Penalty to the Heart is the 3rd book in the Puckered Hearts series of interconnected standalones set around the Boston Guardians professional hockey team. I haven't read the first two books, and I think it's ok, but it definitely would have given me more depth to the character and group dynamics if I had. I really enjoy a slow burn romance, but I was missing some of the building tension I crave in this one. I love the hot glances when he doesn't think she's looking, and the Mr. Darcy hand-flex type moments when he can barely control himself. It always makes the snap when they finally give in so much sweeter.
I felt the pacing was a little off in the story. Due to the subject matter, the front two-thirds or so of the book feels so heavy. It's real and it's rough, and rightfully so, but at times it feels laborious getting to the love story. I want to acknowledge that grief is such a tough thing to write because everyone's journey is so different through it though. Once we finally get that pivot point in the story it picks up steam fast. I really enjoyed everything once things start to lighten slightly mood wise. I am still in a fresh grief journey myself, so I do want to concede that my personal frame of mind could certainly be coloring my feelings on the pace of the story. I really do appreciate the depth of the characters.
In the end, Caleb and Roxie have a beautiful love story. It's sexy, and meaningful, and hard fought, like all the best ones. Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity and Ivy Fox for the ARC opportunity.