Pucks and Likes by Toni Aleo is a charming addition to the expansive world of sports romance, delivering a delightful blend of ice hockey thrills and digital-age romance. Aleo, known for her ability to weave emotional depth with engaging sports narratives, does not disappoint with this latest entry. The novel manages to capture the essence of its contemporary setting, where social media's influence looms large over personal and professional lives, especially for public figures such as athletes.

The story follows Beckett Hayes, a rising star in the NHL, known not only for his prowess on the ice but also for his active and popular social media presence. He's charming, good-looking, and completely at ease in the limelight—traits that make him an instant favorite among fans, particularly on Instagram, where he frequently engages with his followers. His online persona, filled with behind-the-scenes peeks and personal anecdotes, feels genuine and has earned him a dedicated fanbase. However, beneath this polished surface, Beckett wrestles with the pressures of fame and the isolation it can bring.

Enter Mia Wallace, a social media consultant hired by Beckett's team to boost their online presence and leverage Beckett's popularity to enhance the team's brand. Mia is practical, fiercely independent, and a bit skeptical of the glitzy world of professional sports. Her previous job experiences have left her somewhat jaded about the potential of social media to forge genuine connections, seeing it instead as a tool for meticulous image crafting. Her approach contrasts sharply with Beckett's, sparking initial conflicts but also undeniable chemistry.

The romance that unfolds is both sweet and complicated, grounded in the realities of their high-profile world. Aleo excels in crafting characters with depth, and both Beckett and Mia are thoroughly developed. Beckett’s charismatic yet vulnerable personality makes him a compelling male lead. His interactions with Mia, who challenges him to view his life and career through a less filtered lens, help peel back layers of his character that he had kept hidden from the public and perhaps himself. Mia, on the other hand, is portrayed with a strength and sincerity that makes her relatable. Her professional demeanor and personal setbacks sketch a portrait of a woman navigating her path in a world where perceptions often overshadow reality.

The dialogue between Beckett and Mia crackles with intensity and wit, enabling readers to feel their connection grow. Toni Aleo’s writing shines in these exchanges, capturing the humor and warmth that balances the more serious themes of the book. The integration of social media into their relationship provides a modern twist, making their story feel particularly relevant. Through text messages, Instagram posts, and public interactions, their relationship evolves in a fishbowl, adding layers of complexity to how they relate to each other and the world around them.

Aleo doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of fame. Pucks and Likes addresses issues like privacy, the invasive nature of celebrity culture, and the mental toll it can take on individuals. Through Beckett’s experiences, the novel explores how public personas can be both a shield and a burden. Similarly, Mia’s career in social media marketing sheds light on the manipulation and engineered reality behind online content, a pertinent discussion for today’s digital landscape.

The novel is peppered with engaging secondary characters, from team members and managers to family and friends, who add richness and humor to the story. The detailed descriptions of hockey games bring energetic bursts to the narrative, showcasing Aleo’s knowledge of the sport and her ability to convey its dynamic pace and excitement. These sequences not only serve to heighten the stakes but also immerse the reader in the athletic world that so defines Beckett.

In conclusion, Pucks and Likes by Toni Aleo is a thoughtful, entertaining read that blends romance with insightful commentary on modern fame and the impact of social media. Its well-crafted characters and engaging storyline make this a standout book in the sports romance genre. Aleo’s ability to infuse her stories with both warmth and a deeper social message is evident throughout the novel, providing both escapism and a mirror to our current culture. A must-read for fans of contemporary romance and sports enthusiasts alike.