The Rivals We Hate

Braysen U #1

by Brooke O'Brien

USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O'Brien brings all the hate-to-love feels in this rivals to lovers, small town college football romance.

Football 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 from him.

But when my truck breaks down, Beckham makes me an offer I can't refuse: He'll repair my pickup in exchange for me tutoring him.

I have only one stipulation—no one, including my boyfriend, can find out.

The more I try to convince myself and Beckham that I hate him, the more he pushes my buttons to prove me wrong.

Worse, the lines we've drawn between us blur as we spend more time together. And when my relationship comes crashing down around me, I almost forget why I couldn't stand him all along.

If I've learned one thing about Beckham Carver, it's that he always gets what he wants...

... and now, he's set his sights on me.

___________________________________________

TROPES:
Rivals to Lovers
Boyfriend's Rival (No cheating!)
College Football
Reformed Player
Hate to Want You Vibes
Small Town
Interconnected Standalone
___________________________________________

The Rivals We Hate is a book one in the Braysen U series: a series of interconnected standalones following the football players of Braysen University and the women who can't help but fall for them. They do not need to be read in order, but you will gain glimpses of future characters/couples in each book.

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, College, Football, College Romance

339 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2023

About the author

Click the FOLLOW AUTHOR button to be notified of Brooke's new releases!

USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O'Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult romances. She's 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.

If you're new to Brooke and are wondering where to start, visit authorbrookeobrien.com/booksbybrooke and download the reading order guide.

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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Reviews

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Turns out Little Miss Feisty might be the only thing saving me now. And I have just the idea of how to make it happen."

Beckham Carver.
Football God and new quarterback of the Braysen Bulldogs.
Also happens to be Hallyn's boyfriend's biggest rival.
He took his school and he took his position.
But if he doesn't pass Chemistry all of that is going to go away.
Hallyn hates Beckham. At least she's convinced she does.
But what happens when the lines start to blur?

"Who's playing games, Hallyn? Me? You want to try that again?"

Beckham needs to pass Chemistry if he wants to hang on to that QB spot.
For that he needs a tutor.
So who else but the fiesty girl he can't get out of his head?
Hallyn is more than reluctant to help, Beckham being her boyfriend's enemy and all.
But when she agrees there is one stipulation - her boyfriend can never find out.
Beckham always gets what he wants.
And what he wants right now is Hallyn.

"What is it about this girl that drives me crazy?"

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

"You can try to pretend you're not enjoying every minute we've spent together, but we both know it's a lie."

Beckham needs to pass Chemistry. Hallyn needs to get her car fixed. Hallyn agrees to tutor Beckham but her boyfriend can never find out. Should be simple right?

"She's as beautiful as she is sassy. Somehow, I find that even more attractive."

This book was so addicting!! I am a One Tree Hill girlie through and through and most importantly I am a Nathan and Haley girl and this book was perfect!!
It gave Nathan & Haley mixed with Peyton & Lucas and I could not get enough!!

"It's like whenever he's around me. I can't seem to think or focus on anything else."

Beckham is a reformed player who wants to play football. He has that charm and ego but he can back it up. And when he sees Hallyn everything stops. Beckham always gets what he wants and his eyes are set right on Hallyn.

"Name the time and place, feisty girl, and I'll be ready."

"I've already had to bite my tongue and hold myself back watching that fucker touch you when I know you were only doing it to get under my skin. I don't think I'll be so nice to the next person."

Hallyn is honestly badass. Love her. She is Haley through and through. She is a dancer and she is sassy. I mean the banter between her and Beckham was everything!

"I hate to break it to him, but he can't use his good looks and charm on me. Not in a million fuckin' years."

"Somethin' tells me you're used to getting what you want. At least you met me."

This playlist was honestly giving so many vibes that I loved!! I added the author's playlist as well but these are the songs I added:
(Link: https://spotify.link/YaaSwikFMDb)

🎶 "Fast Car" - Luke Combs
🎶 "I Don't Want to Be" - Gavin DeGraw
🎶 "do you really want to hurt me?" - Nessa Barrett
🎶 "Shower" - Becky G
🎶 "See You Again" - Miley Cyrus
🎶 "I Want it All" - Bonnie McKee
🎶 "Eyes On You" - Chase Rice
🎶 "Ride" - Chase Rice, Macy Maloy
🎶 "Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Shameless" - Camila Cabello
🎶 "Good Girl" - Carrie Underwood
🎶 "Blown Away" - Carrie Underwood
🎶 "Bejeweled" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Fake ID" - Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson
🎶 "Sing" - Ed Sheeran
🎶 "Let Me Move You" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "Hate Me" - Nico Collins
🎶 "Womanizer" - Britney Spears
🎶 "I'm yours" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Down & Dirty" - Little Mix
🎶 "Beauty" - Layto
🎶 "A.D.I.D.A.S" - Little Mix
🎶 "Good Enough" - Little Mix
🎶 "labour" - Paris Paloma
🎶 "Everytime We Touch" - Cascada
🎶 "Everybody Talks" - Neon Trees
🎶 "Boyfriend" - Big Time Rush
🎶 "Jealous" - Nick Jonas
🎶 "Just My Type" - The Vamps
🎶 "Mine" - Bazzi
🎶 "Hrs & Hrs" - Muni Long
🎶 "Wildest Dreams (Taylor's Version)" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Lay All Your Love On Me" - Zara Larsson
🎶 "I Wanna Be Yours" - Arctic Monkeys
🎶 "Holding Out For a Hero" - Elise Lieberth
🎶 "Hero" - Christopher Wilde, Stubby
🎶 "love me - sped up" - Ex Habit
🎶 "I Want To" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "Bad Boys (Theme from COPS)" - Inner Circle
🎶 "dot dot dot" - emlyn
🎶 "Enter Sandman" - Alessia Cara, The Warning
🎶 "…fuck" - Johnny Rain
🎶 "Hurry Up and Save Me" - Tiffany Giardina
🎶 "Dangerous Hands" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "I Got You (I Feel Good)" - Jessie J
🎶 "Lil Boo Thang" - Paul Russell
🎶 "It's Gonna Be Me" - *NSYNC
🎶 "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" - Jax

And Beckham is spicy let me tell you 😏🥵

"Look how wet you are for me already."

"All I can picture is you staring down at me between your legs. It's taking everything in me not to drag you over there and do it again."

🏈 Tropes 🏈

🌹 Sports Romance (Football)
🌹 Boyfriend's Rival
🌹 Hate to Love
🌹 Tutor x Football Player
🌹 Nathan and Haley mixed with Lucas and Peyton Vibes
🌹 One Tree Hill Vibes
🌹 Touch Her and I'll Hurt You

[Ashley Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, 🌶️🌶️.5

College Football romance
Small town
Reformed playboy
He falls first
Suspense
Forced proximity
Filthy mouth 🥵


this was such a quick & good read!
This is my first read by this author and definitely not my last!

I was hooked very fast with how the book started & loved the tension!

I really enjoyed Hallyn & Beckham.
The way he chased after her and teased her 🥰 I loved the bickering between them and how their friendship progressed!

the plot of this story was really good as well for being such a short read!
I also loved the side characters!

this was all around just a great book! Great character development, plot & the spice 🥵

I am really looking forward to diving into the next book!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, it’s only book one and I’m already hooked on this series!! Beckham Carter knew he wanted Hallyn as soon as he met her, and wasn’t going to let anything or anyone stand in his way. There’s something so hot about a boyfriend’s rival to lovers book, especially when the ex is a grade A douche. This book was so good and I already can’t wait to get to the rest of the series!

[Melluvsbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the J/p hero, once we got going. I liked the damsel in distress moments and the hero ready to throw down. I even got a little OW drama - although I wish the hero had been a little more aggressive in fending her off - he did a decent job.

**I will preface this next rant with the fact that this is coming from someone who SEEKS OUT manho books. I am not a safety reader. There’s nothing I love more than a reformed rake. 🥰🫣🤣 (But if you’re gonna go there in a contemporary romance, I need some basic safety hygiene mentions):

I did not enjoy that the hero was a manwhore before the h and the heroine was in a long term relationship, but neither of them had even a glimmer of a thought about protection before the hero goes in bare. 🥴🫠 Does the hero always rawdog his hookups? 🤢 Is the heroine on birth control? When was the last time she was with her long term bf? Did they use protection? Was the asshole bf faithful? Unlikely. (She even has this thought at one point) Besides the STD potential, it’s an odd choice to have a college heroine (on the dance team, no less ) who NEVER thinks about the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy or birth control. These are normal concerns for this kind of character. Especially given she struggles financially already. And it’s weird that the football star hero, who is a contender for the NFL and ALSO is not exactly wealthy, to not be a little concerned about impregnating someone - even if he decides he doesn’t care because he’s so into the h. Neither of them ever even casually thinks about it. That’s just the oddest choice, imo. Also the hero tells the heroine that he hasn’t “wanted anyone” since he met her but he hooked up with a girl on the cheer team the same night he met her…. So what does that mean exactly? There’s time jumps of weeks in this book and it’s never said whether he or she are continuing their respective sex lives during that time. If he could hook up with that cheerleader without “wanting” her, then what else was he doing during that time the heroine was still committed to (sleeping with??) her bf?? That’s a lot of potential cooties being passed around 🥴 This all gave me the ick and I nearly DNF’d. All of which could have been cleared up with just the a couple casual sentences, which is ANNOYING. (“I never go in bare”, “I’m on birth-control”, “I was tested recently due to my sport” etc - this is not hard - this is not a vintage historical) The only reason i continued was because I was trying to finish for a book challenge.

Overall, though, I did end up liking the book. The hero had a dirty mouth and I liked how loya, protective, and possessive he was. I felt like it was missing some relationship development (the sex was really the only development) and their original “hatred” was a pretty silly. However, I will try this author again, So 3-stars

[Mary Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rivals We Hate. The perfect college football romance for this time of year.

When Hallyn’s truck breaks down and is in need of an expensive repair, Beckham Carver proposes an idea Hallyn just can’t pass up. In exchange for free repairs, Hallyn has to tutor Beckham so he can bring up his grades and continue to play football.

Sounds easy enough, right?

Wrong. Not only is Hallyn wary of Beckham’s “reputation” with other girls, she’s dating the quarterback of Beckham’s rival team.

What starts as a cut and dry-ish agreement turns into something more as lines begin to cross, people’s attitudes begin to change, and a few things go a little awry?

🏈

This was a fun and quick one! I loved Beckham’s character and the soft spot he developed for Hallyn. His relationships with his twin brother and teammates were also a fun addition.

Hallyn was cute. Beckham brought out a side of her that was feisty and funny and meshed well with his personality.

Overall, I liked it! There are still some lingering questions I have, where the plot just never answered it or glossed over it. However, I’m hoping we find out more in Hayes’ book! He was one of my favorite characters and I’m excited to see what happens next.

Thank you Brooke and Grey’s Promotions for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

RELEASES OCT 30 on KU:
https://geni.us/trwh

[Abby (booksinthefreetime) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Well I’m officially HOOKED on this series!

I LOVE a good college romance and this book right here did not disappoint! I 100 percent read this book in one sitting…. I couldn’t put it down! 😆 Beckham is this cocky football star at Braysen U with such a fun personality. He definitely says what’s on his mind and loves to get people riled up. Hallyn is this feisty dancer who doesn’t take crap from no one and I fell in love with her character right from the beginning.

This is my first book by Brooke and I didn’t know what to expect but let me tell you this spice in these books are TOP TEIR! 🌶️🥵I’m already starting on the second book in this series and can’t wait to read more!

If you love…

-Football Sports Romance
-College Romance
-Enemies to Lovers
-Tutor and Football Player
-Protective MMC

READ THIS BOOK!!

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rivals We Hate has me hooked on this series and already eager for the next book. An enemies to lovers story that draws you in from the very first moment and has you on the edge of your seat. The banter between these two is electric and makes you laugh and light your skin on fire with the tension that ignites between them. Beckham took the words right out of my mouth when he says there is a fine line between love and hate and when those lines blur boy does the energy and chemistry between them radiate right off the pages. Beckham might be a cocky guy but when it comes to Hallyn he also has a sweet side that will melt your heart. Their story is packed with drama, seriously steamy moments and love and friendship. I found it hard to even put this book down for a moment and my only negative was that it came to an end.

[alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

✩‧₊ 2.5 stars ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

･ ｡ﾟ☆:The Rivals We Hate *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ

Beckham Carver (H) is the QB of the Braysen Bulldogs and Hallyn River’s (h) boyfriend’s biggest rival. When she meets him for the first time, she automatically doesn’t like him because of it, but Beckham does not feel the same way. He is pretty persistent about Hallyn admitting that she cares for him, even when she has a boyfriend. When things start to feel different with her boyfriend, Beckham is there to swoop in.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───

"What makes you think I would trust you after the first night we met?"

"All right, fine." I cross my arms over my chest. "Let's start over then, shall we? I'm Beckham Carver..."

Hallyn and Beckham don't have the best first impressions of each other. He thinks the whole world falls at his feet, so when Hallyn does the opposite, he's intrigued. Beckham assumes he can give her a good time, but she stands firm and walks away, which only makes him even more fascinated with her. She has a complicated history with her boyfriend, and Beckham implies that he doesn't have to know if something happens between them; his attitude throws me off. Don't get me wrong, confident, arrogant MMCs are sometimes decent, but Beckham was far too much, especially for the first chapter.

She rolls her eyes. "You are full of yourself, aren't you? I just meant I've heard about you. And it's less about your game on the field and more about your bedroom activities."

Hallyn was biased toward her boyfriend and disliked Beckham because she assumed he was the reason her boyfriend didn't have the QB spot, but in reality, she didn't know Beckham enough to form an opinion about him. Then again, she said if that wasn't sufficient reason, his attitude was the final straw. The main reason why I didn't like the FMC was because she automatically disliked the MMC without actually knowing him. Typically I wouldn't say I like when the story starts with the main characters not getting along simply because they hate each other without knowing each other at all. If he had done something horrid, then that's understandable. But he's just a rival football player — he must be a monster 👹 😧. There were plenty of situations that were just very immature of the FMC, and it was giving me a headache. She was stubborn for no reason, and disliking him got old too quickly.

"Somethin' tells me you're used to getting what you want," she fires off. "At least until you met me."

"Oh, trust me. I always get what I want." I smirk. "Suit yourself, though."

The FMC also gave off, "I'm not like other girls," which I can't tolerate in books. Wow, she's the first person who resists his charms! Even worse, he wants her more because of that. It's always about the chase and getting what he can't have for the MMC that makes him find her interesting. If it weren't for that, he wouldn't bat an eye! I just wasn't a fan of the execution of the dialogue; it felt forced. For example, when her car broke down and he came to help, he assumed her "daddy" could get her a new one. Hallyn then ranted about how she hadn't seen her father since she was three. Was all that necessary in the middle of the road 😶? I was like please get your car fixed and go. It could have been avoidable if she accepted his ride and called it a day. The plot dragged for no reason.

"Say it, Hallyn," I whisper. "Admit it. I promise I won't tell him. It'll stay between the two of us."

If she doesn't like her boyfriend, she should have just ended things before it led to emotional cheating. I understand that he's a terrible boyfriend, but the fact is, there is no point in showing someone on if there is nothing there. Both of them were in the wrong. Her boyfriend for being distant and not treating her well, and Hallyn for getting way too close to Beckham and somehow developing feelings for him while in a relationship. It's wrong on all ends. I would have enjoyed the book if she had ended things with her boyfriend early on; instead, she was still in a relationship 26% into the book, and still, she has this flirty banter going on with Beckham, and he has no shame about it.

"You want to throw two years down the drain for that fuckin' prick? It's because of him, isn't it?"

I'm glad she dumped him and understood that she deserved better. Both of them were holding on because of their history and years of knowing each other, but they were toxic. She realized that Beckham was different and noticed things about her that Tanner didn't, which was her breaking point. It doesn't make it fair that she hid things from Tanner because they were still in the relationship, but it's understandable.

From here, the book does improve because now the romance can develop between Beckham and Hallyn without feeling guilty about it. He is a flirt, but he does care for her. He notices the minor things and pays attention to her needs. I wouldn't say I liked the first half of the book, but the second half was much better in terms of character development. Especially because Beckham didn't allow himself to be with her until she accepted that she had feelings for him, it was push and pull, which added tension, especially when he would leave her on edge. These scenes were the best portion of the book, and I found myself enjoying it. If the book had been like this from the start, I would have loved it.

¸♡ OVERALL ♡¸.•

The book improves in the second half, so it might take a while to get better, but once it does, it's interesting.There is a lot of angst halfway because the FMC doesn't want to accept that she likes the MMC, so it keeps you hooked. I liked it; it was alright; I didn't get a great start. It would have been rated higher but the abrupt ending ruined it for me. How can you end a book on a cliffhanger when you’re no longer writing on these POVs??? It felt unfinished for Hallyn and Beckham.

[Just A Girl And Her Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to received an ARC of this book and I was hooked within the first chapter. It also happens to be the first book by Brooke O’Brien I’ve read, but it definitely won’t be the last. If you’re into sports romances then you’ve got to get your hands on this one.

Beckham Carter is the star QB for Braysen U’s Bulldogs and used to getting whoever he wants, until Hallyn Rivers that is. Once he meets Hallyn he sets his eyes on her and will do whatever it takes to get her.

Hallyn is a sassy little spitfire who’s dating the QB of Keaston U, their rival school. She wants nothing to do with Beckham, but damn those tingles she gets when he’s near … something she’s never gotten from her current boyfriend.

In true fashion they both need something from the other. Beckham is failing and Hallyn is a tutor. On the flip side Hallyn’s truck needs work and Beckham works in a mechanics shop … so they strike a deal to help each other but it’s gotta stay a secret. Hallyn can’t let her boyfriend find out, he’d never forgive her, after all Beckham took his spot at Braysen on the football team and hates him with a passion.

I enjoyed every moment of this book and honestly didn’t want to put it down to do my adulting duties. Beckham was the perfect mix of cocky, sexy, and sweet, everything we all want in our MMC. Hallyn had a great feisty attitude that I couldn’t get enough of but she also had mixed emotions about life and love that just felt so real.

There truly is a think line between love and hate in … The Rivals We Hate.

[Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I’m now a fan of Braysen U! A must read for anyone who loves themselves a good sports romance! Brooke delivers big with Braysen University’s star quarterback Beckham Carver!!! This rivals to lovers has so much packed into this book I couldn’t stop. He’s the newbie transplant at the university and she’s off limits spoken for by rivals quarterback. There’s suspense and hot spicy romance has you on your toes and routing for the team and quarterback. Hallyn Rivers is feisty dancer for the university who wants to hate Beckham as she’s dating the rival’s quarterback. She has a strained relationship and then finds herself tutoring the star quarterback who is determined to show her what she means to him. I felt like I was reading a movie! The parts where she receives roses from Beckham (seriously hot) and then to the locker room. This should be your next read. My first book by Brooke and I’m a huge fan! Cliffhanger in this book so of course I can’t wait for next book in the Braysen U series.

[Heather Mulvihill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beckham and Hayes, brothers on the football team at Braysen U. Beckham is the starting quarterback but he won't be due to his low grades. Coach hands him a list of tutors which he promptly throws in the garbage. He’ll get his grades up on his own. Hallyn, a student who is doing side jobs to pay for school, her dance program as well as other stuff so her mom doesn't have to. On her way to a tutoring session, Hallyn’s truck breaks down and the tow truck driver is Beckham, the guy whose bathroom she used at a party. He drives her back to her apartment and her truck will get looked at the next day.

In exchange for fixing her truck, Beckham asks Hallyn to tutor him in chemistry so he can get his grade up and stay on the football team. Hallyn asks for a few days to think about the situation.

I loved Beckham & Hallyn’s relationship and all the trials abd tribulations they went through. So excited for the next book

[Samantha Jernigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading @authorbrookeobrien and now…please gimme the ARC for The Plays we Fake. 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰.

Okay, I love a sports romance. But a sports romance with a dark, thriller-esqe plot in the background? Oooo 🫠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐈𝐒𝐇! Add that to the insta-love, enemies to lovers, I am done for.
I loveeee Beckham. He is the perfect alphahole turned cinnamon roll for his girl. 😍 and I loved the character development for Hallyn. Her happiness and growth could be 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑡. Their love is cheesy, yes, but perfect. The ending felt a little rushed but opened up for the unexpected cliff hanger 😳
Anyways, I am obsessed and I need book two like yesterday.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Sarah Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very passionate and addictive!

This was my first read from this author, and most certainly will not be my last. Beckham and Hallyn’s enemies to lovers tale was completely addictive - I was hooked from the first page. Beckham is full of so much swagger, but also sweetness, and the way he treats Hallyn over the course of the book is swoony and delicious. I especially loved the passion and spice, but also the overarching plot, the host of characters in this first in series, and the hints of what is to come. This was a fantastic series starter and I can’t wait for book 2 of Braysen U.

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a college sports romance with a little forbidden romance seasoning. GO READ THIS.

This was fun, really well written and I loved the energy between the two leads. You get loads of drama, spice and romance. I devoured this in a few hours and had the best time, even though I usually struggle with college settings!

Definitely a recommendation!

4🌟

—————————
thank you to Brooke O’Brien and Grey‘s Promotions for the arc <3

[Lenagoddelus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uff dios mío que suplicio de libro, no ha podido ser más aburrido y repetitivo. Es que no se ha salvado nada, ni la trama ni mucho menos sus personajes.

Lo iba leyendo y me decía, “porque te estás haciendo esto, Elena????”. En fin, el encabezonamiento humano 😂.

[BookishRaquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Heat Rating: 3/5 🌶️
Audiobook 5/5 🎧

What to Expect:
- Sports Romance
- College Football Romance
- Small Town Romance
- Rivals to Lovers
- Football Player x Tutor
- Protective MMC
- Reformed Playboy MMC
- Dual POVs

I love sports romance books and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. As soon as I finished it, I immediately downloaded the second book. The Rivals We Hate didn't necessarily end on a huge cliffhanger, but it did leave me with questions. I loved Beckham and Hallyn. I loved the banter, tension, angst, the back & forth, their chemistry, and the heat. I also loved the suspense elements of the story. Some moments in the story had me on the edge of my seat. Beckham is book boyfriend material. He is hot, cocky, and charming. Beckham is a reformed playboy who goes for what he wants. He wanted Hallyn and refused to let anything or anyone get in the way. When Hallyn was in danger, Beckham was there to protect her and keep her safe. I loved the growth Hallyn experienced during the story. She went from allowing Tanner to treat her poorly to being confident enough to stand up for herself.

The Rivals We Hate is a well-written story and a great start to the new Braysen U series. I honestly could not stop reading/listening, and I'm really excited to dive into Brooke's other books.

NARRATION:
The narrators, Lee Samuels and Stefanie Kay, did an outstanding job. I could listen to Lee Samuels read just about anything. He did a wonderful job voicing Beckham. I was able to picture a tough, playboy football quarterback. Stefanie was the perfect voice for Hallyn. She did a wonderful job portraying Hallyn's feisty attitude and quick wit. Lee and Stefanie's performance brought the characters to life and really pulled me into the story.

Thanks to Brooke O'Brien for providing a gifted ALC for review. Opinions expressed are my own.

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨  
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥  
  
Y'all I am firmly in my college football era! And these tropes called to me, boyfriends rival, enemies to lovers, he falls first, and a little forced proximity!   
  
I loved this! Brooke made me relive my college days a little with this one and Beckham and Hallyn had me hooked from the second they met and started snarking at each other!   
  
Beckham Carver is the new star QB at Braysen University and Hallyn Rivers is the girlfriend of their biggest rival. They meet at a party and sparks fly between them, but Hallyn cannot stand Beckham. But no worries, Beckham is persistent and knows how to get the girl.  
  
I love a man that goes into protector mode, and Carver is a perfect example of that. He is so upfront about the fact that he wants Hallyn and flirts with her shamelessly when she is off limits. After her twat of a boyfriend, Tanner, gets the boot, Beckham will do anything to prove himself.   
  
I love how cute these two are. Hallyn is just the sweetest, and I love the friendship she and Ava share. Plus the quarterback and the dance team girlfriend trope is just absolutely adorable. Beckham is swoony, and cares so deeply about the people in his life. Once he is all in on Hallyn he proves over and over how important she is to him.   
  
And those two both have dirty mouths and I love how they tease each other when things get spicy. It's such good spice too! I enjoyed every bit of it 🌹🔥.   
  
I couldn't put this one down and if you’re a sports romance fan, you won't be able to either. This one is a quick, sweet read with enough plot to stay interesting and a solid friend group that you want more from. Good thing Beckham has a twin, because I need more Carver boys and I can't wait for Hayes story.   

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run! Run Quick! Run Now! Once you get your hands on this Bad Boy, life around you will Stop!! This is Intoxicating and Intriguing, the characters are not immature but have hard working ethics and have such a bond that goes beyond just friends. I'm one of those readers that once a book starts, it plays like a movie reel in my head and what a movie this was! Even when I had to take breaks because you know, that thing called life, even it would not stop the rewinding of the chapters in my head. The Rivals We Hate is packed full of tropes we love, suspense that is unpredictable and the sexual attraction between the MCs will set you on fire. I hated to see this story end but what a fun, enjoyable ride it was. I'm ready for the bonus epilogue but most of all the next book!

Beckham Carter, star QB of Braysen University Bulldogs meets Hallyn Rivers when she came out of his bathroom. He thought she was sassy and feisty and he was hooked on her from the start. She wanted to hate him and so she baited him with the knowledge that her boyfriend was the QB for Keaston University, his biggest rival.

Beck needs a tutor, Hall needs a mechanic. They make a deal but no one is to know. But not all secrets stay hidden and when they are exposed, bad things happen. But Beckham will prove to Hallyn that it's a fine line between Love and Hate...

I Sincerely Thank Brooke O'Brien for the digital copy and I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Braysen U #1

Beckham Carver is the new QB for the Braysen Bulldogs in Braysen, South Carolina. He transferred so he could play football with his twin Hayes and have a better chance to play at a higher level and hopefully make it to the NFL.

He gets pulled into the coach's office and told he better get his grades up or he can't play and is told to get a tutor. When it happens again he knows he better find one.

Hallyn Rivers came to Braysen U so she could dance with her best friend and roomie Ava. She left her boyfriend who is the QB for Braysen's rival team and moved.

When Hallyn's truck breaks down and the person that stops to help is Beckham she's not too happy. Beckham makes her a deal, he will fix her old truck in exchange for her tutoring him but no one is to know, especially her boyfriend.

She hates Beckham but the more time she spends with him that changes. He's bound to prove to her he's a good guy and he always gets what he wants. When she breaks up with her boyfriend of course Beckham is there for her. But then things start happening to Hallyn; it puts them on edge.
Will they find out who's behind it?

4.5 stars
This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed this story. There are some twists and we still aren't sure what's going on with Hayes and can't wait for his story.

[Romancingthroughlife (Sivan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Except, the more time I spent near Beckham, no matter how hard I try to tell myself I did, I knew in the back of my mind that he was right. I lied to myself and him because I could never hate him.”

This was a great college romance! I love how at first Hallyn wants nothing to do with Beckham. It was fun reading how Beckham tries really hard for a shot with her. I loved how swoony Beckham is! He cares about Hallyn so he decides to help her with her broken down car in exchange for tutoring. I wasn’t expecting the MCs to like each other so quickly. I thought Hallyn would want nothing to do with Beckham since he is her boyfriend’s rival. But that’s not the case as the boyfriend is an asshole and you are waiting for Hallyn to break up with him! I loved how Beckham treated Hallyn like a queen. Always looking out for her. There are a lot of steamy scenes in this book and while I love that in a romance book I sometimes felt like it was a little too much for no reason. Like the characters were just horny and wanting to bang lol!
I am really excited for Beckham’s brother’s story next!

Read if you like:
Dual POVs
College romance
Boyfriend’s rival
Swoony hero
Football romance
Open door romance
Protective hero

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rivals We Hate is heartstoppingly sexy—I could not put it down! If I could give it 10 stars I would. Main characters Beckham and Hallyn are beautifully written, each with their own drive and determination—and they have explosive chemistry together. Their friend group is dynamically complex, the villainy is twisted, and there are great unexpected plot turns.

Packed with intrigue, intensity, action, drama, angst, and emotion, Author Brooke O’Brien has worked her magic yet again. I was enthusiastically sucked into the world of Braysen U on page 1 and kept hooked through the last word of this novel—literally unable to put it down. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

Update: I just listened to the audio book and it is amazing!!! The narrators did a fabulous job of bringing this book to life for the listeners. Their voices are pleasant, and they really got into the characters. Loved it!

[Amy Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want an 'enemies' (but never really enemies) to lovers with a bit of rivalry mixed in then this is the story for you.

Beckham is star QB but his grades need to improve to get coach off his back, but the thought of spending time with anyone isn't of interest to him except the fiesty girl he met at a party.

Hallyn is trying to keep her studies funded by doing some tutoring in her freetime, but her truck breaksdown and the guy who tows her happens to be the guy from the party she hated.

Hallyn can't afford to fix her truck and Beckham can't afford to fail chemistry so they strike a deal with a very clear rule, nobody can find out, especially not Hallyns boyfriend aka the quarterback of Beckham's teams biggest rivals.

But what happens when the feelings of hate shift to something very different?

[Josmely · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story! Beckham and Hallyn were really cute together. Even when they "hated" each other they still had really good banter.

Im glad nothing happened between them while she was still dating that loser. From the start you can tell the steamy scenes were gonna be hot bf of how much chemistry those two had. The way they teased each other was perfection.

Protective Beckham has my entire heart. This man doesn't think twice when it comes to his girl. Also really liked how Hallyn always stood up for herself especially against that loser ex of hers.

If ur looking for a sports romance with a tiny bit of mystery thrown in the mix this is the perfect book for you.

We get to know a lot of their friends as well and a couple definitely caught my attention. Especially Beckhams twin brother, definitely need more of him.

[Janiyah :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ 3.5 🌶️
notes:
* Football Romance
* Small Town Romance
* Rivals to Lovers
* Boyfriend’s Rival
* Tutor Situation

my thoughts: This was my first book by Brooke O’Brien and I definitely enjoyed it! It will be available on Amazon and KU October 30th!

Hallyn and Beckham were the MCs. Hallyn was very nice and she was never afraid of a challenge. Beckham is a very hard worker and truly cares about people that are important to him.

I really liked the pair’s relationship! I feel like the connection was evident from the jump and they both truly cared for each other. They both helped each other in different ways.

I would definitely read the next one! 💙

quote: “I hadn’t realized how hollow I was inside until you came in and filled all the empty parts of me.”

[Corey Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Binge worthy read ahead!!!! There is just something about a steamy sports romance that just clicks for me. I loooooved Beckham and Hallyn’s story. A female sarcastic smart mouth is probably one of my favourite characteristics in a book and Hallyn nailed that role. Rival football teams brought back a lot of nostalgia from highschool (Go Bolts). There’s also a little mystery action going on which definitely adds to the story. I’m not usually a fan of a cliffhanger ending but I’m so looking forward to heading back to Braysen U and seeing what transpires with Hayes.

Thank you so much Brooke for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the start of chapter 1 I was hooked! This book was so good, I loved the drama and the suspense, and where to even start with the incredibly hot and steamy scenes between Beckham and Hallyn! These two were perfect and explosive together. I loved Beckham, he was cocky, sexy, sweet, protective and he was very determined to get Hallyn no matter what. And Hallyn was pretty incredible too! I loved her sass and how she put Beckham in his place! And I loved when she didn’t take crap from Leslie, Beckham was her man and she wasn’t afraid to make it clear to everyone.
But there’s still many questions I need answered!
I want to know what happened to Hayes, and I can’t for his story next.

[Becky Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, Where do I begin! I absolutely love this series and this is just book one! I am totally in love with these characters. There is the perfect mix of banter between Hallyn and Beckham. Beckham sets his eyes on Hallyn after he first meets her and everything falls into place from there. I don't want to say to much as to not give away an spoilers. But if you love small town, sports romance, with One Tree Hill Vibes then you should totally grab this book! I am so excited for the next book in this series to find out more about Hayes and his story! This was a great start to a new series!!! I can't wait for more!

[Kirsten | Bookish.kir · Rating 4 out of 5]

- College
- Football quarterback X dance team
- Boyfriend's rival
- Reformed player
- Touch her and I'll hurt you
- No third act split

This was my first read by Brooke O' Brien and it will certainly not be my last. Beckham was the perfect mix of cocky, but sweet and Hallyn was so sassy, I loved their banter. The Rivals We Hate has drama and touches on some heavier topics, but for me it never got to the point of feeling too dark or too heavy. It does end of a bit of a cliff hanger as it seems Beckham's past might be coming back to haunt him, but book two will focus on his twin brother, February 2024 cannot come soon enough, I need Hayes' book ASAP!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥.5

[Chealsey (Grace_lynn_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one, and I am hooked! This was an outstanding read for me, and I can't wait for the next one! The chemistry between Hallyn and Beckham was perfect. Beckham definitely kept a smile on my face the whole time I was reading. He knew what he wanted, and he wasn't going to let anyone get in his way.

This is a great football, small town, rivals to lover's romance. It does end on a cliffhanger. So be prepared for that! Overall though I would recommend this book.

**I read this as an ARC and this is my honest review**

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke O’Brien has written a heartwarming romance in The Rivals We Hate.

College Rivals? Yes!
Touch her and pay? Yes!
Alpha-male? Yes!
Enemies to lovers? Oh ya!

If you enjoy the above tropes I highly recommend diving into this novel immediately. It jumps right in from the beginning and gives you a nostalgic feel for college years and relationships.

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