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The Rookie Hawkeyes #5
Playbook Breakaway
Book Five
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2026
289 people are currently reading
1609 people want to read
About the author
Kenna King
28 books628 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 103 reviews
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 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 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 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 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
January 23, 2026
Full RTC
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. 💙📚
January 18, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy Level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
What you Get:
🩰 Marriage of Convenience
🏒Grumpy X Sunshine
🩰 Brother’s Teammate
🏒 Strangers to Lovers
🩰 Forced Proximity
🏒 He Falls First
🩰 Virgin FMC
Kenna King did it again! This series just keeps getting better! The chemistry between Scottie and Kat is so natural and happens so effortlessly - like they were each waiting for the other one. I couldn’t put this book down - completely bingeable! The Hawkeye Rookies series has become one of my favorites, and I am dying for more! I love how the story develops and how you see the characters fall and realize they have someone to catch them - definitely recommend!
When Scottie (MMC) gets tricked into marrying Kat (FMC) by his teammate, who is Kat’s brother, Scottie goes along with it to help her out and soon realizes it was the best bet he has ever lost. Kat is marrying Scottie to prevent her from having to marry the man her father has arranged to boost his political standing in Russia. This marriage of convenience has an end date and is only supposed to be a stopover for both on the way to an end where Kat can finally make her own choices. The more time Scottie and Kat spend together, the more they both realize that they are falling for each other, and maybe this was what was supposed to happen all along. Kat keeps reminding herself that this is all temporary, but Scottie’s actions make that hard to believe. Sometimes the unexpected is actually what you need and will finally give you everything you’ve been looking for.
Thank you to Kenna King for the advance reader copy to review - all opinions are my own.
Spicy Level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
What you Get:
🩰 Marriage of Convenience
🏒Grumpy X Sunshine
🩰 Brother’s Teammate
🏒 Strangers to Lovers
🩰 Forced Proximity
🏒 He Falls First
🩰 Virgin FMC
Kenna King did it again! This series just keeps getting better! The chemistry between Scottie and Kat is so natural and happens so effortlessly - like they were each waiting for the other one. I couldn’t put this book down - completely bingeable! The Hawkeye Rookies series has become one of my favorites, and I am dying for more! I love how the story develops and how you see the characters fall and realize they have someone to catch them - definitely recommend!
When Scottie (MMC) gets tricked into marrying Kat (FMC) by his teammate, who is Kat’s brother, Scottie goes along with it to help her out and soon realizes it was the best bet he has ever lost. Kat is marrying Scottie to prevent her from having to marry the man her father has arranged to boost his political standing in Russia. This marriage of convenience has an end date and is only supposed to be a stopover for both on the way to an end where Kat can finally make her own choices. The more time Scottie and Kat spend together, the more they both realize that they are falling for each other, and maybe this was what was supposed to happen all along. Kat keeps reminding herself that this is all temporary, but Scottie’s actions make that hard to believe. Sometimes the unexpected is actually what you need and will finally give you everything you’ve been looking for.
Thank you to Kenna King for the advance reader copy to review - all opinions are my own.
January 15, 2026
Best one in the series
This is hands-down my favorite in the Hawkeyes series! And I know, I always say that is so hard to pick which is my favorite every time a new book comes out because they’re all so good… but this one truly takes the crown. I feel a little unfaithful to all my other Hawkeyes men, but this story is phenomenal. The characters, their friendship, their love story—it all unfolds perfectly.
The story follows Katarina, a ballerina in New York, whose world turns upside down when her dad—head of a dangerous, powerful family—demands she return home and fulfill her “duty” to the family. That includes marrying someone she doesn’t love. Luckily, her brother has a plan to save her from being forced into this marriage, and it’s brilliant, and hysterically implemented.
Speaking of her brother, Luka, he’s my favorite part. He’s clever, protective, and completely willing to play dirty to give Katarina the life she deserves. And Katarina? She deserves Scottie. From their first interactions, he’s all in—possessive, understanding, and exactly the kind of Hawkeye man we’ve been waiting for. Their banter, tension, and mutual understanding made their romance absolutely irresistible.
And just when you think it couldn’t get better, we meet one of the most badass characters yet—Katarina’s grandmother. I won’t spoil it, but you NEED to read this book to see why she’s unforgettable.
This is one of my all-time favorites in the series. If you haven’t grabbed it yet, do it now!
This is hands-down my favorite in the Hawkeyes series! And I know, I always say that is so hard to pick which is my favorite every time a new book comes out because they’re all so good… but this one truly takes the crown. I feel a little unfaithful to all my other Hawkeyes men, but this story is phenomenal. The characters, their friendship, their love story—it all unfolds perfectly.
The story follows Katarina, a ballerina in New York, whose world turns upside down when her dad—head of a dangerous, powerful family—demands she return home and fulfill her “duty” to the family. That includes marrying someone she doesn’t love. Luckily, her brother has a plan to save her from being forced into this marriage, and it’s brilliant, and hysterically implemented.
Speaking of her brother, Luka, he’s my favorite part. He’s clever, protective, and completely willing to play dirty to give Katarina the life she deserves. And Katarina? She deserves Scottie. From their first interactions, he’s all in—possessive, understanding, and exactly the kind of Hawkeye man we’ve been waiting for. Their banter, tension, and mutual understanding made their romance absolutely irresistible.
And just when you think it couldn’t get better, we meet one of the most badass characters yet—Katarina’s grandmother. I won’t spoil it, but you NEED to read this book to see why she’s unforgettable.
This is one of my all-time favorites in the series. If you haven’t grabbed it yet, do it now!
January 16, 2026
ARC REVIEW
PLAYBOOK BREAKAWAY– KENNA KING
***brother's best friend, marriage of convenience, steamy hockey romance***
“Marrying a stranger wasn’t part of my playbook.
Falling in love with her? Definitely not.”
The male main character within this book took my heart within the first few characters. He was a character that I could have read so much more. He was steady and a richly developed character with the foundation of the core of his character. Loyalty and caring; with both friends and family. The way he keeps his life is simple. He had Hockey. Teammates. No complications he can’t skate away from. It all started with a drunken bet with his teammate and then he was married. It was the best bet he had ever made and not one he regrets. In fact, he says that all had to do was be asked.
Katerina Popovich is sharp, sarcastic, and entirely unimpressed by hockey players even if her brother is one. She has a family with expectations and visa that is running out of time. She needs to get married.
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.
Kenna King has done it again. Another 5* read not that I am surprised because the troupes of this book are some of my favourites and I was so excited to read this. My favourite character must be Scottie and if I could have his character breakdown and send it to my partner I would do.
PLAYBOOK BREAKAWAY– KENNA KING
***brother's best friend, marriage of convenience, steamy hockey romance***
“Marrying a stranger wasn’t part of my playbook.
Falling in love with her? Definitely not.”
The male main character within this book took my heart within the first few characters. He was a character that I could have read so much more. He was steady and a richly developed character with the foundation of the core of his character. Loyalty and caring; with both friends and family. The way he keeps his life is simple. He had Hockey. Teammates. No complications he can’t skate away from. It all started with a drunken bet with his teammate and then he was married. It was the best bet he had ever made and not one he regrets. In fact, he says that all had to do was be asked.
Katerina Popovich is sharp, sarcastic, and entirely unimpressed by hockey players even if her brother is one. She has a family with expectations and visa that is running out of time. She needs to get married.
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.
Kenna King has done it again. Another 5* read not that I am surprised because the troupes of this book are some of my favourites and I was so excited to read this. My favourite character must be Scottie and if I could have his character breakdown and send it to my partner I would do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2026
This one surprised me. By the end of it, I was bawling. Seems to have been a pattern this week. This golden retriever was tricked into a marriage with his teammate's little sister due to some issues with her work visa and his mom so happened to be in the mood for matchmaking him into a relationship with his middle school girlfriend. It's funny, because he was told - upon threat of death- not to touch his new wife, as it was the "fake marriage" trope. Remember friends, you sign the papers, it's not fake. You have to get a real lawyer to sign real documents to end the marriage contract. From what I hear, it's a real PIA. So I hate that these are "fake". Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox.
Anyway, This book was so good. I consumed it in a few hours and enjoyed every minute. HE. RENTS. OUT. A. MOVIE. THEATER. FOR. HER. He remembers her favorite flower. He asked her grumpy brother about her favorite Russian candy - then searched the city for it and bought all their stock. At first glance he ran out and bought a huge ring for her. He was head over heels for her. I mean, the guy turned down a Yacht load of cash to keep the girl. HE TURNED DOWN THE CURE FOR HIS FATHER'S AILMENT. I really would like one of these models for my own. Sheesh, he was perfect. I liked her too, but like. Scottie, woof, he's my favorite. Anyway, I cried a lot in the third act. I was a sobbing mess. Thank the Lordt Kenna believes in happy ending. Read this book. It's worth it.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Anyway, This book was so good. I consumed it in a few hours and enjoyed every minute. HE. RENTS. OUT. A. MOVIE. THEATER. FOR. HER. He remembers her favorite flower. He asked her grumpy brother about her favorite Russian candy - then searched the city for it and bought all their stock. At first glance he ran out and bought a huge ring for her. He was head over heels for her. I mean, the guy turned down a Yacht load of cash to keep the girl. HE TURNED DOWN THE CURE FOR HIS FATHER'S AILMENT. I really would like one of these models for my own. Sheesh, he was perfect. I liked her too, but like. Scottie, woof, he's my favorite. Anyway, I cried a lot in the third act. I was a sobbing mess. Thank the Lordt Kenna believes in happy ending. Read this book. It's worth it.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
January 13, 2026
ARC Review - Playbook Breakaway by Kenna King
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
^ ballerina x hockey player
^ marriage of convenience
^ found family
^ virgin FMC
I never thought I’d be reading a romance set st the intersection of Russian mafia and NHL hockey, but here we are, and let me tell you - it’s excellent. Scottie and Katerina’s story starts with the manipulations of a Russian mobster and a pool table bet when teammate Luka hustles Scottie into a bet to marry his sister in order to save her from the future their father has planned. But from the moment she steps off the plane in Seattle, it’s clear that Scottie wants more than a convenient marriage with Kat. And Kat has never known what it’s like to be treasured and valued just for herself until Scottie shows her how much she’s worth.
Like all Kenna’s books, this is just so bingeable! A quick read packed with banter, found family, and swoonworthy moments of yearning, devotion and love around life’s little moments. As always, past characters form the found family of hockey players and their lady loves. It’s always fantastic to catch up with the MCs of earlier stories, but these characters also form the supportive family in the background that help bring the world to life. I really hope we get Luka’s story soon.
Thanks so much to Kenna for the review copy! All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
^ ballerina x hockey player
^ marriage of convenience
^ found family
^ virgin FMC
I never thought I’d be reading a romance set st the intersection of Russian mafia and NHL hockey, but here we are, and let me tell you - it’s excellent. Scottie and Katerina’s story starts with the manipulations of a Russian mobster and a pool table bet when teammate Luka hustles Scottie into a bet to marry his sister in order to save her from the future their father has planned. But from the moment she steps off the plane in Seattle, it’s clear that Scottie wants more than a convenient marriage with Kat. And Kat has never known what it’s like to be treasured and valued just for herself until Scottie shows her how much she’s worth.
Like all Kenna’s books, this is just so bingeable! A quick read packed with banter, found family, and swoonworthy moments of yearning, devotion and love around life’s little moments. As always, past characters form the found family of hockey players and their lady loves. It’s always fantastic to catch up with the MCs of earlier stories, but these characters also form the supportive family in the background that help bring the world to life. I really hope we get Luka’s story soon.
Thanks so much to Kenna for the review copy! All opinions are my own.
January 13, 2026
🌷 ARC review
Playbook Breakaway by Kenna King
“Oh, honey. That boy just had his soul rearranged the moment he saw you.”
Katerina is a ballerina with an expiring visa who must go back to her m0b family in Russia for an arranged marriage. Scottie is a hockey player who married her to help her. (TW: past death of a parent, inability to walk/wheelchair)
🏒Marriage of convenience
🩰Hockey pro x ballerina
🌷Virgin FMC
🏒Brother’s BFF
🩰He falls first
🌷Strangers to lovers
“Remember to be a tulip, bright and beautiful no matter where you are planted.”
Marriage of convenience isn’t a a trope I usually gravitate towards but I really liked this book. Some parts were repetitive but overall I really liked this story. The writing is really descriptive and stirred emotion in me. I loved the plot and the MMC. I was not expecting that spitfire of a grandma! There wasn’t a lot of character development but the romance outshined it anyways. Their relationship is so cute.
“This life feels big enough for more.”
Loved seeing the characters from this other books! This book 5 in Rookie Hawkeyes series but can be read as a standalone.
🏒Book #1 Match Penalty
⛸️Book #2 Bleacher Report
🏒Book #3 Bottle Rocket
⛸️Book #4 Player Misconduct
🏒Book #5 Playbook Breakaway
((Books 6, 7, and 8 coming soon))
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
Release date 1/14/26 TOMORROW!
Playbook Breakaway by Kenna King
“Oh, honey. That boy just had his soul rearranged the moment he saw you.”
Katerina is a ballerina with an expiring visa who must go back to her m0b family in Russia for an arranged marriage. Scottie is a hockey player who married her to help her. (TW: past death of a parent, inability to walk/wheelchair)
🏒Marriage of convenience
🩰Hockey pro x ballerina
🌷Virgin FMC
🏒Brother’s BFF
🩰He falls first
🌷Strangers to lovers
“Remember to be a tulip, bright and beautiful no matter where you are planted.”
Marriage of convenience isn’t a a trope I usually gravitate towards but I really liked this book. Some parts were repetitive but overall I really liked this story. The writing is really descriptive and stirred emotion in me. I loved the plot and the MMC. I was not expecting that spitfire of a grandma! There wasn’t a lot of character development but the romance outshined it anyways. Their relationship is so cute.
“This life feels big enough for more.”
Loved seeing the characters from this other books! This book 5 in Rookie Hawkeyes series but can be read as a standalone.
🏒Book #1 Match Penalty
⛸️Book #2 Bleacher Report
🏒Book #3 Bottle Rocket
⛸️Book #4 Player Misconduct
🏒Book #5 Playbook Breakaway
((Books 6, 7, and 8 coming soon))
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
Release date 1/14/26 TOMORROW!
January 16, 2026
Review:
🏒Playbook Breakaway🏒
The Rookie Hawkeyes #5
By Kenna King
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Sports Romance
🏒 Marriage of Convenience
⭐ 5/5
Katerina and Scottie get an awesome rollercoaster romance
This story follows Scottie and Katerina. She is his teammate's sister and in urgent need of someone who helps her.
Meeting because of a carpool change, Scottie came, saw and fell for her. Despite not wanting a relationship even if his parents are waiting for someone by his side.
He becomes an amazing and supporting partner for his KitKat in this marriage of convenience.
Katerina wants to dance and not be drawn into her family's business. With secrets about her family and herself she slowly opens up to Scottie but when it comes hard to hard she does something so selfless it breaks my heart. For her and Scottie. Thankfully it all got a very fantastic happy end.
Katerins fitted perfectly into the group of WAGS of the Hawkeyes Players. They took her in and supported her as one of their own immediately.
Scottie and Katerina were perfect for each other in many ways and their romance had it all.
Emotions, attraction and a little bit of suspense.
🏒Playbook Breakaway🏒
The Rookie Hawkeyes #5
By Kenna King
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Sports Romance
🏒 Marriage of Convenience
⭐ 5/5
Katerina and Scottie get an awesome rollercoaster romance
This story follows Scottie and Katerina. She is his teammate's sister and in urgent need of someone who helps her.
Meeting because of a carpool change, Scottie came, saw and fell for her. Despite not wanting a relationship even if his parents are waiting for someone by his side.
He becomes an amazing and supporting partner for his KitKat in this marriage of convenience.
Katerina wants to dance and not be drawn into her family's business. With secrets about her family and herself she slowly opens up to Scottie but when it comes hard to hard she does something so selfless it breaks my heart. For her and Scottie. Thankfully it all got a very fantastic happy end.
Katerins fitted perfectly into the group of WAGS of the Hawkeyes Players. They took her in and supported her as one of their own immediately.
Scottie and Katerina were perfect for each other in many ways and their romance had it all.
Emotions, attraction and a little bit of suspense.
January 13, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I absolutely LOVE the Rookie Hawekey series (and the Hawkeyes series). Kenna is one of my favorite Hockey romance authors so I knew that I would absolutely LOVE this one!!! I was not wrong! I will say I was shook and did NOT expect the one part of this story and man it had me crying (when you get there you’ll know). Scottie and Katerina’s story is just so perfect, I can’t wait for the next one
I received this as an ARC read.
She’s a Russian mob princess/ballerina and he’s her brother’s teammate and all American hockey player. The instant chemistry between Scottie and Katerina is palpable. She needs help getting to away from an arranged marriage by her father a Russian mobster and he is looking to get out of his mom trying to set him up….she is close to losing her visa and her brother steps in with a plan! Get them married- until this fake marriage turns into something real for the both of them! Will Katerina’s dad find out this is all fake and be sent back to Russia & Will Scottie’s family also find out this is all a big ruse? Or will they live HEA? Grab this book to find out more about and also check out the rest of Kenna’s Rookie Hawkeye Series
I absolutely LOVE the Rookie Hawekey series (and the Hawkeyes series). Kenna is one of my favorite Hockey romance authors so I knew that I would absolutely LOVE this one!!! I was not wrong! I will say I was shook and did NOT expect the one part of this story and man it had me crying (when you get there you’ll know). Scottie and Katerina’s story is just so perfect, I can’t wait for the next one
I received this as an ARC read.
She’s a Russian mob princess/ballerina and he’s her brother’s teammate and all American hockey player. The instant chemistry between Scottie and Katerina is palpable. She needs help getting to away from an arranged marriage by her father a Russian mobster and he is looking to get out of his mom trying to set him up….she is close to losing her visa and her brother steps in with a plan! Get them married- until this fake marriage turns into something real for the both of them! Will Katerina’s dad find out this is all fake and be sent back to Russia & Will Scottie’s family also find out this is all a big ruse? Or will they live HEA? Grab this book to find out more about and also check out the rest of Kenna’s Rookie Hawkeye Series
January 14, 2026
5 ⭐️ Playbook Breakaway completely wrecked me in the best way. This story brings together high-stakes emotion, found family, and a marriage of convenience that turns into something so much deeper. Luca, an NHL player, discovers his younger sister Katerina is being threatened by their Russian mob father—forced to return to Russia to be married off for the family’s gain. Enter Scottie, who loses an unfortunate pool bet and ends up marrying Katerina to protect her. What starts as obligation quickly becomes something unexpectedly tender and meaningful.
Scottie is hands down one of the most respectful, emotionally open MMCs I’ve read in a long time. He treats Katerina with patience, kindness, and unwavering support, allowing her the space to make her own choices after a lifetime of control. Watching Katerina realize that Scottie is so much more than “just a hockey player” was beautiful. Her strength in making impossible choices and Scottie’s depth of emotion hit me right in the chest. Not many books bring me to tears, but this one absolutely did—I was fully in my feelings by the end. Kenna King delivered a powerful, emotional love story that will stick with me for a long time.
Scottie is hands down one of the most respectful, emotionally open MMCs I’ve read in a long time. He treats Katerina with patience, kindness, and unwavering support, allowing her the space to make her own choices after a lifetime of control. Watching Katerina realize that Scottie is so much more than “just a hockey player” was beautiful. Her strength in making impossible choices and Scottie’s depth of emotion hit me right in the chest. Not many books bring me to tears, but this one absolutely did—I was fully in my feelings by the end. Kenna King delivered a powerful, emotional love story that will stick with me for a long time.
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