Kinsley When I was ten years old, in the middle of the night, my father took me from the only home and friend I ever had. For the next eighteen years, every day was a living hell. Never my own life, wishing every day would be my last. My dreams were my only salvation. Dreaming of the boy from my childhood, the one I dreamt would save me, but the day never came. My Knight.
Gunnar I met the girl I was destined to marry when we were six years old. She was my best friend. One night, her father forced her from my life. I wasn’t even able to say goodbye. For the next eighteen years, I’ve been searching for her, never giving up that one day we’d be reunited.
The fates finally intervened, and I locked eyes with her from across the hospital waiting room. Unknown to me, she was there with her husband. After finding out she suffered years of abuse, I’m more determined than ever to protect the girl I wasn’t able to save years before. She will be mine, one way or another.
Hockey ✅ Romance ✅ Suspense✅ Action✅ Sexiness ✅ I loved this book. The perfect mix of romance and suspense! A swoon worthy MMC and an FMC you are so rooting for 😘 the side characters are absolutely amazing I loved everyone of them 5 stars you need to read this series x
Overview Separated as children, Kinsley and Gunnar never forgot the bond they shared. Taken away from the only home and friend she knew, Kinsley endured eighteen years of suffering, holding on to dreams of the boy she believed would one day save her. Gunnar spent those same years searching for the girl he lost, refusing to give up hope that they would be reunited.
When fate finally brings them face to face again, will the love they shared as children be enough to overcome the years apart and the pain that changed them both?
The Verdict Pucking Found is everything I want in a sports romance and more. You can tell the entire hockey team has been thought about, because the characters were all so well-rounded and distinguishable. You could literally tell who was talking without reading their names. Keep an eye out for the text threads - they were HILARIOUS!!
There was also a beautiful sense of found-family. The overarching relationship between the ice hockey team and the WAGs was utterly beautiful and something everyone needs ❤️
The amount of sport was perfect; it wasn’t too overwhelming or sports-heavy.
The absolute showstoppers were Kinsley and Gunnar. What a couple. The mutual attraction was amazing, and Gunnar’s yearning and possessiveness? 🤤
It lost a star due to all the missed opportunities for spicy scenes! So many were alluded to, but completely skipped. I also found it strange that Kinsley had no struggles or hesitation with intimacy, even after everything she went through. She was just ready to giddy up and jump on 🤠
Pucking Found is the second instalment in the Chicago Yetis series, but the first one I read. It was still easy to follow and enjoy, but I’m immediately going back to read Book 1, Pucking Saved, while I wait ever so patiently for Book 3!
This was read and reviewed as an Advanced Reader Copy provided by Smuthood.
Tropes to Expect - Sports Romance - Ice hockey - Second chance - Possessive MMC 🤤 - Found family - Kidnapping
⭐ Rating: 4/5 🌶️ Spice: 2/5 Consumed via: Ebook POV: Dual – FMC and MMC Series: The Chicago Yetis - Book 2
Pucking Found is a book that somehow mixes both hockey and dark romance which I didn't realize was a thing people wanted. It follows childhood friends Kinsley and Gunnar as they finally get their love story when the reunite many years later.
There were a few editing errors throughout the book however I won't fault it for anything other than just being and ARC as I'm sure they'll be fixed by the time it actually releases. But that did throw me off just a tiny bit though it is expected with ARCs sometimes.
I could not for the life of me get behind the nickname "Goalie Daddy", especially when it was mostly said by the MMC's friends and not the FMC. I also felt that some of the darker elements in plot were being rushed along just so we could get to a spicy scene. However to me personally, the spicy scenes fell flat because of that. I feel like having such jarring shifts in your tones with scenes like that can be done well as seen in "Lights Out" but this book could not deliver. On top of that, some of the darker sides of the book almost felt like they were there to fill a quota rather than bring insight to the plot and help grow and develop the characters. For example, the MMC being a twinge too obsessed with the FMC since the beginning and her just being fine with it despite all her trauma surrounding men. I wish these sections could've been delivered in a way that didn't fill like checking a box and then immediately moving on.
On a positive note though, I really loved the hockey side of the book. It makes you feel like you're actually apart of the game itself. Like you are on the ice itself or even just right up in the arena watching all of the action go down. These sections of the books I thoroughly liked and thought were well executed.
Unfortunately this book is not for me. However there are plenty of people out there that would probably actually enjoy this type of dark romance meets hockey romance vibe and it's just not me. So if you enjoy a much quicker plot with elements of both hockey and a darker, suspenseful romance then this is for you and I would recommend it.
⚠️CHECK TW⚠️ Stalking Kidnapping Possessive MMC Drugging DV Captivity And more
“I’ve already got you, which has been my goal since we were children. And now that I have you, I’m not letting you go. Once we can find a way, I’m going to marry you, and you will be Kinsley Knight. He rolls me over to face him and cups my cheeks, Trap me, shit, girl…. You trapped me when we were six years old and asked me to be your best friend. The moment I saw you, you owned me. Completely.”
Dedication: “To all the girls that understand Prince Charming isn’t coming to save you. Be the Bad-ass bitch you were meant to be and kick some ass.”
This is the second book in the Chicago Yeti Series by Nicole Rae, and if you read the first one and loved it, this is an absolute MUST read!
The MMC is the Chicago Yeti Goalie, the guys affectionately call “Goalie Daddy” who has spend the last 18 years 👀 searching for his first & only love and best friend that he met at age six and was taken from him in the middle of the night. The FMC has never had luck on her side but never truly given up on the fact that maybe one day her childhood best friend and love would find her and rescue her from her extremely bad situation. Well, with some help of unfortunate situations and friends he finally finds her, but he has to “extract” her from her bad situation.
This book had me laughing at times that I was almost crying, and I LOVE a good groups chat between the hockey team mates!!! I am really really hoping there is more to this series!
Advanced Copy reader review, book kindly received by publisher.
This book was absolutely incredible. Hockey? Check. Brilliant storyline? Check. Spicy scenes? Check Check Check!
Kinsley and Gunnar grew up together and developed an unbreakable bond between them, Gunnar helped Kinsley through the troubles she faced at home. But when they were separated suddenly one night they both wondered if they’d ever see each other again.
Years later a chance encounter has them meeting again under difficult circumstances, Gunnar is determined to save Kinsley, no matter what.
I thought the plot was great, I loved the banter between Gunnar and his team and the kindness shown to Kinsley when they all meet her, Morgan was definitely my favourite female side character, her strength and determination and no fucks given attitude was awesome.
And I mean, Gunnar, who does not want a huge, protective, sexy goalie daddy to look after you and cater to your every want/ need, I mean swoooooon!
Kinsleys strength was shown really well throughout the book and I really enjoyed her character, she wasn’t just a FMC who leaves the saving for our MMC, she does her damned hardest to save herself and protect others along the way. She’s a character that’s been through so much but still pushes through.
A great read and I would definitely recommend!
I’ll end this review with the line from the text chats which always got me.
-Gunnar has removed himself from the chat- -Caddel added Gunnar to the chat-
This was my first by Nicole Rae. Seeing that it was hockey I was sold, then saw it was about a goalie and I was like say less. Goalies have always been my favorites, and Nicole Rae has captured everything that I love about goalies and made me fall in love with them even more. The way Nicole writes captivated me from the very beginning. They way she writes makes you feel EVERY emotion that these characters go through. I never expected to be so invested in finding out if the characters got their happy ending or their karma. This story follows Kinsley and her childhood best friend Gunnar. After being torn apart, Gunner never gave up hope finding his best friend. When an unfortunate event on the ice lands one of Gunnar’s teammates in the emergency room, by some twist of fate he see her. After all this time he sees that she’s alive. When Kinsley’s husband sees Gunnar storming towards her, he rushes her out to disappear once again. Determined more than ever Gunnar and his team will do everything to get her back. Will the secrets that Kinsley hides be enough to send Gunnar for the hills? Will Gunnar be able to save his girl without putting her in more danger? Can Kinsley FINALLY get the happily ever after she so desperately wants or will her past be her end? Read Pucking Found to find out!
