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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Overall Grade:
Winter Renshaw is one of those authors that I want to fight for. I don’t think her following is huge, but her books are pure offerings of characterization, and her readership knows this. Her latest offering is no different.
Hate the Game is the tale of a reserved, studious college girl and the hot star quarterback for their university. Irie is simply biding her time until graduation. She has spent four years, flying under the radar, standing in her individuality. She exists for her self and her great aunt whom she cares for, and that’s enough for her as she pursues the goals for her future: to become an interior designer. Talon Gold is the star quarterback of Pacific Valley University. He comes from a privileged background, and his future of NFL stardom is right in front of him. Unfortunately, there are two problems: he’s been infatuated with Irie since freshman year and she has no interest in reciprocating his interest; and, while raised wealthy, that life brings him no real joy. As the story progresses, we find that football, the center of his life, is conflated with stress and unhappiness. Unbeknownst to each other, Talon and Irie find themselves as students in an anthropology class. Talon takes the opportunity to essentially woo Irie, even though she tries hard to resist him. Irie’s past is also complicated and informs her decisions about Talon. Will Talon’s efforts pay off? Will he win the heart of the girl whom he has obsessed over since freshman year? That is the core of this story, and it’s a beautiful one.
To be honest, when I first read the blurb for Hate the Game, I thought for sure that Talon Gold was a player, and I believed the story would develop with Irie, the perfunctory strong heroine, reforming the “bad boy” hero. Boy, was I wrong. That is not this story.
Instead, Renshaw alludes to the treasure of Talon Gold in his name. He is a “gold” character in his ardent interest in Irie. This story is insightful in its illustration of labeling and preconceived judgments about people. This finds the most purchase in the characterization of Talon. He has every characteristic to be a playboy, “big man on campus.” To some degree, he fits the latter identity. However, the belief Irie holds about him is far from the truth of him. If you love a hero who adores the heroine to his soul, who will move heaven and earth to be with her, and who will sacrifice himself for her, then you should be reading Hate the Game. Talon Gold is a revelation of a hero in this story. I kept waiting for his evolution into d*uchebaggery, but it doesn’t happen. Instead, Talon Gold embodies his name with his heart of “gold.”
The difficult character of this story is Irie. At face value, Irie is strength personified. Yet, this strength is held together with fragile bands and a cracked wall. Her past, unfortunately, informs her perception of Talon, and it shows how wrong people can be about others based on other people’s perceptions. This is a running theme in Hate the Game. Nothing is as it seems; the truth is hidden behind shabby facades. With the right swing of the hammer of truth, it all falls down. This happens more indelibly with Irie’s character. She makes the greatest journey of growth in the story, even though she is initially the most resolute image of strength. That Talon’s love can transform her so distinctly is the beauty of Renshaw’s romance. It’s the reason why I started this book in the morning, not believing I would finish it the same day. And I did. I simply couldn’t put it down to its beautiful end.
Through Renshaw’s masterful storytelling, using a typical romantic trope, she made me fall in love with Talon and Irie’s story. Like the characters at the beginning of the story, I thought I knew what Renshaw was going to offer initially, and I was reticent to begin. I didn’t really want to rehash the standard trope of the heroine saving the “bad boy” hero from himself. But like Irie, I was completely wrong. Instead, Renshaw grabbed me by my heart and reminded me that preconceived judgments are reductive and incomplete. Talon and Irie’s story is another reminder that we never really know a person unless we take the time to do so. And if we don’t, we potentially miss out on a big kind of transforming love.
This was an amazing story. Talon and Irie are great. They have known each other since their freshman year of college when Talon first hit on her at a party and Irie wanted nothing to do with him. Fast forward to their senior year. Talon is still making passes at her and Irie is still fighting him off. Talon has been a persistent yet patient man and when he finds himself in the same class as Irie he sees an opening. They become study partners and slowly become friends. Talon is not giving up. Irie gets to know the man behind the reputation of the man on campus and discovers there is more to him that no one else knows. Eventually they go out on a date and start dating shortly after. There are some bumps along the way in the form of his stepdad and mother who have been pushing Talon his whole life. Irie is a strong woman though and the connection between them is strong. Each wants the other to follow their dreams. I love how they are able to overcome the hurdles and find a way for them to achieve their dreams. A sexy and steamy read with just the right amount of drama. Loved the HEA
And she has done it again.
This amazing story was so well written and complex. Talon and Irie’s story is one that has you rooting for the couple when their individual familial struggles make them question their priorities. Talon is as swoony as they come.
Watching the characters develop on the pages makes you feel as if you’re seeing friends make their way to what’s right in front of them.
Great main and supporting characters who are all a force in their own right. This story is a top favorite now by the incredibly talented Winter.
Some might call Irie Davenport weird but for the last 4 years, Talon Gold believes she is the perfect girl for him. Now he just has to figure out a way to get her to give him a chance to prove it. Irie believes Talon’s pursuit of her is just part of his game to be the best at everything and she doesn’t want to become his latest victory but, the more he pursues her the more she begins to let down the guarded walls to her heart. Football has been Talon’s life for as long as he can remember and now all his hard work is about to pay off but at the same time, a more important victory is within his reach Irie has decided to finally give him a chance. This is a sweet story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Do yourself a favor and choose to read it. You won’t be dissapointed.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
A well written and well developed fast paced read. The storyline is drama-filled, witty, funny, a bit sports and emotional. The characters are likeable, the chemistry between them is off the charts too. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down. I couldn’t wait to find out what would come next and fell in love with the characters. Happy reading!!
You know what I love about a Winter Renshaw book? Everything. Every. Thing.
Her book are always a great afternoon escape for me. They are usually light-hearted romances that make me smile. I really love her angsty stories but these lighter ones are pure magic.
The moment our eyes catch, he bites his lower lip and flashes a cockeyed smirk.
“Guess it’s us.” My stomach somersaults, but I play it cool. “Lucky me.”
“Yeah.” He laughs through his nose, his perfect white teeth flashing as he grins. “Lucky you.”
If you haven’t jumped into her work yet, take the leap with this one. It’s a swoony book full of chemistry between Talon and Irie. I don’t think I’ve swooned as much as I did for Talon with anyone lately. He was just so endearing.
I can’t wait for you to start this one. You will be binging on her back list soon after you finish. I know, it happened to me when I read my first book by her.
ARC in exchange for an honest review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.A sweet romance that will tug at your heart strings. Strong characters and a fantastic story line. Will Talon’s persistence win the heart of Irie? I could not put this down it had me from the beginning to the end and still wanting more of them. A great read from Winter, she keeps them coming.
Persistence makes everyone a winner
Hate The Game by Winter Renshaw and a very well written and beautiful love story that defines persistence. This couple has all the makings of a winning, power couple, while at the same time they are so genuine in their wants, needs and desires for the future. Talon’s long time persistence for winning Irie is a hard won battle, but their journey was interesting and completely captivating. Each of them have their own vulnerabilities that just make them more suited for one another. As Talon and Irie explore and get to know one another, Talon’s persistence increases. Despite everything, this man does not give up, making him a very swoon-worthy hero indeed.
Overall, a very well written book that was very hard to put down because Talon and Irie were so easy to become invested in. I adored and appreciated HEA in the form of a little glimpse of the future for this awesome couple.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
So unexpected and I loved it! I fell for Talon’s character, his persistent to go after Irie was so enduring to follow. I was cheering for their HEA with all the twists that you won’t see coming. I loved the flow of the storyline, but Talon’s strength to not give up had me flipping the pages until the end. A definite must read from an author who doesn’t disappoint.
The Hate Game By Winter Renshaw is the first book in the Love Games Series, a sweet sports and college romance. I loved it! Talon is a handsome character, sweet, caring and supportive. Irie is a lovely character, sweet and beautiful. I loved their slow burn story. The Epilogue is great! I enjoyed reading this story.
Winter Renshaw is truly a master of the romance genre. In Hate The Game you fall in love with Talon and Irie within the first few pages. Their love story is a slow burn that is not overly bathed in drama nor Talon is your typical arrogant jock. Ms Renshaw always does an excellent job at portraying her characters and writing her stories in a way that are neither formulaic nor cliched. Talon and Irie’s story is just another example of how solid of an author Ms Renshaw is.
The Hate Game is such a great read! Irie is in her final year at PVU and is ready to graduate and start a career in interior design. She has lived with her aunt for the past four years as her caretaker while in college. Irie has had a difficult past due to family and high school issues.
She has learned to march to the beat of her carefully guarded heart. Few things in her life are consistent but one that has been for the past four years is QB hot throb Talon Gold. He has perused her since freshman year and has this last semester to get her no’s to become a yes. They become partners in their Anthro class. This is the first time that she spends real time with Talon and gets to know the real him. He seems to have it all with a rich family and a pro contract. This book shows that there are many layers to a person and despite the past there is always a chance for the future. I loved the slow build once Iris gave Talon a chance. They way they had each other’s best interest. Always love the dual POV and perfect epilogue. Amazing characters with the perfect combination to strength and flaws.
I received a copy of this book and I am volunteering to leave a review.
4.5 stars
I’m not a huge fan of sports or sports romances on the whole, but I’d describe Hate the Game as sport light. It’s an enjoyable, easy to read romance with more of an emphasis on the relationship between the two main characters, rather than the game, which is absolutely fine by me.
Talon has been chasing Irie for a number of years, without success. However, when they’re forced to become study partners, he takes the opportunity to show her that he’s more than just the arrogant jock he’s perceived to be. Whilst I could’ve lived without the constant reminders of how popular he was and how all the other girls wanted him, hence all the nasty looks and remarks thrown Irie’s way, I actually really liked Talon. His patience and how he cares for Irie, their banter and chemistry were spot on. His intentions may not have started out as honorable, but I loved the way his character grew, along with his feelings for her, as the story progressed.
Initially, Irie comes across as rather prickly and standoffish, except in her interactions with her Aunt Bette. I have to say, I want an Aunt Bette! She’s a wonderful straight talker, funny and open minded. A great emotional support. However, we’re given little hints that Irie’s hiding something from her past which, when it was finally revealed, made me completely understand her actions and lack of trust, to feel huge sympathy for her. Talon went up in my estimation by leaps and bounds too, once he was made aware what she was up against. He also has his own secrets which could prove to be a huge barrier to their future together.
Whilst Hate the Game was just my cup of tea, I do feel, however, that the blurb is not a true representation of the book. It’s certainly not as angsty and there’s not as much conflict between the hero and heroine as this makes it seem, which personally I was grateful for but maybe bear that in mind if that’s what you’re particularly looking for. For me, this was a fun read, one which I enjoyed very much. The story as a whole kept me turning the pages and a lovely sweet epilogue left me with a satisfied smile on my face.
I liked this book but I did have some conflicted feelings about it. I thought the story was good but I did expect a bit more back and forth as Talon and Irie’s relationship evolved. I honestly didn’t feel that things moved quickly but I didn’t feel that there was a lot of resistance either. Maybe this was simply because we enter into the picture after these two have known each other for years. I don’t know really. I just kind of felt dissatisfied. As for the characters, I loved Talon but only liked Irie. Sometimes I just found her annoying. Still, in spite of my pet peeves, I thought that this was an enjoyable read.
A Solid Jock Romance, Yet Talon Is Not Quite The Typical Jock!
Irie Davenport, twenty-two, likes to go against the trends. She once lived to please others, to earn their attention. Having been passed around like a hot potato to relatives during childhood – because she never knew her father and because her own mother was too busy living in a commune to be bothered – she never had a true sense of home or love. She learned the hard way that she needs to be true to herself. She remains guarded, but is refreshingly unpretentious and unexpected.
Beginning the second semester of her senior year at Pacific Valley University in Southern California, and on the verge of earning her degree in interior design, she remains focused on her studies. She has had a few boyfriends during her college years – nothing serious – but she doesn’t do hookups. Her Great Aunt Bette, eighty-three and a real firecracker, pays her tuition and provides a room in exchange for being a caretaker. This is the first time she has felt like she has a home, but it all ends in four months.
Talon Gold, a senior and PVU’s star quarterback, is a ladies’ man extraordinaire. King of Dicks. He was born with a silver-spoon, but money doesn’t buy everything. His father died when she was six, and his mom is a ghost of the person she once was. His step father has pushed him relentlessly, to the point that he began to question why he even played football.
If there is one thing that defines Talon, it is that he is a winner. He sets his mind to something and works at it until he gets it. It serves him well in football, but the one thing he wants the most seems immune to his charm. He has been trying to hook up with Irie Davenport since fall semester of freshman year. He has repeatedly asked her out, but is rebufffed each time. It is a game the two play now. Her strategy is to be cold, coy, aloof, and uninterested, but she hasn’t perfected her poker face. He sees that part of her wants him, too, so he doesn’t give up.
When fate puts Talon and Irie in a class together during their last semester at PVU, Talon’s tenacity finally begins to wear down Irie’s resistance. But they have plans following graduation that will take them in opposite directions. With only four months left, Talon must earn Irie’s trust and convince her to take a leap of faith.
Talon and Irie’s sweet story has you rooting for the couple as they face their families and struggle to decide what is truly important to them. Talon’s strength and resolve are remarkable. You can’t help but swoon as he fights to win his girl. The couple deserves their HEA!
This book is well-written. The plot is complex. The characters are well-developed. Great Aunt Bette is a memorable supporting character! It is delightful to read as Talon’s character unfolds and he is more than just a jock. The POV alternates between Talon and Irie. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A quiet interior decorating major, a football quarterback king. She keeps to herself, and he’s been trying to get her interest for years. When they end up being “study buddies” at their anthro class, he sees his chance to try to break through her walls. Talon is quite persistent, and there’s so much more to him then the football king. And Irie is very reserved, but she has a past and she’s guarding herself. You can’t help but love him, and hope he gets through to her (I won’t tell you ). And you can’t help but love their chemistry together, even when she’s trying to lol. I loved this, but I won’t tell you more. Grab it up and read it now!
Talon, a star quarterback, has been smitten with Irie when he first laid eyes on her during there freshman year but she won’t give him the time of day. Now that they are about to graduate, Talon is more than ever determined to ask Irie why couldn’t she give her a chance.
Irie has been focused to finish college without any distraction named Talon. She’s convinced that Talon only wants one thing from her that’s why she ignored him ever since. Until that one fateful day, when they became a study partner. Finally, Talon has his opportunity to be near Irie and ask her out.
“Give me one date and if it’s the worst date of your life … I’ll never bother you again,” he says. “I swear on my life. On my career.”
What happened next is something I did enjoy between these two. The storyline was surprisingly well-written and had a good amount of romance. I fell completely in love with this story. Winter Renshaw is an author who writes books with engrossing characters and this book was no exception. I’m thoroughly entertained by Talon and Irie’s story and if you want romance this is a must-read.
I absolutely loved Talon and Irie it was such a great story. There wasn’t a lot of drama or some huge blow out, it was a steady burn throughout the entire book. I love Talon’s persistence & patience, and that he was able to turn her opinion around about him. Of course Bette was just icing on the cake. She was funny and Iris’s strongest supporter when she really needed one.
This was a good read. I’m not a huge fan of new adult stories, but this one wasn’t as immature as most of them turn out to be. Talon and Irie have their moments, but that’s to be expected since they’re still in college. On the surface, Talon seems to be your typical college football god, but once you get to know him through the story you understand that he’s not. Irie had problems in her past, and I liked how she chose to rise above and not care what people thought of her. They have great chemistry, and I enjoyed their love story. I was glad that the drama wasn’t drug out for chapters, but rather dealt with quickly. I was VERY happy to see Talon finally speak his mind to his parents. The ending was sweet, and I was happy to see these two get their HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Another great book by Winter Renshaw!!!
The main character Irie has no idea just how strong she is after everything she has been through. She ignores all the glares and hushed whispers of jealous girls. She always has something witty to say: “He likes girls with tact… I think he also has a thing for human decency. Oh, and self-respect. He’s pretty into that.”
Talon is the hot shot football player who doesn’t know how to quit. He has an unfavorable reputation with the ladies and Irie won’t fall into that trap. But these two actually have more in common than they realize. They both come from an upbringing they are not proud of. When forced to be study partners, you begin to see just how well they fit together. He supports and cares about her like no one else…. along with than Aunt Bette (who is soooo awesome, she had me laughing every time she made an appearance).
I loved both characters and I am sure you’ll fall in love with them too and with Aunt Bette!