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 … 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.
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Finally, Darren Westinghouse!!!! I’ve been waiting for this one. The Pucked series keeps getting better and better. I’ve fallen in love with all ofthe characters, each of their journeys are filled with laughter, romance and suspense. Helene Hunting is an amazing women!
Pucked Love brought more than it’s A game with this final book in the series. It made me laugh till I cried and it made me just plain out cry. We got to visit with all of our favourites and see deeper into the heart and soul of Darren and Charlene. Two people that up until this book kept themselves hidden and didn’t really let us in. They are two broken pieces that fit perfectly together but it will be the anxiety of possibly losing each other that will keep them at arms length. As secrets of their pasts are brought to light and revelations of what has always been stare them down, Darren and Charlene will need to break free of the chains that hold them back from having a future. Their story is witty, hilarious, romantic, angsty and filled with pain and so much love. Darren will keep you right there on the edge of your seat but he will leave you sated. The epilogue gives us a chance to say our goodbyes to these characters that we became attached to, it gives us closure and lessens the feeling of loss.
See my review in French here:
See my review in French here
As I already said, I love the PUCKED Series, every single couple, for very different and specific reasons.
Lance was maybe my absolute favorite because I’m a sucker when it comes to broken heroes, but damn… Darren and Charlene’s story… You just can’t help but fall in love with them!
If you’re familiar with the series, you surely have a few questions about this couple… Why all this mystery, why the necklace, etc.…
Well, go blind with this book.
Their story will surprise you.
I love Helena Hunting angsty side, but a few years ago, I fell deep with all this funny craziness, and seriously, Pucked fans couldn’t have dreamt about a better last book.
Darren and Charlene will make you swoon… and laugh, of course (I mean, we’re talking about the Pucked Series), but you’ll also get some bits of other couples too.
Pucked Love is the perfect balance of romance, angst, comedy and drama.
And of course,… I’m sad because I have to say goodbye to all those endearing characters/couples/friends, but I’m sure Helena Hunting has amazing stories in store.
So, thank you Helena, this pucked baby was just the perfect one to close one of my absolute favorite RomCom Series!
I can’t wait for your next ones!
***ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***
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I am very aware that I’m probably in the minority here, but the thing is that the hype for this book was so high and now I’m kind of disappointed. This was Charlene and Darren’s story (we met them within the PUCKED series and they are besties of Alex and Violet). I’ve waited a very long time for this book (almost 4 yrs), so maybe the book took too long and my excitement waned….or maybe it’s just me, who knows, but at the end of, it just didn’t meet my expectations.
The story starts where Charlene and Darren have been “dating” for two years, that was confusing for me and it didn’t let me connect with the characters, I mean two years have passed and they didn’t seem like a couple to me. Darren didn’t even know her favorite color, they just met to have sex and that bothered me a lot, maybe if we got flashbacks of the past two years we can understand WHY they were that way. Then we learned they had issues, they both were broke, but it was too late because as there was a lack of development on the characters, I couldn’t connect with them and trust me, I tried hard.
What I did enjoy about the book is getting to know more about the hockey gang. Violet, she’s the queen and she will always steal the show. I’m so grateful that I’m able to read about the other characters from the series and see how they’ve grown up and matured. And I love to know more about them. Overall, the book was ok, but not great. But I would definitely recommended if you’re a fan of the series and want to know how Darren and Charleen’s story plays out.
Five Firefly Stars!
Y’all this is so cute and funny. Darren , Charlene and the rest of the Pucked crew will have you busting a guy laughing. These characters are so much fun and I love the whole light heartiness of them.
Darren and Charlene are a great couple who you immediately route for. They are both broken and complete messes. That’s why they are made for each other. As I’m sad to see this wonderful story end, I am so glad that this author shared her words with us. This has been one of my favorite series and I’ve loved every word of it. You’ll definitely want to check out Darren and Charlene’s story it’s fabulous!
*Review by Michelle
Five Firefly Stars!
Y’all this is so cute and funny. Darren , Charlene and the rest of the Pucked crew will have you busting a guy laughing. These characters are so much fun and I love the whole light heartiness of them.
Darren and Charlene are a great couple who you immediately route for. They are both broken and complete messes. That’s why they are made for each other. As I’m sad to see this wonderful story end, I am so glad that this author shared her words with us. This has been one of my favorite series and I’ve loved every word of it. You’ll definitely want to check out Darren and Charlene’s story it’s fabulous!
I almost piddled myself in excitement when this hit my kindle. I absolutely loved it. Those two have kinda been a little mystery. Gawd they as so hot together. I was really surprised by some things and although I am sad that it’s the end of the series, I am so glad they exist so I can read all of them over and over again. I love every single character in this crazy hockey family.
It took me a while to formulate a review for this story. I enjoyed all of this authors previously read stories. This story was funny at times and quite entertaining. What I couldn’t tolerate was the female lead, Charlene. In order for me to fully enjoy a story, I must like the characters. Charlene was unrealistic and dramatic. I rolled my eyes more then once.
Darren was a swoon worthy amazing character that I enjoyed very much. The storyline was great and addicting.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA.
Aaaaah. Charlene and Darren. Things are not what they seem with these two. They are so complicated and their now is held hostage by their pasts. From reading the other books there’s a definite impression of what they are. Because of that I was a little apprehensive for a long time while waiting for this book to come out. Sometimes I love a series or an author and then a book come out and it just stays in my library for a long time before I read it. This could have been one of those, but I happened to read a post by the author about how “you think you know, but you don’t” and that was intriguing. So I jumped in and wow! This book is everything! Helena Hunting brilliantly guides us through discovering who Darren and Charlene are and why, together and separately. It is colorful, it is entertaining, it is heartbreaking and beautiful. The rest of the Pucked-gang is of course present and stir things up.
This is the final book in the Pucked series. To make a worthy end to such a wonderful series is difficult, but this book, this story and this couple is the perfect ending.
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!
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.
I know I am in the minority but I wasn’t crazy about the book, in fact the majority of the time I was bored, yes you read correctly bored. What saved the book for me was the rest of the cast, it was great reading about them and I laughed with them. I was bummed because I love this series, and I always liked Darren and Charlene but I guess I wasn’t expecting what I read, however I am glad that they finally got their HEA.
This series was one of the ones that got me back into reading so it always holds a special place in my heart and Helena never disappoints me. I love these characters so much, its like a family reunion when I read a new story about them. I am seriously sad to see it end but it is one of my top re-read series.
This is Charlene and Darren’s story and wow what a story it is. My jaw hit the floor with the opening chapter. I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry on Charlene’s behalf.
Charlene and Darren have been together for the last 2 years but they have issues with commitment. They obviously so love and adore each other but they are scared to admit their true feelings and fully commit to each other, to finally be open and honest. They are so blinded by worrying about losing each other they fail to see how much they love, adore and need each other.
When secrets from each others pasts are revealed it cemments their commitment to each other and opens their eyes to the truth in their feelings.
Obviously this being a Pucked Series book Helena delivers her trademark humor and has you literally crying with laughter with the antics from Violet, Charlene and the gang. I honestly love reading Charlene trying to persuade Darren to adopt Violets brand of dressing up dicks crazy.
If you haven’t read this series WHY THE HELL NOT??????? you seriously need to fall in love with these crazy, amazing group of women and their hockey men. I am so going to miss these guys
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Well done Helena on another great instalment in this Brilliant series
A perfect mix of sweet and funny, of heart and heat, and a perfect end to the series
Arrrgh! It’s always a little sad coming to the end of a series so I was both looking forward to reading this and dreading it a little, and this book had me both laughing and crying—often at the same time. The final book in the Pucked series, note that while this can be read as a standalone, with appearances from so many characters from the earlier books as well as references to their storylines, and the fact that this a wrap for the series, you’re going to get the most enjoyment out of this if you’ve read at least some of those previous books.
One of the things I enjoy about this kind of story—where both the main characters have been in the background throughout the series—is the chance of seeing through their eyes versus how they’ve been perceived by the other characters in the previous books. Here, both Charlene and Darren are more damaged and have more secrets than it appeared. With the possibility of a forced move for Darren due to the expansion draft, the status quo for the couple is changing and I loved watching their relationship evolve as they’re forced to evaluate their relationship as well as face their own feelings, and they each realize maybe they didn’t know the other as well as they thought.
So many of the best moments come from the character interactions, not only between Darren and Charlene, but also between Darren and his teammates and between Charlene and her girlfriends, and I loved the way the author added in several connections to help tie the series up. While there are deep moments along the way, there are tons of laughs, too—Violet and her Area 51 comments always crack me up, Darren being competitive about Alex’s “equipment” and Charlene’s mom, just to name a few.
The setup adds layers of tension to the story right off the bat, as there’s not only the question of whether Darren will get picked up in the expansion draft and what it means for his and Charlene’s relationship, but how their friends will react to the discovery of some of the details to Charlene and Darren’s relationship and also the mysteries behind Charlene’s past and the secrets Darren’s keeping. So in spite of that reluctance about reaching the end, I HAD to keep on reading.
This author is an expert at evoking emotions, and not only that, can take you from laughter to tears and back to laughter again, sometimes so fast you feel almost like you have emotional whiplash, lol. With all those wonderful characters, this story was a perfect mix of sweet and funny, of heart and heat, and a perfect end to the series. 5+ stars
B2B Kelly
I’ve been waiting forever for this book!!! And what an end to an amazing series it is! I’m going to miss this entire family of friends so very much.
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.
For me Pucked Love is probably the best book in this series, don’t get me wrong I love every book but this one was so special I read it and I when straight over to listen to it on audiobooks, Darren and Charlene’s story captivated me so much that the book was read in one session and the audio was listened to in one session, now that must tell you how good this book really is.
Darren and Charlene are both keeping secrets, horrible childhoods can’t be forgotten but as they open up to each other the secrets don’t seem so important as their feelings but can they get past their childhood memories………
This book is about love it’s about friendship and this group that form the Pucked Crew certainly know how to make you feel like family. This book has it all characters with sizzling chemistry the perfect mix of humour and sad moments make this a great read. Am I sad to see this series end off course but Helena Hunting left the best for last and she has given us a series that will be read and re read over and over because these characters and her writing have made us feel like we are part of the very selective Puck Crew.
I can’t leave without saying that Sebastian York and Stella Bloom did a fantastic job with the narration the banter and the laugh out loud lines came across perfectly.
This is Darren and Charlene’s love story & Book #7 in the Pucked Series. The story starts off with a bang. It was hilarious and immediately caught my attention. It was entertaining from start to finish and kept me turning the pages as fast as I could.
Darren and Charlene started out with secrets and trust issues. Will they be able to confess these secrets to overcome the obstacles that keep that threaten to tear them apart? I loved the hero and heroine. Their chemistry is sizzling and the side characters and couples are just as wonderful and strong.
There was angst, heartbreak, twists, turns, secrets, lies, hilarious, laugh out loud moments in this book. I loved the connection and emotions that I felt pouring out of these characters. They were a tight knit, loyal group who always had each others’ backs. This book can is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading this book!
*****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*****
I don’t know if authors do it in order to sell more books or if this really happens, but the female characters in this book feel like nymphomaniacs because all they seem to think about or talk about is sex. I can understand they have hot boyfriends and as athletes they have high sex drives, but please! After a while I got pretty fed up of the constant talk, about the sex they had with their boyfriends in detailed description, comparison of sexual organs talk, clothes to induce sex, sex toys, mothers who also seem to be constantly horny, etc. I knew the characters had some problems to deal with, and I was anxiously waiting for the angsty part to begin, to get into some real story here. This finally happened when I was 60% into the book.
Charlotte has a secret childhood story that has affected her capacity to get close to a man, relationship-wise. She needs a certain degree of emotional distance. Darren also had a strange childhood, weird parents and was adopted by his grandparents who were also weird and very cold. Darren was needy but he loved Charlotte so he was forced into giving her the freedom of choosing when to get near and when to get space. If he tried for more closeness she would get anxious. He wanted more, but he didn’t know how to go about it. He was totally clueless on how to handle women and there’s a funny scene in which he gets Alex to teach him the way to woo a woman.
Once the action of the book got going, it was a fantastic read. We read about Alex scoring problems, a possible draft that may move Darren to Las Vegas, Charlotte’s uneasiness about the couples having babies and changing their group dynamics, her desire to have more with Darren but worrying about driving him away. It was very enjoyable, with funny and angsty moments. What I liked more about the book is how Darren and Charlotte worked to get closer, adapted and compromised and tried to understand each other, giving up their secrets in order to get the intimacy they needed to have.
Oh Darren and Charlene, I’ve been waiting for your story! And holy moly, it’s a doozy!
You two are a mess! With your secrets and boundaries, how in the heck have you lasted for so long? And will you figure it all out in time to last forever?
I loved the romance between Darren and Charlene, how absolutely clueless they were about being in a true relationship. That their rules—both spoken and unspoken—dictated how they interacted, how they loved each other. That they didn’t even realize that they were in love until their friends helped to show them the way.
I loved how they finally woke up—after some crazy discoveries about each other’s family history—and that they realized how much they wanted a future together.
I’m so sad that this excellent Pucked series is ending, but I loved catching up with the gang and having a glimpse at their future.
Helena Hunting made us wait a long time to finally have Charlene and Darren story but I can assure you it’s worth it.
I’m always surprised by this author talent,she can successfully write whatever she wants,funny hilarious stories or dramatic and serious ones.
Charlene and Darren couple was the most enigmatic and mysterious.They appear elusive and discreet in the previous books so much so I didn’t know what to expect from this novel.
I’ve really enjoyed it,their relationship is complex,deep and constantly evolving.
I don’t want to ruin this epilogue of the Pucked series for whoever has long waited like me so I won’t go into many details but I recommend you to read it with an open mind and without any expectation.