies somewhere between losing my legs in a car accident which killed my career in the NHL, and my brother running off with my fiancée.
So, in the grand scheme of things, not the worst weekend I’ve had.
But while I’m no longer a bitter, angry man, I’m also maybe—kind of, sort of—not the most well-adjusted person on the planet. And that shows when an adorable, dimpled, wild-haired man shows up at my door to tell me that the hazy night in Vegas had a very specific ending:
At some point, after several chocolate cake shots and trauma dumping, Amedeo and I found Elvis and got married.
The easy thing to do would be to make sure the marriage isn’t valid. But when have I ever made anything in my life easy? Especially since the incentive is getting to keep this man in my orbit.
We might have had the weirdest beginning of any married couple, but now I’m feeling strangely determined to give us both the happily ever after we deserve.
Zero Pucks is the first book in a rom-com, strangers to lovers, MM romance sled hockey series. It features a ride or die hockey found family, snarky best friends, the Team Dad who refuses to approve of bad decisions, why sled hockey is way more terrifying than standing hockey, awkward first dates, steaming hot first kisses, and a Golden Retriever of an Alternate Captain determined to give them both the happiest of ever afters.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2025
964 people are currently reading
1307 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
143 books1,387 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
May 26, 2025
4.5 “every time I see you, you make me happy” stars
It’s the NHL playoffs which means it’s the time of the year where every Canadian genes in me comes out to play and all I want to do is eat, breath and bleed hockey. So I was dying to get my hands on a hockey romance at this very moment and I landed on this one, which turns out, was a very wise choice for me because I had the best of time reading this one.
First of all, I have to thank E.M. Lindsey for their contributions to my reading life. A gift basket probably wouldn’t be enough to express how much I owe them right now. I have been in the worst reading slump of my life for the past year and a half and I read like 7 books during that time, all very far in between. I finished a book last Tuesday and then decided to pick up this book right after (something I have not done in a year and a half as I would read a book and then not read for 3 months over and over) and since I have read this book, I keep picking up E.M. Lindsey books over and over because they’ve been really working for me and I just finished my fifth (soon to be sixth) E.M. Lindsey book in a row since last Tuesday. So thank you so much for somehow kicking my reading slump in the butt, i’ve never been more grateful.
Mini-blurb: Tucker is at his twin’s bachelor’s party in Vegas and having an horrible time because Tucker’s twin is marrying Tucker’s ex-fiance and Amedeo is in Vegas getting drunk after a really bad fight with his abusive boyfriend. They meet, get blackout drunk and accidently get married. They should go their separate ways, but …
If he let me, he’d never know another day where he was lonely, or unappreciated, or unloved.
I have said it hundred of times before, but there is nothing I love more in books than reading about characters that are hurt and need a hug and this book had two of them, so it couldn’t have been a better fit for me. First we have Tucker, my dear Tucker. When Tucker was 19, he drove under the influencer and he an accident that resulted in him losing an eye and a lot of his vision in the other eye, as well as both of his legs, which made him lose out on the hockey career he was set to have. He is always angry and fighting his demons and regrets. And then we have Amedeo, what a guy. I’ve never met anyone more in need of a warm hug and a gentle hand. He just left a super abusive relationship where his ex was always walking all over his self esteem and making him feel like he wasn’t deserving of anything good in this life. All of this to say, they were so perfect for each other. All they both wanted was a soft place to land and someone that would see them for who they truly are and they provided exactly that for each other.
Everything about the romance in this book was just so satisfying to me. It was just everything i’m looking for and so much more. I loved the way they completed each other and how their jagged pieces just fit together so well. I loved their acceptance of the other and their love through every hard moment that life threw at them. I loved how they always made sure that the other felt safe and loved at any moment in time. I just loved them together so much and I could have read another 10 books about the love that they share and I never would have been bored of seeing them together.
I wanted to see where all his scars were so I could make sure no one ever reopened those wounds.
One last thing, as mentioned previously, I have been in the biggest hockey mood lately. And there was so many descriptions of sled hockey and blind hockey in this and I just adored each and every one of them. I loved reading about how it works so much and I thought it was just such a nice addition to the story.
I kindly received an ARC of this book, thank you so much for that!
It’s the NHL playoffs which means it’s the time of the year where every Canadian genes in me comes out to play and all I want to do is eat, breath and bleed hockey. So I was dying to get my hands on a hockey romance at this very moment and I landed on this one, which turns out, was a very wise choice for me because I had the best of time reading this one.
First of all, I have to thank E.M. Lindsey for their contributions to my reading life. A gift basket probably wouldn’t be enough to express how much I owe them right now. I have been in the worst reading slump of my life for the past year and a half and I read like 7 books during that time, all very far in between. I finished a book last Tuesday and then decided to pick up this book right after (something I have not done in a year and a half as I would read a book and then not read for 3 months over and over) and since I have read this book, I keep picking up E.M. Lindsey books over and over because they’ve been really working for me and I just finished my fifth (soon to be sixth) E.M. Lindsey book in a row since last Tuesday. So thank you so much for somehow kicking my reading slump in the butt, i’ve never been more grateful.
Mini-blurb: Tucker is at his twin’s bachelor’s party in Vegas and having an horrible time because Tucker’s twin is marrying Tucker’s ex-fiance and Amedeo is in Vegas getting drunk after a really bad fight with his abusive boyfriend. They meet, get blackout drunk and accidently get married. They should go their separate ways, but …
If he let me, he’d never know another day where he was lonely, or unappreciated, or unloved.
I have said it hundred of times before, but there is nothing I love more in books than reading about characters that are hurt and need a hug and this book had two of them, so it couldn’t have been a better fit for me. First we have Tucker, my dear Tucker. When Tucker was 19, he drove under the influencer and he an accident that resulted in him losing an eye and a lot of his vision in the other eye, as well as both of his legs, which made him lose out on the hockey career he was set to have. He is always angry and fighting his demons and regrets. And then we have Amedeo, what a guy. I’ve never met anyone more in need of a warm hug and a gentle hand. He just left a super abusive relationship where his ex was always walking all over his self esteem and making him feel like he wasn’t deserving of anything good in this life. All of this to say, they were so perfect for each other. All they both wanted was a soft place to land and someone that would see them for who they truly are and they provided exactly that for each other.
Everything about the romance in this book was just so satisfying to me. It was just everything i’m looking for and so much more. I loved the way they completed each other and how their jagged pieces just fit together so well. I loved their acceptance of the other and their love through every hard moment that life threw at them. I loved how they always made sure that the other felt safe and loved at any moment in time. I just loved them together so much and I could have read another 10 books about the love that they share and I never would have been bored of seeing them together.
I wanted to see where all his scars were so I could make sure no one ever reopened those wounds.
One last thing, as mentioned previously, I have been in the biggest hockey mood lately. And there was so many descriptions of sled hockey and blind hockey in this and I just adored each and every one of them. I loved reading about how it works so much and I thought it was just such a nice addition to the story.
I kindly received an ARC of this book, thank you so much for that!
May 13, 2025
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
TROPES:
🏒 Accidentally married
🏒 Disability rep
🏒 Hurt/comfort
🏒 Found family
A cute and unexpected love story for these two hurt men. As always, EM Lindsey has THE BEST disability rep I’ve come across so far, and I love that she doesn’t shy away from the difficulties or the “un-sexy” sides of her character’s lives. It’s real, it’s honest.
Absolutely loved Amedeo and I think these characters really did seem meant to be.
A lot of heavy themes, but well-balanced with fun characters, a wholesome found family, and a lovely dovey couple. Also, the sled hockey was super fun to read about.
All in all, a fast-paced sweet-as-honey romance, with an interesting inside look into people with different disabilities. Very curious to see what else this series will bring.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Intoxicated driving (past, off page)
- Car accident (past, off page)
- Emotional & verbal abuse (not between MCs)
- Ableism
- Non-sexual cheating (not between MCs)
- MC w/ nervous stutter
- Mild violence
- Top/bottom
“Fuck it,” I muttered to myself. “I’m going to go make a mistake.” If only I had a clue how that single declaration was about to change my life forever.
TROPES:
🏒 Accidentally married
🏒 Disability rep
🏒 Hurt/comfort
🏒 Found family
A cute and unexpected love story for these two hurt men. As always, EM Lindsey has THE BEST disability rep I’ve come across so far, and I love that she doesn’t shy away from the difficulties or the “un-sexy” sides of her character’s lives. It’s real, it’s honest.
“You ready, babe?” Babe? Oh, that was me. I was babe.
Absolutely loved Amedeo and I think these characters really did seem meant to be.
A lot of heavy themes, but well-balanced with fun characters, a wholesome found family, and a lovely dovey couple. Also, the sled hockey was super fun to read about.
All in all, a fast-paced sweet-as-honey romance, with an interesting inside look into people with different disabilities. Very curious to see what else this series will bring.
“I want the world to be just you and me for tonight.”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Intoxicated driving (past, off page)
- Car accident (past, off page)
- Emotional & verbal abuse (not between MCs)
- Ableism
- Non-sexual cheating (not between MCs)
- MC w/ nervous stutter
- Mild violence
- Top/bottom
May 16, 2025
ARC Review | 4.5⭐ Release: May 20, 2025 | MCs: Tucker&Amedeo
New trope:Drunk married in Las Vegas to more 🥹
This book was such a ride — After a wild night of trauma-dumping and too many chocolate cake shots in Vegas, sled hockey player Tucker wakes up with no memory, no prosthetic legs, and — surprise — a husband. Amedeo, sweet and chaotic and with a gaslighting abusive ex, shows up two weeks later with the news: they got married. What starts as a drunken mistake turns into something more as two men with messy pasts navigate unexpected connection, healing.
This book made me reflect a lot. I realized how rare it is to see disabled characters being so openly sexual, funny, messy, and completely in charge of their lives. Sometimes I caught myself thinking “isn’t this too much?” — but then I understood that what felt like “too much” was just me not being used to this kind of honest, unfiltered representation. And that’s exactly what makes the book so refreshing and necessary.
What stood out most for me was the found family — Truck, Jonah, Ford, Boddie… they’re everything. Hilarious, brutally honest, always lifting each other up. They joke about their disabilities without shame, and it feels so organic and real. Their friendship made me laugh out loud more than once, especially Jonah. His sense of humor reminded me a bit of Riley from Until I Saw You, which is a big compliment.
Also, let me just say: Amedeo’s ex is the worst. Trash. The kind of manipulative, gaslighting scum that makes my blood boil. Watching Deo reclaim his worth and find acceptance and love was one of the most satisfying parts of the book. And Killian, Truck’s twin? Absolute piece of shit. No notes.
The chemistry between Truck and Deo was perfect — a slow burn that’s tender, but also deliciously dirty in the best way. I love when a romance balances sweetness with heat, and this one totally nailed it. Every time Tucker says “Kiss me first”… I melt, honestly. They’re both so touch-starved that even if things moved a little fast, it never felt rushed. It felt like fate — like they were meant to get drunk married by Elvis in Vegas and live happily ever after.
If I had one complaint, it’s that the ending felt a little rushed. I would’ve loved a longer epilogue, more glimpses into their future, seeing them living out their new dreams and jobs. But still, I closed this book feeling full of joy.At its heart, Zero Pucks Given is about resilience. It’s about finding light in the darkest moments, about refusing to be defined by trauma or limitations. It’s funny, filthy, sweet, and full of heart. It made me think, and it made me happy.
I’m very curious for Boddie’s story 🙂
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
New trope:Drunk married in Las Vegas to more 🥹
This book was such a ride — After a wild night of trauma-dumping and too many chocolate cake shots in Vegas, sled hockey player Tucker wakes up with no memory, no prosthetic legs, and — surprise — a husband. Amedeo, sweet and chaotic and with a gaslighting abusive ex, shows up two weeks later with the news: they got married. What starts as a drunken mistake turns into something more as two men with messy pasts navigate unexpected connection, healing.
This book made me reflect a lot. I realized how rare it is to see disabled characters being so openly sexual, funny, messy, and completely in charge of their lives. Sometimes I caught myself thinking “isn’t this too much?” — but then I understood that what felt like “too much” was just me not being used to this kind of honest, unfiltered representation. And that’s exactly what makes the book so refreshing and necessary.
What stood out most for me was the found family — Truck, Jonah, Ford, Boddie… they’re everything. Hilarious, brutally honest, always lifting each other up. They joke about their disabilities without shame, and it feels so organic and real. Their friendship made me laugh out loud more than once, especially Jonah. His sense of humor reminded me a bit of Riley from Until I Saw You, which is a big compliment.
Also, let me just say: Amedeo’s ex is the worst. Trash. The kind of manipulative, gaslighting scum that makes my blood boil. Watching Deo reclaim his worth and find acceptance and love was one of the most satisfying parts of the book. And Killian, Truck’s twin? Absolute piece of shit. No notes.
The chemistry between Truck and Deo was perfect — a slow burn that’s tender, but also deliciously dirty in the best way. I love when a romance balances sweetness with heat, and this one totally nailed it. Every time Tucker says “Kiss me first”… I melt, honestly. They’re both so touch-starved that even if things moved a little fast, it never felt rushed. It felt like fate — like they were meant to get drunk married by Elvis in Vegas and live happily ever after.
If I had one complaint, it’s that the ending felt a little rushed. I would’ve loved a longer epilogue, more glimpses into their future, seeing them living out their new dreams and jobs. But still, I closed this book feeling full of joy.At its heart, Zero Pucks Given is about resilience. It’s about finding light in the darkest moments, about refusing to be defined by trauma or limitations. It’s funny, filthy, sweet, and full of heart. It made me think, and it made me happy.
I’m very curious for Boddie’s story 🙂
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
May 8, 2025
These two fell in love within a few days and I honestly don't hate it. Like, if there's two people I can believe it for, it's them.
It's always a delight when two hurt people come together and instead of perpetuating the cycle of hurt, they treasure themselves. Really unexpected.
Because these two had enough trauma between them to justify some degree of shitty behavior but that didn't happen.
They both wanted to love and be loved back in equal measure so when the chance came up, they didn't fuck around.
Tucker's 28, and when he was 19 he thought he had it all. An NHL contract and a fiancée. Made a wrong decision and got behind the wheel while drunk, only to pay a very steep price. Lost both his legs and an eye, most vision in the other, THEN his identical twin and fiancée 'found themselves'. Pretty much lost everything that year and it's not been easy clawing his life back.
Amedeo's slightly older but he's caught in a cycle of a never ending relationship with an abusive, cheating boyfriend that he can't seem to shake loose. His self-esteem is shot to shit and he hates himself for his inability to leave when he knows he should.
A random night(and an Elvis) in Vegas brings these two together and a very inconvenient marriage occurs.
Surrounded by very meddling friends, these two realize maybe the mistake wasn't a mistake after all and that they kind of suit, even though the timing is inconvenient and there's a stalker ex on the loose and they live on different coasts. But what's all that when you've found your person? Child's play.
Also, I love the SHIT out of the ridiculously close friendship Tucker has with his guys, where he'll just randomly commit them to a cross-country journey without asking. Very reckless pillow talk. Here for it.
This friend group says disturbing shit that doesn't surprise me, coming out of guys. Like..
“No shit?”
“Not even a skid mark.”
Or
"Clench your balls."
Which I'm now very invested in knowing if it's an actual doable thing or not.
Or
“I practically live in a locker room full of cheese-dick jockstrap dudes. Trust me, it would be the least gross part of my day.”
Anyway. Much as their relationship is very much on a fast-forward track, they make some sensible decisions that tell me they're definitely the type to last.
And I love how their biggest vulnerabilities don't seem to matter to the other. Just a lot of affirmations and 'ok, if it's weird then we deal with it'.
Amedeo can ask if he's too much all he wants and Tucker can reaffirm that he likes how 'much' he is, and is actually eager to be more intense and can Amedeo please tell him if HE is moving too fast for him? Spoiler alert: he IS moving too fast but Amedeo likes it. Very 'You don't need time to heal from your ex, baby, heal while married to me'.
Tucker can be free to express his fears over the likelihood that Amedeo won't be as attracted to him once he sees him fully naked without his prosthetics and Amedeo can reassure him that he likes him in every way he is and would love him to take them off at home and move around on his butt if that's the state that's most comfortable for him. Spoiler alert: it is.
No miscommunication or dragging of storylines. Just 'I know people will judge us because it's too soon or whatever but I want xyz.'
Love when adults exhibit adult communication skills.
I KNOW there's something deeply unusual going on with Jonah and Micah and all I'll say is I want in. Nobody can convince me that it's regular business for blind twins to watch porn together so regularly(for the sounds—yeah, right).
Just put it on Smashwords and I'll find it💀
Also - how soon is the Boden/Hugo book coming because I can't wait.
Is it sick that I'm really glad the epilogue focused on someone getting a much deserved beat down and not the usual horny or sappy stuff?
Thanks to everyone involved for not rising above. That man deserved a hall of fame whooping.
It's always a delight when two hurt people come together and instead of perpetuating the cycle of hurt, they treasure themselves. Really unexpected.
Because these two had enough trauma between them to justify some degree of shitty behavior but that didn't happen.
They both wanted to love and be loved back in equal measure so when the chance came up, they didn't fuck around.
Tucker's 28, and when he was 19 he thought he had it all. An NHL contract and a fiancée. Made a wrong decision and got behind the wheel while drunk, only to pay a very steep price. Lost both his legs and an eye, most vision in the other, THEN his identical twin and fiancée 'found themselves'. Pretty much lost everything that year and it's not been easy clawing his life back.
Amedeo's slightly older but he's caught in a cycle of a never ending relationship with an abusive, cheating boyfriend that he can't seem to shake loose. His self-esteem is shot to shit and he hates himself for his inability to leave when he knows he should.
A random night(and an Elvis) in Vegas brings these two together and a very inconvenient marriage occurs.
Surrounded by very meddling friends, these two realize maybe the mistake wasn't a mistake after all and that they kind of suit, even though the timing is inconvenient and there's a stalker ex on the loose and they live on different coasts. But what's all that when you've found your person? Child's play.
Also, I love the SHIT out of the ridiculously close friendship Tucker has with his guys, where he'll just randomly commit them to a cross-country journey without asking. Very reckless pillow talk. Here for it.
This friend group says disturbing shit that doesn't surprise me, coming out of guys. Like..
“No shit?”
“Not even a skid mark.”
Or
"Clench your balls."
Which I'm now very invested in knowing if it's an actual doable thing or not.
Or
“I practically live in a locker room full of cheese-dick jockstrap dudes. Trust me, it would be the least gross part of my day.”
Anyway. Much as their relationship is very much on a fast-forward track, they make some sensible decisions that tell me they're definitely the type to last.
And I love how their biggest vulnerabilities don't seem to matter to the other. Just a lot of affirmations and 'ok, if it's weird then we deal with it'.
Amedeo can ask if he's too much all he wants and Tucker can reaffirm that he likes how 'much' he is, and is actually eager to be more intense and can Amedeo please tell him if HE is moving too fast for him? Spoiler alert: he IS moving too fast but Amedeo likes it. Very 'You don't need time to heal from your ex, baby, heal while married to me'.
Tucker can be free to express his fears over the likelihood that Amedeo won't be as attracted to him once he sees him fully naked without his prosthetics and Amedeo can reassure him that he likes him in every way he is and would love him to take them off at home and move around on his butt if that's the state that's most comfortable for him. Spoiler alert: it is.
No miscommunication or dragging of storylines. Just 'I know people will judge us because it's too soon or whatever but I want xyz.'
Love when adults exhibit adult communication skills.
I KNOW there's something deeply unusual going on with Jonah and Micah and all I'll say is I want in. Nobody can convince me that it's regular business for blind twins to watch porn together so regularly(for the sounds—yeah, right).
Just put it on Smashwords and I'll find it💀
Also - how soon is the Boden/Hugo book coming because I can't wait.
Is it sick that I'm really glad the epilogue focused on someone getting a much deserved beat down and not the usual horny or sappy stuff?
Thanks to everyone involved for not rising above. That man deserved a hall of fame whooping.
July 1, 2025
Tucker has the absolute best sense of humour! I laughed so many times throughout this book at his snarky comments and quick comebacks. I cannot believe how his twin brother treats him though, I was ready to fight him on Tucker's behalf! How bloody rude!!
I also loved how this book didn't shy away from Tucker's double leg amputation and all of the ups and downs that he's experienced because of it, as well as insecurities. The sled hockey was also really fun and I don't think I've read anything with it as the main sport before.
Amadeo was really cute but his self-esteem was on the floor after what his ex put him through. It was really enjoyable to see him beginning to come out of his shell and finding his place with this bunch of characters.
The side character's were also so interesting and felt like real people, not cardboard cut outs. I'm already obsessed with Ford and Jonah, and I can't wait to read Boden's story because it sounds like absolute drama!
*
*
*
HRCYED2: Disability Representation
I also loved how this book didn't shy away from Tucker's double leg amputation and all of the ups and downs that he's experienced because of it, as well as insecurities. The sled hockey was also really fun and I don't think I've read anything with it as the main sport before.
Amadeo was really cute but his self-esteem was on the floor after what his ex put him through. It was really enjoyable to see him beginning to come out of his shell and finding his place with this bunch of characters.
The side character's were also so interesting and felt like real people, not cardboard cut outs. I'm already obsessed with Ford and Jonah, and I can't wait to read Boden's story because it sounds like absolute drama!
*
*
*
HRCYED2: Disability Representation
May 12, 2025
With E.M. Lindsey, you know you're getting three things: instalust/love, trauma out the wazoo, and amazing disability rep. And so it is here. My personal preference on these three Lindsey standbys diverge (insta, boooooooo; trauma, yay!; disability rep, want all of it), but in this case, the insta wasn't too distracting: by the time Tuck and Deo met properly post-Vegas, we'd already been in their heads for a while and it was easy to see what attracted them to each other, both drunkenly and in the sober light of day.
One thing worth praising about Lindsey is that the trauma and the disability are never synonymous. Tuck's trauma is firmly located in the way he's been treated by his shitty family and ex; to the degree that his disabilities (two above-knee amputations and blindness owing to the loss of one eye and a serious injury that affected the sight of the second eye) are connected to trauma, it's primarily in how the accident that caused them ended his expected future as an NHL player, putting him on an entirely different, significantly less prestigious and lucrative path. Tuck obviously changed as a person, both physically and emotionally, in the aftermath of the crash; but the physical changes and challenges are, in a way, more navigable and less haunting than the emotional scars left by his own actions and his family's response. Deo, meanwhile, has an anxiety disorder and an intermittent stutter; but his trauma owes to the emotionally abusive relationship he is trying to escape, his neglectful parents, and the way both cratered his self-esteem.
For all the drama of the setup, this was actually pretty low-angst, with Tuck and Deo communicating well once they both (quickly!) realized how into each other they were. I mean, "low angst": Lindsey hews to the Bauer-ian school of FEELING ALL THE FEELINGS (we miss you, King), so "understated" is not the vibe here. The main menace comes from Bryce, the abusive ex, who was convincingly creepy (by which I mean: ew); for all that Tuck's horrible brother (and ex) featured heavily in the setup, they were pretty much shoved offscreen for large chunks of the narrative, which was, frankly, a relief. And yay for how that storyline resolved, btw, although I could have done without the eau-d'misogyny clinging to the gold-digging ex. The brother is an asshole, for sure, but the "scheming bitch with dollar-sign eyes" trope felt a bit too cheap, easy, and spiteful.
In all, though, a solid, quick read that sent me down a youtube rabbithole for sled hockey, which, holy shit, the levels of bonkers violence is unparalleled, 15/10 would recommend (spectating), 0/10 would not recommend (doing).
I got an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
One thing worth praising about Lindsey is that the trauma and the disability are never synonymous. Tuck's trauma is firmly located in the way he's been treated by his shitty family and ex; to the degree that his disabilities (two above-knee amputations and blindness owing to the loss of one eye and a serious injury that affected the sight of the second eye) are connected to trauma, it's primarily in how the accident that caused them ended his expected future as an NHL player, putting him on an entirely different, significantly less prestigious and lucrative path. Tuck obviously changed as a person, both physically and emotionally, in the aftermath of the crash; but the physical changes and challenges are, in a way, more navigable and less haunting than the emotional scars left by his own actions and his family's response. Deo, meanwhile, has an anxiety disorder and an intermittent stutter; but his trauma owes to the emotionally abusive relationship he is trying to escape, his neglectful parents, and the way both cratered his self-esteem.
For all the drama of the setup, this was actually pretty low-angst, with Tuck and Deo communicating well once they both (quickly!) realized how into each other they were. I mean, "low angst": Lindsey hews to the Bauer-ian school of FEELING ALL THE FEELINGS (we miss you, King), so "understated" is not the vibe here. The main menace comes from Bryce, the abusive ex, who was convincingly creepy (by which I mean: ew); for all that Tuck's horrible brother (and ex) featured heavily in the setup, they were pretty much shoved offscreen for large chunks of the narrative, which was, frankly, a relief. And yay for how that storyline resolved, btw, although I could have done without the eau-d'misogyny clinging to the gold-digging ex. The brother is an asshole, for sure, but the "scheming bitch with dollar-sign eyes" trope felt a bit too cheap, easy, and spiteful.
In all, though, a solid, quick read that sent me down a youtube rabbithole for sled hockey, which, holy shit, the levels of bonkers violence is unparalleled, 15/10 would recommend (spectating), 0/10 would not recommend (doing).
I got an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2025
Zero Pucks is book one in the Punk As Puck series. This MM strangers to lovers para-hockey romance story is about Tucker and Amedeo.
Tucker is a sled hockey player and coaches peewee hockey. Amedeo is an IT nerd working for an accounting firm. Tucker and Amedeo met at a bar in Vegas, got blackout drunk, and ended up married. A couple weeks later, they meet to see if they can remember what happened that night and try to straighten it all out.
Tucker and Amedeo were both flawed and had their struggles. Tucker didn’t have a good relationship with his twin brother. He made a bad decision that changed his life. We see the challenges Tucker faces from the accident that took both of his legs and a decent percentage of his usable vision. As for Amedeo, he was dealing with anxiety and a very toxic ex-boyfriend.
I have to say it took me some time to get into their story, and I wasn’t the biggest fan of Tucker. And although I enjoyed their found family, for me it seemed as though too much time was spent on Tucker’s friends. I needed more from Tucker and Amedeo, especially since I had a hard time feeling their connection. In the end, I was happy Tucker and Amedeo found love and acceptance.
Tucker is a sled hockey player and coaches peewee hockey. Amedeo is an IT nerd working for an accounting firm. Tucker and Amedeo met at a bar in Vegas, got blackout drunk, and ended up married. A couple weeks later, they meet to see if they can remember what happened that night and try to straighten it all out.
Tucker and Amedeo were both flawed and had their struggles. Tucker didn’t have a good relationship with his twin brother. He made a bad decision that changed his life. We see the challenges Tucker faces from the accident that took both of his legs and a decent percentage of his usable vision. As for Amedeo, he was dealing with anxiety and a very toxic ex-boyfriend.
I have to say it took me some time to get into their story, and I wasn’t the biggest fan of Tucker. And although I enjoyed their found family, for me it seemed as though too much time was spent on Tucker’s friends. I needed more from Tucker and Amedeo, especially since I had a hard time feeling their connection. In the end, I was happy Tucker and Amedeo found love and acceptance.
May 10, 2025
Despite both Tucker and Deo having a lot of trauma and baggage, their romance and story was actually very sweet and had little to no angst. It was just all around sweet and swoony, even if a bit too fast paced, but I loved them together so much!
Per usual, I loved the disability rep in EM’s books, it’s just always so well done, and I learned about sled hockey which seems cool as shit.
What to expect:
- drunken Vegas shenanigans
- disabled MC
- strangers to lovers
- jock + nerd
- instant connection
- para-hockey/sled hockey
- found family
- ex-boyfriend drama
Per usual, I loved the disability rep in EM’s books, it’s just always so well done, and I learned about sled hockey which seems cool as shit.
What to expect:
- drunken Vegas shenanigans
- disabled MC
- strangers to lovers
- jock + nerd
- instant connection
- para-hockey/sled hockey
- found family
- ex-boyfriend drama
October 30, 2025
this disabled rep was so beautiful 💓💓 the sweetest boys ever. nothing i love more than a found family
July 31, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
This was a super quick and easy read, even at 320 pages. I enjoyed most of it. I loved how low angst it was, and that we didn't have this whole push and pull situation full of reluctance you'd usually get in a 'woke up married' story. Amedeo was a precious character and I liked him a lot. Tucker was sweet a lot of the time and also an insensitive dick a couple times (I mean, talking about how you banged the other MC's douchebag neighbor because he was an 'easy lay' right before having sex for the first time is so fucking weird and icky). Thankfully mostly not a dick, but he had his moments.
My favorite part, as it is with every EM Lindsey book, was the disability rep. They can always be trusted to write amazing rep with well-rounded characters. They're never reduced to their disability, but they're also not treated as a Token Inspirational Person who is somehow 'better' at being disabled than everyone else.
I was a bit surprised by how the book ended (excluding the epilogue), because it didn't feel like a natural stopping point for the book in a way. I was shocked I had reached the end because I assumed there would be more to sort of 'land' the story. It's also quite annoying to have plot related to main characters in book 1 of an interconnected series resolved in a different book in the series. This is why I need people to write more true standalones, lol.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Woke up married
Disability rep
Amputee
Sled hockey
Strangers to lovers
Found family
Hockey coach
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Nervous first time
Master blowjobber
Sex toys
Boning his thighs
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Past driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol leading to severe injuries in a car accident (MC)
Mentions of past hospitalization and coma (MC)
Alcohol consumption
Mentions of being blackout drunk
Manipulative and abusive ex (verbal, emotional, gaslighting, cheating)
MC cheating on abusive boyfriend with other MC (kiss and marriage)
Mentions of taking Xanax (off page)
Anxiety attacks
Explicit sexual content
Violence between side characters
Ableism
MC cheated on by ex
Stalkery harassment by MC's ex
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: Amedeo cheats on his (abusive) boyfriend when he meets, kisses and drunk-marries Tucker, the other MC. He feels bad for doing so, even tho he doesn't want to be with the boyfriend anymore. They break up before anything more happens between the MCs.
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Vers (no switching)
Main characters’ age: 28 and 29
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 320
Happy ending: Yes
He kissed me like it was his job to make my toes curl and stomach squirm.
It was a stark reminder that I still needed so much more time to get to know him. I wanted all those details. I wanted to know his tender spots so I could soothe them. I wanted to see where all his scars were so I could make sure no one ever reopened those wounds.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
This was a super quick and easy read, even at 320 pages. I enjoyed most of it. I loved how low angst it was, and that we didn't have this whole push and pull situation full of reluctance you'd usually get in a 'woke up married' story. Amedeo was a precious character and I liked him a lot. Tucker was sweet a lot of the time and also an insensitive dick a couple times (I mean, talking about how you banged the other MC's douchebag neighbor because he was an 'easy lay' right before having sex for the first time is so fucking weird and icky). Thankfully mostly not a dick, but he had his moments.
My favorite part, as it is with every EM Lindsey book, was the disability rep. They can always be trusted to write amazing rep with well-rounded characters. They're never reduced to their disability, but they're also not treated as a Token Inspirational Person who is somehow 'better' at being disabled than everyone else.
I was a bit surprised by how the book ended (excluding the epilogue), because it didn't feel like a natural stopping point for the book in a way. I was shocked I had reached the end because I assumed there would be more to sort of 'land' the story. It's also quite annoying to have plot related to main characters in book 1 of an interconnected series resolved in a different book in the series. This is why I need people to write more true standalones, lol.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Woke up married
Disability rep
Amputee
Sled hockey
Strangers to lovers
Found family
Hockey coach
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Nervous first time
Master blowjobber
Sex toys
Boning his thighs
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Past driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol leading to severe injuries in a car accident (MC)
Mentions of past hospitalization and coma (MC)
Alcohol consumption
Mentions of being blackout drunk
Manipulative and abusive ex (verbal, emotional, gaslighting, cheating)
MC cheating on abusive boyfriend with other MC (kiss and marriage)
Mentions of taking Xanax (off page)
Anxiety attacks
Explicit sexual content
Violence between side characters
Ableism
MC cheated on by ex
Stalkery harassment by MC's ex
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: Amedeo cheats on his (abusive) boyfriend when he meets, kisses and drunk-marries Tucker, the other MC. He feels bad for doing so, even tho he doesn't want to be with the boyfriend anymore. They break up before anything more happens between the MCs.
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Vers (no switching)
Main characters’ age: 28 and 29
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 320
Happy ending: Yes
He kissed me like it was his job to make my toes curl and stomach squirm.
It was a stark reminder that I still needed so much more time to get to know him. I wanted all those details. I wanted to know his tender spots so I could soothe them. I wanted to see where all his scars were so I could make sure no one ever reopened those wounds.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
June 30, 2025
2.5★
Zero Pucks wasn’t a bad read by any means. The premise had potential (accidental marriage, hockey, emotional depth) but I never quite connected with the characters or the pacing (everything just moved way too fast for my taste).
Tucker and Amedeo’s story will definitely work for some readers. It just didn’t work for me.
What to expect:
• MM romance
• disability rep
• accidental Vegas marriage
• healing through love
Zero Pucks wasn’t a bad read by any means. The premise had potential (accidental marriage, hockey, emotional depth) but I never quite connected with the characters or the pacing (everything just moved way too fast for my taste).
Tucker and Amedeo’s story will definitely work for some readers. It just didn’t work for me.
What to expect:
• MM romance
• disability rep
• accidental Vegas marriage
• healing through love
May 17, 2025
After reading this book I looked up sled hockey and can I just say it’s the best thing ever? It looks like so much fun, but also (please don’t hate me for saying that, I realise I’m going to be really offensive now but here goes…) it’s HILARIOUS. People keep flying into each other and throwing each other upside down, and I just have the worst and most childish sense of humour where I laugh myself into stitches about it.
That said, this book was a hoot as well. And it’s unexpectedly sweet. And I love that in a book! Especially when it begins with one of my least favourite tropes: drunk marriage in Vegas.
Another side step: As an non American I really don’t understand the rules of marriage in this country (and I admit I have all of my knowledge from books and movies, so that might explain it…) This is literally the first book that I read that acknowledges where a drunk marriage is not real. Most of the time it always seems not to be real, but then it suddenly is, and that’s the basis of the drama of the book. Here they understand it’s ridiculous that you can’t officially get married while drunk, and that you should be able not to file the papers. Anyway: horrible trope, but done right in this book.
The twin: also a first where they actually don’t share a brain and a special connection. Even though they were identical twins. That trope I actually do love, so I didn’t understand why they just didn’t make him an older or younger brother. And I applauded Tucker for not going through with being at the bachelor party or attending the wedding. I didn’t understand the whole missing parents thing here though. It felt unrealistic how little involved they were about his decision. And talking of family: where were Amadeo’s parents? I can’t remember if something happened to them or that they just weren’t involved in his life but that was a bit weird in my opinion.
To sum it up: great book, very entertaining, incredibly sweet mc’s especially to each other. Wonderful representation of disabled mc’s, and friends, like in all books by this author. Great gang of friends that well probably meet in new books in the series, so great start of a series. A little too many weird jumps to make it a five star read for me. Great four star read though.
Will reread and definitely recommend!
Thanks to GRR and the author for giving me this great opportunity to read the arc to review!
That said, this book was a hoot as well. And it’s unexpectedly sweet. And I love that in a book! Especially when it begins with one of my least favourite tropes: drunk marriage in Vegas.
Another side step: As an non American I really don’t understand the rules of marriage in this country (and I admit I have all of my knowledge from books and movies, so that might explain it…) This is literally the first book that I read that acknowledges where a drunk marriage is not real. Most of the time it always seems not to be real, but then it suddenly is, and that’s the basis of the drama of the book. Here they understand it’s ridiculous that you can’t officially get married while drunk, and that you should be able not to file the papers. Anyway: horrible trope, but done right in this book.
The twin: also a first where they actually don’t share a brain and a special connection. Even though they were identical twins. That trope I actually do love, so I didn’t understand why they just didn’t make him an older or younger brother. And I applauded Tucker for not going through with being at the bachelor party or attending the wedding. I didn’t understand the whole missing parents thing here though. It felt unrealistic how little involved they were about his decision. And talking of family: where were Amadeo’s parents? I can’t remember if something happened to them or that they just weren’t involved in his life but that was a bit weird in my opinion.
To sum it up: great book, very entertaining, incredibly sweet mc’s especially to each other. Wonderful representation of disabled mc’s, and friends, like in all books by this author. Great gang of friends that well probably meet in new books in the series, so great start of a series. A little too many weird jumps to make it a five star read for me. Great four star read though.
Will reread and definitely recommend!
Thanks to GRR and the author for giving me this great opportunity to read the arc to review!
May 21, 2025
4.50 stars
That prologue is brutal. A really messed up set up to the story.😲
And then the book gets so much better and brighter. This was written with so much care. The book is so much fun. The band of misfit brotherhood a gorgeous found family. Deo and Tucker's story is a beautiful hurt/comfort/healing, loving book. I loved the sports aspect as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I'm really looking forward to the next book, the set up is a beauty🔥
That prologue is brutal. A really messed up set up to the story.😲
And then the book gets so much better and brighter. This was written with so much care. The book is so much fun. The band of misfit brotherhood a gorgeous found family. Deo and Tucker's story is a beautiful hurt/comfort/healing, loving book. I loved the sports aspect as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I'm really looking forward to the next book, the set up is a beauty🔥
May 24, 2025
4.5 stars
E.M. Lindsey is back with a new series that definitely started beautifully.
Despite containing heavy themes like traumatic past, disability struggles and abusive partner, this story is very low angst and it has a lot of swoony vibes.
Tucker Banks' life is a mess: he lost his legs at 19 years because of an accident that also left him almost totally blind; hockey is still part of his life, he loves his best friends like brothers but he's honestly a kind of an asshole with everyone.
And yet he's so fucking smitten with Deo! From the moment they meet again, he's been very enthralled by the man, he just softens at his sight and through the whole book he's basically growling at everyone who dares touch him or flirt with him. Their interaction is adorable, they smile at each other like high school sweethearts, they hold hands and never stop touching.
Amedeo De Luca is insecure, hurt and scared, but for the first time in his life he feel so safe and cherished that he cannot bear to even think to leave Tucker's arms. His low self esteem is not easy to overcome, but Tucker never fails to remember him that he's a wonderful man.
They don't know each other at all, they live at the opposite sides of the Country, they have different lives and yet, they take a chance on one another and just let themselves being stupidly in love.
This story was romantic, sweet and hot and I adored it.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
Amedeo's ex boyfriend's situation was resolved oh so so satisfactorily! I really wanted something equally satisfying with Tucker's brother and ex girlfriend too.
After the epilogue there is a few pages excerpt from the following book, Boden's story, and I'm already very much invested.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
E.M. Lindsey is back with a new series that definitely started beautifully.
Despite containing heavy themes like traumatic past, disability struggles and abusive partner, this story is very low angst and it has a lot of swoony vibes.
Tucker Banks' life is a mess: he lost his legs at 19 years because of an accident that also left him almost totally blind; hockey is still part of his life, he loves his best friends like brothers but he's honestly a kind of an asshole with everyone.
And yet he's so fucking smitten with Deo! From the moment they meet again, he's been very enthralled by the man, he just softens at his sight and through the whole book he's basically growling at everyone who dares touch him or flirt with him. Their interaction is adorable, they smile at each other like high school sweethearts, they hold hands and never stop touching.
Amedeo De Luca is insecure, hurt and scared, but for the first time in his life he feel so safe and cherished that he cannot bear to even think to leave Tucker's arms. His low self esteem is not easy to overcome, but Tucker never fails to remember him that he's a wonderful man.
They don't know each other at all, they live at the opposite sides of the Country, they have different lives and yet, they take a chance on one another and just let themselves being stupidly in love.
This story was romantic, sweet and hot and I adored it.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
Amedeo's ex boyfriend's situation was resolved oh so so satisfactorily! I really wanted something equally satisfying with Tucker's brother and ex girlfriend too.
After the epilogue there is a few pages excerpt from the following book, Boden's story, and I'm already very much invested.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
June 22, 2025
This was so beautiful and beyond brilliant. The set up to the story, PPHL, the way every aspect of the story was told and handled. You could tell this was written with care and intention. I loved this so much.
I love how everyone differently able in this weren’t written as invalids. Tucker and Deo’s story was so beautiful and adorable. They were meant for each other. Deo’s ex should’ve taken more beating but I’m happy with what he got.
I’m going to devour all the other books in this series and I can’t wait to read Boden’s story.😍😍
I love how everyone differently able in this weren’t written as invalids. Tucker and Deo’s story was so beautiful and adorable. They were meant for each other. Deo’s ex should’ve taken more beating but I’m happy with what he got.
I’m going to devour all the other books in this series and I can’t wait to read Boden’s story.😍😍
September 2, 2025
Didn't really feel the connection between these two as strongly as with other series this author writes. Still, good disability rep and interesting story line with the para sport
June 19, 2025
A- / 4.5 stars rounded up.
I’ve been reading and listening to a lot of hockey romance lately – not because it’s something I gravitate to; rather it’s because a lot of my favourite authors and narrators are producing a lot of it! - but E.M. Lindsey’s new Punk as Puck series is hockey romance with a difference in that the protagonists are all differently abled, and the hockey – in this book at least – is sled hockey, designed for players with a lower body impairment. Zero Pucks, the first book, is a great series opener and introduces readers to the members of the ride-or-die hockey found family and snarky best friends whose love stories will no doubt follow. This one is an “oops! I got drunk-married” story featuring a tender, heartfelt romance between a most unlikely couple, lots of adult communication, humour I can only call bawdy, and a hurt/comfort vibe.
At nineteen, Tucker Banks had it all. He was on the brink of a career in the NHL and was engaged to his high-school sweetheart - but one stupid mistake changed everything. He got drunk and high, then got behind the wheel of a car and had a horrific accident that cost him both his legs, one eye, and most of the vision in the other. He spent months in hospital in a medically induced coma after getting an infection, then months in rehab learning how to use prosthetics to walk, during which time, his fiancée and twin brother, Killian, both regular visitors, became close and fell in love. Tucker lost everything that year and clawing back his life has been tough going. Now twenty-five, he has good spells and bad spells but… he’s doing okay. He ekes out a living coaching peewee blind hockey and giving private lessons, and he has a fantastic group of friends who are more like brothers than his actual brother, who all play for the community sled or blind hockey teams. Tucker is loud and brash with no verbal filter and is, honestly, kind of an arsehole, but he’s loveable one with a softer side not many people get to see.
Tucker is surprised when Killian invites him to go to his bachelor party in Vegas. Not only is Killian marrying Tucker’s ex-fiancée, the two of them have been estranged for years, and his first inclination is to refuse the invitation. But he misses his twin and decides to try to build some bridges. Yet as soon as he arrives, it’s pretty clear Killian didn’t really expect him to come and doesn’t want him there; when he and his buddies head off to a strip joint, Tucker calls it a night and heads back to the bar at his hotel, gets smashed and wakes up the next morning in a strange room, alone and hungover with no pants - and no legs. Had he picked up a hooker who robbed him and stole his – very expensive – prosthetics to sell on the black market? His wallet is still in his jacket, but his legs are definitely missing. He calls the front desk to arrange a (very undignified) ride back to his room on a luggage cart – where he finds his legs propped up against the door with a post-it attached; “Thought you might need these. Had to make my flight so I couldn’t bring them up. Sorry.”
He returns home to a lot of good-natured ribbing from his best buds, still none the wiser as to the events of that night. He vaguely remembers talking to a few people at the hotel bar, and thinks maybe the guy he was with had black hair… an adorable smile… and maybe a baby face? But that’s it. That night is clearly destined to be one of life’s great mysteries. Until it isn’t. His friend, Ford, who has called in at Tucker’s apartment to borrow something, phones to tell him a guy has just shown up at the door asking to speak to his husband. Tucker obviously did more than get blind drunk and pass out that night in Vegas.
Tucker’s new not-quite husband (they have a license, but would need to file it to make the marriage legal) is self-confessed IT nerd Amadeo de Luca, who was in Vegas on a work trip. Like Tucker, he has few memories of that night – but he does have the marriage license, and decides he should go to see Tucker so they can straighten everything out. He also has another reason for making the trip; Amadeo has finally broken up with the abusive partner who wrecked his self-esteem and made him feel unworthy of love or happiness (he’s already beating himself up for not having done so before), and getting away to a small town in the middle of nowhere where no-one knows him will give him the breathing space he needs – and maybe give him the chance to find himself again.
The romance between Tucker and Amadeo does progress quite quickly, but somehow, it doesn’t feel that way; we’ve been in their heads for a few chapters before they meet, and once they do, their mutual attraction and chemistry are so well written that it’s easy to believe they could fall for each other in such a short space of time. They’re very different people, but they just click; they communicate beautifully and I loved how they take such care to make the other feel safe and accepted. They want to have someone love and appreciate them for who they truly are, and they give each other exactly that.
Despite the heavy themes in the book, it’s upbeat and satisfying and full of hope and joy. E.M. Lindsey writes some of the best disability rep I’ve read, their books often including characters with physical disabilities or mental health issues which they always write about knowledgeably and respectfully. They don’t shy away from the difficulties or ‘unsexy’ aspects of the characters’ lives (Tucker is very pragmatic about his prosthetics but can’t help wondering how Amadeo will react to seeing him without them, for example) and I appreciated that Tucker’s emotional baggage stems more from his family’s crappy treatment of him and the self-destructive behaviour he indulged in in the early stages of his recovery than from the physical changes caused by the accident which, by comparison, seem to have been easier (if that’s the right word) to deal with.
One of the best things about the book is the crazy but incredibly close friendship between Tucker and his friends; there’s absolutely no question they’d do anything for each other, and I loved how they so quickly accept Amadeo as one of their own. These guys face life head-on and I absolutely adored seeing them being so brutally honest, making crude sex jokes and giving each other shit about their disabilities and limitations without a second thought while being clearly and determinedly in charge of their lives. It’s so real and honest – and I was struck by how rare it is to see something like this in fiction.
Zero Pucks is a funny, sweet and sexy romance that balances some difficult themes with light-hearted banter, a terrific found-family and a central couple who are perfect for each other despite their differences. I came away from it with a smile and a happy sigh and am really looking forward to the next in the series.
I’ve been reading and listening to a lot of hockey romance lately – not because it’s something I gravitate to; rather it’s because a lot of my favourite authors and narrators are producing a lot of it! - but E.M. Lindsey’s new Punk as Puck series is hockey romance with a difference in that the protagonists are all differently abled, and the hockey – in this book at least – is sled hockey, designed for players with a lower body impairment. Zero Pucks, the first book, is a great series opener and introduces readers to the members of the ride-or-die hockey found family and snarky best friends whose love stories will no doubt follow. This one is an “oops! I got drunk-married” story featuring a tender, heartfelt romance between a most unlikely couple, lots of adult communication, humour I can only call bawdy, and a hurt/comfort vibe.
At nineteen, Tucker Banks had it all. He was on the brink of a career in the NHL and was engaged to his high-school sweetheart - but one stupid mistake changed everything. He got drunk and high, then got behind the wheel of a car and had a horrific accident that cost him both his legs, one eye, and most of the vision in the other. He spent months in hospital in a medically induced coma after getting an infection, then months in rehab learning how to use prosthetics to walk, during which time, his fiancée and twin brother, Killian, both regular visitors, became close and fell in love. Tucker lost everything that year and clawing back his life has been tough going. Now twenty-five, he has good spells and bad spells but… he’s doing okay. He ekes out a living coaching peewee blind hockey and giving private lessons, and he has a fantastic group of friends who are more like brothers than his actual brother, who all play for the community sled or blind hockey teams. Tucker is loud and brash with no verbal filter and is, honestly, kind of an arsehole, but he’s loveable one with a softer side not many people get to see.
Tucker is surprised when Killian invites him to go to his bachelor party in Vegas. Not only is Killian marrying Tucker’s ex-fiancée, the two of them have been estranged for years, and his first inclination is to refuse the invitation. But he misses his twin and decides to try to build some bridges. Yet as soon as he arrives, it’s pretty clear Killian didn’t really expect him to come and doesn’t want him there; when he and his buddies head off to a strip joint, Tucker calls it a night and heads back to the bar at his hotel, gets smashed and wakes up the next morning in a strange room, alone and hungover with no pants - and no legs. Had he picked up a hooker who robbed him and stole his – very expensive – prosthetics to sell on the black market? His wallet is still in his jacket, but his legs are definitely missing. He calls the front desk to arrange a (very undignified) ride back to his room on a luggage cart – where he finds his legs propped up against the door with a post-it attached; “Thought you might need these. Had to make my flight so I couldn’t bring them up. Sorry.”
He returns home to a lot of good-natured ribbing from his best buds, still none the wiser as to the events of that night. He vaguely remembers talking to a few people at the hotel bar, and thinks maybe the guy he was with had black hair… an adorable smile… and maybe a baby face? But that’s it. That night is clearly destined to be one of life’s great mysteries. Until it isn’t. His friend, Ford, who has called in at Tucker’s apartment to borrow something, phones to tell him a guy has just shown up at the door asking to speak to his husband. Tucker obviously did more than get blind drunk and pass out that night in Vegas.
Tucker’s new not-quite husband (they have a license, but would need to file it to make the marriage legal) is self-confessed IT nerd Amadeo de Luca, who was in Vegas on a work trip. Like Tucker, he has few memories of that night – but he does have the marriage license, and decides he should go to see Tucker so they can straighten everything out. He also has another reason for making the trip; Amadeo has finally broken up with the abusive partner who wrecked his self-esteem and made him feel unworthy of love or happiness (he’s already beating himself up for not having done so before), and getting away to a small town in the middle of nowhere where no-one knows him will give him the breathing space he needs – and maybe give him the chance to find himself again.
The romance between Tucker and Amadeo does progress quite quickly, but somehow, it doesn’t feel that way; we’ve been in their heads for a few chapters before they meet, and once they do, their mutual attraction and chemistry are so well written that it’s easy to believe they could fall for each other in such a short space of time. They’re very different people, but they just click; they communicate beautifully and I loved how they take such care to make the other feel safe and accepted. They want to have someone love and appreciate them for who they truly are, and they give each other exactly that.
Despite the heavy themes in the book, it’s upbeat and satisfying and full of hope and joy. E.M. Lindsey writes some of the best disability rep I’ve read, their books often including characters with physical disabilities or mental health issues which they always write about knowledgeably and respectfully. They don’t shy away from the difficulties or ‘unsexy’ aspects of the characters’ lives (Tucker is very pragmatic about his prosthetics but can’t help wondering how Amadeo will react to seeing him without them, for example) and I appreciated that Tucker’s emotional baggage stems more from his family’s crappy treatment of him and the self-destructive behaviour he indulged in in the early stages of his recovery than from the physical changes caused by the accident which, by comparison, seem to have been easier (if that’s the right word) to deal with.
One of the best things about the book is the crazy but incredibly close friendship between Tucker and his friends; there’s absolutely no question they’d do anything for each other, and I loved how they so quickly accept Amadeo as one of their own. These guys face life head-on and I absolutely adored seeing them being so brutally honest, making crude sex jokes and giving each other shit about their disabilities and limitations without a second thought while being clearly and determinedly in charge of their lives. It’s so real and honest – and I was struck by how rare it is to see something like this in fiction.
Zero Pucks is a funny, sweet and sexy romance that balances some difficult themes with light-hearted banter, a terrific found-family and a central couple who are perfect for each other despite their differences. I came away from it with a smile and a happy sigh and am really looking forward to the next in the series.
May 15, 2025
EM Lindsey writes addictive stories. Filled to the brim with love and found family, with struggle and victory, with swoon and sizzle, my expectations are always high when o start a book by them. Zero Pucks does not disappoint. I absolutely adore Deo and Tucker.
The book starts with the best meet cute mystery where one of them isn’t even there! Waking up solving one mystery after another just to get back his room Tucker has no idea what to think when Deo shows up on his door step and turns his world upside down.
They are both struggling in their own way, life hasn’t been fair. Tucker is still dealing with a family that doesn’t get him, the aftermath of a bad decision with unbelievably difficult repercussions and living pay check to pay check. Deo has an abusive ex to deal with and is beaten down. When these two find each other somehow they find what they need slowly but surely it’s just easy and right, no angst. Being married by mistake is just a blip.
That ending was honestly perfection, so very satisfying. I am thrilled Bryce got what was coming to him and Deo got a family. I honestly loved his sister.
The found family in this story is sublime, the cast of characters endearing, I can’t wait to read Boden’s story.
Also expect a slow burn but then dialled up to a high heat.. really high heat 🔥🔥
Excited for this start of the series, I know EM Lindsey is going to give us stories that’ll stick with us for ages.
4.5 ⭐️
The book starts with the best meet cute mystery where one of them isn’t even there! Waking up solving one mystery after another just to get back his room Tucker has no idea what to think when Deo shows up on his door step and turns his world upside down.
They are both struggling in their own way, life hasn’t been fair. Tucker is still dealing with a family that doesn’t get him, the aftermath of a bad decision with unbelievably difficult repercussions and living pay check to pay check. Deo has an abusive ex to deal with and is beaten down. When these two find each other somehow they find what they need slowly but surely it’s just easy and right, no angst. Being married by mistake is just a blip.
That ending was honestly perfection, so very satisfying. I am thrilled Bryce got what was coming to him and Deo got a family. I honestly loved his sister.
The found family in this story is sublime, the cast of characters endearing, I can’t wait to read Boden’s story.
Also expect a slow burn but then dialled up to a high heat.. really high heat 🔥🔥
Excited for this start of the series, I know EM Lindsey is going to give us stories that’ll stick with us for ages.
4.5 ⭐️
July 23, 2025
This book and I imagine subsequent series has a lot of pros and a lot of cons.
Huge pros:
- The disability rep is consistent and in your face. It gives me similar feelings as Dylan Drake's Sweet and Stocky series where every sex scene, every courtship scene, basically every interaction never let you forget this was a man with no legs below the knees and one eye, and he FUCKS, and that's important
- I like characters who don't shy away from being a dumbass or having major issues in their backstory that they're trying to rebuild from, and I liked the approach to Tucker as a character in that regard, he didn't shy away from his past or pull some born again nonsense like he's no longer the man who made those choices. He owns who he was and why he was and who he is now and holds it all in balance pretty well. I like Tucker a lot
- Sled hockey sounds absolutely fascinating, as does blind hockey
- Boden, Ford, and Jonah all sound like interesting, well-conceptualized characters and I'm excited to see more about them in their future books
Huge cons:
- Amedeo. Basically everything about him as a character, from the name to the trauma to the name (I really hate the name). Escaping years of domestic violence and psychological abuse is not something he's going to be able to process to the extent that he did in the what, two weeks he was there? Less? Absolutely nothing about his pacing and thoughts felt like he was in a place to be ready for all of the changes he was taking on or the internal changes he was supposedly making. I'm all for liberation from dangerous circumstances, but it has to feel earned
- Speaking of it has to feel earned, Tucker and Deo's entire relationship that at no point felt stronger than two people saying oh hey, this doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would, clearly this is true love and forever and the single strongest thing in my life, even though the entire span of our relationship has been less than a fortnight. Not to mention the whole thing took place while Deo was essentially on vacation with no responsibilities or tasks of his own. I would have loved to see some development of Deo's life in Tucker's town because even on the final pages before the epilogue, it was giving holiday fling that got out of hand
- Honestly it feels like cheating to invoke the Vegas accidental wedding trope, and then make it so the wedding was never completed and they don't have to deal with the fallout of it, and every side character already knows it was fake so they never have to maintain a lie, like what was the point? Just to give us the prologue with the shitty twin? Just make it a meet-cute and move on
- This last con has very little to do with this book, I'm just already incredibly worried for book 3 with the pairing of Ford and the aforementioned shitty twin because I'm not positive they're a strong enough writer to walk back the situation they've set up. Like if I were in Tucker's prosthetics, and I spent my life watching this human get my face, my body, my parents' unconditional love, my fiancee, and a comfortable life, just for him to cut me out of his life and essentially bully me for accepting an invitation and abandon me in a weird city, and I swallowed all of that and just accepted moving on without a family, AND THEN this human emerges again to steal my best friend??? I'm afraid I would be contractually obligated to sh*ot him to de*th with a g*n. And to be honest, given the amount of legwork or lack thereof (pun intended) that the author put in to have Deo heal from his PRESENT trauma, not even past trauma, before deciding he was well enough to end the story, I don't have high hopes for a satisfying resolution
Huge pros:
- The disability rep is consistent and in your face. It gives me similar feelings as Dylan Drake's Sweet and Stocky series where every sex scene, every courtship scene, basically every interaction never let you forget this was a man with no legs below the knees and one eye, and he FUCKS, and that's important
- I like characters who don't shy away from being a dumbass or having major issues in their backstory that they're trying to rebuild from, and I liked the approach to Tucker as a character in that regard, he didn't shy away from his past or pull some born again nonsense like he's no longer the man who made those choices. He owns who he was and why he was and who he is now and holds it all in balance pretty well. I like Tucker a lot
- Sled hockey sounds absolutely fascinating, as does blind hockey
- Boden, Ford, and Jonah all sound like interesting, well-conceptualized characters and I'm excited to see more about them in their future books
Huge cons:
- Amedeo. Basically everything about him as a character, from the name to the trauma to the name (I really hate the name). Escaping years of domestic violence and psychological abuse is not something he's going to be able to process to the extent that he did in the what, two weeks he was there? Less? Absolutely nothing about his pacing and thoughts felt like he was in a place to be ready for all of the changes he was taking on or the internal changes he was supposedly making. I'm all for liberation from dangerous circumstances, but it has to feel earned
- Speaking of it has to feel earned, Tucker and Deo's entire relationship that at no point felt stronger than two people saying oh hey, this doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would, clearly this is true love and forever and the single strongest thing in my life, even though the entire span of our relationship has been less than a fortnight. Not to mention the whole thing took place while Deo was essentially on vacation with no responsibilities or tasks of his own. I would have loved to see some development of Deo's life in Tucker's town because even on the final pages before the epilogue, it was giving holiday fling that got out of hand
- Honestly it feels like cheating to invoke the Vegas accidental wedding trope, and then make it so the wedding was never completed and they don't have to deal with the fallout of it, and every side character already knows it was fake so they never have to maintain a lie, like what was the point? Just to give us the prologue with the shitty twin? Just make it a meet-cute and move on
- This last con has very little to do with this book, I'm just already incredibly worried for book 3 with the pairing of Ford and the aforementioned shitty twin because I'm not positive they're a strong enough writer to walk back the situation they've set up. Like if I were in Tucker's prosthetics, and I spent my life watching this human get my face, my body, my parents' unconditional love, my fiancee, and a comfortable life, just for him to cut me out of his life and essentially bully me for accepting an invitation and abandon me in a weird city, and I swallowed all of that and just accepted moving on without a family, AND THEN this human emerges again to steal my best friend??? I'm afraid I would be contractually obligated to sh*ot him to de*th with a g*n. And to be honest, given the amount of legwork or lack thereof (pun intended) that the author put in to have Deo heal from his PRESENT trauma, not even past trauma, before deciding he was well enough to end the story, I don't have high hopes for a satisfying resolution
October 26, 2025
This author should ashamed of this sloppy excuse.
The ratings have been turned off in KU. 🧐🤷♀️
As much as having a disabled MC sounds great, this depiction is horrible. Nothing about this character makes any sense.Tucker communicates with his friends like a potty mouthed 12 twelve year old. Very Bevis & Butthead. But says I love you to friends at the drop of a hat. He was supposed the captain of his college hockey team, but to celebrate getting a NHL offer, he goes to a rave, argues with his twin, pops pills, drinks and crashes his future away. 8 yrs later he’s learned basically nothing, still wallowing and self sabotaging.
Amedeo has finally broken out of an abusive relationship after years, his self deprecating pity party compels him to meet face to face with Tucker- who he almost married in Vegas. Neither can remember the night. There’s a boatload of woe is me, from every character.
There’s so much about this book that just doesn’t make any sense whatsoever, it’s a hodgepodge of the most aggravating bs. Timelines are equally delinquent. From Tucker’s POV, it’s been weeks since Vegas, but from Amedeo’s perspective it’s been a few days. The disabilities heaped on Tucker with every possible pitfall. If you think it gets better, no because the epilogue is 8 months later and he’s still paying his ex boyfriends rent, he finally goes to get his things. his passport has been in safe in the apartment for 8 months with a malicious ex.
And just a bonus peeve, the cover totally contradicts the story.
The ratings have been turned off in KU. 🧐🤷♀️
As much as having a disabled MC sounds great, this depiction is horrible. Nothing about this character makes any sense.Tucker communicates with his friends like a potty mouthed 12 twelve year old. Very Bevis & Butthead. But says I love you to friends at the drop of a hat. He was supposed the captain of his college hockey team, but to celebrate getting a NHL offer, he goes to a rave, argues with his twin, pops pills, drinks and crashes his future away. 8 yrs later he’s learned basically nothing, still wallowing and self sabotaging.
Amedeo has finally broken out of an abusive relationship after years, his self deprecating pity party compels him to meet face to face with Tucker- who he almost married in Vegas. Neither can remember the night. There’s a boatload of woe is me, from every character.
There’s so much about this book that just doesn’t make any sense whatsoever, it’s a hodgepodge of the most aggravating bs. Timelines are equally delinquent. From Tucker’s POV, it’s been weeks since Vegas, but from Amedeo’s perspective it’s been a few days. The disabilities heaped on Tucker with every possible pitfall. If you think it gets better, no because the epilogue is 8 months later and he’s still paying his ex boyfriends rent, he finally goes to get his things. his passport has been in safe in the apartment for 8 months with a malicious ex.
And just a bonus peeve, the cover totally contradicts the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
This was a total impulse read, I knew I was interested in it but I hadn’t added it to my TBR list yet. I am so glad I read it though because I loved it!
This is such a different hockey hook, it’s about sled hockey which is for the disabled. We first meet Tucker while he is in Las Vegas for his twin brother’s bachelor party. Tucker had been signed at 19 with an NHL team but he was in a bad accident after drinking and drug use at a party. He lost both legs, one eye and has scarring in his other eye in this accident. He was engaged at the time but his fiancé eventually left him for his brother. So he’s in Vegas, miserable snd his brother admits he doesn’t even want him there so he decides to make another bad decision and get drunk.
When Tucker wakes up the following morning he’s in a strange hotel room, naked and missing his legs. This is definitely not a situation I’ve ever seen a character in but Tucker is not your ordinary character. I lived his resilience and his sense of humor. He cannot remember what happened the night before but luckily his legs are waiting outside his hotel room with a sticky note from the stranger he apparently spent the night with.
We learn this stranger is Amedeo, who is in a very toxic relationship. He was in Vegas for work but at the bar drowning his sorrows because his boyfriend is such an a**! He met Tucker and they supposedly got drunk and married! Amedeo has to catch his flight and he feels horrible running out on Tucker but he doesn’t remember anything from the night before and only knows they’re married because of the paperwork he has.
Amedeo is a very insecure person, he is controlled by his boyfriend Bryce who constantly cheats on him but he’s been beat down so far he hasn’t had the nerve to leave him. He’s feeling so bad about “cheating” on Bryce and decides he has to end it. He’s feeling also wants to fly to the other side of the country to face Tucker head on and discuss their situation.
Tucker was hard not to love so I understood exactly why Amedeo fell for him and Tucker deserved unconditional love so Deo was the perfect match. I enjoyed these two spending time together and communicating while being adults and admitting they are attracted to each other.
I think what made this book even better was Tucker’s friends. This group of men were hilarious. All of them are disabled in some way, pkay hockey together and look out for each other. This is Tucker’s found family and they welcome Amedeo while also making sure he isn’t going to hurt Tucker.
I am so happy there are more books to read in this series. The balance of romance and hockey is great and these are relatable characters who all deserve love.
This is such a different hockey hook, it’s about sled hockey which is for the disabled. We first meet Tucker while he is in Las Vegas for his twin brother’s bachelor party. Tucker had been signed at 19 with an NHL team but he was in a bad accident after drinking and drug use at a party. He lost both legs, one eye and has scarring in his other eye in this accident. He was engaged at the time but his fiancé eventually left him for his brother. So he’s in Vegas, miserable snd his brother admits he doesn’t even want him there so he decides to make another bad decision and get drunk.
When Tucker wakes up the following morning he’s in a strange hotel room, naked and missing his legs. This is definitely not a situation I’ve ever seen a character in but Tucker is not your ordinary character. I lived his resilience and his sense of humor. He cannot remember what happened the night before but luckily his legs are waiting outside his hotel room with a sticky note from the stranger he apparently spent the night with.
We learn this stranger is Amedeo, who is in a very toxic relationship. He was in Vegas for work but at the bar drowning his sorrows because his boyfriend is such an a**! He met Tucker and they supposedly got drunk and married! Amedeo has to catch his flight and he feels horrible running out on Tucker but he doesn’t remember anything from the night before and only knows they’re married because of the paperwork he has.
Amedeo is a very insecure person, he is controlled by his boyfriend Bryce who constantly cheats on him but he’s been beat down so far he hasn’t had the nerve to leave him. He’s feeling so bad about “cheating” on Bryce and decides he has to end it. He’s feeling also wants to fly to the other side of the country to face Tucker head on and discuss their situation.
Tucker was hard not to love so I understood exactly why Amedeo fell for him and Tucker deserved unconditional love so Deo was the perfect match. I enjoyed these two spending time together and communicating while being adults and admitting they are attracted to each other.
I think what made this book even better was Tucker’s friends. This group of men were hilarious. All of them are disabled in some way, pkay hockey together and look out for each other. This is Tucker’s found family and they welcome Amedeo while also making sure he isn’t going to hurt Tucker.
I am so happy there are more books to read in this series. The balance of romance and hockey is great and these are relatable characters who all deserve love.
October 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was so good. Tucker and Amedeo completely stole my heart and refused to give it back. From the moment I started, I knew this would be one of those stories that quietly breaks you and then puts you back together in the softest way.
Tucker was once a hockey prodigy angry, full of regret, and struggling to accept how life changed after an accident that left him half-blind and a double amputee. The man he becomes, though, is kind, patient, and deeply loyal. He found a new kind of family in his friends who truly see him in ways his real family never did. I loved every single interaction they had it felt so genuine and full of love.
Then there’s Amedeo. Oh, my heart. Fresh out of a toxic relationship that completely tore down his confidence, he’s just trying to remember who he is and what he deserves. Deo’s vulnerability, mixed with his quiet strength, made me love him even more.
Their relationship is everything tender, funny, and full of warmth. The communication in this book? So refreshingly healthy. They talk through things, they listen, they make space for each other’s pain and healing. I was laughing one minute and crying the next. And the accidental marriage? Absolutely iconic.
The found family element was golden. You could feel how much love surrounded them, and it made the emotional parts hit even harder. By the time I reached the ending, I was a full mess in the best way.
This story isn’t just about romance; it’s about healing, acceptance, and learning that you can still be whole even after life breaks you.
I’ll be continuing this series once I finish a few ARCs, but seriously this book deserves so much more attention. If you love heartfelt, emotional romances with disability rep, found family, and the softest MMCs ever… this one’s for you.
This book was so good. Tucker and Amedeo completely stole my heart and refused to give it back. From the moment I started, I knew this would be one of those stories that quietly breaks you and then puts you back together in the softest way.
Tucker was once a hockey prodigy angry, full of regret, and struggling to accept how life changed after an accident that left him half-blind and a double amputee. The man he becomes, though, is kind, patient, and deeply loyal. He found a new kind of family in his friends who truly see him in ways his real family never did. I loved every single interaction they had it felt so genuine and full of love.
Then there’s Amedeo. Oh, my heart. Fresh out of a toxic relationship that completely tore down his confidence, he’s just trying to remember who he is and what he deserves. Deo’s vulnerability, mixed with his quiet strength, made me love him even more.
Their relationship is everything tender, funny, and full of warmth. The communication in this book? So refreshingly healthy. They talk through things, they listen, they make space for each other’s pain and healing. I was laughing one minute and crying the next. And the accidental marriage? Absolutely iconic.
The found family element was golden. You could feel how much love surrounded them, and it made the emotional parts hit even harder. By the time I reached the ending, I was a full mess in the best way.
This story isn’t just about romance; it’s about healing, acceptance, and learning that you can still be whole even after life breaks you.
I’ll be continuing this series once I finish a few ARCs, but seriously this book deserves so much more attention. If you love heartfelt, emotional romances with disability rep, found family, and the softest MMCs ever… this one’s for you.
May 22, 2025
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review.
Check out the Author’s Note prior to reading.
Tucker and Amedeo meet up in Vegas on a random night, when two weeks later, Amedeo shows up and explains to Tucker that they are husbands. I liked the pacing of this book and the motivation behind both MCs trip to the bar that night. The dialogue is great. I laughed out loud a few times. It’s clear Tucker and his found family of hockey bros love one another.
I really enjoyed that Tucker and Amedeo are open-minded with one another, despite being full of concern for potentially blowing up one another’s lives. While there are a few reasons these two possibly shouldn’t be together, I appreciate that they just go with the flow. Deo and Tucker spend more time together and get closer, so their feelings of compatibility and companionship grow. They both make the other feel seen and respected. Both men are dealing with past traumas (in multiple forms) but don’t let it get in the way of their blossoming happiness together. They have a nice emotional connection and their chemistry is strong. Overall, it’s a good vibe reading this book. It’s a stellar rom-com. Killian and Bryce are the only kinks in the chain. They suck, but the focus always comes back to Tucker and Deo.
Lindsey does a good job setting things up in this sled/sledge hockey and/or blind hockey world. The side characters are a hoot and some of the most supportive people. I loved Ford, Boden, Alessia, and Jonah. I cannot wait to read Boden’s story, up next in the series!
This is my honest and voluntary review.
Check out the Author’s Note prior to reading.
Tucker and Amedeo meet up in Vegas on a random night, when two weeks later, Amedeo shows up and explains to Tucker that they are husbands. I liked the pacing of this book and the motivation behind both MCs trip to the bar that night. The dialogue is great. I laughed out loud a few times. It’s clear Tucker and his found family of hockey bros love one another.
I really enjoyed that Tucker and Amedeo are open-minded with one another, despite being full of concern for potentially blowing up one another’s lives. While there are a few reasons these two possibly shouldn’t be together, I appreciate that they just go with the flow. Deo and Tucker spend more time together and get closer, so their feelings of compatibility and companionship grow. They both make the other feel seen and respected. Both men are dealing with past traumas (in multiple forms) but don’t let it get in the way of their blossoming happiness together. They have a nice emotional connection and their chemistry is strong. Overall, it’s a good vibe reading this book. It’s a stellar rom-com. Killian and Bryce are the only kinks in the chain. They suck, but the focus always comes back to Tucker and Deo.
Lindsey does a good job setting things up in this sled/sledge hockey and/or blind hockey world. The side characters are a hoot and some of the most supportive people. I loved Ford, Boden, Alessia, and Jonah. I cannot wait to read Boden’s story, up next in the series!
December 10, 2025
Zero Pucks by E.M. Lindsey
🩵 Strangers to Lovers
🩵 Accidentally Married in Vegas
🩵 Disability Rep
🩵 Sled Hockey
🩵 Opposites Attract
🩵 Found Family
🔥 Intercrural S*x, S*x Toy
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭.5
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂.5
Angst: 🥺🥺
First person dual pov 👀
Content Warnings
On page: threat, violence, blood, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, toxic relationship (not between MCs), anxiety, panic attacks, ableism, stalking
Mentioned: injury, drug use (past), car accident (past), hospitalisation (past), cheating
🩵 Strangers to Lovers
🩵 Accidentally Married in Vegas
🩵 Disability Rep
🩵 Sled Hockey
🩵 Opposites Attract
🩵 Found Family
🔥 Intercrural S*x, S*x Toy
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭.5
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂.5
Angst: 🥺🥺
First person dual pov 👀
Content Warnings
On page: threat, violence, blood, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, toxic relationship (not between MCs), anxiety, panic attacks, ableism, stalking
Mentioned: injury, drug use (past), car accident (past), hospitalisation (past), cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2025
A solid 4.75 stars. I really enjoyed this one.
nope-nope-or-nah
June 13, 2025As much as I LOVE hockey, I decided long ago that I would never read a hockey book that uses the word “Puck” in the title in this manner. So this book is a hard no. Authors need to use their imagination instead of substituting the word “puck” in hockey titles.
dropped
June 10, 2025***no rating***
dropped @35%
Ugh, this book is totally fine, with a real cute setup but I’m somehow still not into it.
dropped @35%
Ugh, this book is totally fine, with a real cute setup but I’m somehow still not into it.
November 18, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
Enjoyed this as much the second time around with the added benefit of narration from two of my favourites, Iggy Toma (Tucker) and Kirt Graves (Amadeo). My review of the ebook is HERE for anyone interested.
The narration is great - good pacing, differentiation, expression and lots of energy, although the French accents used for Boden and Hugo are a bit dodgy, but they're okay here because we don't hear from them too often. The second book (Pucked Up), in which they're the leads, was a bit of a disappointment when I read it, so I wasn't sure I'd pick up the audio anyway - and honestly, much as I love Iggy & Kirt, I'm not sure I could listen to an entire book of those dodgy accents!
Still, this one is definitely recommended in audio.
Enjoyed this as much the second time around with the added benefit of narration from two of my favourites, Iggy Toma (Tucker) and Kirt Graves (Amadeo). My review of the ebook is HERE for anyone interested.
The narration is great - good pacing, differentiation, expression and lots of energy, although the French accents used for Boden and Hugo are a bit dodgy, but they're okay here because we don't hear from them too often. The second book (Pucked Up), in which they're the leads, was a bit of a disappointment when I read it, so I wasn't sure I'd pick up the audio anyway - and honestly, much as I love Iggy & Kirt, I'm not sure I could listen to an entire book of those dodgy accents!
Still, this one is definitely recommended in audio.
November 14, 2025
3.75 Stars
What a pleasant surprise! There was a lot more that I wanted to see in this book, but that was because I liked these characters and wanted more of their stories and backgrounds, so overall I had a really positive experience with Zero Pucks!
To say I wasn't expecting Zero Pucks to be about what it was is an understatement. I saw a free MM hockey romance with the "marriage before love" trope (love that one!) and got it. It helps that it just so happens to start with Z, a letter I was terribly struggling with in the Alphabet Challenge I'm doing for 2025. Happy accidents and all that. Anyway, I started the book, and immediately realized it's going to be a bit different. Because, yes, it's a hockey romance, but a sled hockey romance, on account of our dude-bro (thank you, Connor's sister, for that) being in a horrific accident at nineteen that left him without a couple of limbs, barely able to see, forever changed. I quite enjoyed this aspect of the book, because Tucker may be a person with disability, but it didn't hamper his ability to do almost anything--including getting blacked out drunk and marrying a stranger in Vegas--just changed how he got it done. I found this quite lovely. Tucker's disability is an integral part of who he is now, but Lindsey makes it clear that doesn't make him any less. I do wish we'd learned more about his sexuality, though, just because everyone assumes he'll be with men now (even his brother), which feels like there should be a story there, even if an uneventful "I realized I was gay and my fam was okay with that," LOL.
The stranger he happens to marry is Amedeo - a shy, soft-spoken nerd desperately looking for an escape from an abusive boyfriend. I found his self-deprication, hatred, and uncertainty quite relatable, and was glad to see him escape that fuckhead boyfriend of his--even if he did need to do something drastic (like marry a stranger in a drunken stupor) to get it done. Speaking of... that was one of those things I wish Lindsey had gotten more in-depth into. Because we don't really know much about Bryce and Amedeo's relationship. We know Bryce sucks, but not much else. We don't know how the two met, we don't know what attracted Amedeo to him in the first place, we don't know how he was at first, before the mask came off--and we don't know when it did. I would've loved to go more in-depth into that, to show the realities of domestic violence and how it can trap you into this cycle. Because by the time we meet Bryce, he is not masking at all. Not just when it comes to Amedeo--when it comes to anyone. So it does feel a bit jarring. Especially since Amedeo never questions Tucker's kindness. We never see him fearful that Tucker will be another Bryce. So, did Bryce just... suck from the beginning? And in that case... how did he get you to stay? What did he do when he was playing nice??? Because y'all were engaged! Anyways, liked Amedeo, wanted more depth and exploration into his past relationship.
Speaking of things I wanted to explore more in-depth... Tucker's relationship with Killian. Before I start on that, what parents on this planet name their twins Killian and Tucker? Were you trying to create a complex??? Geez. But, anyway, they do have complexes about each other, and I wanted that explored way more in depth. I didn't necessarily want reconciliation, but I did want a conversation, especially since their one scene together made it clear there is a lot of baggage there. Killian loves Tucker, but he also feels incredible guilt towards him, and Tucker can't see that. So, the lack of progression on that front made me sad. I also wanted more on Tucker's ex, because I hated the way he spoke about her. How can you reduce someone you claim to have loved into a money-loving opportunist? I rather doubt that's all that was, especially since she did not actually leave you after the accident. Was what she and Killian did shitty af? Yes. Tucker has every right to be angry with both of them. But do I also think it makes sense that, in the months of taking care of a changed Tucker--because like it or not, the accident did change him--they got closer? Also yes. I don't think it was as callous as "hmm, he's not going to get that fat paycheck anymore, but his twin is going to be a lawyer and those make big bucks, don't they?" Like, nothing he has told me about either of them makes that harsh judgment make sense.
Despite wanting some more exploration of their individual pasts and current traumas, I did like the two of them together. There is no real drama between Amedeo and Tucker. There is a reason they got drunk married - they click well. And yeah, it was a little quick for my liking (could've done without the I love yous, if I'm honest), but it also felt quite comfortable. I think part of it is that Lindsey didn't make it into this earth-shattering rearrangement of reality. They like each other, they're physically attracted to each other, they want to be around each other, and there isn't really a reason why they shouldn't make a go at it. But it's also not described as so over-the-top that it makes you question Da Fuq is happening.
I will say, though. I was not satisfied by the end. It didn't really feel like an end. There was so much left to explore, together and alone. I felt like so much of the journey happens after the ending. And that sucks! I wanted to be part of that journey! I wanted to see Amedeo grow more confident, and Tucker more balanced, and their lives merging! I felt like I was taken a third of the way through and then told to take the bus the rest of the way, lol.
Oh, I do have to mention Boden for a second because I have mixed feelings. Love his loyalty to Tucker, but I hated his childish response to the new coach. Regardless of your daddy issues, that cannot be conducive to your career in any way, shape, or form, so please see reason. Also, what happened in the Paralympics??? Y'all mention it all the time, but fuck if we know what happened. I assume we'll learn more of it in Boden and the coach's book, because of course Boden is going to get together with him. I'll bet my bookcase on it!
What a pleasant surprise! There was a lot more that I wanted to see in this book, but that was because I liked these characters and wanted more of their stories and backgrounds, so overall I had a really positive experience with Zero Pucks!
To say I wasn't expecting Zero Pucks to be about what it was is an understatement. I saw a free MM hockey romance with the "marriage before love" trope (love that one!) and got it. It helps that it just so happens to start with Z, a letter I was terribly struggling with in the Alphabet Challenge I'm doing for 2025. Happy accidents and all that. Anyway, I started the book, and immediately realized it's going to be a bit different. Because, yes, it's a hockey romance, but a sled hockey romance, on account of our dude-bro (thank you, Connor's sister, for that) being in a horrific accident at nineteen that left him without a couple of limbs, barely able to see, forever changed. I quite enjoyed this aspect of the book, because Tucker may be a person with disability, but it didn't hamper his ability to do almost anything--including getting blacked out drunk and marrying a stranger in Vegas--just changed how he got it done. I found this quite lovely. Tucker's disability is an integral part of who he is now, but Lindsey makes it clear that doesn't make him any less. I do wish we'd learned more about his sexuality, though, just because everyone assumes he'll be with men now (even his brother), which feels like there should be a story there, even if an uneventful "I realized I was gay and my fam was okay with that," LOL.
The stranger he happens to marry is Amedeo - a shy, soft-spoken nerd desperately looking for an escape from an abusive boyfriend. I found his self-deprication, hatred, and uncertainty quite relatable, and was glad to see him escape that fuckhead boyfriend of his--even if he did need to do something drastic (like marry a stranger in a drunken stupor) to get it done. Speaking of... that was one of those things I wish Lindsey had gotten more in-depth into. Because we don't really know much about Bryce and Amedeo's relationship. We know Bryce sucks, but not much else. We don't know how the two met, we don't know what attracted Amedeo to him in the first place, we don't know how he was at first, before the mask came off--and we don't know when it did. I would've loved to go more in-depth into that, to show the realities of domestic violence and how it can trap you into this cycle. Because by the time we meet Bryce, he is not masking at all. Not just when it comes to Amedeo--when it comes to anyone. So it does feel a bit jarring. Especially since Amedeo never questions Tucker's kindness. We never see him fearful that Tucker will be another Bryce. So, did Bryce just... suck from the beginning? And in that case... how did he get you to stay? What did he do when he was playing nice??? Because y'all were engaged! Anyways, liked Amedeo, wanted more depth and exploration into his past relationship.
Speaking of things I wanted to explore more in-depth... Tucker's relationship with Killian. Before I start on that, what parents on this planet name their twins Killian and Tucker? Were you trying to create a complex??? Geez. But, anyway, they do have complexes about each other, and I wanted that explored way more in depth. I didn't necessarily want reconciliation, but I did want a conversation, especially since their one scene together made it clear there is a lot of baggage there. Killian loves Tucker, but he also feels incredible guilt towards him, and Tucker can't see that. So, the lack of progression on that front made me sad. I also wanted more on Tucker's ex, because I hated the way he spoke about her. How can you reduce someone you claim to have loved into a money-loving opportunist? I rather doubt that's all that was, especially since she did not actually leave you after the accident. Was what she and Killian did shitty af? Yes. Tucker has every right to be angry with both of them. But do I also think it makes sense that, in the months of taking care of a changed Tucker--because like it or not, the accident did change him--they got closer? Also yes. I don't think it was as callous as "hmm, he's not going to get that fat paycheck anymore, but his twin is going to be a lawyer and those make big bucks, don't they?" Like, nothing he has told me about either of them makes that harsh judgment make sense.
Despite wanting some more exploration of their individual pasts and current traumas, I did like the two of them together. There is no real drama between Amedeo and Tucker. There is a reason they got drunk married - they click well. And yeah, it was a little quick for my liking (could've done without the I love yous, if I'm honest), but it also felt quite comfortable. I think part of it is that Lindsey didn't make it into this earth-shattering rearrangement of reality. They like each other, they're physically attracted to each other, they want to be around each other, and there isn't really a reason why they shouldn't make a go at it. But it's also not described as so over-the-top that it makes you question Da Fuq is happening.
I will say, though. I was not satisfied by the end. It didn't really feel like an end. There was so much left to explore, together and alone. I felt like so much of the journey happens after the ending. And that sucks! I wanted to be part of that journey! I wanted to see Amedeo grow more confident, and Tucker more balanced, and their lives merging! I felt like I was taken a third of the way through and then told to take the bus the rest of the way, lol.
Oh, I do have to mention Boden for a second because I have mixed feelings. Love his loyalty to Tucker, but I hated his childish response to the new coach. Regardless of your daddy issues, that cannot be conducive to your career in any way, shape, or form, so please see reason. Also, what happened in the Paralympics??? Y'all mention it all the time, but fuck if we know what happened. I assume we'll learn more of it in Boden and the coach's book, because of course Boden is going to get together with him. I'll bet my bookcase on it!
July 1, 2025
DNF 32%, chapter 7. I would give what I read 1.5 to 2 stars.
I DNF’ed because I was bored. This story just ground to a snail pace after Amedeo and Tucker meet for lunch during Deo’s visit to Tucker’s town.
It’s a me thing, but really disliked tripping over the name Amedeo and disliked more the nickname Deo. I have no idea why, but it grated.
I am probably the only one who feels like this cover doesn’t match what is in this book. Who is the cover supposed to represent? Seems like a bit of false advertising.
I have read other works by this author and honestly off hand I couldn’t tell you what even one of those stories were about. Take that info for what you will.
I’m off this read and on to something that holds my intrigue and interest.
I DNF’ed because I was bored. This story just ground to a snail pace after Amedeo and Tucker meet for lunch during Deo’s visit to Tucker’s town.
It’s a me thing, but really disliked tripping over the name Amedeo and disliked more the nickname Deo. I have no idea why, but it grated.
I am probably the only one who feels like this cover doesn’t match what is in this book. Who is the cover supposed to represent? Seems like a bit of false advertising.
I have read other works by this author and honestly off hand I couldn’t tell you what even one of those stories were about. Take that info for what you will.
I’m off this read and on to something that holds my intrigue and interest.
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