Playing for Keeps

Seattle Hawks Ice Hockey #4

by Dakotah Fox

Jay

One night in a bar when I met the most beautiful woman

Where we danced soft and slow, her body close to mine

I had no idea who she was. We thought we were strangers…

Until the spell was broken and I realized she’s my best friend’s little sister

Jade Jones…

She saw me at my darkest hour all those years ago

And she never ran away

Now we’re meeting again in Vegas for her brother’s wedding

And the embers between us burn brighter than ever

I never knew it could be like this

It scares me if I’m even worthy of her love

But she chases the demons away, demons I thought were long gone

When I’m with her, I can’t deny it, we’re breaking all the rules

And what happens in Vegas may just not want to stay there


Jade

Seeing my brother’s best friend again was a shock

He’s a hockey star now, with that boyish charm and sexy smile

But I’m cautious, I’ve been hurt before

I made it clear I won’t date a hockey player

And he’s a notorious ladies’ man of the ice

It’s just the way he is, at least, until now

I’m in Seattle trying to get my life together

Quitting my job for a chance at my passion

But there’s one thing I can’t get out of my mind

Jay Jefferson…

And my brother’s wedding is looming

I’m the maid of honor, Jay’s the best man

We can’t deny the attraction anymore

Our Vegas weekend quickly turns to passion

The fire between us can never be tamed

And the lines we blur may just be the ones to save us



PLAYING FOR KEEPS is book 4 and the final book in the Seattle Hockey series and can be read as a stand-alone. For mature readers.

Genres: Sports Romance, Hockey Romance

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

Reviews

[Janelle Sequin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Dakotah Fox book that I have read and I really enjoyed it.

We meet Jay & Jade in this book. They know each other as Jade is Jays best friend’s little sister but they have a night out and meet again but Jay doesn’t realize it is Jade. Jay knows she is off limits because of her being his best friend little sister. But they go to Vegas and they really like each other and they don’t think there is no going back after what happens in Vegas. So they decide to see what happens between them. I really enjoyed reading there story.

[Amber Thornton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was my first book by Dakotah, so I did not read the other books in this series before I read this. I'll say it didn't hinder the story one bit, you just don't have the background stories of the other couples.

I really liked Jay and Jade, as characters and as a couple. I understand why they were hesitant to pursue a relationship and I loved how they reconnected as friends first. When they no longer could take the chemistry and gave into each other at Jade's brothers wedding, it was HOT.

This friends to lovers romance was great, I just don't think the author's style of writing is for me but I would recommend giving it a shot!!

[Alisha]

DNF unfortunately. The writing style did not work for me.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book in this series has been amazing and this book has continued the trend of Dakotah writing utterly amazing books. One of my favourite tropes is the brother's best friend and so for Dakotah to put this elite trope in the book made it so much better.

Ever since I started the series, Jay has intrigued me as a character from his playboy personality, you could tell that there was more to him and there certainly was once we peeled back his layers and the protection he had built so solidly around himself.

Jade was the woman who could heal Jay of anything. Although it would be very messy to get involved with your brother's best friend, that is often the best thing you can do. The tension these two had throughout the book was intense, to say the least. Being part of Jade's brother's wedding brought Jade and Jay so much closer to each other than they could have ever imagined.

They were meant to be together. The way they fit together is perfect and they just balance each other out. Obviously, with all of Dakotah's books, they keep you on your toes with having no idea what would happen at all but this one ended so perfectly.

[Kylie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay and Jade STOLE my heart!
Jay, Jade’s brother’s best friend, has been a part of Jade’s life since she was a teen. Having a horrible upbringing with his mother, Jade’s family takes him in. Even after making it into the NHL, Jay has always remained very close with the family. Now that Jade is older, she runs into Jay, and they seemingly pick right back up, as if not much time has passed.
They take dancing lessons together to prep for her brother’s wedding, and find themselves enjoying one another’s company more than they anticipated.
I absolutely LOVED how once Jay began spending time with her, every other girl became invincible to him. I love when the 
“former playboy” falls for the right girl and only has eyes for her!
I love how organically things developed between them, and I was SO relieved there was not a third-act breakup. I think that would have broken me; I was so in love with them together!
I loved getting a visit from past characters in this series. It always makes me smile seeing them happy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Extraspicybooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this slow burn, brothers best friend, hockey romance! Jay is a self proclaimed playboy and lives by his reputation. A night of partying at the bar he ends up dancing with a girl and hooking up with her. Unknowingly it’s his best friends little sister Jade. They both chalk it up to being drunk and it being a mistake. Jay has some massive trauma from growing up and he masks it well with humour but Jade knows better and helps him through it. While spending time together they both catch feelings and decide to explore being together! This is such a cute heartwarming romance and I thoroughly enjoyed reading 😍🥰

[Cigi cini · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏒 Sports Romance
💔 Second Chance
🚫 Forbidden Love
👯‍♀️ Best Friend’s Sister
🔥 Slow Burn
🌆 Vegas Wedding
🧳 Forced Proximity
😈 Reformed Bad Boy
🎭 Hidden Feelings
💃 One Night Dance
💘 Emotional Baggage
💍 Wedding Shenanigans
🧡 Healing Love
🥵 Steamy Moments
🎤 Dual POV

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Playing for Keeps is a heartfelt and passionate conclusion to Dakotah Fox’s Seattle Hawks Ice Hockey series, delivering everything fans have come to love—slow-burn chemistry, second chances, forbidden love, and the thrill of breaking the rules.

The story centres around Jay Jefferson, a hockey star grappling with inner demons and a notorious past, and Jade Jones, the strong-willed younger sister of his best mate. When fate brings them together at a bar one night, unaware of each other’s identities, sparks fly in a scene both sultry and tender. But reality hits when Jay realises the woman in his arms is none other than Jade—the one who saw him at his lowest and never turned away.

Set against the backdrop of a Vegas wedding, their rekindled connection reignites a fire that refuses to die down. Jay’s vulnerability is deeply moving as he questions his worthiness of love, while Jade's hesitations are equally relatable—she's been burned before and refuses to fall for another hockey heartbreaker. Yet their shared history, magnetic pull, and emotional honesty lay the foundation for something far deeper than either expected.

Dakotah Fox's storytelling balances heat and heart with finesse. The chemistry between Jay and Jade is electric, but it's the emotional stakes—the reckoning with past trauma, the courage to dream, and the struggle to open oneself to love—that give this romance its punch. Jade’s journey of self-discovery and Jay’s path to redemption are woven beautifully into their sizzling romance.

As the final entry in the Seattle Hawks series, Playing for Keeps brings closure with emotional resonance, while still standing strong as a standalone novel. It's a swoon-worthy finale filled with heartfelt moments, steamy encounters, and the satisfying triumph of love over fear.

[Tatum Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know where to began with this but let me just say that I read the book in one sitting!!! LITERALLY, I started it thinking I’m gonna read a few pages before going to bed and next thing I know it’s 3 in the morning and I just finished the book! 🤭💗✨

This book was an entire journey that was so worth the wait I absolutely loved Jade and Jay, they were perfection! 🥹🥰 I can sometimes find it difficult to read a book where the man was considered a little bit of a manw**** but the way Dakotah wrote Jay was incredible and his past wasn’t an issue for me at all because after his first kiss with Jade (when he didn’t even realize who she was) he never so much as looked at another woman again. This man was DOWN BAD for our girl and I absolutely loved it!!! 🤭💗✨

I also absolutely loved Jade she was such a sweet soul and even after going through what she did with her ex I loved how once she made the decision that Jay was nothing like him she didn’t let his past get to her, she was everything Jay needed in a partner and I truly don’t think I could think up someone better for him the her. 🤭💗✨

While writing this I’m sitting trying to think of there was anything about this book that I didn’t like at all but honestly nothing is coming to mind!!! It was just that good, I loved everything about this book from the accidental grope sesh on the dance floor, to the denial of there feelings for each other, to accepting that just maybe there could be something there, I loved the forbidden aspect & the sneaking around because of course he is her BROTHERS BEST FRIEND and I absolutely loved everyone’s reaction to finding out about them, it was perfect and even though this book may have been a slow burn it was so worth the wait, truly, I have no notes!! 🤭🫦

Thank you Dakotah for this incredible book, I can’t wait to see what else you have for us!!! 💗✨

Please trust me when I say to read this book now and because you will not regret it at all!!!! 🤭🥹✨

[TaharaDK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow. The opening scene with the flashback to 17 year old Jay and the jumping to the bar scene with the very steamy meeting of old friends.. hang on for the ride.

I absolutely love this book. The first introduction to the steamy bar scene. And there were a good amount of times in this book where my heart hammered a little bit harder than it normally would and i loved every minute of it.

Jay has grown up in a home with no father and a drunken mom jumping from stepdad to stepdad and moving around not giving her son a fair chance at life, so at 17 he had enough and has been couch surfing at friend’s house trying to not miss school and miss out on a future in Hockey that is his whole world.

Tanner, his best friend, and his family takes him under their wing for a while and gives him a save space to be, until he can come live with his grandfather. Tanner has a little sister called Jade, that tutors Jay so he can graduate.

Fast forward 10 years, Jay is a big shot NHL player in Seattle and is out enjoying the nightlife with his friends and have a dance and flirting session with a girl named J and her girlfriend Beth that has the hots for one of Jay’s teammates. Everything is all hands and sparks and kisses until reality strikes and Jay and J(Jade) recognize each other.

Now they fight their feelings not wanting to hurt Tanner and with Jay’s reputation as a playboy. J is guarding her already broken heart. But how can they stay away from each other when all they think about is that kiss.

Our broken boy Jay has a lot of emotional baggage to sort through and for him “She feels like home”.

[Tracy Belardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
This is actually a 3.5 star read in my opinion but you know....Goodreads won't give us half and quarter stars.
I read the blurb and wondered how Jay and Jade (gets a little confusing with the JJ's) couldn't recognize each other in that bar. I get it now....totally relatable! It's dark and you're tipsy and he's dancing behind you, and lust goggles....oh it can happen!
I like the two of them together. I love a friends-to-lovers trope and he's her brothers best friend....yeah....always a good combination.
The narrative just goes off on tangents in a few places and it messed with my head.
That's just me though.
Jade is realistic and relatable....she's been cheated on and is considering a career change.
Jay is a good guy who like other guys has taken what's been laid out for him (women)...but he's not a jerk about it. I didn't understand the blackout-memory thing in the beginning but.....it worked out.
This is my first book of this series so I got a little confused over who was who. Too many similar sounding names....and brief mentions of characters who show up again without us knowing why they're important.
You should read it! It's pretty good and you may love it!
Thanks Author Agency and Dakotah Fox for the ARC!!!!

[Julie Camino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Jay and Jade's love story, it was a sweet, heartfelt and so perfect. The known playboy only has eyes for his best friend's little sister and will do everything he can to prove not only to her but to himself that he is worthy of her love.

They have great chemistry from the chance encounter at a bar, to the dance lessons. Their banter is easy going and absolutely the cutest. But when they finally get to Vegas that slow burn that was happening catches fire and I absolutely loved it.

Jay had a sad childhood and if it wasn't for Tanner, Jade and their Parents he wouldn't be the Hockey star he is now. His complicated relationship with his mother causes a lot of anxiety to him and he doesn't know how to deal with it. But I swear I cried so much when Billy, Jade's father was there for him when he was 17 and completely lost, and now when his mother is trying to contact him again, he still there for him and loves him like his own and I swear they have such a deep connection it was just amazing to read.

I love that they still continue the slow dating thing and got to know each other as adults and completely fell in love and are looking forward to a family dream, the house, the kids, the works 😁

Thank you Dakotah Fox and The Author Agency for this book.

[SherrecePQ Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This is Book #4 in this series, and the first one I have read. It is an interconnected standalone, and can be read as such, as I had no problem understanding or following the side characters in this story**

This is my first book written solely by Dakotah but I am already a fan of her writing when I have read collaborations with her sister. Jay and Jade's story is a slow burn, Jay is her brother's best friend, but Jay has been part of her life since he was a teenager. Their first meet up, once again, surprised them both, and this was perfect. Jade was navigating a new life following a break up, and starting a new career that fills her with passion. Jay is the Seattle Hawks Hockey Star who has an online persona of "playboy" but this is only what the public are led to believe, and Jay keeps his cards close to his chest. He reaches out when the itch needs a scratch, but hasn't found any woman he is truly comfortable with.

When their feelings take hold.....oh my, they both fall, and fall hard, and despite everything, Jade has always seen Jay, and in her, he has always had his biggest supporter (what she lacks in height she makes up for in personality) and these two with their banter, the cutest of nicknames.....absolutely delicious.

[Chia · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something undeniably magnetic about Playing for Keeps... The kind of book that sneaks up on you with warmth, wit, and emotional depth. I went into this ARC expecting a steamy, trope-filled hockey romance, but what I got was so much more.

Jay Jefferson, the charming class clown of the team, hides a layered past behind his grin, and it’s that contrast that makes him impossible to resist. When fate reunites him with Jade, his best friend’s little sister, in Las Vegas of all places, the chemistry crackles instantly. What starts as a slow dance between strangers quickly escalates into a forbidden, unforgettable connection.

Jade, having walked away from the corporate world to chase her own passion, is the kind of heroine you root for from page one. Fiercely independent and refreshingly grounded, she challenges Jay in all the best ways—and watching her navigate loyalty, love, and her own emotional boundaries is as satisfying as it is swoony.

This book delivers all the best friends’ little sister, Vegas wedding chaos, playboy-turned-good-boy, and friends-to-lovers goodness you could ask for, all wrapped up in a genuinely emotional story about healing, growth, and daring to want more.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This is another sweet romance in an awesome hockey romance series and is available on Kindle Unlimited.

Tropes of the book.
🏒Hockey romance
🏒Best friends little sister
🤡Class clown MMC with troubled past
🏒FMC quits corporate world to teach yoga
❤️Resisting temptation
❤️Friends to lovers
❌Off limits
🎲What happens in Vegas…
🏒Playboy turned good boy
☀️Sunshine/mostly sunshine
Nicknames
🔥Mine
🕺Sexy dance
👼Good girl

This is book 4 in the Seattle Hawks Ice Hockey series and focuses on NHL star Jay and his best friend’s little sister Jade. They have a hot encounter in a dark bar until they realize who each other is and decide to put it behind them and move on. Easier said than done. Forced to work together in events leading up to Jade’s brother’s wedding, they can’t deny the chemistry between them. But, they’ve both got painful histories that put the brakes on a relationship. This is a sweet, slow burn story and I liked how the characters were patient with each other as they worked through the issues holding them back in life and in love.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from The Author Agency. All opinions are my own.

[Sofia Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing for Keeps if the 4th book of the series. A slow burn, forbidden love, best friend’s sister sports romance.
I read and loved all the books in this series and this one was no exception. This book follows Jay Jefferson, a notorious playboy and talented hockey player and Jade, his best friend’s sister.
Jay hides his insecurities and emotional baggage behind a façade as class clown, but Jade sees right through it. She knows Jay since they were teens and saw him at his worst.
When they reconnect, years later, sparks fly and their attraction is undeniable. Jay quickly realises that Jade is his soulmate and the person he is meant to love, but his insecurities will threaten their relationship.
Jade is also facing the ghosts from her past that made her doubt herself and her ability to trust someone else with her heart.
It is a beautiful, sweet, spicy, swoony story of how breaking the rules can be the right step when it comes to love.
Dakotah Fox describes how true love can help you overcome insecurities, feel safe to love again and open yourself to the right opportunities and people.
Thank you for the ARC.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever picked up a series that just sucked you right in , in ways you never would have expected ? That had you falling in love with each and every character / couple from the very first book and where you found yourself completely immersed in the world the author has created ? That had the ability to make you feel so many different emotions you never saw coming? Everything from smiling and laughing out loud , to crying like a baby to actually being speechless at times and screaming outta pure frustration during others . That had you cheering so freaking hard from start to finish? Well each and every book / couple in Dakotahs ( Seattle Ice Hockey Series has done just that in spades ♠️ I cannot even express how sad I am to see this series ending . That being said, I could not have asked for a more couple to end it with . Jay and Jade were absolutely everything together. Two people who are both struggling with inner demons brought together by fate . We get it all !!! Second chances, forbidden love , emotional baggage, best friends sister , forced proximity, reformed bad boy , hidden feelings, secrets , and so much more .

[♡Angelique♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Jay and Jade's story.

I appreciate that their start was at a random bar where they didnt recognize each other and it gave them the opportunity to enjoy each other without the shadow of Jade's brother hanging over them.

I also really enjoyed Jay's backstory. I liked how he wasn't just a gifted athlete, but had a very rough start that shapped why he was always the one to Crack a joke or break tension. I wish the resolution with his mom had a bit more to it but I was happy with the conclusion of that issue.

I feel like I wanted more from Jade's story. I think the issues with her Ex could have been given more attention. There was the bombshell that he cheated and how he cheated but nothing came of it. He didnt even really try to win her back and we didnt get a lot of explanation on how her self esteem took a hit by their relationship. I felt that could have been developed more.

it was an overall good story. I hope Beth and Jake make it or she gives Jay's goalie a story :)

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
🌶️. 5

This was fun easy read and I loved Jay and Jodie.
Jay had a tough childhood and Jodie's family were there for him. Her brother is his best friend too.
Jay is the one that loves to make everyone happy and is the class clown. He is also one with a lot of hurt.
Jodie is a sweetheart and just had a bad break up. She is now in middle of making big changes. She has also bumped into someone at the bar. Sparks were flying around them both until they had cold water thrown at them, when they realised who they were.
I loved how easily they built their friendship again after 10 yrs. Their fun activities, banter and just being together was so sweet. Their chemistry was hot and the slow burn was real.
When she goes back home, it makes them realise what the other meant for them.
The Vegas happens and no coming back. Again I love when best friends and the family are accepting of their relationship and doesn't cause a lot of negative drama.
Although we get 1 Spicy scene,it was a very hot one.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this impressive series, and this is Jay and Jade’s story.
Jay is a notorious womanizer, and famous ice hockey player, who suffered trauma in his past, and fights his inner demons, and when he meets Jade in a bar they end up sharing a night together, but he realizes too late that she is the younger sister of his best friend. Now fate has the two of them cross paths again in Vegas for Jade’s brothers wedding, and they find out what happens in Vegas does not always stary there.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn story, with family, friendships, emotions, friends / lovers, resisting temptation, trauma, vulnerability, off limits romance, tension, sunshine / mostly sunshine, healing, redemption, humour, witty banter, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartfelt, consuming page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to The Author Agency for my advance copy of Playing For Keeps by Dakotah Fox in exchange for my honest review!
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This is the 4th book in the Seattle Hawks Ice Hockey series, but don't let that deter you, this can absolutely be read as a standalone!!
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We have Jade and Jay, who were childhood friends thanks to Jade's brother (Jay and her brother played hockey together). When Jade visits Seattle and runs into him at a bar, they reconnect...except this run in at the bar...they don't realize who the other one is until some heavy flirting occurs...ooooo yes, it changes the dynamic just a little bit!!
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I loved watching Jade and Jay navigate this relationship as they're older now and I loved watching them prepare for Jade's brother's Vegas wedding! There's also a scene with Jade's ex-boyfriend that is *chef's kiss*. A fabulous 4 star hockey romance you should get your hands on if you enjoy sports romances!

[Betty Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

My very first book by Dakotah Fox and what a strong way to start!
Hockey romance is my weakness. A cocky, hot hockey player like Jay and his best friend’s little sister, Jade coming to the spotlight.
They have been almost like family since they were kids. But now after a chance encounter, they have started to see each other in a different light.
I loved watching the evolution of their feeling for each other and the unexpected sweetness they share - especially how Jay is a playboy. But it’s clear his weakness is Jade.
And their chemistry and is spot on. Jade is completely sassy with him and not afraid to be herself with this NHL pro.
The background supporting case that is comprised of her family is perfect! They make a great group for these two. I truly love to discover new authors to me and reading my first Dakotah Fox book is excited to see what else she will bring to the reading table!

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 ARC Review: Playing for Keeps by Dakotah Fox 🏒💙

Playing for Keeps is book four in the Seattle Hawks Ice Hockey series (not including the prequel novella), and it might just be my favorite yet. I received this as an ARC and immediately dove back into the earlier books—and with each story, I fell more in love with this world.

But this one? It hit different.

The friends-to-lovers dynamic between Jay and Jade is top-tier—tender, slow-burn-y, and so emotionally satisfying. JJx2 had me in a chokehold from the very beginning. Their banter, their history, that undeniable chemistry? Swoony perfection.

And let’s talk fancast because I couldn’t help myself:
✨ Jay = KJ Jackson or Rudy Pankow
✨ Jade = Britt Robertson

If you're looking for a heartfelt, steamy romance with a hockey edge and a couple you can’t stop rooting for, Playing for Keeps is your next must-read.

[Sarah Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

From his dad passing away when he was young to a mum that gave up being a mum, putting up with alot so young to becoming a pro ice hockey player, on and off the field. One would think Jay Jefferson has it all, until one might at the pub where he runs into his best friends little sister, safe to say both of them where shocked to see each other.
Meanwhile Jade Jones is coming out of a messy break up with a jerk of a ex who doesn't accept no as a answer, trying to find her footing in life again. Isn't looking for a new relationship and swears off them for a while, focusing on her yoga and pilates app that she wants to make, then starts being stuck with jay constantly and the friendship slowly morphs into feelings neither want to admit.

[Addy Cleaveland · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have been following any of my book reviews, you know I love me a good ice hockey romance book! And this one was no different. Jay and Jade’s story line was so much fun to read because of their past. The way that Jade was a shining light and support system for Jay during the most difficult time in his life when they were teenagers was so sweet. But seeing them come together years later was magnetic. Their chemistry, the way they grounded each other, and the way they both just knew the other person was it for them was a picture perfect Hallmark relationship.

This spice in this book wasn’t as much as I’m used to, but the romance was there nonetheless. I was so grateful to be selected as an ARC reader for this release and really enjoyed reading it!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book four in the Seattle Hawks Ice Hockey Series and I really enjoyed Jay and Jade’s story.

Jay comes from a dark past, but when Jade’s family took him in as a troubled teen and gave him the chance to start over, he finally found the family he had always deserved. Jade’s brother is his best friend, so years later when she visits Seattle where Jay is now a professional hockey player, he doesn’t hesitate to look out for her.

Jade has always had a crush on Jay, but he only saw her as his best friend’s little sister. That all changes when a chance encounter at a bar leads to a hot kiss. Suddenly, neither of them can ignore the chemistry between them. When they end up taking dance lessons together for her brother’s wedding, the attraction grows stronger until it becomes impossible to deny.

When these two finally give in, it is amazing. Watching Jade step into her own strength and independence while going after what she wanted was inspiring. Jay might have worried about hurting his best friend, but choosing Jade and their happiness together was worth it.

I loved how their relationship developed naturally instead of rushing into anything. They didn’t face a dramatic breakup but instead grew closer and stronger as a couple. Their love felt real, sweet, and absolutely deserved.

If you love a hockey romance with a forbidden element and a heartwarming happily ever after, you’ll definitely want to pick up this book.

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Seattle Hawks Ice Hockey series. This time its the story of playboy Jay, can he be tamed?! - of course he can, and only by the one and only Jade Jones. They've known each other for over a decade, He's her brothers best friend! Reconnected after several years, their chemistry is explosive and so is their spice! A forbidden/ secret romance with no 3rd act break up, Jay is most definitely playing for keeps. Great to catch up with the previous couples, a stand alone and the final instalment of this series but does contain spoilers for the previous couples if you haven't read them yet - Great series, and worth the read!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a beautiful blend of sweetness, spice, and heartfelt emotion—a reminder that sometimes breaking the rules is exactly what love needs.

Dakotah Fox captures the transformative power of true love with grace, showing how it can heal past wounds, ease insecurities, and open the door to new beginnings. Jay and Jade share a bond that began early and only deepened with time and distance. Both characters carry emotional baggage, and watching them navigate that pain and grow closer in the process is deeply moving.

Their love story unfolds with a natural rhythm—nothing feels forced. The ending brings everything full circle in such a touching way that it stirred my emotions all over again. I wouldn’t have wanted it to end any other way.

[Hali Hegeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another ARC down!

Playing for Keeps is a friends to lovers, best friend’s little sister, hockey romance between Jade and Jay.

I loved how Jade is always herself no matter what. She loves Jay with her whole heart, and would do absolutely anything for him. Same for all of her loved ones. I loved how she opens up with him and is able to be her whole self.

I really felt for Jay. I know how bad it hurts when your trauma has such an impact on your life. I loved that he’s able to trust Jade completely, allowing her to see parts of him he doesn’t let anyone else see. We all deserve someone like that.

Thank you so much to @dakotahfoxbooks and @theauthor.agency for my arc! I loved these characters.

Playing for Keeps is now available in KU💗

[mkm_bookloverarchivistreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing for Keeps by Dakotah Fox is a five plus star must read. I love the Mcs Jay and Jade. Jade is the younger sister of Jay long time best friend. Jay is a professional hockey player who fights to earn Jade’s trust. Her ex a basketball play player did a real number on her ability to trust. The more intricate details of the plot one must read to find them out. Jade and Jay are an easy pair to fall in love with as a reader. They’re easy to root for. As I first time reader of Dakotah Fox’s novel this story makes me want to pick up other works by this author. I highly recommend reading Playing for Keeps by Dakotah Fox.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

"If you want to change your life, you better get ready for it to turn upside down in the best possible way, kid."

Playing for Keeps is book 4 in the Seattle Hawks Ice Hockey series by Dakotah Fox. This series is connected standalones, but I think reading the other books in the series helps give a little more depth to the characters our MCs interact with. This book features a few tropes including - friends to lovers and best friend's sister. I enjoyed this book and thought it was a very easy, light read compared to the dark romances I typically gravitate towards.

I absolutely loved Jay. He has not had an easy life and still struggles with feelings of being unwanted even though he is a famous hockey player. I just couldn't help falling for him. I really liked Jade and thought she brought out the best in Jay. These two are definitely a great couple.

If you are looking for a hockey romance that is light and easy to read then I would suggest grabbing this one.