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The Rookie Hawkeyes #5
Playbook Breakaway
“Marrying a stranger wasn’t part of my playbook.
Falling in love with her? Definitely not.”
On the ice, they call me East—fast hands, sharp edges, zero hesitation.
Off the ice? I keep my life simple. Hockey. Teammates. No complications I can’t skate away from.
Unfortunately, I’m terrible at thinking things through—like the moment I agreed to a late-night pool bet with my teammate and accidentally ended up with a wife.
Katerina Popovich isn’t the Russian ballerina I expected. She’s sharp, sarcastic, and entirely unimpressed by my NHL contract. She also happens to have a ticking visa deadline, a powerful family with opinions about her future, and zero patience for my chaos.
So we make a plan.
Stay married.
Keep it temporary.
Follow the rules.
Simple. Clean. Totally under control.
Except suddenly we're living together in a penthouse apartment. My family adores her. My teammates won’t stop calling her “wifey.” And the woman I married because of a bet keeps stealing my hoodies, falling asleep in my bed, and making my life feel suspiciously… complete.
Because falling for my wife was never part of my playbook.
And losing her might be the only breakaway I don’t know how to survive.
*** Playbook Breakaway is book #5 in the Rookie Hawkeyes Series and is a standalone within the series with an HEA at the end. The series can be read out of order but in order not to spoil other player's HEA it is recommended the books in order.
This is a continuation series from the OG series The Hawkeyes Hockey Series.
Book #1 Match Penalty
Book #2 Bleacher Report
Book #3 Bottle Rocket
Book #4 Player Misconduct
Book #5 Playbook Breakaway
****
Book #6 Coming Soon
Book #7 Coming Soon
Book #8 Coming Soon
Falling in love with her? Definitely not.”
On the ice, they call me East—fast hands, sharp edges, zero hesitation.
Off the ice? I keep my life simple. Hockey. Teammates. No complications I can’t skate away from.
Unfortunately, I’m terrible at thinking things through—like the moment I agreed to a late-night pool bet with my teammate and accidentally ended up with a wife.
Katerina Popovich isn’t the Russian ballerina I expected. She’s sharp, sarcastic, and entirely unimpressed by my NHL contract. She also happens to have a ticking visa deadline, a powerful family with opinions about her future, and zero patience for my chaos.
So we make a plan.
Stay married.
Keep it temporary.
Follow the rules.
Simple. Clean. Totally under control.
Except suddenly we're living together in a penthouse apartment. My family adores her. My teammates won’t stop calling her “wifey.” And the woman I married because of a bet keeps stealing my hoodies, falling asleep in my bed, and making my life feel suspiciously… complete.
Because falling for my wife was never part of my playbook.
And losing her might be the only breakaway I don’t know how to survive.
*** Playbook Breakaway is book #5 in the Rookie Hawkeyes Series and is a standalone within the series with an HEA at the end. The series can be read out of order but in order not to spoil other player's HEA it is recommended the books in order.
This is a continuation series from the OG series The Hawkeyes Hockey Series.
Book #1 Match Penalty
Book #2 Bleacher Report
Book #3 Bottle Rocket
Book #4 Player Misconduct
Book #5 Playbook Breakaway
****
Book #6 Coming Soon
Book #7 Coming Soon
Book #8 Coming Soon
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2026
387 people are currently reading
1907 people want to read
About the author
Kenna King
29 books673 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
January 18, 2026
I really loved the romance in this but I just could not get past the sheer ridiculousness of the reason for the fake marriage 🙃
Also - this book had soooo many typos in it it was a little distracting
Also - this book had soooo many typos in it it was a little distracting
January 12, 2026
I read this as part of an ARC review. It was my very first Kenna King book and I adored it.
This book felt like a warm hug. I loved the characters. The MMC was giving the sweetest golden retriever vibes but still has tons of swagger. This book also has one of my fav tropes - the fake relationship. I have not read the others in this series that came before but I was totally able to read this as a standalone just fine.
I read this book in 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down. I was giggling, kicking my feet in the air, and wanting to text my friends about it.
If you like Elsie Silver, Chelsea Curto, and Liz Tomforde this is totally going to be your vibe.
This book felt like a warm hug. I loved the characters. The MMC was giving the sweetest golden retriever vibes but still has tons of swagger. This book also has one of my fav tropes - the fake relationship. I have not read the others in this series that came before but I was totally able to read this as a standalone just fine.
I read this book in 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down. I was giggling, kicking my feet in the air, and wanting to text my friends about it.
If you like Elsie Silver, Chelsea Curto, and Liz Tomforde this is totally going to be your vibe.
January 17, 2026
Holy typos. So many grammatical errors and the entire time I was reading I was wondering who let this get published without fixing some extremely visible errors. The plot was cute but nothing I haven’t read before.
January 13, 2026
ARC REVIEW - I absolutely loved this book! I have been lucky enough to receive this ARC from Kenna and I was so excited to dive right into it.
Scottie and Kat’s story was lovely 🥰 I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters and going through all the emotions with them!
I really enjoy Kenna’s writing and whenever I have to put the book down I can’t wait to pick it back up again.
The world she has created is amazing and a whole set of really likeable characters!
Another fantastic story from this series and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Scottie and Kat’s story was lovely 🥰 I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters and going through all the emotions with them!
I really enjoy Kenna’s writing and whenever I have to put the book down I can’t wait to pick it back up again.
The world she has created is amazing and a whole set of really likeable characters!
Another fantastic story from this series and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
January 26, 2026
If her mom was an US citizen she would automatically also be a US citizen, so was that marriage really necessary???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 Book #3 in the Interconnected Standalone Series "The Rookie Hawkeyes"
🏒 Hockey Romance
🗣️ Dual POV
🖤 M/F
Scottie Easton is the best damn Golden Retriever there ever was, and Katerina Popovich is the Russian Ice Ballerina Princess that we never knew we needed. Together = Flawless, I mean honestly this book was just swoon worthy. Scottie was all in from the absolute beginning, like that is just who he is as a person...Would help anyone with anything no matter what it was. Marrying his teammates sister, sight unseen, and being tricked into it no less by a pool shark Luka just proves the point.
The girl gang in this series is top-notch, and honestly I think its the thing I look forward to most about the series continuing is getting to see how these women show up and show out for each new member. I mean, they literally planned an entire celeb tier wedding for Scottie & Kat in like a day, and it was spectacular...add on that Scottie gave it his own special touches for his new wife and 😍
Was this book all butterflies & rainbows?...no....Did I want to smack Scottie and Kit Kat Gibbs style over their "miscommunication" that Kat's grandmother orchestrated? absofreakinglutely I did...I actually skimmed a bit during that part of the book cause my heart really just needed them fixed. Once that mess was over, we were back to the "my wife" parts exactly as we should have been.
As sad as I am that Scottie & Kats story is over, Im equally as stoked to get to read Luka & Nadia's story.
Tropes:
🩰 Ballerina x Hockey Player
🏒 Marriage of Convenience
🩰 Brother's Teammate
🏒 Strangers-to-Lovers
🩰 Mafia Family
🏒 Small Town Boy
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 Book #3 in the Interconnected Standalone Series "The Rookie Hawkeyes"
🏒 Hockey Romance
🗣️ Dual POV
🖤 M/F
Scottie Easton is the best damn Golden Retriever there ever was, and Katerina Popovich is the Russian Ice Ballerina Princess that we never knew we needed. Together = Flawless, I mean honestly this book was just swoon worthy. Scottie was all in from the absolute beginning, like that is just who he is as a person...Would help anyone with anything no matter what it was. Marrying his teammates sister, sight unseen, and being tricked into it no less by a pool shark Luka just proves the point.
The girl gang in this series is top-notch, and honestly I think its the thing I look forward to most about the series continuing is getting to see how these women show up and show out for each new member. I mean, they literally planned an entire celeb tier wedding for Scottie & Kat in like a day, and it was spectacular...add on that Scottie gave it his own special touches for his new wife and 😍
Was this book all butterflies & rainbows?...no....Did I want to smack Scottie and Kit Kat Gibbs style over their "miscommunication" that Kat's grandmother orchestrated? absofreakinglutely I did...I actually skimmed a bit during that part of the book cause my heart really just needed them fixed. Once that mess was over, we were back to the "my wife" parts exactly as we should have been.
As sad as I am that Scottie & Kats story is over, Im equally as stoked to get to read Luka & Nadia's story.
Tropes:
🩰 Ballerina x Hockey Player
🏒 Marriage of Convenience
🩰 Brother's Teammate
🏒 Strangers-to-Lovers
🩰 Mafia Family
🏒 Small Town Boy
January 15, 2026
I read this as an ARC review. I absolutely loved this book!!
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but it read wonderfully as a standalone.
Scottie and Katerina…fake relationship a little taste of the bratva. Chef’s kiss. Scottie is a dreamy blend of alpha hero and total golden retriever. Katerina was strong, fierce and sweet. She was a gem of a main character.
I couldn’t put this book down. I was swooning and smiling so hard. The other characters are also fun and well written.
If you enjoy a hockey romance…I highly recommend this series. I will be going to the beginning and reading them all.
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but it read wonderfully as a standalone.
Scottie and Katerina…fake relationship a little taste of the bratva. Chef’s kiss. Scottie is a dreamy blend of alpha hero and total golden retriever. Katerina was strong, fierce and sweet. She was a gem of a main character.
I couldn’t put this book down. I was swooning and smiling so hard. The other characters are also fun and well written.
If you enjoy a hockey romance…I highly recommend this series. I will be going to the beginning and reading them all.
January 14, 2026
Playbook Breakaway ARC Review: Scottie and Katerina are perfection! This is probably my new fav marriage of convenience romance! I was kept guessing what would happen through the whole book and it turned out beautifully! Scottie is top tier book husband! The amount of time he says my wife was chef’s kiss! Also to slow burn was hot! I probably say this every new release from @kennakingbooks but this is my new fav from the series! I binge read it so fast!
January 15, 2026
4.5 ⭐️couldn’t put down! Love the story. “Best bet I ever lost”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2026
"Playbook Breakaway" is a sweet book and a great addition to the Rookie Hawkeyes series. I'm glad that we still get to see the guys in the story; however, I feel that we are losing some of the players along the way. JP was barely mentioned in this book or the previous one, and Alexsi was barely mentioned as well. It seems that this book overlapped with the last chapters of Player Misconduct. I think it's a shame that we don't get to see more of the guys interacting with each other because I have come to love the male characters that have been featured thus far. However, I must say that I am growing to love the WAG group more and more each time. I love how female friendships are uplifted and represented in these stories without toxicity.
Luka had been mentioned in passing in previous books, and I knew that we would eventually learn his backstory. While he wasn't the main character in this book, I am glad we got to see more of him, especially the protective side, through his sister, Katerina. I am now ready for Luka to have his moment in the spotlight. I'm intrigued by their mafia backstory and family roots.
Scottie is just your overall good guy. You can't help but cheer for him, and your heart breaks just a little when his breaks. His whole family is amazin,g and I wish we could have seen more interactions with his parents as well as his sisters. I think that younger siblings and the bonds they create with the significant other of a family member are important.
Overall, I enjoyed the storyline. It wasn't reinventing the wheel. It was just comfort. It's one of those love stories that you want to curl up with and savor.
Here is my small complaint. This book was originally scheduled for release in March 2026, but it was pulled forward by two months, which I think is great. I am not a patient perso,n so being able to continue with the series sooner rather than later is always a plus in my book. I received an ARC copy from Kenna and her team a few days before the release. I read about 50% through the ARC copy, and there were a few formatting issues and typos. It's fine because it is an ARC copy...I know that those little clean-ups still need to happen. However, the last 50% I read on the copy that was available on Kindle Unlimited because the book was released when I was half done. However, when I switched over to the published version, there were still formatting problems and typos. This is what I find upsetting. If the book isn't 100% ready, please refrain from publishing it. A few extra days or weeks will not be a problem. The digital version... well, that's fine. I know that, as a user, I can update the version I have if the editor makes changes. However, for anyone who preordered the print copy and received the same version currently available on digital today (one day after its release), they will have to live with those errors the whole time.
Luka had been mentioned in passing in previous books, and I knew that we would eventually learn his backstory. While he wasn't the main character in this book, I am glad we got to see more of him, especially the protective side, through his sister, Katerina. I am now ready for Luka to have his moment in the spotlight. I'm intrigued by their mafia backstory and family roots.
Scottie is just your overall good guy. You can't help but cheer for him, and your heart breaks just a little when his breaks. His whole family is amazin,g and I wish we could have seen more interactions with his parents as well as his sisters. I think that younger siblings and the bonds they create with the significant other of a family member are important.
Overall, I enjoyed the storyline. It wasn't reinventing the wheel. It was just comfort. It's one of those love stories that you want to curl up with and savor.
Here is my small complaint. This book was originally scheduled for release in March 2026, but it was pulled forward by two months, which I think is great. I am not a patient perso,n so being able to continue with the series sooner rather than later is always a plus in my book. I received an ARC copy from Kenna and her team a few days before the release. I read about 50% through the ARC copy, and there were a few formatting issues and typos. It's fine because it is an ARC copy...I know that those little clean-ups still need to happen. However, the last 50% I read on the copy that was available on Kindle Unlimited because the book was released when I was half done. However, when I switched over to the published version, there were still formatting problems and typos. This is what I find upsetting. If the book isn't 100% ready, please refrain from publishing it. A few extra days or weeks will not be a problem. The digital version... well, that's fine. I know that, as a user, I can update the version I have if the editor makes changes. However, for anyone who preordered the print copy and received the same version currently available on digital today (one day after its release), they will have to live with those errors the whole time.
January 12, 2026
Kenna you’ve done it again! A perfect book
ARC Review 5 ⭐️
Tropes:
Marriage of Convenience
Acts of Service
He Falls First
Brothers Teammate
Strangers to lovers
One lost bet during a pool game changes everything for Scottie Easton and Katerina Popovich - we can all thank Luka Popovich for that
This is the fifth book in the Hawkeyes rookie series I first got into Kenna‘s books with the Hawkeyes hockey series and it is so lovely to see those characters that got their own stories play such an intertwined role in these new stories, such as Ryker Haynes and Juliet, though of course it’s a different story the way they were written in to this one mirrored the story beautifully
Marriage of convenience is my favourite trope and honestly I want 1000 more from Kenna. (Or just her books in general)
I love getting thrown back into the world of the Hawkeyes in this world. We have Oakleys, serendipitys café, the commons, the found family between the girl group and the hockey guys
One of my favourite things was her nickname because it had a double meaning for him, a kitkat though, through superstition brought him luck he called her KitKat because it was unique to them, she became his good luck charm and his person, his wife. Dive into Scottie and Katerina’s story and see how through each chapter they fall deeper and deeper in love but also trying very hard not to.
Honestly up until this book in the rookie series, my favourite might’ve been Hunter, but Scottie took that spot - new favourite! I can’t wait for more if there are any planned! And I want to see more of Scottie :))
If you like marriage of convenience, this book is absolutely for you, but I am so sure if you pick up one of Kenna’s books, you will not want to put it down
These do not have to be read in order, but if you’d like to catch up before reading this book, you can read
1. Match Penalty
2. Bleacher Report
3. Bottle Rocket
4. Player Misconduct
Kenna I love your books and I can’t wait for the next one!
Quotes:
“By the look of it, I'd say I'm your big, dumb, jealous hockey
player."
this kiss is completely unexpected-the ring was unexpected, he... was unexpected
"For better or worse, we're in this together now until you're free and there's no more threat. You and me. You're not doing this alone."
“This plan only works because it's you. You're the only one I could have trusted with this. And I was right to pick you."
ARC Review 5 ⭐️
Tropes:
Marriage of Convenience
Acts of Service
He Falls First
Brothers Teammate
Strangers to lovers
One lost bet during a pool game changes everything for Scottie Easton and Katerina Popovich - we can all thank Luka Popovich for that
This is the fifth book in the Hawkeyes rookie series I first got into Kenna‘s books with the Hawkeyes hockey series and it is so lovely to see those characters that got their own stories play such an intertwined role in these new stories, such as Ryker Haynes and Juliet, though of course it’s a different story the way they were written in to this one mirrored the story beautifully
Marriage of convenience is my favourite trope and honestly I want 1000 more from Kenna. (Or just her books in general)
I love getting thrown back into the world of the Hawkeyes in this world. We have Oakleys, serendipitys café, the commons, the found family between the girl group and the hockey guys
One of my favourite things was her nickname because it had a double meaning for him, a kitkat though, through superstition brought him luck he called her KitKat because it was unique to them, she became his good luck charm and his person, his wife. Dive into Scottie and Katerina’s story and see how through each chapter they fall deeper and deeper in love but also trying very hard not to.
Honestly up until this book in the rookie series, my favourite might’ve been Hunter, but Scottie took that spot - new favourite! I can’t wait for more if there are any planned! And I want to see more of Scottie :))
If you like marriage of convenience, this book is absolutely for you, but I am so sure if you pick up one of Kenna’s books, you will not want to put it down
These do not have to be read in order, but if you’d like to catch up before reading this book, you can read
1. Match Penalty
2. Bleacher Report
3. Bottle Rocket
4. Player Misconduct
Kenna I love your books and I can’t wait for the next one!
Quotes:
“By the look of it, I'd say I'm your big, dumb, jealous hockey
player."
this kiss is completely unexpected-the ring was unexpected, he... was unexpected
"For better or worse, we're in this together now until you're free and there's no more threat. You and me. You're not doing this alone."
“This plan only works because it's you. You're the only one I could have trusted with this. And I was right to pick you."
January 19, 2026
I have lots of thoughts so this may not be very concise.
I LOVED the premise of this. An arranged marriage to avoid another arranged marriage? Absolutely. Scottie getting hustled into being the groom was hilarious. Katerina’s fear of her father and need for freedom was done well. Clearly the marriage benefited her more than Scottie, but he was still so wonderful. I’m glad I enjoyed the premise and story so much but I had other issues with this book.
My biggest complaint in the last book was the poor editing. The two medical review boards had the same dialogue verbatim for several paragraphs and there were many continuity errors. I was concerned it would happen with this book, as well.
I received an ARC of this book, but the author wasn’t able to send it til 4 days before release day so I wasn’t able to read it all prior. I say all of this because I want to acknowledge that some edits were done between the ARCs going out and publishing. I began reading the ARC version but switched to the KU version (as always) once it released so the author gets those page turns! I made notes to look up several issues that I found in the ARC and many had been resolved in the KU version.
What you’ll get:
Marriage of Convenience
He Falls First
Brother’s Teammate
Strangers to Lovers
Golden Retriever Hero
I’ll Take Care of My Wife
Ballerina x Hockey Player
Thanks to Kenna for this ARC.
I LOVED the premise of this. An arranged marriage to avoid another arranged marriage? Absolutely. Scottie getting hustled into being the groom was hilarious. Katerina’s fear of her father and need for freedom was done well. Clearly the marriage benefited her more than Scottie, but he was still so wonderful. I’m glad I enjoyed the premise and story so much but I had other issues with this book.
My biggest complaint in the last book was the poor editing. The two medical review boards had the same dialogue verbatim for several paragraphs and there were many continuity errors. I was concerned it would happen with this book, as well.
I received an ARC of this book, but the author wasn’t able to send it til 4 days before release day so I wasn’t able to read it all prior. I say all of this because I want to acknowledge that some edits were done between the ARCs going out and publishing. I began reading the ARC version but switched to the KU version (as always) once it released so the author gets those page turns! I made notes to look up several issues that I found in the ARC and many had been resolved in the KU version.
What you’ll get:
Marriage of Convenience
He Falls First
Brother’s Teammate
Strangers to Lovers
Golden Retriever Hero
I’ll Take Care of My Wife
Ballerina x Hockey Player
Thanks to Kenna for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Katerina?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re the best bet I ever made."
⭐️4.5
Another great addition to the series and Kenna’s Hawkeyes universe! The story moves fast while staying completely engaging. The characters feel real and relatable, and the relationship develops naturally—Scottie falls first and falls hard, which I loved.
Their communication is truly top-tier. They talk openly, support one another, and pick up on each other’s cues quickly, even though they’ve known each other for a short time. It makes their connection feel authentic and emotionally grounded.
The Hawkeyes WAG gang continues to be one of my favorite parts of this universe. Their inclusivity and constant support for one another never gets old, and I loved how Kat was welcomed right away. She fits in effortlessly, and it was refreshing to see her embraced so naturally.
Scottie’s care for Kat is especially touching. He truly values her and makes her feel seen and loved for exactly who she is.
The ending and epilogue were incredibly wholesome—like a warm cuddle for readers who have been following these stories. A very satisfying and heartwarming read.
Thank you to the author again for a copy of this e-ARC.
“Yeah?”
“You’re the best bet I ever made."
⭐️4.5
Another great addition to the series and Kenna’s Hawkeyes universe! The story moves fast while staying completely engaging. The characters feel real and relatable, and the relationship develops naturally—Scottie falls first and falls hard, which I loved.
Their communication is truly top-tier. They talk openly, support one another, and pick up on each other’s cues quickly, even though they’ve known each other for a short time. It makes their connection feel authentic and emotionally grounded.
The Hawkeyes WAG gang continues to be one of my favorite parts of this universe. Their inclusivity and constant support for one another never gets old, and I loved how Kat was welcomed right away. She fits in effortlessly, and it was refreshing to see her embraced so naturally.
Scottie’s care for Kat is especially touching. He truly values her and makes her feel seen and loved for exactly who she is.
The ending and epilogue were incredibly wholesome—like a warm cuddle for readers who have been following these stories. A very satisfying and heartwarming read.
Thank you to the author again for a copy of this e-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scottie loses a bet during a game of pool, and the consequence is that he has to marry his teammate’s sister. Katerina is in the U.S. on a visa as a ballerina with a dance company, but her family wants her back in Russia and already has her future planned out. To buy her time, her brother comes up with a plan to temporarily marry his teammate.
What starts as a convenient arrangement quickly turns into something more. Scottie and Katerina get along effortlessly, and Scottie is incredibly sweet, he genuinely just wants to take care of her. Real feelings begin to develop, and neither of them wants it to end. But Katerina’s family will do just about anything to pull them apart. Their relationship is truly put to the test, and I loved watching them ultimately choose each other.
Thank you, Kenna King for the ARC.
What starts as a convenient arrangement quickly turns into something more. Scottie and Katerina get along effortlessly, and Scottie is incredibly sweet, he genuinely just wants to take care of her. Real feelings begin to develop, and neither of them wants it to end. But Katerina’s family will do just about anything to pull them apart. Their relationship is truly put to the test, and I loved watching them ultimately choose each other.
Thank you, Kenna King for the ARC.
January 17, 2026
Kenna has always been able to write down bad men, but dangggggg Scottie just blew them out of the water! I loved how the story line progressed in this book. & Juliet stepping up and giving some insight to how her relationship started fake too lol
The girls & guys in these books are always top tier. Always there no matter what & no matter the crazy plans being made and thrown around lol. But the plot twist after the plot twist - CHEFS KISS!! The epilogue had me grabbing tissues. These two deserved every bit of their happy!!
I’m really hoping Luka gets a book because we LOVE a grumpy hockey player lol there’s nothing better.
The girls & guys in these books are always top tier. Always there no matter what & no matter the crazy plans being made and thrown around lol. But the plot twist after the plot twist - CHEFS KISS!! The epilogue had me grabbing tissues. These two deserved every bit of their happy!!
I’m really hoping Luka gets a book because we LOVE a grumpy hockey player lol there’s nothing better.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How do you do it Kenna King? HOW? How do you make me feels all these things, make my heart pump, making me cry like everything is ending, and then make me cry again of happiness ❤️
I have said it before, but this time I am quite sure. THIS book right here, is a masterpiece. It will forever be my favorite ❤️
Thank you Kenna for letring me ARC read this book ❤️❤️❤️
I have said it before, but this time I am quite sure. THIS book right here, is a masterpiece. It will forever be my favorite ❤️
Thank you Kenna for letring me ARC read this book ❤️❤️❤️
January 20, 2026
Ok this hurts for me to write because I am so obsessed with Kenna King. But this book just didn’t do it for me.
Scottie Easton was a golden retriever green flag man which I loved so much. Also so I intrigued to find out more about Luka!
This book just felt like it had so much going on, and the reasoning for some of the choices just didn’t do it for me.
Scottie Easton was a golden retriever green flag man which I loved so much. Also so I intrigued to find out more about Luka!
This book just felt like it had so much going on, and the reasoning for some of the choices just didn’t do it for me.
January 31, 2026
Genuinely wtf was this trope… loved the romance in this. BUT hockey romance books are usually crazy but this was beyond crazy. Yes a mafia daughter needs to marry a hockey boy ??? and sorry they actually fall in love in 2 days? Nah not buying it
It was a fine book, flew through but not a good end to the series tbh - also soooo may spelling errors again it was so hard to ignore 😭😭😭
It was a fine book, flew through but not a good end to the series tbh - also soooo may spelling errors again it was so hard to ignore 😭😭😭
March 3, 2026
Decent read, definitely not my favorite of the series. I feel like there could have been more to the storyline and especially Katerina and Scottie getting to know each other.
Their love story felt rushed even if it was a marriage of convenience.
I am excited for Luka’s book and hope it will be better.
Their love story felt rushed even if it was a marriage of convenience.
I am excited for Luka’s book and hope it will be better.
January 19, 2026
I have read all these books. And I absolutely love them all. However this book is absolutely the freaking best!!! Scottie is my newest book boyfriend. And Katerina is amazing. What she was willing to do for Scottie and his family was 🥹🥹 And this book gave me an idea who I want Luca with. In which I want him to be next or soon. Cause I just know it’s gonna be 🥵🥵
Spice level is probably a half pepper
Spice level is probably a half pepper
February 23, 2026
2.5🌟 My first language is not English and even I could have edited the book better, too many mistakes. Cute story overall
January 31, 2026
DNF at 10%, the grammar and typos made the book unreadable.
January 29, 2026
I usually really enjoy this authors work but the errors through this book made it frustrating to read. Would prefer to wait longer between releases for a more thoroughly edited product.
January 26, 2026
She’s a great author & I’ve read all her other books BUT this book had so so so many typos & grammatical errors. It was very distracting & disappointing
January 15, 2026
So I got this as an ARC
I was hocked from page one.
Thessle two are just great and the way the change towards each other is perfect.
I was smiling and giggling with every turn. Towards the end I was crying but also was happy about the ending.
I can relate to the female character Katrina as I have lost my mum and I was a dancer so was my mum so I get what she has. But that didn't stop me from reading this and I love Kenna King's writing so much.
Thank you again for the ARC too
I was hocked from page one.
Thessle two are just great and the way the change towards each other is perfect.
I was smiling and giggling with every turn. Towards the end I was crying but also was happy about the ending.
I can relate to the female character Katrina as I have lost my mum and I was a dancer so was my mum so I get what she has. But that didn't stop me from reading this and I love Kenna King's writing so much.
Thank you again for the ARC too
January 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Player’s Breakaway by Kenna King- ARC Review (Thank you Kenna for the ARC!! <3)
Let me start with a warning because it’s only fair: BOOK BOYFRIEND / HUSBAND ALERT 🚨
Scottie Easton has officially entered the chat and he is everything.
This swoony, sexy sports romance is book five in the interconnected standalone Rookie Hawkeye series, and yes — you can read it on its own, but if you’ve been following the Hawkeyes already? This one hits extra hard. One lost bet during a pool game changes everything for Scottie Easton and Katerina Popovich, and honestly, we can all thank Luka Popovich for this chaos.
This book was so cute and completely bingeable. Kenna King does what she does best — fast-paced, emotionally satisfying romances packed with banter, found family, and moments that make you clutch your Kindle and grin like an idiot.
Scottie Easton:
Hockey player. Golden retriever energy. Protective. Observant. A full-blown lover boy who takes care of the people he loves and falls hard. We’d already seen glimpses of him in previous books, and once it was his turn? I knew I was done for. Kenna absolutely delivered.
Katerina Popovich:
Ballerina. Sweet, funny, tea-loving, determined, and selfless. Also a mafia princess trying to quietly escape that life. She’s soft but strong, graceful but unshakeable — and the perfect match for Scottie’s big-hearted devotion.
Together? They are ridiculously adorable. I went in expecting a slow burn with mile-high walls, and instead got an instant connection, mutual yearning, and two people who don’t waste time denying what they feel. Their communication is refreshing and mature — open conversations, emotional support, and actually listening to each other (we love to see it).
Now let’s talk plot twists — no spoilers, don’t worry.
The first one? I clocked it.
The second one? I GASPED. I almost launched my Kindle. Pure joy.
Scottie’s care for Kat absolutely stole my heart. Remembering her favorite things. Making her feel safe. Bringing her into his family and letting the Hawkeye WAGs claim her as their own. Watching him fall when no one expected him to? Chef’s kiss.
Heads up: this is a romance-forward story. Hockey and ballet take a backseat to love, emotional stakes, and found family. If you want heavy sports action, just know that going in.
The ending and epilogue were pure serotonin — warm, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying for longtime readers of this series.
Bottom line: if you love golden retriever men, instant devotion, found family, and a romance that chooses feelings over unnecessary angst — read this book.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Player’s Breakaway by Kenna King- ARC Review (Thank you Kenna for the ARC!! <3)
Let me start with a warning because it’s only fair: BOOK BOYFRIEND / HUSBAND ALERT 🚨
Scottie Easton has officially entered the chat and he is everything.
This swoony, sexy sports romance is book five in the interconnected standalone Rookie Hawkeye series, and yes — you can read it on its own, but if you’ve been following the Hawkeyes already? This one hits extra hard. One lost bet during a pool game changes everything for Scottie Easton and Katerina Popovich, and honestly, we can all thank Luka Popovich for this chaos.
This book was so cute and completely bingeable. Kenna King does what she does best — fast-paced, emotionally satisfying romances packed with banter, found family, and moments that make you clutch your Kindle and grin like an idiot.
Scottie Easton:
Hockey player. Golden retriever energy. Protective. Observant. A full-blown lover boy who takes care of the people he loves and falls hard. We’d already seen glimpses of him in previous books, and once it was his turn? I knew I was done for. Kenna absolutely delivered.
Katerina Popovich:
Ballerina. Sweet, funny, tea-loving, determined, and selfless. Also a mafia princess trying to quietly escape that life. She’s soft but strong, graceful but unshakeable — and the perfect match for Scottie’s big-hearted devotion.
Together? They are ridiculously adorable. I went in expecting a slow burn with mile-high walls, and instead got an instant connection, mutual yearning, and two people who don’t waste time denying what they feel. Their communication is refreshing and mature — open conversations, emotional support, and actually listening to each other (we love to see it).
Now let’s talk plot twists — no spoilers, don’t worry.
The first one? I clocked it.
The second one? I GASPED. I almost launched my Kindle. Pure joy.
Scottie’s care for Kat absolutely stole my heart. Remembering her favorite things. Making her feel safe. Bringing her into his family and letting the Hawkeye WAGs claim her as their own. Watching him fall when no one expected him to? Chef’s kiss.
Heads up: this is a romance-forward story. Hockey and ballet take a backseat to love, emotional stakes, and found family. If you want heavy sports action, just know that going in.
The ending and epilogue were pure serotonin — warm, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying for longtime readers of this series.
Bottom line: if you love golden retriever men, instant devotion, found family, and a romance that chooses feelings over unnecessary angst — read this book.
January 16, 2026
*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*
“Sometimes the universe sends you something unexpected. Something you didn’t pick… but maybe deep down, it’s what you needed all along.”
I'm so grateful the universe sent us sports romance author, Kenna King. Her latest, and most satisfying hockey romance, Playbook Breakaway, is a touching love story between a tough golden retriever hockey player and a NY prima ballerina who just happens to be a Russian mob princess.
When Scottie loses a bet to teammate Luka he thinks it's a joke that he has to marry Luka's sister Katerina. Luka's father wants Kat back in Russia to marry an up and coming politician to create an alliance between the families. Luka's plan is for Kat to already be married so their Grandmother, the real head of the family, will force his father to leave Kat alone.
What no one expects is for Scottie to fall hard for Kat. To remember her favorite things and go out of his way to get them for her. To introduce her to his family and let them love her too. For the WAGs of the Hawkeye team to accept her as one of their own.
Kat tries hard to remember this marriage is temporary but every time he holds her hand, gives her a foot massage or sends her tea before a performance to calm her nerves, she knows she's falling in love with her husband.
When her Grandmother shows up she makes each of them "an offer they can't refuse" to end the marriage...but that won't end the love.
This swoony sexy sports romance is the 5th book in the interconnected standalone Rookie Hawkeye series. If you've read the previous books then it's extra fun catching up with the other couples in the series. Kenna King breaks away from the sports romance playbook and delivers an original emotional love story.
The Rookie Hawkeye Series:
Book 1. Match Penalty
Book 2. Bleacher Report
Book 3. Bottle Rocket
Book 4. Player Misconduct
Book 5. Playbook Breakaway
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
“Sometimes the universe sends you something unexpected. Something you didn’t pick… but maybe deep down, it’s what you needed all along.”
I'm so grateful the universe sent us sports romance author, Kenna King. Her latest, and most satisfying hockey romance, Playbook Breakaway, is a touching love story between a tough golden retriever hockey player and a NY prima ballerina who just happens to be a Russian mob princess.
When Scottie loses a bet to teammate Luka he thinks it's a joke that he has to marry Luka's sister Katerina. Luka's father wants Kat back in Russia to marry an up and coming politician to create an alliance between the families. Luka's plan is for Kat to already be married so their Grandmother, the real head of the family, will force his father to leave Kat alone.
What no one expects is for Scottie to fall hard for Kat. To remember her favorite things and go out of his way to get them for her. To introduce her to his family and let them love her too. For the WAGs of the Hawkeye team to accept her as one of their own.
Kat tries hard to remember this marriage is temporary but every time he holds her hand, gives her a foot massage or sends her tea before a performance to calm her nerves, she knows she's falling in love with her husband.
When her Grandmother shows up she makes each of them "an offer they can't refuse" to end the marriage...but that won't end the love.
This swoony sexy sports romance is the 5th book in the interconnected standalone Rookie Hawkeye series. If you've read the previous books then it's extra fun catching up with the other couples in the series. Kenna King breaks away from the sports romance playbook and delivers an original emotional love story.
The Rookie Hawkeye Series:
Book 1. Match Penalty
Book 2. Bleacher Report
Book 3. Bottle Rocket
Book 4. Player Misconduct
Book 5. Playbook Breakaway
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 16, 2026
All I can say is this book is beautifully unexpected.
Favorite Quotes:
"Slowly and gently, I kiss a line across her skin, tasting her like it's something holy."
"The realization that hits me that he's been grounding me on purpose. Holding me close so I don't feel like an outsider. He's been anchoring me, wordlessly reminding me that I'm not alone...that we're connected now in a way I've never been with anyone."
"True strength is in knowing when you need to accept help. Sometimes help doesn't look like a chaise lounge chair in a therapist's office. Sometimes help looks like fresh air, a beautiful view, and drifting aimlessly in a boat with your brother."
Another homerun for Kenna King. She outdid herself with Scottie & Katerina's story.
What I loved so much about this book is that it had a very different "feel".
I was not prepared for a sports romance meets mafia romance (lite), and I am so happy that I have now experienced the melding of these two tropes!
Scottie is our fun-loving, kind-hearted, golden retriever man. Katerina is the beautiful, untouchable, and unshakeable ballerina.
They are so different that it makes the pairing perfect.
The plot is well-written, and the characters are very well-developed.
The development of the relationship between Scottie and Katerina was so beautiful to watch. This book had so much more than the typical sports romance.
If you enjoy either of these romance tropes, you should check out this book.
Playbook Breakaway was also book 5 in The Rookie Hawkeyes series, but can be read as a standalone. I don't feel that I would have been missing anything pertinent that would have left me with questions had I not read the first four books (but I highly encourage reading the first four because every book in this series is top-tier!).
Grab a blanket, snuggle up in a comfy place, and read Playbook Breakaway!
Thank you to Kenna King for the opportunity to read and review this ARC! I can't wait to see where we go next!
Favorite Quotes:
"Slowly and gently, I kiss a line across her skin, tasting her like it's something holy."
"The realization that hits me that he's been grounding me on purpose. Holding me close so I don't feel like an outsider. He's been anchoring me, wordlessly reminding me that I'm not alone...that we're connected now in a way I've never been with anyone."
"True strength is in knowing when you need to accept help. Sometimes help doesn't look like a chaise lounge chair in a therapist's office. Sometimes help looks like fresh air, a beautiful view, and drifting aimlessly in a boat with your brother."
Another homerun for Kenna King. She outdid herself with Scottie & Katerina's story.
What I loved so much about this book is that it had a very different "feel".
I was not prepared for a sports romance meets mafia romance (lite), and I am so happy that I have now experienced the melding of these two tropes!
Scottie is our fun-loving, kind-hearted, golden retriever man. Katerina is the beautiful, untouchable, and unshakeable ballerina.
They are so different that it makes the pairing perfect.
The plot is well-written, and the characters are very well-developed.
The development of the relationship between Scottie and Katerina was so beautiful to watch. This book had so much more than the typical sports romance.
If you enjoy either of these romance tropes, you should check out this book.
Playbook Breakaway was also book 5 in The Rookie Hawkeyes series, but can be read as a standalone. I don't feel that I would have been missing anything pertinent that would have left me with questions had I not read the first four books (but I highly encourage reading the first four because every book in this series is top-tier!).
Grab a blanket, snuggle up in a comfy place, and read Playbook Breakaway!
Thank you to Kenna King for the opportunity to read and review this ARC! I can't wait to see where we go next!
January 20, 2026
🩵🏒ARC REVIEW🏒🩵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Once I saw the tropes for this one, I was so excited for it to come out. When it hit my Kindle, I could not put this book down. It’s so cute and such an amazing read. I love these two characters, and Scottie is the ultimate book boyfriend. Anyone know where I can get a man like that? Asking for a friend. 😂 I loved the way Luka tricked Scottie into marrying his sister and how Scottie said he would’ve done it if he just asked him. The way Scottie would do anything for Kat and he always makes sure she’s okay and never forces her into anything is adorable. Also, his mother is everything, and I loved when they went to the family wedding. Everyone just accepting Kat because she’s such a sweet soul was adorable, and I loved the found family she got from Scottie’s family. I loved that we got more information about Luka as he has been very mysterious throughout the last books. He’s so protective of his sister, and when he had that talk with Scottie. Yes, King, protect your sister. Now, Kat, you just want to give her the biggest hug she goes through so much, and even though Luka has protected her as best as he could, their father still has a way of making her life miserable. I loved that when she goes to Seattle, she finds a family that accepts her for who she is and that they uplift her, and the girlhood that the WAG gang has is beautiful. They don’t even know her, but since she’s Luka’s sister, they accept her and do everything they can to support not only her but each other. I love seeing all the other couples in the series in this book. This book had me giggling and kicking my feet, laughing out loud, and crying. It was the perfect marriage of convenience book. This book had me swooning the whole time, and if you want a man that is down bad, this book is for you!! Go check it out on Kindle Unlimited today!!!!! Highly recommend reading the other books in the series first because you will grow to love these hockey boys and want to know they all have their happy ever after.
🩵🏒Thank you so much for the ARC! This review is my opinion🏒🩵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Once I saw the tropes for this one, I was so excited for it to come out. When it hit my Kindle, I could not put this book down. It’s so cute and such an amazing read. I love these two characters, and Scottie is the ultimate book boyfriend. Anyone know where I can get a man like that? Asking for a friend. 😂 I loved the way Luka tricked Scottie into marrying his sister and how Scottie said he would’ve done it if he just asked him. The way Scottie would do anything for Kat and he always makes sure she’s okay and never forces her into anything is adorable. Also, his mother is everything, and I loved when they went to the family wedding. Everyone just accepting Kat because she’s such a sweet soul was adorable, and I loved the found family she got from Scottie’s family. I loved that we got more information about Luka as he has been very mysterious throughout the last books. He’s so protective of his sister, and when he had that talk with Scottie. Yes, King, protect your sister. Now, Kat, you just want to give her the biggest hug she goes through so much, and even though Luka has protected her as best as he could, their father still has a way of making her life miserable. I loved that when she goes to Seattle, she finds a family that accepts her for who she is and that they uplift her, and the girlhood that the WAG gang has is beautiful. They don’t even know her, but since she’s Luka’s sister, they accept her and do everything they can to support not only her but each other. I love seeing all the other couples in the series in this book. This book had me giggling and kicking my feet, laughing out loud, and crying. It was the perfect marriage of convenience book. This book had me swooning the whole time, and if you want a man that is down bad, this book is for you!! Go check it out on Kindle Unlimited today!!!!! Highly recommend reading the other books in the series first because you will grow to love these hockey boys and want to know they all have their happy ever after.
🩵🏒Thank you so much for the ARC! This review is my opinion🏒🩵
January 23, 2026
If you take two of my favorite worlds mafia-ish romance and hockey and put them in one book? Count. Me. In.
Add a hockey MMC who lives for the sport and an FMC who truly could not care less about it? Perfection.
This is officially my favorite book by Kenna King.
Playbook Breakaway is a swoony, emotional marriage-of-convenience romance between Scottie, a golden-retriever hockey player, and Katerina, a New York prima ballerina who also happens to be a Russian mob princess.
Scottie loses a bet to his teammate Luka and jokingly agrees to marry Luka’s sister—except the joke quickly becomes very real. Luka’s father wants Kat sent back to Russia to marry a rising politician to secure a powerful alliance. Luka’s solution? Make sure Kat is already married so their grandmother—the true head of the family—shuts it all down.
What no one expects is Scottie falling hard.
He remembers Kat’s favorite things.
He goes out of his way to care for her.
He brings her into his family and lets them love her.
He makes sure the Hawkeye WAGs embrace her as one of their own.
Kat keeps reminding herself the marriage is temporary but every small act chips away at her resolve. Holding hands. Foot massages. Tea sent before her performances to calm her nerves. Acts of service done so naturally that she doesn’t stand a chance.
And then there’s that line:
“You’re the best bet I ever made.”
I melted.
When Kat’s grandmother finally appears, she gives them both “an offer they can’t refuse” to end the marriage… but what she doesn’t realize is that ending the arrangement won’t end the love.
This book is tender, romantic, emotionally rich, and deeply satisfying. Kenna King delivers a love story built on care, protection, and choice—and I ate up every single page.
Tropes:
Marriage of convenience
He falls first
Acts of service
Brother’s teammate
Strangers to lovers
Hockey romance
Light mafia elements
If you love soft but devoted MMCs, strong FMCs, and romance that sneaks up on you and owns your heart this one is a must-read. 💙📚
Add a hockey MMC who lives for the sport and an FMC who truly could not care less about it? Perfection.
This is officially my favorite book by Kenna King.
Playbook Breakaway is a swoony, emotional marriage-of-convenience romance between Scottie, a golden-retriever hockey player, and Katerina, a New York prima ballerina who also happens to be a Russian mob princess.
Scottie loses a bet to his teammate Luka and jokingly agrees to marry Luka’s sister—except the joke quickly becomes very real. Luka’s father wants Kat sent back to Russia to marry a rising politician to secure a powerful alliance. Luka’s solution? Make sure Kat is already married so their grandmother—the true head of the family—shuts it all down.
What no one expects is Scottie falling hard.
He remembers Kat’s favorite things.
He goes out of his way to care for her.
He brings her into his family and lets them love her.
He makes sure the Hawkeye WAGs embrace her as one of their own.
Kat keeps reminding herself the marriage is temporary but every small act chips away at her resolve. Holding hands. Foot massages. Tea sent before her performances to calm her nerves. Acts of service done so naturally that she doesn’t stand a chance.
And then there’s that line:
“You’re the best bet I ever made.”
I melted.
When Kat’s grandmother finally appears, she gives them both “an offer they can’t refuse” to end the marriage… but what she doesn’t realize is that ending the arrangement won’t end the love.
This book is tender, romantic, emotionally rich, and deeply satisfying. Kenna King delivers a love story built on care, protection, and choice—and I ate up every single page.
Tropes:
Marriage of convenience
He falls first
Acts of service
Brother’s teammate
Strangers to lovers
Hockey romance
Light mafia elements
If you love soft but devoted MMCs, strong FMCs, and romance that sneaks up on you and owns your heart this one is a must-read. 💙📚
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