Pucked Love (The Pucked Series Book 7) Kindle Edition

What twists and turns I wish the series wouldn’t end

If you know me, you know I rarely pre-order and pre-pay for books. I just prefer to wait till they're out. But this book was released as audio before physical book, and I decided I had to go ahead and pre-order it. I thought about saving it for my drive to Book Bonanza, since Helena Hunting was one of my MUST meet authors, but I couldn't wait, and as soon as it was available, I had to start listening. Charlene and Darren have always just kind of been in the background of the other books in a way. In the way that Charlene was Violet's best friend and she was dating Darren. Now, I love Violet, and her craziness. But let's just say that Charlene and Darren have their own brand of crazy, sexy, you name it. As usual with one of Hunting's books, I had a ton of notes that I made on Goodreads as I listened to this. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like Darren. But after he had a talk with Alex, and I realized that he just wasn't really up on how to have a real relationship, I got to like him a lot more. I loved the stats that Charlene said he kept about their relationship. I loved hearing about where Charlene's box of "I thought it would be fun, but I changed my mind" came from.

Charlene's mom killed me. But then most of the parents in these stories are so funny. And then when the girls all went to the sex convention, OMG! I totally knew that Violet was going to have a "sword-fight" with the strap-on. I just knew it. Then Charlene's background at The Harvest Co-op was one that I wasn't sure just how bad it got. That was something that kept going throughout the story, and kept me on the edge waiting to hear just what had happened there. Darren's family issues fit perfectly with Charlene's, well, especially with her mother. I loved the bit about Charlene's candy as well.

One funny thing about the story tied in perfectly to something the author said at a panel at Book Bonanza. She said that she has to actually sometimes get into the positions for the sex scenes to figure out how to write them. I was having trouble picturing the final scene in this book, so I told her that and we laughed and figured it out.

As a long-time fan of the Pucked series, Darren and Charlene’s story intrigued me, but I admit that I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about them getting a full-length book. They aren’t my favourite characters and their relationship dynamic is ‘different’, but there was no way I wasn’t going to read this one, and I am happy to say that their story completely captured my heart, and I loved it! This is the story I wanted for them! This is what I wanted to see, and I was enthralled from start to finish as we finally get to know this secretive couple.

The mystery of Darren and Charlene’s relationship has been simmering away in the background of the series. They haven’t been a focus, but there have been hints of some kinky goings on, and a non-relationship sort of set up that seems to be mainly sex with a bit of a BDSM edge. Well, we knew nothing. Absolutely nothing. And as the truth of their relationship is revealed, I couldn’t get enough of their dynamic.

Without being spoilery, they have both have very difficult childhoods that have impacted on the who they are, and how they handle relationships and intimacy. It has led them to a somewhat unconventional relationship that, although solid, is also somewhat tentative. They have been together for two years and their passion for each other is as all-consuming as it was when they first met, it’s the emotional stuff that hasn’t really progressed, with neither of them really sure how to deal with it. This book is an exploration of that as they finally begin to explore their feelings and what it is they truly want, and everything begins to shift.

The changes in their relationship are both helped and hindered along the way with some surprising family drama and the revelation of secrets from the past, forcing a new openness between Darren and Charlene. And the status of Darren’s career and his future in the NHL provides its own strain. All of the pressures combine to put them to the test, and it will take all the strength they have to deal with all they are faced with and find their way forward – truly together.

The feels are intense as they finally begin to let it all out, and I loved watching the changes to them, individually and as a couple, as they open up and show their sweet, emotional sides – Darren in particular - which was beautifully romantic and super swoony.

The rest of the Pucked crew are a big part of the story, of course, as all up in each other’s lives as they are. I loved seeing them take Darren and Charlene’s backs – the girls with their unique brand of support, and the absolute awesomeness that is the boys all offering Darren romantic advice. The scenes with them together are absolute gold! And there’s quite a bit of story progression for the other couples as well, and I loved seeing them living out their HEAs.

I loved this book. It was surprisingly sweet and emotional, while still maintaining the hilarity, crudeness and steam that make this series so much fun. Darren and Charlene’s story has been a long time coming, and it was definitely worth the wait to get to know these complex, vulnerable yet strong characters and see them get the happy ending they so desperately deserve.

Such a great read

Umm I really don`t know where or how to start.
I`ve waited for what feels like a life time for Darren and Charlene`s story, I wasn't disappointed, and it certainly wasn't what I was expecting.
I`m not about to spoil it for the followers of this series that are patiently waiting for the ebook release, but just know that Helena Hunting has once again given us another outstanding addition to this series.
Many surprises for all the "Pucked Fans" so get ready people.
It`s a little sad that this is the end of this fantastic series, I really hope she adds another book with everyone, you know a little look into the future of all of our favourite couples and their little families.
Pssssssss, DID YOU HEAR THAT Helena Bahahaha
Darren, gawd bless his socks and underwear is one of the sweetest, kindest characters I have read in a long time.
But lawd help me, he just wasn't what I was expecting him to be, sneaky Helena lead us up the garden path she did. LOL
Excellent narrative by two very talented voice artist