What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rookie Hawkeyes #3
Bottle Rocket
In this heartfelt, slow-burn hockey romance, a runaway bride and a grumpy hockey star learn that both family and love can be found in the most unexpected places.
Order now and receive the stunning LIMITED EDITION, featuring a full color inside cover with character illustrations. This collectible is only available on a limited first print run, a must-have for any hockey romance lover!
“Taking the nanny job was supposed to be temporary. Catching feelings? Definitely not in the game plan.”
I’ll admit, running away from my wedding wasn’t on my list of to-dos.
Neither was losing my salary, my company car, and every ounce of stability my board of directors decided to strip away.
So when Trey Hartley’s nanny ghosts him mid-season, I do the unthinkable: I offer to help.
Yes, me. Vivi Newport. CEO of Seattle’s top staffing agency. I haven’t changed a diaper or enforced bedtime in over a decade, but desperate times, desperate measures.
Trey Hartley is six-foot-five of hockey muscle, ex-military discipline, and protective uncle vibes. He doesn’t ask for help—and definitely doesn’t know what to do when I show up with chore charts, late-night cocoa rituals, and a nine-year-old who already has me wrapped around her finger.
Now I’m balancing ballet recitals and board meetings, carpool lines and corporate fires—all while trying very hard not to notice that Trey isn’t looking at me like a woman who’s still supposed to marry my ex-fiancé to save my CEO position.
The longer I stay, the less “temporary” this feels.
And the harder it is to remember I’m supposed to leave.
Because falling for Trey wasn’t part of my carefully laid plans.
It hit hard, fast, and explosive… like the bottle rocket neither of us saw coming.
Order now and receive the stunning LIMITED EDITION, featuring a full color inside cover with character illustrations. This collectible is only available on a limited first print run, a must-have for any hockey romance lover!
“Taking the nanny job was supposed to be temporary. Catching feelings? Definitely not in the game plan.”
I’ll admit, running away from my wedding wasn’t on my list of to-dos.
Neither was losing my salary, my company car, and every ounce of stability my board of directors decided to strip away.
So when Trey Hartley’s nanny ghosts him mid-season, I do the unthinkable: I offer to help.
Yes, me. Vivi Newport. CEO of Seattle’s top staffing agency. I haven’t changed a diaper or enforced bedtime in over a decade, but desperate times, desperate measures.
Trey Hartley is six-foot-five of hockey muscle, ex-military discipline, and protective uncle vibes. He doesn’t ask for help—and definitely doesn’t know what to do when I show up with chore charts, late-night cocoa rituals, and a nine-year-old who already has me wrapped around her finger.
Now I’m balancing ballet recitals and board meetings, carpool lines and corporate fires—all while trying very hard not to notice that Trey isn’t looking at me like a woman who’s still supposed to marry my ex-fiancé to save my CEO position.
The longer I stay, the less “temporary” this feels.
And the harder it is to remember I’m supposed to leave.
Because falling for Trey wasn’t part of my carefully laid plans.
It hit hard, fast, and explosive… like the bottle rocket neither of us saw coming.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
800 people are currently reading
1624 people want to read
About the author
Kenna King
28 books600 followersAs an avid reader myself, and a Westcoast girl, I love two things: swoon-worthy pro athlete book boyfriends, and writing stories about them living in the beautiful Northwest where I'm blessed to call home.
I do my best work late at night after I’ve tucked in my three littles, and my hard-working husband.
I do my best work late at night after I’ve tucked in my three littles, and my hard-working husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
November 5, 2025
I love a Runaway bride story. I love even more when the hero drives the getaway car. So this book was off to a great start with me. Then add in that it's a Nanny/Single Dad and I was ready to be in Hockey Heaven. But then... well, things got really annoying.
I will get right to the chase. My biggest issue with this book is that the heroine (Vivi) did not choose the hero (Trey). He chooses her, but she doesn't choose him. In fact, if her fiance didn't do all the work to free her from the marriage agreement she's in for the sake of her company, she would have went through with the marriage. She was literally ready to do it. No talking her out of it, it was happening.
I just find that unacceptable. That's just my opinion, but it made her completely unlikeable to me, that she wasn't willing to try to negotiate out of it. She made absolutely pitiful attempts to do so, and again, if not for her ex-fiance and her father, she would have ditched Trey to play martyr and save her company.
Trey and his daughter were great, but I also felt like he gave her up and then forgave her way too easily. They both just felt extremely passive in their own story. I don't find anything redeeming in that. They both just needed to grow a pair and FIGHT for what they wanted.
P.S. I kinda really want the fiance's story with the wedding planned. That sounded like a fun time! And he was basically the hero of this romance anyway. Securing both Vivi and his own HEA's, while she did nothing.
Narrated by Emma Wilder & JF Harding and they were the best part!
3 Stars
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to Must Love Audio & the author for an ALC of this title.*
I will get right to the chase. My biggest issue with this book is that the heroine (Vivi) did not choose the hero (Trey). He chooses her, but she doesn't choose him. In fact, if her fiance didn't do all the work to free her from the marriage agreement she's in for the sake of her company, she would have went through with the marriage. She was literally ready to do it. No talking her out of it, it was happening.
I just find that unacceptable. That's just my opinion, but it made her completely unlikeable to me, that she wasn't willing to try to negotiate out of it. She made absolutely pitiful attempts to do so, and again, if not for her ex-fiance and her father, she would have ditched Trey to play martyr and save her company.
Trey and his daughter were great, but I also felt like he gave her up and then forgave her way too easily. They both just felt extremely passive in their own story. I don't find anything redeeming in that. They both just needed to grow a pair and FIGHT for what they wanted.
P.S. I kinda really want the fiance's story with the wedding planned. That sounded like a fun time! And he was basically the hero of this romance anyway. Securing both Vivi and his own HEA's, while she did nothing.
Narrated by Emma Wilder & JF Harding and they were the best part!
3 Stars
3 on the spice scale
*Thank you to Must Love Audio & the author for an ALC of this title.*
October 6, 2025
I am obsessed with Trey and am always here for a grumpy ex military MMC…plus add in he is now a hockey player and I’m a goner..
I loved this new take on the single dad trope being that it was an uncle/niece storyline and found that to be super refreshing for the genre.
This book was a little bit more insta love for my liking, as I am a slow burn lover, but looking past that I really enjoyed the story.
Spoilers
.
.
.
.
.
You’ve been warned
.
.
.
My biggest dislike with this one compared to the rest of the Hawkeyes franchise was that it really seemed like Vivi was going to go through with the arranged marriage and that Trey was going to let her without speaking up..I’m happy they ended up together but I wish we saw more fight and one or both going against what they thought was right for each other and not just ending up happy because outside forces solved it.
I loved this new take on the single dad trope being that it was an uncle/niece storyline and found that to be super refreshing for the genre.
This book was a little bit more insta love for my liking, as I am a slow burn lover, but looking past that I really enjoyed the story.
Spoilers
.
.
.
.
.
You’ve been warned
.
.
.
My biggest dislike with this one compared to the rest of the Hawkeyes franchise was that it really seemed like Vivi was going to go through with the arranged marriage and that Trey was going to let her without speaking up..I’m happy they ended up together but I wish we saw more fight and one or both going against what they thought was right for each other and not just ending up happy because outside forces solved it.
October 18, 2025
ARC Review
I went through so many emotions while reading this story. From the very start, I was rooting for Trey and Vivi because their connection felt so natural, like puzzle pieces finally clicking into place. Trey’s growth hit me the hardest. Watching him navigate such major life changes while believing he didn’t deserve happiness completely had my heart. Vivi’s journey was just as moving. Realizing the life she built wasn’t the one she truly wanted felt incredibly relatable and honest.
Their chemistry flowed so easily, and their little family dynamic was so easy to love. Adeline, for being only nine years old, was the sweetest little matchmaker from the very beginning.
I went through so many emotions while reading this story. From the very start, I was rooting for Trey and Vivi because their connection felt so natural, like puzzle pieces finally clicking into place. Trey’s growth hit me the hardest. Watching him navigate such major life changes while believing he didn’t deserve happiness completely had my heart. Vivi’s journey was just as moving. Realizing the life she built wasn’t the one she truly wanted felt incredibly relatable and honest.
Their chemistry flowed so easily, and their little family dynamic was so easy to love. Adeline, for being only nine years old, was the sweetest little matchmaker from the very beginning.
October 9, 2025
4.5/5 stars!!
Kenna King does it again, like always! The MMC's she writes ALWAYS has characteristics that make my heart melt. The FMC's are always strong, powerful women that can hold their own but still enjoy the princess treatment from their man. Trey's military background adds such depth to his character, that really made him standout to me. Vivi always fought for herself and her company, and Trey always supported her.
Love Trey and Vivi Ann ❤️
Kenna King does it again, like always! The MMC's she writes ALWAYS has characteristics that make my heart melt. The FMC's are always strong, powerful women that can hold their own but still enjoy the princess treatment from their man. Trey's military background adds such depth to his character, that really made him standout to me. Vivi always fought for herself and her company, and Trey always supported her.
Love Trey and Vivi Ann ❤️
October 5, 2025
Kenna hit a bottle rocket with this one!!
I have NO WORDS for Trey and Vivis story but I would read their entire life forever. Incredible! Kenna is a master of dual POVs and spicy scenes that are just enough to be spicy!
🌶️ 🌶️
Hockey and romance were made for each other.
ARC reader in exchange for an honest review.
I have NO WORDS for Trey and Vivis story but I would read their entire life forever. Incredible! Kenna is a master of dual POVs and spicy scenes that are just enough to be spicy!
🌶️ 🌶️
Hockey and romance were made for each other.
ARC reader in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2025
I was provided an ARC for my honest review.
Kenna King does it again! I love my hockey romance books and this is a little different than the usuals. Trey plays for the Hawkeyes but he is former military. Vivi is a CEO of a company. I loved the fact that there were multiple views in this book. You got a taste of the business world, military world while not taking away from hockey. There was still plenty of that!
It was a nice change from the normal sports romance books. A whiteboard, an adorable little girl and cameos from previous Kenna King books - I couldn’t put this one down! It was the ultimate tale of what really is your dream - keeping your company that you built from the ground up with an arraigned marriage or true love - or can you have both?
Kenna King does it again! I love my hockey romance books and this is a little different than the usuals. Trey plays for the Hawkeyes but he is former military. Vivi is a CEO of a company. I loved the fact that there were multiple views in this book. You got a taste of the business world, military world while not taking away from hockey. There was still plenty of that!
It was a nice change from the normal sports romance books. A whiteboard, an adorable little girl and cameos from previous Kenna King books - I couldn’t put this one down! It was the ultimate tale of what really is your dream - keeping your company that you built from the ground up with an arraigned marriage or true love - or can you have both?
October 14, 2025
ARC Review Bottle Rocket
4.5 Stars
Disability representation in this book is handed with some much grace and understanding.
“He’s a survivor. A fighter. If not for the hearing aid, you’d never know how much he hand been through.”
Books that have disability represented in such an authentic way means so much more to especially if it handed in the way that King does it in her books. Trey is more than just past and his disability. As someone that is chronically ill this means some much to me.
Something else that King does in this book through the character of Trey is how he handles grief and guilt.
“The thoughts of my younger brother sends a familiar ache through my chest. He should be here teaching his daughter these things. Not me - the broken soldier who can barely remember to sign a filed trip permission form”
Trey holds so much emotion that he doesn't let out because he views himself in the protector role but feels like he is letting down his niece and that she would be better off without him comes from the idea that he let his little brother down.
“‘Dad would want you to be happy.’ That gets my attention. Tommy always did know how to get through my defenses and apparently his daughter inherited that talent.
‘I am happy,’ I lie.
‘No, you are surviving .’ She kicks her feet against the dashboard. ‘There is a difference”
“Five minutes before I marry a man I don’t love”
Vivi the women who is willing to do everything so she doesn't have to ask for her father’s help with taking her business public. Marrying a man she doesn't love. Even an arranged marriage. Throughout the first chapter we start to put together who this character is and what really matters to her.
Vivi is the person to turn up for everyone but never expects that someone will turn up for her
“You came for me. No one’s ever done that.”
So seeing Trey looking after her, making her safe and protected is so great because it is done in such a way that it never changes this strong independent person that we see throughout this book.
“You have taken on so much and then he steps in and takes care of you.”
The characters within this book grew together. Trey letting Vivi go because it was the best friend was absolutely heart breaking and you see it eating the characters apart.
“I already know that I belong with you.”
4.5 Stars
Disability representation in this book is handed with some much grace and understanding.
“He’s a survivor. A fighter. If not for the hearing aid, you’d never know how much he hand been through.”
Books that have disability represented in such an authentic way means so much more to especially if it handed in the way that King does it in her books. Trey is more than just past and his disability. As someone that is chronically ill this means some much to me.
Something else that King does in this book through the character of Trey is how he handles grief and guilt.
“The thoughts of my younger brother sends a familiar ache through my chest. He should be here teaching his daughter these things. Not me - the broken soldier who can barely remember to sign a filed trip permission form”
Trey holds so much emotion that he doesn't let out because he views himself in the protector role but feels like he is letting down his niece and that she would be better off without him comes from the idea that he let his little brother down.
“‘Dad would want you to be happy.’ That gets my attention. Tommy always did know how to get through my defenses and apparently his daughter inherited that talent.
‘I am happy,’ I lie.
‘No, you are surviving .’ She kicks her feet against the dashboard. ‘There is a difference”
“Five minutes before I marry a man I don’t love”
Vivi the women who is willing to do everything so she doesn't have to ask for her father’s help with taking her business public. Marrying a man she doesn't love. Even an arranged marriage. Throughout the first chapter we start to put together who this character is and what really matters to her.
Vivi is the person to turn up for everyone but never expects that someone will turn up for her
“You came for me. No one’s ever done that.”
So seeing Trey looking after her, making her safe and protected is so great because it is done in such a way that it never changes this strong independent person that we see throughout this book.
“You have taken on so much and then he steps in and takes care of you.”
The characters within this book grew together. Trey letting Vivi go because it was the best friend was absolutely heart breaking and you see it eating the characters apart.
“I already know that I belong with you.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
Best Kenna King story ever
God, this was an amazing read. You get all your emotion forfilled ❤️
This is my absolute favorite from Kenna King, so much passion, so much love ❤️
God, this was an amazing read. You get all your emotion forfilled ❤️
This is my absolute favorite from Kenna King, so much passion, so much love ❤️
December 30, 2025
that all worked out...suspiciously easily. also adeline you're a goof
October 10, 2025
Runaway Vows to Rinkside Romance
Vivi (FMC): CEO of Newport Staffing Agency • Sunshine • Boss Energy • Ice Cream & Hot Cocoa Lover •
Trey (MMC): NHL Left Winger • Ex-Military Special Ops Fighter Pilot • Protective • Grumpy •
Tropes:
🏒 Guardian x Nanny CEO
🍨 Ex-Military
🏒 Hockey Romance
🍨 Runaway Bride
🏒 Forbidden(ish) Romance
🍨 Adorable Sidekick 👧🏼
🏒 Found Family
🍨 Nicknames
🏒 Arranged Marriage
🍨 Disability Rep
🏒 Forced Proximity
🍨 Text Conversations
Rating: 🩰🩰🩰🩰(4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️.🫑🫑🫑(dirty talk, praise, 👅, public play, road 🧠)
T/W: PTSD (referenced), loss of a friend (referenced), explosion (referenced), helicopter crash (referenced), hearing loss (on page), combat zone (referenced), car accident (referenced), intoxicated driving (referenced), loss of a sibling (referenced), parental neglect and abandonment (referenced), lost child (on page), hearing impairment (on page)
Runaway bride meets grumpy hockey heartthrob. 😍 Vivi Newport bolts from her “perfect” arranged marriage straight into the arms (and SUV) of Trey Hartley, the Hawkeyes’ six-foot-five, ex-military defenseman who’s been low-key pining for her for years. What starts as a temporary nanny gig for Trey’s nine-year-old niece quickly turns into something much messier: late-night cocoa, helicopter dates, movie dates on the couch, and a man who looks unfairly good in a backward hat.
Trey is everything I love in a romance hero: stoic, protective, and a little crusty on the outside, but soft as cookie dough on the inside. His bond with Adeline completely stole the show, and watching Vivi carve out a place in their world was both swoony and heart-squeezing. The uncle/guardian twist on the single dad trope felt fresh, and I loved the way the story blended rink-side tension with real family stakes.
Kenna King knows how to hook me every time, and this book was no exception. It’s heartfelt, low-angst, and packed with the kind of moments that make you grin like a fool. Trey and Vivi’s story hit all the right notes: swoony, tender, and full of the found family warmth that makes this series so addictive. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Hawkeyes Rookie crew.
Swoony Line:
“You carry the part of my soul I thought I’d lost for good. You’re what makes this house a home. You’re the missing piece of our family. Without you, it’s just me and Adeline surviving. With you, we’re living. You complete us, Vivi. You’re my heart.”
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Vivi (FMC): CEO of Newport Staffing Agency • Sunshine • Boss Energy • Ice Cream & Hot Cocoa Lover •
Trey (MMC): NHL Left Winger • Ex-Military Special Ops Fighter Pilot • Protective • Grumpy •
Tropes:
🏒 Guardian x Nanny CEO
🍨 Ex-Military
🏒 Hockey Romance
🍨 Runaway Bride
🏒 Forbidden(ish) Romance
🍨 Adorable Sidekick 👧🏼
🏒 Found Family
🍨 Nicknames
🏒 Arranged Marriage
🍨 Disability Rep
🏒 Forced Proximity
🍨 Text Conversations
Rating: 🩰🩰🩰🩰(4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️.🫑🫑🫑(dirty talk, praise, 👅, public play, road 🧠)
T/W: PTSD (referenced), loss of a friend (referenced), explosion (referenced), helicopter crash (referenced), hearing loss (on page), combat zone (referenced), car accident (referenced), intoxicated driving (referenced), loss of a sibling (referenced), parental neglect and abandonment (referenced), lost child (on page), hearing impairment (on page)
Runaway bride meets grumpy hockey heartthrob. 😍 Vivi Newport bolts from her “perfect” arranged marriage straight into the arms (and SUV) of Trey Hartley, the Hawkeyes’ six-foot-five, ex-military defenseman who’s been low-key pining for her for years. What starts as a temporary nanny gig for Trey’s nine-year-old niece quickly turns into something much messier: late-night cocoa, helicopter dates, movie dates on the couch, and a man who looks unfairly good in a backward hat.
Trey is everything I love in a romance hero: stoic, protective, and a little crusty on the outside, but soft as cookie dough on the inside. His bond with Adeline completely stole the show, and watching Vivi carve out a place in their world was both swoony and heart-squeezing. The uncle/guardian twist on the single dad trope felt fresh, and I loved the way the story blended rink-side tension with real family stakes.
Kenna King knows how to hook me every time, and this book was no exception. It’s heartfelt, low-angst, and packed with the kind of moments that make you grin like a fool. Trey and Vivi’s story hit all the right notes: swoony, tender, and full of the found family warmth that makes this series so addictive. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Hawkeyes Rookie crew.
Swoony Line:
“You carry the part of my soul I thought I’d lost for good. You’re what makes this house a home. You’re the missing piece of our family. Without you, it’s just me and Adeline surviving. With you, we’re living. You complete us, Vivi. You’re my heart.”
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
October 30, 2025
This man had sex in the shower with hearing aids in and the 9 year old in this book was more emotionally intelligent than any of the adults.
In all seriousness him being 'deaf' and wearing hearing aids was mentioned originally as if he can't hear at all without them, trey himself said he had almost no hearing but yet they had sex in the shower while talking meaning wither A the author just forgot he was deaf or B he was wearing them in the shower, which makes no sense since fun fact hearing aids are not waterproof.
along with this we get told he takes his aids out during games but in the 3rd quarter we get a scene of the coach talking to him in a game and he is fine,
also mentions of him being able to hear in the morning, you don't sleep with hearing aids in
That was all I got from this book honestly, like there was no reason to add in him being deaf it had no impact on the plot and it was done horrendously bad. I can't tell you why I read this book I didn't like the first 2 but I saw deaf rep and wanted to give it ago
only redeeming factor was the 9 year old who had more coherent thoughts than the adults, overall 1.5 stars
In all seriousness him being 'deaf' and wearing hearing aids was mentioned originally as if he can't hear at all without them, trey himself said he had almost no hearing but yet they had sex in the shower while talking meaning wither A the author just forgot he was deaf or B he was wearing them in the shower, which makes no sense since fun fact hearing aids are not waterproof.
along with this we get told he takes his aids out during games but in the 3rd quarter we get a scene of the coach talking to him in a game and he is fine,
also mentions of him being able to hear in the morning, you don't sleep with hearing aids in
That was all I got from this book honestly, like there was no reason to add in him being deaf it had no impact on the plot and it was done horrendously bad. I can't tell you why I read this book I didn't like the first 2 but I saw deaf rep and wanted to give it ago
only redeeming factor was the 9 year old who had more coherent thoughts than the adults, overall 1.5 stars
November 7, 2025
I can't give this book enough stars!
"He's a survivor. A fighter. If not for the hearing aid, you'd never know how much he has been through" - Vivi
Kenna King is a literary genius. She writes her books with great thought and intricately plots out a world that you fall in love with in every one.
I can't say enough about The Rookie Hawkeyes Series. However, this is probably my favorite book she has written. We get everything you could want from a sports romance.
Our MMC, Trey, is the book guy of our dreams. He is ex-military, grumpy, private, protective, but has that teddy bear heart under all those complex layers.
"I've never been more certain. You're it for me, Vivi. The life I want, the family I need, the home I never thought I'd have. You're all of that." - Trey
Our FMC, Vivi, is a beautiful example of a strong-willed, independent, boss babe who knows what she wants and how to get the job done. I love when an FMC is written as such a strong and successful woman!
Their story starts with a bang and moves quickly but not too fast. The pacing is set perfectly with the plot. The characters are complex and show so much growth throughout this story.
Kenna does a beautiful job writing both of these complex characters. Both Trey and Vivi are complex, but Trey is particularly complex.
Trey's character deals with PTSD to some extent, grief, and loss. The way Kenna handled these issues in her writing was excellent. There was much care and respect shown through her writing of Trey.
Again, complexity and growth are major themes in both MCs, and I couldn't have loved the way it played out more!
The community built around the characters and plot itself is amazing. Again - this series gets better with each book! I love hearing from our characters in both the previous series and the current. The way the worlds are intertwined works perfectly. However, you can still read this as a standalone. I just think its so much more enjoyable if you have read the entire series thus far!
I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with this couple.
Kenna - thank you for honoring the trauma we see in our military veterans like Trey through your writing!
If you have not read this book, you must read it immediately!
Thank you so much to Kenna King for the honor and opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Happy Reading Friends!
"He's a survivor. A fighter. If not for the hearing aid, you'd never know how much he has been through" - Vivi
Kenna King is a literary genius. She writes her books with great thought and intricately plots out a world that you fall in love with in every one.
I can't say enough about The Rookie Hawkeyes Series. However, this is probably my favorite book she has written. We get everything you could want from a sports romance.
Our MMC, Trey, is the book guy of our dreams. He is ex-military, grumpy, private, protective, but has that teddy bear heart under all those complex layers.
"I've never been more certain. You're it for me, Vivi. The life I want, the family I need, the home I never thought I'd have. You're all of that." - Trey
Our FMC, Vivi, is a beautiful example of a strong-willed, independent, boss babe who knows what she wants and how to get the job done. I love when an FMC is written as such a strong and successful woman!
Their story starts with a bang and moves quickly but not too fast. The pacing is set perfectly with the plot. The characters are complex and show so much growth throughout this story.
Kenna does a beautiful job writing both of these complex characters. Both Trey and Vivi are complex, but Trey is particularly complex.
Trey's character deals with PTSD to some extent, grief, and loss. The way Kenna handled these issues in her writing was excellent. There was much care and respect shown through her writing of Trey.
Again, complexity and growth are major themes in both MCs, and I couldn't have loved the way it played out more!
The community built around the characters and plot itself is amazing. Again - this series gets better with each book! I love hearing from our characters in both the previous series and the current. The way the worlds are intertwined works perfectly. However, you can still read this as a standalone. I just think its so much more enjoyable if you have read the entire series thus far!
I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with this couple.
Kenna - thank you for honoring the trauma we see in our military veterans like Trey through your writing!
If you have not read this book, you must read it immediately!
Thank you so much to Kenna King for the honor and opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Happy Reading Friends!
October 9, 2025
While I did enjoy the story of Bottle Rocket, I am going to confess that I actually didn't like it as much as the first two books of the series.
Let me drop a disclaimer that I received an ARC copy of this book. It was originally supposed to be released in late September, and the release date was pushed back by 3 weeks. I know ARC copies are not the final copies and that there can still be changes before the actual publication. With this said, I will start by saying that, once the book is finally released, I will go back and see if some of the issues that I identified have been changed. Personally, I feel that this ARC copy was not yet ready to be released.
First, in case this is your first Kenna King book, just be warned that The Rookie Hawkeyes series is a continuation from the Hawkeyes series. I personally still have the original series on my TBR, but I will be crossing it off that list throughout 2026 (I PROMISE).
I mentioned in my review of Match Penalty that I had wished I had some of the background of Cammy's personal story and I think I would have received that if I had read Lucky Score, but at the end of they day I was able to understand enough of the story to fully invest my concentration on the plot of that book. Bleacher Report didn't have any issues, as both of the main characters were new to the whole Hawkeyes universe.
However, to fully feel like I could lose myself in Bottle Rocket, I think I needed to have the background of Brutal Score to have all the information on Vivi and her situation and the dynamic with her father, as it was probably explained (to some extent) through Isla's story. I also think that Trey was probably introduced in one of the last books of the original series because, while we did have some information about him in the previous two books, we didn't really have enough to then grow the connection. Don't get me wrong. There was a lot of his background and military story in this book. Obviously, Kenna gave us his background. However, there is a gap where I am left wondering how, or even why, he started playing hockey professionally after being discharged from the military and becoming the sole guardian for his niece.
Second, and again, this is an ARC copy so this whole paragraph may be removed in a week, after the book is officially published. There were some inconsistencies that have absolutely no impact on the story but they are little details that my brain snags on and takes me out of the story. Example: Trey could be making breakfast and only wearing sweats (gray) and not even 10 sentences later, Vivi is drooling over him and how hot he looks with his white T-shirt stretching over his biceps. It's nothing, I know, but when these tiny inconsistencies are happening in various spots, it really pulls you out of the story. I am hoping that they were caught in the editing process. This is just an example as to why I think the ARC copy wasn't ready yet to be released. I was lucky enough to receive ARCs for both Match Penalty and Bleacher Report, and these little details weren't overlooked in those ARCs.
As for the story, I enjoyed the overall plot. I didn't swoon as much as I did with Match Penalty (because, come on... JP leaving love notes written on pucks) or Bleacher Report (because the post-it scavenger hunts and being Chia Pet parents together were freaking adorable). There were cute moments between Trey and Vivi, but nothing I would get giddy over. I did enjoy Adeline. She seemed so mature for her age, and I love how she understands and has accepted her parents' death.
At the end of the day, this particular book is a one-and-done for me. I'm glad I was able to see the story of another team member and a new family integration (because the wide net of "found family" in these series is perfection), but I don't see myself reaching for it again.
Let me drop a disclaimer that I received an ARC copy of this book. It was originally supposed to be released in late September, and the release date was pushed back by 3 weeks. I know ARC copies are not the final copies and that there can still be changes before the actual publication. With this said, I will start by saying that, once the book is finally released, I will go back and see if some of the issues that I identified have been changed. Personally, I feel that this ARC copy was not yet ready to be released.
First, in case this is your first Kenna King book, just be warned that The Rookie Hawkeyes series is a continuation from the Hawkeyes series. I personally still have the original series on my TBR, but I will be crossing it off that list throughout 2026 (I PROMISE).
I mentioned in my review of Match Penalty that I had wished I had some of the background of Cammy's personal story and I think I would have received that if I had read Lucky Score, but at the end of they day I was able to understand enough of the story to fully invest my concentration on the plot of that book. Bleacher Report didn't have any issues, as both of the main characters were new to the whole Hawkeyes universe.
However, to fully feel like I could lose myself in Bottle Rocket, I think I needed to have the background of Brutal Score to have all the information on Vivi and her situation and the dynamic with her father, as it was probably explained (to some extent) through Isla's story. I also think that Trey was probably introduced in one of the last books of the original series because, while we did have some information about him in the previous two books, we didn't really have enough to then grow the connection. Don't get me wrong. There was a lot of his background and military story in this book. Obviously, Kenna gave us his background. However, there is a gap where I am left wondering how, or even why, he started playing hockey professionally after being discharged from the military and becoming the sole guardian for his niece.
Second, and again, this is an ARC copy so this whole paragraph may be removed in a week, after the book is officially published. There were some inconsistencies that have absolutely no impact on the story but they are little details that my brain snags on and takes me out of the story. Example: Trey could be making breakfast and only wearing sweats (gray) and not even 10 sentences later, Vivi is drooling over him and how hot he looks with his white T-shirt stretching over his biceps. It's nothing, I know, but when these tiny inconsistencies are happening in various spots, it really pulls you out of the story. I am hoping that they were caught in the editing process. This is just an example as to why I think the ARC copy wasn't ready yet to be released. I was lucky enough to receive ARCs for both Match Penalty and Bleacher Report, and these little details weren't overlooked in those ARCs.
As for the story, I enjoyed the overall plot. I didn't swoon as much as I did with Match Penalty (because, come on... JP leaving love notes written on pucks) or Bleacher Report (because the post-it scavenger hunts and being Chia Pet parents together were freaking adorable). There were cute moments between Trey and Vivi, but nothing I would get giddy over. I did enjoy Adeline. She seemed so mature for her age, and I love how she understands and has accepted her parents' death.
At the end of the day, this particular book is a one-and-done for me. I'm glad I was able to see the story of another team member and a new family integration (because the wide net of "found family" in these series is perfection), but I don't see myself reaching for it again.
October 15, 2025
Review:
🏒Bottle Rocket🏒
The Rookie Hawkeyes #3
By Kenna King
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Sports Romance
🏒 Guardian x Nanny
⭐ 5/5
Blurb
In this heartfelt, slow-burn hockey romance, a runaway bride and a grumpy hockey star learn that both family and love can be found in the most unexpected places.
Vivi, loyal, even is she is about to break her own heart
Trey, feels like he can’t give her the life he thinks she deserves
Quote:”...I’ve never been more certain. You’re it for me, Vivi. The life I want, the family I need, the home I never thought I’d have. You’re all of that.”
Vivi, Trey and a journey torn between love and loyalty
A connection and feelings so deep, they have the characters conflicted between love and loyalty. The story follows Trey and Vivi. They have that kind of instant love, lust and connection. But doubts of worthiness and loyalties stand between them and a relationship possibility for a while.
Vivi is determined to have her business flourishing. With a good thought and will she closes a deal full out of selflessness. Wanting to prove others that she can do it all on her own. But the cost is high.
Trey has a life and experiences in his past that last enough for a lifetime. And a responsibility he would do anything for. With Vivi helping him out of necessity and distraction, their lives get intertwined and their attraction becomes almost unbearable.
It is easy to fall in love, but really getting a happy end is the hardest part.
Vivi is loyal to the point of breaking her own heart. Just so she doesn't let someone down she made a promise to. And to save both their futures.
I admire Vivi, but I also wanted to shake her. Same with Trey.
He also came from a good heart by letting her go, but sometimes you just have to take the chance.
He was worthy of everything. He just could not see that himself. Even if I almost could relate to his thoughts and doubts, he was just a young boy, trying to escape from something bad.
But yeah, I know.
Emotionally, depthful and steamy. A hard way to happiness and an end worth every page and minute filled with fears, doubts and most important - love.
🏒Bottle Rocket🏒
The Rookie Hawkeyes #3
By Kenna King
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Sports Romance
🏒 Guardian x Nanny
⭐ 5/5
Blurb
In this heartfelt, slow-burn hockey romance, a runaway bride and a grumpy hockey star learn that both family and love can be found in the most unexpected places.
Vivi, loyal, even is she is about to break her own heart
Trey, feels like he can’t give her the life he thinks she deserves
Quote:”...I’ve never been more certain. You’re it for me, Vivi. The life I want, the family I need, the home I never thought I’d have. You’re all of that.”
Vivi, Trey and a journey torn between love and loyalty
A connection and feelings so deep, they have the characters conflicted between love and loyalty. The story follows Trey and Vivi. They have that kind of instant love, lust and connection. But doubts of worthiness and loyalties stand between them and a relationship possibility for a while.
Vivi is determined to have her business flourishing. With a good thought and will she closes a deal full out of selflessness. Wanting to prove others that she can do it all on her own. But the cost is high.
Trey has a life and experiences in his past that last enough for a lifetime. And a responsibility he would do anything for. With Vivi helping him out of necessity and distraction, their lives get intertwined and their attraction becomes almost unbearable.
It is easy to fall in love, but really getting a happy end is the hardest part.
Vivi is loyal to the point of breaking her own heart. Just so she doesn't let someone down she made a promise to. And to save both their futures.
I admire Vivi, but I also wanted to shake her. Same with Trey.
He also came from a good heart by letting her go, but sometimes you just have to take the chance.
He was worthy of everything. He just could not see that himself. Even if I almost could relate to his thoughts and doubts, he was just a young boy, trying to escape from something bad.
But yeah, I know.
Emotionally, depthful and steamy. A hard way to happiness and an end worth every page and minute filled with fears, doubts and most important - love.
October 14, 2025
Vivi Ann Newport is supposed to be getting married to a man she has been arranged to marry to help not only her company, but also his. It will also enable her to get his family inheritance. The bad part? She sees him as a business partner and there is no connection between the two, so she decides to leave and not get married. She leaves the venue only to find an SUV running outside, so she opens the door to reveal Trey Hartley, the ex-military hockey player. He was there running an errand for someone at the wedding, and when she tells him she has to get out of here, he’s helping her into the backseat with no other questions asked. On the way to her sisters, they pick up Trey’s niece who he’s now the guardian for.
Trey has had a crush on Vivi for a while now, but of course never mentioned anything of it with how busy and chaotic his life is with hockey. Plus, with his 9 year old niece’s dance and hockey schedule, he wasn’t in a place to have a relationship. His nanny for his niece recently quit, and so now he’s on a search for a new nanny, hopefully one that will be around for a while so his niece isn’t losing yet another person in her life.
When Vivi ran out on the wedding, her company, which is a staffing agency, placed her on leave, along with taking her car, pay, and stability. She’s in need of a job, and her sister suggests that she help out Trey until everything settles with the business and the man she was supposed to marry comes back into the country so they can continue with the plan to get married. Will she end up marrying a business partner, or will the tattooed, ex-military hockey player toss his hat into the ring?
A Kenna King book will always be exactly what you need if you want a sweet and spicy hockey romance book! I loved the first Hawkeyes series, and now reading through the rookies I love that we still have that found family feel of the original Hawkeyes.
Thank you to Kenna King for the ARC opportunity!
Trey has had a crush on Vivi for a while now, but of course never mentioned anything of it with how busy and chaotic his life is with hockey. Plus, with his 9 year old niece’s dance and hockey schedule, he wasn’t in a place to have a relationship. His nanny for his niece recently quit, and so now he’s on a search for a new nanny, hopefully one that will be around for a while so his niece isn’t losing yet another person in her life.
When Vivi ran out on the wedding, her company, which is a staffing agency, placed her on leave, along with taking her car, pay, and stability. She’s in need of a job, and her sister suggests that she help out Trey until everything settles with the business and the man she was supposed to marry comes back into the country so they can continue with the plan to get married. Will she end up marrying a business partner, or will the tattooed, ex-military hockey player toss his hat into the ring?
A Kenna King book will always be exactly what you need if you want a sweet and spicy hockey romance book! I loved the first Hawkeyes series, and now reading through the rookies I love that we still have that found family feel of the original Hawkeyes.
Thank you to Kenna King for the ARC opportunity!
October 14, 2025
*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*
"He steps closer, gaze sharp. "And I don’t hesitate. I don’t blink. If anyone so much as thinks about hurting you…" A muscle ticks in his jaw. "I’ll handle it. No limits. No mercy."
"A bottle rocket isn’t just a goal—it’s hockey slang for the kind that hits so clean, so hard, and so perfectly placed that it sends the goalie’s water bottle flying off the net. It’s skill, speed, and just enough flair to make everyone’s jaw drop."
It's the perfect description of Trey and Vivi's love story. The swept me off my feet, swoony, found family, Bottle Rocket, by writes all consuming romances, author Kenna King, has the creative skill to keep you reading all night, the perfect pacing speed for romance and enough steamy moments to keep my jaw on the floor.
Vivi is minutes away from marrying Jameson. Their combined family wealth and power will make them corporate titans. But she can't do it and runs...right into the back seat of Trey, her brother-in-law's Hawkeye Hockey teammate.
When her board of directors lock her out of her staffing company and freeze her money the ever over protective ex military Trey brings her home, buys her a car, rescues her from a flat tire on a busy highway, threatens the new CEO and don't get me started on that helicopter ride.
Trey is also a new single parent, raising his 9 year old niece, after the deaths of his brother and sister in law. Then there's the moment that ended his military career, caused his partial hearing loss, and has him only able to sleep on the floor...until Vivi.
