A review by colorcrystals
Heartless Game by Jo Brenner

dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Every dark hockey romance I read just further proves that this is probably my favorite, ultra-specific genre. And Jo Brenner has once again written a dark hockey romance that I’m convinced is my new favorite. And this time I fortunate enough to get the ARC. 

Now, there were some inconsistencies and errors that made this a little less than perfect. However, I know lot of that identified by the ARC reading group. I don’t know if any of those things would have been fixed, but I’d like to think they probably were so I didn’t include them in my rating. To be perfectly honest, I was so entranced by the story that they didn’t bother me anyway and I don’t want to change my immediate reaction rating of 5 stars. My only (minor) criticism was that the past connection between the two main characters, Isaac and Tovah, seemed too tenuous.
They knew each other as children, but Isaac doesn’t recognize Tovah while she does recognize him.
I wish that former connection had been fleshed out a bit more. 

This story was dark. But I also laughed and swooned and kicked my feet and cried. I saved so many quotes from this book. I really enjoy the way that Jo writes. But her characters, as always, are the true stars. They are deep and rich and multi-faceted. I am emotionally attached to all of them. 

I loved this book. I easily gave it 5 stars. I’ve already recommended it. I fully intend to get a signed hard copy trophy. 
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