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Hate Game
Rue
Malice Sterling. Hot. Rich. Moody. He is part of the in-crowd. Lusted after by the hottest girls. On the outside, he has an enviable life. On the inside, he’s a mess. A hot-tempered, smoking hot mess.
That’s where I come in. His parents staged an intervention, hiring me as his live-in babysitter. I won’t let him sabotage my plan of succeeding in something after failing at everything life throws my way. Malice Sterling, let the hate game begin.
Malice
Rue Lee. Stubborn. A pain in the ass. She doesn’t listen to a word anyone says and would rather do the opposite of what she’s told. We’re too alike, and butt heads at every turn, be it the inside of my car or my bedroom. Those places could be one and the same.
You see, I can’t decide whether to kiss Rue or spank her. One thing I’m certain of is that I am a grown dude and can take care of myself, spank you very much. Play your games, Rue. We know who will come out on top. Smirk.
Malice Sterling. Hot. Rich. Moody. He is part of the in-crowd. Lusted after by the hottest girls. On the outside, he has an enviable life. On the inside, he’s a mess. A hot-tempered, smoking hot mess.
That’s where I come in. His parents staged an intervention, hiring me as his live-in babysitter. I won’t let him sabotage my plan of succeeding in something after failing at everything life throws my way. Malice Sterling, let the hate game begin.
Malice
Rue Lee. Stubborn. A pain in the ass. She doesn’t listen to a word anyone says and would rather do the opposite of what she’s told. We’re too alike, and butt heads at every turn, be it the inside of my car or my bedroom. Those places could be one and the same.
You see, I can’t decide whether to kiss Rue or spank her. One thing I’m certain of is that I am a grown dude and can take care of myself, spank you very much. Play your games, Rue. We know who will come out on top. Smirk.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
8 people are currently reading
1331 people want to read
About the author
Ashlyn Mathews
50 books132 followersI'm an author of paranormal and contemporary romances. Blessed or cursed, depending on my mood and where I'm at on my current WIP, my overactive imagination guides my muse.
A big fan of Firefly and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I incorporate various weapons in my paranormal romances and use out of this world names just because I can.
You can find more about me and my books at https://www.ashlynmathewsauthor.com.
A big fan of Firefly and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I incorporate various weapons in my paranormal romances and use out of this world names just because I can.
You can find more about me and my books at https://www.ashlynmathewsauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 3, 2025
I really appreciated Hate Game for its heartfelt take on the enemies-to-lovers trope, especially how it gently explores themes like emotional healing, personal growth, and second chances. It’s clear the author cares about the characters and their journeys, which made me want to root for them.
That said, I did find the pacing a bit slow in the first half, which made it a little harder for me to stay fully engaged early on. Some of the key moments of conflict and emotional tension could have been a bit stronger or deeper to really pull me in. I was hoping for a bit more of the “hate” tension that usually makes this trope so fun and electric, as that felt a little toned down here.
On the positive side, the writing is really clear and easy to follow, and the consistent tone made the story smooth to read. I liked how the book touched on important ideas like standing up for yourself and moving on from past hurts. The characters are likable, though I think a bit more development in their emotional arcs would have made the story’s payoff even more satisfying for me.
What would have earned this book five stars?
If the story had moved at a slightly brisker pace, especially in the early chapters, it would have kept me hooked from the very beginning. Also, a deeper, more electric chemistry between the leads—especially leaning into the “hate” tension—would have made their relationship feel more authentic and exciting. Finally, stronger emotional moments and more fully fleshed-out character growth would have given the story the emotional payoff I was hoping for. With those elements, I would have absolutely loved this book and rated it five stars.
Overall, Hate Game feels like a gentle, thoughtful romance that would really appeal to readers who enjoy low-drama, character-driven stories. With a little more energy in the pacing and a stronger spark between the leads, I think it could really stand out in the enemies-to-lovers genre. I’m excited to see how the author grows their storytelling from here!
Ps: I received an advanced copy for free and this review is of my free will.
That said, I did find the pacing a bit slow in the first half, which made it a little harder for me to stay fully engaged early on. Some of the key moments of conflict and emotional tension could have been a bit stronger or deeper to really pull me in. I was hoping for a bit more of the “hate” tension that usually makes this trope so fun and electric, as that felt a little toned down here.
On the positive side, the writing is really clear and easy to follow, and the consistent tone made the story smooth to read. I liked how the book touched on important ideas like standing up for yourself and moving on from past hurts. The characters are likable, though I think a bit more development in their emotional arcs would have made the story’s payoff even more satisfying for me.
What would have earned this book five stars?
If the story had moved at a slightly brisker pace, especially in the early chapters, it would have kept me hooked from the very beginning. Also, a deeper, more electric chemistry between the leads—especially leaning into the “hate” tension—would have made their relationship feel more authentic and exciting. Finally, stronger emotional moments and more fully fleshed-out character growth would have given the story the emotional payoff I was hoping for. With those elements, I would have absolutely loved this book and rated it five stars.
Overall, Hate Game feels like a gentle, thoughtful romance that would really appeal to readers who enjoy low-drama, character-driven stories. With a little more energy in the pacing and a stronger spark between the leads, I think it could really stand out in the enemies-to-lovers genre. I’m excited to see how the author grows their storytelling from here!
Ps: I received an advanced copy for free and this review is of my free will.
May 11, 2025
This is book two in The Kiss Starter : Cambridge High Mayhem series and it is Rue and Malice’s story. Rue and Malice have history because at one time they had been each other’s everything only for something to happen that tore them apart leaving them both angry, devastated, hurt and now enemies. Rue and Malice had gone through so much in their lives and even though they are from different sides of the track they just can’t seem to keep their distance from each other and love to hate each other and are constantly fighting, arguing and bickering while constantly being at each other’s throats but there feelings for each other are so strong and can’t be denied but they have a very rocky relationship with many ups and downs and things have definitely not been plain sailing or easy for them but unfortunately something is holding them back from dealing with their past and if they ever want a future together they are going to have to communicate, compromise, trust and be vulnerable with each other and even though it will be very difficult at first it will definitely be worth it in the end. Wow this book takes you on the biggest rollercoaster ride of emotions along with heartbreak, love, pain, hate, hope and it will have you turning the pages to see what happened next and if they will ever get the happiness and future that they always wanted and deserved especially after everything that they had both been through in their lives. I absolutely loved this book and it made you feel so many different emotions and feelings as if you were there living through everything with them and I definitely recommend you read this book and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
May 31, 2025
**Thank you to BookSirens for the free advanced review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
I purchased Leigh and Seven’s book “Beautiful Defiance” and read it before reading this book. Having read both, I can say that I personally liked this book a bit more than the other.
With both books, there were a lot of characters that were introduced and came into play for specific parts, but it felt like they had a role in the MCs’ lives that weren’t fully developed or discussed. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out who the characters were and remember their relationships to one another. I do wish that had been developed a bit further.
Rue and Malice’s love story had just as much back-and-forth, will-they-won’t-they energy as Leigh/Seven’s. While with Leigh/Seven I felt like I got whiplash from the quick flip-flops in feelings and the behaviors from both characters, I didn’t feel it quite as much with Rue/Malice.
There were definitely plenty of unrealistic plot points - though the voices of the MCs are more juvenile, the situations they face are certainly a bit more advanced than the typical high school (or even college) experience. That being said, who doesn’t love some unrealistic teen-angsty drama?
Rue/Malice’s history gave their relationship depth and an intimacy that added to the storyline, which made this story better than the first, in my opinion.
Overall a 3-star read.
I purchased Leigh and Seven’s book “Beautiful Defiance” and read it before reading this book. Having read both, I can say that I personally liked this book a bit more than the other.
With both books, there were a lot of characters that were introduced and came into play for specific parts, but it felt like they had a role in the MCs’ lives that weren’t fully developed or discussed. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out who the characters were and remember their relationships to one another. I do wish that had been developed a bit further.
Rue and Malice’s love story had just as much back-and-forth, will-they-won’t-they energy as Leigh/Seven’s. While with Leigh/Seven I felt like I got whiplash from the quick flip-flops in feelings and the behaviors from both characters, I didn’t feel it quite as much with Rue/Malice.
There were definitely plenty of unrealistic plot points - though the voices of the MCs are more juvenile, the situations they face are certainly a bit more advanced than the typical high school (or even college) experience. That being said, who doesn’t love some unrealistic teen-angsty drama?
Rue/Malice’s history gave their relationship depth and an intimacy that added to the storyline, which made this story better than the first, in my opinion.
Overall a 3-star read.
June 6, 2025
I enjoyed this love-hate/enemies to lovers young adult romance with its added second chance, grumpy-sunshine and forced proximity tropes. This is the first book I've read by the author and at first I had trouble following the interactions of the many secondary characters, who have obviously been introduced in a previous series by the author, but as time went on I got into it. The plot is well written, fast-paced and with
many conflicting emotions, a few twists, some suspense, a touch of danger and steamy love scenes. Rue and Malice are likeable characters who are both trying in their own way to come to terms with their childhood, their family relationships and growing up, and have a painful shared past which they come to terms with together in the course of the story.
Rue Lee has a bad reputation due to her former stealing, is homeless and crashes at a different friend's house every week.
Malice Sterling is a daredevil and too wild. After he goes off the rails again, his parents hire Rue as his babysitter to get him back on the right track. But because of their previous relationship and break-up, the two hate each other, even though they still secretly love each other...
All in all, a fast-paced and emotional love story with lots of tension and spice, which I am happy to recommend!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
many conflicting emotions, a few twists, some suspense, a touch of danger and steamy love scenes. Rue and Malice are likeable characters who are both trying in their own way to come to terms with their childhood, their family relationships and growing up, and have a painful shared past which they come to terms with together in the course of the story.
Rue Lee has a bad reputation due to her former stealing, is homeless and crashes at a different friend's house every week.
Malice Sterling is a daredevil and too wild. After he goes off the rails again, his parents hire Rue as his babysitter to get him back on the right track. But because of their previous relationship and break-up, the two hate each other, even though they still secretly love each other...
All in all, a fast-paced and emotional love story with lots of tension and spice, which I am happy to recommend!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
May 10, 2025
I love the character names - Rue Lee and Malice.
Rue’s relationship with her friends is the best, her ‘brothers’ - you can feel the genuine love, particularly when they’re ragging on each other.
I love Malice’s introduction, showing some sweetness (in contrast to Rue’s thoughts) and interestingly laying the groundwork for a renewed chance.
My heart broke when we got insight into their earlier relationship, and then start to see Malice’s current feelings towards her - I started to genuinely dislike him.
The way that Rue is treated is disgusting, and it really didn’t help with her perception of herself.
The author did a great job of showcasing the characters emotions - the highs and the lows. How small Rue feels and her desperation to have someone choose her.
There were some stages where I got a little confused , but overall a really good story with some major twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rue’s relationship with her friends is the best, her ‘brothers’ - you can feel the genuine love, particularly when they’re ragging on each other.
I love Malice’s introduction, showing some sweetness (in contrast to Rue’s thoughts) and interestingly laying the groundwork for a renewed chance.
My heart broke when we got insight into their earlier relationship, and then start to see Malice’s current feelings towards her - I started to genuinely dislike him.
The way that Rue is treated is disgusting, and it really didn’t help with her perception of herself.
The author did a great job of showcasing the characters emotions - the highs and the lows. How small Rue feels and her desperation to have someone choose her.
There were some stages where I got a little confused , but overall a really good story with some major twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2025
SPICE: 3🌶 , RATING: 3.5 ⭐️, VIBES: Slow burn, emotional tension, second chance feels, possessive MMC, small-town secrets ✨⏳❤️🔥
I’ll be honest—I struggled a bit at the beginning. The pacing dragged and the writing could be painfully repetitive (if I had a dollar for every "my girl," I'd buy the next book and a coffee).
But once I finally clicked with the story? I was in. The chemistry built beautifully, and there was a quiet intensity between the leads that kept me reading. That said… there's some deep, shared trauma between the MMC and FMC that never fully sees the light, and it left me craving answers. Maybe they’re saving that heartbreak for the next book?
If you're in the mood for angsty longing, a devoted hero, and some small-town slow burn, this one might just be your jam.
I’ll be honest—I struggled a bit at the beginning. The pacing dragged and the writing could be painfully repetitive (if I had a dollar for every "my girl," I'd buy the next book and a coffee).
But once I finally clicked with the story? I was in. The chemistry built beautifully, and there was a quiet intensity between the leads that kept me reading. That said… there's some deep, shared trauma between the MMC and FMC that never fully sees the light, and it left me craving answers. Maybe they’re saving that heartbreak for the next book?
If you're in the mood for angsty longing, a devoted hero, and some small-town slow burn, this one might just be your jam.
June 16, 2025
I got the chance to read this ARC from BookSirens and I have to say, the blurb had me very excited to read it, however, the actual storyline kinda disappointed me. It was all over the place and introduced so many different people that I feel were not integral to Rue and Malice’s story. Just because they may have been in a previous story doesn’t mean you need to throw them in for a paragraph in the story.
There were a lot of points in the story that the connection just was NOT there, which was a little bit of a let down. Like how did it come about that Rue got the job for Malice’s parents? What happened between the two of them forreal? There were just so many things that I feel weren’t answered.
The story was okay but it could have been so much better!
There were a lot of points in the story that the connection just was NOT there, which was a little bit of a let down. Like how did it come about that Rue got the job for Malice’s parents? What happened between the two of them forreal? There were just so many things that I feel weren’t answered.
The story was okay but it could have been so much better!
September 19, 2025
I really enjoyed Rue and Malice’s story!! They’re the friends of the main characters in Book 1. That is where you start reading about their journey. Rue and Malice love each other, but due to life circumstances and being torn apart, they try to deny the love that they have for each other. This book really has you going through so many emotions!! I really liked reading about Rue and Malice’s personal struggles, because it helped me relate to them more. I was really rooting for these two to have a happy ending, because of everything they went through. Such a great story with great characters
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙🦋🩵
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙🦋🩵
dnf
May 18, 2025Dnf on the first page.
I can’t tell the ages of these characters. The book reads like they are grown ups, I mean it’s supposed to be spicy. But the opening paragraph is the girl waking from a “nightmare” where she’s kissing the man of her dreams and then he ghosts her. 🤮 that’s preteen shiz. But then someone in the reviews said it’s high school kids, in which case why is there spice in this?
Arc
I can’t tell the ages of these characters. The book reads like they are grown ups, I mean it’s supposed to be spicy. But the opening paragraph is the girl waking from a “nightmare” where she’s kissing the man of her dreams and then he ghosts her. 🤮 that’s preteen shiz. But then someone in the reviews said it’s high school kids, in which case why is there spice in this?
Arc
May 21, 2025
Oh my gosh! What a book, I stayed up reading and finished at 3:30 in the morning that's how much I got wrapped up in Malice's and Rue's story. This story literally has it all from love, a stalker, the mob, illegal activities, volunteering at different charities and groups, a miscarriage and so much passion and all with an awesome dual POV. I highly recommend reading this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 13, 2025
I just want to know why the author chose the names she did for these characters? Not sure there was one normal name in the bunch (Malice, Winslow, Red, Sorrow, Seven, etc.) She also jumps back in time randomly throughout the story with no warning. Of note, she also wrote the characters to be in high school (18 years or younger) and having them acting like full blown adults? It just felt like childish writing to me.
May 14, 2025
I thought this was well written and I enjoyed reading it I couldn't put it down. Ashlyn Mathews does it again, I always look forward to reading her books. I can't wait to read more. This is the second book in this series. I recommend this book.
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I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2025
Loved it!! High school drama at its best! Definitely a series NOT to be missed. Pain, heartache, longing, love, sassy girls, alpha boys… hella entertaining!! I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.
January 9, 2026
I won this book from a giveaway. It is a second Chance romance with some good spice. Rue is one of the main characters who comes from a rocking upbringing who falls for her best friend Red’s cousin Malice. Malice comes from money and is the star of the football team. They secretly start a romance when they were 16 and tragedy strikes and so they stop talking to each other and avoid and hate each other at all costs until Rue takes a job malice sitting for his parents to get his life back on track. It’s has them spending a lot of time together to bring up the past and potentially get a second chance at what they once had.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews