Checking All Her Notes: A Sweet Hockey RomCom Short Read

by April K. Murdock

She’s just come back to her home town. She’s teaching music to kids who think loud is the only volume. Then a hockey puck smashes through her window. Yes, things are going great for Sophie.

The puck belongs to Jude, the brooding defenseman, professional grump, and the man who communicates primarily in grunts. His scowl could melt ice and he has approximately zero interest in smiling for anyone.

Sophie's sunshine personified, armed with relentless optimism and a dangerous amount of patience.

When Jude gets volunteered against his will for a community music program, disaster strikes. The Bobcat's toughest player versus a tiny triangle and it’s looking like the tinkly triangle is going to win.

Charity auctions. Kisses that weren't supposed to happen. And a defenseman realizing that the biggest risk isn't on the ice—it's letting someone see his heart

But Jude's convinced he's too rough around the edges for someone like Sophie. That dating the coach's daughter will wreck everything. That he'll destroy the best thing that's ever happened to him.

Sophie's about to teach this bruiser that love isn't about perfect timing.

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2025

Reviews

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean romance. It is a short story and part of a series. it can be read as a stand-alone.

Sophie is the coaches daughter and works with kids on music. Jude is a new player defense on the local hockey team. He get assigned to help Sophie with music and the kids in addition to playing on the team. He is very stoic and has a grumpy demeanor. Can Sophie make him smile?

This was a really cute story. it is part a series of Meet-Cute Match Ups. It was adorable with fun characters and a story line that made me laugh several times. I think I also need to go back and read the other stories. If you need a quick and happy read, this is it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 - 5 stars.

This story has made me happy reading it, I loved the characters, the flow and the way it pulled me in and held my attention from start to finish. The music lessons were funny and endearing, the connection between Sophie and Jude was lovely to see, the way he opened up to her and how they 'got' each other was just lovely. My heart felt bruised when things didn't go so well. This story has spoken to me on a personal level and I loved the banter and the feel of it, it has made me smile, chuckle and sigh, when I got to the end I wanted to continue reading about them, Jude's Team and the children.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checking All Her Notes is a short, sweet, grumpy/sunshine bite-sized escape from daily life! I really enjoyed this charming tale. I keep trying to picture hulking Jude playing that tiny triangle! Sophie has the perfect personality to teach music to youngsters - and to hockey players (for a fund raiser). This cute book was a lot of fun to read.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopefully this is just one of a series involving the characters in this book.
Opposites attract
Coach's daughter
Meddling family and friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checking her notes

A fun, sweet quick story and great wrap up to this series. Great characters, Sophie's dad is the hockey coach, Jude is a player on his team. This grumpy/sunshine is fantastic.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie and Jude

This is a fun quick to read story. I enjoyed the dynamics between the main characters. I enjoyed the team support, even when it didn’t seem so supportive. I recommend reading this when you’re in the mood for a short story.