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Punk as Puck #3
Absolutely Pucked
Sometimes the one-night stand you meet at a bar on the outskirts of town shows up at your house a month later to reveal he’s the one man you were never supposed to touch.
My friends are all I have, so I’d rather lose my other leg than do anything to hurt them. But how was I supposed to know the bearded stranger at the bar that night was the one person who hurt my best friend beyond repair?
I never would have known who Killian was if he hadn’t turned up at my door a month after our little tryst. But here he is, on my doorstep, with nowhere to go and a sob story that wounds my already bleeding heart.
I should turn him away, but I can’t. Killian makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.
And he’s the first man to ever look at me like I’m a whole person and not just shattered pieces from a bad accident and a broken family.
How can I give that up?
My only job should be to protect my best friend, but the heart wants what the heart wants. All I can hope is that in the end, when truths are finally revealed, I won’t have lost the only people who love me for exactly who I am.
Absolutely Pucked is a forbidden relationship, found family, MM hockey romance in the Punk as Puck series, which is best enjoyed in order. It features a para-hockey player with a love of classic horror films, a chip on his shoulder, and a determination to be better than his family ever thought he would be, an estranged man with a past full of lies, sins to confess, who never believed he was worthy of a good man, a scraggly alley cat with high end taste, secret dates, making out in store rooms, playing amateur private eyes, the merits of forgiving not only others but yourself, and a steamy-sweet happily ever after.
My friends are all I have, so I’d rather lose my other leg than do anything to hurt them. But how was I supposed to know the bearded stranger at the bar that night was the one person who hurt my best friend beyond repair?
I never would have known who Killian was if he hadn’t turned up at my door a month after our little tryst. But here he is, on my doorstep, with nowhere to go and a sob story that wounds my already bleeding heart.
I should turn him away, but I can’t. Killian makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.
And he’s the first man to ever look at me like I’m a whole person and not just shattered pieces from a bad accident and a broken family.
How can I give that up?
My only job should be to protect my best friend, but the heart wants what the heart wants. All I can hope is that in the end, when truths are finally revealed, I won’t have lost the only people who love me for exactly who I am.
Absolutely Pucked is a forbidden relationship, found family, MM hockey romance in the Punk as Puck series, which is best enjoyed in order. It features a para-hockey player with a love of classic horror films, a chip on his shoulder, and a determination to be better than his family ever thought he would be, an estranged man with a past full of lies, sins to confess, who never believed he was worthy of a good man, a scraggly alley cat with high end taste, secret dates, making out in store rooms, playing amateur private eyes, the merits of forgiving not only others but yourself, and a steamy-sweet happily ever after.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2025
206 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
143 books1,410 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 128 reviews
October 3, 2025
I'm going to need a man to volunteer himself for stringent questioning because the number of times PER HOUR that dicks are thickening and dribbling precum in this is going to make me hostile to unsuspecting men in future.
Can absolutely see myself going, 'Look, if you don't like me just SAY that because it's only thickened thrice(!) and the national average is 64 so....'
Somebody needs to tell me the truth because it's not just this book. There's a LOT of thickening and lengthening afoot and I need to know if I'm being shortchanged or just not paying enough attention because WHEN DOES IT REST?
Maybe dicks need to unionize because the working hours are criminal.
Anyway, I need to know. For science.
On to the book.
I didn't love this one. In theory, everything was as it should be. BUT. I didn't emotionally connect in the way I thought I would.
So my issue with these two isn't that they're dumb. It happens. I could move past that. My issue with them is that they're dumb AND spineless. You have to pick a struggle, man.
Both of them willing to martyr themselves and their love.
The only reason they're together is because other people had to come together and fight for THEIR love and that's disappointing to me, I can't lie.
If you did something this monumentally fucked up, at least let it mean something. Otherwise a lot of people would have been hurt for no reason. How can you not fight for your love?
What was the point of all this then?
One always victimizes himself as a reason to give up and the other is just too much of a pushover. What a terrible combo.
My issue with Ford is succinctly summed up by two quotes.
Ford before Tucker finds out.
'I would still choose Tucker.
But only for now.'
Ford after Tucker finds out.
“It doesn’t matter anymore, does it? I choose you. I will always choose you, Tucker. I need you to understand that."
So my thing is, does he choose Tucker because Killian effectively removed himself from the running?
Because when there was a choice to make, he didn't choose Tucker. (not that he should have, necessarily, I get that Killian is his person but why are you spinning it this way?), when he COULD make a choice, he chose denial because he knew damn well he wasn't ready to end it with Killian.
As for Killian—
“My brother hates me because I slept with his ex, and then I slept with his best friend, and now he hates me more.”
Like —realistically, this is what happened and much as I wanted to eventually think Tucker overreacted, he really didn't.
There's no way this doesn't seem targeted, from the outside looking in.
Even with context, Killian STILL got with Delia(but he got punished for that so I can move on).
Killian's issues are known so I won't go into them but he's a coward about them. Whenever he's faced with a difficult situation, he runs, and rationalizes it.
My wife is sleeping with my boss and now I've been fired, boo hoo, I should run.
My friend who wants to help me actually wants to help me get back on my feet and I'm uncomfortable with that, boo hoo, I should run back to a place where I have to sleep in my car again.
My brother looks happy with his new guy and yeah, I know I need to apologize but boo hoo, that might interrupt his happiness so better not.
This amazing man who loves me and whom I've put in an untenable position with his bestie might choose me and that's so scary because what if he later hates me, boo hoo, I should ru- you get the point?
Never met a situation he didn't want to run from.
And Ford's just there taking it. Letting everyone except him decide what's going to happen in his life.
Repeatedly. Killian decides when to come and when to go at multiple points during this.
Ford is just happy to be considered.
This man who ghosted you and blocked you is telling you that you're his home and you're all 'awww🥹'
'I punched him. On the mouth. Tenderly. With my mouth.'
Honestly. What are we even doing here?
And Killian is so committed to his victimhood that he's made it his personality to be the guy who fucked up and should not be forgiven.
Your brother that YOU fucked over hugs you and tells you he loves you and your first thought is to say 'I’m okay if we don’t get all…you know…schmoopy and shit. I know we won’t be best friends'
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Tucker was right about this man. Such a bloody martyr.
I started this WANTING Killian to be redeemed(and he was, I guess) but by the end, I was irritated by him.
And Ford, to a degree.
I miss when they'd just spend their nights thickening for each other.
Can absolutely see myself going, 'Look, if you don't like me just SAY that because it's only thickened thrice(!) and the national average is 64 so....'
Somebody needs to tell me the truth because it's not just this book. There's a LOT of thickening and lengthening afoot and I need to know if I'm being shortchanged or just not paying enough attention because WHEN DOES IT REST?
Maybe dicks need to unionize because the working hours are criminal.
Anyway, I need to know. For science.
On to the book.
I didn't love this one. In theory, everything was as it should be. BUT. I didn't emotionally connect in the way I thought I would.
So my issue with these two isn't that they're dumb. It happens. I could move past that. My issue with them is that they're dumb AND spineless. You have to pick a struggle, man.
Both of them willing to martyr themselves and their love.
The only reason they're together is because other people had to come together and fight for THEIR love and that's disappointing to me, I can't lie.
If you did something this monumentally fucked up, at least let it mean something. Otherwise a lot of people would have been hurt for no reason. How can you not fight for your love?
What was the point of all this then?
One always victimizes himself as a reason to give up and the other is just too much of a pushover. What a terrible combo.
My issue with Ford is succinctly summed up by two quotes.
Ford before Tucker finds out.
'I would still choose Tucker.
But only for now.'
Ford after Tucker finds out.
“It doesn’t matter anymore, does it? I choose you. I will always choose you, Tucker. I need you to understand that."
So my thing is, does he choose Tucker because Killian effectively removed himself from the running?
Because when there was a choice to make, he didn't choose Tucker. (not that he should have, necessarily, I get that Killian is his person but why are you spinning it this way?), when he COULD make a choice, he chose denial because he knew damn well he wasn't ready to end it with Killian.
As for Killian—
“My brother hates me because I slept with his ex, and then I slept with his best friend, and now he hates me more.”
Like —realistically, this is what happened and much as I wanted to eventually think Tucker overreacted, he really didn't.
There's no way this doesn't seem targeted, from the outside looking in.
Even with context, Killian STILL got with Delia(but he got punished for that so I can move on).
Killian's issues are known so I won't go into them but he's a coward about them. Whenever he's faced with a difficult situation, he runs, and rationalizes it.
My wife is sleeping with my boss and now I've been fired, boo hoo, I should run.
My friend who wants to help me actually wants to help me get back on my feet and I'm uncomfortable with that, boo hoo, I should run back to a place where I have to sleep in my car again.
My brother looks happy with his new guy and yeah, I know I need to apologize but boo hoo, that might interrupt his happiness so better not.
This amazing man who loves me and whom I've put in an untenable position with his bestie might choose me and that's so scary because what if he later hates me, boo hoo, I should ru- you get the point?
Never met a situation he didn't want to run from.
And Ford's just there taking it. Letting everyone except him decide what's going to happen in his life.
Repeatedly. Killian decides when to come and when to go at multiple points during this.
Ford is just happy to be considered.
This man who ghosted you and blocked you is telling you that you're his home and you're all 'awww🥹'
'I punched him. On the mouth. Tenderly. With my mouth.'
Honestly. What are we even doing here?
And Killian is so committed to his victimhood that he's made it his personality to be the guy who fucked up and should not be forgiven.
Your brother that YOU fucked over hugs you and tells you he loves you and your first thought is to say 'I’m okay if we don’t get all…you know…schmoopy and shit. I know we won’t be best friends'
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Tucker was right about this man. Such a bloody martyr.
I started this WANTING Killian to be redeemed(and he was, I guess) but by the end, I was irritated by him.
And Ford, to a degree.
I miss when they'd just spend their nights thickening for each other.
September 25, 2025
5 “If I could be yours, I would be. But I can’t ruin your life.” stars
If you talked to me once since June when I realized which main characters would be featured in this book, you would know that this is my most anticipated release of the entire year. I could not wait to get my grabby hands on this one. I was in the middle of other books when this ARC showed up in my email and it was the biggest struggle of my life to finish my other planned reads and not start this book right away and read it in one sitting, which I absolutely failed because I started this book the second I had some free time.
If you were to ask me what my absolutely favorite theme is in a book, I would not hesitate one second to reply that it’s the redemption of a character that was previously evil in a earlier book in the series. So, the second I clued in that this book was about Killian, the evil twin brother of one of the main characters in book 1 of the series, I was sold without any other questions asked. Just ask all of my friends, this couple was teased at the end of book 2 in the series, and I wrote everyone I know at least 20 messages fangirling about the news and how much I just needed to read it.
You are my home. You made it very obvious that I never knew what being in love was like.
Mini-blurb:
Ford is sad and lonely, so he goes to a bar for a hookup and meets Killian. But Killian is Ford best friend’s (Tucker) twin brother, and he caused a river of hurt to Tucker in the past, by stealing the girl that Tucker loved and marrying her, as well as just not having the best personality of all time. They both do not realize who the other is at first, but after a little bit, Killian clues in that Ford are important to Tucker and he doesn’t want to hurt Ford cause he knowns that they could never have a relationship together, so they agree to have a one-night stand without anything else. They part ways after that night, but they both cannot keep the other of their minds. A little after that night, Killian is homeless and momentarily penniless and he doesn’t have anyone in his corner, so he asks Ford for help so Ford takes him in. They start hanging out and they cannot keep away from each other, even if they know that they them being together is impossible and it will only hurt them to hope for a future … or will it?
I adored their fist meeting. They both didn’t hook up much and weren’t very big into socializing, so it was a little awkward and frantic and it was just so good to read about. They start an easy connection with each other from the moment they meet, and I loved seeing it blossom through the pages. These guys were just so good together and they had such a strong connection. I loved how they immediately felt comfortable with each other to open up and show parts of themselves that they would never show anyone else. It just showed how good their connection was and how much peace they brought to each other. I loved all of the little intimate moments they shared and how you could see how much they cared for each other during them.
Ford is lost in his life, all his friends are moving on to bigger and better things and he feels stuck where he is in life and he doesn’t know what to do about it. And Killian is currently in the middle of a divorce, because his wife cheating on his with his ex-boss and his ex-boss is holding it over his head and threatening to get him banned from ever getting a job again in an effort to make sure that Killian’s ex wins big in the divorce proceedings. They both had so many big issues going on in their lives, but I loved how they were always there for each other and could be the calm in each other’s storm no matter what.
“I want to keep you. I’d give up everything to keep you.”
As a fan of pining and longing, this book was just the perfect set up for a ton of it because they both felt sparks for each other the first time they met but they knew that being together would only hurt them in the future when they would have to split because of their life circumstances and it was so nice seeing them pine after each other and what they could have together.
I also adored how even if they knew that it would be almost impossible for them together and that they were setting up for a world of hurt later on, they couldn’t stay away from each other and from spending tender moments together because to them it was more worth to have loved each other while they could then to not have experienced it.
Also let’s address the elephant in the room, the redemption. My dear Killian, I would like to formally apologize for ever doubting you in the previous books in the series. Killian did some truly awful things as the side character in the first book in this series and he caused a ton of hurt to his brother Tucker. Let me just say I could not have been happier with how the redemption was handled in this one. Killian’s previous actions were not just wrapped in a pretty bow and forgotten about. I loved how he had to atone for them all throughout the book. Killian was very self aware of his past mistakes, and it was just so hot. I loved how he knowns that he did too many bad tings in his life to even consider being happy now so he knowns he has to atone and repent for his previous misgivings before trying his hand at happiness first. And he did it so well. I loved how he took how he took accountability for his parts of things and clawed his way through hell and a lot of regrets to forge himself his little piece of happiness by Ford’s side.
Killian needs to rebuild his life from the grounds up as he lost everything: his support system, his parents, his job and his wife that is hell bent on destroying him. And he was so convinced that he didn’t deserve good things because of the mistakes he made in his past. Side note, I am an eternal pessimist that doesn’t really believe that good things can happen to me because they often do not so Killian who always thought that he was destined to suffer through his life and that good things would never happen to him was just so relatable to me. I could see myself in his character at every turn.
I fell in love with him the second I met him, and leave it to me to be the only fucker on the planet who would fall head over heels in a single night for the one man I was not allowed to have.
This book just got me in the feels so bad. I will not even try to describe the amount of tears I shed while reading this book, but at one point I was crying so violently that my entire body was shaking and I could barely hold my kindle in my hands to keep reading. Reading this book felt like I was stuck in a room with Jason Voorhees, and he kept repeatedly hitting me on the head with his machete and there was nothing I could do but stand there and take it. The pain just never stopped shocking me and making me cry at every turn. I thought I was safe then I would start crying like a baby over a random line in the book and repeat that process over and over again. I was so invested in this story that not only was I crying at these character’s pain but I was also crying at seeing them be happy after how much they suffered.
Side note, as a fan of classic horror movies. Their banter about movies made me.so happy I could cry.
“I would live in a tent with you and be the happiest man on the planet.”
“I think I’ve always wanted to hear that. That what I can bring to the table is enough. And I never have.”
I would not really recommend reading this one as a standalone, but it is so satisfying as the ending of this series. It was just the perfect bookmark all of the storylines happening in the series. And I might have cried buckets when reading this book but it still just such a perfect feel-good ending for the series. This was such a marvelous ending to this series, I just adore their characters and the found family that they built together.
Thank you so much for much E.M. Lindsey for the ARC of this one, I really appreciate it.
If you talked to me once since June when I realized which main characters would be featured in this book, you would know that this is my most anticipated release of the entire year. I could not wait to get my grabby hands on this one. I was in the middle of other books when this ARC showed up in my email and it was the biggest struggle of my life to finish my other planned reads and not start this book right away and read it in one sitting, which I absolutely failed because I started this book the second I had some free time.
If you were to ask me what my absolutely favorite theme is in a book, I would not hesitate one second to reply that it’s the redemption of a character that was previously evil in a earlier book in the series. So, the second I clued in that this book was about Killian, the evil twin brother of one of the main characters in book 1 of the series, I was sold without any other questions asked. Just ask all of my friends, this couple was teased at the end of book 2 in the series, and I wrote everyone I know at least 20 messages fangirling about the news and how much I just needed to read it.
You are my home. You made it very obvious that I never knew what being in love was like.
Mini-blurb:
Ford is sad and lonely, so he goes to a bar for a hookup and meets Killian. But Killian is Ford best friend’s (Tucker) twin brother, and he caused a river of hurt to Tucker in the past, by stealing the girl that Tucker loved and marrying her, as well as just not having the best personality of all time. They both do not realize who the other is at first, but after a little bit, Killian clues in that Ford are important to Tucker and he doesn’t want to hurt Ford cause he knowns that they could never have a relationship together, so they agree to have a one-night stand without anything else. They part ways after that night, but they both cannot keep the other of their minds. A little after that night, Killian is homeless and momentarily penniless and he doesn’t have anyone in his corner, so he asks Ford for help so Ford takes him in. They start hanging out and they cannot keep away from each other, even if they know that they them being together is impossible and it will only hurt them to hope for a future … or will it?
I adored their fist meeting. They both didn’t hook up much and weren’t very big into socializing, so it was a little awkward and frantic and it was just so good to read about. They start an easy connection with each other from the moment they meet, and I loved seeing it blossom through the pages. These guys were just so good together and they had such a strong connection. I loved how they immediately felt comfortable with each other to open up and show parts of themselves that they would never show anyone else. It just showed how good their connection was and how much peace they brought to each other. I loved all of the little intimate moments they shared and how you could see how much they cared for each other during them.
Ford is lost in his life, all his friends are moving on to bigger and better things and he feels stuck where he is in life and he doesn’t know what to do about it. And Killian is currently in the middle of a divorce, because his wife cheating on his with his ex-boss and his ex-boss is holding it over his head and threatening to get him banned from ever getting a job again in an effort to make sure that Killian’s ex wins big in the divorce proceedings. They both had so many big issues going on in their lives, but I loved how they were always there for each other and could be the calm in each other’s storm no matter what.
“I want to keep you. I’d give up everything to keep you.”
As a fan of pining and longing, this book was just the perfect set up for a ton of it because they both felt sparks for each other the first time they met but they knew that being together would only hurt them in the future when they would have to split because of their life circumstances and it was so nice seeing them pine after each other and what they could have together.
I also adored how even if they knew that it would be almost impossible for them together and that they were setting up for a world of hurt later on, they couldn’t stay away from each other and from spending tender moments together because to them it was more worth to have loved each other while they could then to not have experienced it.
Also let’s address the elephant in the room, the redemption. My dear Killian, I would like to formally apologize for ever doubting you in the previous books in the series. Killian did some truly awful things as the side character in the first book in this series and he caused a ton of hurt to his brother Tucker. Let me just say I could not have been happier with how the redemption was handled in this one. Killian’s previous actions were not just wrapped in a pretty bow and forgotten about. I loved how he had to atone for them all throughout the book. Killian was very self aware of his past mistakes, and it was just so hot. I loved how he knowns that he did too many bad tings in his life to even consider being happy now so he knowns he has to atone and repent for his previous misgivings before trying his hand at happiness first. And he did it so well. I loved how he took how he took accountability for his parts of things and clawed his way through hell and a lot of regrets to forge himself his little piece of happiness by Ford’s side.
Killian needs to rebuild his life from the grounds up as he lost everything: his support system, his parents, his job and his wife that is hell bent on destroying him. And he was so convinced that he didn’t deserve good things because of the mistakes he made in his past. Side note, I am an eternal pessimist that doesn’t really believe that good things can happen to me because they often do not so Killian who always thought that he was destined to suffer through his life and that good things would never happen to him was just so relatable to me. I could see myself in his character at every turn.
I fell in love with him the second I met him, and leave it to me to be the only fucker on the planet who would fall head over heels in a single night for the one man I was not allowed to have.
This book just got me in the feels so bad. I will not even try to describe the amount of tears I shed while reading this book, but at one point I was crying so violently that my entire body was shaking and I could barely hold my kindle in my hands to keep reading. Reading this book felt like I was stuck in a room with Jason Voorhees, and he kept repeatedly hitting me on the head with his machete and there was nothing I could do but stand there and take it. The pain just never stopped shocking me and making me cry at every turn. I thought I was safe then I would start crying like a baby over a random line in the book and repeat that process over and over again. I was so invested in this story that not only was I crying at these character’s pain but I was also crying at seeing them be happy after how much they suffered.
Side note, as a fan of classic horror movies. Their banter about movies made me.so happy I could cry.
“I would live in a tent with you and be the happiest man on the planet.”
“I think I’ve always wanted to hear that. That what I can bring to the table is enough. And I never have.”
I would not really recommend reading this one as a standalone, but it is so satisfying as the ending of this series. It was just the perfect bookmark all of the storylines happening in the series. And I might have cried buckets when reading this book but it still just such a perfect feel-good ending for the series. This was such a marvelous ending to this series, I just adore their characters and the found family that they built together.
Thank you so much for much E.M. Lindsey for the ARC of this one, I really appreciate it.
September 26, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
When I read Zero Pucks (book 1 in this series) I couldn't stand Killian, and while reading this I cried buckets for him. I wanted to wrap him in a blanket and tell him everything would be okay. I'd definitely call it a successful redemption.
It truly felt like Ford and Killian found a safe space with each other; like they were meant to be, even if the start of their connection/relationship was a bit unconventional. Once I started reading it I didn't want to put it down. It's so easy to read and just fall into the story.
I did cry a lot for Killian, but Ford was a precious character as well. He has been treated badly by so many people but would still give everything he has and then some to help everyone and anyone else. Killian was absolutely perfect for him.
I haven't read book 2 and it was fine, but I don't think I'd recommend reading this one without reading book 1 first.
As always with EM Lindsey books, the disability rep was excellent. You can always trust them to do it right.
I loved this so much and I highly recommend it.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Disability rep
Redemption story
Sad boi
Hockey player
Sports romance
Past trauma
Cat dad
Found family
Hookup to lovers
Forbidden romance
Best friend's twin
Blanket forts
Eww, responsibility
Praise, please
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Bar hookup
First times
Facial
Finger and dong at the same time
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Details of MC being psychologically and physically abused by parent (past)
Details of past severe injury and resulting disability
Themes of homelessness
Explicit sexual content
Alcohol consumption
Mentions of driving under the influence (past, SC)
MC cheated on by wife (past)
Financial insecurity (MCs)
MC blackmailed by SCs
On-page ableism
Symptoms of depression (MC)
Brief mention of suicidal ideation (MC)
Details of child neglect (past)
MC kicked out of home as a teenager (past)
MC injured on page (minor)
Mentions of past bullying of MC
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC's cheating wife is dragging out divorce and making his life miserable, but doesn't create any relationship drama or problems.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Sports romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 27 and 28
Series: Connected standalones
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 336
Happy ending: Yes
“I want you. I just… don’t want you to regret me. You’re the first person who’s been nice to me in a long time, and I don’t think I want to lose that.”
Maybe I really was the monster, and God, I would have given anything to fix that about myself.
He loved me, and I loved him, and we couldn’t say the words because they would tear us to pieces.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
When I read Zero Pucks (book 1 in this series) I couldn't stand Killian, and while reading this I cried buckets for him. I wanted to wrap him in a blanket and tell him everything would be okay. I'd definitely call it a successful redemption.
It truly felt like Ford and Killian found a safe space with each other; like they were meant to be, even if the start of their connection/relationship was a bit unconventional. Once I started reading it I didn't want to put it down. It's so easy to read and just fall into the story.
I did cry a lot for Killian, but Ford was a precious character as well. He has been treated badly by so many people but would still give everything he has and then some to help everyone and anyone else. Killian was absolutely perfect for him.
I haven't read book 2 and it was fine, but I don't think I'd recommend reading this one without reading book 1 first.
As always with EM Lindsey books, the disability rep was excellent. You can always trust them to do it right.
I loved this so much and I highly recommend it.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Disability rep
Redemption story
Sad boi
Hockey player
Sports romance
Past trauma
Cat dad
Found family
Hookup to lovers
Forbidden romance
Best friend's twin
Blanket forts
Eww, responsibility
Praise, please
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Bar hookup
First times
Facial
Finger and dong at the same time
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Details of MC being psychologically and physically abused by parent (past)
Details of past severe injury and resulting disability
Themes of homelessness
Explicit sexual content
Alcohol consumption
Mentions of driving under the influence (past, SC)
MC cheated on by wife (past)
Financial insecurity (MCs)
MC blackmailed by SCs
On-page ableism
Symptoms of depression (MC)
Brief mention of suicidal ideation (MC)
Details of child neglect (past)
MC kicked out of home as a teenager (past)
MC injured on page (minor)
Mentions of past bullying of MC
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC's cheating wife is dragging out divorce and making his life miserable, but doesn't create any relationship drama or problems.
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Sports romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 27 and 28
Series: Connected standalones
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 336
Happy ending: Yes
“I want you. I just… don’t want you to regret me. You’re the first person who’s been nice to me in a long time, and I don’t think I want to lose that.”
Maybe I really was the monster, and God, I would have given anything to fix that about myself.
He loved me, and I loved him, and we couldn’t say the words because they would tear us to pieces.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
October 3, 2025
Absolutely Pucked » Punk as Puck #3 by E.M. Lindsey
MC: Ford and Killian | 3⭐
Tropes & tags
🏒Hookups to more
🏒Found Family
🏒Secret Relationship
🏒Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic
🏒Redemption Arc
🏒Hurt/Comfort
I came into Absolutely Pucked really invested. I’ve wanted Ford (and Carol-Ann) to be safe, warm, happy since book one. There’s something so pulling about broken people finding peace, and Ford was always one I rooted for. Killian’s arc—his cruelty toward his twin Tucker, the betrayal, the emotional scars—those were big stakes. So I wanted redemption. I wanted him to earn it.
The book delivers in some ways. There are moments where you see Killian trying; where the damage he’s done weighs on him. You see Ford’s pain and how fragile stability is. The found family aspect, the emotional pieces, the way certain scenes hit—those are strong. The romance has heat, and there’s comfort in the idea that maybe healing is possible.
But… it falls short of being fully satisfying. A few things bugged me enough that the book earns a solid 3 rather than 4 or 5:
*Some of the things felt wildly exaggerated. The ex-wife villain is larger than life—and not just in a Divine-Villainess way, but in a way that seems over the top, almost cartoonish. Her motivations being so much about money felt weak. It made some conflicts feel less believable.
*Killian's “homelessness” arc (sleeping in the car, being tossed out, etc.) felt melodramatic. Possible? Sure. But the escalation felt like it was pushed so far to crank up the drama that it pulled me out of the story at times.
*The tension between Killian and Tucker (jealousy, neglect, twin dynamics) was predictable. We’ve seen similar sibling betrayals/resentments before. I wanted more nuance, more something unexpected.
*The pacing of the romance between Killian and Ford: far too much happens “off-page.” Weeks of living together, work, intimacy, bonding—so much of it is implied rather than shown. That lessens the emotional impact. When a relationship grows, I want to feel all that growth, not have it summarized.
*Killian still doesn’t show enough humility for my taste. His redemption feels very much hand-held by others (Ford, Jonah, Tucker) rather than something he does fully on his own. The climax of his redemption, in my opinion, doesn’t quite come from him owning up; instead, it's more like the supporting cast cleaning up the mess.
That said, there is a sweetness to parts of it. The found family moments, Ford’s growth, the moments when Killian seems almost human again—they work. If you don’t expect perfection, if you like emotional mess and redemption arcs that are messy rather than clean, there’s enough here to make it a worthwhile read.And knowing Micah and Jonah are getting books? Fingers, toes, everything crossed***
⚠️Author TWs
Mentions of past abuse
Cheating (not between main characters)
Parental abuse
Adoption trauma
Step-parent abuse
Step-parent causing a permanent injury (loss of limb)
Emotional abuse by a romantic partner (not between or by main characters)
Anxiety
Abandonment issues
Ableist language
Main character Killian is married during the relationship with Ford (divorce in progress, no reconciliation)
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: Yes ( not between Mc, Killian wife cheated on him)
OM/OW Drama: No
Sharing: No
Third-Act Breakup: Yes
Role Dynamics: Versatile
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format: Series. different couple every book
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: medium
Spice Level: Medium
Communication: Some miscommunication
Pining: Mutual
MC: Ford and Killian | 3⭐
Tropes & tags
🏒Hookups to more
🏒Found Family
🏒Secret Relationship
🏒Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic
🏒Redemption Arc
🏒Hurt/Comfort
I came into Absolutely Pucked really invested. I’ve wanted Ford (and Carol-Ann) to be safe, warm, happy since book one. There’s something so pulling about broken people finding peace, and Ford was always one I rooted for. Killian’s arc—his cruelty toward his twin Tucker, the betrayal, the emotional scars—those were big stakes. So I wanted redemption. I wanted him to earn it.
The book delivers in some ways. There are moments where you see Killian trying; where the damage he’s done weighs on him. You see Ford’s pain and how fragile stability is. The found family aspect, the emotional pieces, the way certain scenes hit—those are strong. The romance has heat, and there’s comfort in the idea that maybe healing is possible.
But… it falls short of being fully satisfying. A few things bugged me enough that the book earns a solid 3 rather than 4 or 5:
*Some of the things felt wildly exaggerated. The ex-wife villain is larger than life—and not just in a Divine-Villainess way, but in a way that seems over the top, almost cartoonish. Her motivations being so much about money felt weak. It made some conflicts feel less believable.
*Killian's “homelessness” arc (sleeping in the car, being tossed out, etc.) felt melodramatic. Possible? Sure. But the escalation felt like it was pushed so far to crank up the drama that it pulled me out of the story at times.
*The tension between Killian and Tucker (jealousy, neglect, twin dynamics) was predictable. We’ve seen similar sibling betrayals/resentments before. I wanted more nuance, more something unexpected.
*The pacing of the romance between Killian and Ford: far too much happens “off-page.” Weeks of living together, work, intimacy, bonding—so much of it is implied rather than shown. That lessens the emotional impact. When a relationship grows, I want to feel all that growth, not have it summarized.
*Killian still doesn’t show enough humility for my taste. His redemption feels very much hand-held by others (Ford, Jonah, Tucker) rather than something he does fully on his own. The climax of his redemption, in my opinion, doesn’t quite come from him owning up; instead, it's more like the supporting cast cleaning up the mess.
That said, there is a sweetness to parts of it. The found family moments, Ford’s growth, the moments when Killian seems almost human again—they work. If you don’t expect perfection, if you like emotional mess and redemption arcs that are messy rather than clean, there’s enough here to make it a worthwhile read.And knowing Micah and Jonah are getting books? Fingers, toes, everything crossed***
⚠️Author TWs
Mentions of past abuse
Cheating (not between main characters)
Parental abuse
Adoption trauma
Step-parent abuse
Step-parent causing a permanent injury (loss of limb)
Emotional abuse by a romantic partner (not between or by main characters)
Anxiety
Abandonment issues
Ableist language
Main character Killian is married during the relationship with Ford (divorce in progress, no reconciliation)
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: Yes ( not between Mc, Killian wife cheated on him)
OM/OW Drama: No
Sharing: No
Third-Act Breakup: Yes
Role Dynamics: Versatile
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format: Series. different couple every book
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: medium
Spice Level: Medium
Communication: Some miscommunication
Pining: Mutual
September 18, 2025
EM Lindsey never disappoints, their stories blend found family, representation and emotional chemistry making them effortless impactful reads. And it has to be said does one hell of a job with redemption arcs.
I did not think I would love Killian after the previous books and was prepared to love the story for Ford. But man oh man, I adore Killian. People are complicated, life is complicated and when a man is brought so low coming from such a traumatic past where he did not make good choices I believe in second chances. Ford though, he went through some horrific sh1t. His family is the worst, though his found family is the best. His heart is the softest, and I love him.
This story is the epitome of hurt comfort, of mending relationships and healing, of reaching for the forbidden because you can’t help yourself.
I loved the journey these two took to find their HEA. Their secret relationship wasn’t an ideal start but it worked for them and I think the way Tucker responded was splendid. I love Nugget and Athena and I adore this story.
Highly recommend giving it a go.
I did not think I would love Killian after the previous books and was prepared to love the story for Ford. But man oh man, I adore Killian. People are complicated, life is complicated and when a man is brought so low coming from such a traumatic past where he did not make good choices I believe in second chances. Ford though, he went through some horrific sh1t. His family is the worst, though his found family is the best. His heart is the softest, and I love him.
This story is the epitome of hurt comfort, of mending relationships and healing, of reaching for the forbidden because you can’t help yourself.
I loved the journey these two took to find their HEA. Their secret relationship wasn’t an ideal start but it worked for them and I think the way Tucker responded was splendid. I love Nugget and Athena and I adore this story.
Highly recommend giving it a go.
setting-book-down-for-now
January 14, 2026Setting down at 47%. I love Ford but this isn’t holding my attention. The stuff with Killian’s ex and his boss is silly and stupid.
September 28, 2025
Thoughts before reading it
EM LIndsey wrote a wonderful redemption arc for Hervè (Switch-Hitter and Double Play from Hit and Run series) and they showed us that a man can truly be redeemed.
I have high hopes for Killian to make amends for the awful things he did to Tucker.
5 stars
E.M. Lindsey delivered beautifully!
I was bummed at the end of Zero Pucks because I wanted retribution for Killian and Delia. When it was announced that the third book would have been about Killian, I knew that the author would give us something amazing.
Killian and Tucker's relationship is in a very bad place: after Tucker's accident that caused severe injuries (leg amputation and blindness), he completely closed off and distanced himself from his brother and his girlfriend. Killian and Delia found comfort in each other and a few years later, they married in Vegas. The night of the bachelor party was actually the last time the brothers saw one another; Killian was particularly horrible in that circumstance.
Now, months have passed and Killian is a completely different man: betrayed, broke, desperate, lonely. His wife made his life miserable and cheated on him with his boss who proceeded to scorched the heart around him and tainted his professional reputation. The only thing Killian still owns is his car, so he decided to go find Tucker, to talk about what really happened and make amends.
Instead, Killian finds Ford, a beautiful caring sweet man who'll make him forget his misfortunes for at least one night. It's clear that the intimacy they shared in an anonymous room above a club meant a lot for the two of them, they formed a very strong connection despite being together just a few hours.
I adore Ford: he's such a wonderful, kind, gorgeous man who carries the scars of an awful past. He found his family in Tucker, Boden and the brothers, Micah and Jonah and he's fiercely protective and loyal to them. It was hard to see him torn apart between his deep love for Killian and the brotherhood that tied him to Tucker.
Since the first time Killian appeared in this book I was baffled by how much he's different from the version of him we saw in Zero Pucks: he has a tenderness around him, a gentleness that has nothing to do with his current situation. He behaved horribly, but he's really a good man who made a big mistake. And he's also a man who's been wronged by his own brother multiple times.
I appreciated a lot that we don't only get to witness Killian and Ford's love growing, but also two brother find their way into each other's life again. I really really liked that Tuck and Kill's relationship wasn't fixed in a single conversation, but it needed time and a lot of courage for them to be honest and open about what happened and their responsibilities.
The sex scenes, starting from the very first time they were together, are highly emotional, hot and tender at the same time.
I hope the author will give Jonah and Micah their happy endings too because they deserve them hard.
Very much recommended (but read Zero Pucks first).
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
EM LIndsey wrote a wonderful redemption arc for Hervè (Switch-Hitter and Double Play from Hit and Run series) and they showed us that a man can truly be redeemed.
I have high hopes for Killian to make amends for the awful things he did to Tucker.
5 stars
E.M. Lindsey delivered beautifully!
I was bummed at the end of Zero Pucks because I wanted retribution for Killian and Delia. When it was announced that the third book would have been about Killian, I knew that the author would give us something amazing.
Killian and Tucker's relationship is in a very bad place: after Tucker's accident that caused severe injuries (leg amputation and blindness), he completely closed off and distanced himself from his brother and his girlfriend. Killian and Delia found comfort in each other and a few years later, they married in Vegas. The night of the bachelor party was actually the last time the brothers saw one another; Killian was particularly horrible in that circumstance.
Now, months have passed and Killian is a completely different man: betrayed, broke, desperate, lonely. His wife made his life miserable and cheated on him with his boss who proceeded to scorched the heart around him and tainted his professional reputation. The only thing Killian still owns is his car, so he decided to go find Tucker, to talk about what really happened and make amends.
Instead, Killian finds Ford, a beautiful caring sweet man who'll make him forget his misfortunes for at least one night. It's clear that the intimacy they shared in an anonymous room above a club meant a lot for the two of them, they formed a very strong connection despite being together just a few hours.
I adore Ford: he's such a wonderful, kind, gorgeous man who carries the scars of an awful past. He found his family in Tucker, Boden and the brothers, Micah and Jonah and he's fiercely protective and loyal to them. It was hard to see him torn apart between his deep love for Killian and the brotherhood that tied him to Tucker.
Since the first time Killian appeared in this book I was baffled by how much he's different from the version of him we saw in Zero Pucks: he has a tenderness around him, a gentleness that has nothing to do with his current situation. He behaved horribly, but he's really a good man who made a big mistake. And he's also a man who's been wronged by his own brother multiple times.
I appreciated a lot that we don't only get to witness Killian and Ford's love growing, but also two brother find their way into each other's life again. I really really liked that Tuck and Kill's relationship wasn't fixed in a single conversation, but it needed time and a lot of courage for them to be honest and open about what happened and their responsibilities.
The sex scenes, starting from the very first time they were together, are highly emotional, hot and tender at the same time.
I hope the author will give Jonah and Micah their happy endings too because they deserve them hard.
Very much recommended (but read Zero Pucks first).
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
September 22, 2025
Absolutely Pucked by E.M. Lindsey is book 3 and the final book in the Punk as Puck series. We’ve known about Killian, Tucker’s brother, since book 1. He married Tucker’s ex-fiancée and basically did many horrible things. When Killian’s wife has an affair and blacklists him from working, Killian heads to Tucker’s hometown to try to work things out with his brother. While there, he meets and eventually falls in love with Ford, Tucker’s best friend. I think writing a redemption story is difficult and I hated Killian when reading Tucker’s book. But as a character mentions in this book, “that was Tucker’s perspective”. There was more to Killian than meets the eye. He’s not perfect, and he made major mistakes. But I understood him, and like Ford, saw that he was trying to make things right in his own way. This book broke me (in good ways) and I adored Killian and Ford together. I think this proves that good people can do horrible things but what do they do after? I will think about this story for a very long time.
I am excited for the spin-off series. I cannot wait to read Tiago’s story (and hopefully Jonah and Micah’s). The author always has so many interesting characters that I would love to read about.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
I am excited for the spin-off series. I cannot wait to read Tiago’s story (and hopefully Jonah and Micah’s). The author always has so many interesting characters that I would love to read about.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
October 13, 2025
So, I was super sceptical when I found out that Ford was going to be with Killian of all people and I could not see how it was going to work at all, BUT I absolutely loved them together and there's always three sides to every story.
Ford and Killian both have so much emotional trauma but together they perfectly complement each other. I loved how they settled into their domestic routine so easily and I loved how Killian was so cool with Ford's leg.
Killian's friendship with Jonah was another highlight - I can't wait to get Jonah's story in the spin-off series because he's so funny!
Tucker and Killian finally had a long overdue heart to heart and I was really happy with how things ended with this book.
Very keen to read Tiago's story in the Punk As Puck: Legends series.
*
*
*
HRCYED2: Disability Representation
Ford and Killian both have so much emotional trauma but together they perfectly complement each other. I loved how they settled into their domestic routine so easily and I loved how Killian was so cool with Ford's leg.
Killian's friendship with Jonah was another highlight - I can't wait to get Jonah's story in the spin-off series because he's so funny!
Tucker and Killian finally had a long overdue heart to heart and I was really happy with how things ended with this book.
Very keen to read Tiago's story in the Punk As Puck: Legends series.
*
*
*
HRCYED2: Disability Representation
October 6, 2025
The start to this redemption arc story is perfect. Absolute rock bottom perfect. It was the only way to get a character like Killian in a place to see all his wrong doings. Karma is a character in this book😉🤣 Plus, Ford killing him with kindness, that'll do it every time.
Also, get him crushing on you is the cherry on top. Sweet, cherry humble pie.😉
Them falling for each other was perfect. The dilemmas, the hurt and drama spot on.
This book delivered exactly what it promised and in a way that was completely satisfying. A wonderful book. I loved it.
*Favorites
Also, get him crushing on you is the cherry on top. Sweet, cherry humble pie.😉
Them falling for each other was perfect. The dilemmas, the hurt and drama spot on.
This book delivered exactly what it promised and in a way that was completely satisfying. A wonderful book. I loved it.
*Favorites
November 13, 2025
A - / 4.5 stars rounded up.
I do love a good redemption story, and E.M. Lindsey’s Absolutely Pucked is a very good one. The Punked as Puck series features three ride-or-die best friends who play hockey in local community leagues for disabled players, and while I loved the first book and wasn’t wild about the second, I’ve been looking forward to this one ever since I learned who the central pairing was going to be. And I wasn’t disappointed – the redemption story is very well done and the romance is full of longing, tenderness, heartache and wonderful chemistry.
Ford is at a pretty low ebb when the book begins. His friends Tucker and Boden are moving on, both personally and professionally, and even though neither of his friends are moving away, he nonetheless feels as though he’s being left behind. In an attempt to feel a bit better – an orgasm will be good for his mental health, right? - he heads to an out of town bar he goes to sometimes to find someone to hook up with. The quiet, slightly unkempt, but attractive guy sitting at the end of the bar is just Ford’s type; he slides onto the next stool, strikes up a conversation and doesn’t take long to get to the point. The guy, Ian, agrees to go upstairs with him – even if it’s just to “eat fried food and talk about why life’s so shitty” – but they both know they’re going to be doing more than that. As things heat up between them, Ian confesses that while he’s bi, he doesn’t have very much experience with men; but what really gets to Ford is the way Ian is so totally unfazed by his missing leg and his prosthesis and how easy he is to talk to – it’s been a very long time since Ford has felt comfortable being so open about himself. Despite Ian’s professed inexperience, the sex is great, and even more than that, Ford recognises there’s something going on that is nothing to do with sex, the kinds of feelings and connection that shouldn’t happen with hook-ups – and he’s sure Ian is experiencing it as well. He doesn’t have much time to think about it before he falls asleep, exhausted and full of endorphins – and when he wakes up Ian is gone.
About a month later, Ford comes home from work to find a man huddled on his doorstep trying to keep out of the rain – and realises that not only is it the guy from the bar, but that he knows him. Or knows of him, anyway. Without the bushy beard covering half his face it’s easy to recognise him as Killian Banks, the twin brother of Ford’s best friend Tucker, the man who had made Tucker’s life hell when they were kids and who had stolen Tucker’s fiancée when Tucker was in hospital recovering from the accident that cost him his legs and his eye. But... there’s something that doesn’t add up. The Killian Banks he’s heard so much about is a high-powered attorney, the golden child of the Banks family who can do no wrong - so what is he doing sitting on Ford’s doorstep, shivering and soaking wet, clutching a tattered bag of clothes? Why had he been at that club, broke, sad and starving a few weeks ago? Although Ford is confused and angry – with himself for hooking up with Killian in the first place, and with Killian for not telling him the truth – he can’t bring himself to turn him away. The guy is obviously in desperate need of help and for all that he deserves to suffer for what he did to Tucker, Ford isn’t about to let him die of hypothermia.
Once Killian is warm and dry, Ford demands some answers. Killian tells Ford that there are a lot of things Tucker doesn’t know, things that he has only found out recently, and that he’s in Turenne because he’d hoped to reconnect with his brother – but that after catching sight of Tucker with someone – a smaller, dark-haired man – and looking happier than Killian recalls ever seeing him, he’d backed off, knowing in that moment that whatever he had to say didn’t matter any more – it won’t change the past or the future. Tucker is doing well and Killian has no wish to drag him down by reminding him of the past.
Ford knows he’s risking a lot by letting Killian stay, but he can’t simply throw him out when he literally has nowhere else to go. Their one night together hasn’t been far from his mind over the past few weeks and he can’t deny that the intense connection that had sprung to life between them is still there and getting stronger – but he knows he’s playing with fire. Tucker is Ford’s best friend in the world and falling in love with the brother he hates could destroy everything in life Ford holds most dear.
Ford is kind, generous, a bit goofy and a total sweetheart. He’s experienced some truly awful things and his backstory is heartbreaking, yet he’s still the sort of guy who would try“to set themselves on fire to keep everyone else warm” – and consider it a good trade. But he’s also stuck in a rut; Tucker and Boden being happily coupled up and moving on with their lives has made him realise that he doesn’t know what he wants to do with his. Then Killian comes along and gives Ford so many of the things he’s been missing – quiet moments of intimacy and connection, and a sense of peace and safety.
I admit to having had a ‘holy crap!’ moment when I discovered who Ford’s love interest was going to be, but the author does a great job of showing the reader who Killian really is while not letting him off the hook for his past mistakes and the horrible things he did. He fully understands and takes responsibility for what he did and accepts the need to atone, genuinely believing that he deserves all the bad things life is throwing his way. But as is always the case there are two sides to every story, and when we get Killian’s and the complete picture emerges, it’s a truly awful one of emotional abuse and manipulation which goes a long way towards explaining – though not excusing - Killian’s behaviour. He’s now in the middle of a very ugly divorce; his wife is cheating on him and has engineered the situation so that Killian has lost everything – home, job, family – while she is taking him to the cleaners. Homeless, penniless and with nowhere to go, he’d gone to the club that night just to keep warm and not be alone, and meeting Ford had been the one bright spot in his life in a very long time. When he realised Ford likely knew Tucker, he’d tried to call a halt to things, but it had been so long since anyone had showed him any warmth or kindness that he’d been unable to resist letting himself enjoy the touch and closeness of another human being, if only for a little while.
Ford and Killian have both been through a lot and they make a great couple. I especially liked their awareness that they’re better for having known and loved each other even though they can’t be together long term, and watching Killian make a new friend in Jonah, one of Ford’s closest friends, is just so sweet it almost hurts. The big reveal is as messy and painful as you’d expect but it’s very well handled, with some real emotional (and physical!) gut-punches along the way, and while a full reconciliation between Tucker (who has done some growing up since we first met him) and Killian is a way off, they’ve made good progress by the end of the book.
I had to side-eye the cartoonishness of the evil ex (plus I didn’t understand how the former boss was able to prevent Killian from getting work in a different state), but honestly, I was enjoying everything else about the story so much that I wasn’t too bothered by it. The author’s disability rep is, as always, excellent; these are people getting on with their lives however they need to and their unique physicality is simply a part of who they are and is never presented as good or bad – it just IS. Absolutely Pucked had me glued to it from start to finish; it’s tender, funny, heartbreaking and beautifully romantic and is hands down my favourite of this series.
I do love a good redemption story, and E.M. Lindsey’s Absolutely Pucked is a very good one. The Punked as Puck series features three ride-or-die best friends who play hockey in local community leagues for disabled players, and while I loved the first book and wasn’t wild about the second, I’ve been looking forward to this one ever since I learned who the central pairing was going to be. And I wasn’t disappointed – the redemption story is very well done and the romance is full of longing, tenderness, heartache and wonderful chemistry.
Ford is at a pretty low ebb when the book begins. His friends Tucker and Boden are moving on, both personally and professionally, and even though neither of his friends are moving away, he nonetheless feels as though he’s being left behind. In an attempt to feel a bit better – an orgasm will be good for his mental health, right? - he heads to an out of town bar he goes to sometimes to find someone to hook up with. The quiet, slightly unkempt, but attractive guy sitting at the end of the bar is just Ford’s type; he slides onto the next stool, strikes up a conversation and doesn’t take long to get to the point. The guy, Ian, agrees to go upstairs with him – even if it’s just to “eat fried food and talk about why life’s so shitty” – but they both know they’re going to be doing more than that. As things heat up between them, Ian confesses that while he’s bi, he doesn’t have very much experience with men; but what really gets to Ford is the way Ian is so totally unfazed by his missing leg and his prosthesis and how easy he is to talk to – it’s been a very long time since Ford has felt comfortable being so open about himself. Despite Ian’s professed inexperience, the sex is great, and even more than that, Ford recognises there’s something going on that is nothing to do with sex, the kinds of feelings and connection that shouldn’t happen with hook-ups – and he’s sure Ian is experiencing it as well. He doesn’t have much time to think about it before he falls asleep, exhausted and full of endorphins – and when he wakes up Ian is gone.
About a month later, Ford comes home from work to find a man huddled on his doorstep trying to keep out of the rain – and realises that not only is it the guy from the bar, but that he knows him. Or knows of him, anyway. Without the bushy beard covering half his face it’s easy to recognise him as Killian Banks, the twin brother of Ford’s best friend Tucker, the man who had made Tucker’s life hell when they were kids and who had stolen Tucker’s fiancée when Tucker was in hospital recovering from the accident that cost him his legs and his eye. But... there’s something that doesn’t add up. The Killian Banks he’s heard so much about is a high-powered attorney, the golden child of the Banks family who can do no wrong - so what is he doing sitting on Ford’s doorstep, shivering and soaking wet, clutching a tattered bag of clothes? Why had he been at that club, broke, sad and starving a few weeks ago? Although Ford is confused and angry – with himself for hooking up with Killian in the first place, and with Killian for not telling him the truth – he can’t bring himself to turn him away. The guy is obviously in desperate need of help and for all that he deserves to suffer for what he did to Tucker, Ford isn’t about to let him die of hypothermia.
Once Killian is warm and dry, Ford demands some answers. Killian tells Ford that there are a lot of things Tucker doesn’t know, things that he has only found out recently, and that he’s in Turenne because he’d hoped to reconnect with his brother – but that after catching sight of Tucker with someone – a smaller, dark-haired man – and looking happier than Killian recalls ever seeing him, he’d backed off, knowing in that moment that whatever he had to say didn’t matter any more – it won’t change the past or the future. Tucker is doing well and Killian has no wish to drag him down by reminding him of the past.
Ford knows he’s risking a lot by letting Killian stay, but he can’t simply throw him out when he literally has nowhere else to go. Their one night together hasn’t been far from his mind over the past few weeks and he can’t deny that the intense connection that had sprung to life between them is still there and getting stronger – but he knows he’s playing with fire. Tucker is Ford’s best friend in the world and falling in love with the brother he hates could destroy everything in life Ford holds most dear.
Ford is kind, generous, a bit goofy and a total sweetheart. He’s experienced some truly awful things and his backstory is heartbreaking, yet he’s still the sort of guy who would try“to set themselves on fire to keep everyone else warm” – and consider it a good trade. But he’s also stuck in a rut; Tucker and Boden being happily coupled up and moving on with their lives has made him realise that he doesn’t know what he wants to do with his. Then Killian comes along and gives Ford so many of the things he’s been missing – quiet moments of intimacy and connection, and a sense of peace and safety.
I admit to having had a ‘holy crap!’ moment when I discovered who Ford’s love interest was going to be, but the author does a great job of showing the reader who Killian really is while not letting him off the hook for his past mistakes and the horrible things he did. He fully understands and takes responsibility for what he did and accepts the need to atone, genuinely believing that he deserves all the bad things life is throwing his way. But as is always the case there are two sides to every story, and when we get Killian’s and the complete picture emerges, it’s a truly awful one of emotional abuse and manipulation which goes a long way towards explaining – though not excusing - Killian’s behaviour. He’s now in the middle of a very ugly divorce; his wife is cheating on him and has engineered the situation so that Killian has lost everything – home, job, family – while she is taking him to the cleaners. Homeless, penniless and with nowhere to go, he’d gone to the club that night just to keep warm and not be alone, and meeting Ford had been the one bright spot in his life in a very long time. When he realised Ford likely knew Tucker, he’d tried to call a halt to things, but it had been so long since anyone had showed him any warmth or kindness that he’d been unable to resist letting himself enjoy the touch and closeness of another human being, if only for a little while.
Ford and Killian have both been through a lot and they make a great couple. I especially liked their awareness that they’re better for having known and loved each other even though they can’t be together long term, and watching Killian make a new friend in Jonah, one of Ford’s closest friends, is just so sweet it almost hurts. The big reveal is as messy and painful as you’d expect but it’s very well handled, with some real emotional (and physical!) gut-punches along the way, and while a full reconciliation between Tucker (who has done some growing up since we first met him) and Killian is a way off, they’ve made good progress by the end of the book.
I had to side-eye the cartoonishness of the evil ex (plus I didn’t understand how the former boss was able to prevent Killian from getting work in a different state), but honestly, I was enjoying everything else about the story so much that I wasn’t too bothered by it. The author’s disability rep is, as always, excellent; these are people getting on with their lives however they need to and their unique physicality is simply a part of who they are and is never presented as good or bad – it just IS. Absolutely Pucked had me glued to it from start to finish; it’s tender, funny, heartbreaking and beautifully romantic and is hands down my favourite of this series.
October 8, 2025
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: one-night stand to more, forbidden, brother's best friend
The redemption arc I didn't know I wanted, but trust E.M. to hit all the feels with this one!
When I first found out about the Killian / Ford pairing, I have to admit that I had a difficult time picturing them together. Killian came across as pretty terrible in Tuck's story, and when I read that first book I never would have guessed that E.M. Lindsey would go for a redemption arc for him. It didn't take long to realise that Ford and Killian were perfect for each other though!
I really liked Ford from the other books, he came across as a bit softer than Tuck and Boden, and after seeing them find their men, he was feeling a little sad and lonely. He truly had no idea what he got himself into when he picked up a stranger in a bar…
Their 'forbidden', secret romance created a bit of angst and tension, and Killian had a bit of drama going on in his life as well. I loved the hurt / comfort between Ford and Killian, and they were just so sweet together. They both felt safe with each other and it was heartwarming to see the connection that grew between them.
Absolutely Pucked was an emotional redemption arc full of hurt / comfort, and a great conclusion to the Punk as Puck series! There was a lot of character growth and complexity in his story, and while I never thought I'd say this after reading Tuck's story, but I loved Ford and Killian together! I'm also very excited that I'll get to see more of Jonah in the spin-off series!
-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: one-night stand to more, forbidden, brother's best friend
The redemption arc I didn't know I wanted, but trust E.M. to hit all the feels with this one!
When I first found out about the Killian / Ford pairing, I have to admit that I had a difficult time picturing them together. Killian came across as pretty terrible in Tuck's story, and when I read that first book I never would have guessed that E.M. Lindsey would go for a redemption arc for him. It didn't take long to realise that Ford and Killian were perfect for each other though!
I really liked Ford from the other books, he came across as a bit softer than Tuck and Boden, and after seeing them find their men, he was feeling a little sad and lonely. He truly had no idea what he got himself into when he picked up a stranger in a bar…
Their 'forbidden', secret romance created a bit of angst and tension, and Killian had a bit of drama going on in his life as well. I loved the hurt / comfort between Ford and Killian, and they were just so sweet together. They both felt safe with each other and it was heartwarming to see the connection that grew between them.
Absolutely Pucked was an emotional redemption arc full of hurt / comfort, and a great conclusion to the Punk as Puck series! There was a lot of character growth and complexity in his story, and while I never thought I'd say this after reading Tuck's story, but I loved Ford and Killian together! I'm also very excited that I'll get to see more of Jonah in the spin-off series!
-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 5, 2025
This is the third book in E.M Lindsey’s Punk as Puck series. I suspected that Killian would be Ford’s love interest in this book while reading the second book in the series. I was curious how Lindsey was going to make it work, let alone find a way for readers to actually like Killian. Ford finding his forever love and experiencing Killian’s redemption arc is a worthwhile read in this book.
Killian and Ford meet and hook up before Ford realizes who Ian is. Killian’s life is falling apart, and Ford doesn’t have it in himself to abandon Killian when he shows up on his doorstep a month after their impromptu rendezvous. Ford is able to open up to Killian in ways that he hasn’t even done with Tucker and Boden, but he knows just how high stakes this entanglement with Tucker’s twin is, and what it may cost everyone. Nonetheless, there is an undeniable pull between Ford and Killian. They have a deep and meaningful connection. Their chemistry is top tier too.
There’s a few things that need to be cleared up in this installment. It’s a testament to the bond that Ford, Tucker, and Boden have that they are able to work through this unanticipated conflict. Ford deserves every good thing and by the end of the book, I was convinced that Killian deserves a happy ending as well. It was lovely to see the brothers work towards mending their relationship. There was growth in this novel. Lindsey wraps the series up well.
It was great seeing Jonah in this story again as well. I’m looking forward to the spin off!
Killian and Ford meet and hook up before Ford realizes who Ian is. Killian’s life is falling apart, and Ford doesn’t have it in himself to abandon Killian when he shows up on his doorstep a month after their impromptu rendezvous. Ford is able to open up to Killian in ways that he hasn’t even done with Tucker and Boden, but he knows just how high stakes this entanglement with Tucker’s twin is, and what it may cost everyone. Nonetheless, there is an undeniable pull between Ford and Killian. They have a deep and meaningful connection. Their chemistry is top tier too.
There’s a few things that need to be cleared up in this installment. It’s a testament to the bond that Ford, Tucker, and Boden have that they are able to work through this unanticipated conflict. Ford deserves every good thing and by the end of the book, I was convinced that Killian deserves a happy ending as well. It was lovely to see the brothers work towards mending their relationship. There was growth in this novel. Lindsey wraps the series up well.
It was great seeing Jonah in this story again as well. I’m looking forward to the spin off!
September 23, 2025
No one does an achy, complex and satisfying redemption arc like EM Lindsey and this was no different. I’ve been waiting for Killian’s story ever since it was hinted at earlier and my god it didn’t disappoint.
The best of these kinds of stories happen when people own up to their mistakes and attempt in good faith to make amends. Killian’s side of the story was so important to see and watching him try and crawl his way back from the mess his life has become hurt my heart. Maybe this kind of narrative isn’t for everyone, but it sheds light onto the fact that humans are such imperfect creatures with immense capacity to be flawed but just as much capacity to love.
I also adored sweet Ford, who is the sweetest, kindest person and watching him figure out his own issues, confront some of his own fears was also deeply satisfying. I loved this couple and their found family shenanigans so much and I’m gonna go drink a gallon of water to replenish all the tears I cried.
CWs: Past parental abuse; narcissistic ex; cheating (not between MCs); separation and divorce (not between MCs); some ableism; injury leading to permanent limb loss (in the past)
CNs: Book three in the Punked as Puck series featuring sled hockey players and their lover. This book contains a redemption arc with a character briefly featured and mentioned in an earlier novel. This is a medium-heat book with on-page sex scenes.
The best of these kinds of stories happen when people own up to their mistakes and attempt in good faith to make amends. Killian’s side of the story was so important to see and watching him try and crawl his way back from the mess his life has become hurt my heart. Maybe this kind of narrative isn’t for everyone, but it sheds light onto the fact that humans are such imperfect creatures with immense capacity to be flawed but just as much capacity to love.
I also adored sweet Ford, who is the sweetest, kindest person and watching him figure out his own issues, confront some of his own fears was also deeply satisfying. I loved this couple and their found family shenanigans so much and I’m gonna go drink a gallon of water to replenish all the tears I cried.
CWs: Past parental abuse; narcissistic ex; cheating (not between MCs); separation and divorce (not between MCs); some ableism; injury leading to permanent limb loss (in the past)
CNs: Book three in the Punked as Puck series featuring sled hockey players and their lover. This book contains a redemption arc with a character briefly featured and mentioned in an earlier novel. This is a medium-heat book with on-page sex scenes.
October 7, 2025
Трошки Гевін вайб🙂↕️✨пишу це, щоб Даша побачила, спокусилась і прочитала три книги, найкраща з яких це третя😆 Дуже цікава серія своєю атмосферою і гумором, я таке люблю. І, звісно, дізналась більше про людей з інвалідністю. Ось ця третя пара просто 🥺❤️🥰❤️🔥
September 28, 2025
★★★★★. I love them. I will never accept hate on Killian. I can’t read the first book because I don’t think I can handle people hating him???
For my safety readers; safe! There is a mention of both past hookups.
For my safety readers; safe! There is a mention of both past hookups.
September 26, 2025
Loved this and loved learning more about Killian and Ford
September 29, 2025
Absolutely Pucked
Punk as Puck Book 3
E.M. Lindsey
Ford & Killian
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Hook ups to lovers
Brothers best friend
Forbidden romance
Found family
High angst
High swoon
Hockey bro banter
SO I’m not crying, you’re crying. I just adored this.
This has been an incredible series.
Each character's story has been so emotional and beautiful but also so inspiring. Everything everyone has been through is a lot, very challenging, but the beauty that E.M. Lindsey writes that even though it is dark, the light always comes eventually.
I love a good redemption arc. So often we don’t know the other side of the story.
This was true with Killian and his twin brother's past, Tucker. And past they surely did have.
Ford and Killian meet initially for a hook up. They have a connection, two hurt, sad boys giving in for just a moment. Finding peace within each other.
“I want you. I just… don’t want you to regret me. You’re the first person who’s been nice to me in a long time, and I don’t think I want to lose that.”
They run into each other again and Ford takes him in. It isn't ideal, but so much is going on in Killian's life, Ford can’t seem to turn him away.
I loved this, they worked so well, they saw each other. They were so perfect for each other.
“The way he just sort of fit against all my jagged corners and sharp edges like he was a puzzle piece made to soften and complete me.”
I literally also adore the found family vibes this series is. Jonah, oh my heart, I can’t wait for his story. Micah and Tiago too. These guys are hilarious. They are all the best.
I can’t spoil the ending really for you.
You’ll need to read how Tucker finds out about Ford and Killian, and how the guys all deal it it.
“Never been loved like this. And the painful truth was, he probably hadn’t. And neither had I. In that, he was my first. My only. And I wanted to be his.”
This was lovely, I adore them all.
So glad Ford and Kill did get a hea. Killian especially got a few extra perks lol
Just read it
Punk as Puck Book 3
E.M. Lindsey
Ford & Killian
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Hook ups to lovers
Brothers best friend
Forbidden romance
Found family
High angst
High swoon
Hockey bro banter
SO I’m not crying, you’re crying. I just adored this.
This has been an incredible series.
Each character's story has been so emotional and beautiful but also so inspiring. Everything everyone has been through is a lot, very challenging, but the beauty that E.M. Lindsey writes that even though it is dark, the light always comes eventually.
I love a good redemption arc. So often we don’t know the other side of the story.
This was true with Killian and his twin brother's past, Tucker. And past they surely did have.
Ford and Killian meet initially for a hook up. They have a connection, two hurt, sad boys giving in for just a moment. Finding peace within each other.
“I want you. I just… don’t want you to regret me. You’re the first person who’s been nice to me in a long time, and I don’t think I want to lose that.”
They run into each other again and Ford takes him in. It isn't ideal, but so much is going on in Killian's life, Ford can’t seem to turn him away.
I loved this, they worked so well, they saw each other. They were so perfect for each other.
“The way he just sort of fit against all my jagged corners and sharp edges like he was a puzzle piece made to soften and complete me.”
I literally also adore the found family vibes this series is. Jonah, oh my heart, I can’t wait for his story. Micah and Tiago too. These guys are hilarious. They are all the best.
I can’t spoil the ending really for you.
You’ll need to read how Tucker finds out about Ford and Killian, and how the guys all deal it it.
“Never been loved like this. And the painful truth was, he probably hadn’t. And neither had I. In that, he was my first. My only. And I wanted to be his.”
This was lovely, I adore them all.
So glad Ford and Kill did get a hea. Killian especially got a few extra perks lol
Just read it
January 2, 2026
Content warnings: abuse (in the past), cheating (in the past), parental abuse (in the past), IDK how to describe this one in non-specific terms so have a spoiler tag: , ableism, discussion of hospitalisation (in the past), abandonment
I was a little hesitant going into this one because, like, redemption storyline for a character that I wasn't entirely convinced deserved a redemption storyline. And colour me shocked, he DID deserve a redemption storyline. I really liked both the protagonists and the way the romance develops between them.
There were, quite frankly, times when I wished the whole "Omg Tucker can never find out" thing would just, like, move on because obviously Tucker was eventually going to find out. And it WAS slightly angstier than I would have liked thanks to how long that section of the plot was dragged out for. But I enjoyed this nonetheless.
I was a little hesitant going into this one because, like, redemption storyline for a character that I wasn't entirely convinced deserved a redemption storyline. And colour me shocked, he DID deserve a redemption storyline. I really liked both the protagonists and the way the romance develops between them.
There were, quite frankly, times when I wished the whole "Omg Tucker can never find out" thing would just, like, move on because obviously Tucker was eventually going to find out. And it WAS slightly angstier than I would have liked thanks to how long that section of the plot was dragged out for. But I enjoyed this nonetheless.
September 13, 2025
4.5 rounded to 5
Writing a redemption arc is one of the most difficult things to do for an author. There are so many things to consider:
- a powerful reason driving the change ✔️ Killian have it
- the need to don’t erase or minimize the character’s mistakes ✔️ Killian owns his mistakes
- show how their actions harmed others ✔️ we all read Tucker's book, right?
- show the character inner conflict ✔️ Killian wrestles between old habits and new convictions.
- redemption has to be a process ✔️ we see Killian's small steps, hesitations, and how slowly the others starts to trust him again
- confrontation with those who were hurt ✔️ The first confrontation with Tucker felt a bit too lame, but the second was *chef's kiss*.
I also liked that he remains marked by his past, but finds balance and his own peace.
Would I have loved to see a bit more Killian and Tucker alone? See how they rebuilt their relationship? Yeah, I would. But I guess that's bound to be an amazing bonus scene.
I was gifted an ARC and this is my honest review.
Writing a redemption arc is one of the most difficult things to do for an author. There are so many things to consider:
- a powerful reason driving the change ✔️ Killian have it
- the need to don’t erase or minimize the character’s mistakes ✔️ Killian owns his mistakes
- show how their actions harmed others ✔️ we all read Tucker's book, right?
- show the character inner conflict ✔️ Killian wrestles between old habits and new convictions.
- redemption has to be a process ✔️ we see Killian's small steps, hesitations, and how slowly the others starts to trust him again
- confrontation with those who were hurt ✔️ The first confrontation with Tucker felt a bit too lame, but the second was *chef's kiss*.
I also liked that he remains marked by his past, but finds balance and his own peace.
Would I have loved to see a bit more Killian and Tucker alone? See how they rebuilt their relationship? Yeah, I would. But I guess that's bound to be an amazing bonus scene.
I was gifted an ARC and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
I have been really looking forward to hearing Killian’s side of the story, and I’ve loved Ford from the beginning, so I was so excited to read this. I think it’s definitely my favourite of the three.
It was a great ending to the series. I know we’re meant to dislike Killian, but as Tucker rightly points out, both of them were wrong and right, and both of them are to blame for hurting each other instead of being on each other’s side. No resolution with the parents, but I think we can safely assume they’ll have a shitty ending now that they’ve got a moocher and no money left 😂
The way Killian doesn’t shy away from what he did wrong, doesn’t transfer the blame to his brother or anyone else. He takes full responsibility for everything that happened, but also just wants a chance to make up for those mistakes. Ford was always a lush character, but his panic over Tucker finding out made him forget how much they love him. I felt in the end Killian deserved empathy and a chance to be happy.
Great ending, and I can’t wait to read about Jonah.
It was a great ending to the series. I know we’re meant to dislike Killian, but as Tucker rightly points out, both of them were wrong and right, and both of them are to blame for hurting each other instead of being on each other’s side. No resolution with the parents, but I think we can safely assume they’ll have a shitty ending now that they’ve got a moocher and no money left 😂
The way Killian doesn’t shy away from what he did wrong, doesn’t transfer the blame to his brother or anyone else. He takes full responsibility for everything that happened, but also just wants a chance to make up for those mistakes. Ford was always a lush character, but his panic over Tucker finding out made him forget how much they love him. I felt in the end Killian deserved empathy and a chance to be happy.
Great ending, and I can’t wait to read about Jonah.
September 22, 2025
I was very hesitant to read this one even though I was really excited to receive it as an ARC. Killian was an awful character in the earlier books and I liked Tucker so much that it was hard to give him a chance. But I’m glad I did. Killian definitely tugged at my heart more than I expected him to an I absolutely loved Ford in this book (and the earlier books lol). The relationship between the MCs was both steamy and sweet which imo is perfect.
The only thing I do wish is that we had gotten to see a bit more interactions between Killian and Tucker but what we did see was realistic and a little heart breaking. The problems felt relatively solved at the end but not like they were magically wrapped up with a bow. It felt like real life where you know it’s better but there’s more work to do and I loved that.
Enjoyable read and an amazing end to this series. I’m looking forward to the next books from E.M. as always. 💕
The only thing I do wish is that we had gotten to see a bit more interactions between Killian and Tucker but what we did see was realistic and a little heart breaking. The problems felt relatively solved at the end but not like they were magically wrapped up with a bow. It felt like real life where you know it’s better but there’s more work to do and I loved that.
Enjoyable read and an amazing end to this series. I’m looking forward to the next books from E.M. as always. 💕
October 21, 2025
My favorite of the series, hands down.
I have loved Ford since book one so I was excited to get his full story and this didn't disappoint. I liked that not only did we see his love for his friends and the bigger backstory with his family (wow, do they suck) but also some context to the last book and why he was so adamant about not being made Captain.
And then there's Killian. His redemption arc was great. I knew since book one there was more to the story with him and Tucker, that there was just enough left unsaid that made me think "hmm I feel like we're missing something". And also having a sibling makes me very aware there were times I thought I was trying to help and they didn't realize it. In any case, Killian does the work here .
And he just balanced Ford so well. There was a support between them that was just really great and I adored how easily they communicated with one another and even though there were times they weren't ready to say the words, they both knew where the other stood.
I didn't even mind the third act break up because it was obvious with all the circumstances something was going to have to give for a minute and I think Killian needed to know he wasn't ruining things for Ford. And yes, he should have just talked to him about that but... boys.
Stray thoughts:
Jonah was great! It was fun to see him away from his brother and I liked that Killian got to branch out and make some other friends.
The moments Ford recognized how hard Killian was being on himself really hit me hard; he saw the full person and had compassion for him, loved all of him.
Nugget!
Just a joy to read; one that I'll come back to in the future.
I have loved Ford since book one so I was excited to get his full story and this didn't disappoint. I liked that not only did we see his love for his friends and the bigger backstory with his family (wow, do they suck) but also some context to the last book and why he was so adamant about not being made Captain.
And then there's Killian. His redemption arc was great. I knew since book one there was more to the story with him and Tucker, that there was just enough left unsaid that made me think "hmm I feel like we're missing something". And also having a sibling makes me very aware there were times I thought I was trying to help and they didn't realize it. In any case, Killian does the work here .
And he just balanced Ford so well. There was a support between them that was just really great and I adored how easily they communicated with one another and even though there were times they weren't ready to say the words, they both knew where the other stood.
I didn't even mind the third act break up because it was obvious with all the circumstances something was going to have to give for a minute and I think Killian needed to know he wasn't ruining things for Ford. And yes, he should have just talked to him about that but... boys.
Stray thoughts:
Jonah was great! It was fun to see him away from his brother and I liked that Killian got to branch out and make some other friends.
The moments Ford recognized how hard Killian was being on himself really hit me hard; he saw the full person and had compassion for him, loved all of him.
Nugget!
Just a joy to read; one that I'll come back to in the future.
November 7, 2025
I absolutely devoured all 3 of these books in a few days. A villain redemption is such a good trope when done well and here it was perfection. A big shout out to Nugget, the most adorable cat character ever!
December 23, 2025
I love the little found family in this series, I’m so sad it’s over. I absolutely adored this one. I had no idea how EM was going to redeem Killian because I hated him so much in book one. But his side of the story had me fucking bawling my eyes out for a lot of the book. And now I love him and will fight anyone who hurts him. And Ford, my sweet baby boy. Ugh. He made me cry too. THESE BOYS MAKIN ME CRY. I loved it. Loved loved loved it.
January 6, 2026
My only gripe is that Ford didn’t recognise Killian at first glance. No haircut or beard on earth could disguise the identical twin of your best friend.
September 26, 2025
I greatly enjoyed this finale to the trilogy. Strong redemption arc for an unredeemable hero. But who am I to judge? It was up to wronged-brother Tucker and, ultimately, villain-twin MC Killian, to forgive Killian...or rather, move forward.
Yes, that Killian. Utter 💩head waste of space who married his twin brother’s ex-fiancee after Tucker survived a physically life-altering accident. Who gives a crap about this guy?
Ford. One of twin Tucker’s very best, closest friends. He doesn’t know who “Ian” is that first night that they hook up (and "Ian" doesn't realize Ford knows Tucker...at first...), just knows this man is the saddest, and sexiest, guy he’s ever seen and wants to make at least one day good for him. And when Killian vanishes, Ford is resigned to it remaining one hot night with a mystery man.
This guy. Loved Ford!
It is one f’d up situation, but the author doesn’t shy away from just how terrible Killian’s choices were, doesn’t make excuses or try to redeem him with stupid cliché crap. The past isn’t changeable. But what the author does is show just how much Killian has legit changed, that he fully understands what he did, and that he is paying for it and always will be. The self-flagellation is real and satisfying. But luckily, he won’t wallow in it forever, because...Ford. And also, Tucker has somehow become a grown-up, and I truly love the final confrontation in which Tucker calls out both Ford and Killian for...well, you’ll see.
Killian has had everything stripped away from him by that ex-fiancee, soon to be his ex-wife. He’s living in his car, came to town hoping to give Tucker the truths he’s learned about just how both of them were manipulated during Tucker’s darkest days. Not because it excuses Killian. It doesn’t. But knowing what really happened might help them both resolve their own issues with it.
But he decides not to talk to Tucker. Just can’t. His motives are, ultimately, selfish, and why lay all that on a now clearly extremely happy Tucker? Hence...night in a bar. Hookup with an incredible stranger. Limping out of town. But don’t worry...he comes back.
How and why Ford and Killian meet again, including why lovely kind Ford invites Killian to stays in Ford’s place, begins a riveting and powerful romance and love story, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. The fledgling relationships Killian forms in town with certain SCs add layers to the story and more conflict, and I ate it all up. Kitten for Jonah! ❤️
Still no resolution with the shitty parents, just basic background info on Killian and Tucker’s childhood. Ford’s backstory is a horror of its own. The main story stays focused on the present.
Star off for the entire ex situation being unbelievable. Killian’s boss has THAT much power everywhere? Really? The ex’s narcissism also gives her superpowers to take and destroy things illegally across states? What? The villains’ actions, while effective for creating an impossible situation and strong conflict, just weren’t credible to me. But because I enjoyed the romance so much, I didn’t really care. And the ex’s final situation did leave me gleeful.
Also, frustration for Ford’s lack of honesty. That got a little unbelievable/out of character, and I didn’t like his choice when he thought he had to choose. It didn’t sit right and took away from the romance. I did like Killian’s subsequent bad choice and the extra angst it caused (yes, there is third act breakup/separation, but, not for too long, and made sense in the context/wasn’t silly).
It says a lot that I had to add this edit to note that I appreciated, as always, the author's different abilities representation. I forgot about it, because these were people managing their lives as they needed to, each character's unique physicality wasn't focused on as a good or bad thing. Just a thing. And the brief moments of sled hockey we got to experience were a lot of fun.
But overall, best book of the trilogy, hands down.
HEA, secret identity, forbidden romance, sneaking around. One night hookup to lovers. Absolutely no others, no OM drama, entirely safe for me. Just basic background info on previous sex lives. No biggie. Highly recommended.
Yes, that Killian. Utter 💩head waste of space who married his twin brother’s ex-fiancee after Tucker survived a physically life-altering accident. Who gives a crap about this guy?
Ford. One of twin Tucker’s very best, closest friends. He doesn’t know who “Ian” is that first night that they hook up (and "Ian" doesn't realize Ford knows Tucker...at first...), just knows this man is the saddest, and sexiest, guy he’s ever seen and wants to make at least one day good for him. And when Killian vanishes, Ford is resigned to it remaining one hot night with a mystery man.
This guy. Loved Ford!
It is one f’d up situation, but the author doesn’t shy away from just how terrible Killian’s choices were, doesn’t make excuses or try to redeem him with stupid cliché crap. The past isn’t changeable. But what the author does is show just how much Killian has legit changed, that he fully understands what he did, and that he is paying for it and always will be. The self-flagellation is real and satisfying. But luckily, he won’t wallow in it forever, because...Ford. And also, Tucker has somehow become a grown-up, and I truly love the final confrontation in which Tucker calls out both Ford and Killian for...well, you’ll see.
Killian has had everything stripped away from him by that ex-fiancee, soon to be his ex-wife. He’s living in his car, came to town hoping to give Tucker the truths he’s learned about just how both of them were manipulated during Tucker’s darkest days. Not because it excuses Killian. It doesn’t. But knowing what really happened might help them both resolve their own issues with it.
But he decides not to talk to Tucker. Just can’t. His motives are, ultimately, selfish, and why lay all that on a now clearly extremely happy Tucker? Hence...night in a bar. Hookup with an incredible stranger. Limping out of town. But don’t worry...he comes back.
How and why Ford and Killian meet again, including why lovely kind Ford invites Killian to stays in Ford’s place, begins a riveting and powerful romance and love story, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. The fledgling relationships Killian forms in town with certain SCs add layers to the story and more conflict, and I ate it all up. Kitten for Jonah! ❤️
Still no resolution with the shitty parents, just basic background info on Killian and Tucker’s childhood. Ford’s backstory is a horror of its own. The main story stays focused on the present.
Star off for the entire ex situation being unbelievable. Killian’s boss has THAT much power everywhere? Really? The ex’s narcissism also gives her superpowers to take and destroy things illegally across states? What? The villains’ actions, while effective for creating an impossible situation and strong conflict, just weren’t credible to me. But because I enjoyed the romance so much, I didn’t really care. And the ex’s final situation did leave me gleeful.
Also, frustration for Ford’s lack of honesty. That got a little unbelievable/out of character, and I didn’t like his choice when he thought he had to choose. It didn’t sit right and took away from the romance. I did like Killian’s subsequent bad choice and the extra angst it caused (yes, there is third act breakup/separation, but, not for too long, and made sense in the context/wasn’t silly).
It says a lot that I had to add this edit to note that I appreciated, as always, the author's different abilities representation. I forgot about it, because these were people managing their lives as they needed to, each character's unique physicality wasn't focused on as a good or bad thing. Just a thing. And the brief moments of sled hockey we got to experience were a lot of fun.
But overall, best book of the trilogy, hands down.
HEA, secret identity, forbidden romance, sneaking around. One night hookup to lovers. Absolutely no others, no OM drama, entirely safe for me. Just basic background info on previous sex lives. No biggie. Highly recommended.
October 3, 2025
I have loved every book in this series because the series centers around one of the things I think EM writes best: found families. The group of friends that Ford and co have cultivated is a better family than any of them were born into and it's easy to see why they hold on to each other so tightly.
I was excitedly nervous for this final book because I knew it was Killian's redemption arc and Ford's secrets would finally be revealed. EM can write some really easy to hate characters, but I also know they can write some super emotional redemption arcs, so I went in trusting the process.
Overall, I was happy with the story. Ford's backstory is gut wrenching. Less than two chapters in, I was tearing up over how Carol-Ann got her name. EM knows how to twist your emotions. I understood Ford's behavior and his fear of losing everything, but I also wanted to smack him upside the head several times. It made me frustrated how he consistently betrayed his very dedicated friends while saying he'd choose them every time, because that was a lie. His willful betrayal of his best friend proves he wouldn't choose them. He only chose Tucker when Killian removed himself from the situation.
For Killian, I felt like the circumstances that drove him to seek out Tucker were unnecessarily OTT. It felt disingenuous that he'd go so far as to seek out Tucker but not approach him. After Tucker's story, I knew there was more to their relationship. EM made it clear that Tucker was no angel and played a role in their conflict. But what Killian did to him was horrible, there is no downplaying that. My greatest frustration with Killian is that he wants to make himself the martyr. He'd rather run away than put in the work for his own redemption and it ended up twisting around that Tucker was the one to take the lead in their reconciliation and that took the wind out of Killian's redemption in my opinion.
Neither MC is assertive or confident at all. They both want to make themselves the martyr which felt more like playing the victim so everyone around them was trying to reassure them rather than call them on their bad choices.
That aside, it was rewarding to see Ford find his person. He'd been feeling a lot like the third wheel and felt like he was losing his family. He is so sweet, he deserves a person and I liked that his friends also reassured him that they weren't leaving him behind. They also pushed him to go for the dreams he wouldn't admit he wanted.
The romance between Killian and Ford is sweet and ultimately, I left the story satisfied that everyone got their HEA and Tucker and Killian were on their way to mending their relationship. But the real start of the entire series is the friendship and the love the guys have for each other. I'm looking forward to the spin-offs.
I was excitedly nervous for this final book because I knew it was Killian's redemption arc and Ford's secrets would finally be revealed. EM can write some really easy to hate characters, but I also know they can write some super emotional redemption arcs, so I went in trusting the process.
Overall, I was happy with the story. Ford's backstory is gut wrenching. Less than two chapters in, I was tearing up over how Carol-Ann got her name. EM knows how to twist your emotions. I understood Ford's behavior and his fear of losing everything, but I also wanted to smack him upside the head several times. It made me frustrated how he consistently betrayed his very dedicated friends while saying he'd choose them every time, because that was a lie. His willful betrayal of his best friend proves he wouldn't choose them. He only chose Tucker when Killian removed himself from the situation.
For Killian, I felt like the circumstances that drove him to seek out Tucker were unnecessarily OTT. It felt disingenuous that he'd go so far as to seek out Tucker but not approach him. After Tucker's story, I knew there was more to their relationship. EM made it clear that Tucker was no angel and played a role in their conflict. But what Killian did to him was horrible, there is no downplaying that. My greatest frustration with Killian is that he wants to make himself the martyr. He'd rather run away than put in the work for his own redemption and it ended up twisting around that Tucker was the one to take the lead in their reconciliation and that took the wind out of Killian's redemption in my opinion.
Neither MC is assertive or confident at all. They both want to make themselves the martyr which felt more like playing the victim so everyone around them was trying to reassure them rather than call them on their bad choices.
That aside, it was rewarding to see Ford find his person. He'd been feeling a lot like the third wheel and felt like he was losing his family. He is so sweet, he deserves a person and I liked that his friends also reassured him that they weren't leaving him behind. They also pushed him to go for the dreams he wouldn't admit he wanted.
The romance between Killian and Ford is sweet and ultimately, I left the story satisfied that everyone got their HEA and Tucker and Killian were on their way to mending their relationship. But the real start of the entire series is the friendship and the love the guys have for each other. I'm looking forward to the spin-offs.
September 28, 2025
“I want you. I just… don’t want you to regret me. You’re the first person who’s been nice to me in a long time, and I don’t think I want to lose that.”
When I realized in Pucked Up who Ford was going to be paired with, I gasped. If you’ve read Zero Pucks, the first book in the series, then you probably feel a certain way about Killian. And with good reason. I was so curious to see how he was going to be redeemed because he was portrayed to be pretty awful in that first book. But, as this book reminds us, there are two sides to every story, and sometimes things aren’t always what they seem. I think it only took me until the 3rd chapter to start feeling sympathetic toward Killian. He was not at all what I thought he was, and I was quite sad for him and for what his life had become.
He was fortunate to cross paths with Ford, who is such a great guy. Ford’s not one to stand by while someone’s suffering. If there’s a way he can help, he will. And that’s how he ended up tangled with Killian. Even once he realized who Killian actually was, he couldn’t turn him away. And the more he got to know him, the harder it was to resist him. Even if starting a relationship with Killian would likely cost him one of the most important people in his life. The forbidden aspect of their relationship was done so well. They wanted each other so much and were falling fast, but they were forced to hold back their feelings, knowing how painful the fallout would be once they were discovered.
He loved me, and I loved him, and we couldn’t say the words because they would tear us to pieces.
They were so sweet together, though, and I was rooting for them to work it out. A big hurdle to their HEA was Tucker and how he would react. I won’t spoil anything, but I was happy with how that all turned out. A main theme in this series was the found family these guys have formed, and that played an important part in this book, too. Ford was worried that falling for Killian could cost him the family he’s found. But at the same time, we got to see Killian begin to find a place for himself in this little group, and how well he’d fit in if given the chance.
I’ve enjoyed this whole series, but this was the best of the three, in my opinion! I’m excited to see that there’s a spin-off series about some of the side characters. I look forward to that because Jonah and Micah were some of my favorite characters in these books!
“Ford,” he murmured, half-whine, half-gasp. “Ford, Ford.”
He said my name like it meant something. Like it was important.
Like I was worthy.
September 25, 2025
The way he just sort of fit against all my jagged corners and sharp edges like he was a puzzle piece made to soften and complete me.
3.5 rounded up! I adore Ford so I was so excited for him to be getting his happy ending. I was nervous for Killian's redemption arc but also extremely intrigued. I did like how there was more added to the story - there are in fact always two sides of a story - so it was cool to see his perspective of what went down. I can't remember if it was ever hinted at that Tucker was sort of mean to Killian in high school (i know tucker probably wouldn't talk about it in his own narration but) so it did sort of feel like specifically added to lessen the assholery of Killian lol rather than being organic if that makes sense?
I did like how both Ford and Killian were experiences this heavy loneliness and found solace in each other. Ford, because he felt like all his friends were moving on, and Killian, because after the shitshow he was going through, he realized he didn't have anyone in his corner.
Maybe it was because I binge-read so quickly I missed it, but was it said why exactly Ford is so anti being in charge? He keeps himself on a lower salary at the grocery store because he doesn't want to be manager despite needing more money, and doesn't want to accept the C for his team? Was it just a responsibility thing and, like, being responsible for others that made him worry? Learning about what his family did to him broke my heart, he really deserves the world.
I had mixed feelings about the reveal to Tucker that Killian was in town. I had been hoping it wasn't going to be a forced thing, and that either Killian would reach out to Tucker on his own time or Killian would see Tucker somewhere in town himself. I didn't love Boden's involvement in the situation. I felt like I understood Tucker's point of, like, Killian and Ford didn't even give him a chance to really prove that he wouldn't just leave Killian to suffer on his own? But at the same time the two of them have been estranged for so long I think Killian was also valid in not thinking he was welcome to ask for help from Tucker.
Overall, I did mostly enjoy this because I love Ford so much. It was a little slow at the beginning and I didn't love the reveal because it felt too predictable but sometimes that's a good thing for readers so idk! I think for me it was one of those books where I went into it expecting something specific and then when it didn't happen I was left wanting more, if that makes sense?
3.5 rounded up! I adore Ford so I was so excited for him to be getting his happy ending. I was nervous for Killian's redemption arc but also extremely intrigued. I did like how there was more added to the story - there are in fact always two sides of a story - so it was cool to see his perspective of what went down. I can't remember if it was ever hinted at that Tucker was sort of mean to Killian in high school (i know tucker probably wouldn't talk about it in his own narration but) so it did sort of feel like specifically added to lessen the assholery of Killian lol rather than being organic if that makes sense?
I did like how both Ford and Killian were experiences this heavy loneliness and found solace in each other. Ford, because he felt like all his friends were moving on, and Killian, because after the shitshow he was going through, he realized he didn't have anyone in his corner.
Maybe it was because I binge-read so quickly I missed it, but was it said why exactly Ford is so anti being in charge? He keeps himself on a lower salary at the grocery store because he doesn't want to be manager despite needing more money, and doesn't want to accept the C for his team? Was it just a responsibility thing and, like, being responsible for others that made him worry? Learning about what his family did to him broke my heart, he really deserves the world.
I had mixed feelings about the reveal to Tucker that Killian was in town. I had been hoping it wasn't going to be a forced thing, and that either Killian would reach out to Tucker on his own time or Killian would see Tucker somewhere in town himself. I didn't love Boden's involvement in the situation. I felt like I understood Tucker's point of, like, Killian and Ford didn't even give him a chance to really prove that he wouldn't just leave Killian to suffer on his own? But at the same time the two of them have been estranged for so long I think Killian was also valid in not thinking he was welcome to ask for help from Tucker.
Overall, I did mostly enjoy this because I love Ford so much. It was a little slow at the beginning and I didn't love the reveal because it felt too predictable but sometimes that's a good thing for readers so idk! I think for me it was one of those books where I went into it expecting something specific and then when it didn't happen I was left wanting more, if that makes sense?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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