The Rivals We Hate (Braysen U, #1)

Callum seems like a total jerk at first. Then you see how he protects Briar when things get messy. It makes you realize some people hide their hearts behind sharp edges.

“I don't just want to beat her. I want to own her.”

The prank war between the hockey team and the dancers is hilarious. It shows how much tension can build up when two people are obsessed with each other. They use games to hide how they really feel.

Briar works so hard to keep her life together after everything she lost. She tries to be perfect to avoid more pain. It's heartbreaking to watch her realize she doesn't have to do it alone.

“She’s a fire I can’t put out.”

The way Callum looks at Briar when she's dancing is everything. He sees the real her before she even realizes it. It’s that quiet recognition that changes things between them.