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Playing for Keeps: An Off-Limits He Falls First Hockey Romance
There's a shirtless goaltender bleeding on my sister's couch—and he's begging me not to tell his coach. Classic hockey player.
Now we’re under the same roof, under my care, and under my skin. Six-foot-three of muscle, concussion protocol be damned, and I'm keeping his secret.
I don't do athletes. Not since one walked away and left me raising Lily alone, promising forever and delivering nothing.
But Luke doesn't walk away. He lingers in doorways. He finds reasons to stand too close, to brush my hand while reaching for the same mug, and to ask if I'm okay in a voice that means something else entirely.
I tell myself it's just proximity. Just adrenaline. Just really, really good hands.
But the fever-dream nights and stolen glances say otherwise. He's already fallen, hard and fast, without asking permission.
And I'm terrified of what will happen because I’ve let myself do the same.
The problem? He's my future brother-in-law's teammate.
One wrong move and I blow up more than a locker room—I blow up an entire family.
Now we’re under the same roof, under my care, and under my skin. Six-foot-three of muscle, concussion protocol be damned, and I'm keeping his secret.
I don't do athletes. Not since one walked away and left me raising Lily alone, promising forever and delivering nothing.
But Luke doesn't walk away. He lingers in doorways. He finds reasons to stand too close, to brush my hand while reaching for the same mug, and to ask if I'm okay in a voice that means something else entirely.
I tell myself it's just proximity. Just adrenaline. Just really, really good hands.
But the fever-dream nights and stolen glances say otherwise. He's already fallen, hard and fast, without asking permission.
And I'm terrified of what will happen because I’ve let myself do the same.
The problem? He's my future brother-in-law's teammate.
One wrong move and I blow up more than a locker room—I blow up an entire family.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Single-mum Ice Hockey romance
A heartwarming sports romance; a forbidden hockey romance between a player and his team mates' sister-in-law, with a joker, a mild concussion, a single-mum nurse, a little girl who decides he belongs in her kingdom, he falls first, banter, great chemistry, stolen kisses, love, banter and a HEA.
Dani is Maya's sister (Enemies in the Rink) and a travelling nurse. When she ends up in New York for three months she's pleased as her daughter can spend some time with family, her sister and her Icy Hockey fiancé. But the first night there he's got his teammates round for a party to celebrate a win and the backup goalie is a reckless joker who ends up hitting his head.
Luke doesn’t want to report the accident to his coach for fear of being benched so his teammates persuade Dani to be his nurse, and he moves into the room by her office. But despite his nurse's orders he's not one for resting and she soon finds him being a knight and a dragon for her daughter.
That was when Luke turned his head and found me in the doorway.
"Hey." Quieter than the voice he'd used on Lily.
"You were supposed to be resting."
"I am resting."
"You call this resting?"
He glanced down the length of himself, still stretched out on the rug. "I'm horizontal."
I pressed my lips together before my mouth could do anything with that. "I told you to stay in bed."
"I did. Slept until your tiny dictator decided the kingdom needed defending."
When his temperature peaks during the night he begs Dani not to leave him and things heat up between them before she reminds him that she should have rules.
"How do you feel now?"
"Honestly, I feel about ten times better than yesterday. Whatever you did last night, it's working."
"That treatment's not repeating."
"Shame. I was hoping for an ongoing prescription."
It was lovely seeing this family grow closer with Luke being brilliant with Lily and tender with Dani. She worries about athletes as Lily's dad had been one and had left her, but Luke might be different, and he's already fallen for her (literally).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A heartwarming sports romance; a forbidden hockey romance between a player and his team mates' sister-in-law, with a joker, a mild concussion, a single-mum nurse, a little girl who decides he belongs in her kingdom, he falls first, banter, great chemistry, stolen kisses, love, banter and a HEA.
Dani is Maya's sister (Enemies in the Rink) and a travelling nurse. When she ends up in New York for three months she's pleased as her daughter can spend some time with family, her sister and her Icy Hockey fiancé. But the first night there he's got his teammates round for a party to celebrate a win and the backup goalie is a reckless joker who ends up hitting his head.
Luke doesn’t want to report the accident to his coach for fear of being benched so his teammates persuade Dani to be his nurse, and he moves into the room by her office. But despite his nurse's orders he's not one for resting and she soon finds him being a knight and a dragon for her daughter.
That was when Luke turned his head and found me in the doorway.
"Hey." Quieter than the voice he'd used on Lily.
"You were supposed to be resting."
"I am resting."
"You call this resting?"
He glanced down the length of himself, still stretched out on the rug. "I'm horizontal."
I pressed my lips together before my mouth could do anything with that. "I told you to stay in bed."
"I did. Slept until your tiny dictator decided the kingdom needed defending."
When his temperature peaks during the night he begs Dani not to leave him and things heat up between them before she reminds him that she should have rules.
"How do you feel now?"
"Honestly, I feel about ten times better than yesterday. Whatever you did last night, it's working."
"That treatment's not repeating."
"Shame. I was hoping for an ongoing prescription."
It was lovely seeing this family grow closer with Luke being brilliant with Lily and tender with Dani. She worries about athletes as Lily's dad had been one and had left her, but Luke might be different, and he's already fallen for her (literally).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2026
Okay, but Luke had absolutely no business being this easy to fall for. 🏒❤️
There is something about a hero who falls first and then just… stays there. Luke doesn't seem interested in pretending his feelings aren't happening. He finds every excuse to be near Dani, every reason to check on her, and somehow manages to make all those little moments feel more meaningful than they have any right to.
And Dani? I really loved that she wasn't just instantly swept away because a gorgeous hockey player showed up. She's a single mom who has already learned the hard way that promises don't always mean forever. Her hesitation made sense, especially when Lily is at the center of every decision she makes. She isn't just protecting her own heart—she's protecting her daughter's too.
Which made Luke's persistence hit differently.
He doesn't simply want Dani. He wants to prove that he isn't going anywhere.
The off-limits aspect made everything even better because of course the one man Dani shouldn't get involved with is the one she can't stop thinking about. Add in living under the same roof, stolen glances, forced proximity, hockey, and a hero who is falling faster than either of them expected, and I was completely invested.
But honestly? My favorite part was watching Dani slowly realize that letting someone in doesn't necessarily mean repeating the past.
Sometimes the person who makes you believe in forever again is the one who simply refuses to walk away.
Give me a protective hockey hero, a strong single mom, a little forbidden romance, and a man who falls first and falls HARD, and apparently I'm going to be perfectly happy. 🏒💕
There is something about a hero who falls first and then just… stays there. Luke doesn't seem interested in pretending his feelings aren't happening. He finds every excuse to be near Dani, every reason to check on her, and somehow manages to make all those little moments feel more meaningful than they have any right to.
And Dani? I really loved that she wasn't just instantly swept away because a gorgeous hockey player showed up. She's a single mom who has already learned the hard way that promises don't always mean forever. Her hesitation made sense, especially when Lily is at the center of every decision she makes. She isn't just protecting her own heart—she's protecting her daughter's too.
Which made Luke's persistence hit differently.
He doesn't simply want Dani. He wants to prove that he isn't going anywhere.
The off-limits aspect made everything even better because of course the one man Dani shouldn't get involved with is the one she can't stop thinking about. Add in living under the same roof, stolen glances, forced proximity, hockey, and a hero who is falling faster than either of them expected, and I was completely invested.
But honestly? My favorite part was watching Dani slowly realize that letting someone in doesn't necessarily mean repeating the past.
Sometimes the person who makes you believe in forever again is the one who simply refuses to walk away.
Give me a protective hockey hero, a strong single mom, a little forbidden romance, and a man who falls first and falls HARD, and apparently I'm going to be perfectly happy. 🏒💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was hooked into the story line from the beginning where Dani, a single mom has a totally outgoing smart daughter who is hooked on Cinderella! I can attest to being single of a little girl almost exactly like Lily and yes, 1001 nights at least I read Cinderella every night. Her brother in laws friends are all hockey players and are celebrating a win to head to the Stanley Cup. The antics get crazy, but none crazier than back up goalie Luke. On a dare, he falls, hits his head and wins himself a concussion. With Dani being a nurse she is now strapped to caring for him. Her daughter Lily has fallen head over heals with her dragon guard who protects her, the princess. There are hurdles that they slowly iron out before they reveal they are a couple. Nope, the man my daughter picked as her daddy after we ironed out hurdles was not a hockey player, but hey! The stories are delightfully so similar. Needless to say, I LOVED this book!
Review of advance copy
Playing for Keeps by Heidi Fox is a fun, steamy hockey romance that delivers plenty of chemistry, tension, and swoony moments. I really enjoyed the off-limits aspect of the relationship and watching the hero fall first. Their attraction felt undeniable, and the emotional buildup kept me turning the pages. The hockey setting added an exciting backdrop without taking away from the romance, and I loved the mix of workplace tension, forbidden feelings, and protective moments. The characters had great chemistry, and their interactions brought plenty of banter and heat to the story. If you’re a fan of hockey romances, forbidden relationships, strong chemistry, and heroes who fall hard, this one is definitely worth picking up. Overall, Playing for Keeps was an entertaining, easy-to-read romance with all the feels that fans of the In the Rink series will appreciate.
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.
August 20, 2026
Review:
🏒Playing for Keeps🏒
In the Rink #4
By Heidi Fox
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Single Mom
🏒 Sports Romance
⭐ 4/5
Dani and Luke
This story follows Dani and Luke. Dani, who is the sister of Emmie from a former book. And Luke who is about to fall for his teammate’s sister-in-law.
But Dani is a travelling nurse and a single mom. Which means trust doesn’t come easily for her. Especially athletes.
An incident has them staying in the same house while he has to recover from said incident, secretly. For a few days.
That makes him the perfect playdate for Dani’s little daughter. And slowly falling for Dani.
A really sweet novella where Luke can prove his honest intentions toward Dani and we see how sweet he also is with Lily.
And because Luke shows Dani that he isn’t going anywhere she slowly understands that his feelings are real for her and her daughter too.
🏒Playing for Keeps🏒
In the Rink #4
By Heidi Fox
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Single Mom
🏒 Sports Romance
⭐ 4/5
Dani and Luke
This story follows Dani and Luke. Dani, who is the sister of Emmie from a former book. And Luke who is about to fall for his teammate’s sister-in-law.
But Dani is a travelling nurse and a single mom. Which means trust doesn’t come easily for her. Especially athletes.
An incident has them staying in the same house while he has to recover from said incident, secretly. For a few days.
That makes him the perfect playdate for Dani’s little daughter. And slowly falling for Dani.
A really sweet novella where Luke can prove his honest intentions toward Dani and we see how sweet he also is with Lily.
And because Luke shows Dani that he isn’t going anywhere she slowly understands that his feelings are real for her and her daughter too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rcvd an ARC from Heidi.
We meet ER nurse Dani with her 5 year old daughter Lily. She is doing a travel nurse contract in the same city as her sister. There is a get together at the house and Luke, the backup goalie for the team decides to do smtg stupid and ends up bleeding with a concussion. Dani is there for the rescue and then guilted into making sure he lives. In his concussed state, Luke tells Dani she is beautiful. He also plays a dragon guard with Lily and makes Dani's heart melt a little bit. A brief moment in the pool leads to Luke wanting Dani but she is scared. Luke is tasked with starting goalie when there is an injury. He needs to focus on hockey but its hard when all he wants is Dani. Dani is so unsure, she has been there b4 with her ex and she is terrified. Luke is determined to have Dani and nothing will stop in his way...even if its her.
We meet ER nurse Dani with her 5 year old daughter Lily. She is doing a travel nurse contract in the same city as her sister. There is a get together at the house and Luke, the backup goalie for the team decides to do smtg stupid and ends up bleeding with a concussion. Dani is there for the rescue and then guilted into making sure he lives. In his concussed state, Luke tells Dani she is beautiful. He also plays a dragon guard with Lily and makes Dani's heart melt a little bit. A brief moment in the pool leads to Luke wanting Dani but she is scared. Luke is tasked with starting goalie when there is an injury. He needs to focus on hockey but its hard when all he wants is Dani. Dani is so unsure, she has been there b4 with her ex and she is terrified. Luke is determined to have Dani and nothing will stop in his way...even if its her.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Playing for Keeps by Heidi Fox is a fun, sweet, and steamy hockey romance that hooked me from the beginning. I loved Dani and Luke, especially the way their relationship develops while Dani is caring for the concussed backup goalie. Luke’s connection with five-year-old Lily was absolutely adorable, and their little “dragon guard and princess” moments completely melted my heart.
Dani’s fears from her past added some emotional depth, while Luke’s determination to prove he’s not going anywhere made their romance especially satisfying. The chemistry, banter, and family dynamics kept the story moving, although some of the hurdles felt resolved a little quickly.
Overall, this was a delightful single-mom hockey romance full of heart, humor, and plenty of heat. Luke and Lily alone were worth the price of admission! 4 stars.
Dani’s fears from her past added some emotional depth, while Luke’s determination to prove he’s not going anywhere made their romance especially satisfying. The chemistry, banter, and family dynamics kept the story moving, although some of the hurdles felt resolved a little quickly.
Overall, this was a delightful single-mom hockey romance full of heart, humor, and plenty of heat. Luke and Lily alone were worth the price of admission! 4 stars.
August 17, 2026
I was absolutely captivated by this story. Completely hooked from the very beginning. It’s such an emotional and sweet story. Dani is one of the most relatable FMCs I have ever read. She’s also one of the best moms. Luke is a chaos gremlin in a hockey player’s body. His shenanigans are amazing. But it’s the banter he has with Dani that truly had me swooning for him. Their connection felt so genuine too. And that chemistry was so strong. The way he bonded with her daughter melted my heart beyond repair. Everything about these two just made sense. They fit together perfectly. Now there were definitely ups and downs to this relationship. And obstacles they had to overcome. But seeing them come out of the other side of things warmed my heart and soul. This book gives you a story that is both heated and wholesome. And it’s one you won’t be able to put down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Playing For Keeps is single mum Dani and NFL back up goalie Luke’s heartwarming and entertaining story. This is book four of the In The Rink Series and from the moment I picked this book up I was drawn in and there was no putting down until the final line was read. I loved everything about this book from an adorable little girl named Lily who found her dragon slayer in Luke to the story that has so many layers.
Dani mixes in the same circles as Luke because her brother in laws are all hockey players and when Luke falls and hits his head doing his party trick it’s ER nurse Dani who comes to his rescue. He can’t let his coaches know he has a mild concussion as the team are about to hit a Stanley Cup run so Dani gets talked into watching him. While he is staying in her guest room her daughter Lily becomes attached and that’s when things get real interesting…….
I fell hard and fast for Luke and I adored Dani but it was Lily who stole my heart. I swooned and I smiled as u cheered this couple on, this is a well written, entertaining and heartwarming journey.
Dani mixes in the same circles as Luke because her brother in laws are all hockey players and when Luke falls and hits his head doing his party trick it’s ER nurse Dani who comes to his rescue. He can’t let his coaches know he has a mild concussion as the team are about to hit a Stanley Cup run so Dani gets talked into watching him. While he is staying in her guest room her daughter Lily becomes attached and that’s when things get real interesting…….
I fell hard and fast for Luke and I adored Dani but it was Lily who stole my heart. I swooned and I smiled as u cheered this couple on, this is a well written, entertaining and heartwarming journey.
August 7, 2026
ARC Review - This was a cute quick read and I did like the characters, especially Dani’s daughter Lily and her imagination, and while I enjoyed the ability to read the whole story in only a few hours, I wish the plot didn’t feel so rushed and that the characters’ had been a bit more developed. Maybe it was because this was the 4th in a series and I haven’t read the others, but I was left without context and wanting more at times. I would definitely try another book by Heidi Fox in the future, but I think I’d start at the beginning of a series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Enter Dani and Luke, hello chemistry. I was given the opportunity to ARC review this book from the author and it did not disappoint. While it is a quicker read it covered all the bases. Romance, choosing each other through fear and doubts, and an adorable little girl who's imagination runs wild. Heidi Fox knows how to write a story that hooks you from the start (even if the FMC made me want to shake some sense into her). This was the first of her books that I have read and it won't be the last. I will be revisiting the rink very soon the read the rest of this series.
August 19, 2026
Broody ice hockey goalie tries to do a back flip when he catches he’s sight of a woman who captivates him - Dani.
She’s a single mum who happens to be the sister of one of his teammates girlfriends.
The trials and tribulations of Luke getting off the bench and playing for the first team, along with the reservations of a mum who has had her heart squashed before by an athlete, make their coming together a difficult process.
A great romance with a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She’s a single mum who happens to be the sister of one of his teammates girlfriends.
The trials and tribulations of Luke getting off the bench and playing for the first team, along with the reservations of a mum who has had her heart squashed before by an athlete, make their coming together a difficult process.
A great romance with a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
oh my goodness this story is so cute, fun and entertaining. its a hockey romance and the mfc has been there done that. she is a traveling nurse and during a party their back up goalie falls and hits his head. she is tasked with keeping him alive lol. then comes the dragon guard. he falls but she isn’t so sure a five year old is sure it’s him. the story was so worth my me time. it’s funny and entertaining & has the chemistry.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 4 of the In The Rink series is full of heart and fear. Dani is afraid of making a repeat mistake, but Luke is determined not to lose her. This is a wonderful addition to the series. Heidi’s writing is so well done. She presents solid characters that you immediately want the best for. I highly recommend reading the whole series! Bonus, they are short books, but still tell the full story of each couple. I appreciate receiving an early copy from the author.
Review of advance copy
This was super cute. Luke is your typical golden retriever man chasing after an emotionally closed-off black cat of a woman with the amazing bonus of the sweetest 5YO girl/princess in the mix. If you're a fan of the miscommunication & insta-lust tropes, this is for you! Enjoyed the story, but the writing felt a little repetitive, and I wish there had been a bit more detail and build to full flesh out their feelings and HEA.
Thank you to the author & Booksprout for the ARC opportunity!
Thank you to the author & Booksprout for the ARC opportunity!
August 28, 2026
This enjoyable sports romance has great secondary characters, chemistry, a hidden injury, a lovely child, drama, some steam, banter, and a MMC who is way to easy to fall for. I liked this entertaining and engaging read with its HEA.
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.
August 18, 2026
Review...
This is book 4 in the series and it didn't disappoint. I loved Luke and this is a single mum, Hockey romance where he falls 1st. I have read the whole series and have enjoyed. The books are shorter but a perfect pallette cleanser. Add to your TBR
This is book 4 in the series and it didn't disappoint. I loved Luke and this is a single mum, Hockey romance where he falls 1st. I have read the whole series and have enjoyed. The books are shorter but a perfect pallette cleanser. Add to your TBR
August 25, 2026
playing for Keeps
I enjoyed this book, not as much as the previous in this series though(tough to follow up). I have enjoyed seeing the growth in the writing from the author and enjoyed reading this book.
I enjoyed this book, not as much as the previous in this series though(tough to follow up). I have enjoyed seeing the growth in the writing from the author and enjoyed reading this book.
October 16, 2026
Magnificent, beautiful,
Funny and cute is how I would describe playing for keeps. It had me hooked from the first chapter. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Funny and cute is how I would describe playing for keeps. It had me hooked from the first chapter. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this story. I read it in one sitting. I love how the author makes strong independent female characters. Another great addition to the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great book!!! I flew right through this book! It’s cute and short but it’s amazing! I love Luke and Dani they are so cute together and the fact that Luke loves lily too (Dani’s daughter) is amazing. We got to read about how the past broke both of them, it made Luke become loud and reckless but it made Dani close herself off building wall to protect her and Lily. Definitely worth the read!
August 19, 2026
This was a really great and heartwarming romance. A single mom, an amazing man. I absolutely fell for these two. The way they came together was so wonderful. Absolutely loved this story
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews