Playbook Breakaway

The Rookie Hawkeyes #5

by Kenna King

“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

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey, Romance, Sports, Hockey Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Contemporary

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2026

About the author

As 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.

Reviews

[Tia]

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

[Natalie Gray]

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.

[Tegan Enloe]

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.

[Melis]

If her mom was an US citizen she would automatically also be a US citizen, so was that marriage really necessary???

[Sarah Atkinson]

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!

[Ashly]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/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

[Karrie]

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.

[Kate]

3.5/5⭐
4/5♥️
3/5🔥

Me gustó le podría poner más pero no entiendo las faltas de ortografía que hay en el libro, al principio no se ven tanto pero a medida que pasan las páginas hay más faltas, comas en mitad de una palabra, diálogos que no tienen las quotation marks
Dejando esto de lado, me gustó la historia, bien es conocido que amo los marriage of convenience, o sea que con poco soy feliz

[Alyson Brummund]

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!

[Mol]

4.5 ⭐️couldn’t put down! Love the story. “Best bet I ever lost”

[Karina]

"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.

[JoAnna VanDorn]

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

[Abby Taylor]

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 😭😭😭

[Danielle]

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.

[Olivia]

DNF at 10%, the grammar and typos made the book unreadable.

[Mona M]

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."

[Giulia]

“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.

[My Reading Era]

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.

[Lauren Votrain]

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.

[Sandra Ringgaard Coyle]

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 ❤️❤️❤️

[Taylor Balkema]

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.

[Nina Heywood]

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.

[Sasha deanne]

It’s currently 1 in the morning, I couldn’t put this book down for the life of me. I’m exhausted.
The thing I like the most about this book, is that it’s just romance. There’s not ‘much’ of a catch to it, there’s no massive drama that feels like your chests caved in. I didn’t cry, there was no reason to. It was really nice to be able to read a book and not end up in tears at some point.

[Galina Rupchina]

2.5🌟 My first language is not English and even I could have edited the book better, too many mistakes. Cute story overall

[Vanessa]

4.5⭐️

[Janne]

3.5⭐️

[Bookworm]

3.75

[Amina]

3.5⭐️

[Sarah Albers]

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

[Lana]

this was written as if the authors keyboard had no backspace button. so many typos and continuity errors. also the ending was stupid. weakest mob family of all time really. and also when did they fall in love? every plot point was basically glossed over and yet the book was nearly 400 pages what did they even do with it??