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The Football Boys #1
Team Hate
From #1 bestselling author Rebel Hart comes a New Enemies To Lovers Football Romance that will give you all the feels.
My name is Jane Panesse. After my father died in a car accident when I was sixteen, I decided to pursue football as a tribute to him. I struggled my way through college coaching for experience, always trying to prove I belonged to the field. And now I’m excited to finally jump into the big leagues as a strength and conditioning assistant coach of the North Carolina Knights.
I’ve always been a stubborn, short-tempered, swearing-like-a-sailor tomboy. But it's a different ballgame with the football players.
They can be crass, rude, misogynistic.
One in particular, the arrogant and egotistical star quaterback, John Scepter.
He thinks there’s no place for women in professional football and is not subtly trying to force me out.
I hate him.
Yet, no one makes my heart race like he does…
And that makes me hate him even more.
My name is Jane Panesse. After my father died in a car accident when I was sixteen, I decided to pursue football as a tribute to him. I struggled my way through college coaching for experience, always trying to prove I belonged to the field. And now I’m excited to finally jump into the big leagues as a strength and conditioning assistant coach of the North Carolina Knights.
I’ve always been a stubborn, short-tempered, swearing-like-a-sailor tomboy. But it's a different ballgame with the football players.
They can be crass, rude, misogynistic.
One in particular, the arrogant and egotistical star quaterback, John Scepter.
He thinks there’s no place for women in professional football and is not subtly trying to force me out.
I hate him.
Yet, no one makes my heart race like he does…
And that makes me hate him even more.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2020
1111 people are currently reading
1188 people want to read
About the author
Rebel Hart
41 books712 followersRebel Hart is an author of Dark and Contemporary Romance novels. Her debut series is a #1 Amazon Bestseller called Diamond In The Rough. It's a High School Bully Romance with five books and a novella. Book one is Play With Me.
Check out her website for a full list of her books:
www.RebelHart.net
Text REBEL to 77948 to don't miss any of her books (US only) or sign up on her website to get an email alert when her next book is out.
Check out her website for a full list of her books:
www.RebelHart.net
Text REBEL to 77948 to don't miss any of her books (US only) or sign up on her website to get an email alert when her next book is out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
April 2, 2020
I really liked this one. The heroine was strong and didn’t back down. The hero was selfish at first but he grew up and had limits. I would have rated this 5 stars but first some reason the author scattered in references to him screwing other women. It was gratuitous and pointless. I didn’t have a problem with the old friend that he went on a date with, but the references to him screwing groupies while he was wanting her and thinking of being with her were pointless. One didn’t make any sense at all, I think I even highlighted it. If the author would have focused on these two characters instead of trying to make him a douche (like so many untalented authors have)she would have had an awesome book. Just a note, we get that these guys are sex Gods, we get that everyone wants them, we get that they are alpha males, this is a freaking romance novel after all... We don’t need their virility and/or general sexual prowess shoved down our throats. Constantly featuring them with other women doesn’t attest to how sexy they are? It’s a little gross and a complete turnoff. I don’t want to picture the guy I want to date screwing other chicks, why would I want that for the heroine?
October 5, 2020
Well... it was bad. I thought about rating it with 2 rather than 1 ⭐️, but then I wondered what did I like about this book, and honestly couldn't come up with an answer.
And the list of stuff I didn't like is quite large:
1. John. I didn't like him. He was sexist and a total idiot. Not only that, but he bored me. He behaved like a child, treating Jane badly for no real reason, and then he would get annoyed when she ignored him.
2. Jane. The first thing I didn't like about her was her arrogance: she was like "I have been doing this for 8 years -or whatever- and I don't make mistakes, I went to a fancy college and you should listen to me". Well, darling, may I say that going to a nice college and having a nice degree doesn't mean that every word that comes out of your mouth is the absolute truth? Also, she was kind of plain, the only thing we know about her is that she loves football. And her father died.
3. The rest of the characters. I didn't hate all of them... mostly the girls: John's sisters and Vick. Again, the three of them were plain. Also, it got on my nerves how they would show up uninvited all the time. If my brother showed up to my office like that, mostly to flirt with my coworkers, I would probably murder him (of course, that's hypothetical, given that I am currently unemployed).
4. The plot. This was actually the reason I started this book, and it turned out to be a major disappointment. I LOVE enemies-to-lovers, and even though coworkers-to-lovers isn't my favorite trope, the whole "girl in a man's world" sounded really good.
Only it wasn't. The "hate" in the first half of the book felt like abuse. The coworkers-to-lovers was a bit more of a boss-employee situation (this one bothers me). But finally, this wasn't a story about a girl overpowering adversity. Basically, bad things happened to her, and she just stayed there doing nothing, until the big and strong dude in shining armor showed up and defended her. I mean, I am not the kind of feminist that thinks that women can't rely on other people -and if it happens to be your love interest/boyfriend/husband/whatever, then good for you- but I would have appreciated if she actually managed to stand up for herself.
5. This last point has a lot to do with this part of the story:
I'm sure there are other things about this book, but I think I said enough, and would rather read something else. The last thing I will say is that this is the kind of book that makes me wish enemies-to-lovers wasn't my favorite kind of romance.
And the list of stuff I didn't like is quite large:
1. John. I didn't like him. He was sexist and a total idiot. Not only that, but he bored me. He behaved like a child, treating Jane badly for no real reason, and then he would get annoyed when she ignored him.
2. Jane. The first thing I didn't like about her was her arrogance: she was like "I have been doing this for 8 years -or whatever- and I don't make mistakes, I went to a fancy college and you should listen to me". Well, darling, may I say that going to a nice college and having a nice degree doesn't mean that every word that comes out of your mouth is the absolute truth? Also, she was kind of plain, the only thing we know about her is that she loves football. And her father died.
3. The rest of the characters. I didn't hate all of them... mostly the girls: John's sisters and Vick. Again, the three of them were plain. Also, it got on my nerves how they would show up uninvited all the time. If my brother showed up to my office like that, mostly to flirt with my coworkers, I would probably murder him (of course, that's hypothetical, given that I am currently unemployed).
4. The plot. This was actually the reason I started this book, and it turned out to be a major disappointment. I LOVE enemies-to-lovers, and even though coworkers-to-lovers isn't my favorite trope, the whole "girl in a man's world" sounded really good.
Only it wasn't. The "hate" in the first half of the book felt like abuse. The coworkers-to-lovers was a bit more of a boss-employee situation (this one bothers me). But finally, this wasn't a story about a girl overpowering adversity. Basically, bad things happened to her, and she just stayed there doing nothing, until the big and strong dude in shining armor showed up and defended her. I mean, I am not the kind of feminist that thinks that women can't rely on other people -and if it happens to be your love interest/boyfriend/husband/whatever, then good for you- but I would have appreciated if she actually managed to stand up for herself.
5. This last point has a lot to do with this part of the story:
I'm sure there are other things about this book, but I think I said enough, and would rather read something else. The last thing I will say is that this is the kind of book that makes me wish enemies-to-lovers wasn't my favorite kind of romance.
May 5, 2020
“I didn‘t consider myself a sexist [...]“
he said and continued to spew sexist bullshit.
Just to be clear: When you think that someone is not fit for their job solely based on their gender, then you‘re a goddamn fucking sexist (and an a*shole on top of that).
He didn‘t respect her for the whole 20% I could stomach reading this book and I don‘t think it‘ll change until he starts feeling attracted to her, which means he still doesn‘t respect her as a person. Why would I want to read about her falling in love with him?
And, he wasn’t just a misogynistic piece of sh*t, he also acted like a kindergartener. Not listening to your boss because you don‘t like him is plain unprofessional. He is actually the one who doesn‘t belong on a football field with him throwing a fit every other second.
And what is with all the „J“ names?!
Just to be clear: When you think that someone is not fit for their job solely based on their gender, then you‘re a goddamn fucking sexist (and an a*shole on top of that).
He didn‘t respect her for the whole 20% I could stomach reading this book and I don‘t think it‘ll change until he starts feeling attracted to her, which means he still doesn‘t respect her as a person. Why would I want to read about her falling in love with him?
And, he wasn’t just a misogynistic piece of sh*t, he also acted like a kindergartener. Not listening to your boss because you don‘t like him is plain unprofessional. He is actually the one who doesn‘t belong on a football field with him throwing a fit every other second.
And what is with all the „J“ names?!
May 12, 2020
******SPOILER ALERT******
Jane Panesse had ambition and wanted to pursue football as a tribute to her father who had died in a car accident when she was 16.
After struggling through college gaining experience in coaching she turned her ambition into reality and became an assistant coach for the North Carolina Knights.
Jane is depicted by the author as a stubborn, short-tempered, swearing-like-a-sailor tomboy and my expectations of her as a character was raised and I assumed she would become “one of the boys” What happened to her?
She soon finds out that they are crass rude and very misogynistic especially quarterback, John Scepter. He believes that there is no place in professional football for women and begins the process of trying to force her out.
However, the plot soon went off the rails and once again there were too many issues ignored, skimmed over and rushed.
For someone who was brought up in a football world, employed to coach a male team you would think she knew what she was getting into wouldn't you? Very soon though she began to doubt her ability to do the job and that became pernicious.
Jane very soon lost sight of her hopes and dreams and became another ‘victim” which was disappointing for me.
There were too many issues skimmed over or ignored by the author. Her sexual assault, followed by the attempted rape was flipped over and there was no process of how she should have dealt with her assault. Instead, she became a victim of the football system.
The storyline was poorly executed, too sexist and failed to address the important subject matter including sexual assault and rape.
Jane Panesse had ambition and wanted to pursue football as a tribute to her father who had died in a car accident when she was 16.
After struggling through college gaining experience in coaching she turned her ambition into reality and became an assistant coach for the North Carolina Knights.
Jane is depicted by the author as a stubborn, short-tempered, swearing-like-a-sailor tomboy and my expectations of her as a character was raised and I assumed she would become “one of the boys” What happened to her?
She soon finds out that they are crass rude and very misogynistic especially quarterback, John Scepter. He believes that there is no place in professional football for women and begins the process of trying to force her out.
However, the plot soon went off the rails and once again there were too many issues ignored, skimmed over and rushed.
For someone who was brought up in a football world, employed to coach a male team you would think she knew what she was getting into wouldn't you? Very soon though she began to doubt her ability to do the job and that became pernicious.
Jane very soon lost sight of her hopes and dreams and became another ‘victim” which was disappointing for me.
There were too many issues skimmed over or ignored by the author. Her sexual assault, followed by the attempted rape was flipped over and there was no process of how she should have dealt with her assault. Instead, she became a victim of the football system.
The storyline was poorly executed, too sexist and failed to address the important subject matter including sexual assault and rape.
April 5, 2020
I don't watch football, but something tells me that neither does our author. Everything is unrealistic AF. And that poor head coach/big brother... Seriously? This is how you treat your characters?
November 6, 2025
First off I liked that the FMC pursued a career in American football and was strong and confident. The MMC, however, was a bit questionable (and kind of really sexist), but throughout the book he bettered himself.
—> 3 stars
—> 3 stars
March 31, 2020
This was different from rebels usual stories that I’ve read. Yet nonetheless it was still a good story. With a strong female character. Which I loved how she was a strong/tough female yet still the girly side to her and you can tell the way she presented herself outside out of the football facility.
John was really a pain in the ass in the beginning. He would not give Jane a chance at coaching which was so frustrating because it seemed as if the rest of the team was already warmed up to her. The way John was before jane entered the picture was so different compared to the way he is at the end of the book. Which I loved to see him grow.
Jane and John are quite the pair which it makes it an interesting read because they are alpha mentality people. But it made scenes funny when they would banter back and forth.
Overall it was a different type of football romance book that I wasn’t used to but it was so good!
John was really a pain in the ass in the beginning. He would not give Jane a chance at coaching which was so frustrating because it seemed as if the rest of the team was already warmed up to her. The way John was before jane entered the picture was so different compared to the way he is at the end of the book. Which I loved to see him grow.
Jane and John are quite the pair which it makes it an interesting read because they are alpha mentality people. But it made scenes funny when they would banter back and forth.
Overall it was a different type of football romance book that I wasn’t used to but it was so good!
April 1, 2020
4-4.5⭐️
Definitely Rebel’s best book so far! I feel like she is getting stronger as an author and it was her most well written book.
I really liked both Jane and John’s characters both separately and together. I enjoyed their relationships with other people and each other. I also liked how strong Jane was. She didn’t take any shit, she fought back against John, and she stayed strong in a situation that would cause most people to break. I’m hoping for a spin off of the supporting characters so that we can stay in this world a little longer.
My cons with the book were that I wished the reason for not having a criminal case was explained differently than she didn’t formally press charges. It’s not up to the victim of if charges are going to be pressed once a crime is committed. (It’s a pet peeve of mine when legal issues aren’t handled correctly in books). Additionally, the three main character were Jane, John, and Jim. John’s best friend was Jack. I just felt like there were too many J names and it sometimes got confusing.
Despite the small issues I had, I really did enjoy this book and would definitely read any other books with these characters.
Definitely Rebel’s best book so far! I feel like she is getting stronger as an author and it was her most well written book.
I really liked both Jane and John’s characters both separately and together. I enjoyed their relationships with other people and each other. I also liked how strong Jane was. She didn’t take any shit, she fought back against John, and she stayed strong in a situation that would cause most people to break. I’m hoping for a spin off of the supporting characters so that we can stay in this world a little longer.
My cons with the book were that I wished the reason for not having a criminal case was explained differently than she didn’t formally press charges. It’s not up to the victim of if charges are going to be pressed once a crime is committed. (It’s a pet peeve of mine when legal issues aren’t handled correctly in books). Additionally, the three main character were Jane, John, and Jim. John’s best friend was Jack. I just felt like there were too many J names and it sometimes got confusing.
Despite the small issues I had, I really did enjoy this book and would definitely read any other books with these characters.
April 15, 2020
There was potential with this story but there were BIG issues we were dealing with there. It was made into a light enemies to lovers sports romance, but there were so many huge underlying things going on it was hard to think these things could be forgotten so easily. (Assault, murder, conspiracy) I felt like these things were lightened up to a point they didn’t really matter anymore but they were huge triggers. I liked John and Jane as a couple, their back and forth was fun and I liked how he came to his senses about her being a woman coach, and ultimately fell in love with her, but it felt so fast. There were also a lot of J names and it got a little confusing. At one point I think the author also got confused because John and Jim were switched around. Like I said, there is potential, but this one missed a few marks.
