Playoff: A Hockey Romance

Toronto Blaze #4

by Kim Findlay

Alek
I play in the NHL and I'm good, but there's an asterisk by my name - my parents left Canada ten years ago with money they'd stolen in a Ponzi scheme. Being traded from LA to Toronto is the last thing I wanted, since I know that history is going to be revived again. My first night in the city, before the trade is announced, I have an anonymous hookup with an interesting woman - except she's not who I thought she was.
Jess
Our lives blew up when my parents lost all their money in a Ponzi scheme. My twin brother bore the brunt of it, giving up his college dreams to play in the NHL to play, and things did not go well. When the son of the people that stole from us is traded to my twin's team, I know things are going to be bad. But it's a shock when I meet him and find out it's not the first time.

Genres: Romance, Hockey, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Sports

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2025

About the author

Kim Findlay left Canada on a sailboat and spent five years cruising the Caribbean with her husband and the world's cutest dog. After two years on the island of Saint Martin, She's on her next adventure living in France! Bucket list accomplished!

She's now working on the fifth book of the Toronto Blaze series, which includes some characters from Halftime. She's also starting on a series set in France. Join her newsletter to keep up!

Reviews

[G.K. Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these two characters and following their twists and turns to their HEA.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this series, and found myself really wrapped up in this particular storyline.
I found Alek's personal situation really compelling.
I feel it was easy to attach with, and feel connected to his situation.

The pairing with Jess was a great twist and the steamy chemistry between these two is very enjoyable. Jess's situation and storyline is just as relatable and I enjoyed how things resolved for her.

I recommend reading this series in order for the best experience, and recommend this creative author. I can't wait for the next story!

I received a complimentary ARC, and voluntarily leave my review.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Kim Findlay read but not my last. Despite being part of a series, & having already established characters, it was very easy to slide into the book and not have any "what now?" moments.
I won't go into the plot line as this is essentially as the blurb states.
There is strong, demonstrated character growth from both the MMC and FMC, as well as extras. Situations are described well, and Kim resisted tying up all the loose ends into a bow, making the storyline all the more gritty and realistic. It's a satisfying read that leads well into reading more of the series.

Disclaimer: my copy was an ARC from the author.

[Nancy LeBel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an amazing story. From families disaster to true love, trust and hockey playoffs
I recommand this book 1000%

[Marea · Rating 5 out of 5]

One night at a bar in Toronto, a man and a woman met, shared a drink and then decided to throw caution to the win and share a night of passion. There was 2 problems with it, there was no denying they had an instant chemistry connection and they would not be strangers for long because one was a hockey player and the other a hockey player’s sibling. When they meet again will they be able to stay apart or would they connect again and again. Would they be willing to take a chance on having a relationship even though it could cause a huge rift amongst not only some of the players but some of the family members?

Bets are never a good thing and it proved it even more when it caused Alek D to get in trouble during the hockey game and then traded….to the Toronto Blaze. While he liked going to a team that had a decent chance at the playoffs, he knew being back in Canada for months instead of just visiting was going to cause problems. Over 10 years ago his parents were the starters of a Ponzi scheme that caused hundreds of people to lose all their money, their savings. Every time he had played a Canada he had a visit by the local police and letters would appear from victims wanting their money back. No one understood that he had no idea where they were and that they had taken his money as well. He could handle it for a few months until the season was over, he just had to lay low and survive. It wouldn’t have been an issue, except for one of his teammate’s parents lost their money to his parents and that same teammate’s sister was the stranger he had spent an incredible night with when he first got to Toronto after being traded.

Jess’s parents had been victim’s of that Ponzi scheme taking away the college funds for her and her twin JJ, the savings and more. JJ had made the decision to turn professional NHL player instead of finishing college so that he could support the family. The problem was instead of moving on, Jess and JJ’s parents were never letting go of finding the people who took their money and depended on JJ to support them. Jess had realized several years ago she needed to step in to protect her brother not only from their parents but others as well. The problem was then her romance life was on hold except for the occasional fling her and there. There was that one night recently though, when she met a man at a bar and together their night was incredible. The problem was he was not only her brother’s teammate, his parents had been the ones who had taken all that money in the Ponzi scheme.

Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book for my honest review.

[Ms. A Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is packed with so many different emotions and is connected with so many characters the impact one has on another and the fallout between them… oof but wow on point!

First of Jess & JJ twins and super close. JJ plays for the Toronto Blaze hockey team and Jess has come to live with her brother and keep an eye out and protect him. Their family suffered a huge financial loss due to a bad investment and their parents have been extorting and bleeding money from JJ… hence Jess’s protectiveness over her brother.

Jess in her own right is this super independent but also super connected to her twin. She will stop at nothing to help and protect him even to the hindrance of her own happiness. When a trade deal gets dropped and it’s the last person on earth that JJ or Jess are willing to see and connect with, Jess has to continue to step up and help her brother.

With everything resting on her shoulders Jess splurges and finds a hottie to spend the night with. But surprise on her who it ends up being. Their connection and spark is forbidden and would be frowned upon, if anyone else knew… so they keep it secret and continue to sneak around even though they are truly falling for each other.

Alek on the other hand, the hottie who’s last name proves so much distrust, hatred, and shame… on him but so many others was just been traded to the Blaze. Although growing up in Canada Alek hates being back thanks to his family and the horror they left him to deal with. Alek is determined, stubborn, but also dedicated to his craft and falls for the “good girl” a couple floors above him. He knows he shouldn’t keep connecting with her and their relationship is doomed to cause issues he can’t stop. And honestly I can’t blame him!

When you find your person it’s hard to deny it! Kim does it again and I love the continuation of this series. The team is connected, each character stands out and yet compliments the others! Love!

[Melanie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: 5⭐️
Playoff is book 4 in the Toronto Blaze series featuring Alek Denbrowski & Jessica Johnson.

Alek is traded to the blaze after an incident with his former team. On his first night in town he goes out to find a bar to have a couple drinks where no one will recognize him since he shaved his head.

He stumbles upon a women admiring her drink and they strike up a conversation. She ends up going back with him for the night but the two never share names or information.

After the news that Alek Dennrowski had been traded to play on her twin brothers team, Jess escapes to clear her head. Alek is the son of the people who scammed her parents and many others out of money nearly 10 years before. She meets a stranger and spends the night with him.

It’s not until after aleks first game with the blaze that they discover who each other is and despite all the reasons they should, they continue to spend time together and hook up. What happens when Jess’s brother discovers their secret, will their shared family history come back to bite them?

This had to be my favorite in the series so far and that’s a tall task considering I’ve loved all of them! There was just something extra special about Jess & Alek that kept me hooked from the start!

Thank you Kim for the ARC opportunity !!

[Sofia Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alek is a talented hockey player, but his life is far from perfect.
His parents casted a shadow on his life forever. No one can see past the money his parents stole and he is always protecting himself from disappointment and heartache.
Jess is a level-headed woman who suffered a lot when her parents lost everything they had.
She put her life on hold to help her twin brother and to protect him as best as she could.
Their lives will forever change after a one-night stand with whom they thought would be nothing but a stranger.
This book tells a story of two characters who are lost and lonely, who put love and relationships aside to concentrate on work or family, but their attractions is too strong and the pull towards each other is bigger than they realise.
Alek’s abandonment issues and Jess’s fear are just some of the problems they will have to dela with.
A story that deals with real life drama and real-life problems that can sometimes cause strain on relationships.
An amazing book that is beautifully written and gives you a realistic vision of the struggles to make things work and let love prevail.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it. It has characters that truly resonated with me as each of them are doing their best in the present while trying to overcome or deal with what’s happened in their pasts.

When Jess & Alex meet neither of them have any idea who the other is and it doesn’t stop them from having one night together. They are shocked when they later learn how they are connected - her twin brother is his teammate. They have an intense draw that neither of them can resist and each time they claim it’s the last time…it’s not.

Even though they don’t make any sense on paper, but they have an amazing connection. I thoroughly enjoyed watching their emotional bond develop despite them not being together.

The story ties in with Alex’s new teammates on the Blaze, their quest to make the playoffs, what Alex still deals with as the son of criminals and the public’s reaction to him.

I definitely plan to read this author’s prior books as some of them involve characters I discovered in this book.

I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alek is an NHL player and is being traded again. he has a chip on his shoulder, and he doesn't like to play as a family. He has his reasons after getting burned. His parents did a Ponzi scam, and he was left holding the bag, so to speak. When he decides to go out on his first night, and meets a woman he has a one-night stand with her. He thinks it can go all night, but she has other plans. Jess lives with her twin brother and works to make sure she gives back after he gave up everything for their family. A one-night stand turns into a mistake when they each find out who they are. His parents scammed hers, and boy, did it not go well. Their attraction, though, is too much to ignore, and they keep things between one another. But when the lid comes off, what will happen to them? What will her twin and his family say and do? And what about their hockey team? This is the first book I read in this series, and I enjoyed the heck out of it.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alek Denbrowski is traded to the Toronto Blaze from LA. His first night in town he meets Jess at a bar. They have an instant attraction. They are both looking to forget their problems and have a one night stand. They have no idea who the other one is until the night of Alek's first game he goes to the local team hangout after and sees her there. It turns out Jess is his teammate's twin sister. To make matters worse, Jess's family were victims of a Ponzi scheme involving Alek's family. Then Jess finds out Alek moved into her building. They can't stay away their attraction is so strong. They start secretly hooking up even though they shouldn't be. I won't give the rest away.

I really liked this book. I liked the story line. It was very different from anything I've read. This is my first novel by this author and it won't be my last. I can't wait for the next book. Although this book is part of a series, I feel that it can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to author Kim Findlay for an e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for my review.

[Cindy Lokken Kator · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - the storyline was not the norm and there were so many intertwined stories. Alek and Jess were so good together even if theirs is a forbidden relationship for a few reasons. It took a bit to figure out Alek but I think it's because he was figuring out things he never allowed to wish for himself. Great world building and surrounding characters. I did love that it included hockey content - 🙂

[Catherine Tripp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playoff starts with your standard, one night stand, oops you are my brother’s team mate. But oof Kim Findlay does such a great expansion on the trope. She give not only higher stakes, but also a couple that really considers their choices. Yes there is a HEA (of course), but they actually date for a little while. You know like people do. Also the brother has an emotional journey as well. I read an early copy and I loved it

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story blew me away. It was unique and the characters were well written. Alek and Jess had amazing chemistry.

When Alek is traded to the Toronto Blaze, he has a one night stand with a woman who intrigues him. Jess ends up being the sister of his new teammate and the daughter of one of the parents that were scammed by his parents.

The story pulls you in, as you want to see how this ends. I loved Alek and Jess together, they were perfect for each other.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Hockey Romance. Play Off begins with Alec leaving LA due to a trade with the Toronto Blaze. He is bitter because the team building was not central to the establishment. What he finds in Toronto is a team that feels more like family. He also falls into the arms of Jessica, a twin of a teammate. The first hookup they didn't even share their names. So steamy!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Alek. His tragic backstory. His broodiness. His defiance. His abs. All of it!

Jess is fine. I didn’t love her. She was a good, calm balance for Alek.

Hoping for JJ’s story soon. Really enjoying the series.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Alek and Jess had me so tied up in knots!!!
I truly felt bad for what happened to Alek back in L.A., but I felt even worse after learning about what his parents did. Their betrayal and abandonment left deep scars. The more I learned about Alek, the more I felt for him, and the more I liked him. There were times when he was like a kicked puppy and I just wanted to reach into the pages and give him a hug.
Jess and he shared a memorable night, but their ties go much deeper and further back. I also felt bad for Jess and Justin. I hated the position their parents put them in.
Jess and Alek together were something special. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other, but there was more simmering beneath the surface!
This is probably one of the best hockey romances I’ve read! Not only was the connection between Jess and Alek addictive, but it showed a lot about what happens in the locker room and how important team chemistry is!
I really feel like Justin deserves his own book and his own HEA!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw a post on FB about the book and it intrigued me. I grabbed it and really liked it. It kept me turning the pages, excited to see what would happen next.

I never thought a hockey romance with a Ponzi scheme was something I needed, apparently it was!

[Kristi]

One of my hockey romance edits, available now!

http://editsbykristi.com/playoff

[Chantale Canadian Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come soon