It's not a typical nanny or hockey romance. Both Vivi and Trey have depth to their characters and decisions. As Vivi plays Nanny she sees a life she never thought possible with a love so perfectly placed it's like a Bottle Rocket shot by Trey.
P.S. to Kenna: I need Callum Lawson's story!
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
"He steps closer, gaze sharp. "And I don’t hesitate. I don’t blink. If anyone so much as thinks about hurting you…" A muscle ticks in his jaw. "I’ll handle it. No limits. No mercy."
"A bottle rocket isn’t just a goal—it’s hockey slang for the kind that hits so clean, so hard, and so perfectly placed that it sends the goalie’s water bottle flying off the net. It’s skill, speed, and just enough flair to make everyone’s jaw drop."
It's the perfect description of Trey and Vivi's love story. The swept me off my feet, swoony, found family, Bottle Rocket, by writes all consuming romances, author Kenna King, has the creative skill to keep you reading all night, the perfect pacing speed for romance and enough steamy moments to keep my jaw on the floor.
Vivi is minutes away from marrying Jameson. Their combined family wealth and power will make them corporate titans. But she can't do it and runs...right into the back seat of Trey, her brother-in-law's Hawkeye Hockey teammate.
When her board of directors lock her out of her staffing company and freeze her money the ever over protective ex military Trey brings her home, buys her a car, rescues her from a flat tire on a busy highway, threatens the new CEO and don't get me started on that helicopter ride.
Trey is also a new single parent, raising his 9 year old niece, after the deaths of his brother and sister in law. Then there's the moment that ended his military career, caused his partial hearing loss, and has him only able to sleep on the floor...until Vivi.
It's not a typical nanny or hockey romance. Both Vivi and Trey have depth to their characters and decisions. As Vivi plays Nanny she sees a life she never thought possible with a love so perfectly placed it's like a Bottle Rocket shot by Trey.
P.S. to Kenna: I need Callum Lawson's story!
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2025
Bottle Rocket by Kenna King
ARC 📖/ ALC 🎧 review
Narrated by Emma Wilder & JF Harding
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Thanks so much to the author for eye and ear review copies of the book. I’m so happy to provide an honest review.
Sometimes you just need an earnest, witty hockey romcom and Kenna King writes some of the best out there! Vivi is the CEO of a staffing firm that she built from the ground up - she’s also a runaway bride escaping a loveless arranged marriage when she jumps in the back of Trey’s SUV. Trey, military veteran and star hockey player, is growly, vulnerable and protective in ALL the best ways. There’s sparks galore between these two.
When Vivi is placed on leave by her Board, she takes a job nannying for Trey and his ward/niece. As they grow closer, the emotional and physical connection grows. But will Vivi stay past the deadline or leave Trey and his niece to go back to the fiancé she left in order to save her business?
This story is so fun - sweet, funny and sexy. The only thing I disliked is that Vivi didn’t solve her professional problems herself - other characters swooped in with a solution. I needed her to pick Trey despite the challenges, not after the challenges disappeared.
Narration - dual narrators and the production value and voice acting are on point. Emma Wilder is one of my fave female narrators and she does a fantastic job voicing Vivi. She also does an amazing job with the other female characters - it’s hard to do a child’s voice effectively and she nails it. Vivi’s emotions shine through, from her desire for Trey to her take-charge boss persona to her confusion and frustration with her professional woes. JF Harding as Trey is so growly and protective but still self aware about his perceived faults and weaknesses.
#
ARC 📖/ ALC 🎧 review
Narrated by Emma Wilder & JF Harding
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Thanks so much to the author for eye and ear review copies of the book. I’m so happy to provide an honest review.
Sometimes you just need an earnest, witty hockey romcom and Kenna King writes some of the best out there! Vivi is the CEO of a staffing firm that she built from the ground up - she’s also a runaway bride escaping a loveless arranged marriage when she jumps in the back of Trey’s SUV. Trey, military veteran and star hockey player, is growly, vulnerable and protective in ALL the best ways. There’s sparks galore between these two.
When Vivi is placed on leave by her Board, she takes a job nannying for Trey and his ward/niece. As they grow closer, the emotional and physical connection grows. But will Vivi stay past the deadline or leave Trey and his niece to go back to the fiancé she left in order to save her business?
This story is so fun - sweet, funny and sexy. The only thing I disliked is that Vivi didn’t solve her professional problems herself - other characters swooped in with a solution. I needed her to pick Trey despite the challenges, not after the challenges disappeared.
Narration - dual narrators and the production value and voice acting are on point. Emma Wilder is one of my fave female narrators and she does a fantastic job voicing Vivi. She also does an amazing job with the other female characters - it’s hard to do a child’s voice effectively and she nails it. Vivi’s emotions shine through, from her desire for Trey to her take-charge boss persona to her confusion and frustration with her professional woes. JF Harding as Trey is so growly and protective but still self aware about his perceived faults and weaknesses.
#
October 20, 2025
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:
Loved this one so much! I was hooked from the beginning and was invested in Vivi getting the happiness she deserves. I loved all things Trey, he was the MC you instantly fall for with all his protectiveness, gestures big and small and dedication to raising his niece. I was right there alongside Adeline his niece, shipping Vivi and Trey. Highly recommend grabbing this one.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Vivi is in an arranged marriage to a billionaire and today is her wedding day, the only problem is she can’t through with it. So she runs and Trey, her friend and sister’s husband’s hockey teammate helps her escape.
Trey has a lot of trauma he is working through. He lost his best friend in a helicopter crash in the army and the his brother and sister in law in a car crash. That’s how he became a guardian for his 9 year old niece Adeline. He is now a hockey player for Seattle’s Hawkeyes and his nanny just quit and he’s in a bind.
Vivi was the CEO of her company but after running out on her groom she may have just lost it. But while she figures that mess, Vivi agrees to help Trey out and nanny for him for the next 2 months. But Vivi is in trouble as there is a spark between them that she never felt before and now she has to decide between her company and a loveless marriage or giving it all up for a chance of love with Trey.
𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
“She just made my night with that kiss. Scratch that, correction she made my fucking life.”
𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:
* Friends to Lovers
* Runaway Bride
* CEO Forced to Turn Nanny
* Ex Military, Single Guardian, Hockey Player
* His Niece is Shipping Them
* Hearing Loss Rep
* Seattle, WA
* Dual POV - Slow Burn
💛🚁🩰🏒💛🚁🩰🏒💛🚁🩰🏒
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQBWL5Djv...
Loved this one so much! I was hooked from the beginning and was invested in Vivi getting the happiness she deserves. I loved all things Trey, he was the MC you instantly fall for with all his protectiveness, gestures big and small and dedication to raising his niece. I was right there alongside Adeline his niece, shipping Vivi and Trey. Highly recommend grabbing this one.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Vivi is in an arranged marriage to a billionaire and today is her wedding day, the only problem is she can’t through with it. So she runs and Trey, her friend and sister’s husband’s hockey teammate helps her escape.
Trey has a lot of trauma he is working through. He lost his best friend in a helicopter crash in the army and the his brother and sister in law in a car crash. That’s how he became a guardian for his 9 year old niece Adeline. He is now a hockey player for Seattle’s Hawkeyes and his nanny just quit and he’s in a bind.
Vivi was the CEO of her company but after running out on her groom she may have just lost it. But while she figures that mess, Vivi agrees to help Trey out and nanny for him for the next 2 months. But Vivi is in trouble as there is a spark between them that she never felt before and now she has to decide between her company and a loveless marriage or giving it all up for a chance of love with Trey.
𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
“She just made my night with that kiss. Scratch that, correction she made my fucking life.”
𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:
* Friends to Lovers
* Runaway Bride
* CEO Forced to Turn Nanny
* Ex Military, Single Guardian, Hockey Player
* His Niece is Shipping Them
* Hearing Loss Rep
* Seattle, WA
* Dual POV - Slow Burn
💛🚁🩰🏒💛🚁🩰🏒💛🚁🩰🏒
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQBWL5Djv...
October 9, 2025
“I want to tell you everything even if it means you see the worst part of me.”
Runaway bride takes a job as a nanny for a friend when she is pushed out of her own company and no longer CEO. (TW: description of helicopter crash, past death due to drunk driving, PTSD, hearing loss, past child neglect, grief)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book. I don’t like the single dad trope but this book does it SO WELL that I may be converted. The plot is so interesting and the twist at the end made me gasp! The end was so good but it felt a little rushed. More details with how that all came to be would have been good. I liked the FMC. The MMC is swoony and protective. There’s some miscommunication but it felt organic and realistic. Even though some heavy topics are mentioned, it did not feel heavy. They had really good tension and chemistry but it still felt like insta-love. I loved the epilogue and the bonus chapter and I definitely cried because they were both soooo sweet.
Release date 10/14/25. Thank you to the author for the ARC and the ALC!!
💍 Hockey pro MMC
🍪 Nanny FMC
🏒 Forbidden romance
💍 Single guardian
🍪 Ex-military
🏒 Cute kid
💍 Runaway bride
ALC review
Duet narration. I don’t like the female narrator for the FMC for the first several chapters. Every sentence has the same tone pattern, like a pyramid. Her tone rises in the middle (like she’s breathless with eyebrows raised) and then goes back down so each paragraph feels like I’m stuck on a wave that keeps rising and falling in the exact same way. Either she warmed up or I was so engrossed in the story that I eventually forgot about it. The male narrator has a nice voice and pace.
