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Hate The Game

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I didn’t mean to end up sleeping with all three of my brothers’ enemies...

The plan was fake my identity to ruin the three football gods who injured my brothers. What wasn’t in the playbook? My enemies being total hotties—and far too good at turning revenge into foreplay.

Jax is the golden football prince who looks at me like he wants to either kiss me or bench-press me into submission. Cole is tattooed chaos who treats flirting like a full-contact sport. And Ryder, broody and built like a tank, keeps showing up in our shared showers, all hard muscle and soft eyes that should definitely be illegal.

They’re supposed to be my villains. Instead, they’re making me feel like I’m the queen they’ve been waiting for. But the thing about perfect men? They’re almost always hiding something.


Fake identity (with a twist that bites back)
Forced proximity (yes… that shower scene)
Found family + chaotic best friend
Grumpy/sunshine x 3
Curvy, messy, lovable heroine
Slow burn → explosive spice

Hate the Game is a spicy reverse-harem college football romance full of banter, bad decisions, and enemies who make losing feel dangerously close to winning.

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2025

628 people are currently reading
693 people want to read

About the author

Rebel Bloom

24 books1,050 followers
Rebel Bloom is known for laugh-out-loud reverse harem romances that are unapologetically steamy.

Her recipe for the perfect romance? A pinch of sugar, a generous cup of spice, and a heap of cocky alphas who might not always play nice.

Rebel lives with her partner and their adorable army of fur babies, while writing stories that would make your Nonni blush.

Grab one of her reads, get comfy, and dive into a world where romance is as hot as it is hilarious!

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5 stars
568 (44%)
4 stars
425 (33%)
3 stars
232 (18%)
2 stars
47 (3%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Lana Gio.
216 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2025
I enjoyed this the same way I enjoy most of Rebel Bloom’s books. They are comfortable and relaxing reads for me. I know what to expect and most of the time I enjoy her stuff.

I do feel like she branched out somewhat in Hate The Game. It’s longer than her other books & has a bit more plot outside of just the romance and OW drama that I expected. The plot itself was fine, nothing amazing but I liked how it started our FMC out on a different path, having her out for revenge. Sort of. Things did revert back to FMC’s (Savannah) ex having wronged her in XYZ way. But I liked the MMCs & Savannah for the most part and the spice is pretty good as well.

The dialogue still feels a little forced and/or OTT sometimes but it’s not as cringe as some of her books that I’ve read. It’s manageable for the most part.

Profile Image for Christina.
54 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2025
I get that one guy (ok three) finding you attractive doesn’t undo 2 decades of society being an asshole about your fatness, but when they FINALLY all end up in the bed together the whole scene is them trying to get her to not be self conscious and i just really really hated that🤣

This FMC just seems soooooo much more self conscious than any of rebel’s other FMCs. Idk i just couldn’t even finish the book at that point bc 92% in you’ve got three hot guys saying they love you and you can’t let the self consciousness go??? Like come on. Coooooome on.
Profile Image for Engrossed Reader.
427 reviews13 followers
December 14, 2025
This is probably the most realistic depiction of a girl suddenly fancying 3 friends, and the friends getting on board with it. Not like other books where sharing is standard practice, no awkwardness and only the girl changes.

Savannah runs away a lot (from their shared dorm), but it is understandable. In fact they all have their demons which drives them, however the slow pace and 1:1, before group action really works.

It lost a star because the plot was silly, The Apex 3 didn't ruin her brother's lives, and a rewatch of the game would have explained that. The incident that drove her back to USC was out of character and seemed contrived. Plus the animosity between the Coach and her boss Marla was as obvious as the day was long. Unrequited love is an unbearable pain but Cass was foolish to live on the periphery in the hope that Cole would become interested in her.

Anyway a fun read.
Profile Image for k's.bookshelf..
277 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2025
One of my all time favourite authors just got better

I found Rebel so early on into smut reading and that was YEARS ago, still love every single one of her books.
And oh my god. Rebel has upped her game with this one! Its longer and so much more drama has been packed into these pages!
Yes yes yes a million times yes, I am here for it!
Still a classic fluffly spicy Rebel Bloom read, but just better somehow!
Yes!
Profile Image for Alice.
739 reviews15 followers
October 26, 2025
I really like Savannah but I am baffled as to why she recycled plot points and characters from my brothers teammates. That book was great but she has a character named Ryder here too and has the same background.
7 reviews
December 5, 2025
I really liked this book, but I hated Cass and I’m genuinely sad the next book is about her because I don’t want to read a book about a mean girl. I loved Poppins and am so excited that we get to read her book though!
Profile Image for Sharon McMaster.
327 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2025
Savannah cracked me up - - when she had her ditzy blond moments and thought she was fooling people just had me chuckling. While she had great intentions to go and protect her brothers the only way she knew how, she fell into the charm and authenticity of Jax, Cole and Ryder that they never let anyone else see. But they also got to peak behind the curtain and see Savannah for who she is. I loved that she made a connection with each of them individually and that their group dynamics didn’t hinge on the other as she could have truly picked one….but where is the fun in that. The author did a great job with this storyline but also with how lonely Savannah felt in a completely foreign/outside of her box school and mission. She did manage to make a friend in Jax’s sister Blair and she was hysterical as well. I could absolutely see myself grabbing a burger and one of Blair’s famous brownies and hanging out or line dancing with them, that’s how real the characters felt. I loved how the guys groveled when they messed up and the chemistry between them all was perfection. Only thing I didn’t like was Savannah’s trip home and how her room was destroyed and there was no mention or apology from the brothers about it even if they didn’t know….but that was just me needing some validation for Savannah. Adored this book and hope the author touched back for Blair’s story as there is def one there to be told!!
Profile Image for Chelsea.
166 reviews24 followers
January 15, 2026
⭐️ 4.5/5 rounded up
🌶️ 4/5

Spoilers Below - Fair Warning ⚠️

Like all of Rebel’s catalog, I loved this book. I’ve been putting it off for when I’m in a slump because her books always pull me out of them and I’m soooo glad I did!

The MMC’s were great as always and I looooooved Savannah. Living in Texas myself, I adored her character. I won’t lie, I’m glad the ditzy persona didn’t last too long lol.

Profile Image for Lemon.
805 reviews21 followers
March 9, 2026
Plot: 5/5 • Spice: 4/5 ————> I enjoyed the hell out of this contemporary RH. It was fun. There was drama. Out for revenge. Hearts broken.


Savannah is writing an article for a football team. She’s out for revenge. She’s undercover to find out more about the three guys on the team who hurt her brother’s in a previous game. Ending their careers.


She blew her cover each time she went on a date with one of the three. She went from dumb and ditzy to her fun and carefree self. They knew something was up. When Coles ex/best friend found out who she was she told the three guys and they came up with a plan to sabotage her back.


The tables turned on both sides though. Savannah couldn’t write the article, because deep down she was falling for the guys, and vice versa. Cass, the best friend, didn’t care. She tried to end the relationships from both sides. (She was still deeply in love with Cole) That backfired and the guys and savannah entwined even more.


If it wasn’t for Jax’s pregnant little sister Savannah would have lost her mind. She really came through as a best
friend. She really was a great supporting character. I enjoyed her.


This is a standalone, but part of a series. I hate cass so much I probably won’t read her story. (which is next) We do get a HEA, and it’s actually perfect. Loved everything about this.
Profile Image for Bamby.
321 reviews
February 22, 2026
Love it when the MCs can’t be together because of rivalry!! Rebel, you give and you give!!

Big lover of her work. This hit different, admittedly. Felt like Sav was supposed to be stronger than she ended up being. Journalism is gonna be tough for her. Also unsure about going ahead with Cass’ book. The brothers are a wreck and I’m made with them, and Cass is a fat shaming pick-me. But… gonna give it time before I decide whether I’ll give it a go. I enjoy Rebel’s books, so I don’t want to assume.

While this book was different than the others (it didn’t flow/vibe like her other works) I still enjoyed it!! There were certainly a lot of melodramatic moments, but not enough to deter me. Plus, hello?? Cute animal shelter, line dancing, and heart wrenching stories!! These men were too much!! The best part of the story, obviously!!

~~~

Trope(s): Romance. Contemporary. Sports. Why choose. Enemies-to-lovers. Friends-to-lovers. Forced proximity. College. Football.

Trigger Warnings: OWD. 3rd act breakup. Blackmail. Parental abuse. Mentions of drug use. Abandonment. Angst. Bullying. Fat shaming.
Profile Image for Reading.With.Flo&#x1f4da;.
169 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2026
I’ve read quite a few of Rebel Bloom’s books, and this one is definitely one of my favorites!

It had everything I love in a romance: enemies to lovers tension, a confident curvy FMC, a broody giant with a soft side, a flirty golden-retriever type, and a golden boy who just happens to have a filthy mouth — yes, please. The character dynamics were so much fun, and the chemistry between them was intense from start to finish.

The plot felt a bit longer than her usual books, but in a good way. It gave the relationships time to develop, and I never felt bored. The pacing worked well, and the emotional beats really landed. The spice was hot without being over the top — perfectly balanced with the romance and storyline.

I also loved her relationship with Jax’s sister. It added another layer of heart to the story, and now I’m so curious about who her baby daddy is 😉. I need answers!

Overall, this book delivered on tension, chemistry, humor, and heat. I’m officially jumping into Cass and Sav’s brothers’ story next because I have to see where this world goes from here
Profile Image for MarQueX.
45 reviews
November 7, 2025
great funny and new twist as a series book

This book held all the parts I love about Rebel Bloom's RH books. Laugh out loud funny, dramatic characters, and an awesome FMC that isn't a push over even if she has baggage. Bloom writes witty, determined and strong FMCs that are also relatable. Savannah is no exception and her bigger than life down to earth personality makes the story even better- making you totally get how the guys can't manage to stay away. This book also gives you all the must haves in a sports related romance, but you get to see each MMC as his own unique personality.

The biggest difference from this and her other books was the bit of a cliffhanger- I missed the epilogue, but knowing I will get more of these characters in other books makes it worth it. I have my suspicions where Cass will end up, so I can't wait to see where that goes. Plus I can't wait for more of Blaire's story!
Profile Image for Nicky.
8 reviews
Read
February 4, 2026
I honestly wasn’t sure if I should write this review because I’m a big fan of Rebel Bloom and her books, hers were some of the first to get me back into reading a couple of years ago and I loved the story of Savannah and her men but..

There were so many grammatical errors in the book, some back to back sentences that seemed to repeat each other, inconsistencies within the story (like at first Blaire tells Savannah she’s having a boy, then she says she’s having a girl and has a girl with no context to the change), it also seems that the ending of the book was just really rushed (there’s no closure regarding Savannah’s brothers and if they accept her choices, no word on her finished article or what happens with her career), the story kind of just drops off.

The end just kinda sucked, maybe there will be bonus scenes?



Rebel Bloom
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
383 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2025
When the revenge plot gets spicy
Oh I loved this RH sports romance. The FMC is on a mission for revenge but when she meets her targets, they might not be exactly like she imagined. Savannah loves her brothers more than anything since they helped raise her. So when they are injured playing football, she knows she needs to expose the members of the team who did it - especially since it was deliberate, right? Well, as she gest to know them, she finds their sweet sides too, but now she's trapped in this plan and doesn't know what to do.
I am a big fan of Rebel Bloom and this is no exception. There is definitely angsty heartbreak, but also some found family in this one that is amazing. I also get the feeling we've got a bit of unresolved tension with Savannah's brothers and some peeks at who might be next.
1,132 reviews10 followers
October 12, 2025
I’m a Rebel fan and Savannah and her guys are having too much fun!! I love why choose, revenge, and a triple threat sports theme that grows into passion and love. Jax, Ryder, and Cole never saw her coming, but they’re mesmerized by her personality, her effervescence, and how she inspires them to feel so many emotions! They also work together to build up her self esteem that’s been battered by an ex! She seems so confident, but underneath she’s besieged by self doubt about her appearance, her career choice, and her apparent poor judgment! There’s pages and pages of steamy scenes that melted my kindle and some that made blush and sigh! I devoured their banter, the humor, and the sense of home she felt with her guys!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
72 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2025
Rebel in Her Sweet Spot!

Nobody does 3:1 better than Rebel! This is the first in an interconnected series, which if I'm not mistaken is a first for this author. Excited to see that world expand out to include the ancillary characters getting their day in the sun.

I appreciated the longer format of this book, as the author sometimes writes more in the 250-300 page category and this is over 400.

Most of all I appreciate that even though our girl is committed to 3:1 with HEA, somehow it never seems formulaic.

AND the best line in any Why Choose? has to go to Sav's brother's response to her using they/them. Either Jax is getting progressive orrrr...... HA! So good! Bring on books 2 and 3!
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,414 reviews33 followers
December 8, 2025
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Savannah, Jax, Ryder, & Cole. When this book opens we find that Savannah's brothers were hurt to the point that they might never play again. So she comes up with a plan to make the players and coach who did this pay. Jax, Ryder, & Cole have only ever wanted to play football. That could have something to do with their father but one look at Savannah they know they have a new plan. Can they all find a HEA or will outside people make sure that never happens?

Another amazing hit by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
675 reviews7 followers
January 19, 2026
I love that there could have been SO much drama and stress in this book, but there was mostly patience and understanding between the characters instead. One of my biggest pet peeves is when MCs overreact to a miscommunication, and that doesn't really happen in Hate The Game. Yes, there are conflicts and misunderstandings, but the FMC and all three MMCs are level-headed, and my logic-inclined brain was totally here for it! And the steamy scenes were super hot. However, I couldn't get over the lack of comma usage in this book. That alone bothered me enough to dock a star. See left-brained creature explanation above. The story was fantastic.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,810 reviews63 followers
October 19, 2025
HATE THE GAME is book 1 of the Playing Dirty series. It's a steamy, sort of enemies to lovers, reverse-harem, girl gets her 3 hockey players romance. Savannah is a sassy girl who transfers to USC, hoping to expose the hockey players that ended her brothers' hockey careers. She doesn't expect to fall for the guys. Jax, Cole and Ryder are the three hunky hockey gods she ends up falling for. What will her brother's say? The chemistry was hot and we ended on a happy note but have sort of a cliffhanger that will hopefully be addressed in the next book.

407 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2025
3.5 stars. I didn't know Rebel Bloom had another book out and I absolutely love her books!
However, this one fell kind of flat for me. I always love how the FMCs personalities are but Savannah really seemed to have a problem with her size. I mean she was still self conscious even though she had 3 sexy AF men wanting her at the same time. It just seemed like maybe she needed more love. And the amount of times that she ran away from her problems!?! Ugh so annoying. Also, I don't like how there wasn't a resolution in the story and most of Rebels books do. Maybe she is trying something new?
Profile Image for Dionna.
73 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2026
Read in 1 day

This book was soooooo good I could not put it down! It was funny and sweet. It's a little of a slow burn but when things heat up....it heats up!💥💥💥💥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 But all the scenes in between the slow burn is highly entertaining. I loved how Savannah feelings developed individually for Jax, Cole, and Ryder and how it all came together. Absolutely loved Blaire and can't wait to hear her story. Cass got on my nerves. Another great read by Rebel Bloom. I just hope her books come to audio and they are duets.
Profile Image for Tasha Sharrock.
3 reviews
Did not finish
March 14, 2026
First book by the author and probably last

5 chapters in and I have absolutely no desire to finish this book. I find nothing cute or funny about it 🤷‍♀️ I don’t vibe with the characters at all, I think Savannah is a coward 🤷‍♀️ said what I said. If you’re going to write a book about “revenge” then actually have the character that is doing the “revenge” a bad ass. Also if you’re going to write a revenge book don’t wait until the end of the book to reveal why you want your petty revenge.

Another reminder of why Dark romance is the way to go!
Profile Image for Carolyn Meredith.
660 reviews9 followers
October 8, 2025
I love Rebel Bloom books. However, this one started with me questioning things and left me with even more questions. It will be interesting to see if my theories are correct with the next books in this new series. Well written with lots of intrigue and secret thoughts. I love that Savannah bonded with Blaire so quickly and had the person she needed to get through everything. I really didn’t like the guys through most of the book but they did make great steam.
47 reviews
October 14, 2025
Loved the story. I laughed and cried. So many time I yelled just talk to each other!! This story really showed how important honesty and communication are in any relationship. The ending was a little abrupt and we didn’t find out anything about the baby but I am assuming that is because it is the storyline of another book. Although, having Cass at the ending shows that we will be seeing more of her in this series. Looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Samantha Case.
637 reviews5 followers
October 18, 2025
RH Queen

No one can do RH romcom like Rebel Bloom. There's no doubt about that fact. Savannah, Jax, Ryder, and Cole are a sizzling quartet with enough issues to make things interesting. However, the number of times that Savannah ran away to hide from her problems was ridiculous. There's no way she doesn't flunk the semester. Additionally, the editing got sloppy especially towards the end.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,443 reviews70 followers
October 10, 2025
This is an entertaining and spicy series opener and I really enjoyed it. Savannah is looking for revenge on those who harmed her brothers but she ends up finding way more than she anticipated. With angst, drama, intrigue, secrets and hot romance, this was a page turner for me. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book ;D
711 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2025
This one was pretty heavy on lust which I don’t mind but I do wish we got more sweet moments between her and the guys. At first they just wanted to fuck her since she’s hot but then she dropped her fake persona and they got to know her true personality. I also wish there would have been some solution with her brothers but she does stand up for herself and tells them off.
354 reviews
October 23, 2025
Another great read

Love Rebels writing and read all her books, this definitely doesn't disappoint! Follow Savannah on her adventure of falling for the Apex Three, aka, Jax, Cole and Ryder, when she thought she was there to get revenge for the injuries the guys caused her brothers in the last year of football. So many shenanigans and all the feels, with some good spice 😁🔥🔥🔥
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews