Hate to Be Mine

Billionaire Legacy #2

by Weston Parker

I’ve never met a rule I couldn’t bend.

Or a woman who didn’t enjoy watching me try.

Then she shows up with a ninety-page binder, a tight librarian bun, and a mission to ruin every fun idea I have for the biggest Blackwell Couture campaign of the year.

Apparently you can’t set a cabana on fire for dramatic effect or make models cliff-dive for the perfect shot.

Who knew?

She’s tiny. Bossy. Completely unimpressed with my charm.

And somehow she’s the only woman on this entire tropical paradise who keeps telling me no.

Which, unfortunately for both of us, makes me want her even more.

One night, one bad decision, and suddenly the woman hired to police me is the one tangled up in my sheets.

Now we have a problem.

Because if anyone finds out the responsible insurance rep is sleeping with the guy she’s supposed to be watching, she loses her job.

And if I screw this shoot up, I prove my brothers were right about me all along.

But the more time I spend with my adorable buzz kill with a clipboard, the more I realize something dangerous.

She’s the only woman who’s ever looked at me like I’m capable of being more than the family screwup.

I’ve spent years chasing pleasure and avoiding responsibility.

Now the one woman who refuses to fall for my charm might be the only thing worth chasing for real.

And if I have to break a few rules to keep her?

Well.

That’s always been my specialty.

Every good girl deserves a bad boy. ~ Weston

Genres: Romance

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2026

About the author

Hey there. I'm Weston.

Have we met? No? Well, that's a shame, but let's fix it.

I'm a former firefighter and EMS guy who traded emergency calls for romance novels. These days, I write stories about bad boys, billionaires, military heroes, and the kind of men who occasionally make questionable decisions before finding their way back to what matters most. Love.

I live in Texas with my wife, our three kids, and enough animals to qualify for a small petting zoo. Life is loud, busy, and wonderfully chaotic, which is probably why I enjoy disappearing into stories where love somehow manages to win in the end.

At the heart of every book I write is the same belief: life can be hard, but a great love story reminds us that hope, healing, forgiveness, and second chances are always worth fighting for. And to put your mind at ease, I don't use any AI in my books. They're all fully flawed and done by humans. No way in hell I'd give my job to a machine when it's the reason I get up in the morning. So put that worry to bed.

Instead, grab your favorite drink, find a comfortable spot, and stay a while. The real world will still be there when you're done.

Until then, welcome to mine.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

Part 2

2,5 🏝️💘⭐️s

The story of Sebastian - the second Blackwell brother - and Bernadette was not outstanding.
The L feeling developed quickly and was not consolidated enough.
I just wasn’t convinced by their romance and the mcs’ personalities (especially Sebastian’s) lacked significance.
However, I was glad to see Adrian and Elizabeth from the first part.

[Nuhaa]

Hate To Be Mine by Weston Parker is one of those stories that pulls you in with the drama but keeps you hooked because of the characters.

Sebastian Blackwell is the brother no one really takes seriously — the charming face, the reputation, the one expected to mess things up. Watching him step into a role where everything is on the line felt like a turning point, not just for the story but for how you see him as a character. There’s pressure coming from every direction, and it made his journey feel real and worth rooting for.

Bernadette is the complete opposite. Structured, cautious, and used to living under expectations that were never truly hers. She walks into this situation with rules, boundaries, and a clear purpose and immediately clashes with Sebastian in a way that sparks tension from the start. Their dynamic isn’t just opposites attract — it’s more like two people constantly testing each other without meaning to.

What I really enjoyed was how their relationship didn’t feel rushed. The tension builds through small moments, arguments, and reluctant understanding. You can feel the shift as annoyance slowly turns into something neither of them planned for. It’s messy at times, but that’s what makes it believable.

There’s also an underlying layer of conflict beyond the romance that adds weight to the story. It’s not just about whether they’ll give in to their feelings, but whether they can navigate everything working against them at the same time.

Overall, this book blends strong personalities, emotional growth, and undeniable chemistry in a way that keeps you invested. It’s engaging without being over-the-top, and it definitely leaves you curious about the rest of the series.

I received an ARC of this book and am sharing my honest opinion.

[Julianne Macneil]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the second book in the Blackwell Billionaire Brothers series. In this book. Sebastian is in charge of a photo shoot and because he is known as a playboy model who doesn't take anything seriously, the brothers arrange for a safety expert from the insurance agency to go with him to be sure everything goes smoothly. Bernadette is the daughter of the owner of the insurance agency and Sebastian thinks she is there to ruin his fun and that she needs to lighten up. Bernadette is trying to do her job and is facing a lot of pressure from her father to find a reason to void the policy so they don't have to pay any money to the Blackwells.
Sebastian is very surprised to see he is attracted to Bernadette, probably because she isn't falling al over him and stands up to him and tells him no. Bernadette thinks Sebastian is a shallow model who only has his looks going for him, until they start to talk. Soo they both realize they have more in common then they thought. I really love this series so far. I liked Sebastian from the first book and was really glad he found love too. Sebastian was not the shallow model his family thought he was and he actually had a lot of issues we all have about being taken seriously and not relying on a family name or his looks. He wanted to prove himself and stand on his own. Bernadette was trying to fade into the background and do her job. She thought she had to in order to earn her father's approval. It was great to see her come out of her shell and be herself. Another great one.

[Linda Warmath]

This is the second book in the Blackwell Brothers series featuring the drop dead gorgeous model and famous playboy brother, Sebastian. He has been put in charge of showcasing his sister in law, Elizabeth's, latest designs at a beautiful Island retreat with the who's who in the fashion industry attending. This is his debut with running the show and all of the family have their doubts whether he is capable of performing the tasks required to pull it off based on his previous behaviors and experiences. Then there is Bernadette Simmons, the insurance company's representative who is sent along to oversee the shoots and show. Bernadette is a very safety oriented, rule follower who is manipulated by her controlling, dishonest father who only wants to see this show fail so he will be able to pocket the premiums paid by Blackwell Courture. Sebastian and Bernadette butt heads in every way but the attraction and chemistry is off the charts and they both are aware of this. When they get finally get together, it is explosive. The twists and turns will keep you glued to this book and the heat and passion of these two as they are falling together is off the charts. You do not want to miss this story. I can't wait for the next brother to have his story! GREAT READ!!!

[Anna]

Sebastain Blackwell is a model and a notorious playboy. When he is put in charge of his sister-in-law Elizabeth’s new clothing line, he has to prove himself to his brothers. The shoot will take place on a small island where it is not really a tourist attraction and the country has real strict rules to follow. Black Couture has hired an insurance firm to make sure nothing goes wrong. Bernadette is sent to be the agent in charge and she is very serious and stern about her job. Sebastian thinks Bernadette is uptight and too strict and they don’t hit it off at first but he is instantly attracted to her. She is total opposite of him and don’t take no crap off him and he has never met a woman like her.
I really enjoyed Sebastian and Little Bee’s story. The push and pull between them is hilarious and the chemistry is off the charts. It was good to see that Sebastian was able to finally be taken serious and he pulled off the job. I loved Bernadette and how she was good for him and how she stood up to her father who was never much of a father to begin with. Weston brings the tropics to life with the way he gives us the details of how beautiful the island was. This book is well worth your time to read. I received an arc copy of it and I am honestly leaving my review.

[Marni Ortiz]

Hate To Be Mine : The Blackwell Billionaire Brothers Series Book 2 ) how do you not fall in love with the Blackwell Brothers? I mean we’re only on book 2 and I’m already utterly and completely obsessed !’ Sebastian and Bernadette oh my gosh how i absolutely adored these two . I loved that neither was perfect, I loved that both had flaws because that just made them that much more likable and relatable. The progression of their relationship, the way that Bernadette knew just how to push Sebs buttons , she was literally the bane of his existence until she wasn’t . It was so much fun to watch the back and forth between them , the push and pull and the insane chemistry whenever they were around one another. I loved how different they were , Seb being a complete playboy , someone who didn’t always follow the rules and the way Bee was just the opposite, she did everything by the book . They may have been polar opposite but they really did compliment each other so well . Their journey was everything absolutely everything. Fun , steamy, sweet , heartbreaking, heartwarming, emotionally charged and just absolute perfection.

[CatShire]

Book two in the Blackwell Billionaire Brothers series. We have Sebastian up, the model who has been doubted by his family for having the ability to do anything serious. He is taking on the biggest project to date, launching his sister-in-laws latest line. They are going to a very protected tropical island with lots of restrictions. Here enters the insurance agent, Bernadette. She is coming in to make sure all are following all the safety protocols. She has baggage of her own. A controlling father who has made her stay in the family business or threaten to disown her. Also he wants her to make sure this project fails so they can void the policy, essentially commit insurance fraud. This does not sit well with her. So they get to the island and immediately clash and it causes a riff with the crew and who they now dub Buzzkill Bernadette. Sebastian has to pull it together to work with her to repair the damage they have done and keep this project going, while navigating the insane chemistry they have. It is fire. Can they overcome their obstacles to get to their HEA and have a successful campaign too? A must read from Weston. Can't wait for the next brothers book!!

[Diane]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy "HATE TO BE MINE" I thoroughly enjoyed the journey these characters take you in in this interesting, intriguing emotional hot steamy read you won't be able to put down.
Sebastian Blackwell one of the heirs to Blackwell Fashion Couture Legacy wants to be the one to launch the Million Dollar Campaign for the new line created by his sister-in-law Elizabeth.
Sebastian wants to change his playboy past behind getting the trust from his family.
Bernadette Simmons wanting to belong after being abused by her father & fellow classmates is hired by the Blackwells to oversee the launch, both butt heads when meeting he likes to be creative & she likes order.
Bernadette is what Sebastian thinks of a small sassy buzz kill with clipboard & all but she makes him feel like he do anything & not be the screw up his family thinks he is.
Will Sebastian & Bernadette get their HEA breaking the rules one time was so scorching hot, its must repeat for sure, he's not willing to let her go, its absolutely 5 Star Plus writing, I loved it.

[Lyn Brownlie]

So good! Another Blackwell finds his partner
I was so excited to read book 2 of The Blackwell Billionaire Brothers series, book 1 was amazing and this one did not disappoint, I absolutely loved this story from start to finish.
Model, Sebastian was the star of this book along with Bernadette (Bee), she started off as the bane of his existence, who lived only by the rules (that he thought curbed his creativity), so their road to romance was very unexpected.
They were definite opposites but their chemistry was electric and undeniable plus once she relaxed Bee blossomed under Sebastian’s spell.
A story set in the fashion world with the most adorable men who have the tendency to fall quickly once they open up their hearts.
Another amazing storyline along with the best characters that I thoroughly enjoyed reading about and catching up with.
Can’t wait for Briggs and Dash to have their own stories.

[Mandy]

This is the latest in the Blackwell Billionaires Brothers series, and while it can be read as a stand alone, as it involved characters from the other books, I would recommend reading them in order. This book was so much fun, I raced through it.
This is Sebastian’s story, he is in charge of a photoshoot and runway show on a tropical island, showcasing sister in law Elizabeth’s latest designs. It’s is first time running the show himself, what could go wrong?! His siblings have their doubts, but Sebastian is determined to prove himself, while still being his wild, creative self.
Cue Bernadette, the safety officer, from the insurance company to make sure all goes to plan on the shoot, she is the epitome safety conscious, rule and regulation follower, and things get off to a bad start early on, can they manage to work together and successfully complete the shoot and the livestream runway show?
I received this as an ARC and thoroughly enjoyed the book!

[BP34]

Sebastian, at 35 is a successful male model and the second oldest Blackwell Couture heir. He was a party animal and a playboy who never seemed to take anything seriously. His family was concerned that he had taken on the responsibility of his sister in law, Elizabeth's first fashion shoot and runway. Clashes with the 'nerd' who was the insurance company rep added to the drama and angst. The shoot was on a remote island in the South Pacific and as you can imagine everything didn't go smoothly. Although this book is read as a standalone, it was fun to touch base with Sebastian's three brothers from other Blackwell Series books. The chemistry between Bernadette and Sebastian was off the charts and it was emotional two watch them go from enemies to 'head over heels' in love. The characters were amazing and the story line was a page turner. I read it in one sitting. I received a free arc via the author and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Judith]

The second in the billionaire Blackwell brothers series and an enjoyable read. Weston always manages to pique the readers interest and doesn’t disappoint with this one. Sebastian has a reputation and wants to prove that he’s more than just a pretty face. He wants to prove his worth and launches a project at a remote location with very strict rules. Enter Bernadette the insurance company’s enforcer of safety regulations. Push and pull from their first meeting! The pace of the story moves along at a good pace and character development is good. Two more different family backgrounds. Elizabeth, Sebastian’s sister in law who we met in book one, is Sebastian’s champion. She knows what he’s going through as she’s experienced something similar. With all the roadblocks thrown at them, Sebastian and “Bee” find a common ground and pull everything off without a hitch. A definite recommend read for Weston Parker readers.

[Freedom91724]

Bernadette and Sebastian start off on opposite sides, and you can feel the tension between them right away. From the moment they meet, the chemistry is there and just keeps building throughout the story.
Sebastian really wants to prove to his brothers that he’s serious about the family legacy. He’s tired of being seen as just a good-looking playboy and wants to show he’s more than that.
Bernadette is stuck in a career her father chose for her, always reminding her that it’s her “legacy.” She hides who she really is until she’s pushed out of her comfort zone, and it’s so nice to see her finally step into her own.
I loved watching them grow, both together and on their own. This book had me laughing and close to tears at times. I definitely recommend this series, and I can’t wait to see which brother falls next.

[Kari Hansen]

Sebastian is a man who lives by his own rules and isn’t affected by what others think about him or his actions. The opportunity to lead a photo shoot at a tropical location is a chance to showcase his skills if it wasn’t for Bernadette, who is determined to take the fun out of everything he wants to do.

Bernadette works for her father’s insurance company and is there to see every rule is followed and no risk is taken even if that puts her at odds with Sebastian. What she never expected was to develop feelings for the man who is her complete opposite especially with what is at stake for both of them professionally.

Every time that Bernadette and Sebastian are together the sparks fly both when it comes to the banter they share or the chemistry between them. Their journey is filled with romance and all the feels as they find the perfect balance in each other.

[Jesmin Nawaz]

I enjoyed Sebastian and Bernadette. I felt so bad for Bernadette when the crew at the photo shoot were making fun of her and withholding food! That part was a little ridiculous, and I really wanted Sebastian to put his foot down. I get that he wasn't her biggest fan but as the one running the show, how could he be ok with them not giving her basic necessities?! That being said, the book overall was fun. The chemistry at first was a little off for me but when they get to their eff it moment, it was all chemistry. I was worried about a third act breakup, which luckily we didn't get. Bernadette tells her dad to shove it and supports Sebastian, which she'd done from the beginning. I do wish we got to see Sebastian tell his brothers off because their lack of faith was annoying. They came to their own realizations so that's something I guess. Good read.

[Tess]

It feels like the character from the first book was completely rewritten for the sake of the second book's plot. His personality has changed drastically, and I don't like it. Sebastian has become petty, incompetent, hysterical, arrogant, and unpleasant. It suddenly made sense why his family didn't believe in him—he shouts about understanding the huge responsibility involved, yet fails to read a contract or gets drunk instead. But this isn't the Sebastian we saw in the first book. In the first book, he was sensitive and talented; his designs caused a sensation, and he put on fashion shows...
I really disliked the way the models are portrayed—as stupid people who can't even find their own bungalows. Such stereotypes have no place in modern literature.
I’ve read 25% of the book, and so far, it’s just repulsive. I don't understand where the 5-star ratings are coming from.

[Jaime]

Sebastian Blackwell finally got the chance to prove that he was more than just a pretty face. He is tasked with helping to launch Elizabeth’s new line - with both a tropical photo shoot and a runway show. To deal with all the red tape and potential hazards, Bernadette serves as his babysitter and the insurance company’s representative to oversee the process.

Sebastian and Bernadette clashed immediately. His carefree nature was the polar opposite of her rules and order personality. But as they butted heads, sparks flew as well.

I really enjoyed their story. When they got out of their own way, they were a perfect compliment to each other and created a perfect launch for the line.

I can’t wait to see more of this couple and the rest of the Blackwell brothers in the next book!

[Judy25]

Hate To Be Mine
Bernadette Simmons, an insurance risk assessor/safety coordinator, met Sebastian Blackwell, billionaire model and co-owner of Blackwell Couture in NYC while working for her father's insurance company.  They took an instant dislike to each other when she presented him with a 90 page safety manual which covered everything involved with insuring their two week photo shoot on a Pacific island.  Once they arrived on location, things started to warm up between them and then proceeded to become quite steamy.  This was the second book in the Blackwell brothers series, but can easily stand alone.  Their HEA is endearing and shouldn't be missed.

[Jen]

There are two complex characters in this story.
Sebastian, the playboy model who is trying to be treated as serious in his role within the family business. Bernadette, the insurance agent tasked to keep the photographic shoot in line. She also has issues with her father which explains a lot about her behaviour and demeanour. When she reached the end of her tether I loved the way in which she finished off her email!
Initially I found Sebastian’s character to be a little petulant and he really needed to be taking his role in a more adult way, that said though he was quick to take advice from his peers.
Another enjoyable story with the Blackwall brothers and family.

[Kathy]

Sebastian is the known playboy of the family. Bernadette is a no holds barred insurance agent that works with big accounts that some seem kind of weird. Her father’s company has been hired to go to the tropical island to display Elizabeth’s clothing line that Sebastian is in charge of. Not many people have faith in him doing something like this as he is known as the pretty face but he is determined to prove them wrong. There is so much steam within these pages and chemistry you won’t be able to put it down. I read this book voluntarily and it’s one of my favorites. This is book 2in the series, so if you haven’t read book 1, I suggest you do.

[Vicki Wayne]

Absolutely loved the second book of The Blackwell Brothers. Sebastian wants to be more than a pretty face with the family, and gets to lead the photoshoot for his sister-in-law's new fashion line on a typical island. Bernadette is an insurance representative, hired to make sure nothing goes wrong on the shoot. These two are completely opposite personalities, but it turns out that these two have more in common than anyone expected.
I love the continuation of characters from the first book, and how they play big roles in this story. The book was funny, heartwarming and full of romance. I can't wait for the next one!

[Baljeet Randhawa]

Bernadette Simmons is an insurance company representative who's sent to watch Sebastian known playboy of Blackwell brothers who run a million dollar campaign for Blackwell Couture.
Sebastain & Bernadette's first meet was a but touchy she likes things in order as he likes to be more creative, working together things start to heat up but neither wants to act on their feelings, until suddenly it happens.
Bernadette always wanting to fit in especially after being so abused by her father, going against him leaving him behind in his own deceitful plans.
Sebastian wanting to be head of launching his knew fashion line his family not being sure he can do it is why they hired Bernadette.

[Deborah Bierman]

Weston is a talented writer. Both he and Ali have a knack for developing the family dynamics of the siblings in powerful families. This is the story of Sebastian Blackwell and how he handles the project he is given by his family. He needs to prove himself and be taken seriously that life isn’t just one big party. He meets Bernadette, a no-nonsense insurance rep, who is assigned to him to make sure there are no problems with this policy. This story runs the gamut of emotions. The dialog has so much witty repartee that it is a joy to read. It is an easy entertaining read and left me wanting more.

[PW]

Weston Parker has written another fantastic book. Sebastian is the face of his family’s couture business. He feels that he isn’t taken seriously. He now has an opportunity to prove he is capable of more by overseeing his sister-in-laws first collection. To insure everything is smooth and safe there is an insurance representative, Bernadette, who is part of the group. Well you know that Sebastian and Bernadette will have some issues. What I enjoyed was how they both have some family conflicts and concerns that add spice to their story. Let’s not leave out there is mutual attraction. Your Must read to see how everything plays out.

This Bookfunnel ARC is an outstanding read

[L K]

A solid, ok read. I liked the ending - it made sense with character development and plot. Opposites attract was a nice pairing in theory. But the romance building was a little off. I'm not convinced he fell in love with her. He says he did, but it's never really explained, or shown why. And she just glossed right over how brutally vicious he was to her in the beginning. She was broken and just crawled into his bed shortly after without working through the hurt. Even her future sister in law talked about her in a way that was uncomfortable. I know it's a romance so it's fluffy, but many aspects needed a little more depth given the stakes of the plot and needed character growth.

[Renee Parlopiano]

Is it so odd that a beautiful man would be attracted to a woman that hides herself? It's a good story, but does it really happen that way? Yes, yes, yes! Sebastian and Bernadette are an unlikely couple. Yet they both need to break out of their "roles" as a playboy and closed up insurance rep. I enjoyed the banter and the attraction. Plus, the sex! My only minor issue is that insurance reps are given such a bad rap having been an insurance agent for 45 years myself. Bernadette is more of a safety specialist, but I get it. The story needs to keep pointing out the differences in lifestyle. Anyway, it's a fun read.

[Nancy Yohe]

Sebastian meets his match.

Sebastian has something to prove. He is known as the pretty face of the Blackwell brothers, the playboy, the model, the one with no direction. If he can pull off this photo shoot on a tropical island crawling with models and not screw up, maybe he can finally be taken seriously. Add in Bernadette, a beautiful, uptight, lonely insurance/safety agent to keep him in line and what could go wrong? They say opposites attract and that is definitely the case here. I enjoyed the characters and the story very much including some familiar characters from the last book.

[Kathy]

Sebastian and Bernadette's emotional pulls are so authentic and exposed you feel them all the way to your gut! Her walls are so high, I wasn't sure Sebastian could crack them at all. He had doubts about running the show from time to time, but Elizabeth and Bernadette squashed them! Their bantering is crazy amusing! I love it! The Blackwell's are a family Bernadette desperately needs in her life. Thank you Weston, you did it again!
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author, and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

[Terra Oenning]

This book is so good it will definitely have you engrossed from the beginning until the end. i loved the characters and the storyline in this book . Sebastian Blackwell is known as a playboy of the Blackwells and a model who is now in charge of the biggest photo shoot ,but when he meets the insurance person Bernadette will sparks fly between them? Bernadette is set to inherit her father's insurance company, but now given this job will things happen between her and Sebastian or will her father try to destroy them? Great story with all the right feels and so much more.

[Jo-Ann Forrest]

This is the best story Weston Parker ever wrote and it deserves 10 stars! Sebastian Westwood use dto be. Model but is now the creative director of his family’s fashion house. Bernadette Simmons is the insurance adjuster hired by Senastian’s brother and she will do everything in her power to slow down the production. She has been bullied all her life md is looking to make a name for herself as well as Sebastian. They will clsh, butt heads and you will not see what comes next. Great cast of characters and story.