Runaway bride takes a job as a nanny for a friend when she is pushed out of her own company and no longer CEO. (TW: description of helicopter crash, past death due to drunk driving, PTSD, hearing loss, past child neglect, grief)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book. I don’t like the single dad trope but this book does it SO WELL that I may be converted. The plot is so interesting and the twist at the end made me gasp! The end was so good but it felt a little rushed. More details with how that all came to be would have been good. I liked the FMC. The MMC is swoony and protective. There’s some miscommunication but it felt organic and realistic. Even though some heavy topics are mentioned, it did not feel heavy. They had really good tension and chemistry but it still felt like insta-love. I loved the epilogue and the bonus chapter and I definitely cried because they were both soooo sweet.
Release date 10/14/25. Thank you to the author for the ARC and the ALC!!
💍 Hockey pro MMC
🍪 Nanny FMC
🏒 Forbidden romance
💍 Single guardian
🍪 Ex-military
🏒 Cute kid
💍 Runaway bride
ALC review
Duet narration. I don’t like the female narrator for the FMC for the first several chapters. Every sentence has the same tone pattern, like a pyramid. Her tone rises in the middle (like she’s breathless with eyebrows raised) and then goes back down so each paragraph feels like I’m stuck on a wave that keeps rising and falling in the exact same way. Either she warmed up or I was so engrossed in the story that I eventually forgot about it. The male narrator has a nice voice and pace.
October 12, 2025
**ARC REVIEW**
“Life’s too short to have big regrets like letting the right person go.”
Do you get all mushy over a guy falling first and hard, a forbidden romance, a wise beyond her years 9-year-old, and with a nanny thrown in? This is a book for you! This was another smash for the Hawkeye Rookies Series - Kenna King killed it! The found family portrayed among the Hawkeye players and their partners is one of my favorite aspects of the series.
Trey (MMC) is an ex-military member, a single guardian to a little girl, and a professional hockey player - this is a lot to balance for any person, especially when his nanny leaves him in the middle of the season. His backstory and reasons for all his actions make the picture of Trey so much clearer and really solidify him as a protector. Vivi (FMC) is a runaway bride (from an arranged marriage - where the Fiancé is not a bad guy, just not the right guy) who turned her nanny business into an empire. She was raised in a world of privilege that she pushes to show she belongs in without her name being the reason. The relationship between Trey and his niece is the cutest. He is willing to do anything to make sure she is happy and has everything she needs. These two are the best (Trey and Vivi) - a situation of what is meant to be will find its way, and when two people are right for each other, even if they fight the attraction, it will end with a happy ending.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy Level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
🩵Hockey Romance
🩵Single Guardian
🩵 Ex-Military
🩵 She’s the Nanny
🩵 Forbidden Romance
🩵 Found Family
🩵 He Falls First (Secret Crush)
“Life’s too short to have big regrets like letting the right person go.”
Do you get all mushy over a guy falling first and hard, a forbidden romance, a wise beyond her years 9-year-old, and with a nanny thrown in? This is a book for you! This was another smash for the Hawkeye Rookies Series - Kenna King killed it! The found family portrayed among the Hawkeye players and their partners is one of my favorite aspects of the series.
Trey (MMC) is an ex-military member, a single guardian to a little girl, and a professional hockey player - this is a lot to balance for any person, especially when his nanny leaves him in the middle of the season. His backstory and reasons for all his actions make the picture of Trey so much clearer and really solidify him as a protector. Vivi (FMC) is a runaway bride (from an arranged marriage - where the Fiancé is not a bad guy, just not the right guy) who turned her nanny business into an empire. She was raised in a world of privilege that she pushes to show she belongs in without her name being the reason. The relationship between Trey and his niece is the cutest. He is willing to do anything to make sure she is happy and has everything she needs. These two are the best (Trey and Vivi) - a situation of what is meant to be will find its way, and when two people are right for each other, even if they fight the attraction, it will end with a happy ending.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy Level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
🩵Hockey Romance
🩵Single Guardian
🩵 Ex-Military
🩵 She’s the Nanny
🩵 Forbidden Romance
🩵 Found Family
🩵 He Falls First (Secret Crush)
October 13, 2025
Runaway bride meets grumpy hockey heartthrob Yes, please. Vivi Newport’s impulsive escape from her “perfect” arranged marriage leads her straight into the arms (and chaos) of Trey Hartley—the Hawkeyes’ brooding defenseman, ex-military protector, and devoted guardian to his nine-year-old niece. What begins as a temporary nanny gig quickly turns into late-night cocoa, helicopter rides, and the kind of emotional connection that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go.
Trey is everything I crave in a romance hero protective, stoic, and strong, but with a tenderness that radiates through every page. His bond with Adeline was heart-squeezing in the best way, and Vivi’s warmth and resilience made her the perfect match for both of them. Watching her fit seamlessly into their world while still fighting her own fears and reclaiming her life was such a rewarding journey.
Kenna King writes with so much compassion and heart that you feel every emotion right alongside the characters. The chemistry? Off the charts. The found family vibes? Perfection. And the swoony lines? Prepare to melt.
“You carry the part of my soul I thought I’d lost for good. You’re what makes this house a home. You’re the missing piece of our family.”
I’m completely obsessed with this story. It’s tender, funny, emotional, and filled with love in all its forms romantic, familial, and self-healing. The Hawkeye Rookies series just keeps getting better, and this book is easily one of my top reads of the year.
If you love grumpy x sunshine, slow burn, found family, protective heroes, and little girls who steal the show, this book will own your heart—just like it did mine. 💙🏒
Trey is everything I crave in a romance hero protective, stoic, and strong, but with a tenderness that radiates through every page. His bond with Adeline was heart-squeezing in the best way, and Vivi’s warmth and resilience made her the perfect match for both of them. Watching her fit seamlessly into their world while still fighting her own fears and reclaiming her life was such a rewarding journey.
Kenna King writes with so much compassion and heart that you feel every emotion right alongside the characters. The chemistry? Off the charts. The found family vibes? Perfection. And the swoony lines? Prepare to melt.
“You carry the part of my soul I thought I’d lost for good. You’re what makes this house a home. You’re the missing piece of our family.”
I’m completely obsessed with this story. It’s tender, funny, emotional, and filled with love in all its forms romantic, familial, and self-healing. The Hawkeye Rookies series just keeps getting better, and this book is easily one of my top reads of the year.
If you love grumpy x sunshine, slow burn, found family, protective heroes, and little girls who steal the show, this book will own your heart—just like it did mine. 💙🏒
October 15, 2025
🩵🏒ARC Review🏒🩵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
OMG I loved this book so much!!! Kenna King knows how to write a heartfelt hockey book. I loved Vivi and Trey so much; the chemistry they have is . Reading the other two books, I always wondered about Trey. And learning his story and everything he has been through had me bawling!! He has been through so much, and the love that he has for the people he’s closest to is beautiful. He would do anything for his niece; he is trying his best to give her a better life than he had and make sure he is giving her the life her parents were giving her. Trey would also do anything for Vivi and his team, and after learning his background, it makes so much sense. Vivi is a people pleaser, and she wants what’s best for her company and wants to get by on her own merit and not her father’s last name. I understand where she’s coming from, wanting to have success on your own merit and nobody else’s. I wanted to slap her temporary CEO, and I’m so glad that Trey put him in his place. That scene was hot. Also, the stuff Trey did for Vivi, that man was down bad. But it made me so sad for Vivi when she told him that nobody ever did that for her and not for other reasons. Also, I loved Adeline so much; she was such a fun character, and my heart hurt for her and everything she’s been through in her nine years. I loved the found family this group has, and I can’t wait for the next book, especially if it’s Kendall and Aleksi’s book. You can read this book on Kindle Unlimited. If you want a hot ex-military hockey MMC that will make you cry and laugh, this book is for you!! You won’t be disappointed!!!
🩵🏒Thank you so much to Kenna King for the ARC🏒🩵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
OMG I loved this book so much!!! Kenna King knows how to write a heartfelt hockey book. I loved Vivi and Trey so much; the chemistry they have is . Reading the other two books, I always wondered about Trey. And learning his story and everything he has been through had me bawling!! He has been through so much, and the love that he has for the people he’s closest to is beautiful. He would do anything for his niece; he is trying his best to give her a better life than he had and make sure he is giving her the life her parents were giving her. Trey would also do anything for Vivi and his team, and after learning his background, it makes so much sense. Vivi is a people pleaser, and she wants what’s best for her company and wants to get by on her own merit and not her father’s last name. I understand where she’s coming from, wanting to have success on your own merit and nobody else’s. I wanted to slap her temporary CEO, and I’m so glad that Trey put him in his place. That scene was hot. Also, the stuff Trey did for Vivi, that man was down bad. But it made me so sad for Vivi when she told him that nobody ever did that for her and not for other reasons. Also, I loved Adeline so much; she was such a fun character, and my heart hurt for her and everything she’s been through in her nine years. I loved the found family this group has, and I can’t wait for the next book, especially if it’s Kendall and Aleksi’s book. You can read this book on Kindle Unlimited. If you want a hot ex-military hockey MMC that will make you cry and laugh, this book is for you!! You won’t be disappointed!!!
🩵🏒Thank you so much to Kenna King for the ARC🏒🩵
October 16, 2025
“…I don't want to be the man you regret years down the line when you realize that a lifetime of childhood abandonment and trauma, mixed with fifteen years in the service seeing things that you can never imagine, means that I have a gaping hole missing from the man I should be.”
Characters:
Vivi Ann Newport
Trey Hartley
Vivi is independent to a fault. She saw the mistakes of her sister and doesn’t want to use her privilege to enhance her life, leading to some bad choice that she continues to repeat.
