Una historia interesante. Con muchos TW, y peleas innecesarias. Aunque entretenida de leer.

Tenemos a la chica que ha pasado por tanto en la vida, que su personalidad es muy ruda y apática. Le gusta hacer todo sola, no depender de nadie, su pasado "oscuro" la persigue como una nube negra en su presente. No tiene lazos familiares ni amistades.

Por otro lado tenemos al chico genio en los estudios que a la vez juega fútbol americano. Él ha estado toda su vida enamorado de la misma chica, de su vecina de la infancia. Pero ella un día desapareció, se fugó de su casa y desde entonces han pasado 4 años. ¿Cuál es la probabilidad de encontrarla de nuevo en el campus de la universidad?.

¿Es posible que estas dos personas recuperen su relación de niños? Eso es lo que se responde en este libro. Hay muchas luchas contra los fantasmas del pasado, las inseguridades, los rechazos, los cambios, etc.

Ivy me agradó casi todo el tiempo. Aiden no siempre, por ser muy controlador y dar todo por hecho, pero al final se lo perdoné.

No fue mi historia favorita, pero sí me gustó que no resultó tan cliché como otras de romance universitario.

“Because I'm not fortunate at all.
I was two millimeters off.”
“This was all me. It wasn't the drugs or the guys that led me to making this decision. It was desperation. The doctor called it a cry for help."
This book was so incredibly, wonderfully, heartbreaking amazing !!!!
I’m absolutely in love !!! I can’t even express how much this book touched my soul in ways I was not expecting.
It is a romance, yes, with spicy scenes that will make you feel hot.
But the sweetness and dedication and loyalty of that romantic feeling between two best friends who after being strangers get to find their way into each other’s arms once again … I got constant goosebumps !!!
Ivy is such a survivor!!! She went through the worst and honestly … I feel like I could relate to her in more than one way !!
And Aiden … he was perfect, in his own flaws !!!
I loved the way he loves her and I loved watching him trying to prove her his own point: that she is stronger than she gives herself credit for.
If there is one thing you should take with yourself after reading this book, apart from the spicy scenes, should be the feeling of people you love, being there for you even when you feel alone.
The desperation that comes with feeling the world is crushing you down, like the people closest to you do not care … is overwhelming sometimes. So it’s be good to “keep your head on the game” instead of letting it wander with terrible thoughts and feelings threatening to swallow you whole.
I’m so glad I had the chance to read this book and experience what these characters were experiencing !!! I can’t wait for the next book I’m this series !!!
"I dare you to hate me, Ivy. Because we both know you don't. You couldn't even if vou tried."
“You were always mine, Chaos. All these years don't change the fact that it's always been me and you. Even when you didn't know it. Nobody else had a chance.”

If you read After or Beautiful Disaster and wanted something similar but with better writing, less drama, likable characters, and serious topics, this is the one you should be reading.

This is a childhood friends to lovers, sports romance, and the girl fell first but the boy falls harder.
TW for attempted suicide and self-harm

This story is about Ivy and Aiden. Ivy is stubborn, sarcastic, insecure, and believes no one can choose her. But she was an honest representation of a girl who suffered, had depression, and whose past still haunted her because of her choices. Now she works at a cafe and in enters Aiden, and he won't let her get away again.

Aiden has been surviving thanks to football, but when he sees Ivy, he can finally start to live again. He is the type of hero that lives and breads for his girl and will do anything for her.

These two completed each other so well, the relationship from being a friend to a couple was smoothly transitioned and well-developed, they had time but it wasn't slow, it was just enough. I liked that they had a history as friends and it helped intensified the angst between them. I liked the build-up of their relationship as a couple. It felt genuine and believable, even if it was painful.

College Sports Romance. 3.5/5 stars
Possible Spoilers. TW: self-harm

College students Aiden and Ivy reunite after years of separated friendship. He is a star tight end destined for the NFL and she is a struggling student, with a lot to prove. This is my first book from this author and in the first third of the book, I was HOOKED. The drama, the feels, the detail...it was clear why this self-published author is reprinting with a publisher. Around 60% however, I felt frustrated with Ivy. Don't get me wrong, I LIVED for Aiden. His strength and loyalty made me wish I was 15 years younger, and ya know, he was real. For me, Ivy did not bring the character development I hoped for. There was a big shock around 80% that made me race to the finish of the book. Overall, good writing style, problematic characters with age-appropriate drama, no third act breakup and all the loose ends tied up. I would definitely read another book in this series if the MMC is DJ. LOVED him as a supporting character and want to hear his story.

There is an author's note that should be read and heeded. Self-harm and destructive behaviors are discussed and on the page. Someone who struggles with these thoughts should probably skip this one. The author does an excellent job depicting struggle and growth in that area, just very explicit about it.

Thank you to Sourcebooks/Bloom Books, B. Celeste and NetGalley for the digital ARC. This review is my own.

I raced through this book and found myself truly surprised by the complex characters which are not always present in a ‘sports romance’. Ivy had my heart aching, racing and beating overtime; she had such a traumatic story that I was NOT expecting. Aiden was the CLASSIC supportive, would-do-anything-for-her man that complemented her so perfectly. Childhood friends to strangers to ‘friends’ to lovers is always going to hit for me and this was no exception!

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

At sixteen Ivy Underwood made the tough decision to walk away from everything she knew and never looked back. She couldn't because she knew that she would see Aiden Griffith, the boy who owned her heart, and she'd be lured back in...and she couldn't bare the thought of returning to the miserable life she knew. Aidan would just have to be the one she let get away...

She never expected to see him again, so when he waltzes into her new life and wants a second chance she isn't quite sure what to say... is it possible for them to really pick up right where they left of so easily? Or is it too good to be true like everything else in life?

Dare You to Hate Me is a breathtakingly beautiful love story that almost never happened, as our heroine walked away from the boy she loved thinking that was it for them, but as we quickly learn fate has other plans for these two. But our heroine has been let down so many times in life that she has trouble putting faith in the life Aiden is offering her, not to mention she is too proud to let someone walk into her life and sweep her off of her feet. She is a stubborn girl who insists on making her own choices, putting her trust in another soul just isn't something she is comfortable with... so Aiden has his work cut out for him. But he is determined to not lose her again and is willing to give every part of himself for her if that is what it takes. Watching these two find their way is bound to irritate you at times, but have faith it works out the way it's supposed to. It's a love story that will test your patience the whole way through, but I promise it'll leave your heart happy! I really enjoyed this one, it tortured in all the best ways, made me smile and swoon, and left me craving more! Bring on the second book, I cannot wait to see who captures D.J.'s heart!! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

I really loved this book! It was the first experience I have had with sports romance, and with trigger warnings of self harm, but nonetheless I absolutely adored it. Ivy and Aiden were so easy to fall in love with, and I was rooting for them for the entirety of the book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Lindon U series!

The story follows a girl named Ivy Underwood who run away at 16 from a toxic home environment and now attends Lindon U. When she ran away, she asked her best friend to go with her but she ultimately left him behind. Years later she sees her best friend, Aiden, again as they both attend Lindon U, but in completely different social circles. Ivy works every spare chance she gets for an nice women who own a coffee shop and Aiden is a star football player at Lindon U.

Aiden wants to be friends with Ivy again, but she has built walls around her heart not wanting to let him back in. Slowly, they start to get to know each other as they are now and Ivy begins to trust him, leading to them being friends and then to a relationship.

I enjoyed reading this book mostly because I really liked Aiden's character. He never gave up on Ivy not matter how much she pushed him away. However, for this very same reason, I did not like Ivy. I understand that she had some hurt feeling from when she was 16 and she went through a lot of trauma after running away but she was always pushing Aiden away. No matter what Aiden did she turned it against their friendship because she didn't want to open up. Even when she did, she kept thinking that he was going to leave her when he got drafted for the NFL.

The story itself was really good but in the end I think that Aiden and Ivy could have just stayed friends only. But if you like reading a friends to lovers trope, then this is still a really good read!

I gave this book a 3 star rate.
It's an emotional read but it lacks so much.
I love that it's football romance and has a happily ever after.

omg ive been on a smut book kick lately and this one was incredible. super spicy while still having a plot and also lovable characters!

I do love going into books with little to no knowledge of the book because I’m often pleasantly surprised. I read the blurb of this book and it sounded good so I decided to read it! While I enjoyed this book, it never truly hooked me which is why it got 4 stars.

I loved the emotions behind the story and the friendship of Aiden and Ivy, it was the perfect childhood friends to lovers and reminded that while I don’t like this trope, it can be done well, and this is a great example of that.

Aiden and Ivy were meant for each other and I love the secrets and relationship that builds after they reconnect during college. Their childhood friendship was strong, but this one is built on full communication and honesty and that is what made their relationship so strong.

I loved the build up of Ivy and her story as the conflict rather than the relationship itself, it was a creative story and surprised me in the way it planned out!

Dare You to Hate Me is a childhood friends (with seperation) to lovers and a college football romance by B. Celeste. This book has some triggering topics that are noted at the beginning of the book. It follows Ivy and Aiden who by random chance end up at the same college years after they last saw each other. Ivy ran away from home at 16 because she could no longer stand the toxic environment. She is not proud of the things she did to get by but she is a survivor. Aiden was never the same after Ivy left and when he sees her working at the local bakery, he works towards gaining her trust again.
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel! I loved that our characters were so close growing up. The flashbacks to when they were younger and all the times Aiden was there for Ivy was so sweet. I also loved how supportive Aiden's parents were of Ivy and them allowing her to stay with them so much because Ivy needed out of her house. I do wish there were more scenes from the past because they were so sweet. That was the time Ivy and Aiden got to know each other and I wanted to see more because when they reunite they already know each other so well. I also loved seeing the growth of the characters but especially Ivy. She went through a lot after leaving her parents and she has to overcome a lot in order to trust Aiden and lose all the control she needs to have over her life. Aiden knows how much Ivy needs control and he pushes her a lot to get past that. At some points it can be almost too much pushing but he means well and nobody knows Ivy better than him. Overall, I really loved this book and I am excited to continue on with the series and see DJ and Skylar's book!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review!

Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Every t8me I snag a new adult book, i think this will be the one with some substance. Sadly, it’s never right. I will say this one had a little bit of reason for the romance because of history, but even the history was slim without much detail/reason for their friendship and for that friendship to turn into love. All the guy does is act like he’s all big and bad and then at one point uses her physically and gets super mad right after and tells her not to let anyone use her. And all the girl does is go on and on about how she is basically trash to the point where it was really annoying. I always expect sexual content with new adult, but this one was a bit over the top, especially when you’re trying to say they’re developing love and feelings? Not impressed. FYI language, violence, reference to suicide and trauma, sexual content

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.75/5 (4⭐️ on GR)

Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Sensitive Subject Warning ⚠️

Thoughts: 💭

Overall this book was enjoyable. Childhood friends, turned lovers with a sprinkle of football. What’s not to love!

What I loved most was the MMC, Aiden! I will always enjoy a good read where the guy falls first. He was caring, understanding, and Ivy’s biggest supporter when she needed it most. Swoon! What fell flat for me was the FMC, Ivy. Of course I love a strong independent woman, but she was almost toooooo RBF for me, if that’s even possible lol.

Side note: DJ (Daniel) gave me such golden retriever energy. I can’t wait to read his story in Beg You to Trust Me.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑯𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑴𝒆…
- Dual POV
- Football
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- It Was Always You
- Past / Present
- Found Family-ish
- Mental Health / Su!c!de Awareness

Thank you B. Celeste, NetGalley, and Bloom Books for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Make sure to add this one to your preorder list! Publication date 📆 is April 11th, 2023.

2.5 stars, I was excited for this one but it generally let me down. I enjoyed the tropes and I didn’t mind the graphic content, the writing style just wasn’t for me. I feel like the author does a lot of "telling" to the reader when it would be more impactful to "show" them instead.

There was also some usage of the word "hermaphrodite" towards the beginning of the book. It made me feel a little uncomfortable, especially since this word is generally avoided now and the intentions were negative.

Dare you to Hate Me is a great read and it's hard to put down once you start. It is a new adult sports romance with a really well done friends to lovers trope. The book features a great cast of characters that are well written and find easy to root for. I really enjoyed the MMC Aiden. He was really easy to care about and become invested in and I really enjoyed his character development. Yes he had some flaws as an adult and he did some stupid things but it didn't bother me maybe as much as it should have. Ivy was a strong FMC but I found her harder to connect with especially in the beginning but she grows on you as the story continues. This book also had a fantastic supporting cast and I am very excited for each of these football hero's to have their own story. This book has some dark undertones and there are trigger warnings in place for good reason, read at your own caution.

Dare You to Hate Me ARC
B. Celeste
Stars: 4/5
Spicy Level: 3.5/5


I received this story as an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley and really enjoyed it. I’m a sucker for a sports romance, so when I saw the second chance football romance description I knew I had to read it. The writing reminded me a lot of Kandi Steiner’s football books, so if you’re a fan of those, stick around. The story is told in dual P.O.V. and flashbacks, which can be a little hard to get the hang of, but they help flesh out Ivy’s backstory and the history between her and Aiden. I appreciated being able to see the full scope of everything, even if it took me a couple of seconds to recalibrate when things switched time periods.

Ivy and Aiden’s story is a second chance, best friends, with a little bit of reverse grumpy x sunshine. Ivy’s story is heartbreaking, and it makes you understand why she’s so surly, but I still occasionally wanted to throw my phone at her behavior. There are a couple of little spats between her and Aiden in the beginning that had me just shaking my head. And while they were frustrating, I do feel like Aiden and Ivy both reacted/behaved realistically.

Ivy has had a crappy life, and she’s trying to come back from that when she and Aiden end up at the same university. I love that Aiden instantly wants Ivy back in his life, and is willing to put in the work to win her back, even if he doesn’t always handle things the best way. They struggle sometimes with communicating, but they both mean well and slowly start to work through their problems. The idea of fate is woven throughout the narrative, and Aiden admits a couple of times that he’s grateful things went poorly in his past if it meant he could find Ivy, and support her now. It gives a red string of fate vibe, and I’m a romantic at heart and love it.

The one thing I always love about sports romance is the community that comes with having a team. Aiden’s teammates start looking out for Ivy the second they realize how much he cares about her, and it’s really sweet, albeit they’d drive me crazy if it happened to me kind of way. Honestly, the way they start sitting with Ivy in class, heckling the couple when they’re being cute, and begging Ivy to make their favorite treats is pretty on-brand for most football teams. I especially love D.J.’s character and what a good friend he is to Ivy. Aiden’s mom is also one of my favorite supporting characters. She’s acted as a second mother for Ivy throughout her life, and she gives such good advice to the kids during the story, definitely words of wisdom I took to heart.

There are a couple of good spicy sex scenes in the book. Overall two actual sex scenes and two scenes where they get each other off. The main focus of their relationship isn’t sex, and that reflects in the book's focus on them strengthening their relationship in other ways. When sex happens though, the connection between Ivy and Aiden is obvious and very hot.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and would highly recommend it. It’s a sports romance, but also handles a lot of serious topics which gives it some extra depth. The characters feel realistic and are all actually decent human beings (the bar is sadly so low). It was just a really great read, and I’m excited for it to be released so everyone can enjoy it.


CW: attempted suicide, self harm, anxiety, depression, verbally abusive/neglectful parents, trading sex for housing

I started this one late at night, which was a huge mistake because once I was pulled in, I didn't want to stop reading. These characters are full of flaws and realistic in a way that can make you dislike them and their choices but also in a way that they're relatable. I adored each of them in their own ways, and though the book didn't have many bright moments, the ending made it all worth it. I love angst and to see characters that have truly struggled get something good at the end, so this one hit the nail on the head for me. Make sure you know going in that there are triggers in this book and that it isn't exactly happy until the towards the end.

Usually sports romances aren't for me, but I had to give this one a go and I'm glad I did! This book tugs at your heartstrings especially with Ivy and her development. She never had a good home life with not feeling wanted by her parents and the constant arguing from them, but she ran away and did unsavory things to survive. And while I honor how strong her character is and turning her life around, it just makes me so sad as parent that she could be treated the way she was by them and made to feel unloved, I just couldn't ever imagine making my children feel that way. And Aiden's character... I just wish everyone was as sweet and caring as he is and how he just longed to take care of Ivy and let his ACTIONS speak louder than his words ever could!