Pucking Strong by Emily Rath (Paperback)

Teddy O’Connor knows he’s made a huge mistake. Six years after interning for the Jacksonville Rays, he’s a respected doctor ready to move on with his life. But when star forward Henrik Karlsson — the man he’s secretly loved since those early days — faces tragedy, Teddy can’t walk away.

Henrik’s sister has died, leaving behind his injured, grieving niece. Returning to Sweden, Henrik needs help — and not just on the ice. The Swedish authorities won’t grant him custody without stability at home, and that means one thing: a marriage of convenience. Teddy steps in to help, knowing the risk to his career, his heart, and his sanity.

Soon, the pair are living together under one roof, their lives tangled in public appearances, late-night confessions, and undeniable chemistry. The Rays want the marriage to look real — but pretending is the hardest part when every glance and touch feels far too genuine.

As love blurs the line between duty and desire, Teddy must face the truth: this isn’t just a fake marriage anymore. It’s everything he’s ever wanted — and everything he stands to lose.

A tender, slow-burn MM hockey romance filled with heart, heat, and emotional depth, Pucking Strong by Emily Rath is about love that refuses to stay on the sidelines.