Kapitel 1
When Passion Meets the Puck: Love on and off the Ice
The moment Rachel Price stepped off that plane in Jacksonville, her life was about to change in ways she could never have imagined. As the newest member of the medical team for the Jacksonville Rays, an NHL expansion team, she was focused solely on establishing herself as a respected sports medicine physician. Little did she know that fate had other plans-plans that involved not one, but three irresistible men who would turn her carefully ordered world upside down. This spicy hockey romance by bestselling author Emily Rath has taken the romance world by storm, with readers and celebrities alike praising its bold exploration of polyamory within the high-stakes world of professional sports. What begins as a chance encounter evolves into one of the most talked-about romance novels of the year, challenging conventions while celebrating the limitless capacity of the human heart to love.
Kapitel 2
The Perfect Storm: Rachel's New Beginning
Rachel Price's life changes with one unexpected phone call-she's been awarded the prestigious Barkley Fellowship with the Jacksonville Rays, a position she thought she'd lost. Despite the sudden upheaval, Rachel jumps at the opportunity, saying tearful goodbyes to her roommate Tess before enduring 32 hours of travel chaos. When she finally arrives in Jacksonville, exhausted and disheveled, she meets Caleb Sanford, the team's equipment manager who's been sent to collect her.
Their first meeting is nothing short of disastrous. As they load her remaining bag into his Jeep (her other luggage having been lost in transit), the bag splits open, spilling her belongings across the airport curb-including an embarrassing purple octopus-shaped sex toy that was a gag gift from Tess. This mortifying moment sets the tone for their relationship: awkward, charged, and unexpectedly intimate.
"Well, this is a first," Caleb remarks dryly, holding up the tentacle-shaped dildo while Rachel wishes the ground would swallow her whole.
Despite his initial judgment about "entitled doctor types," Caleb finds himself drawn to this "walking hurricane" with her curvy body, septum piercing, and tattoos. During the drive to her new apartment, they reach a tentative understanding as Rachel apologizes for her attitude, explaining her exhaustion. When they arrive, Caleb reveals he lives next door in unit 403, leaving Rachel with a flirtatious comment about borrowing sugar that sets off internal alarms about getting involved with a coworker.
What Rachel doesn't yet realize is that her life is about to become intertwined with Caleb's in ways neither of them could anticipate. And when she later locks herself out on her balcony wearing nothing but underwear and a crop top, it's Caleb who comes to her rescue-setting in motion a chain of events that will forever change both their lives.
Kapitel 3
The Mystery Boy Returns: Jake Compton
Rachel's professional world collides spectacularly with her personal past when she discovers that Jake Compton, the Rays' star defenseman, is none other than her "Mystery Boy"-the man she spent one passionate night with at her brother's wedding in Seattle two months earlier. When they're reintroduced at the arena, Jake doesn't immediately recognize her without her nose ring and with her glasses on, leaving Rachel devastated that the man she's been dreaming about doesn't even remember her.
When Jake finally realizes who she is, he confronts her in the parking garage, blocking her escape. "You're her. You're my Seattle Girl," he says, his voice thick with emotion. Their chemistry explodes into a passionate kiss against her truck, but Rachel pulls away, explaining the painful truth-she's the team doctor now, and he's her patient. Their professional relationship makes any personal involvement impossible.
"For the next ten months, I am your doctor, and you are my patient," she insists, though her body betrays her resolve. "We can't do this."
Jake reluctantly agrees but warns her that once her contract ends, "you're mine." As they part ways, Jake shifts his approach, teasing that he'll spend the next ten months in "Operation Unravel Rachel," making her regret her professional boundaries.
What follows is an exquisite torture of restraint and desire. Despite Rachel's determination to maintain professional distance, Jake pursues her relentlessly-sending flirtatious texts, shirtless beach photos, and questions about her coffee preferences. Their mutual attraction proves impossible to ignore, eventually leading to intimate phone calls where Jake commands her to touch herself while he does the same, culminating in virtual encounters that leave them both satisfied yet craving more.
"You give me a chance, and I'll be so damn good to you," Jake promises. "I'll treat you so right, baby. You're it for me."
Though Rachel tries to keep things casual by labeling them as "friends," Jake pushes for more, setting the stage for a relationship that will defy all conventional boundaries.
Kapitel 4
The Viking Goalie: Ilmari Kinnunen
As Rachel settles into her role with the Rays, she encounters the team's imposing Finnish goaltender, Ilmari "Mars" Kinnunen-a Viking-like giant with wild features including a blond beard, crooked nose, and piercing blue eyes. Their first meaningful interaction occurs on a team flight when Rachel unknowingly takes his superstitious seat. When Mars demands she move without explanation, Rachel refuses, pointing out that he's been avoiding his physical all week.
"I'll keep sitting beside you on every flight until you complete your physical," she declares, establishing a professional standoff that crackles with unspoken tension.
What Rachel doesn't know is that Mars is hiding a potentially career-threatening hip injury-a labral tear that could jeopardize his dreams of making the Finnish Olympic team. When she finally confronts him about his evasiveness, their standoff escalates into a desperate physical struggle in a hallway, with Rachel literally clinging to him like a koala, refusing to let him escape.
"Everyone in this building gets to care about the game first," she tells him fiercely, "but I don't. You are my priority."
This declaration touches something deep within Mars. For the first time, he encounters a doctor who puts him first rather than treating him like a replaceable part of the machine. He calls her "leijona" (lioness) under his breath, vowing that Rachel won't regret helping him.
Their professional relationship takes a personal turn during a trip to Cincinnati for private medical scans. After Mars learns Rachel is involved with Jake and Caleb, he initially withdraws, declaring he doesn't share what's his. But their attraction proves too powerful to deny, culminating in a passionate encounter in his hotel room where Mars claims her completely.
"My cum has claimed all your holes, Rakas. You're mine," he declares possessively afterward. When Rachel explains she's also Jake's and Caleb's, Mars admits he's unsure about sharing but promises, "I'm not going anywhere." Unlike the others, he has no interest in being intimate with the men himself, but he's willing to explore this unconventional relationship for Rachel's sake.
Kapitel 5
Breaking Boundaries: The Unconventional Arrangement
As Rachel's relationships with Jake, Caleb, and Mars deepen individually, an unexpected solution emerges to their complicated situation - living together under one roof. Despite Rachel's initial protests about the professional and personal risks, particularly given her position as a rising star in sports journalism, Jake offers her a private sanctuary in his modern beach house. The sprawling property, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and private beach access, becomes their shared haven, complete with a private room featuring panoramic ocean views for Rachel. Caleb and his energetic Australian shepherd, Poseidon, soon join them, creating an unconventional household.
"Three platonic fuck buddies and a hyperactive dog," Caleb describes their unusual living arrangement with his characteristic dry humor, though there's nothing truly platonic about their deepening emotional connections and physical chemistry. The house's open layout and shared spaces create natural opportunities for both intimate moments and casual interactions, allowing their relationships to evolve organically.
What begins as a practical solution to their demanding schedules - Jake's NHL games, Caleb's training regime, Mars's late-night club appearances, and Rachel's deadline-driven journalism - transforms into something far more meaningful. The four develop a complex dynamic where Rachel serves as the emotional anchor, loved uniquely by all three men, while the men forge their own significant bonds. Jake and Caleb, whose friendship was forged in the competitive crucible of their NHL draft days, gradually acknowledge their deeper feelings for each other, breaking down their own preconceptions about sexuality and masculinity. Mars, meanwhile, maintains a more independent relationship with Rachel, providing a different kind of emotional support that complements the others.
Their intimate encounters push conventional boundaries and explore new territories of trust and desire. During one particularly intense evening, Rachel experiences double penetration with Caleb and Mars while Jake watches, creating what Caleb later describes as "magic unlike anything I've ever felt before - raw, primal, yet somehow sacred." In another pivotal moment, Jake performs oral sex on Caleb for the first time while Rachel guides him through the experience, her gentle encouragement helping both men overcome their hesitations and shifting the power dynamics of their relationship.
"I want more," Jake admits during one vulnerable post-game night, his professional facade cracking to reveal raw emotion. "I want Rachel, but I also want the freedom she has to love with her whole heart - without shame or boundaries."
These intimate explorations culminate in what Rachel calls "The Great Unraveling of Rachel Price" - a profound realization that she's no longer just an individual but part of an intricate web of love and trust. "I want to claim these men before the world," she thinks during a quiet moment on their private beach, recognizing that their carefully constructed sanctuary cannot remain hidden from public scrutiny forever. Their arrangement challenges social norms and professional expectations, but the depth of their connection makes the risks seem increasingly worthwhile.
Kapitel 6
Secrets and Sacrifices: Professional Consequences
The fragile balance of their private relationship faces its first major challenge when footage from a hockey game goes viral. The videos show Jake at the plexiglass reacting to Rachel wearing Mars' jersey, Caleb and Rachel looking cozy, and their cheek kiss-all edited to appear more intimate than they were.
The fallout is immediate. Rumors spread through the League about Jake and Caleb's relationship, while Rachel faces scrutiny from the team management. When Coach Johnson discovers their polyamorous arrangement-and learns Rachel has been treating Mars as his doctor while in a relationship with him-he's furious about the ethical breach. Despite Mars defending her and explaining that team doctor Avery had dismissed his concerns, Coach suspends Rachel indefinitely, requiring her to surrender her ID and access cards.
Devastated by this professional setback, Rachel initially plans to leave Jacksonville rather than ruin her partners' careers. "I can't stay and ruin your lives without a job or references," she explains tearfully while packing her suitcases. But Caleb takes a firm stance, refusing to beg her to stay-either she wants to be with them or she doesn't.
This ultimatum forces Rachel to examine her feelings for each man-Jake's sweetness that makes her feel whole, Caleb's resilient strength beneath his hard shell, and Mars' peaceful presence that feels like home. Choosing to fight rather than flee, Rachel commits fully to their relationship, promising to stay and face whatever comes.
The team's response to Rachel's suspension reveals the deep respect she's earned. Half the players threaten to quit, the other half demand trades, all advocating for her return. Mars writes a brief note threatening to leave immediately and take Jake with him if Rachel isn't rehired, while Langley pens a four-page letter praising her therapies. This overwhelming support leads to a deal: after completing her suspension and fellowship, Rachel will be offered an assistant director position in the newly restructured PT department.
"This loyalty can't be bought," Mark Talbot, the Rays' General Manager, explains. "You've earned it."
Kapitel 7
Love Beyond Boundaries: Coming Out
With Rachel's professional future secured as lead choreographer, the four partners confront their most daunting challenge yet - going public with their unconventional relationship. Jake, exhausted from years of maintaining a carefully crafted public image, becomes the catalyst for change. During a late-night conversation in their shared apartment, he confronts Caleb with raw honesty: "I need him to want me out loud," he says, voice breaking with emotion. "I can't stand the idea of more secrets. Every interview where I dodge questions about my personal life feels like betrayal."
When Caleb expresses legitimate concerns about Jake's NHL career and potential backlash from conservative team owners, Jake's response reflects both his growth and determination. "Loving you, loving Rach, it's the easiest thing I've ever done. Even having Mars around just feels right - like the final piece clicking into place. Hockey's what I do, but this is who I am." He paces their living room, adamant in his conviction. "I'm gonna love you so fucking hard, Cay. And I'm gonna do it out loud... whether the hockey world likes it or not."
Mars faces his own crucible when meeting with Finnish Ice Hockey Association representatives about the Olympic team. Sitting in the sterile conference room, surrounded by his childhood heroes and national officials, he achieves his lifelong dream of being named starting goalie. However, instead of simple acceptance, he takes a stand. With quiet dignity, he warns them his name might soon appear in the press regarding his personal life. The silence that follows is deafening, but Mars doesn't waver. He chooses Rachel, Jake, and Caleb over his pristine reputation, willing to risk his Olympic dreams rather than continue living in shadows.
Their public coming-out transforms from a dreaded necessity into a celebration - a "grand gesture" that accomplishes multiple goals simultaneously. During a sold-out game in Los Angeles, Rachel's father Hall Price - legendary rockstar and notorious rebel - performs a blistering electric guitar rendition of the National Anthem. The moment reaches its crescendo when Rachel appears in the family section wearing a custom-designed jersey: Jake's number proudly displayed on the front, Mars' number on the back, with "PRICE" emblazoned across the shoulders. Throughout the arena, fans hold handmade signs reading "PRICE = LOVE" and "LOVE AT ANY PRICE," their support amplified by camera flashes and thunderous cheers.
In this electric moment of public affirmation, Rachel catches Mars' eye across the ice and makes an impulsive declaration through their private headset: "Win this game, and I'll marry you! Make it a shutout, and we'll do it tonight." When he asks through their earpieces what happens if they lose, she laughs, full of love and absolute certainty: "You won't."
Kapitel 8
Olympic Gold and New Beginnings
One year after their unconventional union, their blended family has not only weathered the challenges but flourished beyond expectation. Rachel proudly displays three distinct wedding rings on her finger - each one carefully selected to reflect the unique personality of each of her "husbands." Mars chose a delicate Finnish design with snowflake patterns, Jake selected a vintage art deco piece that speaks to Rachel's love of history, and Caleb picked a modern twist on a classic solitaire. These stacked rings have become both a daily reminder of their commitment and a conversation starter that allows them to openly discuss their unconventional arrangement.
The Olympic gold medal game between Finland and Canada brings their entire extended family together in an unprecedented gathering. Rachel maintains her longstanding tradition of safeguarding the players' rings during crucial games, Mars's wedding band securely placed on her thumb throughout the match. The atmosphere in their viewing space is electric, with Jake and Caleb providing running commentary, while Harrison and Somchai serve traditional Thai snacks they prepared for the occasion. The Kinnunens, decked out in Finnish national colors, add to the festive atmosphere with their enthusiastic cheering. Even Dr. Halla, who has made significant progress in mending his relationship with Mars through monthly therapy sessions and family dinners, sits quietly in the corner, his eyes never leaving his son's movements on the ice.
The game itself is a masterclass in defensive hockey, with Finland maintaining a precarious 1-0 lead deep into the third period. When Canada pulls their goalie with two minutes remaining, the tension becomes almost unbearable. Mars, showing the composure that's made him one of the world's elite goaltenders, tracks a deflected shot and, in a moment of brilliant anticipation, launches the puck the length of the ice. The entire room holds its breath as the puck slides perfectly into the empty net, securing Finland's first Olympic gold in men's hockey with a 2-0 victory.
In the privacy of their home after the celebrations, Mars reveals his readiness for fatherhood - a subject they've discussed but never firmly decided upon. Rachel's admission about already removing her IUD sparks an intimate celebration of their own. The sequence that follows honors their established dynamic: Mars, still riding the high of Olympic glory, leads with passionate intensity; Caleb, who's worked through his parental anxiety with his therapist, follows with tender determination; and Jake completes the connection with his characteristic emotional depth and care.
Lying together in their oversized bed - a custom piece they had specially made to accommodate their unique sleeping arrangement - Rachel reflects on their journey. What began with a series of seemingly random events - an airport mishap, an unexpected reunion, and the persistent pursuit of a Finnish goalkeeper - has transformed into something extraordinary. They've created their own definition of family, one that transcends traditional boundaries while maintaining deep respect for each individual's needs and contributions.
"I love you," Rachel tells them in the quiet aftermath, three simple words that carry the weight of their shared history and the promise of their future together. Each man responds in his own way - Mars with a gentle kiss, Caleb with a squeeze of her hand, and Jake with whispered words of affection - completing the circle of their unconventional but unshakeable bond.
Kapitel 9
Breaking the Rules: Love Without Limits
At its core, "Pucking Around" challenges conventional notions of love and relationships. Through Rachel's journey from dedicated professional to the emotional center of a polyamorous relationship, Emily Rath explores how love can transcend traditional boundaries when people are brave enough to follow their hearts.
The novel doesn't shy away from the complexities and challenges of such arrangements. Each character must confront their own insecurities and jealousies. Jake fears he's not intellectually equal to Caleb and Rachel. Caleb worries about being abandoned. Mars struggles with the concept of sharing someone he loves. And Rachel fears her complicated past and public scrutiny will destroy the men she loves.
"Secrets like this always blow up," her friend Tess warns her, questioning if Rachel will bail when things get tough, as she's done before.
But through honest communication and unwavering commitment, they forge a relationship that defies societal expectations. When Rachel finally confesses to her brother, "I've fallen for three guys, Harrison. I'm in love with them, and they're in love with me... and two of them are in love with each other," she's claiming her truth without apology.
The novel also explores the professional and personal sacrifices required to maintain such a relationship in the public eye. As the daughter of rock legend Halston Price, Rachel has experienced the destructive power of media scrutiny firsthand. She describes how tabloids outed her twin brother Harrison by publishing stolen intimate videos, leading to his suicide attempt, and how her own youthful indiscretions were ruthlessly publicized.
Despite these risks, the four partners ultimately choose authenticity over secrecy, love over convention. Their journey reminds us that family isn't defined by traditional structures but by the bonds we choose to create and nurture. In Rachel's words to Mars: "You belong here. You belong with me. With us."
By challenging readers to expand their definition of love and commitment, "Pucking Around" offers a refreshingly modern perspective on relationships-one where love isn't a finite resource to be jealously guarded but an abundant force that grows stronger when shared freely among those brave enough to embrace it.
Kapitel 10
The Healing Power of Unconditional Acceptance
Perhaps the most profound aspect of "Pucking Around" is its exploration of how unconditional acceptance heals past wounds. Each character carries their own trauma: Jake's guilt over failing to protect Caleb from his career-ending injury, Caleb's fear of abandonment after losing his hockey dreams, Mars' rejection by his biological father, and Rachel's public humiliation and family trauma.
Through their unconventional relationship, each finds healing. When Jake finally breaks down about his guilt over Caleb's injury, sobbing "I was right fucking there!" Caleb cups his face tenderly, absolving him: "It's not your fault. You couldn't have done anything." This moment of vulnerability leads to their first real kiss, years of repressed feelings finally acknowledged.
For Mars, Rachel's fierce protection of his medical needs represents a turning point. When she confronts his biological father, Dr. Halla, for manipulating their Cincinnati trip as a reunion opportunity, she demonstrates loyalty that Mars has rarely experienced. "Go ski into a cunt," she tells Halla in Finnish, defending Mars' boundaries even at the cost of professional connections.
And for Rachel, who has spent her life avoiding deep attachments after seeing how the press destroyed her family's privacy, these three men offer a safe harbor where she can be fully herself-famous father, complicated past, and all. When she finally stops running and commits to staying, she discovers that true love doesn't require perfection, just presence.
"I want you to stop being afraid," Mars tells her. "I want to carry the burden of your fears."
In this way, "Pucking Around" isn't just a steamy romance but a powerful testament to how love at its best doesn't just accept us despite our flaws and wounds-it embraces us completely, scars and all. And in that embrace, we find not just pleasure but healing, not just passion but home.
