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Penalty Box Playboy: A Forbidden Brother's Best Friend Hockey Romance
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July 16, 2026
Rcvd an advanced copy from Booksprout.
We meet Amber, photographer and sister to 2 NHL players, who has always been invisible growing up. She is at a game with her brothers girlfriends and still doesnt know the game eventho shes been going since she was little. She has her camera taking shots of her brothers, the crowd and unfortunatley...Finn. After scoring the winning goal, he looks up and finds her. After the game, he approaches her and they chat. THere is smtg about her that Finn likes. it is like she sees him for him, not just the hockey player. Amber also feels that Finn sees her. Her brothers try to scare off FInn but he isnt deterred. He genuinely likes her and wants to see where this goes.During game 6, Amger wears Finns jersey and the other team player gets into Finns head and he ends of getting a penalty. Amber sees thru her lens what it does to Finn. He knows he screwed up and is trying to be a better person. Drama, being invisible and going after what one wants makes this a good story.!
We meet Amber, photographer and sister to 2 NHL players, who has always been invisible growing up. She is at a game with her brothers girlfriends and still doesnt know the game eventho shes been going since she was little. She has her camera taking shots of her brothers, the crowd and unfortunatley...Finn. After scoring the winning goal, he looks up and finds her. After the game, he approaches her and they chat. THere is smtg about her that Finn likes. it is like she sees him for him, not just the hockey player. Amber also feels that Finn sees her. Her brothers try to scare off FInn but he isnt deterred. He genuinely likes her and wants to see where this goes.During game 6, Amger wears Finns jersey and the other team player gets into Finns head and he ends of getting a penalty. Amber sees thru her lens what it does to Finn. He knows he screwed up and is trying to be a better person. Drama, being invisible and going after what one wants makes this a good story.!
July 17, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
I really wanted to love this book, FMC a sports photographer and the golden retriever cocky NHL player, what’s not to love?
This book takes place over the space of approximately a week or 2 - 3 NHL play off games. I loved the idea of it, but the book moved too fast and was too surface level for my liking.
The MMC is a team mate to the FMC’s brothers - unlike the title they are not best friends. It feels like they barely know him and spend essentially the entire book threatening him. Even when they appear to want to let their sister fall in love with whoever she wants, they continue to have threatening and condescending conversations with the main characters about their disapproval. This would be fine if it wasn’t the same conversation repeated over and over again.
On the topic of repetition, this book was essentially 3 points repeated endlessly - the aforementioned conversation, that the MMC has a persona to hide the real him and that the FMC has always lived in the shadows of her brothers and their hockey careers. There is no depth to these topics throughout the book as the characters develop, because they barely develop.
The Insta love is cute but also cringe and not believable. I really wanted to love the main characters and fall in love with their love story, but I just felt nothing. They have a lot of conversations, but they just repeat the same lines and topics and it feels like they never really actually get to know each other.
There is minimal spice throughout the book, and the spice within the book is mild and non graphic for an open door romance. Not my personal preference but would be excelleert for someone who is interested in that level of spice.
I did love a couple of aspects of this book - the hockey scenes were interesting to read and accurate. I did absolutely love the epilogue and the FMC discussing her photography piece she worked on throughout the book. I loved the way she described hockey as all the emotions, grit and triumph. It was really well done and a collection of photography I’d love to go and see in a gallery. These points were the redeeming factors in the book that pushed it up to a 2 star review.
Overall, this book is lighthearted and surface level. It’s fast paced and an easy read. My rating is reflected through the repetition of dialogue and topics throughout and the lack of character depth. If you’re looking for a book and don’t care about these things, then it would be a great read.
I really wanted to love this book, FMC a sports photographer and the golden retriever cocky NHL player, what’s not to love?
This book takes place over the space of approximately a week or 2 - 3 NHL play off games. I loved the idea of it, but the book moved too fast and was too surface level for my liking.
The MMC is a team mate to the FMC’s brothers - unlike the title they are not best friends. It feels like they barely know him and spend essentially the entire book threatening him. Even when they appear to want to let their sister fall in love with whoever she wants, they continue to have threatening and condescending conversations with the main characters about their disapproval. This would be fine if it wasn’t the same conversation repeated over and over again.
On the topic of repetition, this book was essentially 3 points repeated endlessly - the aforementioned conversation, that the MMC has a persona to hide the real him and that the FMC has always lived in the shadows of her brothers and their hockey careers. There is no depth to these topics throughout the book as the characters develop, because they barely develop.
The Insta love is cute but also cringe and not believable. I really wanted to love the main characters and fall in love with their love story, but I just felt nothing. They have a lot of conversations, but they just repeat the same lines and topics and it feels like they never really actually get to know each other.
There is minimal spice throughout the book, and the spice within the book is mild and non graphic for an open door romance. Not my personal preference but would be excelleert for someone who is interested in that level of spice.
I did love a couple of aspects of this book - the hockey scenes were interesting to read and accurate. I did absolutely love the epilogue and the FMC discussing her photography piece she worked on throughout the book. I loved the way she described hockey as all the emotions, grit and triumph. It was really well done and a collection of photography I’d love to go and see in a gallery. These points were the redeeming factors in the book that pushed it up to a 2 star review.
Overall, this book is lighthearted and surface level. It’s fast paced and an easy read. My rating is reflected through the repetition of dialogue and topics throughout and the lack of character depth. If you’re looking for a book and don’t care about these things, then it would be a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2026
There are some hockey romances where the forbidden relationship feels like a minor inconvenience.
Penalty Box Playboy is not one of them.
From the moment Finn and Amber cross the line from stolen glances to stolen kisses, you know everything is on borrowed time.
Amber has spent her life surrounded by hockey. As the younger sister of two NHL players, she's used to being protected, underestimated, and constantly reminded of who her brothers think she should be. I loved watching her step out of everyone else's shadow and start making decisions for herself—even when they weren't the easy ones.
Finn completely exceeded my expectations.
Everyone sees the confident NHL superstar, but behind the cameras is a man who's thoughtful, patient, and surprisingly tender. Some of my favorite moments were the quiet ones, where he showed Amber she was never just someone's little sister to him—she was the woman he'd been trying not to fall for.
The romance builds at exactly the right pace. Every secret meeting, every lingering look across a crowded room, and every moment they risk being caught made the tension impossible to resist. I found myself rooting for them long before either of them admitted what was happening.
What really stood out, though, was the family dynamic. Knowing Amber's relationship with Finn could cost him not only her brothers' trust but potentially everything he'd built in his hockey career added emotional weight to every decision they made.
This wasn't just about breaking the rules.
It was about deciding whether love was worth everything they stood to lose.
If you're looking for a hockey romance with unforgettable chemistry, a protective hero, a heroine finding her own voice, and enough forbidden tension to keep you turning the pages, Penalty Box Playboy absolutely delivers.
Tropes I loved:
🏒 Brother's Best Friend
🏒 NHL Romance
🤫 Secret Relationship
❤️ Forbidden Love
✨ Protective Hero
🥅 He Falls Hard
💙 Family Drama
Penalty Box Playboy is not one of them.
From the moment Finn and Amber cross the line from stolen glances to stolen kisses, you know everything is on borrowed time.
Amber has spent her life surrounded by hockey. As the younger sister of two NHL players, she's used to being protected, underestimated, and constantly reminded of who her brothers think she should be. I loved watching her step out of everyone else's shadow and start making decisions for herself—even when they weren't the easy ones.
Finn completely exceeded my expectations.
Everyone sees the confident NHL superstar, but behind the cameras is a man who's thoughtful, patient, and surprisingly tender. Some of my favorite moments were the quiet ones, where he showed Amber she was never just someone's little sister to him—she was the woman he'd been trying not to fall for.
The romance builds at exactly the right pace. Every secret meeting, every lingering look across a crowded room, and every moment they risk being caught made the tension impossible to resist. I found myself rooting for them long before either of them admitted what was happening.
What really stood out, though, was the family dynamic. Knowing Amber's relationship with Finn could cost him not only her brothers' trust but potentially everything he'd built in his hockey career added emotional weight to every decision they made.
This wasn't just about breaking the rules.
It was about deciding whether love was worth everything they stood to lose.
If you're looking for a hockey romance with unforgettable chemistry, a protective hero, a heroine finding her own voice, and enough forbidden tension to keep you turning the pages, Penalty Box Playboy absolutely delivers.
Tropes I loved:
🏒 Brother's Best Friend
🏒 NHL Romance
🤫 Secret Relationship
❤️ Forbidden Love
✨ Protective Hero
🥅 He Falls Hard
💙 Family Drama
July 16, 2026
I think Heidi Fox has officially found her stride with hockey romance.
After enjoying Forbidden Love, I was excited to see where this series would go next, and Penalty Box Playboy has easily become my favourite instalment so far.
Amber was such a refreshing FMC. Living in the shadow of her famous brothers, she's spent so long feeling invisible that watching someone finally see her—not just "the Wests' little sister"—made this romance feel genuinely heartfelt.
Then there's Finn Dekker...
The title might tell you he's a playboy, but don't let it fool you.
Finn is equal parts cheeky, hilarious and completely swoon-worthy. Beneath the NHL heartthrob reputation is a man who knows exactly what he wants, and watching him relentlessly choose Amber—even with two very protective brothers threatening his future at every turn—had me grinning from start to finish.
One of my favourite things about this series continues to be the hockey itself. The game feels authentic, the terminology flows naturally, and even as someone who doesn't watch hockey, I could easily picture every match unfolding. It never feels like hockey is simply a backdrop—it becomes part of the story.
The pacing was smooth, the chemistry was effortless, and the spice felt perfectly balanced with the romance. Everything flowed naturally, making this such an easy book to fly through.
Overall, Penalty Box Playboy is the book version of a feel-good chick flick. It's sweet, funny, heartwarming and leaves you closing the book with a smile on your face.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. If you're looking for a light-hearted hockey romance with authentic sports scenes, a golden retriever book boyfriend, and a heroine finally discovering what it feels like to be truly seen, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
This is an ARC Review.
Romance girlies, this one is for you!!
After enjoying Forbidden Love, I was excited to see where this series would go next, and Penalty Box Playboy has easily become my favourite instalment so far.
Amber was such a refreshing FMC. Living in the shadow of her famous brothers, she's spent so long feeling invisible that watching someone finally see her—not just "the Wests' little sister"—made this romance feel genuinely heartfelt.
Then there's Finn Dekker...
The title might tell you he's a playboy, but don't let it fool you.
Finn is equal parts cheeky, hilarious and completely swoon-worthy. Beneath the NHL heartthrob reputation is a man who knows exactly what he wants, and watching him relentlessly choose Amber—even with two very protective brothers threatening his future at every turn—had me grinning from start to finish.
One of my favourite things about this series continues to be the hockey itself. The game feels authentic, the terminology flows naturally, and even as someone who doesn't watch hockey, I could easily picture every match unfolding. It never feels like hockey is simply a backdrop—it becomes part of the story.
The pacing was smooth, the chemistry was effortless, and the spice felt perfectly balanced with the romance. Everything flowed naturally, making this such an easy book to fly through.
Overall, Penalty Box Playboy is the book version of a feel-good chick flick. It's sweet, funny, heartwarming and leaves you closing the book with a smile on your face.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. If you're looking for a light-hearted hockey romance with authentic sports scenes, a golden retriever book boyfriend, and a heroine finally discovering what it feels like to be truly seen, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
This is an ARC Review.
Romance girlies, this one is for you!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The baby sister of two hockey players is growing tired of being invisible. Her sill is photography and she hones that to the hockey games of the Leopards, the team her brothers play for. One player grips her attention and as fate would have it it is none other than the notorious playboy Finn Dekker. His nick name is Hollywood Finn. When his sight falls on Amber, he becomes instantly smitten and they promise to have just a plain conversation. It is the play offs and her brothers have given him the riot act to leave her alone and keep his head in the game. The push and pull of family complicates things. Amber has ambitions, but it seems the only one listening is Finn. I think the team who takes home the title means less to Amber and Finn since they want to commit to a relationship. Will that hinder the team? You are going to read for yourself and pick a side. Do we all want Amber and Finn together and will that hinder the team win?
August 8, 2026
Penalty Box Playboy is NHL player Finn and photographer Amber’s entertaining and heartwarming romance. It’s book three in the In The Rink Series and I loved it. This author is fairly new to me and I’m struggling to understand why I haven’t crossed paths with her sooner.
Amber is taking shots of her brothers who play for the same team as Finn when he scores the winning goal he looks up and their eyes meet and from that moment on he is determined to prove himself worthy of dating his teammates sister……
I fell hard and fast for Finn and I would love Amber as my new bestie but what took this book to another level was watching him do everything in his power to win the woman of his dreams over. This was well written, entertaining, emotional and steamy read that drew me in from the first chapter and didn’t let me go until the final line was read.
Amber is taking shots of her brothers who play for the same team as Finn when he scores the winning goal he looks up and their eyes meet and from that moment on he is determined to prove himself worthy of dating his teammates sister……
I fell hard and fast for Finn and I would love Amber as my new bestie but what took this book to another level was watching him do everything in his power to win the woman of his dreams over. This was well written, entertaining, emotional and steamy read that drew me in from the first chapter and didn’t let me go until the final line was read.
Review of advance copy
Penalty Box Playboy by Heidi Fox is a fun, steamy hockey romance that delivers a story packed full of strong chemistry, emotional tension, and a swoon-worthy forbidden love story. Set in the backdrop of professional NHL, we are introduced to the FMC Amber and the MMC Finn, two people who shouldn't have feelings for each other but end up falling in love. One of the things that stood out to me about this novel was how Fox created the character to be believable and authentic. Overall, Penalty Box Playboy was a charming, emotional, and spicy sports romance that will appeal to fans like me of contemporary hockey romances and forbidden love stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2026
Review:
🏒Penalty Box Playboy🏒
In the Rink #3
By Heidi Fox
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Teammate’s sister
🏒 Forbidden Romance
⭐ 4/5
Finn and Amber
Against all odds could be said for these two.
She is his teammate’s younger sister who is highly protected by them.
But having Finn’s attention feels good and right. And so both go against all rules and warnings.
She feels really seen for the first time and he shows someone the true Finn, something he hasn’t done for a long time.
But falling for each other comes with risks. Distraction, smack talk and possibly losing everything you worked for.
a novella with the issues of being a hockey player sister and a boy with a certain but fake reputation.
With a happy end that all of them deserved.
🏒Penalty Box Playboy🏒
In the Rink #3
By Heidi Fox
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Teammate’s sister
🏒 Forbidden Romance
⭐ 4/5
Finn and Amber
Against all odds could be said for these two.
She is his teammate’s younger sister who is highly protected by them.
But having Finn’s attention feels good and right. And so both go against all rules and warnings.
She feels really seen for the first time and he shows someone the true Finn, something he hasn’t done for a long time.
But falling for each other comes with risks. Distraction, smack talk and possibly losing everything you worked for.
a novella with the issues of being a hockey player sister and a boy with a certain but fake reputation.
With a happy end that all of them deserved.
July 24, 2026
Forbidden brother's team-mate Ice Hockey romance
A cute short read; a forbidden hockey romance between a player and his team mates' sister, with secrets, spice, great chemistry, stolen kisses, love, banter and a HEA.
