Hat Trick

Punk as Puck #5

by E.M. Lindsey

“For five million dollars, would you send a relative to jail?”
"Bud, I would pay five million dollars to send a few there."

Problem number Almost everything the world thinks they know about me is a lie.
Problem number Two people know the truth.
Problem number One of those two is a stalker and he's having a blast using that information against me to get his way.

The good news is, the second person who knows the truth about who I am seems pretty dedicated to taking my stalker down.

The bad news is, it’s NHL goalie Vanya Maximov, and he and I had a one night stand that I can’t stop thinking about. And while Vanya might be walking sunshine so bright he can make even my blind ass see light, we have no business being together.

I’m a mess, and while Vanya is everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner, he deserves better than me.

If only he was willing to listen to reason. If only he was less stubborn and able to give up on a lost cause.

But with his ability to give me exactly what I want—a little pain with my pleasure—and his refusal to treat me like I’m fragile, something dangerous starts happening.

I’m beginning to think that maybe—just maybe—he’s right, and I am worth everything he sees.

Hat Trick is the second book in the Punk as Puck spin-off series, Legends and Fury. It’s a high heat, friends to lovers romance with a sunshine NHL goalie who also might be a golden retriever in disguise, a PPHL goalie with big black cat energy, a stalker, and no faith in himself, hooking up in a friend’s car, praise and pain, high stakes romance, hockey bro banter, tons of chirping, and the swooniest happily ever after.

Genres: Sports, M M Romance, Hockey, Romance

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 18, 2026

About the author

E.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.

Reviews

[-`♡´- · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like this story was more serious and dramatic than the previous in the series. However, it kept me locked in and anticipating how it would all shake out.

I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. Vanya’s patience and understanding when it came to developing their relationship and Micah slowly realizing he could fall in love and accept love in return; that he wasn’t too undeserving to have it.

Vanny and his pretty little goalie. 🥺💘

Received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book because I LOVED Vanya so much in the last book and could not wait to see more of him. This book did not do that justice. He had more character as a side character in someone else's story than in his own. I did enjoy the stalking plot with Hunter, but I wish that had been developed more. It wasn't really explained why he was after Micah, and it seemed a little extreme to go as far as he did, and there not be a big reveal for that. I love the representation and the way that was handled, but on the whole, this book did not live up to what I had hoped for these two. It was still an enjoyable and I will read any news ones.

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very very much looking forward to this, Micah was my favourite all the way through the previous series and Vanya was an absolute gem in the previous book. I've read a ton of books where there is a big sweet protective Russian hockey player as a side character, and I always want them to be MCs, and FINALLY I get one as an MC! Yes please and thank you. So with two great MCs I already loved, you can bet your arse I dropped everything to read this immediately.

I loved the first half, absolutely adored it. Even with how quickly things moved, I enjoyed their connection, and the chemistry between them was crazy. Unfortunately the second half I didn't enjoy as much, and for a long time I didn't even know why. I thought my book slump had made a comeback mid-book, which is rare but not unheard of. Eventually I worked out it was several factors that could have been done better, mostly to do with characterisation.

Vanya, as much as I loved him, never really developed beyond huge sweet protective Russian. He just wanted someone to love and someone to take care of, which I appreciate, but he was less a character than an archetype. Some of the side characters I mentioned from other books were more clearly defined.

Hunter. He was the antagonist of this story and I really wanted to get into what made him tick. Did he love Micah or hate him? What motivated him to stalk and harass Micah in this way? Again, he was just a carbon copy archetype of The Bad Guy™, but especially with such a visceral and emotional crime as stalking, I wanted to understand his drive, and I didn't, at all. Maybe it's just because I've been reading some MM mysteries and thrillers, but I also need the bad guys to be fleshed out characters with clear and compelling motivations.

Thirdly, and most tragically, Micah. A lot of times I read Lindsey for the disability rep, and the description of his condition was stellar, but he was also very damselish. I love a dude in distress as much as anyone, I love guys in trouble being rescued, but I prefer for it to be a temporary state, whereas Micah was absolutely fricking terrified for 80% of this book or more. And I love that he was terrified, I was shaking with fury when Hunter used Micah's blindness against him, but it felt almost like it was leaning too hard into his vulnerability, if that makes sense. I wanted for Micah to find his strength and realise that Hunter was just a sick man, and at least get the opportunity to knee him in the balls or something, but Micah stayed damselfied the whole way through, and needed constant rescuing. Maybe it was because of how the plot worked out and because he was terrified all the time, but it never felt like Micah was fully fleshed out either. It was all about his previous trauma and current stalking situation, I never got to know any other facet of his personality.

Honourable mention of Caleb. It felt like the author had accidentally and unconsciously written him in as a possible future MC, then realised that would mess up the series, then arbitrarily made a decision to stop him from being a future MC. It felt like I was being yanked around emotionally.

On the bright side, I liked getting to know Tiago better and loved the setup for his book. I really really hope it comes out as good as the concept.

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chaotic Hockey Romance with the Sweetest Golden Retriever Energy

Hat Trick by E.M. Lindsey was such a fun, emotional, high-heat hockey romance with the perfect balance of humor, vulnerability, chaos, and heart. Vanya Maximov and Micah Adams completely won me over, especially with their black cat/golden retriever dynamic that basically had me smiling the entire book.

Vanya was honestly impossible not to love. He’s sunshine in human form — persistent, caring, chaotic in the best way, and absolutely determined to see Micah for who he really is underneath all the walls and self-doubt. And Micah? My emotionally exhausted disaster man. Watching someone who genuinely believes he’s too broken for love slowly start accepting care, affection, and softness from someone who refuses to give up on him was incredibly satisfying.

The chemistry between these two was SO good too. The banter, the chirping, the emotional tension, and the physical chemistry all blended together perfectly. Their relationship felt playful and emotionally intimate at the same time, and I loved that Vanya never treated Micah like someone fragile who needed fixing.

The stalker subplot added just enough tension to keep the story moving without overwhelming the romance, and the hockey atmosphere itself was honestly a blast. The team dynamics and locker room energy made the world feel lively and immersive without pulling focus from the relationship.

What really stuck with me most though was the emotional core underneath all the humor and heat. This is very much a story about self-worth, trust, and letting someone love you fully even when you don’t think you deserve it yet — and E.M. Lindsey handled that beautifully.

If you love hockey romance, golden retriever/black cat dynamics, emotionally guarded MMCs, high chemistry, found family vibes, and chaotic tenderness wrapped in sports romance energy, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This book has been very emotional and it got me hooked until the very lat page.
We've already met both MCs in the previous book, since Vanya is Alexio's friend and teammates, while Micah is Jonah's brother. We also knew all about Micah's family situation, from their absent father to their manipulative mother and about all the damage she inflicted to her own sons.
Jonah found his happiness with Alexio but while his journey was more straightforward, Micah's has been dealing with a lot and he was not ready at all to accept what Vanya had to offer.

Vanya is funny, honest, patient, a bit dominant in bed, but always caring and thoughtful. He's the kind of man who thrives in a relationship and doesn't enjoy hookups very much. He's also a very good friend, always present and available for others.

Micah is a ball of stress and anxiety: on top of dealing with the struggles of his everyday life and of the strained relationship he has with his brothers, Micah has been also harassed and stalked by a toxic ex hookup. Things are becoming more and more dangerous because of Hunter and Micah is about to reach his breaking point.

The saddest part of it all is that Micah was completely alone by his own doing: he let his family and friends think that he was being distant because he was busy with his long list of dates and he kept everyone at arm's length because he was ashamed.
Until Vanya inserted himself in his life with his sunshine and persistent personality and very endless patience.

Micah doesn't let his walls down very easily and some parts were a bit frustrating to read because he couldn't find the courage to break the circle of shame and secrets.

The ending was very beautiful and I adored seeing all the characters of this series together. I wonder who will be next.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Micah and Vanya’s turn! I’ve been looking forward to their story and it did not disappoint! Something has been going on with Micah for a while and now the truth is revealed. He has a stalker. A stalker who has made him terrified, blackmailing him, and refusing to leave him be. When his stalker tracks him down to a club in New York, lucky for Micah, Vanya is there to intervene. But the secrets have been building inside Micah for some time now and he is reaching his limit. Add in the fact that he has feelings for Vanya and when they hook up for the first time, Micah knows he is in trouble. But Vanya is so good and Micah feels like he doesn’t deserve him. So pushing him away is what must be done. Too bad, Vanya is patient and always there at the right time before Micah’s stalker can hurt him. Vanya has liked Micah for quite a while a now. But he knows he must be patient. That Micah has a lot going on and isn’t ready for the love that Vanya so desperately wants to give him. As they navigate how to get rid of Micah’s stalker once and for all, they also get a chance to see just how good one another can be together. Loved this story! I knew I was gonna like these two. Vanya is the sunshine that Micah needs in his life along with someone who is patient and kind and cares so deeply for Micah. Who can see past the mask Micah has donned for himself. And when Micah let’s himself believe he can be with Vanya, he is what Vanya needs too. Another great book in this series. And I can’t wait to see who is next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, Micah was really going through it!!

This book is much more intense than Jonah's because Micah isn't letting anyone in to help him until Vanya kinda sneaks behind his walls. Micah is so incredibly stubborn and in denial about the situation, which was frustrating, but I could also understand why he was behaving the way he was.

Vanya is just adorable! I love him so much and the way he was so all in, head over heels was so cute. He puts up with a lot from Micah in the beginning of their relationship, but they way he supports Micah and just wants him to be happy was the sweetest.

We didn't get as much of the friend group as usual, mainly because Micah was trying to keep his secrets, but there were some really good talks with Micah and his brothers, Jonah and Caleb. It felt like they left their relationships on a much more positive note by the end of this book.

I loved Micah's friendship with Hugo and how he confided in Ben also.

Micah and Vanya were so sweet with each other once things finally settled, and I loved their house at the end!!

I'm very curious to see who gets a story next!

*****
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and this is my honest review

[Sofia Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense, different, serious and unique.
The story of Vanya and Micah’s isn’t traditional by any means. The way they are portrayed, their personalities, their skills and their insecurities bring a fresh plot and a few dramatic moments.
Vanya is a goalie for the NHL with a heart of gold, a sunny disposition and always ready to help everyone out.
He never takes; he only gives.
Micah is the complete opposite. He is a closed-off goalie for the PPHL, uptight and stubborn. With a lot going on in his personal life he starts feeling the pressure and it bleeds onto the ice.
When Vanya comes to his rescue, sparks fly and a connection is forged, but Micah sees himself as a lost cause and refuses to let anyone in.
Vanya is, nevertheless, persistent, patient and willing to wait as long as it takes for Micah to see him and choose him.
Hat Trick is a dramatic story, full on angst and high stakes, but it also shows a softer side – the support, the friendship, the devoting love and unyielding selflessness.
E.M. Lindsey writes about love after trauma and love through fear. She gives us emotionally deep characters with real fears, friendship that knows no bounds, family related issues, banter and funny chirping and a good dose of spice sprinkled throughout.
Thank you for the ARC.

[Lyn Solomon-Linville · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know how you get all kinds of " if you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, or eat one kind of food, etc" Well, the one author I would want is E. M. Lindsey. They just write what my brain loves to read. I love their tropes, for instance idiots in love, struggling with a disability, getting to know what you really want in life and so many others and that includes sexuality and what makes you feel cared for and truly loved.
Hat Trick has all that in the midst of the PPHL blind and disabled hockey leagues.
When I started the Punk As Puck series I remember reading about Jonah and Micah. I remember the conversation with Hugo and Micah on the train. I never could have imagined how wonderful an MC Micah would become, his pain, his worries, his insecurities and his capacity for love making a truly complex and wonderful man to read about.
This is the other thing I adore in their books, the connections between all the MCs in each others books. It started in the Irons and Works series and is in most of their other series. All of the guys I love in this series are here giving their love and strength to Micah.
This is an ARC read for me and all in my own words, with many thanks to E. M. Lindsey.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always appreciate how E.M. Lindsey handles disability representation in her books. I genuinely think she does it better than almost anyone else writing in the genre right now, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I continue picking up her work. This series as a whole has been one I’ve really enjoyed, and that definitely stayed true here as well.

That said, this particular book just didn’t fully click for me the way some of the others in the series have. I finished it, and there were still things I liked, but I never completely connected with the characters or their relationship in the way I wanted to. I can’t even fully pinpoint why, but it just felt like something was missing for me personally.

Even so, I’d still absolutely recommend this series, especially for readers looking for thoughtful and authentic disability representation in romance. E.M. Lindsey continues to bring something important and unique to the genre, and one book not being a favorite definitely won’t stop me from continuing the series.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ζωή Παππά · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hat Trick" is the second book in this hockey romance series and you can read it as a standalone but you should definitely read the first book too because it's absolutely brilliant.
I adore this world and these characters, I devoured the story, finished it in one day.
Vanya is the happiest and kindest person, I want to be his friend. He's pure sunshine and I love how he takes care of everyone around him and makes them happy.
Micah is suffering and we finally get an explanation for his behavior in the previous book. It's heartbreaking, his story made me cry from chapter one. I wanted to jump in the book and hug him.
I loved them together, they were a perfect match and those two deserved the best happily ever after. I'm so happy they got it.
The book is stunning, great characters, great representation and a great love story. I highly recommend it and I cannot wait for the next one!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm so devastated. This was one of my most anticipated books and it just did not work for me at all. I miss the quirky Vanya from the book before this and I just felt like these two did not spend as much time together as I'd like. It was all Micah running and Vanya just became a prop without a personality and just a Micah savior. This feels so mean because I love this world, I love Lindsey, I'm just so sad with this one. (I also clocked a continuity error from the Punk as Puck series that threw me for way too long).

[Kayla Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I have really enjoyed this series since I read the first one but this book was absolutely phenomenal! I love how the author always reps different disabilities in her books and this one follows a blind goalie with a stalker! I loved both of the main characters and I loved how the author talked about certain things that happen that would feel vastly different than if it happened to someone with their sight! Seriously one of the best reads in a while! Can’t wait for others to read this book because it absolutely amazing!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micha and Vanya are two hockey players I couldn’t get enough of. Once I started this book, I didn’t want to put it down until I finished. Be prepared for funny goalies, a language barrier that leads to some great moments, laughs, suspense, protective family members, nosy teammates, and plenty of love. The chemistry between them was so good, and the story kept me hooked from start to finish. Add in a wonderful happy ending, and this became such a fun read. Definitely pick this one up.

I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily leaving my review.

Monica

[Pamela Daake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Vanya and Micah’s story and it didn’t disappoint. I already knew Micah’s backstory invoked a bad childhood but this book reveals even more hurt. Vanya had me snickering at his use of the English language at times but I loved how devoted he is to Micah even when Micah is not so nice. I think this book dealt with a lot of complex issues and was very thoughtful in their handling.

[TUKricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrative: 📕📘📗📓
Angst: Moderate
Sport: 🏒🏒🏒
Spice: 🌶🌶
Humor: 😆🤣🤣
Heart: 💧💧💧
Romance: 🖤🖤🖤❤️
Burn Time: Moderate

The other books were a formula of problems and solutions, but this one was an unexpected wild ride that dug deep, included all prior characters and really rung out the emotions while driving home the depths of the story and the MCs connections

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stalking is definitely not my favorite subject for a romance but Vanya is the best. He has golden retriever vibes while Micah is more black cat. They compliment each other so well.

I received an ARC through EM Lindsey’s Patreon. Thank you!

[Rachel Kreger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg I love Micah! I just wanted to hug him and let him cry it out. Vanya is absolutely perfect for him! This book was way more emotional and intense than the last one but I didn’t expect anything less from Micah.


𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set aside everything to read this and it did not disappoint.

[Ashley Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review to finally see Micah have the emotional growth I have been hoping for was so nice.

[Stacktheforest - Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review to come

[Bear_reads_romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this one quite a bit. Vanya is still one of my favorites!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

FRTF