One Pucking Desire: A Protective Hero Hockey Romance

by Ellie Wade

From USA Today best-selling author Ellie Wade comes a protective-hero hockey romance.

Logan Wright is a Stanley Cup–winning Crane who lives for the game, his team, and a no-strings-attached lifestyle—until a quiet barista with haunted eyes steps into his signing line and turns his world upside down. One brief interaction is enough to tell him something isn’t right, and once he sees the truth, walking away isn’t an option.

Tessa Marlowe has spent her life surviving. Trapped in a controlling, dangerous relationship, she’s learned how to stay small, stay quiet, and stay invisible. Logan’s daily coffee visits become her only bright spot—but getting close to him is risky, and hope is a luxury she can’t afford.

When the danger escalates, Logan steps in with fierce protection and unwavering support, surrounding Tessa with the found family she’s never had. But powerful enemies, deep scars, and buried fears threaten the fragile freedom she’s just begun to taste.

Falling for Logan feels safe. Trusting love feels impossible. Will she finally choose her own future—or will the past try to claim her one last time?

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2026

About the author

Ellie Wade resides in southwest Michigan with her husband, three young children, and two dogs. She has a Master’s degree in education from Eastern Michigan University and is a huge University of Michigan sports fan. She loves the beauty of her home state, especially the lakes and the gorgeous autumn weather. When she is not writing, you will find her reading, snuggled up with her kids, or spending time with family and friends. She loves traveling and exploring new places with her family.

Reviews

[Amy Malek Concepcion · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Pucking Desire

I read this one in a day! I was so happy to get another book on this series. I love it when the guys always say they could never settle down but then they fall first. And harder. And that little tease at the end for the next book… I can’t wait!

[Amber Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into One Pucking Desire already knowing I loved this series, but this book hit me on a completely different emotional level. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after you finish, especially knowing we’re so close to the end of the series, and it absolutely put me in my feels from start to finish.

It carries a much darker, heavier theme than the previous books, diving into domestic violence with a rawness that feels both heartbreaking and incredibly important. It doesn’t shy away from the reality of it, and that honesty makes Tessa’s journey all the more powerful.

Tessa Marlowe is the kind of heroine who quietly steals your soul. Her strength isn’t loud or flashy, but it’s in every small step she takes toward reclaiming her life. Watching her navigate fear, trauma, and the terrifying idea of hope had me completely in my feels. I ached for her, rooted for her, and celebrated every single moment of growth.

And Logan Wright? This man. He’s the definition of protective hero without ever crossing into overbearing. The way he sees Tessa from the very beginning, the way he shows up for her with patience, care, and unwavering support… it’s everything. He doesn’t try to “fix” her, instead he stands beside her, giving her the space and safety to find her own strength. It’s soft where it needs to be, fierce when it counts, and completely swoon-worthy.

What I loved most is that even with the heavier subject matter, the story never loses the heart of the series. There are still those moments of warmth, humor, and found family that feel like rays of sunshine breaking through the clouds. The team dynamic, the support system around Tessa; it all adds this beautiful balance that keeps the story from feeling overwhelming while still honoring its depth.

This book hurt, it healed, and it reminded me why I fell in love with this series in the first place. It’s emotional, impactful, and full of heart, and I’m already bracing myself for what the final book is going to do to me.

If you’ve been following this series, this one is an absolute must-read. Just… maybe have tissues nearby.

[Hillary Shepley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two years ago my Wicked Queens and Coffee Beans book club read a hockey romance from an indie author off TikTok. What we didn’t know at the time that it was book one, in what would become a 9 book series, that we would fall in love with. Every new release we jump to order the new book so we can get our goodies and custom bubble mailer that matches the book.

What I love most about this series is I will sit down with the intention of just reading for 20 minutes while I eat dinner and then suddenly I’m halfway through the book forcing myself to go to bed. One Pucking Desire is book 8 and newest release in the series.

This was a fun off season hockey romance between a player and a barista. She was in an abusive relationship when they met but he would stop at nothing to gain her trust and help her. There is domestic violence in this book which could be triggering for some people and some sexual scenes nothing crazy or super descriptive but worth mentioning. It can be read as a stand alone but a lot of the characters cross over from the other books and having their history helps to understand their personalities and relationships in this book.

[Karrie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan and Tessa are so different and that's what makes this work. We have Logan hot off a championship win hooking up with woman and not ready to settle down but then he meets Tessa and all thoughts shift. She is the woman he has been waiting for, problem is she's not single. While Logan can't stop thinking about Tessa, she is fighting battles every day that she keeps inside. Her life is nothing like a fairytale and her relationship is dark and toxic. Logan, determined to help Tessa however he can becomes the knight in shining armor she needs. Their relationship slowly grows and trust is built to become something absolutely beautiful.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute but it was a bit too fast going from “I’m never getting married” to “this girl or no one”