Playing for Keeps: a hockey romance

Joanne Rock

Feb 2024 · The Murphy Brothers Book 4 · Quarter Moon Press

About this ebook

In the competitive world of professional hockey, Axel Rankin hides a dangerous past. When filmmaker Jennifer Hunter arrives at the rink to go behind the scenes with the players, he has nowhere to hide his secrets - or an attraction he can't deny. 

The pressure is on Jennifer to make a commercial documentary, her last obstacle to making the film she really wants to craft. So Jennifer throws herself into the new project, determined it will be a success. So why is the team's star defenseman constantly standing in her way? And why is she so incredibly attracted to the domineering Finn? 

Axel Rankin knows he's been living on borrowed time during his NHL career. He sought a reprieve from the old motorcycle club back in Helsinki, and so far his former gang has let him build a new life in peace. But when a sexy filmmaker turns her spotlight on him, Axel knows he can't fly under the radar anymore. Jennifer's docudrama draws attention to him. Worse, it draws attention to her. Soon, he's forced to use all his defensive skills to protect her, battling old enemies to keep her safe. 

It’s a red-hot situation that’s skating out of control, but Axel can’t think of a better way to go down in flames! 

*an earlier draft of this story previously published by Harlequin as Her Man Advantage

Ratings and reviews

Axel and Jen's story is the fourth book in the Murphy brothers series. You can read it as a standalone but it is connected to the other books in the series. Axel had a rough childhood but hockey and the Murphy's saved him. He plays hockey on the same team as Kyle (book 3) and is considered the sixth Murphy brother. Axel's sole focus has been on hockey until he meets Jen the fiery redhead film director that is following his team around to film a documentary on his hockey team. Jen doesn't want to do the series but her boss won't green light her for the film she really wants to do until she directs the hockey series. The attraction between Axel and Jen is hot but she's worried they're too different and Axel's worried his past could ruin everything for them. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Their insta-attraction will heat up the ice! I’ve loved Axel’s character in the other Murphy Brothers books, but I truly love how he shines in his own book! I feel for Axel as he tries to stay on the down low of Jen’s documentary on his hockey team, but from the get-go that blows up in his face. I love how Jen makes the most of the documentary with her eye on the prize afterwards to do the film she wants about online bullying after experiencing it personally with her sister. You'll love the end

An enjoyable read If you love hockey romance I suggest reading Axel & Jennifer's story. She's a filmmaker just trying to do her job. He's a hockey player with a dangerous past. Despite it all there's no denying the connection that flares between them but how long can they resist before giving in to temptation? Will his dangerous past come back to haunt him?. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

About the author

Joanne Rock is a USA Today bestselling author. She's written over one hundred books, most recently focusing on sexy contemporaries and small-town family sagas. She enjoys romance for prioritizing relationships and encouraging readers to follow their dreams. A frequent speaker at regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Louisville. When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel to gather new ideas.