The Bitter Rivals Fiasco

Frat Brats of Santa Barbara #4

by Hayden Hall

I fell in love with the enemy. Twice.

Hudson

For my twenty-first, I threw a masquerade party and met the most exciting guy on the planet, dressed as a fallen angel. Then, I never saw him again.

And just when I think my life is perfect, in walks my nemesis, Tate Anderson.

The guy’s got no finesse. He looks down on everyone, especially me. So, when the mischievous wannabe matchmaker of a professor forces me into a project with none other than Tate, I seriously consider dropping out.

Except, the more time I spend with him, and the more we growl and bark at each other, the tighter my chest feels around him.

To put him out of my mind and escape the feelings I’d kept at bay for so long, I keep throwing the biggest parties in the city. Like some modern version of Jay Gatsby, I hope to run into my mysterious fallen angel, but he’s ever so elusive.

Until he shows up again.

And I take his mask off…

Tate

My life sucks but don’t make a mistake thinking I would let anyone know.

Especially not Hudson Blackwood. That guy’s gloating enough already. Ugh… He laughs too much, pretends he’s so cool, nothing really bothers him.

Well, except the fact he’s stuck with me on a semester-long project. But I’m stuck with him just as much. He’s also hot as hell and knows it, which makes him infinitely more annoying.

And if that’s not enough, my stepmother is spending the last of my late dad’s fortune on her two sons and I have to study every waking moment to keep my scholarship.

The only escape I’ve had since coming to Santa Barbara were the masquerade parties a tall, handsome guy dressed as The Phantom keeps throwing.

Before I know it, I am hurtling into love and I hate it. I know my stepmother will uproot me again before the year is done. Besides, I don’t even know who this smoking hot Phantom is. This can only end one way, and it’s not good.

It’s just better for everyone if the masks stay on.

The Bitter Rivals Fiasco is an enemies-to-lovers story featuring one certified player, his moody, lifelong rival, and a Cinderella-meets-Great-Gatsby storyline. This is the fourth book in the Frat Brats of Santa Barbara series. While it can be read on its own, it’s just more fun to read them in order, since the series follows a group of friends as they grow and mature at a prestigious, boys-only business school, Highgate Academy.

Genres: M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, College, Contemporary, LGBT, Queer

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2022

About the author

Gay. Sweet. Steamy.

Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.

Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.

His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.

You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com

Reviews

[ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies in their daily life but lovers at the weekend masquerade parties

This series has easily become one of my favorites for no/low angst fun with super hot, rich boys that are sweethearts deep down with a side of cockiness (confidence).

The setting to these books, Highgate Academy - private all boys college in an upscale beach town hits the spot.

Tate Anderson the first character in this series that took me a little while to warm up to but then I oh so did. Bit of an e-boy, angry at the turns of events in his life. 🥺
Hudson Blackwood playboy, member of the group called f*ckboys, the wealthy fraternity of boys that have known each other their whole lives. Hudson is living a pretty charmed life.

”If you think I won’t burn the whole world down to get you back, you really weren’t paying attention”

Hidden identities
Enemies (Rivals) to lovers
Cinder-fella story
Professor forced proximity

As with all the books in this series can be read as stand-alone but much more enjoyable if read in order.

[Andreas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great character development and a finally story that actually sticks to the topic enemies-to-lovers. Also a little bit of Phantom of the Opera and a Cinderella story. The best book so far in this series. I love it, love it, love it.

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure nobody wants to hear about my Troye Sivan obsession anymore, BUT Tate was 100% Troye from his "Angel" promo video wearing those silver pants and angel wings - at least in my head.

Overall, I liked this Cinderella/Great Gatsby mash-up fairytale, but I didn't quite connect with it like I did the previous books in this series. I had a hard time warming up to Tate and never felt like I really knew or understood Hudson. I had to suspend a lot of disbelief when it came to who felt what and why and for how long. I never felt completely invested in Tate's story when I knew I should have been. The steamy scenes were super hot, but took up a lot of real estate in the story. I did love the sexy masquerade parties, though. And Hudson's parents were both amazing people, especially his badass mom.

I'm super curious about Marco and Stefan so I'll definitely be continuing this series. This one just missed the mark a bit for me.

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Everything about him appeared as though life was a thrilling ride, a movie he starred in."

Well, I just totally adore this cute AF series! The Bitter Rivals Fiasco is the fourth book in the Frat Boys of Santa Barbarbara series by Hayden Hall) which follows a group of friends at the prestigious boys-only business school, Highgate Academy, and I think this is one of my faves.

