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His Pucking Power Play: An Enemies to Lovers Surprise Baby Hockey Romance
He whispers my name like a sin, and he touches me like a prayer.
NHL rookie Axel Matthews crashed into my life like a wrecking ball in skates.
Tattooed. Arrogant. Off-limits.
I'm the coach's daughter—and the team's publicist.
One kiss should’ve been the end.
Instead, it sparked a fire we couldn’t put out.
When my dad discovered we were together… it all came crashing down.
He was traded to Boston the next day, and I took a job in New York.
After twelve months of silence, our paths collide at a game in Chicago.
I spot him across the arena, and my whole world ignites—the time apart extinguished nothing.
Here we are again, sneaking in the shadows, our hearts exploding like thunder between the sheets.
We’re wrecked beyond reason.
And now I’m pregnant with his baby.
A future with Axel means risking everything.
My dad might just lose his mind, but love this fierce was never meant to hide.
NHL rookie Axel Matthews crashed into my life like a wrecking ball in skates.
Tattooed. Arrogant. Off-limits.
I'm the coach's daughter—and the team's publicist.
One kiss should’ve been the end.
Instead, it sparked a fire we couldn’t put out.
When my dad discovered we were together… it all came crashing down.
He was traded to Boston the next day, and I took a job in New York.
After twelve months of silence, our paths collide at a game in Chicago.
I spot him across the arena, and my whole world ignites—the time apart extinguished nothing.
Here we are again, sneaking in the shadows, our hearts exploding like thunder between the sheets.
We’re wrecked beyond reason.
And now I’m pregnant with his baby.
A future with Axel means risking everything.
My dad might just lose his mind, but love this fierce was never meant to hide.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2025
60 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
ARC read
I loved so much about this book, especially Quinn and Axel (I’m a sucker for a tortured hero!).
Quinn’s sunshine is the perfect foil to Axel’s grumpy, but I love that she’s absolutely not a pushover. They collide (literally!) and their chemistry is explosive from the start, even though Axel is warned to stay far away from her by her dad/his coach. But sparks continue to fly when they spend time together one-on-one, until the inevitable fireworks when they finally get together.
Quinn has been groomed to be the perfect daughter, with a clear career path and a focus on success. Axel, meanwhile, is the tattooed kid with a rough upbringing and who made some mistakes in his past. And, of course, there’s no way he could possibly be good enough for Quinn (in her dad’s eyes, at least).
When the spice hits, it’s definitely spicing! Quinn and Axel are electric together and it hits just right. The sneaking around added an additional frisson and tension, and even though it was definitely insta-love, that aspect didn’t bother me too much.
What did bother me was Quinn’s dad. He’s absolutely toxic, utterly controlling, and beyond snobbish. When he discovers the secret relationship, he exiles Axel to Boston and Quinn moves to New York and they have no contact for a year, until they’re both back in Chicago at the same hockey game. Realising they still love each other, they spend one incredible night together, resulting in a rather unexpected pregnancy that’s the catalyst to them getting back together. Quinn’s dad still doesn’t want to accept the relationship, but eventually comes around
I loved the way Quinn and Axel fought for each other and their relationship, despite the challenges, and their hard-won HEA. (Quinn’s dad can go take a running jump though!)
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
ARC read
I loved so much about this book, especially Quinn and Axel (I’m a sucker for a tortured hero!).
Quinn’s sunshine is the perfect foil to Axel’s grumpy, but I love that she’s absolutely not a pushover. They collide (literally!) and their chemistry is explosive from the start, even though Axel is warned to stay far away from her by her dad/his coach. But sparks continue to fly when they spend time together one-on-one, until the inevitable fireworks when they finally get together.
Quinn has been groomed to be the perfect daughter, with a clear career path and a focus on success. Axel, meanwhile, is the tattooed kid with a rough upbringing and who made some mistakes in his past. And, of course, there’s no way he could possibly be good enough for Quinn (in her dad’s eyes, at least).
When the spice hits, it’s definitely spicing! Quinn and Axel are electric together and it hits just right. The sneaking around added an additional frisson and tension, and even though it was definitely insta-love, that aspect didn’t bother me too much.
What did bother me was Quinn’s dad. He’s absolutely toxic, utterly controlling, and beyond snobbish. When he discovers the secret relationship, he exiles Axel to Boston and Quinn moves to New York and they have no contact for a year, until they’re both back in Chicago at the same hockey game. Realising they still love each other, they spend one incredible night together, resulting in a rather unexpected pregnancy that’s the catalyst to them getting back together. Quinn’s dad still doesn’t want to accept the relationship, but eventually comes around
I loved the way Quinn and Axel fought for each other and their relationship, despite the challenges, and their hard-won HEA. (Quinn’s dad can go take a running jump though!)
July 16, 2025
Not gonna lie… this book made me so angry in so many ways…
Her dad is the worst - how could he treat people like that??!!!
The hero… he had such a victim mentality. HE put them in the position they were in - I’m surprised the time gap was so large, but to say play ‘poor me’ about the situation made me really not like him.
My heart broke so many times for her - her father sucked, her ‘boyfriend’ is a coward and to be treated like that was horrible. I felt so bad, and I wish she was stronger when the meet-up happened… I get it, doesn’t mean I have to like it…
Now, slight spoiler…
.
.
.
You know what… Kick them all to the kerb…
So rant over - this book had me so invested, I refused to go to bed until I finished it. You are wrecked reading this…. Happy, heartbroken, angry, furious, sad, disgusted, you name it. I felt it all.
Despite that, I was rooting for them, and oh my lord… that HEA had to be one of the best!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her dad is the worst - how could he treat people like that??!!!
The hero… he had such a victim mentality. HE put them in the position they were in - I’m surprised the time gap was so large, but to say play ‘poor me’ about the situation made me really not like him.
My heart broke so many times for her - her father sucked, her ‘boyfriend’ is a coward and to be treated like that was horrible. I felt so bad, and I wish she was stronger when the meet-up happened… I get it, doesn’t mean I have to like it…
Now, slight spoiler…
.
.
.
You know what… Kick them all to the kerb…
So rant over - this book had me so invested, I refused to go to bed until I finished it. You are wrecked reading this…. Happy, heartbroken, angry, furious, sad, disgusted, you name it. I felt it all.
Despite that, I was rooting for them, and oh my lord… that HEA had to be one of the best!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2025
Decent.
This book would have been a lot shorter had they both stopped listening to everyone but themselves or each other. I didn’t care for the MFC’s friend. She prematurely judged the MMC and put doubt in her friend’s head and invalidated her feelings and thoughts. She spoke without first hand knowledge. Many of the teammates and friends of both main characters were fickle. First it was that he’s no good for her and that their relationship is history. Then in the same time frame it was “Go after what you love.”
The dad was absolutely awful and the reasons for his actions didn’t do anything to redeem himself in my opinion. He makes no secret of disliking the MMC from the get go. He sees tabloids and hears rumors and automatically assumes it’s true. He forces a break up by benching and then trading the MMC and puts down his own daughter saying no one will believe she got her job through merit. They’ll assume she slept her way to the top. Fast forward one year and the dad’s saying it was no accident that he traded the MMC and that he wanted to see how the MMC handled the situation to know if he was someone worthy of his daughter. For someone who went on and on about maintaining professionalism and not mixing business and pleasure this seemed like a really hypocritical thing to do.
This book had a lot of potential but the side characters really ruined it for me. The MFC was kind of annoying as well. She could have used more of a backbone with her father and been less condescending towards the MMC in the beginning. It was hard not to love the MMC once you learned he was really just misunderstood.
This book would have been a lot shorter had they both stopped listening to everyone but themselves or each other. I didn’t care for the MFC’s friend. She prematurely judged the MMC and put doubt in her friend’s head and invalidated her feelings and thoughts. She spoke without first hand knowledge. Many of the teammates and friends of both main characters were fickle. First it was that he’s no good for her and that their relationship is history. Then in the same time frame it was “Go after what you love.”
The dad was absolutely awful and the reasons for his actions didn’t do anything to redeem himself in my opinion. He makes no secret of disliking the MMC from the get go. He sees tabloids and hears rumors and automatically assumes it’s true. He forces a break up by benching and then trading the MMC and puts down his own daughter saying no one will believe she got her job through merit. They’ll assume she slept her way to the top. Fast forward one year and the dad’s saying it was no accident that he traded the MMC and that he wanted to see how the MMC handled the situation to know if he was someone worthy of his daughter. For someone who went on and on about maintaining professionalism and not mixing business and pleasure this seemed like a really hypocritical thing to do.
This book had a lot of potential but the side characters really ruined it for me. The MFC was kind of annoying as well. She could have used more of a backbone with her father and been less condescending towards the MMC in the beginning. It was hard not to love the MMC once you learned he was really just misunderstood.
July 19, 2025
Axel "Razor" Matthews is twenty-five and a professional NHL player who was just traded to the Chicago Storm. He's cocky and comes with a bad reputation and of course he's different from his teammates and he feels they have already written him off as damaged goods and a calculated risk to which they will dump him as soon as possible.
What Axel didn't expect was to literally crash into the team's publicist, Quinn Rodriguez who happens to be the coach's daughter sending her equipment everywhere. Oh he's gotten the word from the coach to stay away from his daughter or else he's gone.
But the heart wants what the heart wants! One kiss just wasn't enough and they started sneaking around until they got caught of course by the coach and Axel was traded to Boston the next day. Quinn left as well and took a job at ESPN in New York which was her dream job.
Twelve months have passed and Axel seems to be doing well with his new team. He happens to be playing a game in Chicago against his old team when he spots Quinn in the media area. They haven't spoken until now and they end up spending the night together which results in two pink lines.
Are they willing to risk it all to be together? The love is still there but......
4 stars
This is a new author for me and one I would probably read again.
What Axel didn't expect was to literally crash into the team's publicist, Quinn Rodriguez who happens to be the coach's daughter sending her equipment everywhere. Oh he's gotten the word from the coach to stay away from his daughter or else he's gone.
But the heart wants what the heart wants! One kiss just wasn't enough and they started sneaking around until they got caught of course by the coach and Axel was traded to Boston the next day. Quinn left as well and took a job at ESPN in New York which was her dream job.
Twelve months have passed and Axel seems to be doing well with his new team. He happens to be playing a game in Chicago against his old team when he spots Quinn in the media area. They haven't spoken until now and they end up spending the night together which results in two pink lines.
Are they willing to risk it all to be together? The love is still there but......
4 stars
This is a new author for me and one I would probably read again.
July 21, 2025
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. A sports (Ice Hockey) second chance romance that had heart and heat. Axel and Quinn were both attracted to each other but because of their complicated professional positions, they tried to fight it so there were some intense slow burn with definite sparks. Things ended abruptly and spectacularly and they separate for a year, but both never got over the loss of their relationship or each other. So their meeting again was emotional and explosive as both admit their feelings never went away. But things are still complicated and now with a baby in the mix, both have to decide what's worth fighting for.
I liked the plot and the characters were likeable and interesting. But I thought his leaving the Boston team for the Chicago team was a little flat emotionally. I had expected his Boston team mates (or at least Conner Henderson) to say something as it's just natural and expected, but nothing. The other issue for me was Quinn's career which was a big part of her concern and anxiety but in the end, there is no mention of how she navigates that and it kind of just drops out of the picture, which felt unfinished and left me wanting.
I liked the plot and the characters were likeable and interesting. But I thought his leaving the Boston team for the Chicago team was a little flat emotionally. I had expected his Boston team mates (or at least Conner Henderson) to say something as it's just natural and expected, but nothing. The other issue for me was Quinn's career which was a big part of her concern and anxiety but in the end, there is no mention of how she navigates that and it kind of just drops out of the picture, which felt unfinished and left me wanting.
September 26, 2025
This was such a great book with amazing characters!
Right from the beginning, Axel and his past stole a piece of my heart! It was more than a little heartbreaking at how he was treated, and how he viewed himself. And then he meets Quinn.
Quinn is the very definition of forbidden. She’s not only the coach’s daughter, she’s also the team’s publicist. She’s worked her butt off to get to where she is. But when her professional time with Axel starts to get personal, is she willing to risk it all to be with him? And is he willing to risk it all for her?
I highlighted 67 different quotes that really moved me or were great advise from one of the fantastic secondary characters, particularly Axel’s teammates. THAT’S HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! The epilogue was perfect!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Right from the beginning, Axel and his past stole a piece of my heart! It was more than a little heartbreaking at how he was treated, and how he viewed himself. And then he meets Quinn.
Quinn is the very definition of forbidden. She’s not only the coach’s daughter, she’s also the team’s publicist. She’s worked her butt off to get to where she is. But when her professional time with Axel starts to get personal, is she willing to risk it all to be with him? And is he willing to risk it all for her?
I highlighted 67 different quotes that really moved me or were great advise from one of the fantastic secondary characters, particularly Axel’s teammates. THAT’S HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! The epilogue was perfect!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2025
Let me start by saying this author is amazing! It’s my second book (Arc copy) and i couldn’t put it down. It’s worth every page along with all the emotions felt in every word ♥️. This story is compelling and borderline addictive. Quinn’s and Axel’s extreme love and over the charts and spicy chemistry makes this couple a very powerful one no matter the threats issued, life changes decisions made and possible career fallouts, they remain true to their unbreakable bond and the love 💕 they can’t runaway from…EVER! A highly recommended reading and a 5 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟 and more rating! Evie , you do not disappoint !
July 21, 2025
Axel has been traded to the Chicago Storm hockey team, he's got a rotten reputation that's following him around, he's trying to fit in but feels unworthy and acts hard to hide his feelings. He manages to knock over the media person's things, mainly cos he's looking at her rather than concentrating on where he's going! She has a go at him which attracts him even more! Turns out she's Quinn, the coach's daughter and extremely offlimits, it could wreck both their careers if they act on their attraction.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great read from Evie, looking forward to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great read from Evie, looking forward to the next story.
July 24, 2025
Off Limits Romance
What do you do when you get to your new team and literally crash into someone on the ice? Not just a teammate either, I mean the coach's daughter? The one you have been warned to stay away from, or else you're gone? You start sneaking around, of course!
Alex is new to the team, and when he crashes into Quinn and he can't help himself to stay away. Quinn is the coaches daughter and PR for the team. While trying to make Alex look good for the team is his disobeying orders from the coach. But we all know secrets dont stay secrets for long.
This was a fast read and keeps you entertained the whole time.
What do you do when you get to your new team and literally crash into someone on the ice? Not just a teammate either, I mean the coach's daughter? The one you have been warned to stay away from, or else you're gone? You start sneaking around, of course!
Alex is new to the team, and when he crashes into Quinn and he can't help himself to stay away. Quinn is the coaches daughter and PR for the team. While trying to make Alex look good for the team is his disobeying orders from the coach. But we all know secrets dont stay secrets for long.
This was a fast read and keeps you entertained the whole time.
July 21, 2025
Quinn is the hockey coach’s daughter and works as a sports journalist. She is tasked with prepping Axel on presentation and PR. Their chemistry is electric and they can’t resist each other. Professional boundaries are crossed and they fall in love only to have her father find out and send Axel to another city while Quinn takes her dream job in NYC. After more than a year apart they reunite at the hockey playoffs and their love is still there a year later. Will they make it work? Such a great read! Electric, steamy, and heart warming!
July 23, 2025
His Pucking Power Play by Evie Butler is the heart-breaking story of Axel and Quinn. Her dad’s a hockey coach. Axel is a rookie on the team…and he comes with quite the reputation…not a good one. This story really melted my heart. These two have no real connection, no reason to be a ‘thing’…and yet….
She’s driven and determined to be the best in her field…even if she is part of her father’s team. He is a rookie…with a reputation. Mean, lack of control…and so much more. This story just hooked me from the beginning!! Great read!!
She’s driven and determined to be the best in her field…even if she is part of her father’s team. He is a rookie…with a reputation. Mean, lack of control…and so much more. This story just hooked me from the beginning!! Great read!!
July 30, 2025
Sparks fly when Axel, bad boy of Ice Hockey meets Quinn the coach’s daughter. He has a reputation to fix and coach wants Quinn to help him. They try to quash down the growing attraction between them but it becomes too much and sparks fly in more ways than one. I really enjoyed this book. The characters were likable and you felt for them as both had their own demons and issues to work through. It kept me hooked and I didn’t want it to end. Highly recommend this good read with a fab plot and a healthy dose of heat.
July 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. Axel is a troubled hockey player with a lot of talent but can't seem to let go of the chip on his shoulder. When he meets Quinn the coaches daughter, he's been warned to stay away. Quinn works with him to deal with his anger issues and find other ways to communicate and prove his worth. The chemistry between these two is fire! They risk it all for love.
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, 2025
He is the recently traded player with major attitude and image problems. She is the coaches daughter and completely off-limits. Will they play by the rules and keep it professional, or will their passion be too much to ignore? What an incredible hockey romance. So must heat. The humor was off the charts as well. Loved it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
July 28, 2025
His Pucking Power Play by Evie Butler
Quinn is the coaches daughter and completely off limits, Axel is new to the team and comes with a bad reputation. I enjoyed reading their story, but didn't like Quinn's dad. I loved the ending. This was another great book by Evie Butler.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Quinn is the coaches daughter and completely off limits, Axel is new to the team and comes with a bad reputation. I enjoyed reading their story, but didn't like Quinn's dad. I loved the ending. This was another great book by Evie Butler.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2025
Axel is the player who is distant in some respects from his team, a bad boy reputation. Quinn is the team publicist and coach's daughter. Coach is manipulative, using his position to interfere. Second chance romance with an unplanned pregnancy. Emotional, heartwarming, sexy times and difficult times.
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 30, 2025
I devoured this book! Axel and Quinn had me rooting for them throughout the whole book. I hated her dad for acting like that! I was so mad and yelled at this book. I was worried that I was not going to get a happy ending. I loved the plot and the spice. I highly recommend this story and Evie Butler!
July 20, 2025
This was a great book that included spice and hockey. At times I felt like I was at the games or involved with all the parts of hockey on and off the ice. Great story that shows what true love is.
July 23, 2025
Hockey bad boy falls for the coach’s daughter. Sneaking around makes things interesting. Plenty of heat and drama.
September 15, 2025
Great Book!
Really enjoy the story line and the spicy! Also the cute ending and enjoyed the writing. Definitely will be looking into reading more books by this author!
Really enjoy the story line and the spicy! Also the cute ending and enjoyed the writing. Definitely will be looking into reading more books by this author!
January 7, 2026
Great read- Great Love Story
Awesome book. Incredible Love Story. I truly enjoyed reading Quinn & Axel’s story. Definitely adding this one to my Library.
Awesome book. Incredible Love Story. I truly enjoyed reading Quinn & Axel’s story. Definitely adding this one to my Library.
February 14, 2026
Rounded up from 3.5. Missing: what happened to Quinn's job at ESPN.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2025
Axel is a bad boy trying to prove he is worthy to play in the NHL and Quinn is trying to prove herself in the world of sports journalism. I loved their relationship - they are so good for and supportive of each other. There is some angst as they navigate their relationship. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more books by Evie Butler.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews