Bad Billionaire Falls First: Enemies to Lovers Hockey Romance

by Rain Driver

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2026

Reviews

[Jennifer Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes first because this one?? It had me hooked FAST 👀🔥

• enemies to lovers
• forced proximity
• grumpy billionaire hockey player 🏒
• single mom + protective MMC 💛
• reputation fix / fake-ish partnership
• “he falls first” energy

Yeah… I was all in immediately.

What starts as a deal quickly turns into something so much deeper—and I loved every second of it.

Nash is that kind of hero at first—grumpy, guarded, and not exactly winning any popularity contests. But watching him slowly soften?? That’s where this book really shines. It’s not big flashy moments—it’s the quiet ones.

Fixing things without being asked.
Showing up for the kids.
Being patient when it matters most.
And the way he connects with her son?? Yeah… that got me 🥹

The FMC is just as strong. She’s trying to hold everything together—her program, her child, her future—and the stakes feel real the entire time. When things start to fall apart, you feel it.

The romance builds in that perfect in-between space: not quite enemies anymore, but not safe either.

And just when everything starts to feel solid— the outside world crashes in.

The paparazzi.
The ex.
The custody threat.

It raises the stakes in a way that makes the emotional payoff hit even harder.

✨ If you love: • grumpy/sunshine vibes
• single parent romance
• protective, soft-underneath heroes
• emotional slow burn
• high-stakes relationship drama

This one is emotional, swoony, and full of heart—I was completely invested 🥹💛

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick sports romance with both redemption and enemy/lovers tropes. Nash is a strong character who is a star hockey player, but is also humble, gentle and supportive. Rowan is a struggling single mother running an equine therapy program. After calling Nash out for his behavior he hires her to assist in his "rebrand". Hesitant, financial concerns make the decision for her. What transpires is nothing like she imagined, and also her worst nightmare. While this is a short and easy read, it addresses emotional topics, and does it well. Bullying, child stability and accountability are key issues. I look forward to more from Rain in the future.

I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Billionaire Falls First by Rain Driver follows the story of the main FMC Rowan as she navigates the tricky situation of helping the MMC Nash Kincaid work on his public image. It this short novel, Rain Driver was able to write a male lead who falls first and falls fast without him losing any emotional depth or masculinity. I enjoyed how the devotion he felt to righting his image was genuine without all the fanfare and over-the-top antics. If you are into feel good romances with swoony under tones, I highly suggest giving this short novel a chance!

I received an ARC copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet enemies to more, forced proximity, single mom, billionaire hockey player romance with no cliffhanger.

Some of the lines I really like --- “‘When grown men excuse rage as passion, they normalize chaos in spaces that should be safe.’” --- “You want stakes? Talk about league discipline. Talk about anger management. Talk about showing up when nobody’s watching. --- And tell Mr. Hockey I have a rolling pin with his name on it if he tries anything dumb. ---

I loved Rowan and Nash's story and I'm sure you will too. This is the first book of her's that I've read and it definitely won't be the last. I'm looking forward to reading her next book.

[De Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting when I started it. It was much less about hockey and enemy per se than I thought it would be. There were some deep emotions and heartfelt moments. Nash was very respectful and patient with Rowan. And he understood that her son took priority over everything. While I appreciated the premise of the story it felt choppy and disconnected at times. But in the end I appreciated the strong sense of community and respect for boundaries that were a theme throughout the story. And the ending was very sweet.

[Gerrye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not good at writing reviews, but I know I enjoyed it! Hockey player gets upset on the court and says things young people should not hear.... gets lots of negative feedback, gets put on suspension with orders to get help! Rowan loses her grant to keep her horse therapy group going. THEN Nash asks for her specifically to do his therapy! - and boy does he offer her quite a bit of $ to do so! What could go wrong?????

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, quick read. I easily finished it in just a couple hours. It’s easy to see that Nash is a cinnamon roll hero who sometimes doesn’t know how to control the outer gruff. Rowan makes him want to try. I loved Nash’s protective side as well as the tenderness he shows for both Rowan and Leo.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A redemption story about a hot tempered hockey player and the "punishment" public service to improve his career. Along the way interesting details (horse therapy business) supplement the redemption and include presence of concern and correction of emotionally challenged children. Add to that a sweet, slow burn romance. Interesting on so many levels.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this entertaining and engaging storyline with defined MCs who are likable, determined, and have chemistry. The story has drama, forced proximity, a man forced to see his bad behavior and do better. I liked this small town romance. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Christine Muller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and fun book to read!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed seeing the community come together in defense of one of its own. The characters were likeable, but I felt like I wanted more description and details. It was an easy, cozy read.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but cute. Definitely a book that could be longer and I would keep reading.