Rory is academic royalty.

As the heir to the most successful tutoring company in the world, he can be nothing less than perfect if he wants to gain his parents' approval. So it's simple. Rory studies harder than anyone else. He does not make mistakes. And he never loses.

Except to Luca Melendez. The infuriatingly good-looking hockey player who wins every academic competition without even trying.

When Rory has a very public meltdown, throwing a smoothie at Luca and shattering his own public image in the process - it feels like one more thing Luca ruined.

To salvage his reputation, Rory has his sights set on winning the most cutthroat academic camp in the country, BRAIN. There is nothing standing between Rory and the final medal.

Until, Luca Melendez shows up.

This means war and Rory has the perfect plan: Make Luca fall in love with him.

And then break Luca's heart right before the final competition.

But I Hate Him by Page Powars is romantic rivals at its best, with an incredibly compelling lgbtqia character and a story told from Rory's point of view that pulls you right into the emotion and romance. One of the elements that is believable is the insane pressure from Rory's parents, leading to a need to excel that makes you see competition around every corner. I also like the secondary characters and how they come together as friends, giving Rory something that he very much needs in his life to escape the pressure from his parents.

The rivalry between the two as well as the teams is well built. I love how the feelings between Rory and Luca build up as the revelations lead to conflict and tension between the pair. I enjoyed how Rory handles the situation with the help of his new friends and how the novel ends, with emotions explored and a true relationship between the two set up.

If you like lgbtqia romances with a transgender character or rivals to lovers vibe, this novel is for you. I love the romantic elements but I also like how the story builds friendship between not only Rory and Luca but also between Rory and his team. Both are well written and this is a wonderful romantic story.

Rating: 5 out of 5 cabins ~~ Andrea Rittschof

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