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Pucked #6
Pucked Love
As an NHL player, relationships haven’t been my thing. Shrouded in secrecy and speculation, they never last very long. But then that’s what happens when you require an NDA before the first date.
Until Charlene. She’s like a firefly. She’s elusive, and if you catch her she’ll burn bright, but keeping her trapped dulls her fire and dims her beauty.
I caught her. And as much as I might want to keep her, I’ll never put the lid on her jar. Not at the risk of losing her. So I've let her set the rules in our relationship.
But as long hidden secrets expose us both, I discover exactly how fragile Charlene is, and how much I need her.
We’re all broken. We’re all messed up. Some more than others. Me more than most.
Until Charlene. She’s like a firefly. She’s elusive, and if you catch her she’ll burn bright, but keeping her trapped dulls her fire and dims her beauty.
I caught her. And as much as I might want to keep her, I’ll never put the lid on her jar. Not at the risk of losing her. So I've let her set the rules in our relationship.
But as long hidden secrets expose us both, I discover exactly how fragile Charlene is, and how much I need her.
We’re all broken. We’re all messed up. Some more than others. Me more than most.
236 pages, ebook
First published November 13, 2018
About the author
Helena Hunting
62 books24.1k followersHelena Hunting is the author of The USA Today and NYT bestselling PUCKED Series. She lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes everything from romantic sports comedy to new adult angst.
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November 21, 2018
L O V E D!! I never thought this day would come but....Lance has been topped. I didn’t see it coming, but I’m in so much love with Darren!! He’s my new number #1 Helena Hunting BBF! ❤️❤️
A couple things, I’m really digging these Audible exclusive releases! If you’re a Romance package subscriber, they’re included. Eeeeeeep!
Back to the book! There a few things that really elevated this book above the rest for me.
The hero, Darren, is what I’d label as relationship challenged. He’s never engaged in a normal (by society’s standards, not mine) relationship. Everything has to be his way. Charlene challenges him from the very beginning.
Both characters have some type of baggage that needs to be worked through. Those types of stories are always of particular interest to me.
And last but certainly not least, Darren is sexy AF. The relationship is HOT! Plus...just look at that cover. Holy Covergasm! Am I Right?
Helena Hunting’s signature wit and comedic talent is on full display. The OTT moments we’ve come to expect from her books are all there and well placed. And, we get to catch up with the old gang! Everything about this one is solid and well executed. Pucked universe fans will LOVE it!
Recommended!
November 4, 2018
Coming November 13th in ebook and print.
NOW AVAILABLE in AUDIO
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Google Play → TBA
Prologue
NDA Coffee Date
Charlene
I breathe into my palm to check for freshness. I brushed my teeth less than ten minutes ago, but I pop two Altoids anyway. Fresh breath is crucial. I crunch down and spread the fiery-cold bits over my tongue. The burst of mint makes my eyes water, so I have to dab at the corners with my sleeve and breathe through my nose to avoid making it worse.
Darren Westinghouse is picking me up for a coffee date. The Darren Westinghouse, Chicago’s NHL right wing and the most mysterious man in the league. There are loads of rumors about him. His dating history is unclear and based mostly on speculation and conjecture. I’m excited to get to know the man behind the intense, stoic mask.
My palms are sweaty, and my panties are inappropriately damp as I wander around my kitchen. My reaction to anxiety is weird. And rather inconvenient. I’ve already changed my panties once in the past half hour.
“It’s just coffee,” I scold my crotch.
It doesn’t seem to matter, though. She’s preparing for all possible scenarios.
I introduced myself to Darren when I went with my best friend, Violet, to an away game. He was gentlemanly and sweet, offering to walk me back to my room. I went in for a goodnight kiss that turned into an epic make-out session. We kissed like teenagers until my lips were raw. It took a week before they finally stopped peeling.
Today I’m wearing shiny gloss that tastes like cotton candy—my hope is that Darren likes the flavor and will want to kiss it off more than once. I smooth my sweaty palms down my jean-covered thighs. I’m going for casual—except under my jeans I’m wearing a nice pair of lacy panties, just in case his hand happens to find its way into them. My bra matches, of course.
I check the time. It’s nine forty-nine in the morning. He’s picking me up at ten, but those eleven minutes feel like they’re taking an eternity to pass. I mentally scroll through the approved topics of conversation: obviously hockey, weather, my job, and my college experience are all approved.
I’ve learned that it’s best to give people the barest of facts and then shift the topic away from the really personal stuff. People usually love to talk about themselves, so it’s not all that hard to do. At nine fifty three I do another breath check and startle as my doorbell chimes.
“He’s here!” I whisper-shriek to no one. Or maybe I’m addressing my anxious vagina. I take two deep breaths and count to three before I open the door.
I’m still not adequately prepared for the vision taking up my front porch.
Darren’s in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt—so different than the suit he was wearing the last time I saw him. His short hair is styled neatly, and his hard, icy blue eyes move over me in a casual sweep that I feel everywhere. Darren is intense. He’s lightness and darkness fused together. And he’s unearthly beautiful. It’s a lot to process.
A half-grin tips his mouth and quickly becomes a disarming full smile that transforms his face from severe to stunning for as long as it lasts.
“Hi.” It’s almost a moan it’s so breathy.
“Hello, Charlene.”
I have tingles below the waist from those two words.
“Hi.” I’m repeating myself. Not smooth.
“I’m a little early,” he says. “I hope that’s okay.”
I snap out of my Darren-induced daze. “Yes! Yeah, of course. Just let me get my purse.” I turn, prepared to grab it from the kitchen, when I realize it’s already hanging from my right arm. “Oh, never mind. Looks like I’m all set.” I hope he doesn’t think I’m a complete idiot.
I shrug into my coat with Darren’s help—so courteous—grab my keys from the hook, and step out onto the porch. It’s a crisp morning, but the sun is shining, so it takes the edge off the chill in the air.
Darren is ultra-polite, opening the passenger door and helping me in before he rounds the hood and takes the driver’s seat. We make small talk as we drive toward the water.
I’m a little surprised when Darren pulls into a Starbucks and heads for the drive-thru. This isn’t quite what I had in mind when he proposed a coffee date. I figured we’d go to some quaint, cozy little café and stare into each other’s eyes.
“I thought we could go to the park.”
“Oh, sure. That would be great,” I say. Parks can be romantic. Especially since it’s kind of chilly today. Maybe he’ll have to put his arm around me to keep me warm. I can totally get on board with that.
Once we have our coffees, Darren drives to the water. He parks the SUV, but leaves the engine running. I assume we’re going to get out and stroll the boardwalk, but instead we stay where we are and chat while we people-watch. Also not what I was expecting, but he smells great, so I guess I’ll take it.
He’s a quiet guy, so I end up doing the majority of the talking. Instead of rambling about myself, I regale him with Violet stories, which make him chuckle—a sound I like a lot.
After an hour or so, during which my stomach starts to grumble since I was too nervous to eat this morning, he shifts to face me. He skims my cheek as he sweeps my hair over my shoulder.
I lean into that touch, willing him to lean in, too. And he does. His thumb rests against that soft spot under my chin.
“I would like to kiss you,” he says.
“I have coffee breath.”
“As do I.”
I consider offering him a mint, but decide I don’t care. I tip my chin up. “Okay then.”
His smile is soft and warm, in stark contrast to his hard features and icy eyes, and his lips feel like silk against mine. I have no idea how long we kiss, but it’s enough that my neck starts to get a kink. He finally pulls back, those icy eyes heavy with the same lust that’s ruining my underwear.
“Would you like to have lunch with me?”
In my head I turn lunch into extended foreplay, but either way, spending more time with him is on my yes list. “Definitely.”
“Great.” That smile of his makes another appearance, shorting out all the connections to my brain and redirecting the energy to my lady bits.
He reaches into the backseat and retrieves a messenger bag. He then produces a file folder with my name printed neatly on the front of it. Well, that’s kind of . . . odd. Although that seems to be the way this date is going: nice, but odd.
“What’s that?” I ask, the lust and excitement I was feeling a few seconds ago transforming into anxiety.
“A non-disclosure agreement,” he says breezily, as if he’s telling me the name of a flower.
I’ve signed plenty of non-disclosure agreements during my time at Stroker and Cobb Financial Management. It’s necessary when working with famous hockey players and managing their finances. But unless I’ve read this whole thing incorrectly, Darren isn’t going to ask me to manage his finances. At least I hope he’s not.
“I’m sorry, why would a non-disclosure agreement be necessary?”
His brow furrows, making the sharp lines of his face even more severe and slightly ominous. “Because I’d like to have lunch with you.”
I surreptitiously place my hand on the armrest, near the door handle. Just in case. “You need a non-disclosure agreement for lunch?”
He runs his hands down his thighs. “I’d like to take you to my house.”
“For lunch?”
“Yes.”
“Is lunch code for something?”
I get more of his furrowed brow. “Code?”
Maybe the rumors about him are true. Maybe he really is some kind of Dom and he’s looking for me to be his next submissive. I’m not sure how to feel about that. I’ve read all the Fifty Shades books, and sure, some of that stuff sounds like a fun time, but I don’t like to sign contracts for anything outside of work and banking. Even then, it makes me uncomfortable.
“Yeah, like, is lunch a code word for some kinky sex games or something?”
His furrow turns into an arch, and a slightly sinister smile tugs at the corner of his sinfully sexy mouth. The same mouth that was recently suctioned to mine.
“No. Although I’m certainly not opposed to kinky sex games if that’s what you’d prefer in lieu of lunch.”
I pick up the folder, which he’s left on the dash between us and flip it open. The agreement is several pages long.
I glance at Darren and raise my own eyebrows.
“Take your time. I can wait.” He smiles again, but it seems more like a grimace.
I scan the contents. It’s incredibly thorough, with a whole bunch of clauses. There’s even one pertaining to a credit card and a budget for clothing and lingerie. What in the actual fuck?
I close the file folder and pass it to him. “I’d like you to take me home.”
He grins widely and produces a pen. His smile is so pretty I almost forget why I want to go home. Then I remember the pre-date paperwork.
I hold up a hand. “No, you’re not understanding. I’d like you to take me to my house, not yours. I’m not signing an NDA agreement for a lunch date—especially this type of NDA.”
That smile of his drops, and he blinks rapidly, fingers tapping against the manila file folder. “But I thought we were enjoying each other’s company.”
“We were. But there’s no fucking way I’m signing this, so if you want to have lunch with me, you’ll have to do it without an NDA.”
He’s clearly experiencing some conflict over this because he stares at me long enough that my skin grows hot before he finally says, “It’s meant to protect us both.”
“It’s not a condom, Darren. It’s an NDA. The next thing I know I’ll have some kind of tracking chip and I’ll be tied to your bed.”
He tips his head to the side and seems to be fighting a smile. “Would you like to be tied to my bed?”
“Not if I have to sign an NDA.”
“And if you don’t have to sign an NDA?”
The answer to that question is still no, I think, but I shrug, because even him asking makes things happen in my panties.
“I’m a very private person, Charlene.”
“So am I. Doesn’t mean I make all the people in my life sign an NDA because of it. If you want to have lunch with me, you can do it without asking me to sign away my rights.”
He regards me for several long, intense moments in which I have to fight to hold eye contact. Jesus, I’m nervous.
“Okay, no NDA,” he finally concedes. “But I have rules for dating, Charlene.”
“So do I, and we can discuss them over lunch.”
November 3, 2018
*****FIVE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I kiss her, and my whole world seems to come together and fall apart at the same time. She’s everything. She’s all the missing pieces I need to feel whole.
The ”Pucked” series is my absolute most favorite sports romance series of all time. I will always put Helena Hunting in the highest regard for creating Alex ”Super MC” and Violet Waters. All of the characters are incredible, but those two will forever hold a special place in my heart. But I can’t deny that I have loved every couple’s journey and couldn’t wait to finally get to Darren and Charlene’s story. They’ve always been in the background and seemed a bit mysterious to me, so it was a pleasant surprise that their story was filled with so much heart and that I even got a little emotional towards the end.
This is the last installment of the series. It’s so very hard to have to say goodbye. I don��t want to do it. I know there will be several re-reads in my future. What makes this series special, aside from how the Heroes worship the women they love, are the amazing friendships between all of them. Through thick and thin they are there for each other. These are some of the best supporting characters I’ve come across in a series and I have treasured every moment that I got to spend with them.
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 5
Angst: 4.5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
PUCKED LOVE releases on November 13th! Get ready to fall in love with yet another amazing couple and enjoy all the fun and heartfelt moments with all your beloved characters from the previous installments!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2lVtrVi
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2IzemWD
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/PuckedLove
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2u2nrhi
Nook: http://bit.ly/2NnyFpj
Audible: https://amzn.to/2IWTNPI
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2lWZ0yd
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I kiss her, and my whole world seems to come together and fall apart at the same time. She’s everything. She’s all the missing pieces I need to feel whole.
The ”Pucked” series is my absolute most favorite sports romance series of all time. I will always put Helena Hunting in the highest regard for creating Alex ”Super MC” and Violet Waters. All of the characters are incredible, but those two will forever hold a special place in my heart. But I can’t deny that I have loved every couple’s journey and couldn’t wait to finally get to Darren and Charlene’s story. They’ve always been in the background and seemed a bit mysterious to me, so it was a pleasant surprise that their story was filled with so much heart and that I even got a little emotional towards the end.
This is the last installment of the series. It’s so very hard to have to say goodbye. I don��t want to do it. I know there will be several re-reads in my future. What makes this series special, aside from how the Heroes worship the women they love, are the amazing friendships between all of them. Through thick and thin they are there for each other. These are some of the best supporting characters I’ve come across in a series and I have treasured every moment that I got to spend with them.
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 5
Angst: 4.5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
PUCKED LOVE releases on November 13th! Get ready to fall in love with yet another amazing couple and enjoy all the fun and heartfelt moments with all your beloved characters from the previous installments!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2lVtrVi
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2IzemWD
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/PuckedLove
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2u2nrhi
Nook: http://bit.ly/2NnyFpj
Audible: https://amzn.to/2IWTNPI
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2lWZ0yd
November 13, 2018
Helena has done it consistently and this is the 6th time she's done it again!!!
I wanna do the cheesy "eeeeeeeek.....this is the best book....she's done it again.....cant believe what I read" except this would all be true!!
Her books are laugh-a-thons with a lot of heart. You cannot walk with these characters and NOT fall head-over-heels in love with them. Diehard friendships and super strong bonds of brotherhood define this family of lovable weirdos- Violet & Alex Super MC, Lily and Randy Balls Ballistic, Poppy & Lance, Sunny and Miller, they've all been my friends from book 1 and I still love reading about them regularly. But the lickable creamy stud-muffin here is Darren Westinghouse.
He's darkly dangerous charm and hidden talents of passion. A walking sex on legs hockey player with Chicago NHL. Master of hunkalicious body and an all encompassing heart, he's stuff dreamy book boyfriends are made of.
This book is a daring flight into Pucked Family lives with no seatbelts on!!!
The story flies high, turns on its head, does loop-de-loop. Makes you dizzy with abundant love, unbridled passion and unseen dangers. There's oodles of all three ingredients in this heart touching romance as Darren Westinghouse & Charlene Hoar (H is silent) are in the middle of a relationship of sorts
The first chapter shows you more of Char-Char than you bargained for...or ALL of the Chicago NHL team for that matter. Her Wheel of Fortune is gawked at by all and as private as they wanna keep their sex lives, the "pussy" cat is out of the bag.
What follows is a true laugh-fest with generous visits from veterans like Violet, Lily, Poppy, Sunny and some newer ones like Momma Domme Whensday, Rod & Cherry and of course Robbie and Sidney with Daisy & Skye.
All gather together, laugh together, celebrate together and got each other's backs.
In all this jumbo party of sorts, there's moments of solitude, of self doubts, of broken pasts and monsters that still chase them. Darren is intense and focused. On his game and Charlene, but he's emotionally stunted too..... tho not a social idiot!! But bottom line- he doesn't wanna lose her and that scares him to death!!!
I feel as I've tried to build a house of cards on the precipice of a mountain
While Char is on a back foot. With love blossoming and families growing all around her she feels as if she's on the Outside.... Alone! Her love comes from weirdness and instability ready to fall apart at first signs of reality. Emotions are trapped in a jar with a lid screwed on tight.
But life is full of surprises from unexpected quarters as they say.
"sometimes the most broken Souls find each other as if they're missing pieces exist in another person."
"Sometimes we shut ourselves off from the things we need when we are afraid to lose them the most. we are all kind of broken and we all need a little saving sometimes"
And the Prince swoops in to save the princess from the evil master of THC and carts her away to his castle full of Leather & Lace and vases and vases of Yellow flowers! Oh.....how romantic😍😍😍
"For all the years you spent with no doors of privacy I spent the same amount of time locked away from the world. Love and dependency were imprisonment. I'm afraid to be trapped again"!!!
"I'll never put the lid on your jar"
Omg could Darren BE anymore swoonworthy!!!!!!!
Major heart eyes should be inserted here!
Pick up this book to revisit old relationships and some new ones Dick Dickless Daddy and laugh hard till you cry and cry till you laugh again.
5 stars for fireflies on the water
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I wanna do the cheesy "eeeeeeeek.....this is the best book....she's done it again.....cant believe what I read" except this would all be true!!
Her books are laugh-a-thons with a lot of heart. You cannot walk with these characters and NOT fall head-over-heels in love with them. Diehard friendships and super strong bonds of brotherhood define this family of lovable weirdos- Violet & Alex Super MC, Lily and Randy Balls Ballistic, Poppy & Lance, Sunny and Miller, they've all been my friends from book 1 and I still love reading about them regularly. But the lickable creamy stud-muffin here is Darren Westinghouse.
He's darkly dangerous charm and hidden talents of passion. A walking sex on legs hockey player with Chicago NHL. Master of hunkalicious body and an all encompassing heart, he's stuff dreamy book boyfriends are made of.
This book is a daring flight into Pucked Family lives with no seatbelts on!!!
The story flies high, turns on its head, does loop-de-loop. Makes you dizzy with abundant love, unbridled passion and unseen dangers. There's oodles of all three ingredients in this heart touching romance as Darren Westinghouse & Charlene Hoar (H is silent) are in the middle of a relationship of sorts
The first chapter shows you more of Char-Char than you bargained for...or ALL of the Chicago NHL team for that matter. Her Wheel of Fortune is gawked at by all and as private as they wanna keep their sex lives, the "pussy" cat is out of the bag.
What follows is a true laugh-fest with generous visits from veterans like Violet, Lily, Poppy, Sunny and some newer ones like Momma Domme Whensday, Rod & Cherry and of course Robbie and Sidney with Daisy & Skye.
All gather together, laugh together, celebrate together and got each other's backs.
In all this jumbo party of sorts, there's moments of solitude, of self doubts, of broken pasts and monsters that still chase them. Darren is intense and focused. On his game and Charlene, but he's emotionally stunted too..... tho not a social idiot!! But bottom line- he doesn't wanna lose her and that scares him to death!!!
I feel as I've tried to build a house of cards on the precipice of a mountain
While Char is on a back foot. With love blossoming and families growing all around her she feels as if she's on the Outside.... Alone! Her love comes from weirdness and instability ready to fall apart at first signs of reality. Emotions are trapped in a jar with a lid screwed on tight.
But life is full of surprises from unexpected quarters as they say.
"sometimes the most broken Souls find each other as if they're missing pieces exist in another person."
"Sometimes we shut ourselves off from the things we need when we are afraid to lose them the most. we are all kind of broken and we all need a little saving sometimes"
And the Prince swoops in to save the princess from the evil master of THC and carts her away to his castle full of Leather & Lace and vases and vases of Yellow flowers! Oh.....how romantic😍😍😍
"For all the years you spent with no doors of privacy I spent the same amount of time locked away from the world. Love and dependency were imprisonment. I'm afraid to be trapped again"!!!
"I'll never put the lid on your jar"
Omg could Darren BE anymore swoonworthy!!!!!!!
Major heart eyes should be inserted here!
Pick up this book to revisit old relationships and some new ones Dick Dickless Daddy and laugh hard till you cry and cry till you laugh again.
5 stars for fireflies on the water
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on :
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July 17, 2018
Overall, I didn't love this book but I also didn't hate it. I guess disappointment would be the key word when it comes to this one because I definitely was looking forward to it. Now, it can easily be that is not the book and just me and what I expect from a book, and I might as well be in the minority for this one.
I won't go into a rant, or I'll try not to. I love this author, she can write some fantastic books, especially the angstier ones. The Pucked series has been hit or miss for me. I struggled with Pucked, even though I've enjoyed it more the more I revisit it. I disliked Pucked Up a lot, and I absolutely loved the heck out of Randy's (Pucked Over/Under) and Lance's (Pucked Off) books. Those were amazing, so amazing.
With that said, I was looking forward to this one. I mean Darren and Charlene are this enigma that has been in the background for the majority of the other books. What's the deal with them, how did they get together? So yeah, the anticipation was strong. I mean, we got some info on Pucked (I'll go back to that later) but not enough.
So imagine my surprise when the book picks up and we're two years into their relationship. Wait, what? Really? And the worst part is that there are no flashbacks or real explanations as to what's going on. So, for me it's a timing issue. Either this book should've come out after Pucked or Pucked Up or it needed some serious flashbacks. Obviously I'm not a fan of books that just suddenly drop you in the middle of an ongoing relationship, especially without flashbacks. Is hard to relate to the characters and hard to connect with them, also hard to follow the story and the motivations behind the character actions. You either are or aren't. I had a hard time understanding that these characters would've never had some of these conversations in the previous 2 years since it still sounded that they had a pretty steady relationship. I also kept questioning the why now? and why the sudden 180 other than to fit the story to the timeline. And this brings me to my next issue.
This book was highly inconsistent with certain things mentioned in previous books, mainly Pucked. I kept questioning certain things because I was sure I remembered different things from Pucked. After I read this I immediately jumped into the Pucked audio and I was definitely right. Certain things about Charlene are described differently and also certain things that Charlene tells Violet about Darren I guess are not true anymore? I'm confused, on Pucked Charlene tells Violet "He's the sweetest man alive. He's close to his family" "I want to have his little hockey babies" "He's got to be the most romantic man I've ever met". So yeah, that was in Pucked. In the beginning of Pucked Love Darren is none of that. And I won't spoil you the drama and the bombshells in PL, but they are definitely inconsistent with Pucked. So yeah.
The sex scenes are few and far in between, there's a lot of mentions of them having sex but not descriptive scenes, if that makes sense. For a couple that had always been rumored to be into kinks and stuff, that was just weird to listen. I was just expecting something else.
Overall, I didn't get much in the feels department and couldn't connect with Darren or Charlene. Seems like a lot was thrown in there either for shock value or just to make it fit with the story. The character development was just not quite there, they both still felt like background characters while we got caught up with the rest of the gang. While Violet also takes over in this one (when does she not?) she's tolerable. LoL.
So overall, it wasn't bad but it wasn't great. I guess I just expected more but then again Pucked Off was a really though act to follow. It's a shame because it's the last one in the series. If you're a fan of the series I'm sure you will enjoy this one, especially the catching up with the side characters. I'm still a huge fan of this author though and can't wait for what she'll bring next!
I won't go into a rant, or I'll try not to. I love this author, she can write some fantastic books, especially the angstier ones. The Pucked series has been hit or miss for me. I struggled with Pucked, even though I've enjoyed it more the more I revisit it. I disliked Pucked Up a lot, and I absolutely loved the heck out of Randy's (Pucked Over/Under) and Lance's (Pucked Off) books. Those were amazing, so amazing.
With that said, I was looking forward to this one. I mean Darren and Charlene are this enigma that has been in the background for the majority of the other books. What's the deal with them, how did they get together? So yeah, the anticipation was strong. I mean, we got some info on Pucked (I'll go back to that later) but not enough.
So imagine my surprise when the book picks up and we're two years into their relationship. Wait, what? Really? And the worst part is that there are no flashbacks or real explanations as to what's going on. So, for me it's a timing issue. Either this book should've come out after Pucked or Pucked Up or it needed some serious flashbacks. Obviously I'm not a fan of books that just suddenly drop you in the middle of an ongoing relationship, especially without flashbacks. Is hard to relate to the characters and hard to connect with them, also hard to follow the story and the motivations behind the character actions. You either are or aren't. I had a hard time understanding that these characters would've never had some of these conversations in the previous 2 years since it still sounded that they had a pretty steady relationship. I also kept questioning the why now? and why the sudden 180 other than to fit the story to the timeline. And this brings me to my next issue.
This book was highly inconsistent with certain things mentioned in previous books, mainly Pucked. I kept questioning certain things because I was sure I remembered different things from Pucked. After I read this I immediately jumped into the Pucked audio and I was definitely right. Certain things about Charlene are described differently and also certain things that Charlene tells Violet about Darren I guess are not true anymore? I'm confused, on Pucked Charlene tells Violet "He's the sweetest man alive. He's close to his family" "I want to have his little hockey babies" "He's got to be the most romantic man I've ever met". So yeah, that was in Pucked. In the beginning of Pucked Love Darren is none of that. And I won't spoil you the drama and the bombshells in PL, but they are definitely inconsistent with Pucked. So yeah.
The sex scenes are few and far in between, there's a lot of mentions of them having sex but not descriptive scenes, if that makes sense. For a couple that had always been rumored to be into kinks and stuff, that was just weird to listen. I was just expecting something else.
Overall, I didn't get much in the feels department and couldn't connect with Darren or Charlene. Seems like a lot was thrown in there either for shock value or just to make it fit with the story. The character development was just not quite there, they both still felt like background characters while we got caught up with the rest of the gang. While Violet also takes over in this one (when does she not?) she's tolerable. LoL.
So overall, it wasn't bad but it wasn't great. I guess I just expected more but then again Pucked Off was a really though act to follow. It's a shame because it's the last one in the series. If you're a fan of the series I'm sure you will enjoy this one, especially the catching up with the side characters. I'm still a huge fan of this author though and can't wait for what she'll bring next!
July 11, 2018
➳Helena Hunting, the queen of rom-coms has done it once again in this drool worthy, kinky, and beyond creative romance novel...
➳Keeping this short and sweet... I am not the biggest fan of audiobooks, but the fact that I was able to finish this one and enjoy it to its fullest is beyond surprising to me. I was hesitant to dive into it but knowing Helena Hunting and the love I have for her, I could not pass it out. All the kink, the intimacy, the witty banter between both couples made laugh, enjoy, cry, and swoon over them. Thank the heavens that Helena has decided to continue this series, because it never gets old!
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➳Keeping this short and sweet... I am not the biggest fan of audiobooks, but the fact that I was able to finish this one and enjoy it to its fullest is beyond surprising to me. I was hesitant to dive into it but knowing Helena Hunting and the love I have for her, I could not pass it out. All the kink, the intimacy, the witty banter between both couples made laugh, enjoy, cry, and swoon over them. Thank the heavens that Helena has decided to continue this series, because it never gets old!
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
November 20, 2018
I throughly enjoyed this story. It has all the feels for a good romance story. Between all the witty banter between all the characters, leaving me laughing, to all the swooning I did, the times I cried because of the sad situations these amazing characters found themselves in, and to all the happy smiles I had countless times throughout the whole book. This story captivated me from the prologue and kept me hooked to the very last page.
Charlene and Darren are perfect for each other. They both have painful pasts, things they want to keep hidden. This story is a book about finding the person to make all your nightmares better. It’s a story of intense connections and love. A story about finally being able to express yourself. Definitely one to pick up and read!!!!!!!
Charlene and Darren are perfect for each other. They both have painful pasts, things they want to keep hidden. This story is a book about finding the person to make all your nightmares better. It’s a story of intense connections and love. A story about finally being able to express yourself. Definitely one to pick up and read!!!!!!!
January 5, 2019
How can I pen to words how much the Pucked series has meant to me? How much this series has made me feel. This three-year journey of laughs, love, swoon, and soul wrapped itself around and never let me go. Characters who felt real endeared themselves to me, quickly becoming my family, and I’m not ready to leave them behind. I want Pucked to last forever. Forever Pucked.
On December 30, 2015, I devoured Pucked and fell fast in love with the quirky and fun, Violet, and the smart and sweet alpha, Alex. I laughed the hardest when reading and swooned just as hard. I instantly knew that Pucked was THE hockey romance for me and no other hockey romance would ever come close to this story.
Fast forward to December 30, 2018. Five more Pucked books later and Pucked Loved is the final Pucked story. It’s now the end. How fitting to end my favorite hockey series by one of my favorite authors exactly three years to the date of the first book.
I LOVED being back in the Pucked world again with Pucked Love. These characters have always felt like family so it was like coming home. While readers were offered a glimpse of Charlene and Darren in the other Pucked novels, they both remained a puzzle, begging to be solved. In Pucked Love, Charlene and Darrens’ mystery is finally uncovered, and oh is it hot and heartfelt!
This series started with Alex and Violet and fittingly ends with their besties, Darren and Charlene. Darren has been THE mystery man in the Pucked series. I had been DYING to meet him ever since.
He’s terrifyingly beautiful. Quietly stunning.
Dear readers, I won’t reveal much about Darren and Charlene as I want you to experience their journey as yours and unfold their mystery yourself. I will say this: Broken sees broken, and Charlene and Darren are two kindred spirits with beautiful hearts who are fated together in the most messy but meaningful of ways. Their story—this story—is just as much of an evolution as it is a romance.
Over and over, I let her fly away, even though it goes against every instinct I have.
Like the rest of this series, Pucked Love is a feel-worthy fusion of spice, soul, swoon, humor, and heart. It’s breathtaking, it’s broken, and it’s so beautifully told. This story is as sweet as it is scorching, and soul-searing too. I was UTTERLY ENRAPTURED! This book embedded itself into my heart. Pucked Love, the end of this magical and moving series, is one I read with tears in my eyes because of all the lasts: the last Pucked book, the last time with this hockey family, and the last time meeting Helena Hunting’s perfectly woven humorous, heated, and heartfelt words in the best hockey series ever.
”I just want to get lost in you.”
Pucked Love reads like shattered fairytale with a breathtaking prince and beautiful princess who, together, mend their broken parts. A bit of broken, a heap of heart, a dash of humor, and all the feels flawlessly fused together make Pucked Love everything you’d want in a romance and more!!! PUCKING PERFECTION!!!
”Only you make me feel this alive.”
From Pucked to Pucked Love, Helena Hunting created not only characters, but a family of friends, a family that felt real, one whose tears, triumphs, and too-funny moments became my moments too. I felt the stories in this series right along with the characters. This Pucked family of friends was also my family, and I’m so sad to bid them farewell. Pucked Love is not only Charlene and Darrens’ heartbreakingly beautiful journey; it’s is the perfect send-off to the Pucked series.
Little did I know that when I began this beloved book adventure, I could not imagine that I’d soon find Pucked to be the best hockey series and rom-com series I’ve ever read! I never laughed so much while reading, but among those laughs were heavier, heart-hitting moments. I cried tears from extreme laughter to sweet swoon to sorrow. Tears of feels. ALL THE FEELS. This story and series are EVERYTHING! Oh God do I love this Pucked series so much! I FELT SO MUCH. This hockey gang is my family. I’m going to miss them a lot.
Sometimes the most broken souls find each other, as if the missing pieces exist in another person.
Game over. That’s a wrap. All the love. All the laughs. All the tears. *** cries all the tears ***
A TOP 2018 READ & LIFETIME SERIES!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 pucking perfect stars
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November 13, 2018
5 She’s Everything Stars!
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR)
Charlene Hoar is a 26 yr. old woman living in Chicago. She's an accountant who works with famous hockey players managing their finances. Her boyfriend is Darren Westinghouse, the quiet, intense, gorgeous right wing for the NHL team in Chicago. They met through their mutual friends Violet & Alex, and have been together for two years. He has a commanding presence on and off the ice, and is known as one of the most mysterious men in the league for the way he values his privacy. He's always respected her need for independence and given her whatever she wanted and needed, but lately things seem to be shifting between them.
-Darren is intense. He's lightness and darkness fused together. And he's unearthly beautiful.
-His severe beauty is more than I can handle sometimes.
Darren and Charlene have both been private about their pasts, and kept their relationship pretty casual. Darren has never wanted to push her too far and risk losing her, so he's been patient, and let her set the rules. With the expansion draft coming up, there's the possibility Darren could be traded at the end of the season. The future is uncertain, but the one thing Darren is sure of is his feelings for Charlene. He's no longer content with the way things are. They both find it hard to trust, but he's slowly realizing he might want more with her. As their relationship continues to transform hidden secrets are revealed that could destroy the fragile foundation they've been building. Will they risk it all and take a chance on love?
Pucked Love is the final book in the pucked series. It has the entire pucked family throughout the story, but focuses on Darren and Charlene's romance. These two are fun, adventurous, and incredibly hot together. I laughed, swooned, and devoured this book! Helena Hunting outdid herself with Darren. He's my absolute favorite! He's the perfect amount of sexy and sweet rolled up into one heartbreakingly beautiful package that will completely steal your heart!
-I need to know she's mine and that no matter what happens at the end of the season, that's not going to change.
-"I only need you. You are all I want, Charlene."
-"Only you make me feel this alive."
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2zZsmTh
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR)
Charlene Hoar is a 26 yr. old woman living in Chicago. She's an accountant who works with famous hockey players managing their finances. Her boyfriend is Darren Westinghouse, the quiet, intense, gorgeous right wing for the NHL team in Chicago. They met through their mutual friends Violet & Alex, and have been together for two years. He has a commanding presence on and off the ice, and is known as one of the most mysterious men in the league for the way he values his privacy. He's always respected her need for independence and given her whatever she wanted and needed, but lately things seem to be shifting between them.
-Darren is intense. He's lightness and darkness fused together. And he's unearthly beautiful.
-His severe beauty is more than I can handle sometimes.
Darren and Charlene have both been private about their pasts, and kept their relationship pretty casual. Darren has never wanted to push her too far and risk losing her, so he's been patient, and let her set the rules. With the expansion draft coming up, there's the possibility Darren could be traded at the end of the season. The future is uncertain, but the one thing Darren is sure of is his feelings for Charlene. He's no longer content with the way things are. They both find it hard to trust, but he's slowly realizing he might want more with her. As their relationship continues to transform hidden secrets are revealed that could destroy the fragile foundation they've been building. Will they risk it all and take a chance on love?
Pucked Love is the final book in the pucked series. It has the entire pucked family throughout the story, but focuses on Darren and Charlene's romance. These two are fun, adventurous, and incredibly hot together. I laughed, swooned, and devoured this book! Helena Hunting outdid herself with Darren. He's my absolute favorite! He's the perfect amount of sexy and sweet rolled up into one heartbreakingly beautiful package that will completely steal your heart!
-I need to know she's mine and that no matter what happens at the end of the season, that's not going to change.
-"I only need you. You are all I want, Charlene."
-"Only you make me feel this alive."
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2zZsmTh
October 27, 2020
It only took me to read eight Helena Hunting books, but I can finally say that she's not the author for me. Now I can rest in peace never reading a HH book again in my life and my brain will not find any 'what ifs', cause I really tried and thank you, but no thank you.
PUCKED SERIES
#1 Pucked ↠ 1.5 stars
#2 Pucked Up ↠ 1.75 stars
#3 Pucked Over ↠ 3.25 stars
#4 Forever Pucked ↠ 2.5 stars
#4.5 Pucked Under ↠ 2.25 stars
#5 Pucked Off ↠ 2.5 stars
#6 Pucked Love ↠ 2.25 stars
PUCKED SERIES
#1 Pucked ↠ 1.5 stars
#2 Pucked Up ↠ 1.75 stars
#3 Pucked Over ↠ 3.25 stars
#4 Forever Pucked ↠ 2.5 stars
#4.5 Pucked Under ↠ 2.25 stars
#5 Pucked Off ↠ 2.5 stars
#6 Pucked Love ↠ 2.25 stars
December 30, 2019
"I'm available whenever you need me."
"That would be always."
Pucked Love is the sixth book in the Pucked Series. The Pucked Series is by far my favorite Sports Romance Series of all time. The characters are unique and each book in the series offers passion, romance, humor, and hours and hours of non-stop entertainment. In Pucked Love, we finally learn the truth about Darren Westinghouse, the intense alpha male who exudes intrigue, and his firefly Charlene Hoar. Charlene and Darren have been together throughout the series but the mystery behind their story has been a constant presence as each book of the series has been released. Now that it is their time, we learn that Charlene and Darren are perfectly matched and as they unpack their baggage and learn to trust each other, a beautiful romance is forged. With romance, passion, and plenty of drama, Charlene and Darren's story is EPIC. As the final book in the series, Ms. Hunting has once again mastered perfection as each and every moment unfolds.
"I ease my hand out of her panties, grab her thighs and hoist her up, keeping her wrapped around me as I carry her to the bed."Told in multiple POV, Pucked Love exudes everything I have come to love about these hockey men and their women. This team is a family and when one family member is going through a trial, the entire team is walking through that trial right by their side. As the truth about Charlene and Darren's past is revealed, it's no wonder why these two are drawn to one another. The plot is complex and the characters are thoroughly explored through each and every moment.
And this final installment of this series is truly magical!
"I'll never put the lid on your jar, Charlene."Overall, I feel so sad to say goodbye to these characters and the Pucked World. I will miss them so much. If you are looking for a series full of romance, passion, and non-stop humor, The Pucked Series is an absolute must-read. Helena Hunting is by far one of my favorite authors and I look forward to more Hunting goodness to come!
*ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 7, 2022
I really liked Charlene throughout the entire series but her book was kind of not what the hype was about.
There were so many hints dropped about her and Darren’s relationship and in the end none of them were fulfilled.
ALSO EVERYBODY THAT HAS BEEN SEEING ME READ THJS SERIES I AM FINALLY DONE YAYYYY
There were so many hints dropped about her and Darren’s relationship and in the end none of them were fulfilled.
ALSO EVERYBODY THAT HAS BEEN SEEING ME READ THJS SERIES I AM FINALLY DONE YAYYYY
November 13, 2018
Oh “Shite McCockslap”. (BAHAHAHA LOVE IT)
Stick a fork in me, I’m done, so done!
Darren and Charlene are literally everything right now, just everything!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
I just want to put this out there, the Pucked series is legit THE BEST sports romance series you’ll EVER come across hands down. Each book and their characters burrow deep into your heart and soul and leave a permanent mark. A mark that will never ever be erased or forgotten because they’re simply that phenomenal.
Ok so Pucked Love is book 6 in the Pucked series and is Darren and Charlene’s book.
From the start of the Pucked series I’ve been desperately waiting for Darren’s story, he’s always been the dark horse, the silent one, the private one and Pucked Love finally opens up his world and we’re able to understand exactly why he is the way he is but not only do we get to find out more about Darren but we finally get the background on Charlene, to say I wasn’t expecting what came with her would be a HUGE ASS understatement because WOW. Mind freaking blown.
Darren and Charlene’s story has been a whirlwind of emotions and that’s just putting it lightly. My heart damn near shattered near the end, my emotions were all over the place. The heartbreak and pain they’ve both dealt with makes your heart ache for them.
The main thing I loved in this book was the way Darren cares for and protects Charlene. He’ll do anything for her, it’s so damn adorable watching this awkward man speak out to his friends about their relationship.
“I’ll never put the lid on your jar.”
Pucked Love is the last book in the Pucked series and I’m having a really hard time wrapping my head around that because I never want it to end. I already want more from all of them. Alex, Violet, Miller, Sunny, Randy, Lilly, Lance, Poppy, Darren and Charlene and the little munchkins are the perfectly imperfect family that I wish I had.
Helena Hunting is legit the queen of romcoms. She never EVER fails to make me laugh and this book was just as funny as the ones before it.
Helena is the kind of author you keep coming back to. You can’t just stop at reading one book you HAVE to read them all, you can never get enough. The time and effort she puts into all of her books shows every single time and that’s one of my absolute favourite things about this author.
Pucked Love was fun and sexy with a whole lot of angst which makes the perfect kind of book. Kudos to helena for bringing life to Darren and Charlene’s story because it was a huge ass hit for me and just to quote Alex because he was on point and I’m an emotional mess right now “I don’t know whether to pat you on the back or punch you in the face.” Lol.
Start the series here:
#1 Pucked
#1.1 A Pucked Holiday
#2 Pucked Up
#3 Pucked Over
#4 Forever Pucked
#4.1 Area 51: Pucked series deleted scenes & outtakes
#4.5 Pucked Under
#5 Pucked Off
#5.5 Get Inked
Stick a fork in me, I’m done, so done!
Darren and Charlene are literally everything right now, just everything!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
I just want to put this out there, the Pucked series is legit THE BEST sports romance series you’ll EVER come across hands down. Each book and their characters burrow deep into your heart and soul and leave a permanent mark. A mark that will never ever be erased or forgotten because they’re simply that phenomenal.
Ok so Pucked Love is book 6 in the Pucked series and is Darren and Charlene’s book.
From the start of the Pucked series I’ve been desperately waiting for Darren’s story, he’s always been the dark horse, the silent one, the private one and Pucked Love finally opens up his world and we’re able to understand exactly why he is the way he is but not only do we get to find out more about Darren but we finally get the background on Charlene, to say I wasn’t expecting what came with her would be a HUGE ASS understatement because WOW. Mind freaking blown.
Darren and Charlene’s story has been a whirlwind of emotions and that’s just putting it lightly. My heart damn near shattered near the end, my emotions were all over the place. The heartbreak and pain they’ve both dealt with makes your heart ache for them.
The main thing I loved in this book was the way Darren cares for and protects Charlene. He’ll do anything for her, it’s so damn adorable watching this awkward man speak out to his friends about their relationship.
“I’ll never put the lid on your jar.”
Pucked Love is the last book in the Pucked series and I’m having a really hard time wrapping my head around that because I never want it to end. I already want more from all of them. Alex, Violet, Miller, Sunny, Randy, Lilly, Lance, Poppy, Darren and Charlene and the little munchkins are the perfectly imperfect family that I wish I had.
Helena Hunting is legit the queen of romcoms. She never EVER fails to make me laugh and this book was just as funny as the ones before it.
Helena is the kind of author you keep coming back to. You can’t just stop at reading one book you HAVE to read them all, you can never get enough. The time and effort she puts into all of her books shows every single time and that’s one of my absolute favourite things about this author.
Pucked Love was fun and sexy with a whole lot of angst which makes the perfect kind of book. Kudos to helena for bringing life to Darren and Charlene’s story because it was a huge ass hit for me and just to quote Alex because he was on point and I’m an emotional mess right now “I don’t know whether to pat you on the back or punch you in the face.” Lol.
Start the series here:
#1 Pucked
#1.1 A Pucked Holiday
#2 Pucked Up
#3 Pucked Over
#4 Forever Pucked
#4.1 Area 51: Pucked series deleted scenes & outtakes
#4.5 Pucked Under
#5 Pucked Off
#5.5 Get Inked
March 2, 2023
I pucking love this series!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜❤️🖤
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 🙂😀🤩😍🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Charlene Hoar - She had first introduced herself to Hot NHL player Darren Westinghouse when she went to an away game which ended with him walking her to her room and a steamy kiss. Now she was invited on a coffee date with Darren. He is very intense and stunning to look at. Charlene was surprised when Darren asks her to lunch and then pulls out a non-disclosure agreement.
The Hero: Darren Westinghouse - NHL hockey player, he is the right wing for Chicago and is known as the most mysterious man in the league. His dating history is a well guarded secret. He has now been dating Charlene for two years and she is full of surprises.
The Story: Darren has a lot of stress with Chicago making it to the playoffs and an expansion draft coming up soon. Las Vegas is getting a hockey team and they get to choose one player from each team and any player that doesn’t have a no trade clause in their contract. The team can keep 9 players safe, but so far there is no word on which players will be safe from the draft. So both Darren and Charlene are nervous about the future.
This book definitely had more than a bit of Helena Huntings normal humor and wit. I loved the fact that Charlene and Darren both have mysterious pasts and they don’t communicate as well as they should. They have been dating for two years and both are all in with each other but neither knows the other is.
Charlene is afraid of seeming to needy and pushing too much so she stays at her own place most of the time and doesn’t call or text Darren until he calls or texts her first. Darren sees Charlene as a butterfly who doesn’t want to be caged, so he refrains from putting too many expectations on her for fear of pushing too far and losing her completely.
This book is told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Sebastian York and Stella Bloom. These are two of my favorite narrators. Sebastian has a deep and gravelly voice which is super sexy and Stella has a clear, feminine voice that sounds intelligent and is perfect for Charlene.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜❤️🖤
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 🙂😀🤩😍🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Charlene Hoar - She had first introduced herself to Hot NHL player Darren Westinghouse when she went to an away game which ended with him walking her to her room and a steamy kiss. Now she was invited on a coffee date with Darren. He is very intense and stunning to look at. Charlene was surprised when Darren asks her to lunch and then pulls out a non-disclosure agreement.
The Hero: Darren Westinghouse - NHL hockey player, he is the right wing for Chicago and is known as the most mysterious man in the league. His dating history is a well guarded secret. He has now been dating Charlene for two years and she is full of surprises.
The Story: Darren has a lot of stress with Chicago making it to the playoffs and an expansion draft coming up soon. Las Vegas is getting a hockey team and they get to choose one player from each team and any player that doesn’t have a no trade clause in their contract. The team can keep 9 players safe, but so far there is no word on which players will be safe from the draft. So both Darren and Charlene are nervous about the future.
This book definitely had more than a bit of Helena Huntings normal humor and wit. I loved the fact that Charlene and Darren both have mysterious pasts and they don’t communicate as well as they should. They have been dating for two years and both are all in with each other but neither knows the other is.
Charlene is afraid of seeming to needy and pushing too much so she stays at her own place most of the time and doesn’t call or text Darren until he calls or texts her first. Darren sees Charlene as a butterfly who doesn’t want to be caged, so he refrains from putting too many expectations on her for fear of pushing too far and losing her completely.
This book is told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Sebastian York and Stella Bloom. These are two of my favorite narrators. Sebastian has a deep and gravelly voice which is super sexy and Stella has a clear, feminine voice that sounds intelligent and is perfect for Charlene.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
June 8, 2020
Beyond 5 Firefly Stars
I have loved every book in this series. Each couple have been so well written and the stories have gripped me.
This was the book I was desperate to read.
This was the book that blew the others out of the water.
Ms Hunting creates magic when she puts pen to paper and Pucked Love is pure romance with all the sexy and the humour you would expect mixed in with some poignant moments. Darren and Charlene are my Top Book Couple of the year so far.
No spoilers here ( the written book is coming out in November - I listened to this as it released on audiobook) but suffice to say it explores the relationship and dynamic between Charlene and Darren. The point where this book starts is where they have been together for two years. Don’t let that mislead you though - at times it is very clear they still have a lot to learn about each other.
One aspect of it that I loved , is that it also looks at both Darren and Charlene’s individual relationships with their closest friends. It isn’t all ‘couple’ focused.
There are little twists in the story that surprised me - often about other characters.
It is laugh out loud funny.
It is kindle freezer moments worthy level of sexy.
It is truly poignant in places - and crazy!
It is so beautifully, awkwardly, perfectly romantic.
Darren is a bit slow on the romance uptake but when this gorgeous , hot hockey player catches on ...well, he leaves the other guys standing.
You could read as a stand-alone but I think you would get much more from it if you read this amazing series.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Re-read / listened to Pucked Love June 2020
This book is still in my Top 5 of all time. It has absolutely everything I look for in a romance. Darren is the Hero of my Kindle dreams and Charlene is the kind of heroine you would want to be your best friend. Sebastian York and Stella Bloom are outstanding narrators. I laughed, swooned and fell in love with this book all over again.
I have loved every book in this series. Each couple have been so well written and the stories have gripped me.
This was the book I was desperate to read.
This was the book that blew the others out of the water.
Ms Hunting creates magic when she puts pen to paper and Pucked Love is pure romance with all the sexy and the humour you would expect mixed in with some poignant moments. Darren and Charlene are my Top Book Couple of the year so far.
No spoilers here ( the written book is coming out in November - I listened to this as it released on audiobook) but suffice to say it explores the relationship and dynamic between Charlene and Darren. The point where this book starts is where they have been together for two years. Don’t let that mislead you though - at times it is very clear they still have a lot to learn about each other.
One aspect of it that I loved , is that it also looks at both Darren and Charlene’s individual relationships with their closest friends. It isn’t all ‘couple’ focused.
There are little twists in the story that surprised me - often about other characters.
It is laugh out loud funny.
It is kindle freezer moments worthy level of sexy.
It is truly poignant in places - and crazy!
It is so beautifully, awkwardly, perfectly romantic.
Darren is a bit slow on the romance uptake but when this gorgeous , hot hockey player catches on ...well, he leaves the other guys standing.
You could read as a stand-alone but I think you would get much more from it if you read this amazing series.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Re-read / listened to Pucked Love June 2020
This book is still in my Top 5 of all time. It has absolutely everything I look for in a romance. Darren is the Hero of my Kindle dreams and Charlene is the kind of heroine you would want to be your best friend. Sebastian York and Stella Bloom are outstanding narrators. I laughed, swooned and fell in love with this book all over again.
November 7, 2018
This story was ok and likeable. I liked the humor very much. The sex scenes for the most part were up to par and hot as hell. I liked Charlene, she was a quirky fun heroine and I enjoyed her kinky sex games with Darren. What it lacked for me was substance. I really needed a bit more development regarding the characters and the plot. I would definitely recommend it, as it isn't a bad book.
In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 3/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 4/5 | Romance 3/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 4/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 2/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 3/5
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 3/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 4/5 | Romance 3/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 4/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 2/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 3/5
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2018
The last installment in the Pucked series is finally here!
But before I get to my review, I think it would be fitting if we take a look back at my experience while reading this series. I've never fully reviewed any of the previous Pucked books before, mainly because it was not love at first sight when I started this series and I so badly wanted to love it since it's such a beloved series among romance readers in the community. I actually still have a lot of not so nice things to say about the first book and I literally can't even discuss that book without my temper flaring (can you tell that Violet and Alex are my least favorite couple, lol?). But while there is a lot of hate, there is a bit of love (especially for my main squeeze Lance Romero) and Helena Hunting has somehow managed to make me love some of these characters and I'm not gonna lie, I'm gonna miss this wild bunch. Now let's get on with this last hoorah!
Charlene Hoar and Darren Westinghouse have spent the past two years living by one rule: what happens behind closed doors stays behind closed doors. That is until Darren's teammates walk in on Charlene in a compromising position—then their group of friends start asking questions. But what happens when Charlene and Darren's own secret pasts threaten to break them apart, will these two be able to find the courage to let one another in or will being vulnerable prove to be too much for either one of them to handle?
Pucked Love is the final installment in the Pucked series and while it can be read as a standalone, I feel like reading this book first without having read the previous books would just ruin the HEAs for all the other couples so I personally would recommend reading the series in order before picking up this book. Moving on, I have been DYING for Charlene and Darren's book for quite some time now and was high key pissed when the audiobook was released months before the ebook because patience is not one of my virtues. I've had so many questions about our secretive pair and I felt like I've waited forever for all of them to be answered. I gotta say, while I did enjoy the romance and getting to see these characters again, the inconsistencies in the story line was what held me back from rating this book higher and I'm kind of scratching my head a bit because how does one mess up the details for a story they created?
I'm gonna start off by discussing what didn't work for me in this book before I get to the good stuff. So this book starts off with a prologue that takes place two years prior and shows Darren laying down his rules when it comes to dating and Charlene basically saying "fuck your rules" and telling Darren how things were going to be between them. Then there's a time jump to the present and it just felt like an awkward place to start because we don't really get a strong enough backstory for these two. In the previous books, Charlene and Darren's relationship was always hush hush so we as readers never really knew what was going on between them so going into this story with the two year time jump didn't work for me. Hunting should've either thrown in some flashback scenes of when these two first started dating or she should've moved Darren and Charlene's story up on the timeline so all these missing gaps could've been filled in. Also, these two definitely don't act like a couple who have been together for two years. During the first half of the book, Darren and Charlene are quite awkward around one another, as if they're walking on eggshells and not wanting to say or do something to offend the other. It was just so weird and things felt forced which doesn't make sense because they seemed to care a lot for each in the previous books. And finally we have the inconsistencies. Y'all, I'm really confused because some of the details about Darren's family life doesn't match up with what we were previously told. In Forever Pucked, we're told that Darren's parents live in the South Carolina but in Pucked Love it states that Darren was raised by his strict grandparents and his parents aren't involved in his life. Now the thing is, the truth about Darren's childhood plays a major part in this story as it explains why he is so big on privacy when it comes to relationships so changing such an important detail like that just for added shock value screws up the story line. There are also a few other inconsistencies about Darren that had me going back to reread more of Forever Pucked and this is another reason why I think this book should've been written earlier because maybe then all these inaccuracies could've been avoided.
Now onto the good. Despite their awkwardness in the first half of the book, I really do like Charlene and Darren as a couple and I think they fit perfectly with one another. They've both been through some shit and they get each other and understand one another's hesitations so that's why they work well together. Even though he may seem a bit intimidating, Darren is a low key softie and will protect Charlene no matter the cost which is probably why he's my second favorite hero in this series (because no one can beat my baby Lance of course!). Charlene on the other hand has proven that she definitely has a bit of crazy in her. I wasn't expecting it at all and now I see why she and Violet are best friends. While there was a lot of foolery when it came to all the plot twists, I can't help but say that I was somehow entertained by them. Yeah they were over the top and some were just down right strange, but Hunting had me cracking up so I guess that's a plus in my books.
Pucked Love was definitely not a perfect book but it wrapped up this series quite nicely and like I said before, I am definitely gonna miss these characters and all their wild antics. These books were good, cheesy entertainment when I needed to be pulled out of my reading slumps and despite the rocky start, I don't regret picking up this series in the end.
But before I get to my review, I think it would be fitting if we take a look back at my experience while reading this series. I've never fully reviewed any of the previous Pucked books before, mainly because it was not love at first sight when I started this series and I so badly wanted to love it since it's such a beloved series among romance readers in the community. I actually still have a lot of not so nice things to say about the first book and I literally can't even discuss that book without my temper flaring (can you tell that Violet and Alex are my least favorite couple, lol?). But while there is a lot of hate, there is a bit of love (especially for my main squeeze Lance Romero) and Helena Hunting has somehow managed to make me love some of these characters and I'm not gonna lie, I'm gonna miss this wild bunch. Now let's get on with this last hoorah!
Charlene Hoar and Darren Westinghouse have spent the past two years living by one rule: what happens behind closed doors stays behind closed doors. That is until Darren's teammates walk in on Charlene in a compromising position—then their group of friends start asking questions. But what happens when Charlene and Darren's own secret pasts threaten to break them apart, will these two be able to find the courage to let one another in or will being vulnerable prove to be too much for either one of them to handle?
Pucked Love is the final installment in the Pucked series and while it can be read as a standalone, I feel like reading this book first without having read the previous books would just ruin the HEAs for all the other couples so I personally would recommend reading the series in order before picking up this book. Moving on, I have been DYING for Charlene and Darren's book for quite some time now and was high key pissed when the audiobook was released months before the ebook because patience is not one of my virtues. I've had so many questions about our secretive pair and I felt like I've waited forever for all of them to be answered. I gotta say, while I did enjoy the romance and getting to see these characters again, the inconsistencies in the story line was what held me back from rating this book higher and I'm kind of scratching my head a bit because how does one mess up the details for a story they created?
I'm gonna start off by discussing what didn't work for me in this book before I get to the good stuff. So this book starts off with a prologue that takes place two years prior and shows Darren laying down his rules when it comes to dating and Charlene basically saying "fuck your rules" and telling Darren how things were going to be between them. Then there's a time jump to the present and it just felt like an awkward place to start because we don't really get a strong enough backstory for these two. In the previous books, Charlene and Darren's relationship was always hush hush so we as readers never really knew what was going on between them so going into this story with the two year time jump didn't work for me. Hunting should've either thrown in some flashback scenes of when these two first started dating or she should've moved Darren and Charlene's story up on the timeline so all these missing gaps could've been filled in. Also, these two definitely don't act like a couple who have been together for two years. During the first half of the book, Darren and Charlene are quite awkward around one another, as if they're walking on eggshells and not wanting to say or do something to offend the other. It was just so weird and things felt forced which doesn't make sense because they seemed to care a lot for each in the previous books. And finally we have the inconsistencies. Y'all, I'm really confused because some of the details about Darren's family life doesn't match up with what we were previously told. In Forever Pucked, we're told that Darren's parents live in the South Carolina but in Pucked Love it states that Darren was raised by his strict grandparents and his parents aren't involved in his life. Now the thing is, the truth about Darren's childhood plays a major part in this story as it explains why he is so big on privacy when it comes to relationships so changing such an important detail like that just for added shock value screws up the story line. There are also a few other inconsistencies about Darren that had me going back to reread more of Forever Pucked and this is another reason why I think this book should've been written earlier because maybe then all these inaccuracies could've been avoided.
Now onto the good. Despite their awkwardness in the first half of the book, I really do like Charlene and Darren as a couple and I think they fit perfectly with one another. They've both been through some shit and they get each other and understand one another's hesitations so that's why they work well together. Even though he may seem a bit intimidating, Darren is a low key softie and will protect Charlene no matter the cost which is probably why he's my second favorite hero in this series (because no one can beat my baby Lance of course!). Charlene on the other hand has proven that she definitely has a bit of crazy in her. I wasn't expecting it at all and now I see why she and Violet are best friends. While there was a lot of foolery when it came to all the plot twists, I can't help but say that I was somehow entertained by them. Yeah they were over the top and some were just down right strange, but Hunting had me cracking up so I guess that's a plus in my books.
Pucked Love was definitely not a perfect book but it wrapped up this series quite nicely and like I said before, I am definitely gonna miss these characters and all their wild antics. These books were good, cheesy entertainment when I needed to be pulled out of my reading slumps and despite the rocky start, I don't regret picking up this series in the end.
July 12, 2018
***AUDIBLE REVIEW***
Fair warning, I don’t listen to audible, but there was no way I was waiting to get my hands on Darlene!! I needed them, and guess what I loved it. I love the narrators, I adore Charlene, and Darren was fantastic.
Charlene and Darren are not anything what I was expecting, they were more. These two are broken and damaged, and I love the they find a home within on each other. These two exemplify how a family isn’t just blood but a group of people who come together of their choosing to care and support one another. They also show that love isn’t about controlling or suppressing likes and desires but exploring and supporting them. These two are complete and utter perfection. Everything from their banter to their steamy moments to their sweeter interactions made me swoon.
You think you know what Pucked Love is about. You don’t. It is so much more. Yes, Helena Hunting still provides us with the humor that made us fall in love with the Pucked series. We get to revisit all the couples we have grown to love. We get one final visit with the crew that has embedded themselves into our lives and hearts. It was written in such a way that I felt like coming home, and I never ever wanted it to end.
With every amazing series filled with unique and interesting characters, there is a mix of happiness and sadness. Pucked Love is everything I could have wanted for the final book in this series, and yet, there is still that sting of sadness because it is over. I wanted to sit a reminisce with these people about the good times, the hardships, the romance, and the friendship. So, savor this book. Savor each word, each chapter, and each emotion. You will want to keep every single moment you can with this clan that has taught us the meaning of home and family.
Fair warning, I don’t listen to audible, but there was no way I was waiting to get my hands on Darlene!! I needed them, and guess what I loved it. I love the narrators, I adore Charlene, and Darren was fantastic.
Charlene and Darren are not anything what I was expecting, they were more. These two are broken and damaged, and I love the they find a home within on each other. These two exemplify how a family isn’t just blood but a group of people who come together of their choosing to care and support one another. They also show that love isn’t about controlling or suppressing likes and desires but exploring and supporting them. These two are complete and utter perfection. Everything from their banter to their steamy moments to their sweeter interactions made me swoon.
You think you know what Pucked Love is about. You don’t. It is so much more. Yes, Helena Hunting still provides us with the humor that made us fall in love with the Pucked series. We get to revisit all the couples we have grown to love. We get one final visit with the crew that has embedded themselves into our lives and hearts. It was written in such a way that I felt like coming home, and I never ever wanted it to end.
With every amazing series filled with unique and interesting characters, there is a mix of happiness and sadness. Pucked Love is everything I could have wanted for the final book in this series, and yet, there is still that sting of sadness because it is over. I wanted to sit a reminisce with these people about the good times, the hardships, the romance, and the friendship. So, savor this book. Savor each word, each chapter, and each emotion. You will want to keep every single moment you can with this clan that has taught us the meaning of home and family.