I was hooked from the start. I probably could have read this in one day if I wanted to, that’s how good it was. Gunnar and Kinsley being reunited after 18 years was heart warming. The love these two have for each other is unmatched. I loved how all Gunnar’s friends instantly welcomed Kins into their group. They treated her and loved her like they do with everyone else. I enjoyed the how some of the guys on the team loved to rile the guys up about their girls. I laughed a couple times while reading those text exchanges. It was sweet reading how Gunanrs brothers were also affected by Kinsley disappearing all those years ago. They love her like a sister and were happy that the two of them found their way back to each other. I was surprised it took over half the book for Kinsley’s dirt bag of a husband took to come after her. I didn’t care for how it happened. How other people’s lives were in danger because of him. But I will say I loved how strong Kinsey’s character was made. She was a fighter for sure. And I was so so happy when he the dirt bag was no longer a danger to Kinsley. I will be going back to read book one for sure. I’m hoping there will be more coming. Would love to read more from this great group of friends and see more of the teasing that they do.
This book is a great take on a hockey romance, it’s darker than your usual hockey book due to several intense and emotional topics but without being fully dark.
An important part of this story is the banter between the group of friends, that camaraderie and humorous friendship in a found family type of dynamic is what stop this book of being fully dark.
I think is endearing, even reaching the unbelievable level, that Gunnar never stop looking for his little best friend from back when he was 10 because he knew she was in a bad situation and wanted to help her, that type of fiercely protection and even obsessive love he has going on since the moment he finally found her is sweet to read.
Talking about the structure of the story, it’s definitely character driven, I feel like the more “suspense” side of the story gets sidelined when he found her and going forward is just them having sexy and cute moments without much development.
Also there were jumps in time here and there between scenes that lost me a little bit because they felt rushed.
Overall I think is an enjoyable story for all of hockey romance lovers that enjoy the obsession and protective type of MMC and a little suspense with their stories.
4.25/5...This was an emotional, heartbreaking second-chance romance with a strong soulmate vibe that kept me invested from beginning to end. Kinsley and Gunnar's childhood connection made their reunion feel meaningful, and I loved Gunnar's unwavering devotion after spending years searching for her. The story doesn't shy away from the heavy topics, and Kinsley's past is incredibly difficult to read at times. Her journey toward healing is emotional, and seeing her finally find someone who truly loves and protects her was satisfying. Gunnar is fiercely loyal and determined, making him an easy hero to root for, even if his possessiveness occasionally pushed the boundaries for me. It did bother me some with the time gap on their separation, how long it takes for the author to include in the story their ages when it started to confirm their ages in the present parts of the story. Makes the characters seem older than they are.Overall, this was a gripping, emotional romance with plenty of angst, healing, and a hard-earned happily ever after. If you enjoy intense second-chance romances with protective heroes and emotionally charged reunions, this is definitely worth picking up. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"I love you too, Kinsley soon to be Knight. More than I'll ever be able to show you. You have been my world, my heart, since we were six years old. I love you with every fibre in my body, every beat of my heart, every breath from my lungs. It's you, it's always been you. I love you and will love you until my heart stops beating"
+ Second chance romance + Protective MMC + Hockey romance + He falls first + Found family + Soul mates + Trauma + HEA
I loved this story. Gunnar and Kinsley met when they were kids and became soul mates. She was ripped away from him and married off to evil Chad (boo Chad, we don't like you! 😜). They meet again when they are older and the spark is there again from the moment their eyes meet.
They go through a lot to be able to be together. This book was so beautiful. It was a bit of a hard read sometimes with the scenes around Chad but it was definitely worth it. The relationship between Gunnar and Kinsley is everything. Gunnar is the kind of MMC that gives women unrealistic expectations in a relationship 😭 he's such a sweetheart!!
I smiled, I laughed, I cried and I swooned. This author did an amazing job. I cannot wait to keep reading more of this series ❤️
*Pucking Found* was my first Nicole Rae book, and between hockey, a goalie MMC, and a childhood friends-to-lovers story, I was immediately hooked. As a goalie fan, Gunnar was everything I wanted, and "Goalie Daddy" quickly became one of my favorite nicknames. His unwavering love for Kinsley after spending 18 years searching for her made their reunion so emotional.
I loved the found-family dynamic with the Chicago Yetis, and the team banter and group chats had me laughing the whole time. The hockey scenes were exciting and made you feel like you were right there on the ice without overpowering the romance.
The only reason this wasn't a five-star read for me was that some of the darker themes felt a little rushed, and I would've liked to see Kinsley's healing journey explored a bit more. I also wished a few of the teased spicy scenes had actually happened on page.
Overall, this was a fun mix of hockey romance and dark romance with suspense, heart, and an incredibly protective, possessive hero. If you love childhood friends, second chances, found family, and a swoony goalie MMC, I definitely recommend giving this one a try!
This was my first book by Nicole and my introduction to the Yeti series. The story tackles heavy, emotional themes, so definitely check your trigger warnings before diving in. Even though this is book two, it reads smoothly as an interconnected standalone. I had no trouble following the lives, loves, and chaos surrounding the Yeti hockey team and their circle. The writing is fluent and engaging, blending tense, high‑stakes moments with tender romantic beats. Two childhood best friends are torn apart in a brutal way, clinging to memories until fate finally brings them back together. Kinsley’s journey is absolutely heartbreaking, and Gunnar’s fierce protectiveness, such as the way he creates safety, softness, and love around her, is beautiful to witness. The side characters add so much charm and depth, and I’m already excited to see more of them in future books.
While this ARC still contained a few typing errors, I’m confident the final version will be worth your time if you enjoy intense love stories with dark themes, danger, romance, kindness, and a beautiful found family.
This is the first book ive read in this series but ill be going back to read the first book!
Firstly the book opens with a fantastic hockey scene and I really appreciate the detail of the game in hockey romance books being factual and this was spot on.
The story is very engaging and I read it in a day once I got into it I didnt want to put it down. Its a heavy read in places though so defo read the trigger warnings. Kinsley and gunners childhood sweethearts was just to die for I thought the story was solid and a plot great.
The side chatacters were great too and although this is a series it reads well as a stand alone too. I havnt read the first one and found it very easy to follow along with the side characters. I especially loved morgan and her bad ass attitude and ability to love her friends hard.
The team group chats were brilliant I really enjoyed those I feel the hockey scenes were really well done.
This wasnt a very spicy read in terms of hockey romances but it was an enjoyable read and ill definitely be keeping an eye out for future books as im invested in these characters now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this book overall, even if I connected a little more with the first in the series. Gunnar and Kinsley’s story is such a true, heartfelt love tale, best friends since childhood, torn apart too young, and then finding their way back to each other years later. The “childhood love” element was one of my favorite parts, and the way they complement and complete each other made their relationship feel incredibly genuine.
There were moments that had me laughing out loud (Gunnar’s hockey tape absolutely got me), moments that made me emotional, and moments that just made me so happy for them. The author does a great job showing what each character is feeling, especially when touching on DV themes, and how that long‑lasting love still holds strong through everything.
The side characters were a highlight too, Morgan especially. I love how fiercely everyone shows up for each other. In the end, it’s a beautifully captured love story with plenty of emotion, humor, and heart. I’m definitely adding it to my shelf, and I can’t wait for book three.
I definitely liked Pucking Found more than the first book. I was hooked pretty much from the start because Gunnar and Kinsley’s story already had so much history behind it. The childhood friends who spent almost two decades apart made every reunion and interaction hit that much harder.
Kinsley has been through more than anyone should ever have to endure, so watching her slowly start to reclaim her life was honestly my favorite part of the book. Gunnar’s determination to find the girl he never forgot never felt forced to me—it just fit their story. He definitely has his overprotective moments, but they didn’t give me nearly as much of an ick as the MMC in the first book.
I also really loved getting more time with the Chicago Yetis crew. The friendships, banter, and found family moments continue to be one of my favorite parts of this series, and they make me even more excited to see whose story is next.
Pucking Found is a dark romance and a hockey romance tied into one. It follows Kinsley and Gunnar as our protagonists.
I felt that the scenes that talked about hockey were well-written and well paced. It was like being in the action of an actual hockey game .
I was not a fan of the shifting tone in the book, it felt like it didn't know whether it wanted to be a full dark romance or not, and oftentimes fell flat.
I also felt that there were pivotal moments that were rushed to get to the spicier portions of the novel that really inhibited proper character growth.
I also thought it was jarring that the chapters were split into different point of views between our two protagonists, but not always! And would change halfway in the chapter.
This clearly was not meant for me, but I would definitely recommend it to someone that enjoys a very quick plot and loves dark, suspenseful romance.
I received an ARC copy of this book but I am leaving this review voluntarily and this review is wholly my own.
This book is so much more than a sports romance. I was not expecting it, in a good way! There is a thriller aspect to the story in relation the FMC’s past and things that happen to her in this book. I really loved those parts of the book.
I liked the hockey scenes as well. Yes there’s a lot of spice in this book (🌶️🌶️🌶️) but you get sports which I love. I know there tends to be a heavier emphasis on the romance side of sports romance but I always appreciate when we get some really good sports scenes too which you definitely get in this book. I loved the dynamics between the players on the teams and the girl group as well.
The MMC was a little too obsessive for me. I wanted him to tone it down many times. I feel like the FMC’s story is the real story here and the MMC smothers that at times.
I definitely recommend to people who love both romance and thrillers. It’s a no brainer because this book combines them. If you only read sports romances or contemporary romances read the trigger warnings to see if you can handle the darker sides of the story.
Gunner is the definition of grumpy goalie but the moment he sees Kinsley for the first time in 18 years… you see a whole new protective side of him. He is determined to get to her and protector her no matter the cost.
Kinsley has spent almost her entire life isolated and when her dreams of being rescued by Gunner finally comes true she realizes she is no longer alone. Watching these them find their way back to one another was so emotional and heartwarming.
The found family in the book is everything. The entire Chicago Yetis team and their families have such a strong bond and will do whatever to help each other. The touch her and die vibes are off the charts and Gunners devotion to Kinsley just made me melt! Also we can’t forget the spice and it was definitely spicing!!!
-touch her and die -found family -romantic suspense -morally grey MMC -spice -group chat with the guys
Oh and I can not forget the Yetis mascot… Rogue who is always for for some shenanigans.
What a story! There is drama, heat, a little suspense, and of course sports. Kinsley and Gunner have a heartwarming, and at times sad, story that started way back in kindergarten. But then Kinsley disappears. Now they are in their late twenties. He plays professional hockey. She's been forcibly married to a dirtbag to settle her no good father's debts. Their paths cross in the emergency room. He's there for a teammate. She's lying about her injuries, yet again.
Gunner never stopped looking for her, and now that he finally knows she is still alive he will stop at nothing to get her back. Problem is, her deranged husband will do literally anything to not let her go.
Nicole Rae is a new author for me. I will be going back to read Alex and Lily's story in book 1 now and I will be watching for more books to the series. The very end of this one makes me think the next book will be Scottie and Morgan.
Was lucky enough to be a arc reader: Pucking found is a hockey romance in the Chicago yetis series. I wouldn’t say it’s a dark romance it’s more light gray sport romance. The book focuses on the hockey teams goalie and his childhood friend who hadn’t seen eachother in years and run into eachother in one of the most unlikely places. The book covers abuse, toxic relationships and moving on with life after being abused. The main characters are head over heels for eachother, and there is so much tearing from the MMC, he really would do anything for her snd to keep her safe. I loved the found family created it makes you feel part of the group, love how they all look out for eachother. I went through ALL the emotions while reading this, I couldn’t put it down. And as in any good hockey romance there’s group chat texts hehe.
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of this book and I am writing this review voluntarily
Kinsley and Gunnar met as young children and were instantly connected quickly becoming best friends. Even as a child, Gunnar takes the role of protector seriously and then Kinsley is taken from him. . .
A chance encounter years later and they reconnect but trouble is on the horizon.
⭐️ Hockey Romance ⭐️ Friends to Lovers ⭐️ Parental and Spousal Abuse ⭐️ Kidnapping ⭐️Touch Her and Die ⭐️ Found Family ⭐️ Suspense ⭐️ Banter
This is s hockey romance and so much more with hard core topics including kidnapping, abuse and debt bondage and the extent a person will go to in order to keep a loved one safe.
I enjoyed this as a whole, but I did enjoy book one more.
I understand it being a nickname but reading "goalie daddy" nearly every other page (by one of his friends, not even the MFC) made me want to rip my hair out. I don't even know why it irked me so much, it just did. Sorry.
I liked the storyline of this one and I liked the whole "childhood love" aspect of it. The Mains were really well matched and I love how they completed and complimented one another.
Still a very strong book, I did notice a couple editing issues but given this was an ARC I imagine there is still some editing being done.
I will be adding this to my shelf and I can't wait for book three!
Gunnar and Kinsley is a true love story. Best friends since they were six years old and then she was ripped from them when they were 10 to only find each other years later. TW talks about DV, i love how the authors shows what each is feeling and they still love each other for all those years. The Hockey tape of the game from Gunnar literally had me laughing out loud. I also love the side characters Morgan is my fave. I love how she shows each one will fight for the other. There is moments I cried, laughed and was so damn happy. The author really captured a great love story and ended it perfectly.
I was able to get an advanced copy from the author, this is book 2 in her series. I still loved the crime/suspense aspect that intertwined with the hockey romance. And I of course love a possessive goalie, however I struggled a bit more with this one I think them losing each other at a very young age made it harder to get into the insta love trope. I think if they were teenagers it would have resonated a bit more for me personally. The spice was wonderful 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and we all know the goalies are a bit psycho, in the best way, while I liked the first book more I’m still going to continue the series because I need to get the Scottie/Morgan story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A hockey romance with a bit of an edge. Abuse kept them apart, but Gunner never gave up. Trying to survive both a physically and mentally abusive marriage, Kinsley could only dream of seeing Gunner again. It’s an intense story with a sense of danger always looming. Gunner and Kinsley have a very obvious bond, and their journey is a rollercoaster through chaos. The story seemed rushed in places, and in others, there just wasn’t a connection. I envy the unwavering commitment and loyalty this team has for each other and how quickly they embraced the love of Gunners life. It’s a good story. Exciting hockey. Passion. Humor. Just a few bumps along the way.
This book had me completely hooked from the very first page. The suspense was absolutely nail biting, keeping me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
I also loved the romance between Gunnar and Kinsley. Their childhood love story was beautifully written and so heartwarming to witness. Their connection felt genuine, emotional, and added the perfect balance to all the tension.
This was an unforgettable read, and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended!
Pucking Found by Nicole Rae is a spicy and wild hockey romance that delivers exactly what you want: sharp banter, messy emotions, and that addictive “I’m head over heels for you and won’t give you up!
The main these are: found family vibes, a hero who’s tougher on the ice than he is with his heart, and a heroine who refuses to shrink herself for anyone. Their chemistry hits fast, it’s sweet, a little spicy, and full of those moments where they’re choosing each other always.
This is hands down one of my favorite series! Nicole’s writing is beautiful and the story just draws you in. The characters are so easy to love and you just feel like you know them. It’s like they are your buddies and you’re right there, hanging out with them, going through everything they are. When I finished the first of the series I knew this was going to be one of my top series and after reading this one, I’m even more excited to see where she takes this. Hands down 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. I would highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed!
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. I’m a sucker for hockey romances. Add in absolutely feral and unhinged men who would do literally anything for their girl and it’s like a match made in heaven.
This story does hit on some heavy topics, so be safe and check the trigger warnings before reading.
If you have no triggers or the triggers do not bother you then jump into this book immediately!!