The Quick Verdict: Does She Choose or Does She Keep Both?
If you are here because you are spiraling over whether Lyla picks the brooding Ryker Samuels or the charming Chase Weston, take a deep breath. She does not choose. In the world of Double Pucked, Lauren Blakely delivers a definitive 'Why-Choose' Happy Ever After (HEA) that prioritizes the female protagonist's desires over traditional monogamous constraints. The story concludes with Lyla in a committed, long-term relationship with both men, moving from a temporary roommate arrangement to a permanent triad.
However, for those looking for a spicy M/M connection between the two hockey stars, here is the cold shower: the author explicitly maintains a 'no swords crossing' rule. This is a MFM dynamic, not MMM. Ryker and Chase are focused entirely on Lyla, and while their camaraderie is peak bromance, their physical intimacy remains centered on her. It is a specific sub-genre choice that has left the TikTok book community divided, but one that aligns perfectly with the 'Female Gaze' of sports romance.
The Catalyst: Why a Cheating Ex Was the Best Thing to Happen to Lyla
The narrative engine of Double Pucked is fueled by a very specific kind of feminine rage. When Lyla catches her boyfriend cheating, she does not just delete his photos; she weaponizes his social status. Taking his high-priced VIP hockey tickets to a game featuring his favorite rivals is a masterclass in petty brilliance. This is the hook that separates the book from your standard 'roomies-to-lovers' fare. It is not just about finding love; it is about reclaiming power in a room full of men who think they own the ice.
Enter Ryker and Chase. By positioning them as the rivals of Lyla's ex, Blakely creates a scenario where Lyla’s romantic ascension is her ex’s ultimate psychological defeat. The 'Image Makeover' trope is applied here with a heavy hand, as the players need Lyla to soften their public personas as much as she needs them to prove her worth to a man who didn't see it. You can find more about this setup in the official author summary.
Breaking Down the MFM Dynamic: Why 'No Swords Crossing' Matters
In the hierarchy of contemporary romance tropes, the 'Why-Choose' category is often misunderstood. In Double Pucked, the choice to keep it MFM (Male-Female-Male) rather than MMM (Male-Male-Male) is a strategic narrative decision. By avoiding M/M interaction between Ryker and Chase, Blakely keeps the focus entirely on Lyla as the sun in their solar system. For many readers, this is the ultimate fantasy: two elite athletes who are usually at each other's throats on the ice, completely unified in their devotion to one woman.
This dynamic satisfies the 'Reverse Harem' itch without the complexities of polyamory where the men are also romantically involved with each other. It is clean, it is focused, and it is unapologetically about Lyla's pleasure. While some fans on Goodreads expressed disappointment that the 'rivalry' didn't translate into a more interconnected triad, the MFM structure provides a safer entry point for readers transitioning from standard romance into the 'Why-Choose' world.
The 'Revenge' Plot Hole: Was the Resolution Too Fast?
If there is one critique to be leveled at Double Pucked, it is that the 'sweet revenge' promised in the early chapters loses its teeth as the romance takes center stage. The ex-boyfriend, who serves as the perfect initial antagonist, fades into the background relatively quickly. For a book that marketed itself on the back of a jilted lover's vengeance, the corporate and social takedown of the ex feels like a missed opportunity for higher stakes.
We wanted to see Lyla use her 'book nerd' intelligence to systematically dismantle his life. Instead, the story pivots heavily into the roommate-to-lovers steam. While the chemistry between the trio is undeniable, the narrative would have felt more balanced if the external conflict—the revenge—had carried the same weight as the internal romantic development. The 'Image Makeover' subplot provides some friction, but it never quite reaches the boiling point of a true high-stakes sports drama.
Conclusion: A Masterclass in Emotional Labor and Hockey Abs
Double Pucked succeeds because it understands its audience perfectly. It delivers on the 'Why-Choose' promise with a Happy Ever After that feels earned, even if the road there is paved with more steam than actual hockey strategy. Lyla’s journey from a heartbroken bookworm to the center of a two-man devotion is the kind of escapism that has made Lauren Blakely a staple on the Amazon best-seller lists.
Is it a deep sociological study on polyamory? No. Is it the perfect read for someone who wants to see a cheating ex eat dust while two professional athletes compete to be the best boyfriend? Absolutely. The ending provides total closure, leaving Lyla, Ryker, and Chase in a stable, loving home together, proving that sometimes, you really can have it all.
FAQ
1. Who does Lyla end up with at the end of Double Pucked?
Lyla ends up in a committed 'Why-Choose' relationship with both Ryker Samuels and Chase Weston. She does not have to pick just one.
2. Is there M/M content in Double Pucked?
No. The book follows an MFM (Male-Female-Male) dynamic, meaning the romantic and physical intimacy is focused between each man and Lyla, with no sexual interaction between the men (often called 'no swords crossing').
3. What is the spice level of Double Pucked?
The book is considered high-spice (4/5 or 5/5 on romance scales), featuring multiple steamy scenes involving the triad and various 'roomies-to-lovers' scenarios.
References
goodreads.com — Double Pucked on Goodreads
laurenblakely.com — Lauren Blakely Official Site
amazon.com — Amazon: Double Pucked Ebook