The Pucking Comeback

by A.J. Summers

Big mistakes return like boomerangs.
Mine just skated back as Nate Russo.

Brother’s best friend.
Broody, brick wall goalie for the Defenders.
The man who shattered my heart at sixteen.
And one bad stretch away from losing his season.

He’s got a strained adductor and I’ve got a startup dream.
This gig is my shot—the reputation I need to open my own studio.
Simple.
Until he’s on my table.

I loosen his adductor.
He knots up my resolve.
I draw lines in ink.
He kisses them away.

The universe enjoys watching me suffer in slow motion.
Because after PT, he talks me into…spicy lessons in losing control.

Between my rules and his touch, do I even stand a chance?
And how do I heal him without breaking all over again?

Hockey Romance, Spicy Lessons, Brother’s Best Friend, Childhood Crush, He Falls First, PT/Patient, Off-Limits Romance, Protective Hero, Second Chance-ish, Hurt/Comfort, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn

Genres: Hockey, Romance

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

A J Summers is a bestselling Amazon author. She writes steamy contemporary romance filled with skyscrapers and billionaires. Her stories are about grumpilicious silver foxes, enemies turned lovers, and happily ever afters.

A J Summers lives in New York City. When she’s not working, she enjoys roaming the city in search of the next love story.

Follow A J on Goodreads (click that “Follow Author” button!) and get her free novella when you join her steamy newsletter: https://bit.ly/42OZBV4

Follow A J on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pzKT5R

Reviews

[MackAttack · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a bit for me to get into this book because the writing style in the first couple of chapters was rough. The cadence was repetitive, sentences were choppy as words were omitted (why? who knows). It just wasn’t enjoyable. But it got a bit better as the book went on (or perhaps it just wasn’t as noticeable as the plot took over). Once I started to get into it, it was a very enjoyable book. One thing I didn’t love about the plot is that the FMC was a victim of SA and yet got off on being bossed around. Not an unbelievable storyline, but problematic in some of the things the MC said/did (seemed like they would be triggering for someone with a past SA). Another issue I had with the book was that the FMC continually said “I’m not a doctor” when various characters would say something like “What’s up, Doc?” She absolutely IS a doctor. She has a DPT, which is a doctorate!!! Do your research better authors!

All that aside, I really did enjoy the book as a whole. I liked the tension between the characters. The spice was spicing. And I liked that the chapters that took place in the past were short enough to give the background context without wasting my time.

[Laura Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh AJ you make my heart so happy! I love this series. Each book is intertwined but seperate and I am here for all the hockey goodness plus the team shenanigans and don’t forget the love.

This book does have some triggers if they aren’t mentioned in the forward, I can’t remember. Trauma, flashbacks, mentions of rape, fights, and family issues.

Our girl Eden is a physical therapist at a well known clinic who dreams of having a clinic of her own one day. But when the Defenders goalie, Nate Russo, a blast from her past shows up will she be able to overcome and help him heal or will he help her without knowing?

Nate Russo is cocky, charming, possessive, and all the caveman hottie that we love to see. When his best friends little sister comes in to help rehab his hip and keep him in the crease he has to make a decision. Go all in and get the girl he has loved since before he knew what love is or stay within the professional and friend zone boundaries.

This story was amazing! I would have loved it to be a little bit longer and have a little more to the ending that focused on them instead of the rookie coming in. But it was a nice lead in to another book.

I love all the ice time, team fun, and family dynamics. A lot of the hockey romances don’t have any actual hockey in them and AJ has that covered plus some.

The chemistry between these two light my pants on fire! 🔥🔥🔥
Nate is everything Eden didn’t know she needed but is everything she ever wanted but was too afraid to ask for or go after.

If you’ve never read anything by AJ summers annd love hockey, check out the Defenders Series. Even if you don’t love hockey check it out!.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pucking Comeback is the best book in this series! Both main characters, Nate and Eden, are mature, complex, authentic, brilliant, real, and they are truly kind and caring with one another. They see and meet each other where they are at and their reunion after their childhood as close friends is awesome. I love that Nate is determined to set the record straight and is not willing to lose Eden a second time, doing everything in his power to protect and care for her. When the spit hits the fan, Eden is dynamite at holding her own and staying true to herself. The backstory woven throughout the current time is nicely done, and Eden’s brothers being polar opposites of one another is outstandingly written. The chemistry between Eden and Nate is off the charts hot, the trauma is real, and the drama is intense. The narrators did an amazing job performing the various roles with passion and purpose. I will listen to this one again!

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start the characters, the humour and the angst never mind the chemistry will pull you in.
Years ago Eden and Nate knew each other, but he is her brother’s best friend and so both completely off limits. Years pass Nate is a hockey player, a man who can melt your panties off. Passive and is not going to let the chance of losing Eden again. Eden is a physical therapist, who is sent to help and look after Nate after his hip injury. The man who has her heart and she has dreamt about. Goodbye friend zone.

Nate and Mercy are perfect together, the chemistry is brilliant and the banter will have you laughing out loud.

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

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden and Nate have a complicated past that neither have gotten over. The little glimpses of their younger years were so cute, they were everything to each other. The past secret crushes, close proximity, and built up tension had me on the edge of my seat. Nate is confident and safe and doing everything in his power to crack Eden, who is calculated and guarded. I loved the balance of exploring their feelings and the recovery of his injury. Ryan and Finn were hilarious with their resilient teasing and provided great insight into how obvious they have been with their attraction. I also enjoyed more of the hockey and team dynamic in this book. Another great addition to the Defender series!

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

[Pat Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate and Eden's Story

This is the 5th book in the NHL NY Defenders. This time, the story centers around Nate Russo, the star goalie, and his childhood crush, now Physical Therapist Eden Carver.
Nate has been a solid guy throughout the series and he continues to shine in this book.
Eden is 2 years younger and was the victim of rape when an acquaintance slipped her a roofie at a college party.
Eden supposedly loved Nate as a teenager but one misunderstanding caused her to ghost him even though he repeatedly tried to contact her. I found her behavior annoying and petty and it was not related to the rape.
All the other players and their partners are part of the story. This is a good continuation of the storyline.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this hockey romance. Eden and Nate have known each other since childhood—Nate was her brother’s best friend, a couple of years older, and firmly placed in the “forbidden” zone. He never understood why she suddenly ghosted him after he left for hockey camp, but now she’s all grown up and happens to be his physical therapist. And this time, he’s determined not to let her slip away.

I loved their dynamic. Nate is sexy, sweet, and undeniably devoted—exactly what Eden needs to help her move past the trauma she experienced in college. Their connection feels natural, tender, and full of chemistry.

Overall, it was a heartfelt and compelling romance that kept me rooting for them the entire time.

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

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series ! AJ Aummers has made these characters very realistic and entertaining. Nate and Eden have been dancing around each other before they knew what love and attraction really was. Nate admits he has loved Eden since they were kids. This is their journey to their HEA. It does have some very serious issues that are dealt with. Mistakes are made. Feelings are bruised but love it the underlying emotion. I throughly enjoyed reading this book. It and the series is very timeless and one I will revisit in the future. More than 5 star worthy❣️.

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

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A way to play thru the pain. A pair that have known each other much of their lives. He is her older brother’s best friend and their families have been spent summers together for years. A dual POV format not always strictly going back and forth between characters but spending extra time from one POV or the other. Some chapters taking a trip into the past to sort thru their history. There are conflicts. There is drama. There are some spicy sections. There is social media tension. Once again the Defenders are the hockey team to follow. The love and loyalty of this group of friends and teammates is always entertaining.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A part of Summers' Defenders Diaries series that can easily be read / listened as a standalone but do interconnect as well. Captivating, well written and beautifully narrated. This book is sure to tantalize with main characters hockey goalie Nate Russo and physical therapist and sister of Nate's bestie Eden. Love the balance of sweet and heat as well as the complexity of their characters that come thru so authentically. I so enjoyed this listen and can't wait for more!

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

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A J Summers has woven a wonderful story for Nate and Eden. Two in-depth emotional characters bound to be together. Her past and interfering brother make for an interesting road to the future. Loved how teammates appear from book to book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One click is all it is going to take and you're going to be hooked, and sleep deprived until you finish the most amazing romance book ever right here. Nate and Eden are not only well written but very hard to put down characters. They have the perfect balance of romance, spice and second chances.

[Jillian Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What are you waiting for?

This one was the best with respect to one liners and the whitty banter. Had me laughing so hard I almost cried in a few spots. Such a great series! I highly recommend it.

[Pamela Pickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

five stars on Kindle!

Enjoyed this one immensely. Five stars on Kindle. Very entertaining and heartwarming story of family friends and romance. Very character ingratiating. Is there a sequel yet? Hope so. Liz and Leo?

[Kim Gauger · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

Man I loved this. The old childhood crushes come back in a big way. I loved the banter, the build up, the chemistry and the heat. Secrets and all are exposed. Such a great storyline and Austin to this series.

[Brandy Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate and Eden are amazing together! I loved their chemistry and their banter was absolutely perfect. Their story is fun, sexy and heartfelt. Definitely a great addition to the series.

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

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooooooooo..... gotta love it when a book surprises me!

[sandra silliman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

I enjoyed this book and the characters in this book and how they had to let go of the past

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pucking comeback was Nate and Eden’s story. It was an emotional roller coaster but engaging read. I received an early copy. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[liana ₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺ ✮⋆˙ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this the kind of undeniable love where “it’s always been you” 🤗

[Sidney · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75/5 - ideas were there and you know how much I love a brother’s best friend

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Past Comes Knocking

Eden is shocked to find a blast from her past as her new client. Nate is is brother's best friend who shenhas always wanted. The chemistry and banter was on point and blended so well with the tension brewing between them. I could not put it down.

Audiobook Review
Shane Martinez and Clinton Woodhams were excellent choices to narrate this book. Eden and Nate's forbidden romance was fill of tension and emotion which the audiobook definitely conveyed. This story was quite intriguing and the narration complimented the written words in a way that kept me captivated.

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