Public Rivalry

The Billionaire's Successor #1

by Rebecca Kinkade

Corinne and Gray are rivals—and that’s putting it lightly. They’ve been in competition since kindergarten and the stakes have only gotten higher: college, business school, law school, and now…love? Okay, maybe nobody saw that last one coming. Then again, maybe this was twenty-five years in the making…

Corinne has never liked Gray Davenport. Why would she? Every villain has an origin story—and she’s probably Gray’s. So naturally, when her best friend impersonates her on a dating app and connects with Gray on her behalf, the last thing she expects is for him to respond with two smug, yet unbearably sexy words: “About time.” Now she can’t stop thinking about him, that cocky, rich, handsome, and vengeful playboy. Still, she can’t stop wondering: How is it possible for a guy who has always hated her to be so talented at pleasuring her in every way possible?

But unbeknownst to Corinne, Gray has never hated her. He might be the closest thing she has to an archnemesis, but she’s nothing like that for him. Corinne is the one that got away—the one thing that money can’t buy—and Gray should know. He’s a billionaire’s successor and has been preparing his entire life to take over a global business empire. So why does that empire seem so unimportant now that Corinne Tyler has walked back into his life?

Public Rivalry is a full-length standalone rivals-to-lovers romance novel about two people who have spent their entire lives in competition, only to realize they’re much more than sworn-enemies. Teeming with witty banter and steamy encounters, this novel has no cheating or cliffhangers. HEA guaranteed!

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Smut, Workplace, Second Chance

Unknown Binding

First published December 6, 2020

About the author

Rebecca Kinkade is a Mexican/Filipina-American contemporary romance author who writes competent leads who work hard and love harder. She currently lives in Los Angeles and assumes that makes her inherently interesting. She has a BA and an MBA and is 100% positive that the most valuable thing she got out of those experiences was content for her books.

Reviews

[chloe w. 🧸🫧🪩📖 · Rating 4 out of 5]

reread: 03/17/25-03/24/25
i still mostly feel the same way as i did when i first read Public Rivalry but the second read definitely made me appreciate them & their story more somehow. alsoooo must give RK her flowers for this being her debut romance novel 😩 i’ll always love Corinne & Gray. 🩷

first read: 04/12/23-04/13/23
Rebecca Kinkade is such an underrated author!!!! this is only my second book by her but i WILL be making my way through all of them.

i love how she writes such badass, smart heroines! she also KNOWS how to write a hot billionaire MMC who isn’t an annoying, “grumpy” one.

while i was still able to connect with the characters, my only wish was that we got to see a bit more of their emotional connection as a couple and maybe a glimpse into Corinne’s background to kind of get to know her a bit better.

but overall spice was perfect, i loved their banter, & loved their story! also loved that there wasn’t a pregnancy trope thrown in there at the end LOL

[jenna 💘✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS MAN !!!!!!!

[Tiffany 🍒 · Rating 4 out of 5]

You just can’t NOT love Rebecca Kinkade’s work… She’s too good… I know when I read her books, I’m going to get 3 things.
1. A badass, intelligent FMC
2. A new book boyfriend
3. A GREAT READ

Gray and Corinne have competed in everything their whole lives. From early school days, high school, Yale, Harvard… they’ve always been up against each other. Corinne HATES Gray. Gray… has always wanted her??????

After Corinne’s best friend decides to be MESSY and sends a wink face to Gray from Corinne’s dating app, Corinne just KNOWS that Gray will never let her live this down. He will embarrass her to no end. …but no. He says, “About time.”

A few spicy encounters later, Corinne realizes maybe her hatred was one sided. Or maybe she doesn’t hate him at all.

This book was a refreshing read. I loved the connection they had. I think I might even have a girl crush on Corinne.💀 the scene on the daybed will be living rent free in my mind for a very long time. Another great book by Rebecca Kinkade.

🌶️🌶️🌶️

[EllieGraceReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ergh I love men written by Rebecca Kinkade

I absolutely adore Gray, he’s honestly so precious and I love how down bad he is for Corinne. He just loves her so much and all he wants is to make her happy. I love him so much and he’s absolutely a top tier book boyfriend

Corinne is such a girl boss. She’s such a great character, strong and just so lovely. I love her relationship with Gray

The spicy scenes were written so incredibly, especially the scene with Walsh watching👀
I really liked Walsh & Melanie! They’re such great, loyal friends to Gray and Corinne. I loved that everyone gets on with each other and all spend time together.

This was such a fun book!
I wasn’t a massive fan of the breakup, to me it didn’t feel needed, apart from that I love everything else

Can’t wait to spend this year reading Rebecca’s whole backlog🤩

[Rombookfanlove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this book, which was Rebecca Kinkade’s debut romance 4 years ago. I really enjoy her Streams and Schemes series (5 ⭐️) and am now going through her other books. I just love her characters and writing style. It’s rich people, snarky people, badass people, corporate people, but in the funniest and kind of “normal” way (or as normal as they can be for their status in life). The whole tone of her books and characters are just *chef’s kiss* to me.

The way Gray and Corinne reconnect in the first few chapters of the book, especially the shenanigans that start it off with Corinne and her best friend Mel really had me giggling and kicking my feet. Couldn’t wait for it to play out!

Gray is cocky in all the right ways and his cockiness meets Corinne’s strength of character so well, they mesh perfectly and you can completely see why they’d have a rivalry and how that’s actually a connection for them rather than a true repellant.

Gray’s utter cockiness and conviction that he’s gonna be with Corinne is so hot. So. Hot. 🥵 very take charge in the most motherf-cker way. But then when he opens up a bit to her… 🥹 so sweet. And Corinne softening herself and enjoying herself with Grey is a treat too.

The characters and the tone drive this book for me more than anything else, the plot is fine but I could see the conflict coming pretty clearly early on. Still gave a little kick in the gut when it happened though and it resolved maybe a bit too easily but still good.

All in all a fun and funny (but not rom-com level) romance with the beautiful, smart people and a bit of their drama. Gray is an especially attractively-written cocky billionaire MMC. If this sounds like your thing - check this out! This is one in a series of standalones so I shall go forward and read more!

4/5 ⭐️

[Nureesh Vhalega · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, aku nggak expect bukunya bakal bikin betah baca 5 jam nonstop. Trope-nya bukan favoritku: rival-to-lover, karena biasanya trope begini agak annoying, borderline cringe, dan nggak berasa jatuh cintanya. Plus karakter tajir melintir juga bukan favoritku. Tapi Mbak Rebecca sukses nulis trope ini, plus katanya ini novel romance pertama dia. Wow.

Corinne dan Gray satu sekolah dari TK sampai S2. Mereka selalu saingan, rebutan gelar valedictorian, juga beasiswa. Gray lahir di keluarga bilioner yang hidupnya tuh dipetain sama bapaknya, sementara Corinne rakjel yang superpintar. Di umur 29, 3 tahun setelah lulus S2, mereka ketemu lagi gara-gara match di dating app wkwkwk sahabat Corinne sih yang nge-swipe. Tapi akhirnya kebuka kalau Gray tuh naksir Corinne dari SMA. Aku suka gimana Gray rela ngelakuin apa aja saking cinta sama Corinne, juga gimana Corinne imbang buat ambisinya Gray. Bapaknya Gray aja langsung ngerestuin pas Corinne ngasih argumen soal bisnis di acara keluarga 🤣

Dramanya nggak lebay, para karakternya kuat, dan third act break-up di sini pas. Aku nggak paham sih soal bisnis yang mereka omongin, tapi usaha Gray buat buktiin kalau dia pantas bersanding sama Corinne tuh sweet 🥹 aaaakkkkk kenapa orang bisa nulis romance se-steady ini ya 😭😭😭

[koriiii · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have never loved smutty writing and strong smutty FMC the way i love Kincaides. i have never loved a miserable and annoying billionaire boy until i met Gray. the writing was easy, the backstory was logical & the character arc was stellar. top tier smut for me on all fronts. the build up & TENSION was absolutely freaking stellar. smut writing for grown ups, i’m so, so pleased & will be continuing my way through RK’s backlog & hopefully finishing with a reread of the Schemes & Streams series.
i finished a 700 pg book yesterday afternoon and picked this lil jaunt and read all 300 pages in about 2 sittings in the same evening. her writing is so good and strong and CLEAR & there's enough drama to keep the pages turning without both characters being immature teenagers who can't speak to one another. so satisfied. SO satisfied.

[Jessica Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️

This is the first book I have read from this author I believe and I really did enjoy it. It was steamy and was not overdone. There was a couple moments that I felt it moved a little slow, but not too bad. There was a little repetition but too bad. There were a couple editing errors where it said he meaning she or his instead of my, but it wasn’t awful. I felt a connection to the characters not a ton of emotion.

Recommend if you are looking for smutty with a little exhibitionism. Do not recommend if you are looking for deep emotion and strong connections.

[Shakiyla🌻📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I loved it so much! 🥹🩷

Corinne is such a bad ass and doesn’t take shit from NO man! I love how strong minded she is and how she doesn’t let anything stop her or get in her way 💪🏽

Gray at first made me think of a spoiled rich kid brat, but I really enjoyed seeing more of his sensitive side and how he practically worshipped the ground Corinne walked on 🥲

PS her and Gray are gushingly cute 😍🤭

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun. Those two had been competing against each other since prep school, through college and beyond, never realizing that their antagonism hid a lot of respect and admiration. As they reconnect, there is lots of sex without feelings - fun adventurous sex. Throw in some typical friends and annoying parents and you might feel trapped in tropes, but I felt it rose above that.

There were some minor safety issues, but they were so enthusiastic I ignored them.

Pet peeve: no sex scenes after they declare their love - last 20%; so many opportunities for one more romp.

[Chloe Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

strong confident characters who are perfect for each other and work so well together! Corinne was so amazing and I really enjoyed everything about her!

there was lots of spice 🔥 more than I expected but that is definitely not a bad thing!!

loved their friends they were super supportive and very funny! really enjoyed the development of his father near the end to show he wasn’t exactly who his son thought he was, which I thought was a nice shift

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve rarely read books where they reference so many real things, like wdym Citigroup, Morgan Stanley and a threesome with Prince Harry?! Threw me off a bit. This book also made me feel like I needed to go back to school.
Grays character is not that likeable but I do love when the guy has been pining after the woman. I did see the third act breakup coming from a mile away and I know people react differently but I think it’s crazy she purged every trace of him after saying I love you, like sis you didn’t want to save one little picture or text?

[theincrediblesulk · Rating 3 out of 5]

+4 for a soft gooey cinnamon roll whose main defining trait is making heart eyes at the FMC
-1 for not using lube. chafing isn't sexy and that orifice is not self-lubricating

[Meg V Reads ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! Corrine and Gray are my FAV. I loved that this book was NOT a slow burn. We get into their relationship pretty quickly but in a way that’s very realistic. Their rivalry has gone on for YEARS so the slow burn vibes are there, just as part of the back story.

Coming from Rebecca’s newer releases, you can see how much her writing has grown while also being SO HER.
If you haven’t read Rebecca’s other works, this is your sign to do so. Her writing is so descriptive, playful and engaging. I get sucked into everything she writes.

[Aliyah Symonette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ate up this up 😂 I love a good enemies to lovers or rivals to lovers and this was the perfect read to squeeze in this month

Characters were likable. storyline was interesting. Spice was 🥵🔥 will definitely check out another book by this author

[Emily P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so close to a 5⭐ I just needed my boy to grovel a little more 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic !!! 4.5 I love the way Rebecca writes her men and the spice !!!! If you babe a exhibitionist kink and a too cocky for his own good MMC you’ll love this

[Emma Boss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was surprisingly good. My new favorite thing in books these days is when the couple gets together early In the book and the rest of the book is just them together doing couplely things and slowly doing things. I LOVE THAT SO MUCH. but this works perfectly only if the couple was friends or had some history before they became a couple. Or else it’s insta love which is not cute. Any who, this was a fun easy read. 8/10

[sarah.readstoomuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something to be said about a romance novel where the romance is the story. And, ok, yes, you could probably say that about a lot of other romance novels, so let me edit that statement: There’s something to be said about a romance novel where the romance is the story—and it’s not boring. Because while there’s not a lot of drama in Public Rivalry (imo), there’s nothing boring about Corinne and Gray’s story.

Honestly, I’d say Public Rivalry is probably the chillest rivals-to-lovers story I’ve read. The word I’d use to describe it is probably “smooth,” because that’s how reading this book felt. Perhaps that’s because their rivalry is mostly in the past and so the part when they’re actually rivals and not yet lovers is relatively short. I mean, they hook up about 16% of the way in, and are pretty much together-ish after that.

But while not a lot else actually happens outside of the romance, there is a lot happening internally. Gray grows up a lot over the course of the book (and especially in the third-act conflict)—and while I have a really hard time sympathizing with a billionaire, I was still invested because I liked Corinne and Gray together so much, and I loved how far gone Gray was for Corinne. (I love a man who will sacrifice pretty much anything for the woman of his dreams. Sue me.)

And let’s not forget this book is spicy as hell. This is not my first book by Kinkade (it was Streams and Schemes, which I also loved)—and let’s just say that the spice quality and quantity in S&S was not a one-off. Something Kinkade does (at least with my sample size of two books) is sprinkle in some light kink without making it a full lifestyle. In S&S it’s breeding kink, and in Public Rivalry it’s exhibitionism. I personally love this approach to kink in a book, because it makes it feel more normal and less this wild other thing that other wild people are into. It’s fun and hot and while maybe still on the fantasy side of things, feels more real.

The two things that kept this from being a 5-star read for me: It moved a tad too slow at some points, and it was fairly repetitive in some areas.

Otherwise, Public Rivalry is hot, sweet, and also funny as hell (I didn’t mention that earlier, but it is.) I’m so stoked to have another fantastic indie author to add to my list of auto-read authors. And I’m so so glad Kinkade has a backlist I can continue to read through.

[Madi ✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Rebecca Kinkade does it once again (although I mean technically this is her first book, so I guess you could say she’s been doing it the whole time). I am forever obsessed with her rich men and their even better female counterparts. Interlace that with the humour I’ve come to know and love from the Stream and Schemes, and it was just the best time. Seriously, I flew through this one.

Very minor deduction for the last minute third act breakup, but it wasn’t particularly drawn out so I’m also appreciative of that.

[Travis Peak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine but cringe

I just will never understand authors obsession with trying to make us feel bad for billionaire white guys. Gray is the hottest, richest, smoothest, most confident man in the world. He has the biggest member of all time and it's pierced. He's slept with thousands of women and can have any woman he wants. So naturally he's miserable because he has to take over his father's multi-billion dollar company when he turns 30. Poor Gray. The story is fine but the story takes a back seat far too often to the spice. I had read another book by this author that had a ton of spice but it made sense because the FMC was a Cam girl. It just felt a little odd her. I could get with the exhibitionism but she lost me when the brother got in bed with them and started making out with Corinne. Why? What did that add to their story? Then the next chapter you find out that Corinne once hooked up with 5 guys in one night. Why? Then at the end we get a discourse on how many hook ups Gray had while spending a year in England. At what point is it enough? We get it. They're horny. As an author, do you not have anything else to say? As a reader are you really that obsessed with spice that it's all you want to read? Even when it adds nothing? This author just isn't for me I guess because the break up and reconciliation felt like they were just tacked on quickly to wrap up this erotica book. Pointless.

[Alex DeCoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hot and wild ride Public Rivalry was! Rivals to lovers in all its glory. Gray has been lusting after Corinne since they were kids. He’s also been her main competition in everything she’s ever wanted for herself. They went to the same schools, all the way through getting their JD and MBA from Harvard. They competed for grades, valedictorian, student council positions and even playing the violin was a competition. He’s the pebble in her shoe, the bane of her existence.

So, when Grays profile is suggested to Corrine on a dating app it’s a hard “NO” from her no matter how stupidly hot he is, but her bestie has other plans. 🤣🤣 Oh for the love of Beyoncé this gets interesting quick.

The banter is amazing since they’re rivals they certainly pull no punches and enjoy getting under each other’s skin which had me smirking and giggling throughout the whole book.
The spice was certainly very spicy too! I appreciate not having to wait through a slow burn for the characters to get together, even if they’re rivals the tension was just too hot to make us wait!

All the friends and family members are just perfect. I really hope to get to read more of Grays family, his sister and brother are hilarious.

[BarbieTheeReader🎀🫦 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

"About time."
"They can't handle the thought that a woman might be smarter and more successful than them, so they bolt."
"I'm so content that I don't even care that he's still a smug bastard - smug bastard that I can't get enough of, but a smug bastard that I can't get enough of, but a smug bastard nonetheless."

This was a fun, captivating, steamy, and educational (somewhat) read all in the same breathe! I love and adore this story so much! The author has a way of writing a cocky confident MMC that is still attractive even when he speaks / commands the attention of others! His authoritative confidence was a perfect match to Corrine's snarky confidence. I liked their public rivalry (wish we got a bit more of their rivalry when they were younger), and yearning for one another. This story had hilarious moments, and moments to pull at the heart strings. This is a very quick read, and such a fun time, I honestly love how they both couldn't stand each other, but secretly turned those feelings around. I loved their banter, it was intelligent and precision to their banter and I ate it up every time! The spice and banter was a the perfect way to express and show how their confidence and dominant personality works perfectly!

[Bookish Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Vibes - Fine, Meh, Already Forgot

At least he's aware of his entitlement
For the most part I think the rivalry was all in her head. Every academic success for her whole life she has competed with him for, while Grey was just seeking his father's validation and her attention. Billionaire romances are either cringey name-dropping or gold digger (or sometimes both), this was cringy name-dropping because she does well for herself on her own, not quite as well as him but she's not struggling. I love that Corinne was seriously smart and completely owned it. She had her moments where she was a little snobby about it but I think she to be honest has a right to be. She doesn't take shit from anyone and completely holds her own, even against his dad. It was more smutty than I was expecting and while I'm not mad about it, it got to a point where I was skimming it. Her purging him from her life after the 3rd act break up was a little excessive but I get it; what I don't get is that she quit her job??? That made no sense for her character no matter how heat broken she was. I did like the conversation he has with his dad and mending that bridge.

Tropes
-Billionaire
-Rivals To Lovers

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok... I once heard of this author, but I had no books of her, untill @author_elizabethaton mentioned her in her book "Unexpected", which is AMAZING!! And you should read it if you haven't already!

Sooooo... I bought this book and it's everything you need, billionaires, alpha male/female, spice, enemies to lovers, and do much more!

Gray and Corinne have known eachother since Kindergarten and there has always been rivalry. They always wanted to be better than the other. They went to the same schools etc.
Eventually they meet and it gets wet (hey... it's raining! 🤣).

It's a bit of a slowburn, the sex doesn’t happen that fast, but the built up.
And Corinne is quite surprised by Gray's little surprise.

The friendship they all have together is great and hopefully they all get their own books.

I really loved reading this book and can higly recommend it. Already started "The Intern".

[Paris Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Kinkade is God’s gift to cliterature and nobody can change my mind. I was absolutely obsessed with both Gray and Corinne. Gray is such an arsehole, with far too much money for a face that gorgeous. And. I. Loved. Him. Seriously, the daddy issues, the arrogance, the entitlement, it all just made those moments of vulnerability sweeter and his affection for Corinne more endearing.
Corrinne was equally incredible, and I honestly want to be her when I grow up. Also, I’d sacrifice my husband if it meant I could have tits as good as hers. I was obsessed.
As usual, the spice was spicing and Rebecca did NOT hold back. It’s like she was born to bring these spicy scenes to my eyeballs and my god, she delivers. I’m considering taking up art classes so that I can draw all the incredible moments. A selfie wearing nothing but a birkin bag? YES PLEASE.
I’ll beg on my knees for Rebecca to never stop writing, because her books are now a need not a want.

[Emily Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

low-angst, charming and well-written

If you need a spicy 🌶️ light romcom, you need to read this. Kinkade is a skilled writer of strong and smart FMCs and lustable MMCs, and this was a sweet and seductive story with an earned HEA. This is only the second of Kinkade’s books I’ve read but both were great. Loved that Corinne and Gray brought out the best in each other. The writing is witty, no editing or proofreading issues, and it’s a refreshing change to have FMC career-driven in a male-dominated field. And as someone who subscribes to the New Yorker and played the violin, and would talk about it on a first date, I thought it was cute that that was the little spark that let us know they were always meant to be. Plus it is very, very very HAWT. Highly recommended and I will be reading all of Kinkade’s other books. There may not be a ton of angst but I’m not much for tear jerkers, ridiculous miscommunication or other nonsense.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad I chanced upon this book for Stuff Your Kindle Day - I have discovered another great author.

Was in the mood for something quick, spicy and rivals/enemies to lovers and this delivered. And the writing itself was great, super easy to read and flowed well. I read it all in a single sitting. All characters were well developed also. I especially love how strong and fierce the FMC is and how she always knows and goes for what she wants - she never wavers. She's also super smart - I had no idea what was said but I enjoyed that dinner scene immensely.

Though the main leads got together pretty quick, there was still a sense of angst and tension in the relationship - just enough to keep the story going but not enough to make me stress and get heartburn lol. It was such an enjoyable read. Also, even though the spice wasn't necessarily my cup of tea, it was still enlightening and positively portrayed.

Would read again, as well as any other Rebecca Kinkade books!

Overall rating: 4/5

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐ 4 🌶️

Goodness gracious, I adored this book. Corinne is such an amazing FMC; smart, strong and so freaking hot. And the fact that Gray uses her accomplishments as motivation without acting like he lost his "man card" is so dang swoony. And the spice, oh my heavens, the spice...

The rain scene and the balcony scene may live rent free in my head for the rest of time. While I do not have an exhibitionist bone in my body, I absolutely love reading about them and I'm not sure I've read this level of exhibitionism outside of a spicy club book. These two love their public play and it's so much fun.

I think one of my favorite parts of this story was Gray's family and how unexpected some aspects of the resolution were. I really need Peter and Walsh's stories too, I fell so hard for both of those men in their short time in this book.

I'm so excited to dive into The Intern and can't wait to see what is next in this world Rebecca has created.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did in fact DNF at 38% oopsie!!
It’s only partially because of the book itself, I just wanted to read another one and was resenting this current read.
HOWEVER I was going to see it through anyway until it just pmo cus I don’t like:
•how he had a ‘kinky history’ in Uni or whatever when she’s inexperienced
•how he was supposedly ‘obsessed with her’ since age 15, but it’s mostly just lust and there’s not much evidence of his feelings throughout
•when time skips even in the smallest way, being like ‘we FaceTimed Monday night for hours, and texted constantly throughout the week’ just feels lazy skipping the relationship building and just telling us ‘trust me it happened’
I was hoping for a pining book but nah he’s just a f-boi who always fancied her ??