We Shouldn't Be Together: Hate-to-Love Forced Proximity Soccer Sports Romance

Ashworth Academy: We Shouldn't Be Texting #1

by Milly Rose

She’s the enemy… So why do I want to save her?

I hate Tabitha Jones. The preppy gossip queen humiliated my best friend, and now she’s my lab partner. When my protest for reassignment fails, I vow to make her as miserable as she makes everyone else. Naturally, we end up in detention-worthy arguments instead of finishing our chemistry assignment.

Failing isn’t an option—I can’t risk my spot as soccer team captain. So, I reluctantly agree to study with her after school. When I storm out of our first session, we resort to texting. Without those stupid chocolatey curls and pouty lips distracting me, we might actually get some work done.

But something weird happens. Our snarky messages turn into flirty banter, and I start seeing a different side of her. She’s not just mean—she’s hurting. Tabitha admits her so-called friends treat her like garbage, and her attitude is a defense mechanism. She’s bullied worse than anyone realizes.

Now, I’m stuck. Do I risk my friendship to protect the girl I swore to hate? And even if I do, can we survive the fallout when no one wants us together?

This slow burn, sweet and clean enemies-to-lovers romance is dual POV and will have you rooting for them to stop fighting and start falling.

We Shouldn’t Be Together is the first book in a trilogy of interconnected standalone romances set in Ashworth Academy. This first book is set weeks before the events of Shy Girls Can’t Date Frenemies by Milly Rose

Genres: Young Adult Romance

514 pages, Paperback

Published May 23, 2025

About the author

Milly Rose is an animal-loving romance enthusiast with a swoon-inducing book formula. Shy girl + hot guy + first kisses. Her YA sweet romance books will have you falling in love every instalment. Milly Rose is the quintessential shy girl, who you can contact via her mailing list and reply to her monthly email blasts! Milly spends her days vying for her cat’s affection, dreaming up her next book boyfriend, and writing a fun meet-cute under candlelight with a lovely brewed cup of tea.

Instagram + Tiktok @shy.author.milly.rose

Reviews

[Ali Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute YA enemies to lovers book!

I'm glad that I read Shy Girls Can't Date Frenemies (Jamie and Milo's story) first. It was really cool getting to see how Kai and Tabitha's relationship started and progressed through their eyes when I had already saw it through Jamie's eyes.

I will say that the first 3rd of the book drove me nuts with Tabitha's attitude but as it progressed I started liking her more and I couldn't put it down. I am writing this at 2:30 in the morning the night before a final because it was that good. I probably would have finished it sooner if I didn't have a little thing called work.

For her first duel POV Milly Rose did a wonderful job! This was such a perfect story to start with. For those who have read the Shy Girl series we already knew about the relationship between Kai and Tabitha. And like I already mentioned it was a treat to see how it started and progressed.

Out of all the characters I'd say Tabitha had the greatest character development personally and with the relationship with her mom. It really does go to show how being around the wrong people can sour your personality and the relationships around you.

If you want to do a reread of this and Shy Girls Can't Date Frenemies I would recommend a tandem read. Chapter 30 of this book will enter in about half way through chapter 2 of Jamie and Milo's book. I haven't figured out how it would all work out yet but it is definitely something to try. It will definitely add to both books.

I was lucky to get this as an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:
Fans of the OC, Greek and Mean Girls will love We Shouldn’t Be Together. Kai and Tabby are two teenagers from different worlds. Tabby is one of the “it” girls when in reality just trying to survive high school. Kai is an adrenaline seeking soccer player who is immensely loyalty to his friends. To their dismay they are stuck being chemistry partners for the rest of the year they do their best to work together. Despite constantly arguing, these two learn that there is more than meets the eye and looks can be deceiving. These two work through overbearing siblings, judgmental friends, anxiety, and emotional parents. This is a YA sweet romance that is perfect for any YA reader.

Milly Rose does a really good job describing typical struggles with teenagers in a way that you can easily relate to. This was such a fun read and brought me back to my high school days. Milly Rose set herself up nicely with some other couples in the Ashworth Academy series that I can’t wait to read.

Tropes:
-Protective MMC
-Sports Romance
-Overbearing Siblings
-Teen Anxiety
-Mean Girls

[Joelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was honored and privileged to receive an ARC of “We Shouldn’t Be Together”, Milly Rose’s first foray into writing a dual point of view novel. This is a companion piece to “Shy Girls Can’t Date Frenemies” (Jamie and Milo’s story). In the new book, we follow Kai, Milo’s twin brother, as he’s stuck as a chemistry partner with Tabitha, one of the mean girls that is bullying his best friend Jamie at school. They’re forced to work through their issues as partners and find that when they actually can put aside their differences, they actually make a pretty great team.

I have to be honest, you really need to stick with the book past the first half. Tabitha is a mean girl that is trying to reform her ways. Everything she says or thinks is extremely vapid and cruel. She tries to deflect her best friends from ridiculing her by instead making them focus on other girls in their vicinity. Milly does an excellent job at making you hate Tabitha. Like, to the extent that you’re so fed up with her inner monologues and justifications for being mean that you think she’ll never redeem herself. However, this could just be because I first read and fell in love with Jamie and Milo’s story, so it felt like Jamie was my girl and how dare you ever justify bullying her. As an adult, it’s extremely frustrating in a “why can’t she just not” type of way. However, coming from the mindset of a teenager, I could remember the place that Tabitha is coming from and understand her decisions.

I’m not going to lie, but Kai can also be a polarizing character. He is a constant one upper, specifically when it comes to thrills. He takes no care for his own safety and is always trying to go further and do better tricks on his skateboard than his friends. However, he redeems his thrill seeking ways by being a great friend to Jamie and standing up to her bullies. The good news is that both characters in We Shouldn’t Be Together have great character development throughout the course of the book and you find yourself rooting for them in the end. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

If this is your first time reading a Milly Rose book, I HIGHLY recommend reading the other Shy Girls novels. They’re absolutely fantastic, heart warming, and well written slow-burn pieces. They’re told from the point of view of the shy girl, and overall are a much better read (4-5 stars). It’s just so hard to read something from the point of view of the mean girl, no matter if she’s trying to change or not…

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️

Milly Rose wrote a wonderful young adult romance with We Shouldn’t Be Together. An author friend of mine once told me that one of their readers stated that YA gives them the chance to remember how it feels to fall in love for the first time. And that statement has stuck with me. I agree with it wholeheartedly. This YA delivers that and more. While it can be read as a standalone, reading book one does give you deeper insight to our MCs relationship and why they are the way they are.

Tabitha and Kai start off not liking each other and they aren’t shy about people knowing that fact. However, Milly does a wonderful job developing these characters to give us a story worth reading and a romance that was a joy to watch unfold. Tabitha is complex and layered as we find out throughout the book. Putting on a front for others while struggling is something I think most can relate to. As she opened up to Kai, I hated knowing what she had been going through and proud of her for being vulnerable.

Kai is loyal to a fault and focused on soccer. When he and Tabitha become chem partners, he can’t believe his misfortune. Not his first choice, he decides to just get through the year and then be done with Tabitha. However, as they get to know each other and open up to one another, Kai finds out that Tabitha struggles just like the rest of the student population but feels more pressure to be perfect. More so, they find common ground with their overbearing siblings, judgemental friends and non-friends, and parents who sometimes forget they are the parents. Definitely more than meets the eye, Kai truly enjoys getting to know this side of Tabitha and wants to be there for her.

Milly continues her Ashworth Academy series with this second installment. I loved the growth both characters go through, the redemption that takes place, and the reminder to not judge a person based on what you see. As both of our MCs learn to rely on someone else and to open up and share their fears and dreams, the relationship turns into a sweet romance that only a YA can deliver. Highly recommend this series for a sweet escape and am excited for the next one.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
⚽Hate to Love
🔥Slow Burn
⚽Unavoidable Proximity
🔥Who Hurt You
⚽Sports Romance
🔥Yearning and Angest
⚽Young Adult

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good - easy to read and understand, I like how descriptive it was regarding the setting without making it confusing.


The story started off strong, showing the mean, brutal side of Tabitha, while also giving an insight to her inner thoughts and why she is the way she is. I absolutely loved Tabby and Kai's texting era (haha), it was really fun to see their flirty banter and read how they slowly realised their feelings for each other while also feeling conflicted about it. I would have preferred if they got together a little later, but it was still enjoyable!


Talking about the characters, especially Tabitha, I have to say that I couldn't like her - not even at the end. I had a hard time understanding her reasonings for being a bully, she was scared of camila and wanted to be by her side which I get, but that's not a good enough justification for her behaviour. Tabitha never properly apologised to Jamie (Kai's best friend, who she bullied), which didn't sit right with me. I also felt that Tabitha was immature, she still made a few comments directed towards Jamie, that were unintentionally insensitive and rude. Hence, I do not like Tabitha, though I appreciate her trying to change and be nicer to other people.


Kai was charming, he was a great friend to jamie and a great partner to Tabitha. However, he was also quite immature at times which annoyed me, but I could overlook it because it wasn't severe enough to ruin his character. I found his affection for Tabitha really sweet!


Overall, the book was enjoyable and easy to read, with well defined settings, and it was great to read about the characters and their differences. Even though this book was not for me, I'm sure others might love it! 

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a YA book that really IS a YA book. Both MCs are still in school, so the most you get are steamy kisses and an occasional wandering hand. If clean romances are not your thing, look away now. Are you still here? Great, then read on.

Tabby is part of a clique that preys on people they see as inferior to them. Think the Mean Girl plastics before Lindsay Lohan joined them. Cammy is their leader, aka Regina, Yvie is Gretchen, always trying to please her leader and not an original thought in her head. Tabby is probably a lot like Karen, a bit of an airhead who tags along with the others but isn’t really a mean girl at heart. Kai is the soccer captain who is just looking to protect his best friend Jamie from the bullies, and therefore already has a pre-installed hatred for Tabitha when his science teacher partners them together on a school project.

What starts off as enforced study dates and awkward necessary texting quickly becomes flirty banter and fun as Tabby reveals she’s bullied by Cammy as much as the others and only goes along with it to save herself so Kai steps up to protect her and slowly but surely falls for her.

I felt both families were a little over the top. Kai didn’t really show much affection for his twin brother, I know they are opposites but surely there is some kind of brotherly love there. Tabby’s family was unhinged, her brothers were all crazy in some way but they at least stood up for her and supported her, more than her parents did.

[Yasmin Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly encompasses the trope of an enemies to lovers relationship/storyline!! This book was truly very well written and the slow burn between Tabitha and Kai were off the charts. This book truly reminded me of high school and how young love can be. This book truly encompasses what high school is all about 🙂‍↕️

However, Milly Rose also does an excellent job on demonstrating how bullying is a factor during someone’s high school years. It can be a bit of a sensitive topic if you choose to read this book, but honestly seeing Tabby be able to realize her mistakes and know that it can be upsetting and traumatizing for someone to hear rude comments about one’s clothing or parents lineage. Sometimes, people don’t realize the error of their ways, but showing that Tabby was able to realize what she did was due to her own insecurity was heartbreaking to see.

This book is truly a romance novel with no spice and the length of the book is a testament to how amazing of a writer Milly Rose is. Yes it might seem a bit long, but the story was built on foundation, on what a slow burn enemies to lovers truly is and how it takes a while for a high school relationship to develop ❤️

Rating: 5/5

[Linda Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great start to the new series. It parallels the Shy Girls (Ashworth Academy) series, picking up right before book three of that series and overlapping it. In that series, we know that Kai and Tabby get together, but not the circumstances. This book fills in the gap. Set in the preppy Ashworth Academy, we find that coming from a privileged family doesn’t mean life is easy.

The pacing is excellent, keeping interest without rushing the storyline. The dialog is fitting for these teens in this setting. The characters move from disgust and hate to understanding and compassion. From there, with their walls down, they start their attraction. Masterfully done!

The author, as in the Shy Girls books, has given us characters that are deeply flawed who we will eventually empathize with. These are teens struggling against peer pressure and family expectations, and they are anything but cookie-cutter characters.
I highly recommend this book and the Shy Girls series.

[Katherine Tricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was privileged to receive an ARC copy for my honest review.

This is a story of first loves, friendships, and the trials and tribulations of high school.

Enemies to lovers Kai and Tabitha come from different high school groups, and are thrown together for a chemistry project.

Tabitha is a young girl just trying to fit in, and keep the heat off of her and isn't always doing the right things herself because of it.
Kai is an adrenaline loving young lad who can't think of anything worse than conforming to what society expects.

As they spend time together, communicating and getting to know one another, their worlds collide, and they both are able to tame each other in the best ways possible.

There is a lot of teenage angst and anxiety amongst the characters which some may find makes them sound a little whiny at times, but I think Milly Rose has gotten their age group just right here, at 15/16 this feels very accurate for the types of behaviour exhibited.

[Austyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

High School struggles !

