Pages: 340
Published: 2025
Genre: Sports Romance, LGBTQ+ Romance, Contemporary
Spoiler-Free Synopsis:
Seventeen years ago, Colby Kessinger and Radimir “Novi” Novicov were teammates with undeniable chemistry and one moment that changed everything. After a drunken almost-kiss shattered their friendship, their lives went in completely different directions. Novi became an NHL superstar while Colby’s dreams of playing professionally slipped away, leading him instead toward a career in coaching.
Now, after years apart, Colby finally gets his shot at the NHL as a video coach. The catch? He will be working for Novi’s team. Forced back into each other’s orbit, old feelings quickly resurface, along with all the unresolved hurt, longing, and tension they left behind.
My Thoughts / Review:
I really loved this story, and honestly, Colby and Novi became one of my favorite couples in the entire series. There is something about second-chance romance mixed with years of unresolved tension that just works so well here. You can feel the history between them from the very beginning. Every interaction carries the weight of everything left unsaid over nearly two decades.
What makes this book stand out is how emotional and mature it feels compared to some of the earlier installments. Both characters are older, more established, and carrying years of regret in very different ways. Colby has spent years rebuilding his identity after losing the future he originally wanted, while Novi has been living under the constant pressure of hiding who he is in order to protect his family back in Russia. That emotional conflict adds so much depth to the story because Novi’s fear is not hypothetical. It impacts every part of his life and the choices he makes.
I especially appreciated how the book handles the idea of timing. Neither of them were ready for each other years ago, and there is a quiet sadness in realizing how much fear and circumstance shaped their lives. But there is also something really hopeful about seeing them get another chance now that they are older and more emotionally honest with themselves.
Colby is incredibly easy to root for. He has this grounded, steady energy that balances Novi’s guarded personality perfectly. Meanwhile, Novi might honestly be one of the most emotionally complex characters in the series. Beneath all the confidence and talent is someone who has spent years convincing himself he can never truly have the life he wants. Watching Colby slowly break through those walls was one of my favorite parts of the book.
The audiobook experience made this one even more impactful for me. The narrators captured the emotional restraint, longing, and chemistry so well that the quieter scenes hit just as hard as the bigger emotional moments.
What I loved most about this couple is that their relationship feels earned. It is not built on instant attraction alone. It is built on years of history, missed opportunities, friendship, longing, and finally choosing to stop running from what they want.
Easton and Knox may still hold a very special place for me, but Colby and Novi are absolutely competing for one of my favorite couples in the entire Puckboys series.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you love second-chance romance, former teammates, emotional slow burns, and stories filled with longing and unresolved tension, this is easily one of the strongest books in the series. It has heart, depth, and some of the most emotional payoff the series has delivered so far.
Favorite Moment Highlight:
The moments where years of tension finally start breaking down and both men realize they are still holding onto each other after all this time.
✨ Loved my review? You can grab your own copy of Stubborn Puckboy on Amazon!
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