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Hate The Game
I transferred to USC under a fake name to ruin three football gods.
I’m the one getting wrecked.
My brothers are my everything. They raised me when no one else would. So when the Apex Three gave them season-ending injuries, I swore payback and transferred to USC to write the exposé that would end them. What I didn’t count on? My enemies being total hotties—and far too good at turning revenge into foreplay.
Jax is the perfect football prince who looks at me like he wants to either kiss me or bench-press me into submission. Cole is tattooed chaos who's made it his personal mission to find out if Texas girls are as fiery as advertised, one traced curve at a time. Ryder, the brooding brick wall, has a habit of showing up at our shared showers—all hard muscle and soft eyes that don't match.
They’re supposed to be my villains. Instead, they’ve become the distraction of the century. Somewhere between the hate and the heat, I stopped wanting revenge and started wanting them. And when lines blur between payback and passion, one thing’s clear—I might’ve hated the game, but I never stood a chance against the players.
Hate the Game is a spicy reverse-harem college football romance full of banter, bad decisions, and enemies who make losing feel a lot like winning.
I’m the one getting wrecked.
My brothers are my everything. They raised me when no one else would. So when the Apex Three gave them season-ending injuries, I swore payback and transferred to USC to write the exposé that would end them. What I didn’t count on? My enemies being total hotties—and far too good at turning revenge into foreplay.
Jax is the perfect football prince who looks at me like he wants to either kiss me or bench-press me into submission. Cole is tattooed chaos who's made it his personal mission to find out if Texas girls are as fiery as advertised, one traced curve at a time. Ryder, the brooding brick wall, has a habit of showing up at our shared showers—all hard muscle and soft eyes that don't match.
They’re supposed to be my villains. Instead, they’ve become the distraction of the century. Somewhere between the hate and the heat, I stopped wanting revenge and started wanting them. And when lines blur between payback and passion, one thing’s clear—I might’ve hated the game, but I never stood a chance against the players.
Hate the Game is a spicy reverse-harem college football romance full of banter, bad decisions, and enemies who make losing feel a lot like winning.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2025
490 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Rebel Bloom
24 books1,030 followersRebel 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!
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 20, 2025
3.25/5 stars
[Full RTC]
[Full RTC]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!!
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.
🌶️ 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.
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!
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!
Read
February 4, 2026I 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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 😁🔥🔥🔥
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 😁🔥🔥🔥
December 5, 2025
Texas and Cali
I really enjoyed this book. For a while I was worried it was going to turn into that standard bully book but it never did and I could not be happier! These three men were just what the doctor needed. They loved her while showing parts of themselves and making sure she knew exactly how amazing her body was.
I really enjoyed this book. For a while I was worried it was going to turn into that standard bully book but it never did and I could not be happier! These three men were just what the doctor needed. They loved her while showing parts of themselves and making sure she knew exactly how amazing her body was.
January 15, 2026
super cute. the overall story is really kinda dumb to me, I hate the back and forth whip lash these types of books always have, and things seemed to resolve themselves a little too quickly sometimes - but i really really loved the rest of it. i enjoyed the characters; it was really easy to keep reading.
January 22, 2026
I am so pleasantly surprised. I have had this book on my Kindle shelf for months, because I tend to hate books where there is journalist drama. HOWEVER this book went in directions I completely didn't expect and it was so much fun. I should never have doubted Bloom, they just write such good reverse harem dramas.
October 11, 2025
Another great read by Rebel Bloom!
RH, sports romance, secret identity, enimies to lovers, and more
I loved the storyline. It kept me interested to the end. I also really liked Savannah.
There was drama, secrets, revenge, humor, lots of tension, and spice.
RH, sports romance, secret identity, enimies to lovers, and more
I loved the storyline. It kept me interested to the end. I also really liked Savannah.
There was drama, secrets, revenge, humor, lots of tension, and spice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews