Love Pucked

Toronto Rosebuds #1

by Emily Silver

Coaching in the women’s hockey league is my dream. What I didn’t plan on? Having to coach my ex…

When I took the job with the Toronto Rosebuds hockey team, I never thought I’d be reunited with the woman that ruined me for all others.

Lydia Bishop.

Playing hockey and Lydia are my past. My future is with this new team. Lydia is a distraction I can’t afford.

The more time I spend with Lydia, the more I realize I might not be as over her as I thought. Until one night, we cross aline. A line I don’t want to come back from.

She’s my player. I can’t be seen with her. Sneaking around is our only option until the world finds out about us and I’m forced to choose.

The future I’ve always wanted or the past I don’t want to let go of.

I am so pucking screwed…

Genres: Audiobook, Hockey, Sports, Romance, LGBT, Sports Romance, Lesbian

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

About the author

After winning a Young Author’s Award in second grade, Emily Silver was destined to be a writer. She loves writing strong heroines and the swoony men who fall for them.

A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe.

When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!

Find her on social media to stay up to date on all her adventures and upcoming releases!

Reviews

[zara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars

a forbidden romance in a contemporary setting that actually has consequences? FUCK yeah

[Jill B · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
💜Love Pucked by Emily Silver💜

Had the joy of listening to the audiobook for this sapphic hockey romance. I’m all about any hockey romance I can get my hands on but surprisingly this was my first FF hockey romance that I’ve read. It was so fun to read about a female hockey team. I loved the changed perspective on this sports romance genre for me.

This book followed Delaney and Lydia who were former teammates, turned lovers, but eventually drifted apart. They found themselves years later being forced to join each other’s orbit again, however, this time with the dynamic of coach and player.

Second chance romances have become a favorite trope of mine this year and a heartfelt story like this is a prime example of why. True there is the forbidden romance element of this story, but at the heart it is just two people finding their way back to each other.

Bailey Carr and Quinn Riley narrated this audiobook in dual-style. Both women performed beautifully and really made the listener feel their conflict and longing and love as the story progressed. They really created such an entertaining audio performance to listen to.

Love Lydia and Delaney. Such a sweet romance book about love and friendship and risking it all.

✨Tropes✨
Sapphic Romance
Hockey Romance
Forbidden
Second Chance
Coach/Player

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first by this Canadian author, it was a really fun dual pov, second chance forbidden Sapphic hockey love story between former teammates turned Coach x player who find themselves on the new Toronto Women's hockey team having to hide their renewed relationship. It was spicy and heartfelt and absolutely PERFECT for fans of the Heated Rivalry series and in particular Scott and Kip's story (Game Changer). I'm excited for the next two books in the series. Also recommended for fans of authors like Kelly Farmer and Kate Cochrane.

[lauraღ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together. The best damn word I’ve heard in a long time. Having someone to do the hard things with. 
Together.

3.75 stars. Sapphic hockey romance! This was such a cute romance, the perfect blend of sweet and sexy and a little taboo. Second chance isn't my favourite trope, but it worked well for these characters. Lydia and Delaney were teammates and girlfriends years ago, and drifted apart after an injury took Delaney out of the game. Now they find themselves on the same team again, this time as coach and player, and any kind of relationship is strictly prohibited. But the attraction is inevitable, and old feelings come flooding back.

I smiled and giggled my way through so much of this. While the framework is all about a taboo relationship, it still felt mostly light-hearted and sweet. And pretty sexy. I prefer to see a relationship starting from the beginning, and part of me expected and wanted to get a few flashbacks of Lydia and Delaney's first relationship. But even without that, this still felt swoony and romantic. There were lots of really adorable moments (I LOVED THE PUPPIES) and I liked the family relationships. Including the found family! It was great seeing them build up bonds with their new teammates, especially Lydia. I'd definitely read a romance about Parker. And I'm usually really picky about coming out storylines, so I'm glad that this was written in a way I enjoyed.

I enjoyed all the hockey aspects, especially any moment we got to see them skate or train together. As with a lot of books, I really think it could have benefitted from being longer, especially to flesh out some of the storylines with side characters. Like, Lydia has a storyline with her dad and stepdad that was really touching, but definitely needed more development to really feel the impact. And the third act conflict was kinda weak; not my favourite.

But overall, I really liked this, especially with Quinn Riley and Bailey Carr on the audio. So swoony; voices I always love. Definitely recommended, especially the audio! While I wish this was longer, it was still a really lovely sports romance.

☆ ALC provided by the author. Thank you! I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chelles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Pucked

I am not a hockey fan - don't know much about the game - but I'm a sucker for sapphic hockey romances. I love 'em!

Delaney and Lydia are exes that find themselves back on the same team. Delaney is the new head coach and Lydia is the new star player. Both intended to start fresh with this new team, but neither of them seemed to have let go of the past. Things get hot! 🥵🔥

Considering there is a lot to sort out in each of their lives, and their jobs are on the line if they are caught fraternizing... this was a cute, light-hearted, fun, sports romance. I only wish it was longer - it went by fast!

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Silver’s sapphic romances are some of my absolute favorites! And this is absolutely no exception.

🏒Hockey romance
🏒Coach x player
🏒Second chance romance
🏒Pierced FMC
🏒Secret relationship

When I realized that one of the FMC’s was Lydia, THE Lydia from Troy and Angie’s book and from her parents book, I instantly squealed.

Delaney and Lydia had a short lived fling/relationship, until all went wrong. They haven’t seen one another in years, but now they are coming face to face in more than one way.

Delaney is the newest head coach for Lydia’s professional hockey team, where she is the star player. These two seem like they can move on from the past, but they quickly realize that the attraction and love is still there.

I really loved these two and I truly felt their connection from the very first meeting in this book. Their genuine love and caring for one another was really heartwarming to me.

Bailey Carr and Quinn Riley do a phenomenal job in this dual narrated audiobook. They both brought Delaney and Lydia’s personalities to light in the best way. I loved the way Bailey’s voice was stern, yet soft at the same time for Delaney’s character. And the way Quinn brought out Lydia’s dirty mouth at times had me swooning.

Overall, I loved this book and if you want a fun, sapphic romance, with all the feels, this is the book for you!

[Mel Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this audiobook. So much so that I finished it in one day because I just couldn’t turn it off. Delaney and Lydia’s story is sweet, spicy, and a big giant hug of a book. This is a classic case of the one that got away and neither character will let the other get away again. I connected so much with Lydia and her family dynamics. The found family and side characters in this book are exactly what family should be.

In terms of the audiobook, the narrators did a fantastic job. I never struggled to differentiate who was speaking and they added so much depth and emotions to their performances. Well done! This was a fantastic start to a new series and I can’t wait to see whose story we get to discover next!

Thank you so much to Emily and her team for the ARC/ALC in return for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Pucked is a fun, spicy, heartfelt, second chance romance story that gives you all the feels!

What you get.....
♡Hockey Romance
♡Coach x Player
♡Ex-Girlfriends
♡Second Chance Romance
♡Forbidden Romance
♡Forced Proximity
♡Pierced FMC
♡Secret Relationship
♡Sapphic Romance

Delaney and Lydia had a past relationship when they both were hockey players. Delaney got injured and they parted ways. Now they are back working together as player and coach. The tension is high, and they are trying to fight their feelings for each other.

They have sizzling chemistry and finally give into their love for each other!! But it could cost them their dreams!!

I love that we are getting women's hockey!! Plus catching up with some of our favorite characters from other series!

Emily always does a great job at sucking us into her stories and making us love her characters!!

[Rose DeVault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Silver’s books are always a little breath of fresh air.

I was super intrigued when Emily Silver announced a sapphic hockey romance and it did not disappoint. Delaney and Lydia's story started years earlier, when they had a "casual" fling while being teammates. Now Delaney is Toronto Rosebud's coach and Lydia is the hockey team captain. The little tension we had between them within each other's POV was delicious.

Now they have to keep their rekindling relationship a secret so they both can keep their jobs. Their relationship was the perfect mix of spicy and sweet. They were two puzzle pieces that just clicked together so easily. AND NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP!!!! When hard decisions were needing to be made they worked and talked things out.

I was introduced to two new narrators for this audiobook and I absolutely LOVED them. Bailey Carr & Quinn Riley did a fantastic job bringing this story to life.

I cannot wait to see what is to come within this series!

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delaney + Lydia

-sapphic romance
-hockey romance
-forbidden
-coach/player
-second chance

a sapphic hockey romance where the hockey coach of a brand new team meets one of her players...& she turns out to be her ex who she ghosted after she experienced an injury when they played on the same team together...& they haven't spoke since then...FIVE YEARS AGO?? ohhh yeah thats just a disaster waiting to happen...& i loved every single minute of it!! the narrators too were AMAZINGGG!!

[Jessica Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Emily Silver book, but make it sapphic 🔥

I adore Emily’s books so much and this was no exception. The backstory was amazing, character development impeccable. And the spice was like… my brain chemistry is altered 🫠

If you love hockey romance this is a fun spin too! Get on your KU, get you a snack, and settle in for a great time!

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Audio Review **
Obsessed! Love Pucked by Emily Silver was an alluring and heartfelt sapphic hockey romance that did deliciously good things to my heart. I couldn’t get enough of Delaney and Lydia’s tension-filled forbidden chemistry that had me longing for these two to get the second chance they both truly deserved. This one is definitely a new favorite from Emily!

Bailey Carr and Quinn Riley perform this audiobook in dual narration. These women made me feel every single drop of longing, desire, and love Delaney and Lydia felt for each other. Bailey’s warm, endearing tone perfectly complemented Delaney’s ambitious and passionate persona as she went after what she truly desired. Quinn’s light, velvety voice embodied Lydia’s dedicated, hardworking demeanor, making her simply irresistible. Both narrators created an undeniable, magnetic chemistry between Lydia and Delaney that was so easy to love.

Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of a sapphic romance with a determined coach, a fashion-loving hockey player, moving to Toronto, a new women's hockey team, former teammates, second chances, puppy yoga, trips to Miami, swimsuit photoshoots, scouting recruits, hotel steamy times, truths about the past, secret romances, love declarations, supportive family, coming clean, and a HEA that will skate right into your heart, then you will love Lydia and Delaney’s story. I always look forward to more from Emily Silver.

[Minna Perälä · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blah. It's already been over a week since I finished listening to Love Pucked. I was given a free ALC by the author.

I was cautiously optimistic about the book but mostly I wanted to listen to it because one of the narrators is Quinn Riley. Quinn Riley's performance was one the only good things I can think of.

Love Pucked is an okay romance. It's positive that we get more sapphic hockey romances and hopefully readers who are new to sapphic romance find their way to it through books like this.

For someone who's read over 400 sapphic romance novels, Love Pucked didn't make an impression. It's 4th or 5th sapphic romance I've read by authors who have written only or mostly MF or MM romance before and who most likely are not sapphics themselves. In Love Pucked, there were clumsy and awkward scenes and plots that I've noticed are common for new-to-sapphic-romance authors. Things that possibly work in MF or MM (hockey) romance, just don't sit well in FF, at least for me. The spicy bits felt cringy and the second half was just off. Everything happened too fast and it felt like it could be from a MM hockey romance. I've read a couple of those. I'm not a big fan of MM romance in general but especially don't like MM hockey romances.

Regardless, I'm happy that there are more sapphic romances available. Someone who's new to sapphic romance probably does not see the problems I had with Love Pucked.

About audiobook only:
One really disturbing thing with the audiobook was that there was no clear direction or agreed tone for the MCs. Quinn Riley did excellent job narrating from Mydia's POV. Bailey Carr's parts for Delayne made me hate Lydia every time. Lydia by Carr was so different. She sounded selfish, superficial and generally annoying when in fact the written words and her own POV gave different impression. I think the book would have worked better for me if there was no dual narration.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

arc review – dnf @ 71%

besties… i picked this up expecting a quick, cozy little hockey romance 🏒🤍 and for a while, that’s exactly what it was! the coach x captain trope? ✨delicious✨. the exes-to-lovers drama?? SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE??? YEAAAAH i was screaming, crying, kicking my feet. the “we shouldn’t be doing this…” tension?? had me grinning like a fool. and then. AND THEN. out of nowhere, one character shaves the other’s "private area " like wtf ? … and they both get so turned on she literally has to stop to catch her breath. this made me put my phone down. stop reading. needing to overthink all of my life choices. like what the hell am i doing here. where am i. LIKE listen i am not a sensitive reader. i USUALLYYY read dark romance with passion. i am fully fine with spice, kinks, unhinged characters… all of it. but this book wasn’t even trying to be any of this kinky "dark" vibe nope it was supposed to be a cozy fun little romcom. WHICH MAKES THIS WORSE?? this scene just sent me straight into “what in the wattpad hell did i just read” mode.
the romance tropes were genuinely fun, but the spice felt rushed, and THIS SCENE?? was where i had to tap out. if you love chaotic hockey romance and don’t mind a completely out of pocket scene like this, it might work for you but personally? i am lying face down on the floor processing my choices 😭 good luck to whoever picks this up next, you’re stronger than me 💀

[Bookish Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was unbelievably adorable & brought me a few Emily Silver firsts: my first audiobook & my first sapphic romance (ever). And I really liked it!!! It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Emily’s cozy romances because every time I read one, I’m left feeling good about the power of a good romance & a guaranteed HEA. This book definitely understood the assignment (complete with an adorable animal side character).

The easy smile on her face has butterflies swarming low in my belly. I forgot how beautiful Delaney was. Maybe it was easier to forget so I wouldn’t think about her every single day we were apart.
Because Delaney is not someone you forget. She’s the kind of person that etches themselves into your soul, so deep that you think of them every day and the impact they had on your life.
I’m a better player because of her. She always pushed me. Ever the competitor, we were always striving to be the best. Hockey came naturally to me. But with Delaney on my line? We wanted to be at the top of our game.

I think one of my favorite things was the storyline about establishing the Rosebuds team & the shift the whole league needed to do. It felt like a unique twist with women coming from other teams to try & make the Rosebuds the team to watch. Everyone was new to the team, but not the sport itself, so it was cool to see how they interacted with one another.

I still hate that team name. The Rosebuds. Could they have come up with anything less hockey than the Rosebuds?
I won’t earn any favors by telling them that.
...
“Can we talk about that team name? I mean, the Rosebuds? Couldn’t they have decided on something better?”
“It’s not even a full rose,” Parker points out. “It’s a bud. It hasn’t even bloomed.”
“Well, then, we’ll have to show them that we’re the best team out there,” I tell them. “Buds be damned.”

And then to have the new coach & her player fall in love amidst it all? So cute, so fun & I’m really excited to see where Emily takes this series. No matter what, I am definitely here for it all!

I had a sex dream about Delaney.
My coach.
Fuck. This is the last thing I need to have happen...
“Are you okay?” She studies me with a quizzical eye.
“I’m fine.” If fine means I had a sex dream about you and can’t stop thinking about it, then I’m fine. “Just fine.”
“You sure?” ... The smile she gives does nothing to help quell the thoughts I’m having about her.
She’s your coach. She’s your coach.

Let's talk connectivity to the ever-expanding Emily Silver Universe: Lydia, one of the FMCs, is the sibling to Troy Hollins, who we met in Best Kept Secret (when he was in college & she was on the national hockey team) & various times throughout that Colorado Black Diamonds series. We also got her parents' love story in Changing the Play as we see Sutton (with her young daughter Lydia) fall in love with Derek (& his young son Troy) to create a beautiful blended family. Is it required to read these books before this one? No, of course not since this is a new series. But if you're like me & you want to know everything possible about this world, then check those out too!

This time, I drink my fill. From the tight leather pants that showcase that ass of hers perfectly to the pink blouse she’s wearing.
Nope. Not going to think of how good she looks right now...
“But what about you? I don’t know anything you’ve been doing since I last saw you.”
Recovering from my injury. Trying to find a new life for myself. Not think about you.
Normal things.
“Hockey,” I tell her.

And onto the dual narrated audiobook... these narrators were completely new to me & I really liked their performances, especially Quinn's. I've tried to broaden my exposure to audio by finding new narrators & continuing to explore styles outside of duet/full cast (which is where I started). Listening to a story like this, performed by these talented women, just continues to prove how magical audiobook reading can be because it elevates the each character's arc. This audiobook is no exception. Can I go to Girl Power & Pints with the ladies now? 😂

[Mars Rads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I am a huge sucker for sports romances, especially hockey romances. When I was young, I was obsessed with the US Women’s Ice Hockey team (I still proudly wear my Cammi Granato jersey). There are so few sapphic sports romances, so I will read any that I find. Love Pucked was such a fun sapphic hockey book. It absolutely called out to my queer, sports loving heart. The two main characters are ex-teammates and ex-…well, something more. When Delaney injured herself and saw the end of her playing career, she retreated from whatever was developing between her and Lydia. Fast forward to the development of a new PWHL team in Toronto. Delaney gets her dream job as the head coach and Lydia is the star player. As much as the two know that they need to keep their distance so they don’t violate the team’s fraternization policy, they both still feel that attraction that they were never able to fully play out. One of my favorite things was that each MC had their own friend group that was there for them when they needed it. I loved the interactions between the main characters and I thought the side stories (coming out, real family vs. bio family) were absolutely fantastic.

I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of this story. The two narrators did such an amazing job. Their voices flowed well and brought the main characters to life. I never found myself losing interest or spacing out while listening. I have listened to my fair share of sapphic audiobooks, so I am very familiar with the voice of Quinn Riley. I would listen to just about anything she narrated. She portrayed Lydia with strength as well as vulnerability that matched the character in the story. This was the first time I had the chance to listen to Bailey Carr narrate and I thought she did a great job of portraying Delaney as the serious coach with a serious problem. While this was the first time I listened to her, I would definitely listen to more books narrated by her in the future.

I was so happy to finally get the chance to read a sapphic hockey romance. Not only is it nice to see more sapphic sports romances in general, but it is also great to see more stories with women’s professional sports. This book has some wonderfully spicy scenes and made you double check that your door is locked when you play to have some special alone time. I really enjoyed this book and hope to see so much more sapphic sports romances in the future.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audiobook Review**

The moment this book was announced, I couldn’t wait to read it. I have been anxiously awaiting for a hockey romance set in the PWHL world. “Loved Pucked” is a sweet, steamy and heartfelt sapphic hockey romance that was everything I hoped it would be and I can’t wait for more from this series.

There’s a new PWHL team in town and Delaney Charles is the first head coach for the Toronto Rosebuds. This is a huge opportunity for Delaney and she’s focused on the team and making a name for herself. And having Lydia Bishop, the woman who changed her world years ago when they were on the national team together, on the Rosebuds was the last thing she was expecting. Lydia is one of the top players in the PWHL and is just as shocked to see Delaney again after all these years. Delaney can’t afford the distraction but the chemistry they had all those years ago is still there.

I am so thrilled that there is finally a sapphic hockey romance out in the world and I loved this story so much. Delaney is smart, genuine and focused on making the PWHL just as successful as the NHL. She’s a former player who got hurt but turned her career around to be a coach and has worked so hard to be where she’s at right now. Lydia is amazing and someone who I loved from the beginning. She’s confident, caring and an amazing hockey player. And the smile I had on my face when I realized the connection she had to another Emily Silver book with characters that I loved so much. Delaney and Lydia tried to keep things professional as coach and player but as they spent time together, it was so clear that they still had that sizzling connection. I loved the teasing leading up the moment and couldn’t get enough of it. But they also reconnected emotionally now that both were older and had time to grow as individuals. Their story was so romantic and I had heart eyes the whole time I was listening. The ending was so perfect for them and I can’t wait for another story in the Rosebuds world.

Bailey Carr and Quinn Riley narrated as Delaney and Lydia and I loved listening to them bring this story to life. Bailey’s narration was passionate and genuine just like Delaney. Quinn was amazing as Lydia, I loved listening to her bring the fun and dynamic Lydia to life.

[Tiffany Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, beautiful and heartfelt sapphic hockey romance!! Emily is always incredible at writing sapphic romances and this is definitely my new favorite from her!

I absolutely love forbidden romance and ate up the coach/player dynamic in this story!! Then Emily threw in the twist that they were also ex-girlfriend’s and I loved the delicious sizzling tension it created as they navigated this new close proximity combined with their history. Their second chance romance was such an easy, quick and engaging listen on audio that was full of undeniable chemistry, sweet moments and sexy spice but also showcased female empowerment in male dominated sports and coaching positions!!

📖The PWHL is expanding and the league created new teams. Lydia becomes a new player on the Toronto team and is excited to see who the new coach is going to be. Out comes Delaney Charles, the new head coach… and also her ex. They had a fling in the past from when they both played together but things did not end as planned. You can feel the chemistry and feelings still swirling between them now, however the team has a no fraternization policy.

Hockey Romance
Sapphic
Coach & Player
Second Chance
Forced Proximity
Ex-Girlfriends
Forbidden
Pierced FMC

🎧AUDIO REVIEW:
Bailey Carr & Quinn Riley were incredible together in this dual narration!!! Their voices flowed together so naturally as a duo as they captured the deep, genuine connection and desire between these two. It’s a quick, low angst listen that is sweet, satisfying and fun!

Bailey’s soft voice completely embodied Delaney’s sweet yet reserved personality. However she had a determined and authoritative tone to her voice that showcased her passion of coaching. Quinn’s lively tone was full of passion and perfectly captured Lydia’s outgoing personality! She also has so many different voices for each character and gave an incredible performance! Overall, this sapphic romance is such a fantastic listen and I could not get enough!!

[Nicki🩷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delaney & Lydia’s story was so beautiful.

This story was such a heartfelt, beautiful second chance sapphic romance that pulls on your heartstrings and melts them. It wasn’t quite a slow burn, but there was definitely some tension and buildup between both characters as they reminisced about their past relationship and struggles that lead them to where they are now.

I loved the balance between both of them. Delaney was more of this softer and sweeter vibe while Lydia was still sweet, but she had a rougher edge to her and they balance each other out so beautifully. Their connection and love was so instantaneous even when they weren’t together, and you could feel that they were meant for each other from the beginning.

I really loved each of their journeys separately as they built through their own struggles and still came together to have such a beautiful arc to their overall relationship and their love that was built. I especially loved their intimate moments not just because the space was so well written, but you could really feel the intensity of their intimacy together and it was so beautiful to read.

There was great representation of female empowerment throughout the story, with talks of how much more prevalent female sports is becoming, and having strong female, relationships, and friendships. I also loved the sense of found family with this new team as they formed a bond that truly was built to last.

I was able to get an ALC of this story, and I just felt that Bailey Carr and Quinn Riley did such a beautiful job of portraying the dynamics of each character. It was very clear the dynamic of each character with Delaney’s narrator having a more softer tone to her voice and Lydia’s narrator giving more of a gruff, edger vibe. Bailey & Quinn really played so well off of each other, and I loved hearing the interactions between both of them.

Thank you Emily for the opportunity to get an ALC!

[Monica (The Accidental Romance Blogger) Barbosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, @authoremilysilver for the ALC/ARC! 

Delaney had a promising hockey career until an injury crushed that dream. Now, she seems to have another dream come true when she's a hired to coach in the women's hockey league. Too bad one of the star players of the newly formed Toronto Rosebuds is Lydia Bishop, the woman who ruined her for all others. 

Lydia can't believe her new coach  is the woman who just left her when she got injured. She never thought they'd have another chance. And maybe they don't, because there is a strict non fraternization policy in the team. 

The pull between them is too strong. Will they rekindle the flame or have a future apart?

I loved Delaney and Lydia's love story! It's a sweet and spicy sapphic hockey romance that warmed my heart. Relatively low angst and full of swoony moments, this was a joy to listen to. 

The audiobook is narrated by one of my all time favorites, Bailey Carr, whose sweet and melodious voice is perfect for the determined but vulnerable Delaney. Quinn Riley pairs with Bailey and is a force to be reckoned with! She makes Lydia become real in our ears. The two of them made me cheer for the girls with performances that showed the characters' passion, dedication and longing. 

10/10, no notes! Emily + Baily + Quinn is a hat trick! 

Content notes: mentions of child abandonment, estranged, toxic relationship with a parent, fear of coming out

[Meredith (SweetReadsandTreats) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will never tire of second chance romances and Love Pucked was an adorable and steamy story. This book starts the new Toronto Rosebuds series that features a new female professional hockey team of the same name. As the team is formed, Delaney gets to live her new dream of being a professional head coach after she faced a career ending injury on the ice. What she never counted on was the woman from her past that she’s never forgotten being traded to the team as well. From the moment Delany and Lydia’s paths cross, their chemistry burns as hot as ever and it becomes only a matter of time before they pick up their relationship again. This second chance, forbidden, hockey romance is a sweet and passionate story about finding love again.

I loved both women so much, and I adored how they didn’t let this second chance get away from them. They are both take-charge professionals who are passionate about their jobs, but when things got complicated, they stood by one another. In audio, this was wonderfully performed in dual narration by Bailey Carr and Quinn Riley. Both women played so well off each other. This story covers a lot of ground for both women with their families and their careers. I was a bit surprised with the ending, but really loved how it all came together for these women. This was a great start to a new series that I can’t wait to continue reading.

[Becca Cherpak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was soooo excited for sapphic hockey romance! And I knew Emily would nail it. And I really liked that it was the PWHL and not a woman playing in the NHL (not that there’s anything wrong with that storyline!).

I loved Lydia a lot. She was a ray of sunshine and optimism, but wasn’t naive. She was a great morale booster for her new teammates (hence why she was voted Captain!) and was fantastic friend.

Delaney was a little bit of a harder sell for me, but by the end of the book I really liked her. She was stubborn and strong headed (same) and was fairly closed off from those around her. But she bent those rules for her love of Lydia.

The third act conflict was what I thought it’d be when it’s a coach/player romance. I wish the outcome wasn’t what it was, but honestly, it’s what realistically would’ve happened. I like that D kept coaching, though! Even if it was in a different capacity/ setting.

Reason I took off a star- Some times the pacing just felt off. Things would be getting hot and heavy, then two paragraphs later, they’re ordering food. And there were times when I wasn’t sure what the timeline was or how far ahead we had jumped.

I can’t wait for more sapphic hockey!

[Amanda Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.75/5⭐️ Spice: 3/5🌶️

Tropes:
💕Second chance
👭Sapphic romance
🤫Coach x player
🏒Hockey romance
🚫 Forbidden romance

OHHH MY GOSH!! This is my first FF romance and I loved it!! I’ve read MM before and why choose but never a FF and I’m pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. It could be because of Emily’s writing and the narration but it was amazing. And women’s hockey, heck yes!! Gimme more. Delaney and Lydia used to be teammates until an injury took Delaney out and ended their relationship. Now Delaney is the coach of the new women’s hockey team in Toronto, where Lydia is a player.

I absolutely loved Delaney and Lydia and couldn’t get enough of their tension-filled forbidden romance. Their chemistry was off the charts and I couldn’t wait for the “f it” moment. I was ready for them to get their second chance from the beginning. The tension between Delaney and Lydia was palpable. The way they tried to hide their attraction, sweep it under the rug and ignore it until they both snapped was epic. I loved how their love and connection never strayed or wavered through the years. Their connection was so strong nothing would keep them apart.

Bailey Carr and Quinn Riley did an absolutely phenomenal job capturing these characters' emotions and personalities and bringing them to life. I could feel the raw emotions coming from the narrators and hear the longing in their voices. They elevated this book and made it soo much better. 10/10 narration

If you enjoy a fun, sweet, heartfelt, sapphic romance with lots of spice that’ll have you all in your feels this book is for you.

[Laura D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delaney Charles is the new head coach of the Toronto Rosebuds, one of the newest teams in the PWHL. Delaney was a hockey player before an injury that halted her career, and it is her dream job to be a coach in the PWHL.

The day of the coach announcement, Delaney learns that one of her top players is going to be Lydia Bishop, who is an old teammate, as well as an old fling. The two ended abruptly, around the time of Delaney’s injury and haven't heard from each other since.

The tension between these two started from the beginning, and when it finally snapped these two really had some chemistry. I loved that both Delaney and Lydia were there for each other during some of the hard moments they had with their families.

I loved every moment of this book, I listened to the audio and binged it in one day. Emily has a way of writing that once you start her book, you’ll be finishing that day, and the narrators did an amazing job with each character. I love a sapphic romance, and I cannot wait to read more of them from Emily’s backlist.

Thank you Emily Silver for the ARC opportunity!

[Chante De Wit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfectly fun and sweet story from Emily, and I’m completely obsessed! Delaney & Lydia’s story is tender, sexy, and packed with emotion.

From the moment they’re back in each other’s lives, the tension is palpable and you can feel it coming off the pages. Their old feelings, unresolved hurt, and undeniable attraction they still have for one another make every interaction increase the chemistry. Delaney is such a gentle, caring person and it balances perfectly with Lydia’s fiery, slightly rough edges and together they are just the perfect fit.

What I really enjoyed from this story was their individual journeys, the struggles they’ve faced, and the way they grow while finding their way back to each other made their romance feel authentic and meant to be.

I also loved the broader layers of this book. The female empowerment, the focus on women in male dominated sports, and the found family they build with their team and fellow assistant coaches. It’s heartwarming and so inspiring and we need more of these kinds of books.

Honestly such a good first book in this series and I cannot wait for what will follow from this group of girls.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Pucked is the first book in Silver's Toronto Rosebuds series. This sapphic, second chance, forbidden hockey romance features Delaney Charles and Lydia Bishop.

After Delaney suffers a career-ending injury, she is hired to coach a brand new professional women's hockey league team - the Toronto Rosebuds. She has no influence in which players were selected to join the new team so when she sees that her old teammate Lydia has been selected, she is concerned about being able to keep their relationship professional. She and Lydia were involved before Delaney was injured and they haven't seen one another since. For Delaney, Lydia is the one that got away. She has no idea that Lydia feels much the same.

I loved seeing these two strong, talented women reconnect even though their relationship was strictly prohibited. I appreciated that they chose love over all; that is a beautiful thing.

The audiobook was narrated by Bailey Carr and Quinn Riley. They did a great job bringing Delaney and Lydia to life. Their voices were distinctive, allowing readers to easily differentiate between characters. They clearly emoted the chemistry and passion between the couple and thoroughly enhanced the listening experience.

[Kristina Maysonet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so excited for Lydia’s story since her parents' story. I knew it was going to be something fierce because the way that Lydia was so strong and determined in her love for hockey. I love that it is a sapphic story, there needs to be more of them and Emily does it so beautifully.

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔: Lydia Bishop & Delaney Charles
𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: Toronto Rosebuds

Delaney & Lydia’s story is a second chance romance. They had a fling in the past until it suddenly ended. Now years later they are reunited when they discover that Delaney is the new coach for the hockey team that Lydia plays for. It is clear almost immediately that they have unresolved feelings. But is it worth risking their positions with the team? The love between them was pure and raw and deeply felt especially from hearing the narrators. I loved the performance by Bailey Carr and Quinn Riley. Their voices were distinct enough to be able to remember/tell which was which character. The way they embodied these characters had me completely lost in the story.

[Andrea (looseleftlesbian) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to say that I don’t follow hockey at all, but to be honest, there wasn’t much hockey that was written about, at least not in depth.

I read this book pretty quickly. The
beginning was amazing and I loved the tension. However, I feel like the tension was broken too soon and easily. This is a job that Delaney has been working towards. She knows there’s no fraternization allowed but she easily forgoes that and falls into bed with Lydia. Yes, I get there is history and chemistry there, but I expected more of a fight. I expected Delaney to push back and say they can’t date. But it felt like she just willy nilly went into the relationship without even having a discussion on how they would hide it or what it could all mean.

A lot of the reviews talk about how the pacing was off and I agree. They moved fast, once again, I get the history but they acted liked they had been dating for years in a matter of weeks. I feel like this novel had a lot of potential but fell short. It felt rushed and like there should be more to the story.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Silver kicks off her new Toronto Rosebuds Hockey series in her signature romance-delicious way! 💕

Love Pucked introduces readers to the Rosebuds — a fierce, all-female hockey team — and dives straight into a second-chance, forbidden romance between new coach Delaney and her former flame, player Lydia. The chemistry between these two burns just as hot as ever, but now they’re tangled in all the complications that come with a coach–player dynamic.

Silver perfectly balances emotional depth, sizzling tension, and that heart-pounding sense of “will they, won’t they” that keeps you flipping pages late into the night. The connection between Delaney and Lydia feels raw and real — a love that never truly faded, only waited for its second shot at forever.

If this opener is anything to go by, the Rosebuds series promises passion, power, and plenty of heart both on and off the ice. I can’t wait to see what Emily Silver has in store next for this fierce team of women! 🏒

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Emily Silver book, and it definitely won’t be my last! I absolutely loved the pace of the story and her writing style—it flowed so well and kept me hooked the whole way through.

Love Pucked follows Delaney and Lydia, who had a short fling back in college but drifted apart. Years later, they’re brought back together when Delaney becomes the head coach of the Rosebuds hockey team… and Lydia just happens to be one of the players. It’s a really sweet, second-chance romance that’s both heartfelt and fun.

I loved watching them try (and fail) to hide their feelings for each other—the tension built so naturally, and when everything finally snapped, it felt completely earned. Their connection was genuine and easy to root for.

Overall, this was such an enjoyable read. Really cute, really well-paced, and full of heart. I’m definitely looking forward to diving into more of Emily Silver’s books!