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Anaheim Stars Hockey #5
What If I Hate You
Barrett meets his match in Blakely Rivers in this enemies to lovers romance!
Full Blurb coming soon!
Full Blurb coming soon!
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2025
59 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Susan Renee
41 books648 followersInternational Best Selling author, Susan Renee, wants to live in a world where paint doesn't smell, book boyfriends are real, and everything is covered in glitter. An indie romance author, Susan has written about everything from tacos to tow-trucks, loves writing romantic comedies but also enjoys creating an emotional angsty story from time to time. She lives in Ohio with her husband, kids, two dogs and a cat. Susan holds a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education and a self-awarded Doctorate in Sass and Sarcasm. She enjoys laughing at memes, speaking in GIFs and spending an entire day jumping down the TikTok rabbit hole. When she's not writing or playing the role of Mom, her favorite activity is doing the Care Bear stare with her closest friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 17, 2025
Barrett Cunningham is mister grumpy personified until he gives into the feelings he’s been ignoring for Blakely Rivers. Blakely Rivers is a tough as nails sports reporter who gives as good as she gets!
These two start off as enemies with feelings of attraction that simmers. He steps into her space and they give into some of the tension boiling between them and his attitude starts to shift, hers takes a tiny bit longer.
They are really good together though. Both are VERY STRONG personalities who know their worth before entering a relationship. They don’t step on each other’s toes, they are in fields that compliment each other so they aren’t competing for attention.
I absolutely loved seeing his soft side! I loved seeing hers also! I loved how they brought out each others soft side as much as each others competitive sides.
It was so fun watching them grow as a couple and him opening the door that he’s kept so locked down. Once he opened it for her he opened it for the guys on the team also.
There were MULTIPLE group chats in this book. Some between the girls and some between the guys.
I was giggling so much reading them! So much fun!
This book was so beautiful! I loved the team camaraderie and how when Blakely had a really bad day with her job all the guys and girls rallied around her.
And towards the end when she was ready to go scorched earth they rallied around her.
Gahhh!! I don’t want this series to end lol We have one more book coming about Harrison and then it’s over 😭😭
I love these guys and gals so much!
These two start off as enemies with feelings of attraction that simmers. He steps into her space and they give into some of the tension boiling between them and his attitude starts to shift, hers takes a tiny bit longer.
They are really good together though. Both are VERY STRONG personalities who know their worth before entering a relationship. They don’t step on each other’s toes, they are in fields that compliment each other so they aren’t competing for attention.
I absolutely loved seeing his soft side! I loved seeing hers also! I loved how they brought out each others soft side as much as each others competitive sides.
It was so fun watching them grow as a couple and him opening the door that he’s kept so locked down. Once he opened it for her he opened it for the guys on the team also.
There were MULTIPLE group chats in this book. Some between the girls and some between the guys.
I was giggling so much reading them! So much fun!
This book was so beautiful! I loved the team camaraderie and how when Blakely had a really bad day with her job all the guys and girls rallied around her.
And towards the end when she was ready to go scorched earth they rallied around her.
Gahhh!! I don’t want this series to end lol We have one more book coming about Harrison and then it’s over 😭😭
I love these guys and gals so much!
September 12, 2025
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for this book, and it was the absolute definition of a Rom-Com. Blakely, and Barrett’s enemies to lovers story is a great read. The characters are fun, there is a ton of great banter (including some absolutely hilarious text threads), and more than a few swoon worthy moments from Teddy Bear.
September 21, 2025
Barrett Cunningham is the Anaheim hockey goalie. He’s been doing this for years and knows the drill. But when Blakely, a news reporter, comes in with her honest review of his skills he’s shocked more than anything. Blakely is not sugarcoating anything when it comes to any athlete. She tells it like it is and wants honest answers. Will these two ever be able to not get on each other’s nerves?
I do love that Barrett calls Blakely “Sweetheart”. When Blakely talks back to Barrett with a challenge and not contempt it does something to him. It’s cute how Barrett likes Blakely’s audacity. I can tell Blakely has a good heart when she says she brings up Barrett’s weaknesses so he can change it. The parking garage was definitely something. That scene where Barrett shows up at her office was fire. I didn’t expect what happened in that hallway at all. I’m obsessed with that adorable kitty. The ending was beautiful. I really enjoyed this one.
I do love that Barrett calls Blakely “Sweetheart”. When Blakely talks back to Barrett with a challenge and not contempt it does something to him. It’s cute how Barrett likes Blakely’s audacity. I can tell Blakely has a good heart when she says she brings up Barrett’s weaknesses so he can change it. The parking garage was definitely something. That scene where Barrett shows up at her office was fire. I didn’t expect what happened in that hallway at all. I’m obsessed with that adorable kitty. The ending was beautiful. I really enjoyed this one.
September 14, 2025
I received an ARC copy and was excited to read this book. I liked it overall, but thought the characters kind of lacked spark at first, but it may have been because the MCs were both trying to prove something so hard. Overall good book and would recommend if you’ve read the other Anaheim Stars series.
September 18, 2025
Huge thanks to Susan Renee for the ARC of What If I Hate You - here are my thoughts.
It is a fast-paced, smutty hockey romance that follows the dynamic between two characters. The plot centers on their initial animosity, which eventually gives way to an unexpected romance as they realize they may have been wrong about each other. Susan Renee's writing is very descriptive, which helps bring the romance to life. However, there were times when the constant references to hockey felt overwhelming. While the story is clearly set in the world of hockey, it sometimes seems like the sport was inserted in to the narrative even when it want't necessary for the plot. For a reader that might not be a fan of hockey, this could deter from the overall flow of the book.
The pacing of the story is quite fast, which helped maintain excitement but there were moments that felt rushed. Inbetween readings I often thought I missed key moments between the two main characters.
Now for the most important part, the SPICE....no notes! PERFECTION
Overall, What If I Hate You is an enjoyable read.
It is a fast-paced, smutty hockey romance that follows the dynamic between two characters. The plot centers on their initial animosity, which eventually gives way to an unexpected romance as they realize they may have been wrong about each other. Susan Renee's writing is very descriptive, which helps bring the romance to life. However, there were times when the constant references to hockey felt overwhelming. While the story is clearly set in the world of hockey, it sometimes seems like the sport was inserted in to the narrative even when it want't necessary for the plot. For a reader that might not be a fan of hockey, this could deter from the overall flow of the book.
The pacing of the story is quite fast, which helped maintain excitement but there were moments that felt rushed. Inbetween readings I often thought I missed key moments between the two main characters.
Now for the most important part, the SPICE....no notes! PERFECTION
Overall, What If I Hate You is an enjoyable read.
September 17, 2025
Enemies to Lovers
Workplace romance
Hockey Puns
Witty Banter
Found Family
📚✨ Review ✨📚
I have never been disappointed in Susan’s books, and this one was no different. This story is a true clash of stubbornness wrapped in an enemies-to-lovers dream.
Our star goalie, Barrett “Bear,” isn’t used to being called out—he grunts more than he talks, gives off major intimidating vibes, and is loyal to the core. But day one, he gets put right in his place by Blakely, our sassy, whip-smart, independent reporter. Their first interaction had me wincing in sympathy for Bear… little did he know the real battle wasn’t just on the ice.
Blakely isn’t about to waste her shot as the first female sports reporter with behind-the-scenes access to the team. She knows she has to fight twice as hard to prove herself, and that means asking the hard questions—even if it means going head-to-head with the Stars’ goalie.
The banter? Chef’s kiss. This is the kind of couple where talking sh*t is basically foreplay. 😂 But words cut deep, and Bear crosses a line I wasn’t sure he could come back from. Of course, Susan works her magic and somehow makes me fall for him all over again. Honestly, I can’t imagine a better match for Bear than Blakely.
Also—group texts with the team and the girls? Pure gold. The teasing had me grinning ear to ear.
And then Susan hits me with a line like this: "It's like being able to exhale after holding my breath for years and now all I want to do for the rest of my days is breathe with you." Excuse me?! I didn’t need to be crying tonight 😭
Oh, and let’s not forget: button pillows will forever be butthole pillows now 🤣 …and I’ll never look at waterproof bedding the same way again 🥵 the spice…yes please!!
Enemies-to-lovers, banter that burns, and all the swoony feels—I couldn’t put this one down.
Workplace romance
Hockey Puns
Witty Banter
Found Family
📚✨ Review ✨📚
I have never been disappointed in Susan’s books, and this one was no different. This story is a true clash of stubbornness wrapped in an enemies-to-lovers dream.
Our star goalie, Barrett “Bear,” isn’t used to being called out—he grunts more than he talks, gives off major intimidating vibes, and is loyal to the core. But day one, he gets put right in his place by Blakely, our sassy, whip-smart, independent reporter. Their first interaction had me wincing in sympathy for Bear… little did he know the real battle wasn’t just on the ice.
Blakely isn’t about to waste her shot as the first female sports reporter with behind-the-scenes access to the team. She knows she has to fight twice as hard to prove herself, and that means asking the hard questions—even if it means going head-to-head with the Stars’ goalie.
The banter? Chef’s kiss. This is the kind of couple where talking sh*t is basically foreplay. 😂 But words cut deep, and Bear crosses a line I wasn’t sure he could come back from. Of course, Susan works her magic and somehow makes me fall for him all over again. Honestly, I can’t imagine a better match for Bear than Blakely.
Also—group texts with the team and the girls? Pure gold. The teasing had me grinning ear to ear.
And then Susan hits me with a line like this: "It's like being able to exhale after holding my breath for years and now all I want to do for the rest of my days is breathe with you." Excuse me?! I didn’t need to be crying tonight 😭
Oh, and let’s not forget: button pillows will forever be butthole pillows now 🤣 …and I’ll never look at waterproof bedding the same way again 🥵 the spice…yes please!!
Enemies-to-lovers, banter that burns, and all the swoony feels—I couldn’t put this one down.
December 12, 2025
I’ve loved every book in this series so far and found them all funny. But this book? I laughed out loud so many times, I lost count! It’s the funniest of the bunch IMO. The texts between the teammates and the separate one between their significant others are priceless! Plus, I’ll add one word to that: pillows. (Read it and you’ll get it, and I guarantee you’ll agree.) This author does the male POV in a way that would make the guys proud.
The two main characters are both strong willed, which makes for the perfect push-pull, pull no punches, enemies to lovers banter. They’re also, however, just plain strong people. Especially Blakely. Honestly, the stuff the girl puts up with being the only woman in the press room would break a lesser person. And the fact that Barrett stands by her proves without a doubt that he’s worthy of her. I also love that Bear has a softer side not many people know about that he’s willing to show Blakely.
Is it possible for every book in a series to get better than the last? Um, that’s a big yes! Puts a lot of pressure on Harrison’s book, but I’ve every confidence Susan Renee will deliver the goods.
The two main characters are both strong willed, which makes for the perfect push-pull, pull no punches, enemies to lovers banter. They’re also, however, just plain strong people. Especially Blakely. Honestly, the stuff the girl puts up with being the only woman in the press room would break a lesser person. And the fact that Barrett stands by her proves without a doubt that he’s worthy of her. I also love that Bear has a softer side not many people know about that he’s willing to show Blakely.
Is it possible for every book in a series to get better than the last? Um, that’s a big yes! Puts a lot of pressure on Harrison’s book, but I’ve every confidence Susan Renee will deliver the goods.
September 14, 2025
Barrett is a NHL goalie who has had some bad games and Blakely is a female sports reporter in a man’s world. She is used to having to fight for her spot, respect, and let the snide comments roll off her. When she calls Barrett out he’s not sure whether to hate her or love her.
Blakely and Barrett have the best banter going which leads and builds to a lot of sexual tension.
The spicy level was so HOT.
Also, living for all the group chats 😂
One of my favorite quotes….”You might be the one writing the headlines, but right now? Right this very second, I want to write THIS story”.
“Being with you is like opening my favorite book. The one I want to read over and over again because it never gets old. “ I mean swoon. Best line I’ve read in a long time! But the one most beautiful line?! “It’s like being able to exhale after holding my breath for years and now all I want to do for the rest of my days is breathe with you.” I mean seriously??? Freaking ♾️♾️♾️amazing.
I loved them together.
Thank you so much to Susan Renee for the e-arc.
Blakely and Barrett have the best banter going which leads and builds to a lot of sexual tension.
The spicy level was so HOT.
Also, living for all the group chats 😂
One of my favorite quotes….”You might be the one writing the headlines, but right now? Right this very second, I want to write THIS story”.
“Being with you is like opening my favorite book. The one I want to read over and over again because it never gets old. “ I mean swoon. Best line I’ve read in a long time! But the one most beautiful line?! “It’s like being able to exhale after holding my breath for years and now all I want to do for the rest of my days is breathe with you.” I mean seriously??? Freaking ♾️♾️♾️amazing.
I loved them together.
Thank you so much to Susan Renee for the e-arc.
September 14, 2025
📚: What If I Hate You by Susan Renee
Tropes:
👉Enemies to Lovers
👉Hockey
👉Workplace
TWs 😟:
Main Takeaway 🏹: Susan’s best book yet!
Synopsis 📜: Blakely Rivers is a female sports reports in a male dominated press room for the Anaheim Stars and she doesn’t pull any punches, which causes sparks to fly when she first questions Barrett Cunningham after a particularly bad performance in the goal. Sparks continue to fly as they butt heads but will a chance encounter change those sparks into flames and hate into love?
Personal Thoughts 🤔: I can always count on Susan to grab my attention with a hilarious innuendo in the first sentence of the book! I’m always so excited to start her new books because of this! In my humble opinion, this is Susan’s best work to date! Blakley and Barrett were causing sparks from their first interaction and had me sweating in my seat for all the best reasons the entire way through! This is the perfect example of how good an enemies to lovers romance can be!
Tropes:
👉Enemies to Lovers
👉Hockey
👉Workplace
TWs 😟:
Main Takeaway 🏹: Susan’s best book yet!
Synopsis 📜: Blakely Rivers is a female sports reports in a male dominated press room for the Anaheim Stars and she doesn’t pull any punches, which causes sparks to fly when she first questions Barrett Cunningham after a particularly bad performance in the goal. Sparks continue to fly as they butt heads but will a chance encounter change those sparks into flames and hate into love?
Personal Thoughts 🤔: I can always count on Susan to grab my attention with a hilarious innuendo in the first sentence of the book! I’m always so excited to start her new books because of this! In my humble opinion, this is Susan’s best work to date! Blakley and Barrett were causing sparks from their first interaction and had me sweating in my seat for all the best reasons the entire way through! This is the perfect example of how good an enemies to lovers romance can be!
September 18, 2025
This is definitely another great hockey romance by Susan Renee! Her books are the perfect combination of spice and humor, including this one. This book is a enemies to lovers between Barrett Cunningham, the Anaheim Stars grumpy goalie, and Blakely Rivers, a tough knowledgeable sports reporter. Barrett secretly likes her and how she asks the hard questions that can make you feel bad or worse than you do, but he can't let her know that. When the tension in the press room turns to a different type of tension outside the press room, everyone around them sees it but them. When Blakely has a bad day and Barrett is the one to find her to make sure she's okay, the tension turns to a very HOT physical connection. When he says something that hurts her, it turns into a big fight of what was said and meant. Things get even more complicated when it gets out that they might be having a relationship. Will this ruin what they have or their careers? Let's be honest, it's a Susan Renee book and there will be a HEA, but there is always drama heading up to it. All of the tension and drama, is completely worth it.
September 9, 2025
Oh this book - it’s all my favourite tropes in one gorgeous story! Enemies to lovers is just the best type of story. Barrett and Blakely cross paths and words at the press conference where she is the only female and battling against her sexist make counterparts. This sets the scene for their relationship and it soon becomes clear there are serious sparks between them
No spoilers but this is a great story. It is also very funny - the banter between the hockey guts and their wives is hilarious. The texting between them all is so funny. To add to this, the book has some seriously hot scenes - super spicy as the tension between them boils over! There is more to Barrett than a typical sportsman with a big ego and you warm to the ‘bear’ plus there’s an adopted kitten which melts your heart.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and can not wait for Harrison to finally get the girl in book 6.
This can totally be read as standalone but the series is great so do t miss the other stories.
No spoilers but this is a great story. It is also very funny - the banter between the hockey guts and their wives is hilarious. The texting between them all is so funny. To add to this, the book has some seriously hot scenes - super spicy as the tension between them boils over! There is more to Barrett than a typical sportsman with a big ego and you warm to the ‘bear’ plus there’s an adopted kitten which melts your heart.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and can not wait for Harrison to finally get the girl in book 6.
This can totally be read as standalone but the series is great so do t miss the other stories.
September 17, 2025
***ARC REVIEW**** 9/16/25
First I want to thank the author Susan Renee for giving me this opportunity to read and review this amazing book! I’m not a big fan of sports romance, but every now and then I’ll read them and I’m so glad I decided to do this one!
You’re going to love Barrett and Blakley and if you don’t something is wrong with you! Lol Also can’t forget about killer! He’s the sweetest!
This book will have you laughing out loud, blushing, and hooked to the story!
It is fast paced but I like that, sometimes a drawn out story gets boring and you definitely don’t have that with this book!
Also the group chats, you’re going to LOVE THEM!!!! Be prepared to laugh out loud!!!!!!
I truly recommend this book to anyone! It was definitely a 5/5 for me and a good 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5 on the spicy meter!
Awesome job Susan and thank you again! Can’t wait to read more of your books as I’m currently searching for the rest of the series to read them as well!
First I want to thank the author Susan Renee for giving me this opportunity to read and review this amazing book! I’m not a big fan of sports romance, but every now and then I’ll read them and I’m so glad I decided to do this one!
You’re going to love Barrett and Blakley and if you don’t something is wrong with you! Lol Also can’t forget about killer! He’s the sweetest!
This book will have you laughing out loud, blushing, and hooked to the story!
It is fast paced but I like that, sometimes a drawn out story gets boring and you definitely don’t have that with this book!
Also the group chats, you’re going to LOVE THEM!!!! Be prepared to laugh out loud!!!!!!
I truly recommend this book to anyone! It was definitely a 5/5 for me and a good 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5 on the spicy meter!
Awesome job Susan and thank you again! Can’t wait to read more of your books as I’m currently searching for the rest of the series to read them as well!
September 20, 2025
Barrett and Blakely
This is the 6th book in the Aneheim Stars series. Barrett and Blakely are the enemies to love couple. In the beginning, they knew how to cut each other with their words. It was tough to read because I just wanted the best for them; not for them to hurt each other. Slowly, they start to see the other side of each other. As usual, the guys' group chat offers plenty of laughs, and the ladies' group chat was funny, too. I love how the guys, along with their spouses/significant others were there for both Barrett and Blakely during their time of need just like they always are when someone in the group needs help. The Aneheim Stars, along with their spouses/significant others are truly a family.
If you have not read the other books in this series, make sure to read them too.
This is the 6th book in the Aneheim Stars series. Barrett and Blakely are the enemies to love couple. In the beginning, they knew how to cut each other with their words. It was tough to read because I just wanted the best for them; not for them to hurt each other. Slowly, they start to see the other side of each other. As usual, the guys' group chat offers plenty of laughs, and the ladies' group chat was funny, too. I love how the guys, along with their spouses/significant others were there for both Barrett and Blakely during their time of need just like they always are when someone in the group needs help. The Aneheim Stars, along with their spouses/significant others are truly a family.
If you have not read the other books in this series, make sure to read them too.
September 27, 2025
This book starts off great. Like it really had me with the very first line. Barrett is the typical grumpy hockey player. The book starts with the team losing a game and it’s Barrett’s turn to talk to the press. Blakely is a sports reporter that asks the hard questions. Obviously they dislike each other but are still attracted to each other.
The tension grows between the 2 until finally they give in. Barrett falls first and his grumpiness starts to change.
I’ve got to admit the banter between the 2 had me cracking up the whole book so did the group chats between the team and the girls.
Both characters are well written, both with strong personalities. I think they make a great couple.
No more spoilers. You’ve got to read this beautifully written enemies to lovers story. Plus the spice in it is on point.
The tension grows between the 2 until finally they give in. Barrett falls first and his grumpiness starts to change.
I’ve got to admit the banter between the 2 had me cracking up the whole book so did the group chats between the team and the girls.
Both characters are well written, both with strong personalities. I think they make a great couple.
No more spoilers. You’ve got to read this beautifully written enemies to lovers story. Plus the spice in it is on point.
September 9, 2025
Wow this book was absolutely amazing!! SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!!!!! The banter between Blakely and Barrett was amazing.❤️❤️❤️ The way they argued in the arena tore something in me like “uh oh they are gonna break up” but that didn’t happen! The way that Barrett reassured her that nothing was going to happen to them made my heart mend back together in the best way!! Oh and honey the spicy was ON POINT! It was put in just the right places 👀👀 The way she told off the SNN, I was like “YEEESSSS QUEEEN YOU FREAKING WORK!!!!” Barrett is so supportive of Blakely. The way he makes her feel like a queen makes my heart melt!! If you love hockey romance with a lot of spicy and banter, I highly recommend this book!! Susan Renee you are amazing!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2025
Wow. I was not expecting Bear to piss me off as much as he did. I knew going in (from the previous books in the series) that he is a surly character but there were things said I didn’t think he could come back from. And yet, he did. I like his softer side but it almost wasn’t enough to forgive him… It took me awhile to like Blakely but in the end I love her. She’s fierce through and through, and likely the only character I can imagine handling Bear.
This can be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series before this one to get a feel for the characters. All of Susan Renee’s books are great because she is a master at drawing you into the characters’ lives.
This can be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series before this one to get a feel for the characters. All of Susan Renee’s books are great because she is a master at drawing you into the characters’ lives.
September 9, 2025
Loved this book! The enemies-to-lovers trope was done perfectly. Barrett, the grumpy hockey goalie, goes head-to-head with Blakely Rivers, the fierce press box beauty determined to make her mark in a male-dominated field. When Blakely asks the tough questions, she immediately finds herself at odds with Barrett—and the sparks fly from there.
The tension between them is electric, with just the right mix of heat and hate simmering on every page. Their banter had me hooked—it was sharp, witty, and so much fun to read. I devoured this story and loved every single minute of it!
Highly recommend to anyone who loves a well-done enemies-to-lovers romance, especially if you’re a fan of hockey romance!
The tension between them is electric, with just the right mix of heat and hate simmering on every page. Their banter had me hooked—it was sharp, witty, and so much fun to read. I devoured this story and loved every single minute of it!
Highly recommend to anyone who loves a well-done enemies-to-lovers romance, especially if you’re a fan of hockey romance!
September 18, 2025
More like What If I Love You!
This enemies-to-lovers, spicy, hockey romance is just what you're looking for if you want to laugh, swoon, and fan yourself from the heat! The banter between Barrett and Blakley is brutal and hilarious! I caught myself laughing out loud multiple times. The strength and perseverance Blakley exudes is seriously commendable, but her ability to get under Barrett's skin is probably my favorite. And seriously, Susan Renee is a master at spicy scenes 🥵 You may have to work for it for the waiting, but she will deliver the most satisfying steamy scenes! Don't wait, just pick up the Anaheim Stars series for a sexy, happy, feel good series!
This enemies-to-lovers, spicy, hockey romance is just what you're looking for if you want to laugh, swoon, and fan yourself from the heat! The banter between Barrett and Blakley is brutal and hilarious! I caught myself laughing out loud multiple times. The strength and perseverance Blakley exudes is seriously commendable, but her ability to get under Barrett's skin is probably my favorite. And seriously, Susan Renee is a master at spicy scenes 🥵 You may have to work for it for the waiting, but she will deliver the most satisfying steamy scenes! Don't wait, just pick up the Anaheim Stars series for a sexy, happy, feel good series!
September 20, 2025
Aggravation to Passion leads to Love ❤️
Blakely Rivers is a tough reporter that asks the difficult questions when it is called for. Her latest subject Barrett Cunningham, is the very grumpy goalie for the Anaheim Stars Hockey team.
These two have an attraction between them they try to ignore. This story is full of spice with humor that has you laughing out loud. I loved the growth of their relationship from enemies to very passionate lovers and how crazy this workplace romance just works! I highly recommend this story for a wonderful entertaining read that it is. Susan Renee does a fantastic job!
Blakely Rivers is a tough reporter that asks the difficult questions when it is called for. Her latest subject Barrett Cunningham, is the very grumpy goalie for the Anaheim Stars Hockey team.
These two have an attraction between them they try to ignore. This story is full of spice with humor that has you laughing out loud. I loved the growth of their relationship from enemies to very passionate lovers and how crazy this workplace romance just works! I highly recommend this story for a wonderful entertaining read that it is. Susan Renee does a fantastic job!
October 9, 2025
Arc reader review!
If you like a funny, last nerve hitting rom com, this is for you!
We have Barrett, who’s the star goalie(you know what they say about those) and Blakely who is a sports reporter.
He thinks he knows it all, until She gives him her honest opinion and tells him like it is, which annoys him at first. But then that annoyance changes. They stay keeping the other in their toes. They have witty banter, good points, and chemistry! Also, TEXT THREADS. I won’t lie, that’s a favorite for me in any book.
This is an easy, fun read that will have you swooning and falling in love right along with the characters!
If you like a funny, last nerve hitting rom com, this is for you!
We have Barrett, who’s the star goalie(you know what they say about those) and Blakely who is a sports reporter.
He thinks he knows it all, until She gives him her honest opinion and tells him like it is, which annoys him at first. But then that annoyance changes. They stay keeping the other in their toes. They have witty banter, good points, and chemistry! Also, TEXT THREADS. I won’t lie, that’s a favorite for me in any book.
This is an easy, fun read that will have you swooning and falling in love right along with the characters!
September 16, 2025
Immediately I was drawn into "What if I Hate You". The way Blakely stood her ground and despite how she was treated and looked down on she was a badass** sports reporter in a male dominated world.
Then there is Barrette the goalie who shoulders way too much. From the first post-game press with Rivers sparks were flying. The feisty reporter who took no mans bs had the goalie tied in knots and all jumbled in the head.
I was so entranced with this that I couldn't stop myself from reading it in one sitting. I just had to know what was going to happen.
Then there is Barrette the goalie who shoulders way too much. From the first post-game press with Rivers sparks were flying. The feisty reporter who took no mans bs had the goalie tied in knots and all jumbled in the head.
I was so entranced with this that I couldn't stop myself from reading it in one sitting. I just had to know what was going to happen.
September 14, 2025
Barrett may be a tough grumpy bear on the ice but off the ice he is a complete teddy bear with a heart of gold. Blakely is a tough as nails woman journalist in a man's world who has fought her way her whole life. The fireworks between them were off the chart and I loved every moment of it. The Stars family are great and I love watching them constantly grow and support each other. Another great read from Susan Renee!
September 17, 2025
I received this as an ARC and I’m so happy I got the chance to read this.
Our MMC is one grumpy Goalie for the Anaheim stars hockey team, our FMC is the only female reporter in the media room. She’s also best friends with Ledgers girl Marlee.
This book had me from the very beginning, their first interaction in the book had me hooked and not wanting to put the book down until I finished. I loved this book and was perfect for this series
Our MMC is one grumpy Goalie for the Anaheim stars hockey team, our FMC is the only female reporter in the media room. She’s also best friends with Ledgers girl Marlee.
This book had me from the very beginning, their first interaction in the book had me hooked and not wanting to put the book down until I finished. I loved this book and was perfect for this series
September 17, 2025
Literally read this in a day. I could not put it down. Blakely and Barrett are two characters who you could see in real life and they capture you so quickly. Barrett is the tough goalie that never backs down and Blakely is the hard hitting reporter that never backs down. Leads for some super hot spicy time due to their intensity. And it bleeds off the pages in the best possible way. Clear your night for this one because like the famous chip said, once you pop, you can't stop.
September 18, 2025
The banter in this book is to die for! I loved all the interactions Blakely and Barrett had with each other and with the rest of the guys/girlfriends, so many laughs out loud moments! As for Blakely and Barrett’s relationship, it took a bit for me to really get into them as a couple but once they put some of their pride aside, I loved them! If you are looking for a rom com that has some enemies to lovers and some hockey, then I definitely recommend this!
September 18, 2025
Honestly found this one kind of annoying. The “fuck the patriarchy” gets obnoxious. “Just because I don’t have a penis”, “because I don’t have a dick between my legs”, “just because I have a vagina”. Like okay, we get it, it just feels like it’s every other sentence sometimes.
I liked the Red Tails more than this series. Ella and August were cute, and Layken and Griffin. But Marlee and Ledger were such a strange and unrealistic plot line and this one was just eh.
Idk, just not it.
I liked the Red Tails more than this series. Ella and August were cute, and Layken and Griffin. But Marlee and Ledger were such a strange and unrealistic plot line and this one was just eh.
Idk, just not it.
October 13, 2025
I absolutely LOVED Barrett and Blakely! The banter was top notch. The text conversations had me literally laughing out loud. I loved the fire that Blakey had. She had such a strength and take no crap attitude, but she desperately needed someone who could be her tower when she couldn’t. I loved how Barrett was that for her. Protective and yet endearing. I couldn’t get enough of these two! Highly recommend.
September 13, 2025
Although not my favourite, I liked getting to know Bear and getting to know everything he’s guarding besides his net. Blakely is a baddie who proves her worth amidst all the chaos in her field of employment. We are reminded of the big family the Stars has built throughout the series. An entertaining read you should consider.
September 18, 2025
***ARC Review
Bear and Blakely were great! I love a good enemies to lovers story. They both had strong personalities and I appreciate the fact that she didn’t have to dim hers for him. There was also a lot of humor in the book, especially with their friends and the group chats! I love when a book can make me genuinely laugh out loud. A great addition to the series!
Bear and Blakely were great! I love a good enemies to lovers story. They both had strong personalities and I appreciate the fact that she didn’t have to dim hers for him. There was also a lot of humor in the book, especially with their friends and the group chats! I love when a book can make me genuinely laugh out loud. A great addition to the series!
September 19, 2025
Teddy bear and the ball buster
When the Burleigh strong looks mean goalie meets the no holds barred reporter. Who asks the real questions. When two people who spare verbally. Are strong and independent. when she knows what she’s talking about. The angst gets to building and when it starts to become attraction and boils over in the hallway after game with his hand in her pants. And her seeing stars.and him buying sheets and butthole pillowy.
When the Burleigh strong looks mean goalie meets the no holds barred reporter. Who asks the real questions. When two people who spare verbally. Are strong and independent. when she knows what she’s talking about. The angst gets to building and when it starts to become attraction and boils over in the hallway after game with his hand in her pants. And her seeing stars.and him buying sheets and butthole pillowy.
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