Filthy Score by Kenna King

 

Publish August 22, 2023

Read June 23rd-24th 2026

Review: Filthy Score by Kenna King

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5–4 stars) 

Filthy Score delivers a compelling continuation of the Hawkeyes series, blending strong character work with immersive settings—though it stumbles in key moments where the plot feels forced. 

Characters (8/10)

The heart of this story lies in its characters. Lake, the seemingly typical womanizing hockey player, proves to be far more complex than his reputation suggests. Beneath the surface is a man shaped by a major traumatic event prior to his NHL career, adding depth and vulnerability that makes him intriguing. 

Tessa, on the other hand, is a standout. As Seattle’s no-nonsense PR director, she’s sharp, resilient, and refuses to be intimidated—especially by Lake. Their dynamic fuels the story, leaning into the ever-popular enemies-to-lovers trope, but with enough tension and personality to feel engaging rather than tired. 

Atmosphere (8/10)

Kenna masterfully expands the Hawkeyes universe, creating a vivid sense of place. Aspen is brought to life with rich detail, making it easy to feel fully immersed in the setting. The eventual shift to Cabo serves as a satisfying contrast, tying the story together with a sense of escapism and payoff that feels earned. 

Writing (7/10)

One of the book’s strengths is its balance. While it includes the genre’s expected adult elements, it doesn’t rely on them to carry the narrative. Instead, there’s a genuine story at the core, which is refreshing. The writing keeps the reader grounded in the hockey world while also broadening the scope to new locations and experiences. 

Plot (6/10)

This is where the book falters. The central conflict—especially the extended house party sequence—feels drawn out and uninspired. While conflict is essential, this particular device comes across as lazy and disrupts the pacing. It detracts from what could have been a stronger, more cohesive storyline. 

Intrigue (7/10)

For the most part, the story is highly engaging. It’s easy to become invested in the characters and their journey. However, just as the momentum builds, the house party arc interrupts the flow and pulls you out of the experience. Thankfully, the Cabo portion revives the story, offering a satisfying recovery. 

Logic (6/10)

Up until the major conflict point, the narrative follows a consistent and believable path. Once the drama unfolds, however, that structure begins to unravel. Character decisions and plot developments feel less organic, making the story harder to fully buy into. 

Enjoyment (7/10)

This was, initially, an incredibly fast read—one of those books you fly through because you’re genuinely enjoying the ride. Unfortunately, the latter portion slows that momentum, turning what was once effortless reading into something that feels a bit like a slog to finish. 

Final Verdict 

Filthy Score lands somewhere between a high 3-star and a low 4-star read. Its strongest asset is undoubtedly its characters, who carry the story even when the plot struggles. While it leans on familiar tropes, it does so effectively for the most part. 

The twist intended to drive the final conflict, however, leaves much to be desired and may even frustrate readers. Still, the book offers a solid story that doesn’t overly depend on steamy scenes and keeps you engaged enough to continue with the Hawkeyes series. 

If you’re in it for character-driven romance with strong chemistry and an immersive setting, this one is worth the read—even if it doesn’t completely stick the landing. 

Cocky Score by Kenna King

 

Published August 1st 2023

Read June 21st-22nd 2026

Book Review: Cocky Score by Kenna King

From the very first chapter, Cocky Score wastes no time pulling readers into its high-stakes drama. The story opens with a jarring and intense situation involving allegations of sexual misconduct—an explosive setup that immediately creates tension and uncertainty. Whether those claims are true or not becomes a central thread, giving the novel a compelling and emotionally charged start. 

Characters – 8/10

Kenna King delivers engaging and well-developed leads. 

Briggs, the star hockey player, finds himself in a precarious situation as serious allegations threaten both his career and reputation. His struggle to navigate public scrutiny while maintaining his sense of self gives his character depth beyond the typical sports romance hero. 

Autumn, a PR agent tasked with repairing Briggs’ image, brings both professional composure and personal history into the mix. Being the best friend’s sister—and essentially the “girl next door”—adds emotional complexity, especially given her long-standing feelings for Briggs. Her grounded personality balances his larger-than-life persona, making their dynamic believable and endearing. 

Atmosphere – 7/10

The novel immerses readers deeply in the protagonists’ lives, particularly their day-to-day routines. While the setting is Seattle, the story primarily unfolds in a limited number of locations. At times, this makes the world feel slightly contained, and a broader exploration of the city could have added extra richness. 

That said, King succeeds in creating a vivid sense of the characters’ personal environments and lifestyles, which keeps the narrative engaging despite the narrower geographic scope. 

Writing – 8/10

As a first read from Kenna King, this book leaves a strong impression. The writing flows smoothly, hitting key emotional beats without feeling rushed or overly indulgent. 

Notably, the adult scenes are handled with balance—they are impactful, well-placed, and never feel excessive. King knows when to lean into intensity and when to pull back, which keeps the pacing intact and the story grounded. 

Plot – 8/10

At its core, Cocky Score follows the classic fake dating trope, a staple in hockey romance. Faced with career-threatening allegations, Briggs must rebuild his public image. Enter Autumn, the PR agent who becomes his carefully curated “perfect girlfriend.” 

While the premise is familiar, the added element of Autumn’s childhood crush injects fresh emotional stakes. King manages to breathe new life into the trope, making it feel less predictable and more character-driven. Even when the framework is recognizable, the execution keeps readers invested. 

Intrigue – 8/10

This is a page-turner in every sense. Clocking in at around 400 pages, it’s the kind of book that’s incredibly easy to binge. The unfolding mystery behind the allegations, combined with the evolving relationship, creates a strong pull that makes it difficult to put down. 

Logic – 7/10

The story follows a fairly straightforward romantic arc, staying true to genre expectations. While there are a few pleasant surprises, many of the twists can be anticipated by attentive readers. 

However, this predictability doesn’t detract significantly from the enjoyment. Instead, it reinforces the comfort of a well-executed trope-driven romance. 

Enjoyment – 9/10

This is where Cocky Score truly shines. The book is an emotional ride—filled with moments that will make you smile, cringe, and even feel frustrated. More importantly, it keeps you fully engaged from start to finish. 

The connection between Briggs and Autumn is easy to root for, and their journey feels rewarding, even when the odds are stacked against them. 

Final Verdict – ★★★★☆ (7.85/10)

Cocky Score stands out as one of the stronger entries in the hockey romance genre. It delivers a compelling mix of drama, romance, and emotional tension, all wrapped in a familiar but satisfying trope. 

Despite its standard premise, Kenna King elevates the story through strong character dynamics and engaging storytelling. You’ll find yourself rooting for Briggs and Autumn every step of the way—loudly, not quietly. 

This book not only entertains but also leaves you curious about the rest of the series, making it a worthwhile read for romance fans. 

Romance Line By Lauren Blakely

 

Published September 9th 2024

Read June 15th-19th 2026 

Book Review: Romance Line by Lauren Blakely (Love and Hockey #2) 

Lauren Blakely returns to her hockey-centered romance world with Romance Line, a story that blends emotional recovery, workplace tension, and a slow-burning love story set behind the scenes of professional sports. 

Characters (7/10)

At the heart of the story is Everly, the hardworking PR professional for the San Francisco Sea Dogs. Still carrying the emotional weight of a devastating accident from three years prior, Everly is determined to move forward and reclaim her life. Her drive is especially focused on securing a well-earned promotion—though her lingering self-doubt threatens to derail her at every turn. 

Enter Max, the team’s notoriously grumpy (and often outright abrasive) goalie. He embodies everything that unsettles Everly. His outward hostility and seemingly deliberate attempts to make her life more difficult position him as both antagonist and eventual romantic interest. While his “grumpy hero” archetype is familiar within the genre, his dynamic with Everly gives the trope just enough friction to remain engaging. 

Atmosphere  (7/10)

Fans of Blakely’s Sea Dogs universe will appreciate the deeper dive into the organization’s front office. This installment places a stronger emphasis on the PR side of professional hockey, shedding light on the often-overlooked work that goes into managing media and public perception. It adds a layer of realism and offers a refreshing backdrop compared to the more player-centric focus of many sports romances. 

Writing Style  (7/10)

The novel does take its time getting started. Early chapters focus on reintroducing characters from a previous installment, which can feel somewhat slow and occasionally distracting for readers eager to get to the main storyline. However, once the narrative settles, Blakely’s writing becomes smooth and engaging. The romantic and intimate moments are handled with a tasteful balance—sensual without becoming overpowering. 

Plot  (7/10)

At its core, Romance Line follows a familiar arc: the prickly athlete and the capable professional forced into close proximity, leading to a gradual thaw and eventual romance. While the “grumpy goalie” trope is well-trodden territory, pairing it with a PR-driven heroine adds a refreshing twist. The “will they/won’t they” tension is predictable but still compelling enough to sustain interest throughout. 

Intrigue (8/10)

Once past the slower opening, the story gains momentum and becomes far more engrossing. As the emotional stakes heighten and the relationship evolves, the book transforms into a genuine page-turner, pulling readers deeper into Everly and Max’s journey. 

Logic (8/10)

One of the book’s strengths lies in its grounded storytelling. The progression of events feels natural, and the romance unfolds in a believable way. There are no moments that demand a suspension of disbelief—everything aligns with the characters’ motivations and circumstances. 

Enjoyment (7/10)

While the story ultimately delivers a solid and enjoyable read, its slow beginning impacts overall engagement. It’s the kind of book that can be comfortably set aside and picked back up, rather than one that demands to be devoured in a single sitting. Still, the payoff is worthwhile enough to see it through to the end. 

Final Verdict:  7.3/4⭐️

As the second entry in the Love and Hockey series, Romance Line offers a dependable, moderately engaging romance set in an appealing sports backdrop. While it doesn’t quite reach standout status or inspire deep attachment to its characters, it remains a solid, entertaining read. 

If you’re looking for a light sports romance to pass the time—with a mix of emotional growth, workplace dynamics, and a classic opposites-attract pairing—this book is worth picking up, even if it doesn’t completely steal your heart. 

Breakaway by Kathy Asher

 

Published June 20th 2026 

Read June 20th 2026

Breakaway by Kathy Asher — Review

Characters — 8/10
Kathy Asher gives us two compelling, if occasionally frustrating, leads. Matt, the reserved almost-captain of the Boston Bruins, is a man weighed down by both personal and professional struggles. His quiet intensity makes him intriguing, but his emotional walls can also make him exasperating at times. 

Carrie, on the other hand, is introduced in a memorable way—standing in a rain-soaked parking lot with a dog, unknowingly stepping into Matt’s life. As a new PR hire for the White Hearts, a rival team, she finds herself caught in a system where she often feels more like a pawn than a player. Her resilience and vulnerability balance Matt’s guarded nature well. 

Their relationship is built on missed connections and near-moments, which adds tension but also tests the reader’s patience. When they finally align, however, their chemistry pays off in a satisfying way. 

Atmosphere — 7/10
The novel opens with a vivid, rain-drenched scene in a gas station parking lot that immediately draws you in. It’s an atmospheric start that sets the tone effectively and immerses you in the story from the first pages. 

Throughout the book, the world of professional hockey and its surrounding drama feels believable and engaging. It’s an easy setting to settle into, offering just enough detail to feel authentic without overwhelming the narrative. 

Writing — 7/10
Asher’s writing captures the emotional stakes of the story well. The characters’ pain, uncertainty, and longing come through clearly, giving weight to their decisions and missteps. 

Given its relatively short length (225 pages), the novel moves at a brisk pace. This “quick hitter” style keeps things engaging, though at times it leaves little room for deeper development. The adult scenes are tastefully written and add meaningful depth to the relationship, rather than feeling gratuitous. 

Plot — 7/10
At its core, Breakaway follows a familiar but effective romance arc: meet, retreat, and ultimately come together. A reserved hockey player falls for a PR representative from a rival team—an inherently conflict-rich premise. 

Matt’s unresolved emotional issues create obstacles that feel realistic, even if they sometimes slow the story’s momentum. Carrie’s perception of him as simply a “good guy” adds another layer of tension, as the truth of his struggles gradually unfolds. 

The payoff arrives when both characters confront their issues and finally make things work, delivering a satisfying emotional resolution. 

Intrigue — 8/10
The push-and-pull between Matt and Carrie drives the story forward. At times, Matt’s behavior may leave you wanting to shake some sense into him, but that frustration also keeps you invested. 

Despite its shorter length, the book holds attention well, largely because you become genuinely curious about how (and if) these two will figure things out. 

Logic — 7/10
Aside from a slightly convenient chance meeting, the story unfolds in a way that feels consistent with its setup. The conflicts and resolutions are grounded, and nothing feels overly contrived or unrealistic within the established world. 

Enjoyment — 8/10
The fast pace works in the novel’s favor. With little downtime, something is always happening, making it an engaging and easy read. 

Most importantly, the story makes you root for Matt and Carrie. Despite their flaws and frustrating moments, they remain likable and worth following. Their journey, while not overly complex, is undeniably enjoyable. 

Final Verdict — 7.4/10 

Breakaway is a fast-paced, emotionally charged romance that delivers exactly what it promises. While the characters can be frustrating at times, they remain compelling and ultimately lovable. The chemistry is strong, the pacing keeps you turning pages, and the standout scenes—both emotional and romantic—are well executed. 

If you’re looking for a quick, engaging read to fill a few hours, this book is a solid choice.