Game Misconduct
An MM Rivals to Lovers Hockey Romance
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4.3 • 30 Ratings
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
“Bold hockey romance that hits like a slap shot.” —Rachel Reid, New York Times bestselling author of Heated Rivalry
Two bitter rivals go head-to-head in this age-gap, enemies-to-lovers hockey romance.
Michael Sato is used to fighting.
An undersized defenseman, Mike had to be tough, clawing his way up from the minors by taking down one ferocious player at a time. No way is he going to lose his spot on the league roster, especially not by giving in to his attraction to a hot, infuriating rival.
Daniel Garcia is used to fighting, too.
Enforcer Danny is the biggest, meanest player on the ice. A target for anyone trying to make a name for themselves, he doesn’t show weakness, nor is he going to risk his last seasons for a sexy rookie who nearly knocked him on his ass.
When their intense physical connection explodes outside of the rink, Mike and Danny learn they just might be able to build something real, but only if they can let down their guard—and their fists—long enough.
Penalty Box
Game Misconduct Delay of Game Home Ice Advantage Goaltender Interference Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Penalty Box Game Misconduct Delay of Game Home Ice Advantage Goaltender Interference Unsportsmanlike Conduct
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Baran's red-hot m/m debut kicks off with longtime rival hockey enforcers Michael Sato and Danny Garcia getting into a fight outside a bar that leads unexpectedly to sex right there in the alleyway. Gay Japanese American Mike wants to keep hockey and sex separate and vows not to let the encounter throw off his game, but provocative texts and Snapchatting with bisexual Latino Danny keep him intrigued and their on-ice fights quickly start to feel like foreplay. Video sex finally sends Mike over the edge; he can no longer deny that he and Danny are "combustible" together, even if he still wants to punch Danny in the face whenever they meet in person. Baran offers plenty of action both on the ice and between the sheets, but as the guys get closer, Danny's heavy drinking starts to cause problems with both Mike and his own teammates. As Danny worries about his post-hockey career, his training skills help Mike improve his game. The sex may be rough, but the romance that develops out of it is surprisingly tender. This will scratch the itch for readers waiting for Rachel Reid's next Game Changers novel.
Customer Reviews
Game Misconduct
I have read several MM hockey romance series. This one packed a punch. From the very beginning, I felt it had a dark nature to it which I found very refreshing and welcoming based on the other series that I have read. Mike and Danny are very complex characters that pushed me out of my comfort zone in a good way to see the dark side of the sport. I enjoyed the grittiness of the story and how it addressed abusive behavior within the lives of the characters. It is a very uncomfortable story, but in a good way/ The ending left me wanting more insight to the future of Mike and Danny’s relationship. There was some closure, but maybe not enough. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Game Misconduct
The overall premise of the story is an enjoyable read. But the dialog is so scattered, there are frequent fragmented sentences that don’t make sense, and the use of punctuation is atrocious. The attention to detail is also critically lacking. The last sentence of the book mentions the 2022-23 season, when it should be the 2023-24 season. It’s related to an article published in Aug 2023. The 2022-23 was already over. I’m also not big on physically violent abusive sex…although I understand that appeals to some.
Fighting for their lives…
GAME MISCONDUCT is the first in Ari Baran’s m/m hockey romance series. Michael Sato and Daniel Garcia fight every time they meet on the ice. It’s a bit of a surprise to themselves that off the ice? Their fiery energy eventually leads them to connect no less fiercely but with a slightly different outcome.
Mike and Danny are physical opposites, on opposing teams, with Mike being the slightly built near rookie while Danny’s a tall, broad guy who is at the point where he’s beginning to consider how much longer he has on the ice. But they’re both a hot mess inside, and some slight connections via social media give them the opportunity to begin building on that tenuous start.
Ari Baran writes Mike and Danny’s on and off ice time really well, getting readers into their heads and onto their skates. Game Misconduct takes place over the course of the year, with Mike and Danny’s relationship unfolding against the backdrop of their respective teams’ season. Readers fall into the rhythm of the game and the pressures they face on and off the ice, that they try to self manage with varying success.
I was completely swept away by Game Misconduct and look forward to more from the talented Ari Baran. The writing and characterization and story are all top notch. Ultimately I loved this story where two arguably broken men go from fighting each other to fighting for each other.
To be clear, the content warnings are certainly warranted, and the portrayals memorable. A stellar debut.