Talon Gold is a lot of things: good at football, bad at love. Obsessed with scoring, refuses to play by the rules. Cruel. Relentless. Brilliant. Intoxicatingly attractive.Despite his demanding reputation and propensity for being the most arrogant a-hole ever to strut Pacific Valley University’s picturesque campus, everyone wants a piece of him: coaches, scouts, and pretty little fangirls with … fangirls with pouty lips and perfect top knots.
But Talon … he only wants a piece of me.
And four straight years of infuriating rejection means I’m almost positive he’d take a night with me over a national championship trophy.
But I’m no fool—he only wants me because he can’t have me. And with graduation approaching, time is running out. He’s more desperate than ever, pulling out all the stops and doing everything in his power to get in my good graces.
They say, “Don’t hate the player, hate the game.”
But to that I say, “Why not both?”
I have my reasons …
Sorry, BMOC. This victory? Not going to happen.
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Talon has pursued Irie unsuccessfully throughout four years of college. Irie thinks she has him all figured out but her eyes are about to be opened when fate (and their professor) throws them together as study partners. Does their growing relationship have any chance at all when their dreams are going to taking them in opposite directions when they graduate in just a few months?
I loved this heartfelt romance. Winter Renshaw is an incredibly good storyteller and her writing is perfection. Irie, Talon, and Aunt Bette are wonderful characters and the chemistry between Irie and Talon is amazing. I couldn’t tear myself away from this awesome love story.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
The game and the ‘players’-
Talon Gold-
Pacific Valley U’s talented and scouted star Quarterback. Everyone wants a piece of him, except for the one he’s been craving for years. Surfer good looks and knows it, a world class A-hole. Rich, privedged, cocky. Been hunting his prey since school began 4 years ago, Irie Davenport, the woman he desires above all others. Due to a twist of fate, he finally has her in his sites..but does he really? As my dear old mom might have said- only time will tell…
Irie-
Studious to the max, no time for parties or guys..pedal to the metal, 24/7. Has successfully avoided the hot, sexy AF Talon’s advances for years, until this very moment when they are forced together, as study partners??? Yes, the plot twists and thickens as Talon’s beautiful prey is finally within reach! The attraction is there, they both know it but she doesn’t make it easy for him and won’t acknowledge that he melts her with one of ‘those’ looks…but doesn’t he give them to all the girls? Well, no matter, that just can’t happen, obnoxious athletes are a big fat NO thank you in Irie’s playbook! As the story moves on, interference will need to be run and the final touchdown could end up being a fumble! Watch out for the big play in the end zone, you’ll want to stand up and cheer.
What a great book this was! Loved every minute of this fast paced, no boredom here story. Not everything or everyone are as they seem, but is it ever in a sexy sports romance?
The right balance of what I look for in a romance, couldn’t put it down and why would I want to when the tale was so engrossing? I’m not always sucked in to a sports romance but Winter gives her readers yet another winning story to fall in love with just like I did.
And now, the extra point for the win-the sweetest years down the road epilogue which is my absolute favorite way to end a wonderful and very engaging story!
I received an early copy of this book from the author. These are my honest thoughts after reading Hate the Game.
This was an easy read with well developed and engaging and characters that have plenty of chemistry. The storyline was entertaining enough to keep me turning the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just fabulous! What a great story with nice characters and a well played story line. Irie and Talon are both way more than people give them credit for. He really wants her and even though he has a reputation of love ‘em and leave ‘em, that’s not who he is. She thinks he only wants her because she’s been saying no for four years. I loved the depth of the characters and enjoyed watching them overcome preconceived notions and get to see below the surface. (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC).
An enjoyable read! The storyline is well thought out, emotionally deep, and consistent; I was captivated from page one until the end. There is drama, angst, hotness, witty banter, secrets, and humour. Well developed characters you will love and root for; the chemistry between them is off the charts! This book is guaranteed to leave you wanting more. Definitely recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Talon has wanted Irie for 4 years and Irie has avoided him just as long. Now with their senior year ending fate has thrown them together and Talon is not wasting his last opportunity to win over the only girl he has ever wanted. Will Irie be willing to finally give Talon a chance or will past hurts keep Talon from winning his forever girl. These two have some issues to deal with but when they finally get together is was such an amazing love story. Nothing could tear them apart and it was so sweet to read. I was sad when it ended I wanted more from them. Fabulous writing and great story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gorgeous, easy read!
“This happens every time – the ongoing war between my mind and body every time he comes around.”
Irie Davenport has successfully dodged Talon Gold for nearly four years. Never mind that she secretly enjoys his attention but there’s no way she wants to get involved with someone like him again – a popular quarterback. She’s been burnt before and her walls are like a fortress.
“I tend to be numb to most things, most of the time, but not this. Not her. Not us – or rather, what we could be.”
Talon has wanted Irie since the first time he laid eyes on her in freshman year, but no matter what he does, he just can’t catch a break with her. When an opportunity to work closely with her presents itself, he grabs it with both hands. Time spent together gives him a chance to finally show her that he’s more than his façade and, as they grow closer, Irie finds it harder and harder to resist him. But, at what cost?
“You’re the real deal…And I know that if we walk away from this, I’m never going to find anyone half as real as you.”
I really loved this college-based, sports romance. I loved the push and pull between Talon and Irie. Honestly, Talon is so gorgeous that it’s amazing that she’s fended him off for so long! I loved how Talon broke through her walls and just how much he wanted her. Both have got issues to work through but I enjoyed how they supported one another. Their chemistry was beautiful and Talon’s enthusiasm for her was so addictive! Such a fab read!
What I like the most about Winter Renshaw books is that they’re easy to read. She creates characters that are easy to like. Even if they don’t behave as we would like, we still feel sympathy for them. Talon and Irie are a great couple. From the beginning, you could feel the chemistry between them. It was a pleasure to watch them build their relationship. If you like sweet sports romance, this one is for you.
I like the history Irie shared with Talon as he had been pursuing her for four years since she first turned him down as a freshman. Irie didn’t trust his motives and was convinced she was just another potential notch in his bedpost.
Turned out that their sweet relationship grew into something special in spite of his superstar status and impending stardom.
Tons of interference from his stepfather, mother, and agent as Talon is on the brink of professional fame as a quarterback.
The focus of the storyline that held my attention was Talon and Irie’s growing relationship and the focus Talon gave to Irie. He was romantically persistent in proving his sincerity in wanting a forever relationship with Irie.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 1 in the Love Games series and it features Talon and Irie. She’s finally agreed to give him a chance after 4 years. Watching these two fall in love was easy and felt natural. There were a couple things about Talon that were a little shocking. The things that happened to Irie in high school were scandalous and humiliating.
The fact that Irie gave up so much, so quickly, made the story feel rushed. This story needed some sort of conflict to balance out the smooth, easy-going romance. Needed some bad to go with all the good! The epilogue was FANTASTIC though!
I admit that I am not the biggest fan of jock romance stories. Been there, read that, got the t-shirt…yawn. Hate the Game, however, was an unexpected surprise! I have always loved Winter Renshaw’s writing and her stories. This book was no exception! Talon Gold is the star quarterback of PVU, headed toward a promising football career. He has been set on getting the girl since freshman year and that girl is Irie Davenport. Persistence becomes him and he never gives up on his pursuit of Irie. Irie keeps a low profile at PVU, a hardworking student driven to make a career in interior design. She constantly shoots Talon down until they are enrolled in the same anthropology class as study mates. Have the stars aligned for Talon?
Hate the Game tells a story of the simple yet importance things in life. People tend to believe what they see on the outside and in Irie’s case, she saw a lady’s man, player, and an arrogant footballer born with a silver spoon. Talon Gold was the type that she avoided mainly due to her traumatic experience in high school. Talon’s swoonworthy persistence pays off. You’ll have to read this book to find out! Hate the Game was not another jock romance. It was absolutely swoonworthy and made you remember what it felt like to fall in love for the first time.
You know when you see an author’s name and just know they write good stories? Thats what I thought the moment I saw Winter Renshaw’s name…. and how RIGHT I was. This was my very first read by her (I don’t know how I’ve missed her up until now) and it has landed on both my TOP reads of 2019 and FAVS of ALL TIME. Not to mention, Talon Gold has fought his way up the book boyfriend list to the coveted Top 3. I am still in shock because sweet romance is not supposed to get me like this. Yet, this one totally did.
Told in dual POV, this sweet standalone tells the story of the star QB with a pro future and the lucky lady who has been the center of his focus since the moment he first set eyes on her. Its a slow burning romance with a HEA (and extended epilogue). It contains no “dark” elements.
Irie Davenport only has four months standing in the way between graduating and accepting her dream job in Malibu. Four more months of dodging the advances of the one guy on campus every girl wants, Talon Gold. He’s “IT” on campus, the star QB with a Pro future and the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen. She’s been successful at turning him down for the past four years, what’s a few more months right? Especially when her past has taught her all about his type and judging from what she’s seen around campus, he’s no different. He wants her because she is the only thing he can’t have…… and she plans to graduate without giving in. But when they are partnered up in class, it is just the opportunity he needs……one she knows he’s going to take FULL advantage of.
From the outside, Talon Gold has it all…..popularity, the looks, the money, and a $35 million Pro contract waiting on him. He has girls lining up to be with him, but there is only one for him…..Irie Davenport. He’a spent FOUR years chasing after her, but he’s about to up his game. She thinks he only wants one thing, he is going to prove to her just how wrong she is. He just wants one chance, one date. One unforgettable night…… that’s all it will take to show her that he’s worth the risk. And if he gets that chance? Well, hes in it for the long haul……to show her playing in the pros won’t be enough if she’s not by his side.
But can Irie get past her reservations and give him a chance? And can he prove to her he isn’t like all those other players?
Let me just tell ya’ll, Winter did a PHENOMENAL job with this book! From the plot, to the characters and their backstories; to their slow burning romance and the obstacles in their way……its all so perfectly written! She is able to create an authentic chemistry and connection between these two before they ever think about a sexual encounter. When authors look up the perfect example of slow burning romance, this should be right there! Its that GOOD!
But my fav part of this book? Talon Gold. Whatever you expect from his character, throw that out the window. He is everything I typically don’t like in a male lead (sweet, gentleman, etc) but my God did he steal my heart and reduce me to a puddle. He is perfection in every sense of the word, and perfect for Irie. I haven’t been this enamored with a male lead since Knight Cole (from Broken Knight) and they couldn’t be more polar opposites.
Overall, this is an absolute MUST READ. From start to finish I couldn’t get enough of these two. I found myself actively looking for something to reduce it to a 4 star read, but I absolutely could not. Its such a social read, one that will teach you all about the risks worth taking and following your heart even when the ride might be totally different than you planned. About misconceptions and judging a book by its cover. I LOVED it…..these two will hold a special place in my heart for a long time..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Winter Renshaw is the queen of building up a story with angsty characters. Both protagonists have back stories that are revealed in bits and pieces as their relationship develops. I enjoyed this story very much!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a great college love story. I loved that Talon was so much more than a hot jock. He has a heart and his persistence to get Irie is the sweetest love story of all. As for Irie, my heart broke for her and all the heartache she endured in her life. She was lucky to have Bette and to have finally given Talon a chance to win her heart.
I received an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this book and all the ups and downs these two went through to get their happily ever after. I highly recommended this book.
This is a great college, sport type romance. The boy, Talon Gold, is the star quarterback and comes with the reputation of a ladies man and all. But there is only one girl that he wants to pay attention to him and she won’t give him the time of day. He has been trying since freshman year, they graduate this year, time is running out, time to turn up the heat on Irie. Talon is determined and he always gets what he wants. The girl, Irie, is there to learn, study and graduate. For whatever reasons, the star quarterback will not leave her alone. He could not be interested in her. The guy has driven her crazy the last couple years, thank goodness she graduates soon. As tempting as Talon is, and boy oh boy he is, she is going down that road. Can Talin prove to Irie that he is more than his reputation? Can he convince Irie to give him a shot before they graduate? I enjoyed reading this story and getting to know the layers that these characters came with. There is also a great story to be told on how these two characters really get to know one another and open up. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5
Hate the Game was one of those stories that threw you for a loop. You had expectations for one thing and you got something totally different but in a good way. Talon was different than your usual bmoc jock. He was definitely a dreamboat, the way he woo’d Irie, his dedication and passion, his sacrifice. One word: SWOON. Ok and yes, he was a jerk when he wanted to be and yes he had that playboy persona down pat. But, he was a different guy once you got to know him. Once he took the mask off, there was a guy with a huge sweet heart underneath. Irie thought she knew his type but he proved her wrong. Renshaw gave you that typical hot jock story but with a little twist and I loved it. I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I wasn’t expecting Talon to be who and how he was. He was such a great character and surprised me. I like Irie, too. She was definitely tough after all she’d been through. I honestly just loved everything about Talon. His persistence, integrity, and his protective nature. Everyone needs an Aunt Bette in their lives! She was incredible.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hate The Game is a college/sports romance with drama, angst, well developed characters and a great ending. This is a slow burn relationship and I was cheering Talon and Irie on. This is a beautiful, well written story with believable characters and some twists and turns that pulled me in.
A great book filled with emotions and wonderful characters. The storyline is awesome and thrilling. I loved the chemistry between Irie and Talon. Highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Slow seduction
Beautiful romance, very well written with two soul mates but one of them, Irie, was hurt in the past during an old relationship, and she runs away from any dates that could ask herTalon, a very good university football player. He is trapped himself by his stepfather because this one wants a career for Talon, as a professional footballer, and nothing should prevent this goal.
However, both will slowly trust each other and create that bond in their relationship. The story is very tender, with some twists.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book