March 31, 2020
Team hate is a standalone enemies to lovers sports romance.
This was by far the best sports romance I've read to date.
This was rebel's best yet.
I'm so book hungover after reading this.
Jane got given a job as the ever first female assistant coach to the North Carolina knights.
Football as always been Jane's life.
The football team dont make it easy for her. Her determination is amazing and some of they players were coming around to her.
John is the quarterback to the NC knights and from the beginning he made it clear that she didn't belong in a man's world and in sports.
She never made it easy for John or for the rest of the team.
John saved Jane twice from something happening to her. The chemistry they had was off the charts with hotness.
I won't say anymore you need to read this for yourself.
Rebel out did herself with this book.
I highly recommend.
This was by far the best sports romance I've read to date.
This was rebel's best yet.
I'm so book hungover after reading this.
Jane got given a job as the ever first female assistant coach to the North Carolina knights.
Football as always been Jane's life.
The football team dont make it easy for her. Her determination is amazing and some of they players were coming around to her.
John is the quarterback to the NC knights and from the beginning he made it clear that she didn't belong in a man's world and in sports.
She never made it easy for John or for the rest of the team.
John saved Jane twice from something happening to her. The chemistry they had was off the charts with hotness.
I won't say anymore you need to read this for yourself.
Rebel out did herself with this book.
I highly recommend.
April 29, 2020
Amazing!
Wow I wasnt sure what to expect since this was the first book by this author I have read but it was pure genius. If you like a good sports romance this one has it all. It does make reference to attempted rape so be warned if that's a trigger to you. Besides that this book had it all. I laughed so hard at John and Jane's bickering and arguing. It's what made this book what it was.
Jane was one heck of a strong woman and I just loved her so so much! And John? He was a big ole teddy bear when it comes down to it. Ugh this is a mist read and one I would reccomend if you need a bit of football humor in your life! Loved this so much!
Wow I wasnt sure what to expect since this was the first book by this author I have read but it was pure genius. If you like a good sports romance this one has it all. It does make reference to attempted rape so be warned if that's a trigger to you. Besides that this book had it all. I laughed so hard at John and Jane's bickering and arguing. It's what made this book what it was.
Jane was one heck of a strong woman and I just loved her so so much! And John? He was a big ole teddy bear when it comes down to it. Ugh this is a mist read and one I would reccomend if you need a bit of football humor in your life! Loved this so much!
April 2, 2020
I have been really keen to read a sport romance book. I am so glad one of my all time favourite authors wrote this book. This was my first ever read for one of these types of stories. If you like NFL and romance, this is a real treat for you readers. This isnt the usual type of book Rebel writes but i am so glad she did write it.
June 14, 2020
I absolutely loved Team Hate!
The push and pull between John and Jane definitely made things interesting!
Also their banter and humor definitely made it better too!
Even though John was crazy at first I’m glad that he finally got his head out of his butt and i loved that they eventually found their hea!
Definitely worth the read and I definitely recommend it!
The push and pull between John and Jane definitely made things interesting!
Also their banter and humor definitely made it better too!
Even though John was crazy at first I’m glad that he finally got his head out of his butt and i loved that they eventually found their hea!
Definitely worth the read and I definitely recommend it!
March 28, 2020
I absolutely love Janes determination to succeed in the guys world of football. She is so fierce and strong. Seriously can't believe the battles she had to fight but loved how her team and her love came through for her in the end. A definite must read sport's romance.
June 14, 2020
Enemies to lovers sports romance
Our heroine Jane is a spitfire she earns a role in football which as a woman is quite a feat. However, her hard work doesn’t stop there. She gets a lot of pushback from her new team questioning whether a woman can take on a role in coaching men including our cocky hero, John.
Quickly John realizes he was oh so wrong for the trouble he’s given Jane as he witnesses firsthand what some of the other players attempt to do. He quickly comes to her rescue and then battles feelings between keeping up the facade of what he once earlier believed and his new found interest in Jane.
Our heroine Jane is a spitfire she earns a role in football which as a woman is quite a feat. However, her hard work doesn’t stop there. She gets a lot of pushback from her new team questioning whether a woman can take on a role in coaching men including our cocky hero, John.
Quickly John realizes he was oh so wrong for the trouble he’s given Jane as he witnesses firsthand what some of the other players attempt to do. He quickly comes to her rescue and then battles feelings between keeping up the facade of what he once earlier believed and his new found interest in Jane.
March 28, 2020
Her best story yet! Wishing for more of Jane and John! Very cute and their relationship is adorable. Great storyline and female forward!
April 9, 2020
Absolutely glorious!
I love a good Sports romance and this did NOT disappoint!
I have a serious woman-crush on Jane <3
Glorious quick read :)
I’m going to look at some more books from this author right now!
