A review by tippyloohoo
Game Misconduct by Ari Baran

3.0

I have mixed feeling about this book. On one hand, I will always appreciate any queer hockey romance with BIPOC main characters. On the other hand, I want their identity to actually play a part in the story. I can assume that Mike is Japanese based on his last name, Sato, but it's not ever explicitly mentioned. There are a few reference to having delt with racist behavior in the past but nothing concrete. I can also assume that Daniel is Hispanic based on his last name being Garcia, him telling Mike to say his name right (though we aren't told how to actually say it), and the few Spanish words sprinkled in. But again, there's no real mention of it. In a sport that is predominately white and conservative I find it really unrealistic to have this not be at least part of the story. It doesn't need to be the main focus but if you don't give it some sort of real mention then I assume you are just making the characters BIPOC for the hell of it and that it really annoying. Another issue I have with the story is the literal violence between the two MCs. Don't get me wrong, I love me a good enemies to lovers trope. And I have no issue with some consensual BDSM stuff if that is what you are into. But Mike is just kind of a violent prick. He literally drunkenly attacks Daniel in an alley for no reason and then Daniel rewards him with a BJ. That is some really unhealthy shit right there. Also, there is a somewhat unsatisfying ending to the book. Though I did enjoy the interview at the very end. As for the actual writing, it's not terrible. My main complaint is that Mike says the word "like" way to much for someone who is supposed to be from the PNW. But all said and done, I stayed up until 4 in the morning to finish it so I guess that means I liked it.