Pucking Around Summary, Characters and Themes

Pucking Around is a romance novel by Emily Rath. It follows Rachel Price, a doctor who gets a chance to work for a hockey team, the Jacksonville Rays. There she reconnects with a mystery man she had a one-night stand with months ago – turns out it’s Jake Compton, a star player on the team. They develop a connection but things get complicated as Rachel feels attracted to Jake’s best friend Caleb too. 

The story explores a polyamorous relationship as Rachel, Jake, and Caleb decide to be together. They face challenges including a hidden injury of another hockey player Ilmari and societal disapproval towards their unconventional relationship.

Summary

Rachel Price, a doctor, is devastated after being rejected for a prestigious fellowship with a hockey team. 

To cope, she has a one-night stand with a stranger in Seattle. Months later, she gets a surprise offer for the same fellowship with the Jacksonville Rays.

In Jacksonville, Rachel meets Caleb, the grumpy but attractive assistant equipment manager who lives next door. They almost hook up, but Rachel decides to focus on work. 

There, she encounters the handsome defenseman Jake Compton, who turns out to be her one-night stand from Seattle. Both are drawn to each other, but Rachel maintains a professional distance.

Meanwhile, Rachel struggles to treat the enigmatic goalie Ilmari “Mars” Kinnunen, who is hiding a groin injury. 

Their interactions spark attraction, and Ilmari kisses Rachel. Although interested, Rachel prioritizes her existing connection with Jake and Caleb. She confesses her feelings for Ilmari, and to her surprise, they approve, even though they’re concerned about the dynamic.

Things get complicated when Rachel discovers Ilmari’s father is her old mentor, Doctor Halla, who abandoned him years ago. After a rocky start, this revelation brings Rachel and Ilmari closer, leading to s*x. 

However, Ilmari, uninterested in men, prefers to keep his relationship with Rachel separate from Jake and Caleb.

The situation evolves further when Jake and Caleb grow closer and explore their sexuality. As their relationship deepens, Jake starts questioning his own sexual orientation. 

Despite these complexities, the four decide they want their unique bond to be permanent.

Their biggest challenge lies in how to navigate a polyamorous relationship in the public eye, fearing professional repercussions. 

Their secret is exposed after Rachel and Caleb wear Jake and Ilmari’s jerseys to a game, sparking rumors. Soon after, Jake and Caleb are caught kissing, followed by Rachel and Ilmari.

This public revelation results in Rachel’s suspension for violating ethics by treating Ilmari after they became romantically involved. To escape the pressure, Rachel visits her family.

Meanwhile, Jake, Caleb, and Ilmari decide to make a bold statement. They go public with their relationship, even hiding Rachel’s phone to prevent her from knowing. 

They then bring her to a game where fans show overwhelming support, wearing jerseys with the name “Price” after Jake and Ilmari change their last names. 

This public display, combined with an outpouring of support from Rachel’s patients, leads to her reinstatement.

The novel concludes with Ilmari winning a gold medal and the group embracing the idea of starting a family together.

Characters

Rachel Price

Rachel Price is the protagonist of “Pucking Around,” a dedicated medical professional whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is awarded a fellowship with the Jacksonville Rays hockey team. 

Her character is complex, marked by a blend of professional ambition and personal vulnerabilities. Initially in a slump due to a previous rejection for the fellowship, Rachel’s life is revitalized by her new role. 

Her encounter with “Mystery Boy” (Jake Compton) introduces a romantic tension that complicates her professional life. Rachel’s attraction to multiple partners reflects her open-mindedness and adaptability, as she navigates a polyamorous relationship with Jake, Caleb, and Ilmari. 

Her ethical dilemma regarding her relationship with Ilmari, a patient, adds depth to her character, highlighting her internal conflict between personal desires and professional responsibilities. 

Rachel’s ultimate reinstatement in her position after a suspension showcases her resilience and the strong support system she has built with her partners.

Jake Compton

Jake Compton, the defensive lineman for the Jacksonville Rays, is initially introduced as Rachel’s “Mystery Boy” from a past encounter. 

His character is portrayed as persistent and flirtatious, with a deep attraction to Rachel that he eagerly pursues despite her initial professional reservations.

Jake’s relationship with Rachel evolves from a passionate night to a committed polyamorous relationship, where he also develops feelings for Caleb. 

His journey includes questioning his own sexuality, which adds a layer of vulnerability and self-discovery to his character. 

Jake’s willingness to embrace his feelings for both Rachel and Caleb, along with his acceptance of Ilmari, demonstrates his open-mindedness and emotional growth. 

His decision to publicly reveal their relationship, despite the potential professional consequences, underscores his commitment to his partners and their unconventional family.

Caleb Sanford

Caleb Sanford, the assistant equipment manager for the Rays, is initially presented as grumpy and reticent, contrasting with Rachel’s immediate attraction to him. 

Despite his initial aloofness, Caleb quickly becomes an integral part of Rachel’s life, both as a neighbor and a romantic interest. His close friendship with Jake evolves into a deeper, romantic relationship, which he navigates with caution and care. 

Caleb’s character is marked by his protective nature, as seen when he rescues Rachel and supports her throughout their complex relationship dynamics. His bisexuality and developing feelings for Jake reflect his fluid sexuality and openness to love in various forms. 

Caleb’s role in the polyamorous relationship is pivotal, providing emotional stability and support to Rachel, Jake, and Ilmari, and his acceptance of Ilmari into their relationship highlights his inclusive and compassionate nature.

Ilmari “Mars” Kinnunen

Ilmari “Mars” Kinnunen, the enigmatic goalie, adds a unique dynamic to the story. His character is initially distant and secretive, primarily due to his injury and his fear of being scouted by Finnish Olympic representatives. 

Ilmari’s stoicism masks a deep vulnerability related to his past, particularly his abandonment by his birth father, Doctor Halla. His attraction to Rachel unfolds slowly, marked by a significant kiss that leads to his integration into the polyamorous relationship. 

Unlike Jake and Caleb, Ilmari does not engage in a sexual relationship with the other men, reflecting his distinct boundaries and preferences within the polyamorous setup. 

His eventual acceptance into the group and his sexual relationship with Rachel signify his willingness to embrace unconventional love. 

Ilmari’s gold medal win for Finland and his decision to publicly declare his relationship with Rachel, Jake, and Caleb highlight his bravery and commitment to their collective future.

Themes

1. Polyamory and Unconventional Relationships

“Pucking Around” explores the theme of polyamory through the protagonist Rachel Price’s relationships with multiple partners. 

The novel delves into the dynamics and challenges of maintaining a polyamorous relationship, focusing on how the characters navigate their emotions, boundaries, and societal judgments. 

Rachel’s relationships with Caleb, Jake, and Ilmari showcase the complexities and joys of non-traditional love, highlighting communication, consent, and mutual respect as foundational elements. 

The characters’ willingness to embrace and support each other’s feelings and connections underscores the legitimacy and depth of their polyamorous bond. 

The narrative also addresses the stigma and misconceptions surrounding polyamory, emphasizing the importance of openness and honesty in maintaining healthy relationships.

2. Professionalism vs. Personal Desires

The novel presents a nuanced examination of the conflict between professional responsibilities and personal desires. 

Rachel’s role as a medical professional for the Jacksonville Rays hockey team puts her in a difficult position when her romantic relationships with team members Jake, Caleb, and Ilmari begin to develop. 

The ethical dilemma Rachel faces—treating Ilmari while being romantically involved with him—highlights the challenges of maintaining professionalism in the workplace. 

This theme is further explored through Rachel’s suspension and the eventual reconciliation of her professional and personal lives. 

The narrative underscores the importance of ethical conduct and the potential consequences of crossing professional boundaries, while also illustrating the characters’ struggle to balance their careers and personal happiness.

3. Identity and Self-Discovery

Identity and self-discovery are central themes in “Pucking Around,” particularly through the character arcs of Jake and Caleb. 

Jake’s journey of questioning and understanding his sexuality is a significant subplot, as he grapples with his feelings for both Rachel and Caleb. 

This exploration of bisexuality and queer identity is handled with sensitivity, highlighting Jake’s internal conflicts and eventual acceptance of his sexual orientation.

Similarly, Caleb’s gruff exterior gradually reveals a more vulnerable side as he navigates his growing attraction to Rachel and Jake. The characters’ experiences of self-discovery are intertwined with their relationships, illustrating how love and connection can lead to profound personal growth. 

The novel emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the courage to embrace one’s true identity, even in the face of societal expectations and prejudices.