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A review by abidavisf
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
funny
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Pucking Around is like nothing I’ve ever read before. I’ve never been interested in exploring the ‘why choose?’ trope, but this book was continually advertised to me and had exceptional ratings so I had to give it a shot. While I think I can safely say that ‘why choose?’ is not for me, I can really understand why so many people love this book and this story.
Jake is a bundle of sunshine. He made his way onto my list of favourite fictional characters almost instantly. If he were real, I think he’d be too good for this earth. I want to wrap him in cotton wool and give him everything he could ever dream of. I truly think that Rachel and Jake are soulmates, that much was clear from the prequel (which I adored). I wish I’d learned more about Jake’s upbringing or personal life in general through this book.
In fact, I wish that for Caleb and Ilmari too, though the latter was covered a lot more than Jake and Caleb. It felt, at times, that these men were dropped into Rachel’s story, rather than them all being equal narrators.
I did spend a large portion of the book wondering why Ilmari was included but, towards the end, I think as the four of them grew closer, I came around to it. It wasn’t the fact that they added a fourth person to their relationship, but rather than I couldn’t understand how Rachel saw so much in him when he gives very very little away. Even the parts he gives to Rachel were, to me, very unsubstantial, but I think that I could feel that way just because I’m comparing him to a loud, extroverted American like Jake.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series, but I did enjoy this book. It wasn’t my typical plot and it honestly shocked me in parts (which rarely happens) but I was intrigued and keen to know more almost throughout the entire book.
Also, I really want to know how Poseidon came about. Why does Caleb feel so insecure about him? We really didn’t delve into that. I need more.
Jake is a bundle of sunshine. He made his way onto my list of favourite fictional characters almost instantly. If he were real, I think he’d be too good for this earth. I want to wrap him in cotton wool and give him everything he could ever dream of. I truly think that Rachel and Jake are soulmates, that much was clear from the prequel (which I adored). I wish I’d learned more about Jake’s upbringing or personal life in general through this book.
In fact, I wish that for Caleb and Ilmari too, though the latter was covered a lot more than Jake and Caleb. It felt, at times, that these men were dropped into Rachel’s story, rather than them all being equal narrators.
I did spend a large portion of the book wondering why Ilmari was included but, towards the end, I think as the four of them grew closer, I came around to it. It wasn’t the fact that they added a fourth person to their relationship, but rather than I couldn’t understand how Rachel saw so much in him when he gives very very little away. Even the parts he gives to Rachel were, to me, very unsubstantial, but I think that I could feel that way just because I’m comparing him to a loud, extroverted American like Jake.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series, but I did enjoy this book. It wasn’t my typical plot and it honestly shocked me in parts (which rarely happens) but I was intrigued and keen to know more almost throughout the entire book.
Also, I really want to know how Poseidon came about. Why does Caleb feel so insecure about him? We really didn’t delve into that. I need more.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexual content, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail