The Players We Hate

Rixton U #1

by Brooke O'Brien

An enemies to lovers hockey romance by Brooke O’Brien about secrets that could ruin the season, a kiss that never should’ve happened, and two hearts pulled back together by the one thing more powerful than hate... the truth.

I never should’ve let Wren Perry get close—not with everything her last name cost mine.

She’s the governor’s daughter. Untouchable. Off-limits.

A walking reminder of everything I should hate.

She was a distraction I had no business touching. The kiss we shared? A cheap shot meant to rattle her brother, not leave a mark. But her lips hit harder than I expected, and the memory stuck like a bruise I can’t shake.

I’ve been off my game ever since. Now she’s back in my life, tied to my team in a way I can’t avoid.

I don’t trust her. I shouldn’t want her. But every time she looks at me, I forget why I ever let her go.

Our season’s already hanging by a thread. Stats don’t match the game footage. Players are faking injuries. And Wren’s dropping clues like she wants to help me find the truth without ever saying a word.

They’re waiting for us to fall apart. They think I’ve lost my edge. But I’ve never backed down from a fight.

This time, I’m not just playing for my team.

I’m playing for our season. For the truth.

And for the girl I should’ve hated… but never could.

BONUS! Preorder or purchase on release day and get access to an exclusive bonus scene.
___________________________________________

What you get in The Players We Hate...

Enemies to Lovers
Rival's Sister
Hockey
Small College Town
Secrets, Lies, & Corruption
Interconnected Standalone

___________________________________________

The Players We Hate is book one in the Rixton U series—a set of interconnected standalones featuring the hockey players of Rixton University and the women who flip their world upside down. While each book includes a swoony romance with a HEA, the suspense arc unfolds across the series. The Players We Hate is the perfect follow up to The Pucks We Freeze and sets the stage to evrything that's to come.

Genres: Hockey, Enemies To Lovers, Sports, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Hockey Romance, College

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2025

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.

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Reviews

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Players We Hate was a gripping, suspenseful, steamy tale.

Talon knows that going after Wren should be the last thing to do, but he can't forget the few moments they shared. While he tries to protect his sister, his team and himself, he also lies down with the woman who can destroy his future.

Wren and Talon are so protective and selfless. They have some past issues, they are in a really tight situation, but when they are together they seem invincible. Unfortunately they take some time before to understand that is better to share problems, and not to collapse under their weight alone.
I loved these two together, and cheered for them.

Brooke O'Brien wrote such a good novel, her characters are complex and well developped, the flow is nice, and even if there are some evil people to find and some investigation to do the story never gets boring.

Absolutely recommended.

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first as they say … This is not a standalone. The journey of Talon & Wren is a standalone, but this series has a story arc that builds with each book. As this arc builds, some circumstances we get answers to and some we don’t, until the next book. How do I know this? Because that’s what happened in this story! LOL The prequel to this series, The Pucks We Freeze, left readers with quite a few questions which I thought would just be answered in this story and that would be that, but nope, not all is neatly wrapped up with a bow, and even more questions are left up in the air. So, what does that tell you? The author uses the words ”Interconnected Standalone” for a reason. Trust her.

Now, about this story … captivating with just enough tension to keep you turning the pages is the best way I can describe this story. It had its moments of frustration for me, but not enough to put me off. I’ve already established my love for Brooke O’Brien’s storytelling skills and with this new series I’m discovering a new layer of her skills, and I love it! I enjoyed the suspense arc of the story because it did not come across as cliché or predictable. I’m enjoying all the plot twists behind the “team” but more so the actual journey of Talon and Wren. I was rooting for them from the very beginning. I’m not sure I would categorize their story as an enemies-to-lovers but more of an ”I hate your brother so therefor I should not want you but I do” kind of story. It’s a slow-burn journey which fits the storyline perfectly because of who Talon and Wren are. There’s a whole lot emotion going on in this story because of the family dynamics in Wren’s family and her growth in this story is one of my favorite parts.

This is a really well thought out plot in which each story will connect with the next and even after reading two stories in this series, I am still not quite sure how the tide will turn, as they say! I’m looking forward to finding out and I’m really looking forward to getting this story in my ears asap!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to The Author Agency for my advance copy of The Players We Hate by Brooke O'Brien in exchange for my honest review. This is a romance that tries to be a suspense one as well...and claims to be standalone, but I think you're going to end up having to read them all to fully understand what is going on.

There's a prequel that really describes some threats the hockey players are getting...it's not described nearly to the detail it is in that one soooo you'd miss out on that if you didn't read it. Then...we don't even get an answer to WHO was threatening them! I guess this mystery is going to continue on?

We have Wren & Talon...absolutely enemies. Wren is the governor's daughter. Talon is the star hockey player at Rixton U, and also detests Wren's brother for what he did to his sister. But something fishy is going on with Wren's family and the hockey program. Can they figure it out?

Listen...I wasn't a fan of the prequel and wanted to give this one a shot, but this isn't for me. I consider this a connected series (not interconnected standalone) that you're going to have to read in order to understand what's going on, because we get minimal answers for what is happening.

3 out of 5 stars, meh. Missed the mark for me, but if you're looking for a series with some romance and a little mystery, here it is!

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brand new hockey series from Rixton U. An enemies to lovers with a touch of suspense thrown in as the drama behind the team unravels. We got a snippet of the drama from Kades story in the prequel but here we find out more about the secrets causing the trauma. Talon is the hockey team captain and former playboy, Wren is the Governors daughter, recently transferred to Rixton in a bid to claw out of her parents grasp. The two couldn’t be more opposites and should never work given their family history but they just cant seem to deny the attraction and chemistry. Tension are high, frustration palpable as more secrets are uncovered and who can be trusted, despite this, these two still get hot and heavy and are absolutely gorgeous together. I was rooting for them from the get go!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

[Ashley Schilling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welcome Back Wolves! Are you ready for the drama and scandals that await you in The Players We Hate? Are you ready to figure out the mystery behind what is going on with the Rixton U hockey team?

Are you looking for a semi suspenseful small town hockey romance featuring the rivals sister, say hello to Talon and Wren. One could say that this is an enemies to lovers romance but I did not get those vibes. In my opinion it is more of a reluctant allies type of romance.

The Players We Hate picks up where The Pucks We Freeze left off surrounding the mystery that is affecting the Rixton U hockey team. This series is an interconnected standalone series, but in my opinion will need to be read in order to get the full scope of the storyline not just the romance aspect.

At times I found it to be a little repetitive, but I overall enjoyed the read. It is short read that flows nicely and keeps your attention from the beginning to the end.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Wren and Talon’s story.
Wren has lived her life under her controlling parent’s thumb, and as the daughter of a governor, she is a pawn to be paraded around for political events. When Wren transfers to Rixon U, she craves the freedom, while Talon is the captain of the hockey team. Talon and Wren have a complex history, as she is the sister of his rival.
This is a well written slow burn, easy to read story, with family dynamics, friendships, emotions, secrets, betrayal, lies, corruption, mystery, suspense, trust, enemies / lovers, revelations, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talon + Wren

-hockey romance
-small college town
-enemies to lovers
-rivals sister
-deep series continued scandal plot

we might have had some answers & conclusion the plot that started with the last book but i have a feeling its still just the beginning here at rixton!! its going to be soooo good!! i had some doubt there for a second cause these two seemed insta-lovey there for a second...then BAM! plot twist! & it was so good!!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book, couldn't put it down. Loved that there were characters from other Brooke O'Brien books as it made it fun to figure out the connections. However if you haven't read her other books, it doesn't affect anything. Talon is the captain of the hockey team and completely irresistible. When Wren comes into his life, I loved figuring out their connection. This book was more than just their relationship. So much suspense leaving you wondering what more is going on. Not to be missed!

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Wren and Talon's romance. There was plenty of tension between this couple along with some potent chemistry. A smart blend of drama, secrets, heart, emotion, scandals, humor, twists and a deliciously lush slow burn easily pulled me into this book, passionately rooting for these characters and eagerly turning pages. I look forward to reading the next book in this great series.

[Farrahlea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely obsessed with hockey romances! And you know what's even better? The enemies-to-lovers trope – there's something about the tension and banter that just draws me in 😍.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE PLAYERS WE HATE is the first full-length instalment in Brooke O’Brien’s contemporary, new adult RIXTON U erotic, hockey romance series, a spin off set in the author’s BRAYSEN U world. This is team captain Talon Pierce, and the governor’s daughter Wren Perry’s story line. THE PLAYERS WE HATE can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the introductory novella THE PUCKS WE FREEZE. The events of THE PLAYERS WE HATE cross over with, and run parallel to the events of THE PUCKS WE FREEZE.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Wren and Talon) THE PLAYERS WE HATE follows the building but tempestuous relationship between our story line couple. Wren Perry has been raised to be the politician’s picture perfect daughter, for the picture perfect family that was anything but perfect but when the university’s hockey captain took a liking to our heroine, Wren was hoping to step out of her comfort zone, if only for a short while. Talon Pierce was aware of Wren Perry’s family, and the name that destroyed his family back home but Talon saw something different in our story line heroine until mistrust and previous betrayals had Talon pushing Wren out of his life. Months would pass, and the betrayals grew darker, until our heroine revealed the truth that would send the entire sports department into a spiral. Desperate for forgiveness, Talon would being another slow seduction of the woman with whom he would fall in love, a woman who would place her life and her future in the direct line of fire.

The world building follows Wren as she goes from the perfect daughter to a woman who is willing to risk it all for the truth. As our heroine begins to dig deeper into a possible scandal and corruption leading all the way to the top, Talon watches from the sidelines believing the betrayal comes from our story line heroine.

The relationship between Wren and Talon is a friends to enemies to frenemies to lovers in which issues of trust, secrets and miscommunication threaten the fragility of an already questionable relationship. Wren had hope Talon would see beyond the secrets she so desperately wanted to reveal but a past betrayal threatened any hope of a possible reconciliation. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Talon’s teammates: Gavin, Rowdy, Kate, Owen, Coach Dawson, his sister Tatum, as well as Wren’s parents Governor and Mrs Perry,her brother Wells, and her roommate Alisa.

THE PLAYERS WE HATE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, threats and blackmail, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is seductive and impassioned; the characters are determined and charismatic.

copy supplied for review

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one of Brooke O'Brien new Rixton U series. The prequel novella is a must read and I do recommend reading that to better understand the characters and to give this story more depth.

Talon and Wren have a history through their siblings, Wren’s brother dated and destroyed Talon's sister. Wren and Tatum were friendly when Tatum and Wells dated but they were not super close. When Wells and Tatum broke up, there was definitely bad blood between the Perry's and the Pierces. This made Talon very wary and antagonistic towards Wren, believing that she was just as bad as her brother and parents.

Talon is the playboy Captain of the Rixton U hockey team. He looks out for his sister and his teammates. His sister and his mother’s welfare has been his priority since his father left him the man of the house. His goal is the NHL and nothing and no one would stand in his way of achieving that goal unless it was to protect his family.

Wren was always in her families shadow, Wells' little sister, the governor’s daughter, the prop for family pictures, or the fundraising gala. She was the wallflower but that didn't tell the whole story of who Wren Perry really was, that was just who she led her father and the press to believe she was.

At Rixton U, Wren was determined to make a difference and have some fun along the way including parties and hanging out with friends. She also worked hard to earn an intern spot with the athletic department. She did not want to be arm candy like her mother.

While working as an intern, Wren noticed something amiss and was determined to get to the bottom of it. During this time she spent a lot of time at the arena watching the hockey team. Talon and a few teammates had also noticed some discrepancies and were investigating. He starts to think that Wren is involved somehow or is covering for someone. Through several disagreements and misunderstandings they both decide to work together to solve the mystery surrounding players and shady characters.

Throughout this time, Talon and Wren are determined to stay "enemies" even though their chemistry is off the charts and they keep intimate moments. They start to trust each other but that trust is still precarious because of their family dynamics and explosive history.

When Talon and Wren, along with their friends on and off the ice discover the truth, they have to decide how to handle it. They can blow the lid off and create a scandal or keep their heads down and turn over the evidence and hope for the best. Either way, Wren would end up caught in the middle and have to decide whether to protect her family, or stand by her friends and the truth. One thing Wren and Talon knew fir sure was they were stronger together and with the help of their team they could weather the storm!

I really enjoyed reading Talon and Wren’s Story and cannot wait for the next book! Thank you Brooke O'Brien and theauthoragency for the ARC!

[Cigi cini · Rating 5 out of 5]

💥 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Hockey Romance
💋 Forbidden Kiss
💣 Family Feud
🔥 Slow Burn Tension
🎓 College Setting
🕵️ Mystery Subplot
💔 Second Chance Vibes
👑 Governor’s Daughter
📱 Secret Clues

Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25

The Players We Hate is a gripping blend of sports drama, sizzling chemistry, and emotional depth that takes the classic enemies-to-lovers trope and gives it a fresh, high-stakes twist. Brooke O’Brien doesn’t just write a romance - she builds a world where every play on the ice mirrors the tension off it, and every secret threatens to shatter more than just hearts.

From the very first page, the tension between Wren Perry and Talon is palpable. She’s the governor’s daughter, a symbol of everything he should despise, and yet she’s the one person he can’t stop thinking about. Their first kiss was supposed to be a weapon - a way to rattle her brother - but it becomes the spark that ignites a fire neither of them can put out. That single moment lingers like a bruise, and when fate throws them back together, the chemistry is undeniable, the stakes higher than ever.

What sets this book apart is the layered conflict. It’s not just about forbidden attraction; it’s about loyalty, reputation, and the weight of expectations. The team’s season is unraveling - stats don’t match game footage, players are faking injuries, and someone is pulling strings behind the scenes. Wren becomes an unexpected ally, dropping breadcrumbs of truth while guarding her own secrets. Talon is torn between mistrust and a desire that feels like a losing battle, and that push-pull dynamic keeps the pages turning.

The romance is electric, but Brooke O’Brien doesn’t sacrifice emotional depth for heat. Both characters are flawed, vulnerable, and achingly real. Their banter is sharp, their confrontations charged, and when the walls finally come down, the payoff is worth every ounce of tension. Add in the adrenaline of college hockey, the thrill of uncovering a conspiracy, and the ache of a love that shouldn’t exist but refuses to die, and you have a story that’s as addictive as it is heartfelt.

If you love sports romance with grit, mystery, and a hero who fights as hard for the truth as he does for the girl he can’t let go, The Players We Hate will leave you breathless and begging for more.

[Mégan Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC - 4 🌟 2 🌶️

🔥 Enemies to lovers
🏒 Rival's sister
🔥 Hockey romance
🏒 Small college town

Wren and Talon’s story is the kind of enemies-to-lovers chaos that keeps you glued to the page. She’s the governor’s polished daughter, he’s the Rixton U hockey star with a chip on his shoulder and a grudge against her brother. From the outside, they have every reason to despise each other, but underneath all the tension, there’s something neither of them can quite ignore.

Talon should steer clear, he knows that. Protecting his sister, his team, and his own future has to come first. But the memory of Wren lingers, sharp and impossible to shake. And when secrets start bubbling up around her family and the hockey program, staying away becomes the last thing on his mind. These two are the literal definition of shouldn’t work but absolutely do.

Wren and Talon? Both stubborn, both protective, both way too used to carrying their problems solo. Do they struggle? Yep. Do they drive each other insane? Absolutely. It takes them time (and plenty of mistakes) to realize they’re stronger when they lean on each other instead of trying to survive separately. Their opposite worlds and messy history should keep them apart, yet their chemistry is explosive, their connection undeniable, and when they’re together? Nothing else matters.
The tension is high, the frustration nearly tangible, and the push-pull is addicting. Every secret revealed adds another layer of drama, scandal, and suspense. And still through it all, they manage to turn up the heat in ways that make you both swoon and gasp.

This book gives you everything: secrets, scandals, drama, sass, slow burn that’ll have you screaming, and tension so thick you could cut it with a hockey skate. I was eating up every twist, every stolen glance, every “we shouldn’t but we definitely are” moment. It’s emotional, scandalous, and deliciously addictive. I was rooting for Wren and Talon from the very first page, and now I’m counting the days until the next installment in this series.

Thank you The Author Agency and Brooke for this arc opportunity! I can’t wait for what’s next.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Players We Hate: An Enemies to Lovers Hockey Romance (Rixton U) by Brooke O’Brien is a romance between two unlikely people: Wren Perry, the governor’s daughter and sister of Wells Perry, who damaged his ex-girlfriend Tatum’s reputation, and whose brother Talon Pierce is a college hockey captain and plays center. Wren wants to be herself and be “seen” by others, instead of the plastic Barbie doll façade she projects to uphold her parents’ political image. Alisa, Wren’s college roommate, persuades her to attend a party at the hockey house, where she runs into Talon without realizing he is Tatum’s brother. When she asks where the bathrooms are, he offers her the use of the toilet in his room. There, they talk, share a kiss, and explore each other. Wren leaves when her mother keeps texting her, expecting her to check in. The moments Wren and Talon share stay with them as memories that neither time nor school can erase. When Wren overhears her father at a party discussing the incident with one of his workers, she discovers that Wells did something to hurt Tatum and that her father covered it up. She then seeks out Talon to tell him she didn’t know he was Tatum’s brother and wasn’t aware of her brother’s actions toward Tatum. As they keep crossing paths, a secret friendship grows, with each intimate moment pulling them closer to the blurred lines they both secretly want to cross. Some teammates don’t trust Wren, creating tension, distrust, and deliberate hurt. The hockey team notices that one of their teammates is acting strangely — playing differently and pretending to be hurt, which could jeopardize their game results. Amid threats to the players and the uncertainty of what’s really happening, the tension escalates. With all the obstacles Wren and Talon face, it becomes a race against time to find out what will happen next, including finding their HEA. Brooke O’Brien has written a sports romance that surpasses all her previous books, a real feat given that they are all among the best of the best reads available.

[Lila Danisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Rixton U after the plot cliffhanger of The Pucks We Freeze. The tension between Talon and Wren was already high there and in this book, that tension paid off. Though the book didn't pick up the timeline of The Pucks We Freeze directly, instead it started with whatever happened to Tatum (Talon's sister) and Wells (Wren's brother). I haven't read Tatum's book yet, The Fouls We Make (Baysen U series), and it threw me off the hook because I was so confused with the timeline until 51% of the story where the timeline finally aligned with this series prequel, The Pucks We Freeze. That timeline confusion was also one of the reasons why I couldn't give this book 5 stars. While the Tatum-Wells fiasco was spiking my interest in her book, it was still a hiccup for my overall reading experience with Talon-Wren's book.

Wren and Talon definitely had an insta-love going on but their story to finally give in was kinda slow-burning. While there was angst going on between them, I didn't think the enemies-to-lovers trope fit with this book. There was no enmity between Talon and Wren.
At some parts of the book, I hated Talon because he was kinda an asshole to Wren. Luckily his eyes and heart opened and he redeemed himself. Wren's character was steadily growing throughout the book and it was satisfying to read.

Despite the plot finally unfolded, I felt like the ending wasn't enough. I needed more closure on Wren's parents, especially her father. I think the story didn't just finished here and would continue to the next book(s). My guess is that Rowdy will be the next MMC. Will see if my guess come out right or wrong. Can't wait to be back to Rixton U.

Overall, I had fun with this book and already so invested with this series. And as I mentioned before, I surely will get my hand on other books in previous series, Baysen U, especially Tatum's book.

Thank you to Brooke O'Brien and The Author Agency for the ARC.

[The Booktrovert Records · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
❄️ The Players We Hate 🏒
Book 1 in the Rixton U Series
Written By: Brook O’Brien

Overall: 3.75/5
Overall plot: 3.75/5
Character development: 3.75/5
Pace: 3.75/5
World building: 3.75/5
Spice 🌶️: 2/5

Thank you, Brooke, for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team and read The Players We Hate ahead of its release date.

The Players We Hate is technically book 1 in the Rixton U series but it actually starts with The Pucks We Freeze. Some characters introduced in the .5 of the series makes more sense since they show up in book 1. All in all though, it can be read as a standalone and still get what’s happening.

Wren Perry is the governor’s daughter and she’s off limits. Not only that, she’s a walking reminder of everything Talen should hate but somehow deep down doesn’t. Even knowing her name and couldn’t forgive what her brother’s done to his sister, he’s still attracted to her.

Talon Pierce is the Rixton’s hockey team captain and everything is about control and while he might have gone a little overboard with some hookups the previous year, he’s hoping there aren’t any distractions with getting to the Froze Four in the season, so he needs to eat, sleep, and breathe hockey. Unfortunately, he can’t stay away and with some questionable things happening to his team, he’s not sure if he can trust Wren.

There’s so much tension between Wren and Talen and soooooo much back and forth. I think this goes on for about a good 60-70% of the book until they are finally honest with each other and themselves about how they feel.

The amount of suspense that’s weaved throughout the plotline is what connects them together, TBH. And the amount of unanswered questions aren’t tied, so it’s somewhat of a cliffhanger even though Wren and Talon has a HEA. I really wanted to give book 1 a shot even though book .5 was a little hard to get through.

If you want to dive into a college hockey romance with MMCs being enemies to lovers and a suspense subplot, this book’s for you.

Tropes:
❄️ College Hockey
🏒Sports Romance
❄️Rival’s Sister
🏒Enemies to Lovers
❄️Small Mountain Town
🏒Suspense Subplot

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talon Pierce has more reason than most to hate governor’s daughter Wren Perry. After all her brother and father were responsible for humiliating his sister to the extent she’d dropped out and gone into hiding so no-one would’ve been surprised if Talon had been tempted to hit out at Wren in revenge after she transferred to Rixton University, the college where he captained the ice hockey team. But one kiss and he’d instinctively known he couldn’t deliberately hurt her. Besides, he had more important things to worry about, mainly what was going on with team but suddenly every time he turned around Wren was there watching him and his team. But was she part of what was going on.

The stage was set for the underlying story arc in The Players We Hate with the preceding novella, The Pucks We Freeze, which partly overlaps this book as the plot involving match fixing begins to take shape and build. Just how deep the corruption goes remains to be seen but Wren Perry seems to be centre to. As the governor’s daughter Wren has always been in the background, silent and ignored, but that meant she’s seen and overheard things she shouldn’t have. Now she’s starting to put the pieces together and knowing something is very wrong, is determined to find out who is responsible especially when she overhears threats against Talon. Talon is suspicious of Wren but the more time he spends with her the more he wants to believe and trust in her, until he realises that together what they know may just be enough to uncover the perpetrators. With fabulous characters in Talon and Wren with some sizzling chemistry between them not forgetting an absorbing plot complete with escalating threats and a villain with too much to lose if exposed, the tension builds throughout the story, the Rixton University series is off to a strong start.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke O’Brien set the stage perfectly with her prequel The Pucks We Freeze, but she truly delivers in The Players We Hate: An Enemies to Lovers Hockey Romance (Rixton U)—the gripping first book in the Rixton U series.

Wren has spent her whole life under her parents’ control—paraded out for photo ops, forced to attend political functions, and treated as nothing more than a pawn in their image. Transferring to Rixton finally offers her the freedom she’s been craving. What she doesn’t expect is to collide with Talon, the magnetic captain of the hockey team.

Their history is complicated. Wren got along with Talon’s sister in the past, but she has no idea why things ended between Talon’s sister and her brother. Talon believes Wren knew exactly what happened—and the betrayal cuts deep. What follows is a fiery enemies-to-lovers push and pull, charged with distrust, passion, and slow-burning tension that keeps you turning the pages.

But this isn’t just a romance. Ms O’Brien threads in a suspenseful backdrop of mystery surrounding the hockey team. Stats aren’t adding up, games don’t make sense, and someone seems to be pulling strings from the shadows. Wren and Talon find themselves not only navigating their messy feelings, but also uncovering secrets that could ruin the season—and their shot at happiness.

As the blurb teases: “A kiss that should never have happened. Secrets that could ruin everything. And two hearts discovering that sometimes, the only thing stronger than hate is the truth.”

After the couldn’t put down prequel this book has it all—angst, chemistry, suspense, and a couple you can’t help but root for. Brooke O’Brien launches the Rixton U series with an emotional, fast-paced, and unputdownable enemies-to-lovers hockey romance.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Truth Will Set You Free! The Players We Hate follows The Pucks We Freeze novella in the Rixton U series. TPWF sets the stage of all the suspense to come in this small town college romance. This is a spin-off of Braysen U and we get to reconnect with some of those characters as well as the game of Hockey. If you like enemies to lovers between a rivals sister, secrets, lies and corruption, witty banter and a HEA with a bonus epilogue then please do Brooke O'Brien a favor and download this interconnected standalone today.

I would like to Sincerely Thank Brooke O'Brien for my ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.


Wren Perry is the governor's daughter and has felt invisible her whole life. She has transferred to Rixton U where she is unaware that her brothers rival plays hockey for the Rixton Wolves.

Talon Pierce knows her as soon as she walks in the door of the hockey house. Talon has enough stress in his life with being the teams captain and the frozen four on the line. But she reminds him of what her last name caused his family and tries to hate her.

They share a kiss that rattles Talon and the memory stays with him even though he tells himself she's just a distraction. He's not playing the same and now he sees Wren everywhere since she's working with the team.

Wren has good reason to not trust Talon, but the stats, injuries and money exchanging hands in dark corners are not adding up and she's in deeper than she can handle by herself.

Talon and Wren are not backing down from the coming fallout. He knows he was all wrong about her and with her in his corner they will fight for the team and the truth to set them free.

[Carmen Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seriously need to find a way to block out real life when I am trying to escape from it in books. All I wanted to do was curl up on the couch and lose myself in this story and I swear the kids came up with eleventy million reasons to hit me up and make me live in reality. Because seriously look at the tropes in this story and tell me it isn't the perfect escape from a cold and wet winter.

Wren was the absolute star of this story for me and I was dying to get to know her after the brief introduction we got from her in the previous series. Knowing how huge a douche her brother was and how badly she wanted to make amends I knew I was going to love her but she really did live up to her potential. After a lifetime of being groomed to stand back and look pretty but be silent and obedient she hit her limit and stood up for what she knew was right.

Talon was not a bad hero he just took too long to be the person I wanted him to be from the beginning. And to be honest I think I probably judged him against the guys in the previous series and they were a pretty high bar to reach. But once he couldn't deny what was right in his face he did stand up quickly and become rock solid.

I wanted to see a lot more fall out from the whole drama but that's more about my vengefulness than any lack in the story I just like to watch people pay for the crap they pull. But hopefully we get more of that in the next books in the series. But either way I'll be here seeing how all these guys fall and hopefully getting more of Wren and Talon.

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's just say that I loved loved loved Wren and Talon's story and Brooke O'Brien did them justice. Loved it that this story overlapped some of the events in The Pucks We Freeze and explained a mystery or two and bridge the story back to Brasen U . I so love crossovers in series. Wren was so smart and determined, and so over everything orchestrated in her life and to being used as a political leverage by her family. What she did wasn't a simple rebellion of a spoiled daughter, she just righted some wrongs not only to her . And all that mixed perfectly with the suspense and the mystery from the prequel. And I loved it that Talon finally got his story and I never expected it to be with Wren but they were so good together and a perfect match for each other. The epilogue gave a realistic finale to the story concerning her family and her father's career but the bonus epilogue was just Wren and Talon on the way to their happily ever after . But that new character appearance and her connection to the team . Wow , just wow. The level of tension and intrigue that's coming our way will be through the roof. And I can't even guess who of the guys will be brave enough to go that way. And I'm guessing that part of the mystery and secrets are still not revealed so the suspense is still going strong. And let me tell you I can't wait for the next installment in the Rixton U series.

Tanks to the author and The Author Agency for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

After the prequel, I was really excited for this one. Although it's not required to read prequel, I would recommend it as some things make more sense.
Talon is the team captain and he is also the brother of Tatum from previous series 'The foul we make'. There was this one scene and now it makes more sense.
Wren is the Governors daughter and also her Brother is the reason Tatum has left town. She is a bird stuck in this high society cage. Has to look the part and be as invisible as possible. I felt really sad for her.
Talon should hate her but he can't seem to stop watching her. Then one kiss leaves them both feeling wanting more. He still can't get past her being the enemy. She is broken because her last name is a curse.
There is also things happening on ice and off ice. Someone bigger is behind all this and it's affecting the game and players.
Talon and Wren do give in for a bit until Talon pushes her away. I didn't like Talon for bit, as he was like yoyo and poor Wren didn't know whether she was coming or going. I do feel she forgives him to easily but that's who she is. She has the biggest and kindest heart.
Now with all these things happening while Wren is around, Talon is getting suspicious. Can he trust her or is she part of it all?
I love Wren's character growth, the way she decided to be her on person and not her parents puppet.
I loved seeing old characters and the banter was great. I am excited for this new series and I wonder if next one will be Owen and Coach's daughter.

[Luisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Players We Hate is the second installment in the Bixton U Series by Brooke O’Brien, featuring Talon and Wren’s story. While it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Pucks We Freeze first, as this book continues that storyline.

Talon is a hockey player and the brother of Tatum, who is dating Wells—Wren’s brother. Both Wren and Wells are children of the governor, which adds complexity to their family dynamics. Talon and his teammates are investigating suspicious behavior within their hockey team. Amidst the chaos, Talon meets and falls for Wren. However, his bitterness over the situation between his sister and Wells causes tension, leading to a breakup.

After a few months apart, Talon and Wren reconnect. Wren confides in Talon about the evidence she’s been gathering regarding her father and certain nonprofit organizations that are supposed to be supporting the hockey team. Their reconciliation marks a turning point for Wren, as she decides to stop hiding and stand up for herself.

Wren has always lived in the shadow of her family, constantly striving to be the perfect daughter. She can’t make a move without her family watching or adding pressure. Her strength and resilience shine through, and that’s exactly why I enjoyed this story.

It’s a short, entertaining read with a compelling female lead. I recommend this book and am looking forward to The Blocks We Make!

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

So intriguing!!

This small town, enemies to lovers, hockey romance is the PERFECT kind of love story.

If you read the Braysen U books we got to meet these characters in that phenomenal and riveting series, and I couldn’t wait to read their book. It’s definitely everything I wanted and more. What can I say? I loved it!
Talon is the hockey captain at Rixton U and Wren is the daughter of the state governor and she’s also the sister of the brother who made his sister leave town.
The angst will GRIP you and keep you thoroughly HOOKED.
When they first meet Talon and Wren’s chemistry is off the charts, and even though he can’t let himself give into his attraction, Talon wants nothing more than to claim her. Wren has never felt so strongly for a boy, and even though her brother is the cause of Talon’s dislike of their connection, she will fight to show him she’s nothing like her brother and worthy of his attention.
Once these two come together, it’s SCORCHING HOT.
The need to be loved, to be seen for Wren is deeply rooted in her desire for Talon. When secrets are discovered, and Talon realizes that Wren is everything he wants, he will do what it takes to protect and cherish her.
So lose yourself in this incredibly fascinating, interesting and captivating story.
Every moment is filled with intrigue, emotion and enticing sexy times.
A remarkably outstanding start to an IMPRESSIVE and beautiful series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 Hookup ➝ Enemies ➝ Lovers
👀 Bad Blood Between Families
🚫 Forbidden Romance Vibes
💔 MMC Fighting His Feelings
🌸 Sweet FMC Finally Feeling Seen
🙌 Grovel & Apology (chef’s kiss!)
🏒 Sports Romance (hello, hockey boys)
🕵️‍♀️ Mystery Thread Still Unfolding

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞 pulled me right in with the tension between Talon and Wren. Their families may have bad blood, but their story doesn’t feel like a classic enemies-to-lovers—it’s more like hookup-to-enemies-to-lovers, and honestly, I was hooked. Talon’s stuck in a tug-of-war with himself—he wants Wren, but he feels like being with her betrays his sister, and not knowing if he can truly trust her, which made his push-and-pull 𝙨𝙤 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 to read. Meanwhile, poor Wren is stuck with a family that treats her like a prop & pawn instead of a person, so when she finally feels truly seen and valued with Talon, my heart just 𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙙.

Of course, that made the inevitable drama between them hit even harder (seriously, 𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝). But the backdrop of what’s happening with the hockey team kept things moving and kept Talon and Wren connected (even at a distance) while chasing the truth. And yes, when it came time for Talon to grovel a little and apologize? I was absolutely 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩.

We do get some answers about the bigger mystery simmering in the background, but it’s clear this story is far from over—and I cannot wait to see where it goes next.

Thanks to the author and The Author Agency for the gifted copy 💗

[Sofia Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Hockey romance
- Enemies to lovers

Talon is the talented captain of the hockey team with a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders, trying to take his team to the Frozen Four and help out his sister.
Wren is the daughter of the governor and has been controlled by her family her whole life and forced to live under a microscope.
Talon and Wren’s lives have been connected through a scandal that left deep scars in Talon’s sister and even though Wren is an innocent bystander, Talon has a difficult time trusting her.
When his future is in danger and his team’s chance at the championship is falling apart, they both want to find out the truth and who is manipulating players and results.
Talon falls for Wren, but fights against the attraction and avoids her, while Wren suffers in silence and struggles to free herself from her father’s control.
They both make sacrifices in order to be together.
An enemies to lovers story that shows you how far can you trust someone you love, how far you are willing to go to protect them and how love can be the strength you need to face challenges and come out stronger in the end.
Brooke O’Brien writes a story of true love, hope and trust that leads you in the right direction even if you have to burn some connections that drag you down.
Thank you for the ARC.

[Cindy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

** 5 + stars **

The Players We Hate is the first story in the new Rixton U series. It is so amazingly good and hard to put down. It had everything I love in a romance story. It also had drama and suspense and keeps you on your toes as to what is going to happen.

Wren is the governor's daughter and has started classes at Rixton U. Talon sees her and she is supposed to be his enemy. Her brother destroyed his sister and she had to move away. But Talon sees Wren as who she is. When he kisses her it is supposed to be out of revenge and he hopes to bother her brother. That is not what happens. Their chemistry is too hot. Talon can't stop thinking about her and he wrestles with his emotions.

Wren knows something is going on with the hockey team and she is determined to find out what it is. She thinks her dad and brother may be involved. You have to read this one to find out what happens.

I love how Wren and Talon were not so different from each other. They both had pasts that had hurt them. They have to navigate what it means to love even when you should be enemies. Highly recommended. I look forward to the next story.

Reasons you will love this story:
* Enemies to lovers
* Sports / hockey romance
* Small town
* Rival's sister
* Suspense

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Janelle Sequin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading Brooke O’Brien books. This is my second book that I have read by her.


In this book we meet Wren & Talon. I should have never let Wren Perry get close to me because her last name could cost me either because she is the governor’s daughter and she is completely off limits and untouchable. She was a distraction I had no business touching. The kiss we shared? A cheap shot meant to rattle her brother, not leave a mark. But her lips hit harder than I expected, and the memory stuck like a bruise I can’t shake. And since then I have been off my game, now that she’s back in my life and is tied to my team in a way I can’t avoid.

I shouldn’t trust her nor should I want her. But every time she looks at me, I forget why I ever let her go.

Our season’s already hanging by a thread. Stats don’t match the game footage. Players are faking injuries. And Wren’s dropping clues like she wants to help me find the truth without ever saying a word. And they are waiting for us to fall apart. And think I’ve lost my edge. But I’ve never backed down from a fight. This time, I’m not just playing for my team. I’m playing for our season. For the truth. And for the girl I should’ve hated… but never could.

Thank you Brooke O’Brien and the author agency for allowing me to read this book before it was released.