What do you think?
Rate this book
Power Play: The Raptors Series Book Two
He’s a hockey star with a wild streak. She’s a sarcastic firecracker who’s definitely not buying his act.
What started as a fake relationship to dodge messy headlines quickly turns into something way more complicated and much harder to walk away from.
When Murphy’s mistakes land them both in heartbreak territory, the last thing either wants is a second chance. But fate, and a whole lot of stubbornness, has other plans.
Between slapshots and sassy comebacks, they’re about to learn that love isn’t just a game; it’s the hardest fight of all. And sometimes, the best wins come when you’re willing to risk everything.
What started as a fake relationship to dodge messy headlines quickly turns into something way more complicated and much harder to walk away from.
When Murphy’s mistakes land them both in heartbreak territory, the last thing either wants is a second chance. But fate, and a whole lot of stubbornness, has other plans.
Between slapshots and sassy comebacks, they’re about to learn that love isn’t just a game; it’s the hardest fight of all. And sometimes, the best wins come when you’re willing to risk everything.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2025
119 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Easton
16 books64 followersI live in the North of England with my husband and two of my three children. The eldest having flown the nest.
Dancing In The Rain was my first novel and was published in February 2013. My second book, Taking A Risk, a rock star romance novel tells the story of Alex Carter, lead singer of one of the biggest rock bands around, released in 2013.
Hopefully there will be many more books to follow once I quit messing around on all those social networking sites!
You can follow me on twitter @carolinelou70
Dancing In The Rain was my first novel and was published in February 2013. My second book, Taking A Risk, a rock star romance novel tells the story of Alex Carter, lead singer of one of the biggest rock bands around, released in 2013.
Hopefully there will be many more books to follow once I quit messing around on all those social networking sites!
You can follow me on twitter @carolinelou70
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 13, 2025
1. When the book started, the MMC and the FMC had already slept together once and were developing feelings for each other. I felt like I’d missed half the story.
2. I enjoyed the book until Sophie and Murphy got together and then it got repetitive. There were multiple chapters of them declaring that they are “all in” like they didn’t say it in the last chapter and the one before that and the one before that.
3. I don’t believe that Murphy was “all in” with Sophie; why else would he have saved the DM from Chloe and kept it from Sophie? And, what was the point of this when it was just never mentioned again?
4. Mia was a terrible friend. The entire time that Sophie and Murphy were apart, Mia kept pressuring her to give him another chance instead of supporting her emotionally and allowing her to make her own decisions.
5. When Murphy staged his grand gesture at their home game, over the microphone, he said to Sophie, “I’m not asking for forgiveness tonight. That has to be earned. Slowly. And if you ever want to talk, just talk, I’ll be here. No pressure.” But then … “I glance down at the ice, where Murphy’s still standing.” And then, two pages later, “Murphy’s still there. Waiting.” So, he claimed he didn’t expect anything from her and would be waiting to hear from her but then he just stood there and put her in the spotlight in front of thousands of people so that she was pressured into talking to him.
6. When Chloe ruined their moment and inserted herself into Murphy’s apology in front of the fans and all the media, once again, Murphy froze and did absolutely nothing. Sophie had to confront Chloe and call her out for what she did. It should have been Murphy doing that. It should have been him telling Chloe in front of all those people that he wasn’t interested in her. But he didn’t. So, all his excuses and his promises that something like that would never happen again meant nothing.
7. After Murphy and Sophie were together again, she told him that she wasn’t ready to move into the new apartment with him. Since their breakup was more than six weeks ago, and Sophie had already given her notice at her old apartment, where was she living???
2. I enjoyed the book until Sophie and Murphy got together and then it got repetitive. There were multiple chapters of them declaring that they are “all in” like they didn’t say it in the last chapter and the one before that and the one before that.
3. I don’t believe that Murphy was “all in” with Sophie; why else would he have saved the DM from Chloe and kept it from Sophie? And, what was the point of this when it was just never mentioned again?
4. Mia was a terrible friend. The entire time that Sophie and Murphy were apart, Mia kept pressuring her to give him another chance instead of supporting her emotionally and allowing her to make her own decisions.
5. When Murphy staged his grand gesture at their home game, over the microphone, he said to Sophie, “I’m not asking for forgiveness tonight. That has to be earned. Slowly. And if you ever want to talk, just talk, I’ll be here. No pressure.” But then … “I glance down at the ice, where Murphy’s still standing.” And then, two pages later, “Murphy’s still there. Waiting.” So, he claimed he didn’t expect anything from her and would be waiting to hear from her but then he just stood there and put her in the spotlight in front of thousands of people so that she was pressured into talking to him.
6. When Chloe ruined their moment and inserted herself into Murphy’s apology in front of the fans and all the media, once again, Murphy froze and did absolutely nothing. Sophie had to confront Chloe and call her out for what she did. It should have been Murphy doing that. It should have been him telling Chloe in front of all those people that he wasn’t interested in her. But he didn’t. So, all his excuses and his promises that something like that would never happen again meant nothing.
7. After Murphy and Sophie were together again, she told him that she wasn’t ready to move into the new apartment with him. Since their breakup was more than six weeks ago, and Sophie had already given her notice at her old apartment, where was she living???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
dnf at 20 %
is part of a series so even though the blurb says it can be read as a standalone, a lot of things happen in the first book
is part of a series so even though the blurb says it can be read as a standalone, a lot of things happen in the first book
November 20, 2025
Definitely closer to a 3.5, again I wish I had half stars.
I would have liked the book more if not for the FMC. I just couldn't connect with her.
Like many readers, I have to be in the right mood for certain tropes, and I’m fully guilty of loving OW drama (other woman drama, not necessarily cheating). This was recommended to me on that basis—but there is barely any OW drama here, and when it does appear, it feels thrown in for a last-minute third-act breakup.
I did read book one and liked it, though I barely remember it (I read hundreds of books a year). Credit to the author, though: even with the same cast, you don’t need book one to follow this one.
This book focuses on Sophie (FMC) and Murphy (MMC). Sophie is Mia’s best friend from book one, and Murphy is Dylan’s (MMC from Book 1) teammate. They had a hot moment in book one, so this story starts with established tension. Honestly? From there, it’s a very low-plot, very easy-to-skim book—my second major issue with it.
The core of the story is Sophie pretending she’s not into Murphy while flirting with him nonstop and refusing to take him seriously because he’s a “flirty clown.” Murphy is flirty, but he’s also genuinely, openly into her and puts in all the effort. Eventually they enter a fake relationship (for PR reasons—very overdone in sports romances lately), and surprise: it becomes real.
They’re cute together, they match well, and for about 70% of the book it’s just their relationship—sweet, but honestly a little boring. They decide to get a place together. All is well… until the gala night. Which happens at 70% of the way through the book so cue the cliche 3rd act breakup.
Murphy has to attend a mandatory event with sponsors. Sophie can’t go. While there, an old ONS, Chloe, throws herself at him—leaning, whispering, cheek-kissing, straight-up propositioning him. Murphy is visibly uncomfortable, repeatedly steps back, tells her he’s taken, and freezes because he’s in a professional setting. He doesn’t tell Sophie about Chloe in particular, but he does text her almost all night.
Of course, someone records it, posts misleading “Murphy is single again” content, and it blows up online. Murphy panics, rushes to Sophie, but she and her BFF tear into him. And here’s where the book completely loses me.
Was Murphy dumb? Yes. Should he have shut Chloe down harder? Sure. But Sophie goes feral. Breaks up with him, refuses to talk, returns all his stuff, and treats him like he cheated—even though she admits she knows he didn’t. Meanwhile Mia and Dylan act like Murphy committed a felony. Everyone says Murphy needs to “prove he’s changed,” but changed what, exactly?
He’s been a perfect boyfriend until this one moment that spiraled beyond his control. In fact, in my opinion he's always been 100% into Sophie while she hemmed and hawed.
Sixteen percent of the book after the drama is just Sophie ignoring him while he calls, texts, shows up, and apologizes. Eventually Mia drags Sophie to Murphy’s post-game speech where he publicly apologizes in front of media and embarrasses himself for her. Sophie ignores him again until Mia points out he’s still waiting on his knees. Sophie finally approaches him, cracks a joke, and says she’s not ready to be with him again.
Then Chloe conveniently shows up to stir drama. Sophie confronts her, calls her out for staging everything, and literally shoves her onto the ice. Everyone laughs. Sophie and Murphy high-five. Sophie says she’s still mad but loves him, and they slooowly get back together.
Murphy moves into their new apartment alone until Sophie finally shows up with her suitcases.
3 months later Epilogue: they’re settled, it’s off-season, and surprise—Sophie is pregnant.
Overall? Cute but basic. The conflict felt forced, the drama disproportionate, and Sophie grated on my nerves. I’m far more excited for Jacko’s story than I was for this one.
I would have liked the book more if not for the FMC. I just couldn't connect with her.
Like many readers, I have to be in the right mood for certain tropes, and I’m fully guilty of loving OW drama (other woman drama, not necessarily cheating). This was recommended to me on that basis—but there is barely any OW drama here, and when it does appear, it feels thrown in for a last-minute third-act breakup.
I did read book one and liked it, though I barely remember it (I read hundreds of books a year). Credit to the author, though: even with the same cast, you don’t need book one to follow this one.
This book focuses on Sophie (FMC) and Murphy (MMC). Sophie is Mia’s best friend from book one, and Murphy is Dylan’s (MMC from Book 1) teammate. They had a hot moment in book one, so this story starts with established tension. Honestly? From there, it’s a very low-plot, very easy-to-skim book—my second major issue with it.
The core of the story is Sophie pretending she’s not into Murphy while flirting with him nonstop and refusing to take him seriously because he’s a “flirty clown.” Murphy is flirty, but he’s also genuinely, openly into her and puts in all the effort. Eventually they enter a fake relationship (for PR reasons—very overdone in sports romances lately), and surprise: it becomes real.
They’re cute together, they match well, and for about 70% of the book it’s just their relationship—sweet, but honestly a little boring. They decide to get a place together. All is well… until the gala night. Which happens at 70% of the way through the book so cue the cliche 3rd act breakup.
Murphy has to attend a mandatory event with sponsors. Sophie can’t go. While there, an old ONS, Chloe, throws herself at him—leaning, whispering, cheek-kissing, straight-up propositioning him. Murphy is visibly uncomfortable, repeatedly steps back, tells her he’s taken, and freezes because he’s in a professional setting. He doesn’t tell Sophie about Chloe in particular, but he does text her almost all night.
Of course, someone records it, posts misleading “Murphy is single again” content, and it blows up online. Murphy panics, rushes to Sophie, but she and her BFF tear into him. And here’s where the book completely loses me.
Was Murphy dumb? Yes. Should he have shut Chloe down harder? Sure. But Sophie goes feral. Breaks up with him, refuses to talk, returns all his stuff, and treats him like he cheated—even though she admits she knows he didn’t. Meanwhile Mia and Dylan act like Murphy committed a felony. Everyone says Murphy needs to “prove he’s changed,” but changed what, exactly?
He’s been a perfect boyfriend until this one moment that spiraled beyond his control. In fact, in my opinion he's always been 100% into Sophie while she hemmed and hawed.
Sixteen percent of the book after the drama is just Sophie ignoring him while he calls, texts, shows up, and apologizes. Eventually Mia drags Sophie to Murphy’s post-game speech where he publicly apologizes in front of media and embarrasses himself for her. Sophie ignores him again until Mia points out he’s still waiting on his knees. Sophie finally approaches him, cracks a joke, and says she’s not ready to be with him again.
Then Chloe conveniently shows up to stir drama. Sophie confronts her, calls her out for staging everything, and literally shoves her onto the ice. Everyone laughs. Sophie and Murphy high-five. Sophie says she’s still mad but loves him, and they slooowly get back together.
Murphy moves into their new apartment alone until Sophie finally shows up with her suitcases.
3 months later Epilogue: they’re settled, it’s off-season, and surprise—Sophie is pregnant.
Overall? Cute but basic. The conflict felt forced, the drama disproportionate, and Sophie grated on my nerves. I’m far more excited for Jacko’s story than I was for this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2025
Power play review - Murphy
Murphy…Murphy. Omg! 🔥
Samuel Murphy is the playboy of the team. The joker, the one who doesn’t really take anything but hockey seriously. But is he’s smooth, gorgeous and definitely has the gift of the gab and knows how to charm the ladies. Until he meets Sophie Hart.
Sophie is Mia’s best friend and we meet her in The Assist. She’s the dependable and the seemingly confident one, who has a smart mouth and a comeback for anyone. So when Murphy and Sophie meet, sparks fly.
Power play is the perfect title, not only because of the hockey term but because Murphy and Sophie are a power play in progress. Their banter is off the charts, she’s gives as much she gets and better still she ties Murphy up in knots, but little does he know he does the same to her. But when Murphy’s agent says that the sponsors are ready to pull out because of the image he is portraying, an idea is formed and put into action.
Murphy and Sophie a couple? Well fake couple… or are they really? But watch out for tabloid girl.
If you liked Murphy in book 1 you will fall head over heels for him in his own book. I’ve smiled, I’ve chuckled, I’ve swooned and I’ve wanted to string murph up by his b*lls.
It’s perfect.
Murph and soph are sickeningly perfect. I want a hockey player of my own!
Highly recommend this series, I just can’t get enough of these boys!
Murphy…Murphy. Omg! 🔥
Samuel Murphy is the playboy of the team. The joker, the one who doesn’t really take anything but hockey seriously. But is he’s smooth, gorgeous and definitely has the gift of the gab and knows how to charm the ladies. Until he meets Sophie Hart.
Sophie is Mia’s best friend and we meet her in The Assist. She’s the dependable and the seemingly confident one, who has a smart mouth and a comeback for anyone. So when Murphy and Sophie meet, sparks fly.
Power play is the perfect title, not only because of the hockey term but because Murphy and Sophie are a power play in progress. Their banter is off the charts, she’s gives as much she gets and better still she ties Murphy up in knots, but little does he know he does the same to her. But when Murphy’s agent says that the sponsors are ready to pull out because of the image he is portraying, an idea is formed and put into action.
Murphy and Sophie a couple? Well fake couple… or are they really? But watch out for tabloid girl.
If you liked Murphy in book 1 you will fall head over heels for him in his own book. I’ve smiled, I’ve chuckled, I’ve swooned and I’ve wanted to string murph up by his b*lls.
It’s perfect.
Murph and soph are sickeningly perfect. I want a hockey player of my own!
Highly recommend this series, I just can’t get enough of these boys!
July 18, 2025
Murphy does so well at the romancing I was swooning. Sophie has road blocks with boulders but even they get crushed to dust. Great banter loved how they played off to each other, it suited both of them. Not without some angst as I would expect, has to be and it is powerfully emotional. Not saying too much as I don't want to spoil it for other readers but honestly this really is worth your time to read, I do suggest reading book one as well. I enjoy the authors writing style, it's has a wonderful flow and pace, picking up and dipping in crucial areas then steadily evening out again in a way I feel is perfect. It has definitely left me wanting to read Jacko our baking hero's story. Glorious book.
July 25, 2025
Power Play is book 2 in The Raptors series and it is just as fab as book 1 was!
This time we get the story of Murphy.. joker, funny man and takes nothing apart from hockey seriously Murphy but wow we see a different side of him in this story! We see swoonworthy and smooth Murphy come out to play with this book!
LOVED the banter between these guys, it made me smile at so many parts when reading (mainly as this is how my husband and I are daily LOL)
Sophie has her hurdles to get over but if shes let the walls down and let him in once.. can she do it again?
Adore these guys together and adore the way The Raptors all are as a team.
really really really cant wait for Jackos book!
Another smash hit Caroline!
This time we get the story of Murphy.. joker, funny man and takes nothing apart from hockey seriously Murphy but wow we see a different side of him in this story! We see swoonworthy and smooth Murphy come out to play with this book!
LOVED the banter between these guys, it made me smile at so many parts when reading (mainly as this is how my husband and I are daily LOL)
Sophie has her hurdles to get over but if shes let the walls down and let him in once.. can she do it again?
Adore these guys together and adore the way The Raptors all are as a team.
really really really cant wait for Jackos book!
Another smash hit Caroline!
July 29, 2025
Another great addition to The Raptors series.while I loved The Assist because it gave all the feels, I loved this book just as much because it was full of witty banter, laugh out loud one liners, and of course it was filled with team spirit. I loved Murphy from meeting him in book 1 and this book didn’t disappoint. I can’t wait to read more from the series when it releases. If you love romance then you’ll love this series. The writing is flawless. Caroline Easton has a way with words that just draws the reader in. A definite one click book.
Read
September 10, 2025Lots of banter.
Other woman drama.
Fake dating turned real by around 30%ish.
Tabloids picture him with his ex looking cosy though he was turning her down.
Huge grovel.
He didn't cheat but didn't turn other woman down quick enough to prevent a media scandal.
HEA.
Epilogue.
They agree they are all in then he keeps telling her before the blip moment that he's all in... didnt they agree this already....
Other woman drama.
Fake dating turned real by around 30%ish.
Tabloids picture him with his ex looking cosy though he was turning her down.
Huge grovel.
He didn't cheat but didn't turn other woman down quick enough to prevent a media scandal.
HEA.
Epilogue.
They agree they are all in then he keeps telling her before the blip moment that he's all in... didnt they agree this already....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
Liked this one even more than book 1. Murphy is on my list of book boyfriends now!
September 8, 2025
This was a cute little book with lots of deliciously witty banter.
November 23, 2025
Another fantastic book - keep them coming!
July 27, 2025
Power Play is the second book in the Raptors series and I absolutely loved it. The storyline, the way the characters are written, are both believable and impressive. The witty banter between Murphy and Sophie had me smiling and laughing out loud. They seem to be the perfect couple until suddenly they're not. Will they be able to pick up the pieces of their lives together or is it just too much? This is a great story. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews