Should You Read That One Night Before Pucking Around?
Read That One Night first if you want the prequel before the main novel. You can also begin with Pucking Around: Emily Rath describes the novel as a standalone first book. The prequel adds a starting point; it is not a reason to put off a book you already want to read.
This is a spoiler-light guide to that first reading decision, not a complete Jacksonville Rays timeline. It separates the prequel from the main novel and helps you choose a format without accidentally buying the wrong book.
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The short reading order
- That One Night — the Jacksonville Rays prequel novella.
- Pucking Around — the first main Jacksonville Rays novel.
The author’s book catalog identifies those roles. Her Pucking Around description explicitly says the novel stands alone. Together, those notes give you two reasonable ways in.
Which starting point fits you?
| Your preference | Suggested start |
|---|---|
| I want the earlier story first | That One Night, then Pucking Around |
| The hockey novel is what caught my attention | Begin with Pucking Around |
| I am trying the author for the first time | Read an available sample before choosing |
| I already finished Pucking Around | Treat the prequel as a return visit, not missing homework |
Why read the prequel first?
Chronological reading can suit readers who enjoy meeting people before a bigger story gets moving. Starting with the shorter work also gives you a different-sized reading commitment. That does not mean a novella represents every feature of a long novel: cast size, pacing and the balance of relationship development can change.
If you already own both books and have no strong preference, the prequel-first route is a straightforward choice. If you own only the main novel, the author’s standalone description is useful reassurance that you have a valid starting point.
What kind of romance is Pucking Around?
Rath presents it as a spicy why-choose hockey romance involving Rachel, a physical therapist, and three men connected to the team. That relationship setup matters more to a buying decision than a generic “sports romance” label. A hockey setting alone does not tell you how many romantic partners a story has.
If the terminology is new, our why-choose, reverse-harem and polyamorous romance explainer separates the labels. For the difference between relationship structure and explicitness, use our spice-level guide.
Find the book you actually mean to buy
Confirm the author as well as the title, then choose ebook, print or audiobook. Check the listing for current price and any subscription eligibility. A search result, a similar title or a collection cover is not enough to establish what an edition contains.
What to read afterward
Choose what you want to carry into the next book: the team setting, multiple-partner relationship, everyday care or emotional intensity. Our why-choose recommendations offer starting points by relationship and setting, while our sports romance collection lets you explore other competitive worlds.
For an option from our own catalog, Ours to Keep by Isla Wilde centers an adult woman and her two longtime male friends. It offers an MFM relationship and hurt/comfort rather than a hockey-team setting. We publish this book; its page includes a sample, content notes and buying options.
Quick questions
Is That One Night the same book as Pucking Around?
No. The author lists a separate prequel novella and first main novel. Check any bundle’s contents before buying both individually.
Does standalone mean there are no connected books?
No. A complete central story can exist inside a shared world. Our standalone versus interconnected guide explains that distinction.