This is Hudson and Tate's story and it has so many of my favourite tropes, so be prepared for:

❣️Enemies to lovers
❣️Lifelong rivals
❣️Opposites attract
❣️Hidden identities
❣️All the snark
❣️An evil stepmother
❣️A HEA

The Bitter Rivals Fiasco is a bit tongue-in-cheek at times like the rest of the series, but it's such a light-hearted, low angst, fun, steamy read it will always come highly recommended by me.

4 fun and steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If you think I won’t burn the whole world down to get you back, you really weren’t paying attention.”

Star Rating 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV Dual
Cliffhanger No
Spice Rating 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

“There was a boy in a cage of other people’s making; a boy I had wronged so many times; a boy who might need another boy by his side, even if for a few minutes of escape.”

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

Overall Opinion
WOW! What an adventure that book was!! I absolutely adored this story and wish I could reread it again for the first time to experience the feelings and emotions I felt whilst reading it. This is my favourite book of all time now and I cannot stop thinking about it. This is a great example of the cinderella trope within a modern day setting and I felt there was such a good plot build and character development done. I felt so strongly for Hudson and and Tate and wanted nothing more than to protect Tate from his evil stepmother! There was really good spice and the author has done an amazing job on this book! Hayden Hall has now become an auto-buy author of mine and I look forward to the rest of the series to come!

Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Enemies-to-Lovers
❣️ Hidden Identities
❣️ Steam Galore!!
❣️ Cinderella meets Great Gatsby
❣️ HEA

[Pablito · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I could.

The Cinderella set-up and the Romeo & Juliet rivalry were tantalizing.

But it's so over-written, particularly the sex scenes.

In the hands of a good editor, 30% of this novel would have been chopped, the fanciful plot made more realistic, and the drawn-out sexcapades cropped for more poignant moments.

I did not hate it, but with tightening, The Bitter Rivals Fiasco could have been something to love.

[Gustaf · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is probably my least favorite in the series.

[Musi ✨Vegacrux’s first child✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t like Cinderella bs… but

THIS WAS UTTER PERFECTION

[Guy Venturi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Removing the evil stepmother and sons

It seems wrong for the best of enemies to finally realize that they are best of friends. Love of family helps overcome the evil stepmother. Love of family requires a revisit to the high mountain tree where Tate and his father carved their names.
Tate and Hudson thought that the Phantom and Fallen Angel romance was great until identities are revealed and recognized.Hudson's mother saves the day for Tate with his inheritance.
But mostly it is the love of friends and family that changes lives for the better.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bitter Rivals Fiasco, simply put excellent! I didn’t like how Tate was taken advantage of by family! But I loved it when he started to rebel! Hudson is from a wealthy family and acts like the rich playboy. I loved the Cinderella retelling, loved the rivalry, loved everything about this story! It hooked me and didn’t let go! Left me smiling! Overall, an excellent addition to the Frat Brats of Santa Barbara. Well written with great pacing. Highly recommend!

[Readingjourney [semi-hiatus]]

DNF, not for me.

[Amy Voce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book and the whole series in general has been a big hit for me. I loved this Cinderella retelling. There was a bunch of tropes too, which lets face it we love a good trope!

[Rocken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't say I enjoyed it. The writing was too over the top and dramatic, the characters actions didn't make sense to me. And even the enemies to lovers turned out to be underwhelming (they discovered they have loved each other all along, actually!).

[Sarah C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. There is really no other way to say it other than the fact that I absolutely adored this book and everything about it. I love a good Cinderella story and this one is the perfect modern queer retelling - with a lot of spice for flavoring of course.

Hudson and Tate are rivals - and they have been since high school when Tate's dad got a contract that Hudson's dad wanted shortly before the two boys met. When their paths cross again, the rivalry is still going strong. Until a series of masquerade parties and a school assignment put them into close proximity - except they don't really know it on the masquerade parties.

This means it plays on some of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, a little bit of mistaken identity. And these tropes play out so beautifully throughout the story, as the boys get to know one another as people and not just as the sons of their fathers' business rivals. There are some other fun things - particularly with the Cinderella aspect - that pull you into the story.

The only thing I didn't really like about it was how rapid the switch between rivals to lovers was. While we got to see the threads of it coming, it was tied into the lovers bow too quickly. The speed at which they went from rivals to lovers gave me a bit of emotional whiplash. But that's a small qualm that I recognize is very much mine (I have the same issue with a lot of books) so I can't really deduct anything from that. It didn't even take away from my enjoyment of the book.

While this book is a part of a series, it can be read as a complete standalone. I've only read two of the series so far and don't feel as though I've missed anything in not having read all of them. I definitely recommend this book to pretty much anyone, because it is fluffy and amazing.

I literally closed the book last night and exlaimed ITS SO FLUFFY I COULD DIE. So yes, if you want a fluffy escapist fantasy with a guaranteed HEA and possibly a few cavities, look no further.

** DISCLAIMER: I recieved an ARC from GRR and this is my fair and honest review. **

[Tammy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enemies-to-lovers story was everything and then some! Hudson and Tate have been rivals since high school, and time apart has done nothing to lessen their feud. The animosity they have towards each other really has no basis..it is residual hate from a business deal between their parents that went bad years ago. Even though they can't stand the sight of each other, they discover that their eternal aggravation has an unexpected edge to it...intense attraction. As situations throw them together more, they are finding it difficult to remember why they hated each other in the first place. This book had me feeling so many emotions with what Tate was going through. Not gonna lie, I shed some tears. Some sad, some happy. Learning to accept the past and let go to face the future is hard under normal circumstances but this poor kid got dealt a really bad hand. I loved how Hudson was willing to be there for Tate, even when they wanted to throttle each other. The chemistry between these characters was on fire hot and just needed the right spark to take off. I really enjoyed this book as well as the rest of the series so far.

[Amy Dahmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with Tate who is in a very dark place due to an evil stepmother who puts her sons ahead of him. Not exactly Cinderella but the same idea. Then we have Hudson the playboy. These two had a past that led to a rivalry between them. Despite this rivalry they meet and connect at a masquerade party. But with neither of them knowing who the other is the rivalry continues throughout school. They are paired on a project where despite fighting like cats and dogs they really work. They keep meeting in mystery, not knowing they are who they are to each other. Eventually Hudson realizes how bad things are for Tate and they realize they are the Angel and Phantom. From there you find some angst and plenty of steam. I loved this telling of their story. The other boys being around made it all the better. This book delivered the whole way through, and the vindication and ending were beyond satisfying. This is impossible to put down and an excellent read. I highly recommend this and find it one of the author's best works yet. Easily the best in the series so far.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayden really outdid himself on this one. It is unlike anything he has written so far. I am super impressed with how his writing has blossomed over time and how in depth his characters and stories have become. This one though. This one did it for me. The amount of emotions that this book holds was overwhelming to say the least and it just went ahead and stole my heart. 

The shenanigans, the banter, all had me laughing out loud. These two really know how to get under each other's skin. Then there was the constant push and pull and I was screaming for someone to give in already, but why would either of these two stubborn men do such a thing?! Then there was the intensity of the whole masquerade mystery. The fun interactions mixed with those sexy little touches....O.M.G. Then, THEN when Hayden decides to finally stop edging you and let IT happen, it was so hot and on fire that no amount of firemen were going to save that building. I really could keep going, but you just need to pick it up and read it for yourself. Just trust me on this. 

This trope is my absolute favorite and he did this category incredibly proud. I'm just gonna go ahead and stick this up there with the rest of my favorite ones because Hayden really knows how to write an enemies to lovers book that's for sure. The only thing that I didn't like about this book was that I ran out of pages. 5 billion stars.

[Jenny Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bitter Rivals Fiasco is part 4 of the Frat Brats of Santa Barbara series, taking place in a prestigious all-boys business school.
Hudson and Tate are enemies, have always been since the met in High School. Now, they are forced to work together on a school project. Be prepared for bickering, fighting and an oh so annoyed broody Tate.
Combine this rivalry with a masquerade ball, kind of Phantom of the Opera meet Cinderella and you’ve got yourself an amazing combination.
Tate has to deal with an awful stepmother, threating him like garbage and making his life miserable.
This story was so much deeper and way more emotional than I expected and it is wonderful ♥️

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story broke me. It was a mix of Cinderfella and Romeo and Julio.

Tates father passed suddenly. Stepmother takes power of attorney and uses all fathers money and properties, in whatever way she sees fit. Forcing Tate to do menial chores for next to pennies and even then, she will withold access to monies in his bank.

Hudson felt that Tates family, and Tate personally have been out to destroy his life. He decides to throw the masked party of the year, and meets the man of his dreams. The one he cant get, who leaves him wanting more. Not knowing its his nemises.

Tates is struggling to hold it together. In an arguement with Hudson EVERYTHING spills out. He broke me at this point. I CRIED. It wasnt pretty. All I wanted was to cuddle Tate and and little bit of Hudson.

Loved it.

[Mary Vitrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

So... Hayden apologied for postponig the release day by a week. Well, let me tell you. If this is the result, I'd have been happy to wait two weeks more. This is the best enemies-to-lovers I've read recently. Their banters are something else. All the masquerade thing is quite perfect, with all their talking and dancing and teasing and finally, finally, they got to "experience" themselves.
It has all the emotions, you cry, laugh, you got upset, you got excited.
I can't say much more without spoiler the book, you just have to read it. Absolutely high recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Laurie Farrar · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4.15***

This book started pretty strong, but the moment things turned from hate to love gave me whiplash. I’m not sure you can take a leap from the disdain these two had, to the all-consuming love that followed immediately. I am not a fan of the enemies to lovers trope in the first place, but I will tolerate and even enjoy it it’s not over the top. I guess I just have a problem with the realization that one is deeply in love all along when they are treating the other like shit all that time. Besides a bit icky purple prose, the book was pretty good.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book so far in this series! Hudson and Tate have had a strong dislike for each other and bitter rivalry since high school! A mascarade party hides their identities and reveals a deep desire and connection to the other! Well written, steamy story with a Cinderella like charm! Can’t wait for the next book! I received this book from gay romance reviews and these are my honest opinions!

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bitter Rivals Fiasco, Frat Brats of Santa Barbara book four by Hayden Hall. I really enjoyed this book. Tate & Hudson we’re great characters along with the rest of the friends! This was the first book I read in this series. I’m going to have to go back and read the rest of the stories before this one. Loved it! Definitely a must read!

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayden Hall’s goal, for this detailed and extended book, was to ‘craft a story that will steal you away for a little bit,’ and he has more than accomplished his goal, with The Bitter Rivals Fiasco. (aka A Butt Arrivals lol)

As his fourth book, in his Frat Brats of Santa Barbara series, plus a free novella prequel that previews a relationship found in this book, we again have our hearts manipulated by Hayden. We are captivated by the rivalry of Hudson and Tate, even as we are privy to some heartbreakingly hidden torment going on in one of these beautiful boys’ lives.

“There was a boy in a cage of other people’s making; a boy I had wronged so many times; a boy who might need another boy by his side, even if for a few minutes of escape.”

Reflection, remorse, and reconciliation lead to romance. Not just any romance, but dig-deep, heart-pounding, body-reverberating romance!

Hayden Hall has found that his beautiful outlook on M/M relationships can be longer, and deeper, and even more intense, as his heftiest romantic story heats up our hearts!

[Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if Cinderella was about two boys - one dressed as Phantom and one dressed as a fallen Angel - and those two boys fall in love not realising that in their real lives they hate one another? And what if said boys explored their sexual preferences in the hottest way? This book.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly let me say I got this book of gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I’m gonna be honest and say for the first time it took me a moment to get into this book. Usually Hayden grabs me from the first chapter this one not so much. But the reason I’ve given it five stars is because once I got into this story I just could not put it down.
Tate, had the perfect life enjoyed his time with his dad after his mum left they did everything together until he decided to remarry the most evil woman who just didn’t like Tate. Then his father died leaving him with his stepmother in a very much similar storyline to Cinderella. She didn’t like the fact he was gay she preferred the company of her own sons he lived up in the attic she gave her boys the car he had to walk to college do all the family chores and she would do evil things, like stop his card so he couldn’t buy lunch or a drink. He just never knew where he stood. They had moved back and he was returning to a school where he knew he had an enemy in the eyes of Hudson. The most gorgeous Hudson that he had feelings for for six years but because of something that happened with their fathers they became enemies.
Hudson. Rich privilege partygoer happy to have a hook up every night with any man that picked his fancy didn’t take life seriously. That is until he saw Tate Anderson. And he just wanted to stay out of his way but as fate would have it they shared all their classes together. When they had classes they would argue black was white just to prove the other person wrong. But then little thoughts would come in his head about Tate and his gorgeous eyes where the hell did they my ideas come from?? Hudson decides to throw a party a masquerade party and this is where he meets his fallen angel. Completely covered in silver body paint and a mask but what he couldn’t hide with his beautiful body. The attraction is instant before long they’re dancing but Hudson is taking her back when he has to leave and turns him down. He doesn’t learn who the man is so decides to throw another party to see if he could get his angel back.
Tate couldn’t believe Alex talked him into going to a masquerade party. Alex was a keen sewer and had this brilliant idea for a costume and he wanted to Tate to model it for him. It took everything for Tate to get his stepmother to agree to let him to go to a party but only if he was back at midnight because the doors were getting locked. And this is where he met the Phantom of the Opera and they danced ages he was so attracted to this guy but he had to leave because the time was getting close to midnight. So he left only to find doors locked and he had to sleep in the shed. He wished he didn’t leave the attraction he had to him and now he slept in a shed because she wouldn’t open the door.
When Tate and Hudson get put in a group to work together on a project to say they weren’t happy is an understatement but what would happen now these two are spending more time together??
Wow did I go through every emotion with this book the pure hatred for a woman who could put a young adult through the pain that she was after he lost his dad was just beyond cruelty. We don’t really get to see her sons in this book. Tate and Hudson are just yummy, their attraction and chemistry is just lush! Hudson and Tate have this electric energy, but they just cannot seem to agree on anything and you’re just waiting for the fireworks to begin. That is until they start liking each other. Yummy!!

[Jenn ReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

*There are a few SPOILERS in the 3rd PARAGRAPH - marked*

Having read and loved the first 3 books as well as the novella, I was looking forward to this book. I received it as an Advanced Reader Copy and threw myself into reading it. 4 hours later, I am pleased to say that Hudson and Tate did not disappoint me in the least. Hayden Hall took my heartstrings and stomped all over them. They played right into my weak spots for drama and served it up on a steaming plate of bitterness. Hudson Blackwood is the rich boy stereotype. He drinks, throws lavish parties and hates Tate Anderson. Tate Anderson is struggling after the loss of his father and being left with his wicked stepmother, who is spending all of his late father’s money and working hard to cut him off and leave him destitute – even going as far as locking him in the attic that she forced him to use as a bedroom. Tate gives major Cinderella vibes (as advertised) and I was living for it.

When Hudson and Tate are forced to work on a semester long project together, the rivals start moving from bitter rivalry to blistering hot chemistry. However, Tate never fully gives in to Hudson because he knows that there is a limit on any time they spend together. His time at school has an end date and he is working furiously to keep his scholarships and graduate before his stepmonster uproots him yet again. Without giving too much away, you can count on this book giving you all the feels; hot, warm, sad, worried and relieved. I found myself rooting for Hudson to break through Tate’s walls and into his heart and for Tate to let Hudson into his heart and show him that he isn’t alone.




**Spoilers - Speaking of those lavish parties that Hudson throws? They play a big role in bringing our rivals together without them realizing just who they're falling for. A masquerade party brings Hudson (dressed as the Phantom) and Tate (dressed as a fallen angel) intimately close without knowing who is behind their masks and makeup. They spend a few hours getting better... acquainted and then his angel disappears, leaving Hudson without a way to reach him. He then spends his time (and money) throwing more masquerade parties, hoping that his fallen angel will find him again, but they leave him hanging until the last party. Hudson should learn to be careful what he wishes for. When the masks come off, will Hudson still want his fallen angel? What about the Tate? Will the fallen angel still want the Phantom when he realizes who he is? - End of Spoilers**



Hudson and Tate fulfill the enemies-to-rivals trope beautifully, with Hudson acing his part as a player and Tate breaking your heart as the down-on-his-luck rival. We’re given glimpses of the next couple as well as a couple of cameos of those we’ve already come to love. You don’t have to read the first 3 books in the series, but why would you not? They’re well written, full of heat, heart, drama and happy endings. The Frat Brats of Santa Barbara are on a bumpy road as students at the boys-only school, Highgate Academy and they’re bringing us along for the ride.
The Bitter Rivals Fiasco
Hayden Hall

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 5 out of 5]

old post reposted


Another day, another author crossed off my to-binge list. This is Hayden Hall's Frat Brats of Santa Barbara series. The fourth novel is "The Bitter Rival Fiasco."
["I fell in love with the enemy. Twice.

Hudson
For my twenty-first, I threw a masquerade party and met the most exciting guy on the planet, dressed as a fallen angel. Then, I never saw him again.
And just when I think my life is perfect, in walks my nemesis, Tate Anderson.
The guy’s got no finesse. He looks down on everyone, especially me. So, when the mischievous wannabe matchmaker of a professor forces me into a project with none other than Tate, I seriously consider dropping out.
Except, the more time I spend with him, and the more we growl and bark at each other, the tighter my chest feels around him.
To put him out of my mind and escape the feelings I’d kept at bay for so long, I keep throwing the biggest parties in the city. Like some modern version of Jay Gatsby, I hope to run into my mysterious fallen angel, but he’s ever so elusive.
Until he shows up again.
And I take his mask off…

Tate
My life sucks but don’t make a mistake thinking I would let anyone know.
Especially not Hudson Blackwood. That guy’s gloating enough already. Ugh… He laughs too much, pretends he’s so cool, nothing really bothers him.
Well, except the fact he’s stuck with me on a semester-long project. But I’m stuck with him just as much. He’s also hot as hell and knows it, which makes him infinitely more annoying.
And if that’s not enough, my stepmother is spending the last of my late dad’s fortune on her two sons and I have to study every waking moment to keep my scholarship.
The only escape I’ve had since coming to Santa Barbara were the masquerade parties a tall, handsome guy dressed as The Phantom keeps throwing.
Before I know it, I am hurtling into love and I hate it. I know my stepmother will uproot me again before the year is done. Besides, I don’t even know who this smoking hot Phantom is. This can only end one way, and it’s not good.
It’s just better for everyone if the masks stay on."]

fucking Cinderella meets fucking Great Gatsby. Need. I. Say. More. (also, told you Gatsby was gay--then again, I'm obviously not the only one who thinks so ;) ).

This one...was a lot. The hostility was a little misplaced and totally dragged out (then again, they're men, who were boys, who both had confusing feelings for one another). Then add the stepmother into the mix and all of her shit (please see trigger warnings below). Plus, well, a lot. I don't want to spoil too much, so you're just going to have to read it yourself. ;)

Trigger Warnings: blackmail, abuse, emotional manipulation, financial manipulation, homophobia, death of a parent, and more

#thelastsummervacation #thefakeboyfrienddebacle #theroyalroommatedisaster #thewrongtwindilemma #thebitterrivalfiasco #theaccidentalhoneymooncatastrophe #thebedroomcoachagreement #theofficenemesiscalamity #fratbratsofsantabarbara #fratbratsofsantabarbaraseries #haydenhall #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Lennox Rex · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bitter Rivals Fiasco has everything I want out of a romance novel: an easy to read story, engaging characters, steaming hot fun times, and a happy ending. So it’s an easy five stars for me.

Enemies To Lovers is not one of my top tropes, but when it hits me right, it’s fantastic. Hall hit upon my favourite flavour of this trope: mutual attraction that’s immediately obscured by blistering but ungrounded (or very weakly grounded) animosity. Bring on the tension, yo!

The characters are easy to like here- especially Alex. Did Alex ever get a book of his own? Gimme! I wanna know how Alex got his man, and his whole backstory. LOL. It seems the next book coming up, The Accidental Honeymoon Catastrophe, is Stefan and Marco’s story. I’m glad for that, since all the set-up Hall put into the background of The Bitter Rivals Fiasco made me really curious about them. You know a book is successful when it makes you want to read more of the author’s work, amirite?

Now, the most obvious point. Lemme just say that this is the only reworking of Cinderella that I’ll ever need. Tate is the perfect Cinderfella and it’s oh so easy to sympathise with him and want to protect him. Rosalyn makes for a doozy of an evil stepmother. The woman is horrific, which just makes it all that much more satisfying when she gets shut down by Hudson’s mother. The happy ending is swoon worthy and you may just end up with heart eyes.

Onto my endless shopping list this goes, because I obviously need a physical copy now. My wallet weeps.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tate and Hudson's rivals to lovers romance was entertaining, but I didn't connect with the characters as much as I'd hoped to. I think my biggest struggle was meshing Tate's cold, aloof public persona with the emotional, caring man he was in private. I didn't understand why he was so insistent on pushing everyone's help away, and as a result I ended up being frustrated with him more often than not. Hudson at least was a carefree playboy no matter what environment he was in, and while I can't say I found that aspect of him endearing, it was a driving force in his romance with Tate. Tate's horrific home life and masquerade party meet-cute definitely had Cinderella vibes, and I liked how this author transformed the original fairy tale into something fresh and unpredictable. This couple didn't stop their masked meetups after a single night, and they definitely cranked up the heat with each subsequent encounter. Unmasked Tate and Hudson had some surprisingly emotional heart-to-hearts before the big secret was revealed, and I can't deny that it was sweet to see these two set aside their family rivalry to comfort one another. Add in a super sweet declaration of love and Tate and Hudson were ready to face the evil stepmother together to get Tate's inheritance back. Their happily ever after was a satisfying blend of optimism for the future and moving forward from past emotional pain.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.