Trey is an ex-military man with physical and emotional trauma related to service and life. He’s also the guardian to his orphaned niece. He thinks he’s broken and those around him deserve more than he can be. He’s also highly protective.
Originally thrown together because of chance and then need, there’s a strong attraction between Vivi and Trey. They challenge each other’s expectations and experiences with relationships. I didn’t love Vivi’s inability to see the bigger picture and running from her problems. When it was time for Trey to stand up and fight for Vivi, I didn’t like that he didn’t. Communion from both people and for Vivi and her dad world have changed the story.
While this is a standalone book, I feel like I missed some additional context by not having read Vivi’s sister’s book.
What to Expect:
Dual POV
Hockey Romance
Runaway Bride
Arranged marriage (sort of)
Ex-military
Single Guardian
She’s the Nanny
Disability Rep
Forced Proximity
HEA, Epilogue + Bonus Epilogue opt in
Spice:
🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Kenna King for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
Characters:
Vivi Ann Newport
Trey Hartley
Vivi is independent to a fault. She saw the mistakes of her sister and doesn’t want to use her privilege to enhance her life, leading to some bad choice that she continues to repeat.
Trey is an ex-military man with physical and emotional trauma related to service and life. He’s also the guardian to his orphaned niece. He thinks he’s broken and those around him deserve more than he can be. He’s also highly protective.
Originally thrown together because of chance and then need, there’s a strong attraction between Vivi and Trey. They challenge each other’s expectations and experiences with relationships. I didn’t love Vivi’s inability to see the bigger picture and running from her problems. When it was time for Trey to stand up and fight for Vivi, I didn’t like that he didn’t. Communion from both people and for Vivi and her dad world have changed the story.
While this is a standalone book, I feel like I missed some additional context by not having read Vivi’s sister’s book.
What to Expect:
Dual POV
Hockey Romance
Runaway Bride
Arranged marriage (sort of)
Ex-military
Single Guardian
She’s the Nanny
Disability Rep
Forced Proximity
HEA, Epilogue + Bonus Epilogue opt in
Spice:
🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Kenna King for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
October 21, 2025
Trey and Vivi are a wonderful escape. Runaway Bride meets Bachelor Uncle meets Nanny, there are so many hot tropes battling for dominance in this story. What starts as an escape escalates quickly to refuge, safe harbor. Trey and Addy become Vivi’s whole world even well her other world implodes. She fled her wedding, her groom ran off with the wedding planner… normally that would spell the end of the relationship. But when your marriage is an arranged marriage of convenience for business success, things are more complicated than they seem. Seeing Vivi fall head over heels for Trey, with an impending marriage looming over them was such bitter happiness. It was impossible to see smooth roads to their happiness, but i love a good bit of angst. Their story is one of many twists and turns, bumpy travelling but an eventual outcome that pleases all. I loved seeing the family evolution between Trey, Vivi and Addy. They were such an adorable unit. This story has fun, tender hearts and family bonding to create a memorable read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Jf Harding & Emma Wilder give a great performance as Trey & Vivi, and a huge shoutout to Emma for a fantastic childlike voice for Addy. I love having child characters as it gives an added depth to the story and Emma’s reading of the characters was wonderfully sweet. Harding does such a fabulous job with the reaching the deeper emotion of a character like Trey. There is an inherent sadness from the loses he’s seen and felt and JF Harding really kept that sadness throughout making it that much more realistic and felt. This was a wonderful audiobook to listen to with great jobs done all around.
Jf Harding & Emma Wilder give a great performance as Trey & Vivi, and a huge shoutout to Emma for a fantastic childlike voice for Addy. I love having child characters as it gives an added depth to the story and Emma’s reading of the characters was wonderfully sweet. Harding does such a fabulous job with the reaching the deeper emotion of a character like Trey. There is an inherent sadness from the loses he’s seen and felt and JF Harding really kept that sadness throughout making it that much more realistic and felt. This was a wonderful audiobook to listen to with great jobs done all around.
October 5, 2025
5 ⭐️ ARC REVIEW - spoilers ahead! let’s get into this :)
Tropes: Single Dad/Nanny, forbidden romance
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Favourite Character: Vivi Ann
I have wanted Vivi to get a book since Islas so I LOVE that we got this.
Kaenan and Isla cameos I loved every MINUTE of them 🥳 their book was my favourite of the Hawkeyes series so I had a feeling vivis would be my fave in this series and IT WAS!
Berkeley!!! The OG Hawkeyes babyy and the friendship between her and Adeline so so cute
Speaking of Adeline! Cutest kid ever
THE NICKNAME HE USES AWWEE 🥰
Martin Howard when I catch you 👊😒
He sleeps better with her there awww
The helicopter date are you kidding?! 😩🙌
I love that in the rookie series Slade is like the love whisperer for all of them
I’ll have you know cookie dough is the most superior flavour of ice cream Vivi Ann
Treys backstory oh my god
Thought I would hate Jameson but didn’t! 👏
Her dad 👏 we love a good redemption arc
STOP!! THE DOG TAGS 🥺😭
The parallel and big difference from the scene in the beginning to the scene in the end? PERFECTION 🙌
Kenna every story you write just gets better and better
thank you for the ARC! I cannot wait for Kendall and Aleksi’s story next!
Quotes:
“Why are backwards hats so sexy” real
"As much as I'd love to see that, he's not worth your time."
"You're worth every second, You might not be mine, but that doesn't change a damn thing”
“Life's too short to have big regrets like letting the right person go."
“Your getaway driver for life."
Happy Reading! - M ☺️
Tropes: Single Dad/Nanny, forbidden romance
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Favourite Character: Vivi Ann
I have wanted Vivi to get a book since Islas so I LOVE that we got this.
Kaenan and Isla cameos I loved every MINUTE of them 🥳 their book was my favourite of the Hawkeyes series so I had a feeling vivis would be my fave in this series and IT WAS!
Berkeley!!! The OG Hawkeyes babyy and the friendship between her and Adeline so so cute
Speaking of Adeline! Cutest kid ever
THE NICKNAME HE USES AWWEE 🥰
Martin Howard when I catch you 👊😒
He sleeps better with her there awww
The helicopter date are you kidding?! 😩🙌
I love that in the rookie series Slade is like the love whisperer for all of them
I’ll have you know cookie dough is the most superior flavour of ice cream Vivi Ann
Treys backstory oh my god
Thought I would hate Jameson but didn’t! 👏
Her dad 👏 we love a good redemption arc
STOP!! THE DOG TAGS 🥺😭
The parallel and big difference from the scene in the beginning to the scene in the end? PERFECTION 🙌
Kenna every story you write just gets better and better
thank you for the ARC! I cannot wait for Kendall and Aleksi’s story next!
Quotes:
“Why are backwards hats so sexy” real
"As much as I'd love to see that, he's not worth your time."
"You're worth every second, You might not be mine, but that doesn't change a damn thing”
“Life's too short to have big regrets like letting the right person go."
“Your getaway driver for life."
Happy Reading! - M ☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
"Life's too short to have big regrets like letting the right person go."
This book has everything you'd expect from a sports romance series: hockey, a heartfelt love story, and an engaging plot.
Vivi is a hardworking, driven businesswoman with a caring heart. I loved how she could truly be herself around Trey, and how the people close to them could see the shift in her too. Trey, on the other hand, is more reserved, haunted by trauma and PTSD, but despite his self-doubt, he's an incredible father figure to her niece, always putting her first. As Vivi says, he’s a giant teddy bear. From the moment he sees her, he’s completely taken, and watching his journey of healing and discovering his self-worth was really great.
What I really appreciated was how their relationship developed gradually, with emotional and mental connection coming first before the physical. Vivi fits seamlessly into Trey and Adeline’s world, and their chemistry feels natural and real.
The spice was definitely delivered!
I also appreciated the respectful and realistic portrayal of PTSD from Trey’s perspective, it added depth and authenticity to his character.
I loved this story. I found myself relating to both Vivi and Trey, and their character development were really well done. The ending was satisfying and genuinely heartfelt. Kenna always delivers, but I think this might be my favorite book in the Rookie Hawkeyes series so far. I can’t wait to read Aleksi and Kendall’s story next!
Thank you so much for the author and team for the ARC!
⭐️4.25
This book has everything you'd expect from a sports romance series: hockey, a heartfelt love story, and an engaging plot.
Vivi is a hardworking, driven businesswoman with a caring heart. I loved how she could truly be herself around Trey, and how the people close to them could see the shift in her too. Trey, on the other hand, is more reserved, haunted by trauma and PTSD, but despite his self-doubt, he's an incredible father figure to her niece, always putting her first. As Vivi says, he’s a giant teddy bear. From the moment he sees her, he’s completely taken, and watching his journey of healing and discovering his self-worth was really great.
What I really appreciated was how their relationship developed gradually, with emotional and mental connection coming first before the physical. Vivi fits seamlessly into Trey and Adeline’s world, and their chemistry feels natural and real.
The spice was definitely delivered!
I also appreciated the respectful and realistic portrayal of PTSD from Trey’s perspective, it added depth and authenticity to his character.
I loved this story. I found myself relating to both Vivi and Trey, and their character development were really well done. The ending was satisfying and genuinely heartfelt. Kenna always delivers, but I think this might be my favorite book in the Rookie Hawkeyes series so far. I can’t wait to read Aleksi and Kendall’s story next!
Thank you so much for the author and team for the ARC!
⭐️4.25
October 21, 2025
the rugged Trey Hartley
Vivi Newport is a self made staffing solutions mogul. After leaving her father and his fortune, she is determined to make it on her own. The last decade has been spent building her empire and she’s ready to take her company public. Her only goal is to do it without the funds her father is offering, her only option left is an arranged marriage to a wealthy family’s playboy son. So that’s what she’ll do, she’ll marry Jameson and be set for life.
One small problem, cold feet on her wedding day land her in the back of an unmarked SUV. Being driven by the one and only, Trey Hartley. The war hero left winger for the Seattle Hawkeyes.
Trey Hartley is a troubled man. A retired special forces soldier who was medically discharged after a mission gone wrong that left him deaf in one ear and killed his best friend. The icing on the cake? His brother and his wife were killed in a car accident last year and now he is raising his 9 year old niece. He doesn’t know how to quiet the demons in his head, let alone raise a 9 year old who has lost everything.
And now the woman he’s been crushing on is his temporary nanny. She’s captivating, beautiful, and everything he’s ever wanted, even if she’s wearing another man’s ring.
Check out Bottle Rocket by Kenna King to follow Trey and Vivi’s journey to choosing each other.
Vivi Newport is a self made staffing solutions mogul. After leaving her father and his fortune, she is determined to make it on her own. The last decade has been spent building her empire and she’s ready to take her company public. Her only goal is to do it without the funds her father is offering, her only option left is an arranged marriage to a wealthy family’s playboy son. So that’s what she’ll do, she’ll marry Jameson and be set for life.
One small problem, cold feet on her wedding day land her in the back of an unmarked SUV. Being driven by the one and only, Trey Hartley. The war hero left winger for the Seattle Hawkeyes.
Trey Hartley is a troubled man. A retired special forces soldier who was medically discharged after a mission gone wrong that left him deaf in one ear and killed his best friend. The icing on the cake? His brother and his wife were killed in a car accident last year and now he is raising his 9 year old niece. He doesn’t know how to quiet the demons in his head, let alone raise a 9 year old who has lost everything.
And now the woman he’s been crushing on is his temporary nanny. She’s captivating, beautiful, and everything he’s ever wanted, even if she’s wearing another man’s ring.
Check out Bottle Rocket by Kenna King to follow Trey and Vivi’s journey to choosing each other.
October 19, 2025
ARC REVIEW
3.5 Stars
Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Single Guardian X Nanny
- Forbidden Romance
- Runaway Bride
-Military Rep
-Marriage of Conveince (Not between MCS)
-He Fell First
"What's not true?"
"That you were wearing the wrong last name."
Eeeeeek, I was honestly so excited to read Trey & Vivi story. A single uncle raising his 9 year old Niece who has the hots of the runaway bride turned nanny. What's not to love.
"You're playing with fire."
"Maybe I like the heat."
Now into the nitty gritty of it. I am aware ARCS are not yet complete to their best. I'm aware they'll be typos ect and this is rarely an issue for me. However, the story, plot and on a few occasions character names were misplaced, misspelt and lacking clarification or explanation when it was needed. This really took away from the story whilst reading, and overall affected the experience of it reading it. The plot was solid, it had the potential and with the things mentioned above fixed in print, it would meet it. One of the main things that was missing for me was how Trey ended up going from a war hero solider to a hockey player. It seems to me a vital part of character development and the lack of information overall on Trey seemed a bit off for me.
"So this is what it feels like."
"Like what feels like?"
"When you fit someone like they were made for you."
The romance and the spice was of course as always swoon worthy, and the laughable and cute wholesome moments throughout the book really made it worth the read. I enjoyed reading the book overall but with a few plot point issues, wrong character names (Callum being spelt both Callum and Cullum. and referring to Adeline as Berkley instead) really did have an overall affect. I expect that this won't be an issue in the final release though.
3.5 Stars
Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Single Guardian X Nanny
- Forbidden Romance
- Runaway Bride
-Military Rep
-Marriage of Conveince (Not between MCS)
-He Fell First
"What's not true?"
"That you were wearing the wrong last name."
Eeeeeek, I was honestly so excited to read Trey & Vivi story. A single uncle raising his 9 year old Niece who has the hots of the runaway bride turned nanny. What's not to love.
"You're playing with fire."
"Maybe I like the heat."
Now into the nitty gritty of it. I am aware ARCS are not yet complete to their best. I'm aware they'll be typos ect and this is rarely an issue for me. However, the story, plot and on a few occasions character names were misplaced, misspelt and lacking clarification or explanation when it was needed. This really took away from the story whilst reading, and overall affected the experience of it reading it. The plot was solid, it had the potential and with the things mentioned above fixed in print, it would meet it. One of the main things that was missing for me was how Trey ended up going from a war hero solider to a hockey player. It seems to me a vital part of character development and the lack of information overall on Trey seemed a bit off for me.
"So this is what it feels like."
"Like what feels like?"
"When you fit someone like they were made for you."
The romance and the spice was of course as always swoon worthy, and the laughable and cute wholesome moments throughout the book really made it worth the read. I enjoyed reading the book overall but with a few plot point issues, wrong character names (Callum being spelt both Callum and Cullum. and referring to Adeline as Berkley instead) really did have an overall affect. I expect that this won't be an issue in the final release though.
October 19, 2025
5/5 Stars! Another great book by Kenna King!
"With you, we're living."
As always it's so great to be back in the world of the Hawkeyes. Bottle Rocket is book 3 of the interconnected series The Rookie Hawkeyes. But this can be read as a stand alone if you would like.
In Bottle rocket, we meet Vivi. Right before she is set to walk down the aisle into a perfect but loveless marriage. Vivi takes a chance on herself and runs from her wedding. As her luck would have it the driver of the getaway car is none other than Hawkeyes player Trey. Not only is Vivi now faced with picking up the pieces of leaving her wedding. She is now faced with being forced on administrative leave. Unfortunately for Vivi leaving her arranged marriage puts her company’s agreement into peril. Stripped of all company resources. Vivi accepts a temporary nanny job for Trey’s niece. Before they know it their closeness develops into something more. Despite starting to fall in love Vivi is still held back by her responsibilities to her company.
I was so drawn to Vivi's character. Kenna King wrote her so real & vulnerable. Especially, with Vivi faced with major life changing decisions. Does she follow her heart but lose everything she worked so hard to build in her career? Read and find out!
"With you, we're living."
As always it's so great to be back in the world of the Hawkeyes. Bottle Rocket is book 3 of the interconnected series The Rookie Hawkeyes. But this can be read as a stand alone if you would like.
In Bottle rocket, we meet Vivi. Right before she is set to walk down the aisle into a perfect but loveless marriage. Vivi takes a chance on herself and runs from her wedding. As her luck would have it the driver of the getaway car is none other than Hawkeyes player Trey. Not only is Vivi now faced with picking up the pieces of leaving her wedding. She is now faced with being forced on administrative leave. Unfortunately for Vivi leaving her arranged marriage puts her company’s agreement into peril. Stripped of all company resources. Vivi accepts a temporary nanny job for Trey’s niece. Before they know it their closeness develops into something more. Despite starting to fall in love Vivi is still held back by her responsibilities to her company.
I was so drawn to Vivi's character. Kenna King wrote her so real & vulnerable. Especially, with Vivi faced with major life changing decisions. Does she follow her heart but lose everything she worked so hard to build in her career? Read and find out!
October 29, 2025
🌟:5 🌶️:2 🎙️:5
This book had me in a hand necklace from the very first chapter. I’m completely obsessed with everything about this book, and I have no notes!! I’m floored. Speechless and stunned!
Kenna, I would love to give you ALL of the forehead kisses for this little beauty. 🥰 Trey and Vivi captured my heart with their whirlwind romance and I found myself wishing this would never end because I didn’t want to leave these characters.
The way that Kenna wrote this runaway bride, single dad/guardian storyline was so unique and honestly so special. I loved every single minute of the audio, and every word that Kenna wrote. The chemistry between Trey and Vivi was unmatched and I absolutely love when a broken boy finds his girl because they become obsessed. Trey was down bad for Vivi, and so was Vivi for Trey. Gahhhh! I love them so much!!
Emma Wilder really shined in this audio as Vivi, and JF Harding was unbelievably good as Trey. I e always been a big fan of these two narrators, so really I knew they’d be amazing. They made the perfect matchup, and this audio is not one to miss!
Highly recommend this on audio, especially if you love hockey romances, single dad romances, nanny romances, and unforgettable characters who will steal your heart from the very first page. 🩵
This book had me in a hand necklace from the very first chapter. I’m completely obsessed with everything about this book, and I have no notes!! I’m floored. Speechless and stunned!
Kenna, I would love to give you ALL of the forehead kisses for this little beauty. 🥰 Trey and Vivi captured my heart with their whirlwind romance and I found myself wishing this would never end because I didn’t want to leave these characters.
The way that Kenna wrote this runaway bride, single dad/guardian storyline was so unique and honestly so special. I loved every single minute of the audio, and every word that Kenna wrote. The chemistry between Trey and Vivi was unmatched and I absolutely love when a broken boy finds his girl because they become obsessed. Trey was down bad for Vivi, and so was Vivi for Trey. Gahhhh! I love them so much!!
Emma Wilder really shined in this audio as Vivi, and JF Harding was unbelievably good as Trey. I e always been a big fan of these two narrators, so really I knew they’d be amazing. They made the perfect matchup, and this audio is not one to miss!
Highly recommend this on audio, especially if you love hockey romances, single dad romances, nanny romances, and unforgettable characters who will steal your heart from the very first page. 🩵
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews