My Pucking Crush: A Dark MM Hockey Bodyguard Romance – A Review
When I first heard about My Pucking Crush by Tori Chase, I was instantly intrigued. The combination of a dark mafia background with the thrill of a hockey bodyguard romance piqued my interest. As a sucker for MM romances that delve into complex emotions and thrilling plots, I couldn’t wait to dive into Luca and Max’s world.
At its heart, this novella delivers a gripping story of love, obsession, and redemption set against the backdrop of professional hockey and the dark shadows of the Bratva. Luca, a former enforcer turned bodyguard, has spent years trying to escape his past. He’s all about keeping a low profile—until he’s assigned to protect Max Ryan, the team’s charming and charismatic star defenseman. Max is everything Luca shouldn’t want—trouble wrapped in an enticing package. His life seems glamorous, yet he carries the weight of his own haunting past.
One of the things that struck me about Tori’s writing is her ability to balance fast-paced action with deep emotional undertones. The chemistry between Luca and Max is palpable, drawing you in with electric tension that leaps off the pages. Their interactions are rich with longing, fear, and vulnerability, creating an emotional rollercoaster that left me breathless. Just when you think you’ve grasped the direction of the plot, Tori throws in twists that keep you glued to the story, and I couldn’t help but root for these flawed characters as they confronted their demons.
The pacing moves swiftly, wrapping readers in a cocoon of suspense and romance, while also sprinkling in lighter, humorous moments to break the tension. I particularly enjoyed the ‘only one bed’ trope that is executed with both humor and anticipation—there’s nothing like forced proximity to stoke the flames of desire!
A standout piece for me was the way Tori explores Max’s struggle with his sexuality in a sport that can often feel unforgiving. Quotes like "He’s all I want. All I think about. Obsess about" resonate deeply—not just for their romantic implications, but for the vulnerability they encapsulate. They bring the characters’ internal conflicts to life in a way that felt refreshing and meaningful.
Overall, My Pucking Crush is an enthralling read that blends the best elements of romance, suspense, and emotional growth. If you’re a fan of hockey, mafia romances, or simply love stories that tackle big themes with sensitivity, this book is an absolute must-read. It’ll not only warm your heart but may just make you rethink those old boundaries we all put up—a testimony to the power of love and acceptance.
In the end, I walked away not just entertained but enriched by Luca and Max’s journey—reminded that love, in all its forms, is worth fighting for. Whether you’re a seasoned reader of MM romances or new to the genre, I highly encourage you to pick up this book. You won’t just be reading a story; you’ll be experiencing a heartfelt journey that’s bound to resonate long after the final page is turned.
You can find My Pucking Crush: A Dark MM Hockey Bodyguard Romance here >>