Rebound Hearts: A Spicy Workplace Hockey Romance

by Kerri Duffy

She’s his boss. She’s off-limits. And she’s the one woman he’s never forgotten.

Damon Hawk never forgot his rookie year crush.
He just never expected her to become his boss.
Now the newly appointed GM of the Colorado Wolves, Damon is determined to turn the struggling team around—and prove he belongs in the front office. The last thing he can afford is a distraction.
Especially not Joslyn Robertson.
Smart. Powerful. Completely off-limits.
And even more irresistible than he remembers.
Joslyn Robertson has spent years surviving.
After escaping an abusive marriage—and the control of the family who came with it—she’s stepping into her role as owner of the Colorado Wolves, ready to take back both the team and her life. She has three months to fix a failing organization and prove she’s more than the men who tried to sideline her.
She doesn’t have time for complications.
And she definitely doesn’t need the kind of chemistry that threatens to unravel her carefully rebuilt world.
Especially not with her employee.
But Damon isn’t the same man she remembers.
And the closer they work, the harder he becomes to ignore.
Because this time?
It’s not just their hearts on the line—
it’s everything she’s fought to rebuild.

What to expect? A spicy workplace romance with a twist, an adorable dog, an interfering nephew, found family with all the feels, a strong, feisty heroine learning to heal, a swoony, dirty-talking, golden retriever hero who falls first, and a heartwarming HEA!
This is the first book in the Colorado Wolves Hockey Series.

Genres: Hockey, Hockey Romance

302 pages, ebook

Published August 14, 2025

About the author

Kerri writes sports romance with a dash of sweet, a healthy dose of love, a generous sprinkling of spice and always a perfectly crafted HEA. Although she’s become a published author later in life, she’s been writing and thinking up stories since she was twelve years old. Being able to write full time is a dream come true!
She’s a Colorado native who now lives in Houston, Texas. She’s been a lifelong hockey fan of the Colorado Avalanche, (of course) and a hockey mom in a former life. She’s an avid reader of spicy romance novels and a die-hard coffee addict. Espresso is life!
Her hobbies include walking her furry four-legged best friend, Cheyenne, watching as much hockey as possible, chasing her grandkids around the house and reading as much smut as possible while overindulging in coffee and snacks. She’s a retired accountant and is much happier writing than working in corporate America. She lives close to three of her adult children, which she loves because they are awesome humans.

Reviews

[Leticia🌻 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Rebound Hearts is a dual POV, workplace romance featuring Joslyn Robertson, one of the owners of the Colorado Wolves, and Damon Hawk, the new GM of the Colorado Wolves. The chemistry between Joslyn and Damon was incredible; the fact that Damon had always had a crush in Joslyn, made this relationship even better. Loved that the characters were in their late 30s/early 40s; each of the characters in the story were very well-written with their own set of problems and experiences.

Since many secondary characters were introduced towards the end of the story, it made it a bit difficult to keep track of each character's role in the team; but I know that everything will eventually clear as the series continues. Can't wait to read more about the Colorado Wolves.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[G.K. Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful debut with a fresh twist on workplace romance—an NHL team owner and her former rookie crush (now GM) trying to rebuild a struggling franchise while navigating an unexpected attraction. I really enjoyed the setup, the family dynamics, and the adorable dog woven into the story. Overall, I liked the premise and the storyline, and hello! Hockey! I can’t wait to see where this series goes next!

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, real, emotional, survivors, dedicated, full of love, and totally hits all the feels. The life that Joslyn lived with her late husband and all she endured and survived had me in awe. Damon's love for Joslyn even years later never faltered. His love will get her to fully learn that she is worth it and loved. Jacob's love for his aunt and family has everything to do with Joslyn and all the great people he encountered along the way and nothing to do with his parents. He as well is a survivor. I love how he is on a mission to make the wrongs his father did, right for those he hurt. This is truly a remarkable story and I look forward to reading the other books tied to this one. Loved it!

Warning to readers, it does deal with emotional and physical abuse, but in a survivor and powerful way, so be ready!

[Heather Dannelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebound Hearts is everything I love in a romance—hockey, tension, and a second chance that feels so worth the wait. Joslyn Robertson, now the owner of the Colorado Wolves, hires Damon Hawk as the team’s new GM. What she doesn’t realize? Damon’s been carrying a crush on her since his rookie year.

The chemistry between them is electric—equal parts slow-burn and explosive—and watching their dynamic shift from boss/employee to something deeper was so addictive. It’s the perfect mix of workplace drama, heartfelt moments, and second-chance love.

This series is off to a fantastic start, and I already can’t wait to see what happens next with the Wolves. 🏒❤️‍🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice, steamy. second chance love story involving a FMC who was the team co-owner and the MMC who was the new GM. They had a lot of chemistry and still fought the attraction because of the business dynamics. I loved Abby the dog, she added extra warmth to an exciting story. I recommend this book to all hockey romance readers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to this hockey series
I loved it.
- From the storyline that grabbed my attention from the start
- To the main and sub characters, with all their flaws and vulnerabilities
- Plus add in the gorgeous puppy Abby that they all adore and spoil
- Also the things happening behind the scenes that you get little glimpses of as the story proceeds
Starting afresh this hockey family who had gone through so much anguish physically and emotionally over the years were now making things right and restructuring the Hockey club they have taken over.
With plenty of opposition and nastiness Joslyn and her nephew Joshua are planning to overhaul the Colorado Wolves reputation and make them a team to be proud of.
Hiring Damon, who just happens to be a gorgeous, sexy ex player as their GM is another added bonus.
With Joslyn and Damon working so closely together the attraction they have been fighting against simmers to the surface.
Will they be brave enough to act on it?
An all round great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
Can’t wait to read more in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Renee Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely delightful story. I loved these two characters. So honest, vulnerable, and completely relatable. Their love journey had its bumps in the road, but never for a moment did the respect, compassion, and devotion fade. Beautifully written. It made my heart very happy, and we all need a bit of that kind of magic.

[Michelle Kssili · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman determined to prove herself in the business world after inheriting 49% of a hockey team. Her deceased husband controlled and belittled her for years. It is an amazing story of a woman who gets a second chance at love. Joslyn and Damon are perfect for each other. Abuse in a relationship is never ok. Women need to realize that they are stronger than they think. I love that Damon is so protective of his daughter and Joslyn. And yes, there are steamy sex scenes.

[Melissa Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerri Duffy has wowed me with this book. Usually most sports romance books are focused on a player and a love interest. This book is not that and I’m here for it.

I loved the reverse-age gap and power dynamic as we meet Joslyn the boss babe who owns half of a hockey team and Damon who is a former NHLer turned GM.

Damon has been harbouring feelings for Joslyn for his entire adulthood - it is not a one that got away because Damon was in love (from a distance) with Joslyn who was the wife of the then hockey team owner he played for.

Years go by and they are reunited because of their new jobs - Joslyn as the owner and Damon the GM. I loved the internal dialogue for each of the characters as they both try and navigate their feelings as boss/employee dynamic.

I appreciated that they were also older but still trying to navigate their romantic status as neither of them are interested in friends with benefits. Joslyn is also finding it challenging with the positive attention she receives from Damon as she’s never been in a healthy relationship

I also enjoyed Joslyn’s glow-up where she started as someone who placated people’s feelings/opinions to finding her voice and dealing with the nasty people who tried to bring her down. It was the ultimate boss babe glow up!

Overall if you’re looking for a contemporary hockey adjacent book with a HEA this is the book to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️

[Darlene Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I understand it, this is a new hockey series in the making and I'm loving it.

I loved the story line of Joslyn and Damon, the team owner and GM.

The author, Kerri Duffy who is new to me has blown me away with this story telling.

I can't wait to read what's next.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebound Hearts was the perfect story to introduce a new hockey series.

I loved how all the characters were interesting - not just the main characters. Can't read to read their stories!

I received this ARC free from BookSirens. The review is voluntary. The opinions my own

[RoseReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book. Although marketed as a hockey romance, it was more about what happens behinds the scenes in the hockey world. The building of a business and brand for a struggling hockey team. There were some great moments within this book, but overall, I struggled with one particular aspect... the MMC which was so sad for me. I recognize this was a "second-chance" romance for the MMC... the FMC had no clue there was any interest when they first crossed paths... They were both draw to each other and had insta-lust within, which is always kind of fun, but... MMC was almost cringey whenever the chapter focused on his internal thoughts. The things he thought and said did not make me think it wasn’t an authentic MMC perspective, which unfortunately led to a few eye rolls and "yuck" moments for myself.

*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***

Overall, this is just my opinion and I know this author has a strong following, but this book ultimately wasn't for me. The writing style wasn't a homerun...

Story = ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice = 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[CONNIEBENNETT26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerri Duffy has written a hockey story that will rock you on and off the ice. Joslyn and Damon are playful , and trouble .
Kerri Duffy puts a new look to decision making and putting the F in fun.!

[Kate Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The FMC listens to Teddy Swims. That’s all you need to know! The author takes great care dealing with the themes of DV. Trauma responses felt real and authentic. Definitely worth the read!

[Spicy Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new hockey romance!

I really enjoyed this book. The two MC’s were older which isn’t something you typically see in hockey romances and I really liked it.
Joslyn’s healing and self discovery arc was relatable and fun to read.
Damon was such a sweetheart and I love how he took care of her.
Fun read! Highly recommend.

[Lillian Christenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Booksirens for giving me a copy of this book. I went into this book thinking it would be a typical romance book, but I was wrong. It was an emotional roller coaster for this reader. The friendship that Joslyn and Damon had that slowly developed into love for each other was beautiful to read. The way they learned to trust each other despite their own pasts. 5⭐️

[Tenneal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about Joslyn and Damon. Damon has been in love with her since the moment he saw her his rookie season at the hockey arena! I love how tender, and caring his is toward Joslyn. He knows she's been hurt and just wants to show her how she should be treated! Such a great love story!😍

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for the advanced reader’s copy of Rebound Hearts: A Spicy Second-Chance Hockey Romance by Kerri Duffy.

I absolutely loved this book—it’s easily one of my top sports romance reads and could definitely make my top ten recommendations list! I really enjoyed the dual point of view, which gave great insight into both characters’ emotions and motivations. The female lead was strong, resilient, and easy to root for. She’s clearly been through a lot to become who she is, and I loved the way she handled being the male lead’s boss—it added such an interesting power dynamic to their second-chance story.

I also adored the inclusion of her pet—it was a sweet touch that made her feel more relatable, especially having her furry companion by her side even at work. I would have loved to see more of her “girls’ nights” with her close friends, though. There was one moment with them, but I wished for a bit more interaction to balance out her otherwise guarded personality.

Overall, Rebound Hearts was an engaging, emotional, and fun read that hit all the right notes for a spicy sports romance. My only small disappointment was that I was offered a bonus epilogue, but it wasn’t actually included. Even so, I’ll definitely be looking out for more books in this series—Kerri Duffy has officially landed on my must-read list!

[Racheal Eisaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really nice read! While this is technically a hockey romance it’s focus is more on administrative side of the hockey world with the main characters being the team owner and the GM (who happens to be a former player). I love the instant connection that these two have and the way the author describes the MFC’s recovery from a previous relationship with emotional/physical was incredibly impactful. One of the only things I didn’t like was the time jumps in the epilogue. I felt like we were just getting to the best parts of the story and the time skips forward multiple times (I want all the extra details!!). All and all though, this was a fantastic book showing that women are so much stronger than some people give them credit for! I can’t wait to see where the next books in the series go!

*Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a free ebook in exchange for a voluntary review.*

[Melinda Hennies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I loved Damon and Joslyn!
Joslyn is now a team owner after living such an abusive life.
Joslyn and nephew Jacob are running The Wolves. They must rebuild a broken team and Damon Hawk as GM is the first agenda item.
Damon has always had a soft spot for the Wolves as he played here in his early career until he was traded. Damon will never forget Joslyn and can't believe he gets to see her everyday!
From their first meeting working together their is chemistry and they both think each other are hit and beautiful.
They work together as a team and have a great relationship. Together they build cases against the ones left from the old owner brothers, and work to make the best team.
Damon helps Joslyn see what an incredible and smart person she is. He proves she has been worth the wait.
When life throws them challenges, they lean in each other.
Together the new Wolves team is unstoppable as is their love for each other.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joslyn and Damon’s second chance at love/later in life romance was fantastic.

It dealt with some very strong themes:

DV - both physical, financial and emotional;

Loss of partner,

Toxic workplace

I thought the story was well-written, followed a logical pattern and was paced really well. It felt like a slow-burn, but it wasn’t. The relationship growth was gradual, but once Damon was in, he was all in!

Joslyn had a lot of damage to her psyche to undo, but having Damon as her support only made her stronger. She did have a few OTT moments, but she was mature enough to admit when she was wrong.

A little steamy, but mostly focused more on their relationship, and has given some clues to potential relationships in future books.

A great series starter!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stacy Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebound Hearts is a second chance, found family, hurt/comfort, golden retriever MMC, he falls first, boss babe, work relationship romance that uplifts and inspires. After reading many dark romance novels, this book was a breath of fresh air that I desperately needed. It's a sweet and spicy heartwarming book that will leave you feeling empowered. Damon is a golden retriever with a dirty mouth who will capture your heart. Joslyn is a strong and determined boss babe who refuses to let anyone push her around. Together, they form an unbeatable team that will inspire you to believe in the power of love and relationships.

[Amber Novak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebound Hearts is the first book in the new Colorado Wolves Hockey Series and my first book by author Kerri Duffy. I loved the story of Damon and Joslyn and how well they work together, both in work and life. They each are able to help the other grow and heal and work towards their own happiness as they decide whether to work towards a happiness together.

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

[Colleen Heidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew I'd love sports romance but here we are! This is a different type of sports romance because it's focused on the leadership of the Colorado Wolves hockey team as they both find their second chance romance.

Big plus - the dog Abby is the best! I love that she was such a big part of the story because dogs are awesome.

Another plus - this is just the start of the series and the ending was perfect to get me invested in the next book.

[Melissa Kastner · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when the person you secretly crushed years before is your new boss?

That’s what happens when to Damon when he is hired as the GM of a hockey team. The women he was crazy about as a rookie player is now his boss and sparks fly.

Joslyn is a widow whose husband was horrible, but she is determined to make the best of her life now and build something with Damon.

This books deals a lot with domestic violence and the fallout during and after. The author does a good job of showing all sides, the manipulative abuser, the strong determined once was enough woman and the one who didn’t have a chance and suffered and the lasting affects of that abuse.

It’s more than a hockey romance, it’s about coming to terms with your past, finding the strength to get past what was done and finding the strength to love and trust again. And trusting that love does exist and can be healing and nurturing instead of toxic when you find the right one.

Can’t wait to see what else is in store for this team..