Book: Game Misconduct by Ari Baran
Reviewed by Maggie Hayes
Rating: 6/5
Game Misconduct by Ari Baran
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
I was not prepared for how much my heart was going to be touched by Mike and Danny’s INTENSE rivals-to-lovers story. Watching them find love during the darkest times of their lives was so moving, and by the end, I was a sobbing mess.
Mike is an angry man. Angry that he isn't as large as the other defensemen and has to constantly fight (literally throwing punches) to prove he belongs. Angry that his family doesn't take his career seriously. He has a GIANT chip on his shoulder, especially when it comes to Danny, the first goon he ever fought who embarrassed him.
Danny is just holding on until retirement. Years of injuries and beatings on the ice mean he is in constant pain, causing him to turn to alcohol and painkillers to cope. He avoids anyone who might notice that he has a problem... until Mike.
It's a very thin line between love and hate for these two. Their relationship starts off full of antagonism and hate sex but quickly gives way to feelings that Mike doesn't understand and Danny wants to hide from. I really loved how they watched each other even when they still "hated" each other, always observing and making mental notes. Danny sees untapped hockey potential in Mike, while Mike sees Danny drowning despite his best efforts to hide it. They both want to help the other because, underneath all that anger and antagonism, they genuinely care. I was truly rooting for them.
And the chemistry between them? PHEW. Their kinks seem to align perfectly, making them a great fit in that aspect of their relationship too.
I also appreciate that this was a true HOCKEY romance. Danny's storyline could have been ripped from any NHL team. The physical deterioration and play-through-the-pain mentality are thoroughly explored. Alcoholism and substance abuse have deep roots in hockey culture, and I appreciate that Ari Baran was willing to go there.
Thank you to the author, Afterglow Books by Harlequin, and NetGalley for providing an ARC.