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.