Brutal Score by Kenna King

 

Published September 26th 2023

June 29th-30th 2026

Brutal Score by Kenna King

Characters – 7/10

Keenan Altman, star defenseman for the Seattle Hawkeyes, fits the classic broody, emotionally unavailable hockey hero mold. Beneath his rough exterior is a man struggling with personal challenges, though at times his stubbornness can be frustrating to witness. Opposite him is Isla Newport, a woman determined to escape a future that has been planned for her rather than chosen by her. As a scorned fiancée searching for freedom and purpose, Isla is easy to root for from the very beginning. 

Their personalities couldn’t be more different, and that contrast drives much of the story’s emotional tension. Watching them slowly realize how much they need each other is both satisfying and, at times, exasperating—especially when Keenan seems determined to fight against the obvious. 

Atmosphere – 7/10

Returning to the Seattle Hawkeyes world is always enjoyable, although this installment feels more intimate and self-contained than previous entries. While familiar faces connected to the team make only limited appearances, the story never suffers because Isla and Keenan carry the narrative so effectively on their own. 

The setting remains largely focused on the characters’ personal journey, with only a brief excursion beyond their usual environment during a memorable trip to Las Vegas. The contained nature of the story allows the emotional development between the leads to take center stage. 

Writing – 7/10

Kenna King continues to deliver exactly what readers of contemporary sports romance expect: smooth, accessible writing that makes the pages fly by. Having read several of her books in succession, one thing remains consistent—her stories are incredibly easy to sink into. The prose is straightforward, engaging, and never distracts from the characters or romance. 

Plot – 8/10

This book combines two beloved romance tropes: the nanny setup and the one-night stand. Neither concept is particularly groundbreaking within the genre, but that’s not necessarily a weakness. Success with familiar tropes comes down to execution and character investment, and this story does a solid job of making readers care about the people involved. 

The plot unfolds in a predictable but enjoyable way, allowing the emotional stakes to carry the narrative rather than relying on shocking twists or over-the-top drama. 

Intrigue – 8/10

Despite recognizing many of the plot beats ahead of time, I found myself fully invested in seeing how everything would play out. Rather than racing through the book, I found myself slowing down and savoring the story. The emotional tension kept me engaged from beginning to end. 

That said, there were plenty of moments when I wanted to reach into the pages and shake Keenan until he finally saw what was right in front of him. 

Logic – 7/10

Nothing in the story felt wildly unrealistic or overly forced. The conflicts and character decisions generally progress in a believable manner, and the narrative follows the expected romance formula without veering into unnecessary drama or convoluted misunderstandings. 

Enjoyment – 8/10

At the end of the day, this was an entertaining read. The romance worked, the emotional moments landed, and the characters kept me invested throughout. While it may not be the strongest book in the genre, it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do and delivers an enjoyable reading experience. 

Final Verdict  7.42/4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As the third installment in the series, this book successfully maintains reader interest while delivering a romance built around the familiar combination of nanny and one-night stand tropes. While Keenan serves as the primary male lead, I often found myself rooting more strongly for Isla, whose journey of self-discovery and independence felt especially compelling. 

This may not reinvent the sports romance wheel, but it doesn't need to. It offers engaging characters, a satisfying emotional arc, and enough chemistry to keep readers turning pages. For fans of the Seattle Hawkeyes series, this is another solid entry that leaves you eager to continue with the next book.