Playing for Keeps: An opposites-attract spicy hockey romance

by Tinne Van Doninck

New city, new job, new start… but Emma Dawson always leaves before things get complicated.

At just twenty-seven, Emma has already built a life out of leaving – chasing the next chapter and never staying long enough to let anything, or anyone, truly matter. Toronto is just the latest a short-term teaching post and a quiet year to write her next book.

Until she meets Max Finnegan…

A professional hockey player with a sharp tongue and a reputation to match, Max is the last person Emma expects to clash with in a bookshop — or to keep running into afterwards. But when his sister turns out to be one of Emma's biggest fans, and Emma needs help researching hockey for her new novel, their lives begin to overlap in ways neither of them can avoid.

Unlike Emma, Max isn't interested in half-measures or walking away. He knows what he wants and, for the first time, Emma finds herself wanting it too. But when it all starts to feel too real, will she do what she always does and leave?

Now Emma must decide if she's brave enough to stop running and risk everything for the one place, and the one person, that finally feels like home.

Playing for Keeps is an unmissable and spicy hockey romance, perfect for fans of Rachel Reid and Becka Mack.

Genres: Hockey

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2026

About the author

Driven by a deep-seated love for language and stories, Tinne studied Germanic Languages at the University of Antwerp, including a stint at UCL in London, a city she still considers her second home. She lives in Belgium with her husband and a border collie who is significantly cheekier than his training manual suggested.

When she isn't fuelled by Belgian chocolate or out for a swim, Tinne writes the kind of romance she loves to read: strong heroines, delicious slow burns, and settings inspired by her travels.

Reviews

[Kim McFall · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Hockey, spice, and humor!

This was a fun quick read. I really enjoyed the dual pov. It adds that extra layer of visibility that takes a romance to the next level.

While this was a hickey romance, it didn’t focus too much on the game itself, but rather on the main characters and storyline. I appreciate that in sports themed romance.

Overall this was a solid quick read with some emotion & spice while making you laugh.

Thank you Love Books Tours for this advanced reader copy!

[Brandi Augustine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Max and Emma's story. Got me all in the feels. The way they meet is so cute and I felt like I was swooning so much.

There were parts I was like oh no and then squealing. I also was holding my breath while reading waiting to see what was going to happen next.

If you love hockey and a fmc that is a writer, this book is for you. Definitely had me hooked.

[Jess Sealey (Jess's_book_corner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first hockey romance and I really enjoyed it. It was a fun easy read with some spice.
Even though it is a hockey romance it isn't all about hockey it focuses more on Emma (fmc) and her book writing which being a book worm i loved.
I loved all the characters even the side characters were fab.
The short chapters and dual point of view is always a win for me.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a lovely, heartwarming read. I wouldn't normally choose a sport-based book and as this is described as a Hockey Romance, I wasn't sure how much sport it would involve. But it wasn't too heavy on sporting terminology (sport not being my thing) and I was very quickly hooked! The use of some sporting metaphors worked brilliantly for our main characters.

Writer Emma finds a different place to live each time she's writing her next best seller, moving on to the next location when it's done. Here, she's in Canada and she follows her usual routine, making friends along the way but always sticking to her rule of not getting attached. But she didn't bank on meeting Max... With research to do, friends to make and fun to be had, Emma finds herself with some extra decisions to make, beyond those about her current book.

Set in a beautiful, wintery Canada, this is a lovely story of friendship, love and lots of hot drinks! The descriptions have you feeling like you're wrapped up against the wind and putting your hands around a steaming mug of hot chocolate with lots of cream!

I really enjoyed the dual points of view, hearing both Emma's and Max's sides of their stories. The addition of Max's family is a lovely development as well as the interactions with Emma's parents back home.

There are some hard moments of family history revealed and these just add perfectly to the connection that Emma and Max develop. As their connection develops, the level of spice heats up enough to melt the ice on the rink in the best possible way.

With entertaining supporting characters in the form of their friends, at Emma's job and on Max's hockey team, this really is a comforting read that I have no hesitation in recommending. With one of our leads as a writer and both of them meeting in a bookshop, it's the perfect book lover's dream and the type I'd love to read more of. Now just to convince Max about a good old cup of tea...!

Am not avoiding sport-themed books again if they're as good as this!

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[Desi✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the very beginning! With short chapters, dual POVs, and a fast pace, it was such an easy and addictive read. I kept wanting to know more about Emma and Max and what was going to happen between them.

I absolutely loved Emma. She’s a writer and a book lover, so of course I could relate to her love for books. 📚❤️ And then there’s Max… honestly, from the very beginning, you just have to love him. A big guy, broad shoulders, and a man who clearly wants to fall in love? What more do we need, please?! Instant love. 💚

This was my first hockey romance and also my first time reading a romance set in Canada, and I absolutely loved the Toronto setting. The fall atmosphere made it even better. 🍁 The changing season, the city, the cosy feeling… as a certified fall girl, I was living for it!

And that first kiss because of the dare?! WOW. I had actual goosebumps. ✨ The romance in this book is so sweet, and I loved watching it slowly build. You can really feel Max falling in love with Emma, while Emma is falling for him too without fully realising what’s happening to her.

And can we talk about the 🌶️?! Because it was SO good. 🔥 The spice was the perfect addition to their chemistry and romance.

There’s something so beautiful about the way their relationship develops. It made me want to know more about them, spend more time with them, and just keep reading.

And then there was this quote. It hit me so deeply because it reminded me of my own experience of falling in love in a city I never thought I would stay in — and somehow, I ended up staying for love.

“If I ever leave, this is what I’ll miss. Not the city. Just this - this easy kind of peace that feels like belonging.” — Emma

That feeling of finding a person who makes somewhere feel like home? Everything. ❤️

Playing for Keeps was such a sweet, feel-good romance and a lovely introduction to hockey romance for me. Max and Emma completely won me over. 💚🍁

[amanda_coffee_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was such a rollercoaster of emotions! I also wanted to mention that it took me a bit longer to finish than expected, not because I wasn’t enjoying it, but because I was really looking forward to the ending. The book is set in Canada, and Max is our hockey defense player, who grew up in some pretty tough circumstances. I felt so bad for him. He dealt with a lot of pain and abuse, and his mother kept secrets and let the abuse continue, not protecting Max. As an adult, Max’s relationships didn’t quite work out. Max decided it was time to move on. Some of the dates are pretty funny, and the waiter is amazing!

Grace, his sister, is wonderful. I love how she cares for him, her children, and her husband.

Emma is an author who writes books from different locations, which seems so much fun, but I bet it can be lonely sometimes. Emma is from London and teaches while she’s in Canada writing her next book. I really enjoyed these characters, and I love how strong and independent Emma is. I’m with Max, who doesn’t like coffee.

I had a great time reading and enjoying this world. I ordered my own ebook copy when I saw there would be a sequel, and I didn’t look to see what it was about. Just like this book, I read it because of the cover alone.

This is my first read from this author and my first hockey romance.

I had fun, laughed, and felt these characters. I got chills when they talked about the Canadian winters.

Let’s not forget that spice throw me on the wall lol!

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to the author and Lovebooktours for the opportunity to discover a new author and read something completely new.

[Amanda Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.


Ohh how I loved this book so much. I love me a good hockey romance book. This didn’t disappoint in the least. I got j to this book so fast. I really hope this is gonna be on audio cause there really isn’t anything better than a hockey audio book!!!


I haven’t ever been to Canada so having in this book was so cool. It’s a place I really want to visit someday maybe soon. Just got a real feel for the place and I could picture so clear in my head. I love that. I truly love being able to do that. I’m a very vivid reader so definitely could picture this.

I loved how the author just makes you fall in love with these characters so fast like that was amazing !!! It was really different for me to have a female main character who wasn’t jealous of an other girl flirting with Max. You don’t have that much it’s usually a huge plot in some books but it was so refreshing to have that !!!

Hockey is an amazing sport. I grew up watching hockey in a huge fan for sure. So I know hockey too I love it. I think it’s my favorite sport to watch. So the humor in this book was good too I really liked that with all the hockey guys.

I truly loved this book and I loved how Max and Emma’s relationship grew and it was so real and raw and good. Stuff you don’t see much of in the world today. I loved how supportive Emma was too the writing was just so good and u hope this becomes a series cause I love me some good hockey and I need a new series I just hope that more hockey is in the next books cause wasn’t enough in this one.

Highly recommend!!!

[PrincessStitchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Chefs Kiss* all the stars!

Absolutely fantastic book! Honestly couldn't put it down and when I had to....I was just waiting for the next moment to be able to pick it up!!

I adore how it is like you are visiting Canada yourself for the first time. And seeing it from an English persons point of view. The author makes you fall for the MMC and FMC so quickly and has you on the edge of your seat with that tension!

Having a book where the FMC Emma doesn't get jealous over another girl *Bridget* tries to flirt with Max I'm here for it!

You also have the side characters that were brilliantly written about! Simon and Grace are the types of friends anyone would want and then the Hockey boys alsp bring some great comic relief!

The way Emma and Max's relationship grows before any of the physical stuff makes it all so much more real and relatable! And then the author crushes your heart towards the end! Almost not forgiven!

Loved reading about how people can read the under currents in books like Jane Eyre (ok I need to read it lol ) it's not something my brain would pick up on but very interesting.

And the difference between Max's life and Emma's but how supportive Emma was, just so cute.

Utterly FANTASTIC! I really hope there is more books in the series because hooked! Also I really want to try a Tim Hortons now! I better got tell the husband I need a trip to Canada 🇨🇦 🤣

FYI there was too many quotes to choose from!

[Melani Denton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay Max Finnegan… I see you. 👀🏒

I absolutely flew through Playing for Keeps. Max and Emma had me invested from the beginning, especially because these two could not be more different when it comes to what they want from life.

Max is officially DONE with his player era. This man wants the wife, the kids, the home the whole thing. Meanwhile, Emma is an author and professor who is completely comfortable living a life where nothing has to be permanent.

I loved watching those two worlds collide.

Their chemistry and banter were so much fun, and the dual POV made the romance even better for me. Getting Max’s perspective really sold me on his character. He’s confident and knows exactly what he wants, but he’s also secretly such a softie, especially when it comes to the people he loves.

I also really enjoyed Emma outside of the romance. Her career, independence, and “here for now” approach to life made her such an interesting opposite to Max.

Add in hockey, friendships, family moments, Toronto, and plenty of chemistry, and this was such an easy romance to get wrapped up in.

Four very happy stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a gifted ARC of Playing for Keeps. This review reflects my honest and independent opinion.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was instantly drawn to this bright and bold front cover and of course, the image gave away that this was likely a hockey romance read - which as you may have noticed, I cannot get enough of!

It was great to meet our main characters Emma and Max - their meet cute in a bookstore definitely caught my interest and of course with Emma being a writer, I loved this bookish element to the storyline.

After taking a short term teaching post in Canada while she writes her next novel, Emma bumps into Max and I could tell that this was going to be the start of things.
Emma, however, doesn't plan on staying long and never lays down roots or gets too involved.

It was clear pretty early on that poor Max was going to have to work hard if he was going to get Emma to change her ways and give him a chance.
But when his sister helps Emma with research for her novel and Max is the inspiration, it was not long before the pair took their chances.

I loved the idea that our roles are slightly reversed for this read and for once, it's the MMF who is all in and isn't the one to shy away from relationships.
But he never pressured Emma which was lovely - he just kept being there for her and I was rooting for them to stay together.

There was so much chemistry between them but Emma really had to find a way to believe that she wasn't going to be hurt, before really opening up and letting Max in.

This was such a fun read and my first from this author.
I've spotted another book coming in this series and I cannot wait to get stuck in and see what book 2 holds.

[N.L. Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma is in Canada to teach and write her next novel. She's used to a life where she can get up and leave once she's done, but what she isn't expecting is to meet someone who would want her to stay.

Max is a famous hockey player. He is ready to settle down; find the one. But a string of bad dates makes him ready to give up until he meets Emma, an author, lover of books and strongly independent. She will be the one to break down his walls, but will he be the one to make her stay?

Doninck gives us a quick and easy read with spice and characters we love; a strong female character who knows what she wants, while Max shows his sensitive side in a male-orientated world of hockey, and also shows healing within his personal life.

This novel is told in a dual point of view, with a narrative that keeps us invested in our characters.

I loved the first kiss, reading this had me grinning from ear to ear

I also loved several side characters in this novel and hope they have their own novel.

[Dewaegeneere Tineke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read with well-developed characters and a romance that built up at a nice pace. I especially liked the first half of the book, where the slow-burn relationship and the character development really kept me invested. And just the right amount of spice🌶
I loved the setting of the book, it made me long for winter🫠

The second half of the book, the story slowed down a bit for me. As someone who mostly reads romantasy, I'm used to stories with more action, fantasy elements, and unexpected twists, so I personally missed some of that excitement. Readers who enjoy contemporary romance may experience this differently. Overall, I think this is a lovely slow-burn romance with likeable characters, and I'd definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven romance.

Overall, I enjoyed the author's writing style, and I think she did a great job creating believable characters. While this genre isn't entirely my cup of tea, I would absolutely pick up one of her books again if she ever wrote a romantasy—I think she'd do a fantastic job.

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy a sports romance, I feel like the sport side of this was much lighter than most others, we definitely saw more of the academics that was on Emma's side than Max's ice hockey.
This took quite a while to hit the steamy aspects, when they did finally arrive I thought they were done really well.
I liked hearing about Emma's nomadic lifestyle, and when she made a decision on her future.
Max had such a sad background, it was so heartwarming to see him opening up to Emma and I really felt for him.
I loved the other characters we met, Simon is an absolute hoot and Max's family were super sweet. The other guys on the hockey team definitely have some interesting stories to be told, I'm hoping they each get a story! I was absolutely feeling vibes between Will and Simon, I think they would make a great tale!
This is an easy to read romance that I'm sure many will enjoy.

[Stacey Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
This was a fun, fast paced and feel-good read.
Did I fall in love with Max and Emma….yes I did!!!
I absolutely loved the slow burn development of their relationship, it felt so organic and relatable. They also meet in a book store….the things of dreams💗 so I was sold from the beginning.
Its well-paced and packed full of chemistry and the perfect level of spice! Every single character is loveable and I really hope there’s more to come from this series as I want to know what happens to everyone!

Another interesting element for me was that although this is a sports romance, it kinda took a back seat and wasn’t the focus of the story which I really enjoyed.

Just a warning to new readers….the first kiss scene is going to have you siling so hard, your face is going to hurt!!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read from start to finish!
The yearning and the slow burn between Emma and Max was spot on and you could feel the heat rising between them 🥵
For the most part I enjoyed max as a character however there were some parts that slightly threw him off the green flag energy for me 🙃
It was easy to understand Emma's dilemma to stay or leave Canada and I was happy with the way she made her decision 💕
It felt in some sections that hockey was a bit of an afterthought as it doesn't necessarily play a large role in the story but I didn't think this was a negative as you're not overloaded with hockey terms and play that as a Brit, I have no idea about 😅
Overall a great read that I would recommend 💖

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you to Love Book Tours and the author for the eARC of this book. I really loved this story so much. It was hockey but it was more like a side character than the main event. I truly loved Max - he was so down bad for Emma - I loved seeing how he kept perusing her - even though she kept him at arm's length for awhile. She is a writer who feels like she can't have a relationship ever b/c she is always moving around. But, she allows herself to fall for Max, the hockey player. Grace was a fun side character too - with her kids - I liked how she kind of manipulated Max and Emma's reintroduction. Overall, I loved this story and wish that there was more - I want follow ups for all of these characters. Really enjoyed it - and love finding a new author to follow!

[Caroline Basyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! This was my first hockey romance, and I truly enjoyed reading about the thrills and worries of Emma and Max.
Great care went into the description of the main chacaters and their background, which makes them totally believable. We all have our background stories, and we secretly all long for this one person with whom we can unwind and be our true self. When this happens, it's magical. The beautiful Canadian setting with the snow and crisp air adds an extra magical sprakle to this spicy love story. Add the humor in the dialogues and the passionate sex scenes, and you understand why it's so difficult to put this book down and get back to real life.
Tinne Van Doninck did a great job, and I'm looking forward to read her next story.

[Sarah Essex · Rating 5 out of 5]

in fully in my hockey romance era and this book didn't disappoint! I really adored the characters emma the lovely brit going to Canada to write her book meets max a defence player for the hockey team in the unlikeliest of places. I loved seeing their romance bloom, it was a slow burner or a romance and i was so invested in their story. Grace played a fantastic part and was central to the book max's sister who helped them reunite. This book was wholesome and was like a hug in a book. I the perfect romance book. I would love to read more about Will too i'm keeping everything crossed he gets a book, as after the main characters he was my favourite.

[Katrina Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! Emma and Max had such great chemistry, and I loved that their relationship had time to actually develop before everything else.

One of my favorite things, though, was having an FMC with some actual emotional maturity.

I also loved the friendships and side characters, along with the little bits of humor throughout.

Overall, this was such a fun, sweet read with characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing for keeps is an opposites attract hockey romance set in Toronto, Canada.

I loved the dual point of view aspect enabling you to see the story from both characters angle.

Emma was a delightful character - an author and book lover making her easy to relate to. At first I thought Max was going to be an obnoxious sportsman but he turned out to be pretty down to earth as a character.

With an attractive cover, solid characters, short chapters and full on romance (with a touch of spice) this book makes for a great read!

[Lauren Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing for Keeps gave me everything I want in a hockey romance: steam, humor, chemistry, and just the right amount of tenderness. Emma’s instinct is always to run before things get complicated. Max’s instinct is to take control. And when those two collide, their chemistry is impossible to ignore! The hockey backdrop was cozy without ever feeling like filler. Pick up this swoon worthy read for when you’re craving a romance with plenty of steam and plenty of heart. 🏒❤️

[Amanda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This opposites attract hockey romance was a really good solid read. It is a fast paced page turner. And there's plenty of spice. The characters were amazing too. So many emotions in this narrative as well. Loved the banter between the characters. Overall, this was a great story with a satisfying conclusion. Thank you to Love Books Tours and the author for a copy of this. All thoughts are my own and freely expressed.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy romance based around an Author and an Ice Hockey Player. Emma never stays anywhere long, moves on as soon as her objective is achieved until she moves to Canada for a teaching assignment while she pens her next novel. Can she move on once she’s finished or has she lost her heart to Max and Canada?

[Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable read. I loved it.

I adored them both, but esp Max. He has had quite the journey. I loved Emma and her attitude to her career.

Yes it is a sports romance (hockey) but the sports element was quite light. Its fab.

Its my first book by this author, I think its her debut. I will definitely read more

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a while to get into this but once I did
I was fully invested & keen to know how the romance between Emma & Max would pan out! Both are likeable characters & their story will draw you in & keep you wanting to read just 1 more chapter!

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short chapters different pov, this is a book you race through, hard to put down great characters and highly addictive.
Set in Canada’s hockey world a steamy chemistry filled read