ARC Review: ‘The Rivals We Hate’ by Brooke O’Brien
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from Grey's Promotions in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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The Rivals We Hate
by Brooke O'BrienSeries: Braysen U #1
Published by Self-Published on October 30, 2023
SubGenres: Contemporary Romance, New Adult and College Romance
Format: eArc
Source: Grey's Promotions
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moreFootball players are treated like royalty in our small town, which makes Beckham Carver their king. And as the new quarterback of the Braysen Bulldogs, he's also my boyfriend's biggest rival.
Add that to the list of reasons I should stay far away fr...
The Rivals We Hate by Brooke O’Brien is the first book from her Braysen U series. This book is the first book I’ve read from this author. After reading it, I definitely need to check out her other books now after reading this one.
I enjoyed the storyline of this New Adult/College Romance, which includes the following tropes: Sports/Football Romance, Rivals to Lovers, Small Town, and Touch Her and I’ll Hurt You.
The FMC, Hallyn, is a sassy college student who is on the dance team at Braysen U and has a boyfriend who attends the rival school, Keaton U. She’s been dating him since high school, but it’s been rocky since she decided not to attend the same school as him, and now their relationship is on the fritz.
The Braysen U’s new quarterback, Beckham, who is a cocky guy who tends to be a ladies’ man, has shown an interest in Hallyn but knows she’s off limits while she’s with his rival. It’s not like he’s looking for anything serious anyway due to his need to focus on football. The issue with that is he’s about to lose his spot on the team if he doesn’t get his grades up, so he decides to ask Hallyn for help, especially when she needs his help with her truck that broke down, but she’s hesitant to help him because he is her boyfriend’s rival.
Let me reassure readers there is no cheating in this book, and Beckham is a gentleman who is not trying to break up Hallyn and her boyfriend. He was biding his time, especially when he noticed how she was being treated by her so-called boyfriend, who I couldn’t stand in the story.
Hallyn deserved someone who actually cared for her, and it wasn’t going to be her boyfriend. She needed to spend some time with the cocky quarterback, Beckham, and actually get to know him. He’s not a bad guy and proves it so many times with her. I loved the chemistry between the characters, and when they do eventually get together, it’s bound to be steamy, especially when Beckham brings out another side of Hallyn.
Here’s the issue I had while reading, and this is my opinion, and other readers may not be bothered by it. It’s a fact the ending felt rushed, and the epilogue had a cliffhanger to it. I didn’t get a happily ever after or future update on what is happening with the MCs from this one, even though I know they are together. Here’s hoping the author gives us glimpses into Beckham’s and Hallyn’s relationship and how they are doing in the next book, which I think Brooke will because the next book is going to address the issue that happened in the epilogue. There are times I love cliffhangers, and other times I’m left wanting more. The latter is what is true with this book. I need to know what happens next.
Overall, this was a good book, and I’m glad I was introduced to my first Brooke O’Brien book. I’ve already checked out her other books and added them to my TBR. I also have another book to recommend to my college-aged daughter, who I know would enjoy this book.
Story Rating: 
Steam/Spice: 
.5
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the Braysen U series.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you are looking for a College Football Romance where the MMC is a cocky, protective, dirty-talking quarterback and the sassy FMC doesn’t make it easy for the MMC to win her over, then the book may be something you should add to your TBR.
Genre/SubGenre(s):Romance | New Adult & College Romance
This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. It will help sponsor future giveaways but costs you nothing extra. You can read the full disclosure underneath the Privacy Policy.
About Brooke O'Brien
USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O'Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult romances. She is best known for her sports and rock star romances.
Brooke believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.
When she isn't writing or falling in love with a new book boyfriend, you can find her spending time with her family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, listening to ASMR, or binge-watching the latest true crime documentary. She loves rockin' a comfy hoodie with leggings and believes the best days include a good nap.
Brooke loves connecting with readers and hopes you'll join her on her social pages or reader group to stay in touch.
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