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Pucking Played: An Opposites Attract Best Friend’s Brother Sports Romance
- GenresSports Romance
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2026
119 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Young
19 books24 followersEllen Young writes steamy, feel-everything billionaire romances—fast, emotional, and deliciously spicy. Her books deliver razor-sharp banter, explosive chemistry, and powerful men who fall hard for the last woman they expect. Think: fake dating gone very real, secret identities, forced proximity, surprise feelings (and sometimes surprise babies), and swoon-worthy HEAs with penthouse views. If you love big emotions, bigger wallets, and bedside-table-worthy spice, Ellen’s got you covered. (from Amazon.com)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 20, 2026
I know it’s fiction but it really puts me off when everything is too convenient. Also how is she such good friends with Chloe but didn’t even know she had a brother? A famous one at that?
Timeline was all over the place. Hard to follow.
At first I thought it was only El who was flat out delusional but eventually realized Rhys was too by the end. But seriously, who tf takes a declaration of a ‘relationship’ after a hookup in the workplace where you WERE CAUGHT and actively being fired, to be for real??? Delusional with a capital D. How did she seriously think that was anything other than saving her job? Should they have spoken about it? Yes. Failure on both their parts cause on his end how did he also just assume it was understood that suddenly they were FWB?
She sort of deserved what happened when everything finally collided and he also deserved her cold shoulder.
It had cute moments but overall not sure I’ll read any more by this author. Lots of holes and too many convenient plot devices ruin the feel for me.
Timeline was all over the place. Hard to follow.
At first I thought it was only El who was flat out delusional but eventually realized Rhys was too by the end. But seriously, who tf takes a declaration of a ‘relationship’ after a hookup in the workplace where you WERE CAUGHT and actively being fired, to be for real??? Delusional with a capital D. How did she seriously think that was anything other than saving her job? Should they have spoken about it? Yes. Failure on both their parts cause on his end how did he also just assume it was understood that suddenly they were FWB?
She sort of deserved what happened when everything finally collided and he also deserved her cold shoulder.
It had cute moments but overall not sure I’ll read any more by this author. Lots of holes and too many convenient plot devices ruin the feel for me.
March 5, 2026
Absolutely LOVED this book. The chemistry between Rhys and El is out of this world. I smiled, I laughed, I kicked my feet and giggled. I had every emotion. And the spice was *chefs kiss. I think I read this out of order but I’m reading Ivy and Declan’s book next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I recently read Pucking Played, and overall, I really enjoyed it. The story pulled me in quickly, but what stood out the most to me was the character development. Watching the characters grow—especially the female lead—added a lot of emotional depth to the book.
There were moments where I truly felt bad for her, especially when it became clear that she was being played by the guy. Seeing her invest her feelings while he wasn’t fully honest made parts of the story frustrating in the best way. It was emotional without being overly dramatic, and it made her journey feel real and relatable. As the story unfolds, you really see her strength develop as she starts to recognize her worth.
The romance had a little bit of spice—nothing too over the top—but just enough to add tension and chemistry between the characters. It balanced well with the emotional aspects of the story and didn’t overpower the plot.
Overall, Pucking Played was a good, enjoyable read. It had strong character growth, emotional moments that made me care, and just the right amount of romance to keep things interesting. I’m glad I picked it up and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys sports romance with heart.
There were moments where I truly felt bad for her, especially when it became clear that she was being played by the guy. Seeing her invest her feelings while he wasn’t fully honest made parts of the story frustrating in the best way. It was emotional without being overly dramatic, and it made her journey feel real and relatable. As the story unfolds, you really see her strength develop as she starts to recognize her worth.
The romance had a little bit of spice—nothing too over the top—but just enough to add tension and chemistry between the characters. It balanced well with the emotional aspects of the story and didn’t overpower the plot.
Overall, Pucking Played was a good, enjoyable read. It had strong character growth, emotional moments that made me care, and just the right amount of romance to keep things interesting. I’m glad I picked it up and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys sports romance with heart.
February 23, 2026
Pucking Played is a story of how 2 people can have conversations and experiences and still get thier wires crossed. Elara and Rhys met on a date from an app...only they weren't actually each other's dates. They were looking for 2 different things and fell for each while also thinking of thier relationship in different ways.
February 24, 2026
Loving Ellen Young
The story is good, the characters interesting, kept me entertained the entire book. And what I am always looking for is good writing. This one has it all. Don’t miss it!
The story is good, the characters interesting, kept me entertained the entire book. And what I am always looking for is good writing. This one has it all. Don’t miss it!
February 21, 2026
I loved this book!
I could not stop reading this book. The way Ellen wrote the hockey game scenes made me feel like I was right there watching the game right in front of my eyes. I loved the romance between the mmc and fmc. I will definitely be adding more of Ellen Young’s books to my TBR.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I could not stop reading this book. The way Ellen wrote the hockey game scenes made me feel like I was right there watching the game right in front of my eyes. I loved the romance between the mmc and fmc. I will definitely be adding more of Ellen Young’s books to my TBR.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2026
This was a great book. It had me hooked from the beginning and I didn't want to stop reading it. The connection between the MFC and MMC was great. It had the elements of hockey as well as a romance with a few differences between them.
March 17, 2026
“Pucking Played” is the second book in the “Metro Raptors” series. This story is packed with sizzling chemistry, a cocky billionaire NHL star who’s used to getting his way, and the smart, nerdy heroine who’s the only woman immune to his charm….until their fake relationship starts to feel dangerously real.
Elara Whitmore is on a blind date when she actually “hooks” up with the wrong person. “He looks out of my league. Not just in a “he’s hot” way. In a he belongs in a different universe way.” Rhys is looking for a no-pressure, no-strings meet-up….something physical…..something simple. He finds himself physically and mentally attracted to her, something new to him….it’s disarming. He kisses her and heat surges through him….fast, heavy, overwhelming. “It’s messy and emotional and way too intense for something that’s supposed to be casual.” Their moment is interrupted when they are informed that they are with the wrong dates! Rhys sits there….”stunned, pulse thundering, as the truth slams into me full force: I kissed the wrong woman. And I liked it way too much.” When Elara realises that they are also there for the “wrong kind of dates” - relationship verses quick hook up, she runs.
Rhys Kincaid, aka The Rocket, is an elite hockey player with the Metro Raptors, currently recovering from a knee injury that happened three months ago. “The treatment plan is extensive, but it’s the same routines over and over. None of it works. I need something else.” When he closes his eyes, he cannot forget about last night….”And for one stupid second, last night flashes behind them. Elara. Her laugh. The way she talked with so much passion. Her mouth had been soft. Warm. Like she meant it.” When he meets with his sister at the coffee shop, who is with her friend, to pick up his phone….shock registers on his face as it turns out the woman he met last night is his sister’s best friend. His sister Chloe, finds it all quite amusing.
Turns out that Rhys and Elara have a lot in common. She is a kinesiologist working with athletes on new rehabilitation techniques for better injury recovery. “I’m targeting the movement pattern around it. Retraining how the body loads and unloads stress after trauma.” This involves working with chronic injuries like knees and hips, repetitive impact damage that surgery can’t fully fix. Initially Rhys is skeptical of what Elara is saying, until she lists what he is doing to compensate….she is right. Elara might be the answer no one’s been able to give him and the realisation scares the hell out of him. Thanks to Rhys and his influence at the Raptors, she is now working with them, helping the players recover, including Rhys….”Professional. Clinical. Focused. I’ve got this.” Over the days and weeks working together to get him back on the ice, they get to know each other. The sexual tension between them heats up and when they are caught by the coach in a compromising situation by Coach Petrov, Elara is now at risk of losing her job, her career and her license. To protect her, Rhys tells the coach that they are in a relationship and that he loves her….this keeps her safe. What happens when it is no longer pretend for one of them? Who will get their heart broken?
“My gaze glides over him. Strong thighs outlined by denim. Narrow hips. Long legs that look like they were engineered to carry him straight into trouble. Then back up. Chest. Shoulders. That stupid, perfect V that disappears under the shirt like it knows exactly what it’s doing. I swallow.”
This book is everything you expect from a sports romance with a touch of alpha male thrown in. I’m very happily hooked - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Rhys and Elara. They compliment each in some many ways - faults and all.
“There is only Rhys.
The man with the tender heart he tries to hide. The man who held me in the dark. The man who looks at me now with a raw, naked vulnerability that makes my knees weak.”
I was hooked by the first chapter. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story. This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
Elara Whitmore is on a blind date when she actually “hooks” up with the wrong person. “He looks out of my league. Not just in a “he’s hot” way. In a he belongs in a different universe way.” Rhys is looking for a no-pressure, no-strings meet-up….something physical…..something simple. He finds himself physically and mentally attracted to her, something new to him….it’s disarming. He kisses her and heat surges through him….fast, heavy, overwhelming. “It’s messy and emotional and way too intense for something that’s supposed to be casual.” Their moment is interrupted when they are informed that they are with the wrong dates! Rhys sits there….”stunned, pulse thundering, as the truth slams into me full force: I kissed the wrong woman. And I liked it way too much.” When Elara realises that they are also there for the “wrong kind of dates” - relationship verses quick hook up, she runs.
Rhys Kincaid, aka The Rocket, is an elite hockey player with the Metro Raptors, currently recovering from a knee injury that happened three months ago. “The treatment plan is extensive, but it’s the same routines over and over. None of it works. I need something else.” When he closes his eyes, he cannot forget about last night….”And for one stupid second, last night flashes behind them. Elara. Her laugh. The way she talked with so much passion. Her mouth had been soft. Warm. Like she meant it.” When he meets with his sister at the coffee shop, who is with her friend, to pick up his phone….shock registers on his face as it turns out the woman he met last night is his sister’s best friend. His sister Chloe, finds it all quite amusing.
Turns out that Rhys and Elara have a lot in common. She is a kinesiologist working with athletes on new rehabilitation techniques for better injury recovery. “I’m targeting the movement pattern around it. Retraining how the body loads and unloads stress after trauma.” This involves working with chronic injuries like knees and hips, repetitive impact damage that surgery can’t fully fix. Initially Rhys is skeptical of what Elara is saying, until she lists what he is doing to compensate….she is right. Elara might be the answer no one’s been able to give him and the realisation scares the hell out of him. Thanks to Rhys and his influence at the Raptors, she is now working with them, helping the players recover, including Rhys….”Professional. Clinical. Focused. I’ve got this.” Over the days and weeks working together to get him back on the ice, they get to know each other. The sexual tension between them heats up and when they are caught by the coach in a compromising situation by Coach Petrov, Elara is now at risk of losing her job, her career and her license. To protect her, Rhys tells the coach that they are in a relationship and that he loves her….this keeps her safe. What happens when it is no longer pretend for one of them? Who will get their heart broken?
“My gaze glides over him. Strong thighs outlined by denim. Narrow hips. Long legs that look like they were engineered to carry him straight into trouble. Then back up. Chest. Shoulders. That stupid, perfect V that disappears under the shirt like it knows exactly what it’s doing. I swallow.”
This book is everything you expect from a sports romance with a touch of alpha male thrown in. I’m very happily hooked - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Rhys and Elara. They compliment each in some many ways - faults and all.
“There is only Rhys.
The man with the tender heart he tries to hide. The man who held me in the dark. The man who looks at me now with a raw, naked vulnerability that makes my knees weak.”
I was hooked by the first chapter. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story. This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 stars for me.
The last thing Elara was expecting is to like her date from app,and Rhys is great,sharing the same values...well until her other date arrived.Rhys could be no more surprised when his sister best friend is Elara,the girl from that disastrous date.Elara can help him to get back on ice after his injury,they decided to be friends,but each sesion is more hands on,and this attraction soon bring some trouble.The only way for Elara not to lose her job is to have fake relationship with Rhys,only for her everything it's real.
Will Rhys get better and play again as good as before the injury?
Will Elara end up with broken heart?
I really enjoy fake date trope,and this story didn't disappoint me.Rhys is a typical player at the beginning,it was fun to watch him keeping his hands to himself.Elara was sweet,but also quite naive,when Rhys jumped and said they dating she didn't even question this under duress decision,I knew this will lead to big dissapointment.I liked how they tried to be just friends,their POV was fun to read when they both fight to keep things professional.Once there was no other option,well things pick up and I liked how they click together.Elara really wanted to help him with his injury,and Rhys as pretended boyfriend was really sweet,their chemistry and the tension wow,Hot Hot Hot.My first book by this auhor,and need to get previous one as I'm curious about other couple and how they got together.
If you like sport romance with a lot of spice I would definitely recommend this one,it was fun.
Thank you booksprout and author for arc,my review is honest and my own.
The last thing Elara was expecting is to like her date from app,and Rhys is great,sharing the same values...well until her other date arrived.Rhys could be no more surprised when his sister best friend is Elara,the girl from that disastrous date.Elara can help him to get back on ice after his injury,they decided to be friends,but each sesion is more hands on,and this attraction soon bring some trouble.The only way for Elara not to lose her job is to have fake relationship with Rhys,only for her everything it's real.
Will Rhys get better and play again as good as before the injury?
Will Elara end up with broken heart?
I really enjoy fake date trope,and this story didn't disappoint me.Rhys is a typical player at the beginning,it was fun to watch him keeping his hands to himself.Elara was sweet,but also quite naive,when Rhys jumped and said they dating she didn't even question this under duress decision,I knew this will lead to big dissapointment.I liked how they tried to be just friends,their POV was fun to read when they both fight to keep things professional.Once there was no other option,well things pick up and I liked how they click together.Elara really wanted to help him with his injury,and Rhys as pretended boyfriend was really sweet,their chemistry and the tension wow,Hot Hot Hot.My first book by this auhor,and need to get previous one as I'm curious about other couple and how they got together.
If you like sport romance with a lot of spice I would definitely recommend this one,it was fun.
Thank you booksprout and author for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pucking Played is the kind of romance that keeps your pulse ticking up chapter by chapter. Ellen Young doesn’t just build tension—she weaponizes it. You can feel the crash coming like a slow‑motion slide on ice, and somehow that only makes every stolen moment, every almost‑touch, every charged look hit harder.
And Rhys? Oh, Rhys is the best kind of problem. Watching him fall in love is like watching a big, stubborn, emotionally stunted hockey god get dragged—kicking, grumbling, and secretly thrilled—into feelings he absolutely did not plan for. He doesn’t realize he’s gone until he’s already in deep, and that slow emotional burn is delicious.
The chemistry snaps, the anticipation builds, and even when you’re bracing for the inevitable blow‑up, you can’t help rooting for them to claw their way back to each other. It’s messy, magnetic, and addictive in all the right ways.
A sexy, tension‑soaked ride that rewards every ounce of dread and desire you bring to it.
And Rhys? Oh, Rhys is the best kind of problem. Watching him fall in love is like watching a big, stubborn, emotionally stunted hockey god get dragged—kicking, grumbling, and secretly thrilled—into feelings he absolutely did not plan for. He doesn’t realize he’s gone until he’s already in deep, and that slow emotional burn is delicious.
The chemistry snaps, the anticipation builds, and even when you’re bracing for the inevitable blow‑up, you can’t help rooting for them to claw their way back to each other. It’s messy, magnetic, and addictive in all the right ways.
A sexy, tension‑soaked ride that rewards every ounce of dread and desire you bring to it.
February 20, 2026
Thank you to the author for the arc 🥰
4.5 stars (please goodreads give us half stars!)
This is my 2nd read by Ellen Young and I rated them both 4.5 ⭐️ I really enjoy her writing and spice scenes! 🔥
🏒 billionaire hockey player
🤭 best friends brother
🥰 fake dating
🫠 injury treatment sessions
After an accidental meet cute involving a blind date misunderstanding, billionaire hockey player ( in both senses of the word) Rhys and looking for love Elaras worlds collide. The sexual chemistry is instant but she then finds out her is her best friends brother! Nursing a previous knee injury that threatens to ruin his career, Rhys is desperate to heal. Good thing Elara deals with injury rehabilitation right!
After she joins the team to help Rhys and his injury the pair cant keep their hands off eachother. Caught red handed at work the pair need to come up with a lie to save both their careers - fake dating of course!
But Elara is looking for love, does Rhys feel the same?
4.5 stars (please goodreads give us half stars!)
This is my 2nd read by Ellen Young and I rated them both 4.5 ⭐️ I really enjoy her writing and spice scenes! 🔥
🏒 billionaire hockey player
🤭 best friends brother
🥰 fake dating
🫠 injury treatment sessions
After an accidental meet cute involving a blind date misunderstanding, billionaire hockey player ( in both senses of the word) Rhys and looking for love Elaras worlds collide. The sexual chemistry is instant but she then finds out her is her best friends brother! Nursing a previous knee injury that threatens to ruin his career, Rhys is desperate to heal. Good thing Elara deals with injury rehabilitation right!
After she joins the team to help Rhys and his injury the pair cant keep their hands off eachother. Caught red handed at work the pair need to come up with a lie to save both their careers - fake dating of course!
But Elara is looking for love, does Rhys feel the same?
February 21, 2026
Review:
🏒Pucking Played🏒
Metro Raptors #2
By Ellen Young
🏒 Best friend’s brother
🏒 Sports Romance
🏒 Hockey Romance
⭐ 4/5
Elara and Rhys
This story follows Elara and Rhys. Their romance has fake dating and two characters that see themselves in different states with their situation.
Both have great chemistry and while she is there to help him with an injury healing they get caught and have to come up with a reason.
Pretending to date, of course. But on top she is his sister’s friend and communication isn’t their strong side.
So it takes a lot to get these two on track and to a happy end.
🏒Pucking Played🏒
Metro Raptors #2
By Ellen Young
🏒 Best friend’s brother
🏒 Sports Romance
🏒 Hockey Romance
⭐ 4/5
Elara and Rhys
This story follows Elara and Rhys. Their romance has fake dating and two characters that see themselves in different states with their situation.
Both have great chemistry and while she is there to help him with an injury healing they get caught and have to come up with a reason.
Pretending to date, of course. But on top she is his sister’s friend and communication isn’t their strong side.
So it takes a lot to get these two on track and to a happy end.
March 9, 2026
I liked this book. It was a good story. Hot and steamy but something just felt off.
To me, the timeline felt off. Like two weeks in the book felt like it should have been a month. But whatever, I got over it. What I couldn't get over was that Elara and Chloe were friends and she knew stuff about Chloe's family but didn't know Chloe's brother was a famous hockey player and she didn't know who he was when she met him at the bar...like what... Make it make sense. Did I miss something?
I keep going back and forth on 3 stars or 4 but I don't know. I liked the storyline. I hated how he acted.
To me, the timeline felt off. Like two weeks in the book felt like it should have been a month. But whatever, I got over it. What I couldn't get over was that Elara and Chloe were friends and she knew stuff about Chloe's family but didn't know Chloe's brother was a famous hockey player and she didn't know who he was when she met him at the bar...like what... Make it make sense. Did I miss something?
I keep going back and forth on 3 stars or 4 but I don't know. I liked the storyline. I hated how he acted.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fabulous hockey romance, that you'll love to get stuck into!
A best friends brother.
Nerdy girl, sports boy.
A fake relationship.
It's everything you want in an easy romance. They Both are clearly smitten from the get go, but it takes some complications and slightly oblivious MC thoughtlessness and smut to tie this altogether.
I enjoyed this a lot, and its an easy 4 stars to give. Ill absolutely be reading more of her work!
A best friends brother.
Nerdy girl, sports boy.
A fake relationship.
It's everything you want in an easy romance. They Both are clearly smitten from the get go, but it takes some complications and slightly oblivious MC thoughtlessness and smut to tie this altogether.
I enjoyed this a lot, and its an easy 4 stars to give. Ill absolutely be reading more of her work!
March 24, 2026
I made it exactly 4% of the way into the book and then decided to check out the reviews. They convinced me to just say no and stop. This book is apparently entirely about a miscommunication trope in which he treats her kind of like dirt. And yeah, she learns to stick up for herself but...I'm not interested in reading this.
Review of advance copy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a nice romance with really good character development. Elara and Rhys may be opposites but I liked them as a couple.
February 20, 2026
I absolutely enjoyed this one! I love hockey romances though. But the writing in this was remarkable. The detail was on point. The characters were adorable. I could not put this book down. Recommend 100%.
April 2, 2026
excellent. great series
Fresh take on hockey romances and the sport itself actually and the sciences behind rehabilitation of injuries and soirts medicine. Great series five stars on kindle. Is Connor next? Jake the captain?
Fresh take on hockey romances and the sport itself actually and the sciences behind rehabilitation of injuries and soirts medicine. Great series five stars on kindle. Is Connor next? Jake the captain?
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first book by Ellen. I really enjoyed it. It was one of the best fake relationships books I've read. However. this one had one of them not realizing it was fake and then getting hurt.
March 18, 2026
I couldn't put this one down. I did cringe for El in places due to the misunderstanding. I also felt like the ending was rushed, but over all it was great!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great Book!
I love Elara and Rhys together. They are complete opposites but so compatible. At some point in your life, you've heard communication is key... right? Apparently, this couple/ not couple didn't get the communication memo. I wanted to jump into the pages of this book and just shake some sense into them. Elara and Rhys are so good for each other and with each other but she's in a relationship with him and he's in a friend with benefits situationship with her. It's part of what makes the book so great!😉 Rhys's sister Chloe is my favorite! I'd love to read her story!
I love Elara and Rhys together. They are complete opposites but so compatible. At some point in your life, you've heard communication is key... right? Apparently, this couple/ not couple didn't get the communication memo. I wanted to jump into the pages of this book and just shake some sense into them. Elara and Rhys are so good for each other and with each other but she's in a relationship with him and he's in a friend with benefits situationship with her. It's part of what makes the book so great!😉 Rhys's sister Chloe is my favorite! I'd love to read her story!
March 5, 2026
brilliant read! funny, spicy, easy to read, bestfriends brother
March 11, 2026
I absolutely loved this story. I did not want to put it down. I finished it in one day. I love them chemistry between Rhys and Elara. The story was so balanced. It had the right amount of spice, drama and tension. I highly recommend this story and author!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews