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A review by amanda_reads13
The Risk by Elle Kennedy
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
After a horrific internship interview with a sexist asshole, Brenna pretends that Jake is her boyfriend to try to impress said asshole. Unfortunately, Jake is the star hockey player for Harvard, Briar U's rival team... Which is why noone can find out about their relationship.
Jake is your stereotypical cocky hockey player. He is set to end his final year at Harvard on a high note before he heads to the Edmonton Oilers. He doesn't do relationships or commitments, he doesn't need the distraction.
Enter Brenna, the confident, witty, beautiful woman who captures his attention. Brenna doesn't do relationships for a whole other reason. When she was 15 she got pregnant and almost died when she miscarried. Her ex was set to go to the NHL, but instead he became an addict. She doesn't trust very easily and her walls are strong and high.
Brenna is headstrong and hard-working, something she has to be in order to work in her chosen field. She dreams of being a hockey sportscaster, which we come to find out is an incredibly sexist field. The men constantly degrade and ignore her, it was really icky to read, yet, it is reality.
I think they are really cute together. They both have very strong personalities, which could easily overpower a partner. I think this why I think they work - they balance each other out. I enjoyed the forbidden/secret aspect of their relationship. I didn't like the miscommunication/third act breakup, it was completely unnecessary. They had been so open with their communication then all of a sudden he just lets Hazel get in his head? Doesn't make sense.
The timeline for the book felt too short for me. All of this happened in a matter of weeks, maybe a month? I think that is why the ending and epilogue felt forced and lacking to me.
The side story of Hollis and Rupe was hilarious! I hope they get a book because it would be highly entertaining.
Tropes fake dating, hockey, forbidden, secret relationship, rivals to lovers, collegw
Jake is your stereotypical cocky hockey player. He is set to end his final year at Harvard on a high note before he heads to the Edmonton Oilers. He doesn't do relationships or commitments, he doesn't need the distraction.
Enter Brenna, the confident, witty, beautiful woman who captures his attention. Brenna doesn't do relationships for a whole other reason.
Brenna is headstrong and hard-working, something she has to be in order to work in her chosen field. She dreams of being a hockey sportscaster, which we come to find out is an incredibly sexist field. The men constantly degrade and ignore her, it was really icky to read, yet, it is reality.
I think they are really cute together. They both have very strong personalities, which could easily overpower a partner. I think this why I think they work - they balance each other out. I enjoyed the forbidden/secret aspect of their relationship. I didn't like the miscommunication/third act breakup, it was completely unnecessary. They had been so open with their communication then all of a sudden he just lets Hazel get in his head? Doesn't make sense.
The timeline for the book felt too short for me. All of this happened in a matter of weeks, maybe a month? I think that is why the ending and epilogue felt forced and lacking to me.
The side story of Hollis and Rupe was hilarious! I hope they get a book because it would be highly entertaining.
Tropes fake dating, hockey, forbidden, secret relationship, rivals to lovers, collegw
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Miscarriage, Sexism, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Mental illness, Car accident