This book is written so it will bring you back to your high school days. This is also a book that I would have loved to read as a teenager. I would be buying it for my own teenager but I don’t think my son would enjoy it he does not have the love for reading I do. That being said my besties daughter who I claim as my niece is going to be getting a copy of this. The struggles and successes of being in high school, dealing with the rise and fall of friendships, and family issues are all in here. You can find characters or parts of this story that you can relate to. The bullying aspect I like that they included multiple pieces to that story Tabby explain why she did what she did. Then she turns around and fights to be a better person realizing that no matter what she should do better. Also I love that it ends on such a happy note!

[JC Whitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy great character work and from page one Tabitha and Kai felt like real people with problems that are synonymous with their age, who they were within their families and at school. I love that Tabitha wasn’t just your typical popular girl and we got to see the inner workings of her mind from the start and see right away where she stands and what she thinks about her situation. We are able to glimpse right away who she is and what she is going through and the same is true for Kai. A very good story and refreshing in this climate where most stories that come out just feel like the same thing over and over again. Keep it up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a pretty long book but it works. It's a couple day read or a really long day. Pretty slow at first. Main characters start out as one a bully and rude and the other as adrenaline seeking irresponsible. Throughout the book you learn more about them and their life issues and they grow and heal in some ways. As their relationship progresses. Book is clean.

It kinda points out people are not always what they seem. Oftentimes they are hurting (not an excuse for bad behaviour). It also points out a bit of standing up for what is right. Sticking up for people being bullied. Sometimes leaving friends that don't make you happy, or belittle you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linsey Toney · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Shouldn't Be Together is a great young adult romance.

This is a no spice, only kissing, sports romance. Keeping in mind this is a young adult book, I really enjoyed the characters and storyline. I feel like it could absolutely be real life. This book has common high school drama with the mean girl clique, bulling, and sports, and can't forget the award moments. He is the soccer team captain. She is the mean girl he hates. How will things go once the teacher decides to change up the seating and they are forced to sit together? Guess you better read to find out!

This book does touch on bulling, so it may be hard for some readers. This subject is also eye-opening for the characters to her own actions. Just think it's worth noting. Please read with caution if it's triggering for you. Your mental health matters. If you or someone you know are getting bullied, please talk to someone to get help.

Tropes: Forced proximity, He Falls first, Hate to love, He Falls first, opposites attract, secret relationship, touch her and ☠️ vibes, dual POV

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

High school drama
This YA romance is such a great story, it definitely brought back memories of my high school years.
Filled with high school drama, cliques, mean girls, bullying (check warnings) and unexpected friendships.
Tabitha and Kai have great chemistry and their snarky exchanges turn into flirty banter beautifully once they start to work together.
I loved the angst and conflicted emotions, it was realistic and easy to read. The characters leapt to life from the pages and I just couldn’t put this down.
This is Ms Rose’s first dual POV and she has written it brilliantly. It takes place in the familiar Ashworth Academy of her previous books, but is the first in the “We shouldn’t be texting” series and I can’t wait for more.

[PurpleLadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The YA novel, "We shouldn't be together", by Milly's Rose took me back to my adolescent years. Ms. Rose painted the perfect picture, because being a teenager is rough. Everything that happens seems bigger and more serious than it is. Trying to find even footing while walking through the mind field of high school is daunting. Kia and Tabby, despite the obstacles the each faced from their families, friends, educators, and themselves, learned to tune out the noise and form A strong bound.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW this was a great book. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was so intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it. Kai and Tabby has a crush on it other but it was complicated of emotions and drama as they were falling for each other from difference teams. Falling for each was never the plan in this moment.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this Happily PR via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Alecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a nice change of pace for me to read a YA romance book. The angst of HS romance and friendships are a lifetime away, and yet reading about it made me so happy that I am not in that world anymore. Most startlingly, the parents were a good mix of controlling and chill. Flawed, but you could see most of them trying to do their best. Same with the MMC and FMC, actually. This was a long read, but it went quickly and easily. Can’t wait for more of the trilogy! Thanks to Milly Rose and Happily Booked PR for the ARC!

[whimsical reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover is interesting because he looks so skinny and she has the world shortest skirt. So far I’m not sure we’ll get through it because all the MMC does is get hurt and argue with his brother and mom. The FMC is with mean girls and it’s annoying to actually read about them. She also has the most ridiculous family and she fights with all of them apparently.

Milo, the twin brother they make him sound completely ridiculous like he can’t even walk, but I’m sure he’s like me just slightly clumsy

[Nikki Mulkern · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for gifting me this book

It is a charming YA romance set in Ashworth Academy, where a tomboy soccer player and her awkward tutor clash, then spark. With a cozy enemies-to-lovers arc and just enough teenage angst, it’s a sweet, slow-burn tale for fans of fake dating and heartfelt growth. A light, feel-good read with real heart.

I did feel like some of it was repetitive, it was a long book but over all it was good

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enemies to lovers YA book I got as an ARC. I loved their story together but I could not stand Tabitha’s friends, and both sets of parents slightly annoyed me. However, I like how both Kai and Tabby grew together and how they realized that being together helped the other more than they even realized. It was a sweet story with added humor and lots of character growth. I loved tabby’s older brothers and how protective they are of her.

[literary_hoarder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you happily booked and milly rose for the chance to review this arc.

This book was really cute and such an easy read. Kai and Tabby start out hating each other and are forced to work together during their chemistry class. Forcing the two to talk they end up calling a truce and things start to develop. This book was a lovely book to read and I easily got through it. I would love to read other work.

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book in the We Shouldn’t Be Texting, YA series, tells the story of how Kai and Tabby from Shy Girls Can’t Date Frenemies by the same author, Milly Rose, got together.
You don’t have to read Shy Girls first to enjoy this book, in fact, We Shouldn’t Be Together takes place a few weeks before Shy Girls but reading both made the books more enjoyable for me.
I really like the characters in this series and the way they all have each other’s backs. When one of the tight friends group, Kai, becomes enamored with Tabby, one of the mean girls at school, the rest of the group must decide if their friendship is as strong as they thought.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Plot Thickens Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc provided for an honest review.
Reviewed by Rosemary on behalf of The Plot Thickens Book Club
⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was a slow burn, with the two main characters not actually in a chapter together until about chapter 15. I Loved Kai as the main character felt sorry for Tabitha and constantly annoyed at Jamie. But great HEA. Would definitely read another book by Milly Rose especially if it was centred around some of the other characters. Really enjoyed this.

[Spooks Reads it · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milly never disappoints with her writing!
ioved this read the love hate with Tabitha and Kai was cute yet funny he tries to be so serious they both seem to thrive off perfection but everyone has flaws perfection isn't possible they find a way in the end to become to like one another some steamy parts definitely for the ya audience but I am here for it ! 10/10

-hate to love
❤️‍🔥 slow burn
⚽️ who hurt you
❤️‍🔥 sports romance
⚽️ young adult
❤️‍🔥 yearning and Angest

[Demi P. Sewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ This was a nice YA read, definitely young adult (high school setting, 15/16-year-old characters). You'll need to remember your teenage years for some parts to click – once I did, it made perfect sense! Really enjoyed it and will definitely read more by this author. Mean girl falls for grunge soccer captain/skateboarding daredevil – a bit of everything, a long read, but totally worth it! 🤩 #YoungAdult #Romance #Books #HighSchool #Reading #Fiction #Teen

[Ashley Olmeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can love survive under the scrutiny of everyone you know? Kai and Tabby had me rooting for them the entire book. The way they bring everyone on to their team and overcome their closest friends and family scrutinizing them is perfection. Tabby finding herself in the process is enough to leave you needing to see their life beyond high school

[GPReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so good! I wasn't sure Tabitha could be redeemed from her behavior. This author makes it easy to dislike Tabitha , but before you know it you're rooting for her and kai. This works as a standalone, but it was fun to see Kai's perspective after reading Jamie and Milo's story. I recommend reading that one too (Shy Girls Can't Date Enemies). Both books are 10 out of 10!

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

I love the way the characters overcome their troubles. Standing up for what is right and sticking up for people. Leave friends that belittle you and dont let you be yourself.

I'll be reading more of @shy.author.milly.rose books. I've heard great things about Shy Girls Can't Date Frenemies!

[glee book adventures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy YA read. It brings back high school memories. It follows struggles, and successes of high school, friendships, and family. self growth, and reasoning behind it all. There are some "whiny" teenage moments, but i feel the author does well immersing you into the teenage world, and teenage characters with as much realism as she can.

[Jocelyn Masson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I don't usually dip my toes in YA, but BOY am I glad I did for this one! This book was everything I didn't know I needed: enrmirs-to-lovers vibes and just the right amount of cutenessoverload. 🥰 I enjoyed every word and every page of this book; – can't wait to see what this author writes next. 🥅