I love a good Sports romance and this did NOT disappoint!
I have a serious woman-crush on Jane <3
Glorious quick read :)
I’m going to look at some more books from this author right now!
July 17, 2020
Lovely read
Loved the book. Was amazing to see a strong women and the support she received in her journey as coach but as a survivor.
Would recommend to all who love a good love sorry
Loved the book. Was amazing to see a strong women and the support she received in her journey as coach but as a survivor.
Would recommend to all who love a good love sorry
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May 3, 20203:22am
April 1, 2020
A surprise story from Rebel brings us a new set of characters that is a complete 180 from what we have seen from her.
We first met Jane who is one of the first female coaches in the NFL. She grew up sleeping, eating, and breathing football. She did a stint coaching football in college which helped pave the way for her move. Her brother happens to be head coach but does a great job not babying her or showing favourites. In walls the hot QB John that everyone wants. These two butt heads right away and spend most of the book competing to be right.
Jane faces a multitude of challenges in just a short amount of time on the job. She had to work to be seen as a person and not just as a women in a man's world. She has grit, and tenacity to persevere. She also will bend four no mean.
I love how different this book is from what I've come to expect from Hart. I hope it's only the beginning of her branching into new romance genres. This was a great quick read.
We first met Jane who is one of the first female coaches in the NFL. She grew up sleeping, eating, and breathing football. She did a stint coaching football in college which helped pave the way for her move. Her brother happens to be head coach but does a great job not babying her or showing favourites. In walls the hot QB John that everyone wants. These two butt heads right away and spend most of the book competing to be right.
Jane faces a multitude of challenges in just a short amount of time on the job. She had to work to be seen as a person and not just as a women in a man's world. She has grit, and tenacity to persevere. She also will bend four no mean.
I love how different this book is from what I've come to expect from Hart. I hope it's only the beginning of her branching into new romance genres. This was a great quick read.
August 14, 2020
The characters are one dimensional and beyond juvenile, and the author's treatment of serious issues such as sexism and sexual assault is superficial and immature. I had a hard time buying that these characters are supposed to be in their mid-20s. The behaviour of the characters would have been much more believable if the setting had been a middle school and not the world of professional sports. I don't know anything about this author, and I do commend her for the courage and effort it takes to write and publish a novel, but overall the book reads like it's a teenager writing about adult topics of which she has little knowledge or experience. If you like your romance with a bit more meat on the bones (that is, decent quality writing, fleshed out characters, and mature and thoughtful treatment of sexism, sexual assault, trauma, etc.), I suggest you look elsewhere.
September 15, 2020
Cliched and unrealistic
This story hit every single "woman in a man's world" cliche and was just all over the place. The whole story grossly missed the mark when it came to the fundamentals of football in general, what it means to be an athlete, and the coach/player dynamic. Let me tell you, if any player treated their coach the way John treated Jane, they would be riding the bench for the rest of the season... at best. Dramatic elements hinted towards the real troubles women in athletics face, but were exaggerated to the point of being unrealistic.
Jane's character couldn't make up her mind about if she wanted to be tough or all smiles and giggles (she seems to always be giggling or blushing). John's attitude towards Jane- which from the begining was hateful and grossly out of porportion to the point of being unredeemable- turned around in 0.02 seconds.
This story hit every single "woman in a man's world" cliche and was just all over the place. The whole story grossly missed the mark when it came to the fundamentals of football in general, what it means to be an athlete, and the coach/player dynamic. Let me tell you, if any player treated their coach the way John treated Jane, they would be riding the bench for the rest of the season... at best. Dramatic elements hinted towards the real troubles women in athletics face, but were exaggerated to the point of being unrealistic.
Jane's character couldn't make up her mind about if she wanted to be tough or all smiles and giggles (she seems to always be giggling or blushing). John's attitude towards Jane- which from the begining was hateful and grossly out of porportion to the point of being unredeemable- turned around in 0.02 seconds.
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February 19, 2021One look at my Kindle Highlights for this book (accessible on my page, it's rather amusing if you find sarcasm and vitriol amusing) and you'll be able to see just how much this book angers me. A tl;dr version? It's a book that mimics itself as being feminist and celebrating women in a man's world but is actually toxically anti-feminist and creates more issues that are still more advantageous for men than women.
To start off on a somewhat light note, there were sections I enjoyed. I liked the Dorky sides of John when he showed it, but they were too little too late to redeem him. I also LOVED Jim, Jane's older brother, and his vividly imaginative threats. I also loved a lot of the team members such as Jack, Isaac etc. A lot of the side characters were my favourite and I would've much rather had a book about them.
Now onto everything else:
1) This is not a "healthy enemies to lovers", which is things like: bantery mocking, pranks, etc. This is Bully to Lovers. There is a big BIG difference. John in the beginning is grossly misogynistic to a point of being irredeemable, even with his "heroic" actions later. Worst of all, he is grossly misogynistic largely because he mistakes his attraction to her for hatred. They're at a point of LITERALLY trying to claw each other's eyes out and somehow become lovers? Good friends - that'd be fair enough, but lovers? Even when they're dating, they solve their arguments with rock-paper-scissors? That's fun if you're having a quabble about whether to have fish fingers or pizza for your tea but not on life decisions!
2) Jane. Now, I loved Jane in the beginning. She was independent, head strong and caring. True, she is slightly one dimensional with loving solely Football but honestly - it's a Sports Romance, I can let that go. What got me, is knowing that I was going to hate her by the end of the book. This wonderfully badass, independent woman falls in love with a man child? Nah. Nope. To quote Bling Empire's Anna, "No d*ck is that good". I also really despised the fact that . It left me feeling icky and disappointed for Jane and, honestly, despising her as I predicted.
3) John. Christ, John. There isn't a word strong enough for what I feel about him. He's a hypocritical man child. He talks about how "I'm not sexist BUT," "My dad raised me and my sisters to be equals" "No woman deserves to be looked at like that" - YET DOES ALL OF THESE THINGS AND MORE? To the author's credit, she does make John realise all of his short comings at the end of the book: such as, his volatile disrespect for Jane left a gaping hole open for Dax's actions etc. I respect this - but I wish it wasn't a book about a man learning this. I'd rather read a book where a man already knows this. He also comments about how much he loves Jane for being head strong and independent (aka, all the reasons why he despised her initially) yet makes all of her decisions for her? He takes the rap for what happened to Dax before she could talk about the story herself. He lies to her and tries to pressure her into a decision, rather than tell her the truth of being blackmailed and let them decide what to do as a mature couple. He also massively keeps stating "If I'd been nice in the beginning, Dax never would have had the opportunity to do this" - NO! It shouldn't be that Jane must be protected at all times. She should be free to live her life, stop trying to make her a Damsel in Distress!
The only thing John earns is a gold star of "You're Not as Big of an A-Hole as You Could've Been!".
4) The Football. It is true, I am English. However, I am a fan of American Football as is my dad and my boyfriend. I don't know as much as I should but I don't know as little as I could. Christ knows what the author knows, having written a trilogy - I would've hoped more. First up, this is essentially a "Boss-Employee relationship". In reality, one of them would be moved to a different team - end of. Especially in a sport that requires strong protection of all of the players because life-changing injuries are rife. Second, a player such as Chris who believes so little in themselves? Never would've set foot in the NFL, let alone the NFC Championships (which is also the most competitive division). The NFL smells fear. Another thing, the NFL has already had several female coaches and head coaches... that's just a tidbit of information to keep in mind.
Finally, and most importantly, THE HEAD OF THE NFL ISN'T A NICE DUDE.
5) Most infuriating of all, the fake feminism. So infuriating, I made a new shelf on Goodreads just for this. Going into this book, I was expecting a badass woman shaking up a man's world and a few men children who maybe pull pranks and hurl bantery insults. Instead, it was "abuse but oh it's fine cause he apologised AND HE'S SMOKING HOT and he apologised!". I think I've explained most of the reasons why it's fake feminism throughout this review but the biggest point of all?
"That guy's been really nice and considerate" "Yeah, that's because he has like 6 sisters."
WHAT? NO!
That is not a valid nor the only reason why a man is considerate about women. It's a toxic way to view the world and it's also insulting to men who truly do respect women as equals.
Here's a lil story for you: my boyfriend is the youngest of 3 boys. No sisters, the only females are his mum, step-mum and aunts. They are the most feminist (and call themselves so), considerate men and never accept anyone who attempts to be otherwise. It is toxic and messed up that society thinks the only way men can be respectful to women is because they have a sister or are part of the LGBTQ+ community. I know this, because I THOUGHT THIS when I met him. I was astounded, as were many others, to learn that he had no sisters. I've even applauded his parents on having raised 3 lovely and considerate men - I shouldn't have to, but it genuinely needed to be said after all of the cretins I have met previously.
I showed my Kindle highlights and notes of this book to my boyfriend, who was also outraged at the way the majority of men were portrayed in this book - especially when the book was coming from John's point of view.
It saddens me that this book has so many positive reviews, honestly. Fair enough, if you read this book for fun and acknowledge the issues with it, but I worry that there are many who don't realise how toxic this relationship is. It's not high maintenance or picky to only date a man who is respectful of women and of you from the outset. What makes a true, good and healthy "enemies to lovers" is a story of two people who HIGHLY respect each other, so much so that they must beat the other at all costs.
The line between hate and love is a thin one but the line between misogynistic abuse and love is thicker than War and Peace.
To start off on a somewhat light note, there were sections I enjoyed. I liked the Dorky sides of John when he showed it, but they were too little too late to redeem him. I also LOVED Jim, Jane's older brother, and his vividly imaginative threats. I also loved a lot of the team members such as Jack, Isaac etc. A lot of the side characters were my favourite and I would've much rather had a book about them.
Now onto everything else:
1) This is not a "healthy enemies to lovers", which is things like: bantery mocking, pranks, etc. This is Bully to Lovers. There is a big BIG difference. John in the beginning is grossly misogynistic to a point of being irredeemable, even with his "heroic" actions later. Worst of all, he is grossly misogynistic largely because he mistakes his attraction to her for hatred. They're at a point of LITERALLY trying to claw each other's eyes out and somehow become lovers? Good friends - that'd be fair enough, but lovers? Even when they're dating, they solve their arguments with rock-paper-scissors? That's fun if you're having a quabble about whether to have fish fingers or pizza for your tea but not on life decisions!
2) Jane. Now, I loved Jane in the beginning. She was independent, head strong and caring. True, she is slightly one dimensional with loving solely Football but honestly - it's a Sports Romance, I can let that go. What got me, is knowing that I was going to hate her by the end of the book. This wonderfully badass, independent woman falls in love with a man child? Nah. Nope. To quote Bling Empire's Anna, "No d*ck is that good". I also really despised the fact that . It left me feeling icky and disappointed for Jane and, honestly, despising her as I predicted.
3) John. Christ, John. There isn't a word strong enough for what I feel about him. He's a hypocritical man child. He talks about how "I'm not sexist BUT," "My dad raised me and my sisters to be equals" "No woman deserves to be looked at like that" - YET DOES ALL OF THESE THINGS AND MORE? To the author's credit, she does make John realise all of his short comings at the end of the book: such as, his volatile disrespect for Jane left a gaping hole open for Dax's actions etc. I respect this - but I wish it wasn't a book about a man learning this. I'd rather read a book where a man already knows this. He also comments about how much he loves Jane for being head strong and independent (aka, all the reasons why he despised her initially) yet makes all of her decisions for her? He takes the rap for what happened to Dax before she could talk about the story herself. He lies to her and tries to pressure her into a decision, rather than tell her the truth of being blackmailed and let them decide what to do as a mature couple. He also massively keeps stating "If I'd been nice in the beginning, Dax never would have had the opportunity to do this" - NO! It shouldn't be that Jane must be protected at all times. She should be free to live her life, stop trying to make her a Damsel in Distress!
The only thing John earns is a gold star of "You're Not as Big of an A-Hole as You Could've Been!".
4) The Football. It is true, I am English. However, I am a fan of American Football as is my dad and my boyfriend. I don't know as much as I should but I don't know as little as I could. Christ knows what the author knows, having written a trilogy - I would've hoped more. First up, this is essentially a "Boss-Employee relationship". In reality, one of them would be moved to a different team - end of. Especially in a sport that requires strong protection of all of the players because life-changing injuries are rife. Second, a player such as Chris who believes so little in themselves? Never would've set foot in the NFL, let alone the NFC Championships (which is also the most competitive division). The NFL smells fear. Another thing, the NFL has already had several female coaches and head coaches... that's just a tidbit of information to keep in mind.
Finally, and most importantly, THE HEAD OF THE NFL ISN'T A NICE DUDE.
5) Most infuriating of all, the fake feminism. So infuriating, I made a new shelf on Goodreads just for this. Going into this book, I was expecting a badass woman shaking up a man's world and a few men children who maybe pull pranks and hurl bantery insults. Instead, it was "abuse but oh it's fine cause he apologised AND HE'S SMOKING HOT and he apologised!". I think I've explained most of the reasons why it's fake feminism throughout this review but the biggest point of all?
"That guy's been really nice and considerate" "Yeah, that's because he has like 6 sisters."
WHAT? NO!
That is not a valid nor the only reason why a man is considerate about women. It's a toxic way to view the world and it's also insulting to men who truly do respect women as equals.
Here's a lil story for you: my boyfriend is the youngest of 3 boys. No sisters, the only females are his mum, step-mum and aunts. They are the most feminist (and call themselves so), considerate men and never accept anyone who attempts to be otherwise. It is toxic and messed up that society thinks the only way men can be respectful to women is because they have a sister or are part of the LGBTQ+ community. I know this, because I THOUGHT THIS when I met him. I was astounded, as were many others, to learn that he had no sisters. I've even applauded his parents on having raised 3 lovely and considerate men - I shouldn't have to, but it genuinely needed to be said after all of the cretins I have met previously.
I showed my Kindle highlights and notes of this book to my boyfriend, who was also outraged at the way the majority of men were portrayed in this book - especially when the book was coming from John's point of view.
It saddens me that this book has so many positive reviews, honestly. Fair enough, if you read this book for fun and acknowledge the issues with it, but I worry that there are many who don't realise how toxic this relationship is. It's not high maintenance or picky to only date a man who is respectful of women and of you from the outset. What makes a true, good and healthy "enemies to lovers" is a story of two people who HIGHLY respect each other, so much so that they must beat the other at all costs.
The line between hate and love is a thin one but the line between misogynistic abuse and love is thicker than War and Peace.
August 5, 2020
Ok so this book started well and I liked Jane being all bossy and tough with all the guys. Her fighting with John at the beginning was great because you just expected that tension and anger to build up and finally explode with intense “I gotta have you now” passion however that never happened and the chemistry between these two was terrible. They are so boring when they finally got together it was like someone tipped a bucket of water over their head. I think this book had a lot of potential but it felt very inconsistent and delivered poorly. Didn’t work for me.
April 19, 2020
It was so bad.
who the hell writes this books, Aa teenager?
MC's are so un-relatable with no redeeming qualities and no sense to their behaviour.
I wouldn't waste a second on that book (if you can cll it that)
who the hell writes this books, Aa teenager?
MC's are so un-relatable with no redeeming qualities and no sense to their behaviour.
I wouldn't waste a second on that book (if you can cll it that)
July 1, 2020
26% DNF....Say what? 🤔 You say the MC’s were supposed to be adults? Seriously? 🙄 It felt like a teenager wrote this book...The writing was so bad I couldn’t take it anymore..sorry...no can do!
Also the narrator’s for the audiobook didn’t work for me either. 😪
Also the narrator’s for the audiobook didn’t work for me either. 😪
July 10, 2020
I really dont like writing these kinds of reviews...
If you know anything about the way the NFL (or concussion procedures) works this is not the book for you. Also the writing style was juvenile and many scenes were set weirdly and written sloppily.
If you know anything about the way the NFL (or concussion procedures) works this is not the book for you. Also the writing style was juvenile and many scenes were set weirdly and written sloppily.
July 1, 2020
wtf? i was so infuriated at those sexist douchebags that the whole experience was ruined to me
April 22, 2020
Surprisingly fantastic read
Trigger warning. I didn't see this in the reviews I read,cos wanted to add that first.
Jane and John are so great together. We get the story from both of the POV and we felt the HEA as expected, though the road to get there was unexpected and at times, rough.
Jane is hired on as the assistant coach for an NFL team. Her brother Jim happens to be the head coach. She's always moved football.
John is the QB and at first, wants nothing to do with her or what she brings to the coaching table. Only she begins to win over the Witherspoon the team.
I had several points of contention with this storyline. There are way more than two coaches on an NFL team. It's not high school ball. Teams have more than one running back. The police would have insisted on pics and a few more things. The chemistry between the two leads is fantastic and the story reads great, as long as accuracy isn't an issue for the reader. It's a great escape from reality for a bit.
Trigger warning. I didn't see this in the reviews I read,cos wanted to add that first.
Jane and John are so great together. We get the story from both of the POV and we felt the HEA as expected, though the road to get there was unexpected and at times, rough.
Jane is hired on as the assistant coach for an NFL team. Her brother Jim happens to be the head coach. She's always moved football.
John is the QB and at first, wants nothing to do with her or what she brings to the coaching table. Only she begins to win over the Witherspoon the team.
I had several points of contention with this storyline. There are way more than two coaches on an NFL team. It's not high school ball. Teams have more than one running back. The police would have insisted on pics and a few more things. The chemistry between the two leads is fantastic and the story reads great, as long as accuracy isn't an issue for the reader. It's a great escape from reality for a bit.
April 28, 2020
>Book Review – Team Hate
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is a standalone sports bully romance with an HEA. The idea of a female assistant coach in professional football is actually a real thing today. The issues a female would have in the all-male world seem very realistic, even including the attempted rape. The issue I have with the story is the fact that coach Jane would be allowed to date her QB, John. Ignoring the fact that their dating would never be allowed, the way John warms up to Jane was sweet. John doesn’t seem to practice all that much, though. He throws tantrums in the beginning and leaves all the time.
>The story tried to hit a lot of political buttons - #METOO, rape, homosexuality. The fact that the head coach is gay is brought up and then goes nowhere. Why bring it up then? The biggest issue I had with the book was the fact that Jane kills someone and is able to get past it without counseling or PTSD.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. The romance was great, but the story line needed to make more sense.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is a standalone sports bully romance with an HEA. The idea of a female assistant coach in professional football is actually a real thing today. The issues a female would have in the all-male world seem very realistic, even including the attempted rape. The issue I have with the story is the fact that coach Jane would be allowed to date her QB, John. Ignoring the fact that their dating would never be allowed, the way John warms up to Jane was sweet. John doesn’t seem to practice all that much, though. He throws tantrums in the beginning and leaves all the time.
>The story tried to hit a lot of political buttons - #METOO, rape, homosexuality. The fact that the head coach is gay is brought up and then goes nowhere. Why bring it up then? The biggest issue I had with the book was the fact that Jane kills someone and is able to get past it without counseling or PTSD.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. The romance was great, but the story line needed to make more sense.
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