Amber is Eli & Wyatt's sister (Enemies in the Rink and Forbidden Love) and has always felt invisible next to her brothers, hating the hockey she's been forced to watch growing up and only enjoying photographing it. But when she spots Finn at a match, the golden haired cocky superstar who is completely different to her brothers, she can't stop watching him.
Finn spotted Amber after winning the game when their eyes met and he couldn't stop smiling, possibly due to the score, but possibly due to her watching him.
She's worried about her brothers trying to stop the romance building between them, but he doesn't care and is determined to have a conversation that lasts longer than three minutes with her, though he hopes he can make it more. He's a brilliant and underestimated character who feels that her love is worth her brother's/his team-mates trust.
A sweet secret ice-hockey romance and great for an evening read.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A cute short read; a forbidden hockey romance between a player and his team mates' sister, with secrets, spice, great chemistry, stolen kisses, love, banter and a HEA.
Amber is Eli & Wyatt's sister (Enemies in the Rink and Forbidden Love) and has always felt invisible next to her brothers, hating the hockey she's been forced to watch growing up and only enjoying photographing it. But when she spots Finn at a match, the golden haired cocky superstar who is completely different to her brothers, she can't stop watching him.
Finn spotted Amber after winning the game when their eyes met and he couldn't stop smiling, possibly due to the score, but possibly due to her watching him.
She's worried about her brothers trying to stop the romance building between them, but he doesn't care and is determined to have a conversation that lasts longer than three minutes with her, though he hopes he can make it more. He's a brilliant and underestimated character who feels that her love is worth her brother's/his team-mates trust.
A sweet secret ice-hockey romance and great for an evening read.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2026
This hockey romance between a player and his teammates little sister is SO good I finished it in less than a day!
Finn is the team’s resident playboy. Dubbed Hollywood Finn he has a new girl on his arm every week. From models to celebrities to influencers, everybody just LOVES Hollywood Finn.
Amber is used to being invisible, growing up in the shadows of her hockey playing older brothers. Now they play for the NHL and she’s a photography student with dreams of her own art show.
When Amber sees past the Hollywood Finn persona they’re both intrigued and discover that have more in common than they thought possible.
What happens when the invisible girl and the guy everyone thinks they know get together? Pure and real ART!!
Finn is the team’s resident playboy. Dubbed Hollywood Finn he has a new girl on his arm every week. From models to celebrities to influencers, everybody just LOVES Hollywood Finn.
Amber is used to being invisible, growing up in the shadows of her hockey playing older brothers. Now they play for the NHL and she’s a photography student with dreams of her own art show.
When Amber sees past the Hollywood Finn persona they’re both intrigued and discover that have more in common than they thought possible.
What happens when the invisible girl and the guy everyone thinks they know get together? Pure and real ART!!
July 17, 2026
Book 3 of the In The Rink series is just as sweet and heartwarming as the first two books. This book follows Finn as he tries to prove to Amber that he isn’t the playboy everyone sees him as. Amber has spent her whole life coming second to her brothers and their hockey, but now she is using her talent to shed a new light on hockey and its players. I loved this book which is well written and has such well developed characters! We still get to see the couples from the previous books, and they just add to the overall story. This was an early copy provided to me by the author.
July 17, 2026
Penalty Box Playboy by Heidi Fox is a heartwarming brother’s-best-friend hockey romance with plenty of chemistry, emotion, and charm. I loved watching Amber step out of the shadows and pursue both her passion for photography and her own happiness. Finn completely stole the show—beneath his playboy reputation is a thoughtful, caring hero who truly sees Amber for who she is. Their forbidden romance, family drama, and heartfelt moments kept me turning the pages, making this an engaging and satisfying read. A wonderful 4.5-star addition to the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve just finished Penalty Box Playboy, and i absolutely loved it! I loved the characters, especially Amber & Finn. Loved the fact that Finn changed so much for Amber; and the entire concept of Amber having her own “Thing” around the Hockey. The spice was there, I’d say it was a 2.5/5 on the spice rating, but even with lower spice than I’m used to, I still absolutely loved the story itself!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2026
This is a super cute sports romance that I devoured in 1 day! Amber is the younger sister to not one but TWO NHL stars!! Finn is their teammate who has spent years cultivating his "Hollywood" persona. The two of them are immediately drawn to one another with Finn battling his insecurities and both of them battling Amber's brothers! I really enjoyed this book, how Amber sticks up for herself, and how Finn proves that he is the man to stand at her side while she grows in her own career.
July 16, 2026
Review...
Omg I love Finn and Amber.. there story was amazing. 2 brothers on the same team as Finn who warned him away. I really loves this book, it definitely my favourite out the series. Amber has always been the child not seen as her brothers always took the limelight, Finn saw her, made her be seen and put her front and centre. Absolutely amazing.
Omg I love Finn and Amber.. there story was amazing. 2 brothers on the same team as Finn who warned him away. I really loves this book, it definitely my favourite out the series. Amber has always been the child not seen as her brothers always took the limelight, Finn saw her, made her be seen and put her front and centre. Absolutely amazing.
July 22, 2026
I couldn’t put down Penalty Box Playboy! It was a charming story with characters I fell in love with. There is a little spice! Truth is I now I have to go back and read the other two books I’m so hung up on the characters. Amber and Finn share their story in such a way you can’t help but read on!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2026
Finn and Amber stole my heart. Her being off limits to Finn since she’s the little sister of two brothers in his hockey team. But dangit, she’s grown. And he’s hot, and they’re attracted to one another. I loved the way they both said forget it and connected. This was sweet and steamy, and now I’m going to read the other books lol.
July 23, 2026
This was a very detailed exciting read. This author really knew all the ends and out of the sport. She wrote with such detail it felt like I was in the final moments of the hockey game. It was surreal. I truly enjoyed this book, it was my first hockey romance book amd I loved it!!! 5 star read for me. I highly recommend
July 12, 2026
Great love story keeps you engaged. Love the idea of seeing people for more than what they show and what people think of them. Definitely would recommend. Second hockey series and just love the stories and how they each bring their own story.
August 10, 2026
This was so dang adorable 🥹 I really love the banter and sweet moments in this book. I was giggling and kicking my feet. This was much needed after reading really heavy things all weekend. I can't wait for more from this author!
August 11, 2026
Loved the characters, great story, Heidi Fox always produces books to enjoy.
Have loved all these books so far, well written with warm, fun characters and excellent stories to enjoy. I would recommend Heidi’s books.
Have loved all these books so far, well written with warm, fun characters and excellent stories to enjoy. I would recommend Heidi’s books.
July 21, 2026
Loved this quick spicy read. The growth of thr character is remarkable and the sibling banter is great. Curl up with a blanket some tea spend the day falling in love.
Read
August 4, 2026DNF at 72%
August 14, 2026
Amazing!!
I absolutely loved this book! I ate it up. I loved how Finn and Amber fit together perfectly, even when they tried not to! The support of Amber’s brothers ment everything when it got tough. Never really being seen until Finn came into the picture, Amber needed to fight for what she wanted. Finn on the other hand had let her in, which is something Finn learned not to do until Amber proved that it was worth the risk and the complications that came along with her! I can honestly say that I will be recommending this book series to anyone everyone!
I absolutely loved this book! I ate it up. I loved how Finn and Amber fit together perfectly, even when they tried not to! The support of Amber’s brothers ment everything when it got tough. Never really being seen until Finn came into the picture, Amber needed to fight for what she wanted. Finn on the other hand had let her in, which is something Finn learned not to do until Amber proved that it was worth the risk and the complications that came along with her! I can honestly say that I will be recommending this book series to anyone everyone!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews