So so very good! I’m new to this author but I have every intention of finding her backlist! This was a very intertwined love story that was complicated but simple. Stemming from a deep childhood friendship full of trauma to an evolution of adult love. Bravo! Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for review

3.5 stars

Overall I really enjoyed Ivy and Aiden's story and how they found their way back to each other. Despite Ivy's struggles with her mental illness, she was strong. Aiden was also a strong male lead. He was determined, loyal, and gentle.

One of my complaints about this book is the writing style. Several times I had to re-read sentences to make sure I understood what was happening. The other issue I had was that their friends (ahem, Caleb) told important details about the past that I felt should have been conversations between Ivy and Aiden.

I liked the angst, the hate (she tried really hard to hate him), and the love. I will definitely read more books from this author and look forward to the next book of this series.

As an avid fan of sports college romance, this particular story truly delivered. I found myself on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what would happen next, and I simply couldn't put it down. What I particularly appreciated about this tale was the fact that the male and female leads had a pre-existing relationship, and throughout the course of the story, they were able to rediscover their connection in a truly heartwarming way. Overall, I found this to be a truly engaging and captivating read that left me feeling thoroughly satisfied.

Ivy hadn't seen him in four years... Aiden Griffith, her childhood best friend, neighbour and football star. He did all he could to shield her from the trauma of her home life but once she turned 16, she knew she had to leave. She's been through hell since then, but she's alive and now a Freshman at Lindon University.

Aiden is lasered focused; ace his classes and stay on the fast track to a promising NFL career. But when he sees Ivy working at the local Bakery, he's stunned. He was devastated when she left and never thought he'd see her again.

Fate has brought the once inseperable pair back together, but will Ivy be able to let him in again? Will she share the full truth of what she has experienced these last 4 years or will it be too much?

Firstly, what an AMAZING start to the Lindon U series by B. Celeste!! Ivy and Aiden have pure 🔥 chemistry and once you understand more of Ivy's history, the way that Aiden treats her becomes absolute magic. Their connection and the way their friendship has developed over the years was really refreshing; who doesn't want an Aiden in their life! But then that first spicy scene of theirs after so long apart (even if it's not at all what most would expect) is amazing!

I loved what we learnt of the other Lindon U football players and can't wait to read each of their stories. I'm moving straight on to book 2 starring DJ and am excited to see who he falls for!

Thank you to Author B. Celeste, Netgalley and Sourcebooks: Bloom Books for providing me with this ARC. I've willingly provided this review and all opinions are my own.

Thank you Bloom Books and Netgalley for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded down

I really enjoyed the first half of this book. I thought it would be an easy 5-star read for me. I even purchased the first two books at Barnes and Noble the day they were published. However, about halfway through the book, I felt like I was rereading the first half of the book over again. I felt like Ivy had late character development and I wish she would've bloomed quicker. I don't understand why she was so adamant about people not helping her when she needed it. I mostly enjoyed Aiden, although he was pushy at times.

This book was incredibly sad and depressing. There were very few happy or shining moments for either character. I had little faith that they would even end up together. I will say the ending was good and made me happy. I just wish we got to read more about their happiness together since the other 95% of the book was gloomy.

While it was not my favorite book ever, I would still recommend this book because I am hopeful of the following two in the series.
I am super excited to read the next book in the series!

Rating: 4⭐️

I love college sports romances and really enjoyed this one. This was not my first time reading a book written by B. Celeste, but this one is definitely in the top 3. Childhood best friends to strangers to lovers - yes, please. I typically don't reach for the childhood friends to lovers trope, but this one intrigued me. Note: this book deals with heavy topics, so be sure to check out the trigger warnings. I went through the motions with this book and definitely cried 🥺. Who doesn't love a book that hits where it hurts?

Ivy and Aiden are childhood best friends who grew up next to each other. Years later, they cross paths at Lindon University. Ivy is dealing with her past and the choices she had to make. Aiden is bound to leave after this semester to be drafted to the NFL.

Ivy and Aiden’s love story is one that I will definitely be coming back to.

Thank you, NetGalley, Bloom Books, and B. Celeste for an advanced reader's copy of "Dare You To Hate Me" in exchange for an honest review.

TW: emotional abuse, self harm, attempted suicide

This book deals with self harm & suicide. It actually opens with it. Ivy’s family slowly fell apart when she was younger due to her dads refusal to let go of his failing business and marriage to her mother. Eventually excuses turned into shouting and Ivy would hide in her closet and when it became too much she would escape to the boy next door, Aiden.

“I was chaos and he was the person who mellowed me.”

At 16 Ivy decided to run away and asked Aiden to come with her. Thinking of his future, Aiden stayed behind. Ivy would offer herself to men just so she had a place to sleep.
Four years later they discover both of them attend Lindon University. Aiden tries to get back into Ivy’s life and help her but he’s the star football player and might not be around much longer.



I was really frustrated with both Ivy & Aiden throughout the book. Ivy changed things around so her parents couldn’t find her but was frustrated with Aiden for not finding her? Aiden seems pushy in certain parts.
Ivy also didn’t want to end up like her mother with no degree and had decided to get her life together only to quit it all to follow a man, really?
I did like book but those things just frustrated me.
I did like Dj & I’m looking forward to reading his story.


Thank you Bloom Books for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I struggled with this book. The beginning seemed to be rushed and threw the readers straight into a story that had already began a long time ago. It felt as if we were expected to already know the characters despite just meeting them.

Despite it all, I did enjoy the book and the characters. I found myself struggling to connect with the story and characters more than I did with Beg You to Trust Me but that just might be because I was still so dearly attached to the previous characters. Again, another great book by the author! I’m excited to follow this author as she continues to push out great works and stories.

This is book 1 of the Lindon U Series!! I was fortunate enough to receive this as a ARC. This was my first time reading a book written by B. Celeste and I really enjoyed it. I love a sports romance book and I really enjoyed this book! I really loved Ivy and Aiden’s characters in this book! Disclaimer- this book does discuss self harm. I loved that this book discussed having a terrible home life and self harm as I sometimes feel romance books always never discuss proper real world experiences. I loved the development of Ivy’s character in this book. I think seeing glimpses of what she went through and to see where she has come is really amazing. I loved that Aiden would do anything to keep Ivy safe even if she didn’t want his help.
I think this book was written amazingly! I definitely recommend this book!! I cannot wait to read book 2 of the Lindon U Series!

My review has been posted to my Goodreads and will be posted in a few months on my Instagram as I have a lot of planned reviews at the moment.

4/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️

I really enjoyed this story. The concept of these long lost best friends separated by time and trauma being brought back together by fate/luck was really, really well done here. The characters were really great and I loved the spicy bits a lot.

I absolutely loved Ivy. Her relationship with her parents about broke my heart, and what happened to her while she was surviving on her own finished it off. I really felt for her and while I didn't love the way she handled her present with Aiden, I totally understood. She had a need for control, lacked trust and had been so severely emotionally abused as a child that her self worth was next to none... She did some really silly things while Aiden tried to help her, but it all made sense the more and more you got to know of her past.

*possible spoilers*
I think the only thing I didn't love about this book was I was hoping for more to happen to her crap parents... I did love most of their reunion and loved how she handled it. But I would have unalived to see her really get the justice she deserved. They were awful, just terrible. I also wish Porter went to LU, because I want his story selfishly. I was building up him and Lena in my head only for my theory to dissolve rather quickly lol
*end spoilers*

I'm really excited for DJ's story and can't wait to see what B Celeste is bringing to us with his story. It should be a good one, because I loved him in DYTHM.

First off I have to thank Bloom Books for sending me a galley of this book!

Secondly.. man. Dare You To Hate Me by the author was just something else entirely. I both loved it for its amazing friends to lovers/girl next door tropes and hated it for making me feel SO many emotions. This trope is for sure my achilles heel and I damn near highlighted the entirety of it because so many passages just about killed me.

Make sure you do check the trigger warnings on this one prior to reading this one if you’re interested as it does contain some delicate material. **

In my own opinion, Aiden & Ivy were meant to be from the very beginning and my heart literally ached at the things they both went through. It was almost magical how fate reunited these two and I just cannot recommend it enough. So again, thank you to Bloom Books for allowing me to review this book!

This book made me so emotional I could not handle myself. I don’t know what it was - but I think everything Ivy went through really resonated with me. I also loved the tropes within the storylines - found family, second chance romance, best friends to lovers, && sports!!

Aiden is the star tight-end on Lindon U’s football team. He is paving his way to the NFL when he unexpectedly sees his childhood best friend for the first time since they were sixteen. Ivy was not expecting to run into Aiden during her first semester at college. That doesn’t stop him from turning her world upside down as soon as they’re back in each others lives.

Aiden was a strong, caring guy who strived to look out for everyone. He was hardworking and was a great leader throughout the book. I loved how he fought for Ivy; he wanted to prove to her she was worth it for him and did just that. Ivy deserved better. I can’t say much without spoiling anything but I’m just so angry for her. My heart aches for the little girl who just wanted to be loved. Honorable mention for Ivy’s friendships with DJ & Caleb; my heart swooned with how welcoming and genuine those boys were to her.

Side note - I’ve now read both books that are out in the Lindon U series and I can’t help but hope that there’s secretly a fourth book on Matt and Rachel 👀👀

Thank you to B. Celeste & NetGalley for the arc copy of this book ✨

Please be sure to read trigger warnings before diving into the book, there is some mental health content mentioned that could be an issue for some readers 🫶🏻

3.75 ⭐️

Dare You To Hate Me is a friends to lovers with a twist. The twist being that they haven’t seen each other in 4 years and aren’t exactly friends when they reconnect.

While the book definitely kept me intrigued and I loved the concept, I had a hard time connecting with Ivy’s character. She was definitely stronger than she gave herself credit for but I also felt like she was fighting the wrong battles. While she was fiercely independent, she was also stubborn and prideful, which caused her to make some pretty drastic and awful decisions. And while she was a fighter/survivor, she didn’t always stand up to the people that she needed to but would instead fight the people trying to help her instead of the ones hurting/using her. Her reasoning for leaving home and going through everything she did also baffled me a little and I wished there had been more to the story that caused her to do those things.

As for Aiden, I did like his character. I liked that he was guarded because of his past but completely loyal once he deemed you a friend. He never gives up on the people he cares about and gave Ivy the push (actually multiple pushes) she needed. The issue with his past did confuse me a bit because he seemed too smart to not realize what they were doing. And there was another part about it that didn’t make sense but it would be a spoiler. But over all I did find his character to be more likable and stronger.

I also wish that there was something shown about Sydney getting what she deserves. Tell her off, call her out on her lies, have her see them together and he dismisses her, do something! She was such an awful person and it wouldn’t been nice to see karma get her.

This book also deals with self harm and emotional abuse but does not go too in depth with the issues. I did like that the constant battle of wanting to harm was discussed and shown as something that constantly needs to be worked on.

‼️ Please check trigger warnings before reading this book‼️

✨ There are two types of strangers in the world—ones that you’ve never met before, and ones you share memories with. ✨

For you second chance - friends to lovers people… This is the cup of tea/coffee on a rainy day for you. For the ones that have a friend that you are afraid to start something with. This is for you. For the ones with haunting pasts that can’t figure out how to make room for happiness. This is for you. For the ones that are wondering “Will I ever see them again? What can I do? They won’t want me again”. This is for you.

Ivy and Aiden were Destined for the world. The best friends that would never leave each others sides. The best friends that knew their darkest life worries. And the best friends that somehow split apart for years. At 16 years old they were separated by the choice of Ivy running away. Aiden did not follow. But, he waited for years and years for her to come back. A friendship like that will find itself again.

For them… They were found. They found each other again. Years later and the connection is stronger.

Second chance lovers place a special spot in my heart. I myself hoped that day would come for me. Highschool relationship… have I wanted it to come true? Yes. Will it no? Life isn’t a story;) Ivy and Aiden made me believe that for others, things will become true.

✨ When you meet the right person, is doensn't matter what happens because fate will always bring you together.

Something also very relating to me, is the past that Ivy has lived. Everyone has their own darkness. No I have not lived through all of the same moments she has, but some are very familiar. It is hard to silence thoughts and demons. I’m very proud of the way that Ivy is fighting hers and taking control of her mind and not letting go

“Out of your head, Underwood”
“Head in the game, Underwood”

Don’t fight what you know. They both want it. No matter relationship, they play a part in each others hearts and as the reader you can feel it. Soulmates are real, and this was PROOF of it.

Aiden was always there. He’s the safe place. He’s the home that Ivy belongs to. Reuniting 5 years later is exactly what they needed. Fate brought them back together because they needed it. Get ready for major feelings. Ivy and Aiden are the second chance lovers that you dream of.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dare You To Hate Me is the first book in the Lindon U. series by B. Celeste. This is a unique premise for me. The novel follows a university football star, Aiden, and the girl who stole his heart as a child and disappeared, Ivy. After years, fate stepped in and reunited Aiden and Ivy. However, Ivy has made decisions that have led her down a very dark path. Aiden is at the top of his game and has every goal he sets to achieve, yet all he can think about is Ivy.

My heart cried for Ivy. She was a neglected, emotionally abused teenager who made a bad decision. Ivy had no one to fall back on, and she spiraled. Ivy left her only emotional support in Aiden and his family. Ivy has paid dearly for her decisions, yet she has risen from the ashes of her past. Ivy finds her voice and her worth with Aiden’s support and love.

Aiden has worked diligently to be the top player and A student at Lindon U. Aiden is going pro after this semester. Aiden reunites with Ivy, and all those feelings come rushing back, but Ivy is a shell of what he remembers. Aiden is sweet to Ivy; he never lets go, even when she lashes out. Aiden’s love helps heal Ivy and gives her the strength to begin again.

The plot discusses situations that could be content warnings for some readers. Emotional abuse is prevalent in Ivy’s young life, and I felt the book did an excellent job portraying how destructive words and neglect can be to a child. Self-harm is also discussed, and I thought it was described in a realistic, respectful manner. Ivy eventually seeks assistance with her mental health. The message of hope the author creates with Ivy’s journey is beautiful and uplifting.

There are a lot of secondary characters whom I feel are waiting on their own stories. I was intrigued by the football team and look forward to their stories. This is my first novel by B. Celeste, and I was impressed. The author did an excellent job portraying important themes within a heart-wrenching, passionate love story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Bloom books and Net Galley for an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ivy & Aiden are childhood best friends who live next door to each other. But their upbringings couldn’t be more different. Aiden is an only child, with picture perfect parents who dote on him, and often Ivy too. Ivy’s house is pure chaos, with parents who are fighting all the time, cops showing up, and a younger brother who she spends her time taking care of. When Ivy is 16 she decides she’s had enough and runs away, begging Aiden to go with her, knowing he can’t. She thinks she will never see him again…

But four years later they’re reunited at Lindon University where Ivy just started, and where Aiden is a star on the football team. As they try to piece their friendship back together, Ivy struggles to process all that she has been through in the four years she spent running.

Will they be able to repair their relationship? Will it lead to being more than friends?

I will say, while I enjoyed this story, at parts it was too much. Things that could have been said using less words. Also, Ivy just wasn’t my favorite character, I found her pretty unlikeable, at certain parts of the story.

I am excited that Lindon University will be a series, and can’t wait to see whose story we get next.

**heavy trigger warning for suicidal thoughts, self harm, and suicide attempts**

I love a good sports college romance, and this story delivered. I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know more, and I never wanted to put it down. I love how the male and female lead knew each other prior and within this story they find their way back to each other. Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book.

Don’t get me wrong. This book was good and very enjoyable. I just think that some of the characters could’ve been better developed. I think that would’ve really solidified this as a really good book for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.75

First off all I want to extend a big thank you to B. Celeste and Bloom Books for providing me with an advanced reader copy of „Dare you to love me“ through netgalley.com.

This book was absolutely amazing. It really made my heart wrench at times, because the characters (Ivy) in particular felt so raw and real. Aiden was such a sweetheart, he really is a „golden boy“ but in a way where he can’t see it himself… which makes him even more lovable. I loved the dynamic between Ivy and Aiden. For me, I thought they were complete opposites at first. Him – sweet, focused, a golden boy. Her – lost, rebellious, closed off. But throughout the book I got to see the similarities between them. How for both of are so selfless, loving and self-sacrificing. They just fit perfectly with each other.

Moreover I appreciated that the author didn’t follow the „standard“ timeline of romance books, because I really think that neither Ivy nor Aiden could have been able to deal with the heartbreak. (Even if it would only have been temporary) Further, I am surprisingly happy with how the conflict within Ivy’s family was handled. The only criticism I have really, and it is very minor, is that Ivy’s past played a huge part in the relationship between her and Aiden. Especially her „relations“ with other men were brought up frequently. I just wish there would have been some talk between them to resolve this tension.
Other than that I am MORE than happy with the storyline and the character developement!

On another note, Aidens friends are great! I loved them all. And that is exactly why I am over the top excited for DJ’s book which is up next.

What I love most about B. Celeste’s books in general is that she always has some twist to her stories that make the a little „darkish“. But for me it just makes them so much more real!

Anyways, go read that book if you like. For me it’s a definite recommendation. But please check triggerwarnings beforehand, as I sad there are some darkish parts to the story.

"Dare You to Hate Me" by B. Celeste is a heartwarming romance novel that follows Ivy and Aiden, two old friends who reunite at Lindon University. Ivy has had a difficult life and is trying to pick up the pieces, while Aiden is a star football player with a bright future ahead of him. Despite their different paths, they reconnect and their chemistry is undeniable. However, Ivy is hesitant to start a relationship with Aiden because she knows their time together is limited, as he is likely to be drafted into the NFL soon.

The story is well-written and the characters are complex and likable. Ivy and Aiden have a deep connection and their relationship develops naturally throughout the book. The supporting characters, including Aiden's teammates and Ivy's friends, add depth to the story and make it feel more realistic.

Overall, "Dare You to Hate Me" is a captivating romance novel that will leave readers rooting for Ivy and Aiden's happily ever after. It's a great choice for fans of sports romance and second chance love stories.