April 5, 2020
4.5 Two Broken People Become Whole Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Years ago I had the pleasure of reading Pucked. It was a first for the author and started the beginning of an amazing series where readers fell in love with the Hockey Playing Men and their women. Each of the couples was equals. Each person brought so much to the relationship and also folded into the big family they created. I had missed following each entry and happened to see this latest/last entry was on sale so I snapped it up.
This is a story of serious depth. Hunting decided to take two very damaged people, people who have hidden all of their demons from others. They experienced childhoods which caused such turmoil, it colored how they approached everything. Each learned how to compensate and have a life but it was the walls they had put up or rules they lived by which could be complicated.
What I loved about this telling was how we learned the dynamics of the relationship between Darren and Charlene. It was playful yet careful by Darren. He had no idea how to have a Normal Relationship. His background skewed his understanding of what love was or how he was capable to love so when he met Charlene, he was very careful to read her right.
Because as messed up as Darren's childhood was, Charlene was equally as whacked. It caused her to refuse to be boxed in or tied down. She needed space and acted the opposite of most girlfriends of sports stars. With Darren's need for Charlene growing, his understanding of her needs was so endearing.
Surrounding this intricate love story we get all of the past couples in all the PUCKED Splendor. The humor level is on high, the sexy times are frequent and hawt, and all the sweetness and caring is there too.
This was a delight and now I will be working my way backward to see what I have been missing.
Pucked (Pucked, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Pucked Up (Pucked, #2)
Pucked Over (Pucked, #3)
Forever Pucked (Pucked, #4)
Pucked Off (Pucked, #5)
Pucked Love (Pucked, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Well, no one would call me romantic...
After all, requiring an NDA before a first meet kinda nips that in the bud...
It had always worked before...
HER...
There was no tying this wild creature down...
Burning Bright like a Firefly, Elusive and Impossible to Catch...
But once we connected, my rules went out the window...
Better they left than HER...
Because I was Stunned with...
Pucked Love
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Years ago I had the pleasure of reading Pucked. It was a first for the author and started the beginning of an amazing series where readers fell in love with the Hockey Playing Men and their women. Each of the couples was equals. Each person brought so much to the relationship and also folded into the big family they created. I had missed following each entry and happened to see this latest/last entry was on sale so I snapped it up.
This is a story of serious depth. Hunting decided to take two very damaged people, people who have hidden all of their demons from others. They experienced childhoods which caused such turmoil, it colored how they approached everything. Each learned how to compensate and have a life but it was the walls they had put up or rules they lived by which could be complicated.
What I loved about this telling was how we learned the dynamics of the relationship between Darren and Charlene. It was playful yet careful by Darren. He had no idea how to have a Normal Relationship. His background skewed his understanding of what love was or how he was capable to love so when he met Charlene, he was very careful to read her right.
Because as messed up as Darren's childhood was, Charlene was equally as whacked. It caused her to refuse to be boxed in or tied down. She needed space and acted the opposite of most girlfriends of sports stars. With Darren's need for Charlene growing, his understanding of her needs was so endearing.
Surrounding this intricate love story we get all of the past couples in all the PUCKED Splendor. The humor level is on high, the sexy times are frequent and hawt, and all the sweetness and caring is there too.
This was a delight and now I will be working my way backward to see what I have been missing.
Pucked (Pucked, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Pucked Up (Pucked, #2) Pucked Over (Pucked, #3) Forever Pucked (Pucked, #4) Pucked Off (Pucked, #5) Pucked Love (Pucked, #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Well, no one would call me romantic...
After all, requiring an NDA before a first meet kinda nips that in the bud...
It had always worked before...
HER...
There was no tying this wild creature down...
Burning Bright like a Firefly, Elusive and Impossible to Catch...
But once we connected, my rules went out the window...
Better they left than HER...
Because I was Stunned with...
Pucked Love
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
November 13, 2018
We're back in the #PUCKED world!
Darren and Charlene.
We've obviously already met them and wondered about them in the previous books.
In the prologue we see how they had their first 'date'. Charlene was supposed to sign an NDA about their relationship, but she didn't want to. So they started dating without one.
And now two years later that might come back to haunt them. Because suddenly all the guys on the team know about their slightly kinky private life.... And both Charlene and Darren are extremely private about not only their sex lives, but also their pasts and their families.
eeeep - back with all those adorable and hilarious Pucked people!
I just love them!
Darren and Charlene are a bit different from them all though. They're not as open and talkative and crazy happy. They both have secrets in their pasts that they don't want to share with anyone. Not even with each other.
Both have had difficult childhoods, which is why they're both a little complicated when it comes to relationships. But Darren is learning - he wants to spend his life with Charlene. But Charlene is still too scared. She doesn't want to hope for something foreverish with Darren. He has to work really hard to convince her. And he does, in the most adorable ways. ☺
I really loved reading this book. I loved seeing crazy Violet again and the others. But Darren and Charlene. They're difficult to 'read'. I couldn't decide if I didn't like them of if it was just all written a bit ... heartless? I never really felt any real feelings for and from them in the beginning. Which could come from their weird pasts, but it could've been written a bit more emotional. We don't really see how they fell in love - they've been 'together' for two years already. Ugh, I don't even know what I want to say. ☺
And Charlene. She's so weirdly submissive with Darren. Again it has to do with her past, but I just didn't love-love her. BUT - maybe I was just in a weird mood while reading this book. I really loved reading it. I just wanted a bit MORE! More emotions. More Charlene-is-in-love-with-Darren-and-we-actually-see-it. The poor guy is so in love with her and she seems so cold. But of course she's not.. but still. Ugh! ☺
I also wanted more sex! There's SO much talk about sex and kink and whatnot, but the real explicit scenes are missing! Of course there IS sex in here, but not as much as there should've/could've been!
... it was a Pucked book, so I loved it. Just because you have to love these books. And I really loved Darren and Charlene. But maybe they should've gotten a book away from this series. Maybe D+C from the previous books should've gotten a funny, sweet and sexy final Pucked book and the D+C from this book could've gotten a complete standalone Dramance with more background and more falling in love and more drama and more sexiness! I would've SO loved that book too!
ANYWAY - Pucked Love wasn't bad - I really adored all the people and the fun and exciting happenings. But it was just a bit too much of some things and a bit not enough of other things - if that makes any sense! ☺ But with the epilogue and everything, it was a realyl great final book in the Pucked series! ♥
♡
♡
♡
♡
November 14, 2018
4,5 Pucked Love stars
Maaaaan, how I fucking LOVED Darren and Charlene 's story. I love this book, I love the characters, I love the couples, I love the writing, I love the author. I just LOVE everything about this series. I'm SO sad it's come to an end. I can't believe this is actually the last book in the series. I may have even shed a few tears... I'm gonna miss them all so, oh so fucking much.
Darren Westinghouse is a hockey player for the NHL team in Chicago. He is hot, intense, quiet, gorgeous and very private about his personal life. Charlene Hoar is an accountant who manages hockey players' finances. She and Darren have been in a relationship for two years and have decided to be discreet about it. They both have had tough, difficult childhoods and have a hard time opening up to one another. They are hands down the sexiest, most mysterious couple in the series.
Darren and Charlene 's story is funny, sweet, sexy, emotional and heartfelt. I loved seeing the whole gang back. Violet and Alex's scenes were literally everything. Darlene (see what I did there) will make you laugh, cry and will simply steal your heart. Pucked Love is an addictive, heartbreakingly beautiful ending to one of my all-time favorite series. It's been a bittersweet read, but I couldn't have wished for a better ending.
I highly, highly recommend this book, and this series.
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*
The Pucked series:
➜ Alex & Violet's story
➜ Miller & Sunny's story
➜ Randy & Lily's story
➜ Alex & Violet book 2
➜ Randy & Lily book 2
➜ Lance & Poppy's story
➜ Darren & Charlene's story
“It’s always going to be me and you, Charlene. Whatever you need, I’ll be that for you.”
Maaaaan, how I fucking LOVED Darren and Charlene 's story. I love this book, I love the characters, I love the couples, I love the writing, I love the author. I just LOVE everything about this series. I'm SO sad it's come to an end. I can't believe this is actually the last book in the series. I may have even shed a few tears... I'm gonna miss them all so, oh so fucking much.
Darren Westinghouse is a hockey player for the NHL team in Chicago. He is hot, intense, quiet, gorgeous and very private about his personal life. Charlene Hoar is an accountant who manages hockey players' finances. She and Darren have been in a relationship for two years and have decided to be discreet about it. They both have had tough, difficult childhoods and have a hard time opening up to one another. They are hands down the sexiest, most mysterious couple in the series.
“She’s everything. She’s all the missing pieces I need to feel whole.”
Darren and Charlene 's story is funny, sweet, sexy, emotional and heartfelt. I loved seeing the whole gang back. Violet and Alex's scenes were literally everything. Darlene (see what I did there) will make you laugh, cry and will simply steal your heart. Pucked Love is an addictive, heartbreakingly beautiful ending to one of my all-time favorite series. It's been a bittersweet read, but I couldn't have wished for a better ending.
I highly, highly recommend this book, and this series.
“I’ll give you anything you want, Charlene. Just stay with me. Let me love you like I’m supposed to. Let me be exactly what you need.”
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*
The Pucked series:
➜ Alex & Violet's story
➜ Miller & Sunny's story
➜ Randy & Lily's story
➜ Alex & Violet book 2
➜ Randy & Lily book 2
➜ Lance & Poppy's story
➜ Darren & Charlene's story
November 15, 2018
Helena Hunting concludes her hockey romance series Pucked, with an ultra-steamy, sincerely sweet and fun story about mysterious NHL star and the woman who captured his heart.
Chicago’s NHL right wing, Darren Westinghouse’s dating history is based on rumors. He’s known for his reticence and the fact that he’s never had a serious relationship until he met Cherlene who is as elusive as he is. She’s captured his heart and even though he wants to be hers forever, he’d never try to trap her. But when their pasts are revealed and her life is at risk, will Charlene let him protect her?
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. It could have been the wacky fun from Pucked (book 1) or the more deep and touching story we got in Pucked Off (book 5). Either way I knew I was in for a whole lot of enjoyment and I wasn’t disappointed. Helena Hunting has expertly produced a story with a wonderful mix between delicious sexiness, tender sweetness and laugh out loud hilarity. I was captivated by both main characters, their back story as well as the romance between them.
Neither had an ideal upbringing, one was worse than the other and their views on relationships were less than perfect. Each had doubts and struggled with their own anxieties. He was afraid to open up and she was afraid to commit. Neither had confided about their troubled pasts to anyone and they honestly didn’t want to. Ever. But once the cat’s out of the proverbial bag, both are open and understanding. Darren treated Charlene with the utmost care and devotion. His actions combined with his inner thoughts made him absolutely swoon worthy and top of my book boyfriend list.
I really enjoyed how their relationship evolved. It was organic and heartfelt and I fell completely in love with this wonderfully broken pair of people who I had been wondering about for a long time. Together they made a beautiful couple whose journey towards happiness gave me all the feels.
And it’s always important to mention that no Pucked book would be complete without the appearance from the guys and wacky girls from the previous books who made me laugh so much and want to be part of their close knit group.
Pucked Love is book #6 of the Pucked series by Helena Hunting. It is an sweet, sexy and heartfelt contemporary hockey romance told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2DEzd8J
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Twitter * Pinterest Book Teasers * More reviews
Chicago’s NHL right wing, Darren Westinghouse’s dating history is based on rumors. He’s known for his reticence and the fact that he’s never had a serious relationship until he met Cherlene who is as elusive as he is. She’s captured his heart and even though he wants to be hers forever, he’d never try to trap her. But when their pasts are revealed and her life is at risk, will Charlene let him protect her?
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. It could have been the wacky fun from Pucked (book 1) or the more deep and touching story we got in Pucked Off (book 5). Either way I knew I was in for a whole lot of enjoyment and I wasn’t disappointed. Helena Hunting has expertly produced a story with a wonderful mix between delicious sexiness, tender sweetness and laugh out loud hilarity. I was captivated by both main characters, their back story as well as the romance between them.
Neither had an ideal upbringing, one was worse than the other and their views on relationships were less than perfect. Each had doubts and struggled with their own anxieties. He was afraid to open up and she was afraid to commit. Neither had confided about their troubled pasts to anyone and they honestly didn’t want to. Ever. But once the cat’s out of the proverbial bag, both are open and understanding. Darren treated Charlene with the utmost care and devotion. His actions combined with his inner thoughts made him absolutely swoon worthy and top of my book boyfriend list.
I really enjoyed how their relationship evolved. It was organic and heartfelt and I fell completely in love with this wonderfully broken pair of people who I had been wondering about for a long time. Together they made a beautiful couple whose journey towards happiness gave me all the feels.
And it’s always important to mention that no Pucked book would be complete without the appearance from the guys and wacky girls from the previous books who made me laugh so much and want to be part of their close knit group.
Pucked Love is book #6 of the Pucked series by Helena Hunting. It is an sweet, sexy and heartfelt contemporary hockey romance told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2DEzd8J
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Twitter * Pinterest Book Teasers * More reviews
February 22, 2018
Have been begging and begging Helena for this book! This is my #1 on my anticipated 2018 book list!! I cannot wait to see what my Darren is into and the true meaning behind the pearls!! 🤤 Can't wait to see if Ballistic stays my favorite or if it's Darren for the win!! 💋💋💋
November 14, 2018
Fair warning, I don’t listen to audible, but there was no way I was waiting to get my hands on Darlene!! I needed them, and guess what I loved it. I love the narrators, I adore Charlene, and Darren was fantastic.
I feel Pucked Love is bringing about an end of era. These are the characters who introduced me to the world of Helena Hunting, and I feel like I have lived with them. I have seen them fall in love, endure hardships, and grow from friends to family. This is one of those books that you are sad to see end, but it is one heck of a conclusion.
Charlene and Darren are not anything what I was expecting, they were more. These two are broken and damaged, and I love the they find a home within on each other. These two exemplify how a family isn’t just blood but a group of people who come together of their choosing to care and support one another. They also show that love isn’t about controlling or suppressing likes and desires but exploring and supporting them. These two are complete and utter perfection. Everything from their banter to their steamy moments to their sweeter interactions made me swoon.
You think you know what Pucked Love is about. You don’t. It is so much more. Yes, Helena Hunting still provides us with the humor that made us fall in love with the Pucked series. We get to revisit all the couples we have grown to love. We get one final visit with the crew that has embedded themselves into our lives and hearts. It was written in such a way that I felt like coming home, and I never ever wanted it to end.
With every amazing series filled with unique and interesting characters, there is a mix of happiness and sadness. Pucked Love is everything I could have wanted for the final book in this series, and yet, there is still that sting of sadness because it is over. I wanted to sit a reminisce with these people about the good times, the hardships, the romance, and the friendship. So, savor this book. Savor each word, each chapter, and each emotion. You will want to keep every single moment you can with this clan that has taught us the meaning of home and family.
I feel Pucked Love is bringing about an end of era. These are the characters who introduced me to the world of Helena Hunting, and I feel like I have lived with them. I have seen them fall in love, endure hardships, and grow from friends to family. This is one of those books that you are sad to see end, but it is one heck of a conclusion.
Charlene and Darren are not anything what I was expecting, they were more. These two are broken and damaged, and I love the they find a home within on each other. These two exemplify how a family isn’t just blood but a group of people who come together of their choosing to care and support one another. They also show that love isn’t about controlling or suppressing likes and desires but exploring and supporting them. These two are complete and utter perfection. Everything from their banter to their steamy moments to their sweeter interactions made me swoon.
You think you know what Pucked Love is about. You don’t. It is so much more. Yes, Helena Hunting still provides us with the humor that made us fall in love with the Pucked series. We get to revisit all the couples we have grown to love. We get one final visit with the crew that has embedded themselves into our lives and hearts. It was written in such a way that I felt like coming home, and I never ever wanted it to end.
With every amazing series filled with unique and interesting characters, there is a mix of happiness and sadness. Pucked Love is everything I could have wanted for the final book in this series, and yet, there is still that sting of sadness because it is over. I wanted to sit a reminisce with these people about the good times, the hardships, the romance, and the friendship. So, savor this book. Savor each word, each chapter, and each emotion. You will want to keep every single moment you can with this clan that has taught us the meaning of home and family.
February 9, 2020
DNF @10%.
Don’t get sucked in by hot cover, I gotta remind myself like a mantra...
Don’t get sucked in by hot cover, I gotta remind myself like a mantra...
October 20, 2021
I loved this even more the second time. Darren and Charlene make me swoon so hard.
5/5 stars
5/5 stars
June 20, 2023
3.5 stars
Charlene and Darren's story is one that I've been curious about. I was excited to get to it, and overall I liked it, but I didn't love that the story basically started out 2 years after this couple started dating. We never got anything over that time and I always felt like something was missing. As the story went on, I really started to love Darren. He was the best. This one had a lot of the humor I've come to expect with Helena Hunting, but also a good bit of emotion.
Charlene and Darren's story is one that I've been curious about. I was excited to get to it, and overall I liked it, but I didn't love that the story basically started out 2 years after this couple started dating. We never got anything over that time and I always felt like something was missing. As the story went on, I really started to love Darren. He was the best. This one had a lot of the humor I've come to expect with Helena Hunting, but also a good bit of emotion.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Sebastian York & Stella Bloom
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 7h 49m
July 2, 2021
4 Stars...So sad that this is the last book of the series!!
This was def an interesting read because it's about Charlene and Darren. They have been a couple for the entire series and their relationship has always been shrouded in mystery. This story really begins when they are already two years in, and while other relationships in the group have progressed, theirs has stayed largely a surface level deal. They still live apart, rarely spend nights together, haven't ever discussed feelings or anything much beyond the bedroom. Charlene had a difficult childhood (raised in a cult and then ran away with her mother) and so is very skittish and afraid of being "caught". She highly values her independence and clings to her routine, but she keeps her past largely a secret. Darren also had a rough childhood... and was raised first with no boundaries and then with extremely strict ones. He has no clue how to be in a real relationship, and is very closed off from those around him as well. Still, they start to both have doubts when a new expansion team in Vegas becomes a threat to their relationship. Darren has a decent chance of being drafted to the new team, which means a move away from Charlene and her "comfortable" life. Darren starts to worry about losing Charlene for good, and she feels the same way, but neither of them know how to discuss their issues with each other. This is definitely a story about poor communication, but it makes sense given their childhoods. They are both pretty messed up people but end up working out well together and get a HEA.
For once, I don't think I really needed more time with them as a couple. We had a lot of that between the first few books and this one. They may have needed time to get their emotions figured out, but did work out most of their issues in this book. I'm glad that they got a story, this was a good read.
Safe. TW: emotional abuse suffered by both h&H as children (off page), cult
This was def an interesting read because it's about Charlene and Darren. They have been a couple for the entire series and their relationship has always been shrouded in mystery. This story really begins when they are already two years in, and while other relationships in the group have progressed, theirs has stayed largely a surface level deal. They still live apart, rarely spend nights together, haven't ever discussed feelings or anything much beyond the bedroom. Charlene had a difficult childhood (raised in a cult and then ran away with her mother) and so is very skittish and afraid of being "caught". She highly values her independence and clings to her routine, but she keeps her past largely a secret. Darren also had a rough childhood... and was raised first with no boundaries and then with extremely strict ones. He has no clue how to be in a real relationship, and is very closed off from those around him as well. Still, they start to both have doubts when a new expansion team in Vegas becomes a threat to their relationship. Darren has a decent chance of being drafted to the new team, which means a move away from Charlene and her "comfortable" life. Darren starts to worry about losing Charlene for good, and she feels the same way, but neither of them know how to discuss their issues with each other. This is definitely a story about poor communication, but it makes sense given their childhoods. They are both pretty messed up people but end up working out well together and get a HEA.
For once, I don't think I really needed more time with them as a couple. We had a lot of that between the first few books and this one. They may have needed time to get their emotions figured out, but did work out most of their issues in this book. I'm glad that they got a story, this was a good read.
Safe. TW: emotional abuse suffered by both h&H as children (off page), cult
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2018
❤️I love this series ❤
Want to read
January 8, 2018I am so horny for this book!
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