The Rival Romeo

After meeting Jade in the previous book in the series, I knew she had a story that needed to be told - as well as getting the happily ever after she truly deserved. I wasn't totally sure how things were going to go between her and the Rookie Romeo of the Pilots, Jaeger Matlin, but after seeing how everything developed between them - they couldn't have been more perfect!

Jade held her own against Jaeger and never backed down. She was an independent woman who worked hard to succeed at whatever she set her mind to. She never thought she needed - or wanted - a man, until Jaeger came into her life.

And Jaeger definitely surprised me in so many ways, and I honestly didn't find him to be as much of a playboy as advertised. He was so respectful of Jade in every way possible, and I adored him for how patient he was with her. Plus - he didn't flaunt his money or push his way around to get his way as far as owning a gym - but actually came up with the best possible solution so he and Jade could get what they both wanted.

Lilibet

361 reviews17 followers

January 10, 2023

The Rival Romeo
Enemies-to-lovers/sports/interracial romance

I have to say, I found it harder to get into this book and I'm not sure why. It just didn't suck me in, like I wanted and it was a bit slow. It took until about three quarters into it, to feel an emotional connection to the story.

The story itself is classic push and pull of enemies to lovers. Will they, won't they?
Jade is a proud woman of colour, who has had to fight hard to get where she is and she won't let anyone take it from her. She's feisty and determined.

Jaeger is young, arrogant and cocky. He thinks he can charm Jade, like he can with all the other ball bunnies. What starts out as wanting to buy her out of her Gym. He soon realises its Jade he wants more than anything.
Overall the story was good and I enjoyed the characters chemistry in it at the end.

(I received an ARC copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.)

Kari Hansen

10.2k reviews86 followers

Sarah~ Book Obsession Confessions

Jade’s life hasn’t been easy but owning a gym has given her security and focus while allowing her to help others. She isn’t about to let anyone destroy what she has built and that includes a wealthy basketball star despite the attraction she may feel for him.

Jaeger is a successful basketball player who is used to getting what he wants. He has plans to open a gym and thinks that offering Jade financial compensation will solve the problem, but he couldn’t be more wrong. Now they find themselves on opposite sides professionally while personally he is intrigued by Jade and the more he knows the more he wants to know.

Jade’s strength and resilience shines through as she challenges Jaeger at every opportunity. They are exactly what the other needs in their life so even though there were some missteps along they way they prove that with love anything is possible

Dea Farrell

486 reviews7 followers

January 17, 2023

Thank you, Sierra Hill and Goodreads for the gifted e-book.

Jaeger Maitlin is a star rookie player for the Puget Sound Pilots. He wants to invest his money wisely by opening a gym. The problem with that is that the site of his future gym is down the road from the gym of Jade Russell's gym. Jade isn't happy about a gym being built right down the road from hers, and she's doing everything in her power to fight again it being built.

The Rival Romeo is an enemies-to-lovers romance. It's the third book in The Pugent Sound Pilots series, but it can be read as a standalone. I found this book to be just OK. I had a really hard time getting into this story. It did get better towards the end, but I have read some better enemies-to-lovers books. This book was lacking in emotional connection between the characters. There was plenty of sexual chemistry, but I didn't feel any emotional chemistry between Jade and Jaeger.

Release Date: 01/23/2023

1,089 reviews75 followers

January 30, 2023

I love the banter and the tension of this enemies to lovers sports romance.
Jaeger and Jade are opposites, they are rivals (in business) and they happen to have really explosive chemistry.
I really liked both characters, I think they were both very strong, likable people. I love the way enemies become something more, something with respect, attraction and emotions.
I liked Jaeger’s confidence, his swagger and I liked him even more behind the image.
I enjoyed their fighting journey to love. I felt the physical connection strongly between them. I think it’s stronger than the emotions to me. I also, think that’s a result of it being an adversarial relationship. I’m a huge fan of enemies to lovers romance and I really enjoyed this one.

Syd Springer

3,653 reviews6 followers

This is the third and last book in this series and while I am sad to see this series come to a close, I am looking forward to what Sierra has in store for us next. This was a really good book. I really enjoyed the push and pull between Jaeger and Jade. This is rival/enemies to lovers romance that will leave you wanting more from Jaeger and Jade. I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see what is next for Sierra.

I received a free e-book copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

arc

Sara Oxton

3,479 reviews17 followers

January 10, 2023

This is a fantastic five-star read. I will admit that Jaeger did rub me up the wrong way for a while, and he really wasn’t worth the effort for Jade, but Jade somehow managed to bring him round and show us a different side to him. I think having her behave the way she does towards him at first pushes him to grow up, as a rookie you are going to push limits, but you can’t be a rookie forever. The thing I loved most about this story was the spotlight it gave to homeless women with the risks and choices they face, as well as the dangers and guilt women feel for things that aren’t under their control. Most stories will gloss over any unpleasantness, and the challenges we face but Mary Q and Jade bring a face to that that shines through. I enjoyed the first two stories in the Puget Sound Pilots series but this one was my favourite, they can be read as stand-alone, but I have loved seeing everyone again in each story and loved the series.

Laurie

1,553 reviews31 followers

January 27, 2023

After his team won the league championship, professional basketball player Jaeger Matlin was named MVP and rewarded with a lucrative new contract. To set himself up for his future after basketball, he decides to use some of the money to start a business with his younger brother Jesse, who's in his last year at Stanford. They plan to open a gym catering to Seattle's wealthy fitness enthusiasts, which will hopefully be the first in a chain. The problem is that the site they've selected is zoned for residential purposes, not commercial, so before they can begin construction, they'll need approval from the city planning commission. It seems like a slam dunk until Jade Russell, owner of a competing gym, speaks up during the public hearing and points out several technical flaws with the proposal, which is ultimately denied. Determined to find another way to open his gym, Jaeger sets his sights on buying Jade's, but she's not interested in selling. Can these two rivals find a way to become partners instead - in love as well as business?

Jaeger and Jade were incredibly likeable, relatable protagonists and I loved them both individually and as a couple. For various reasons, neither of them was interested in a relationship when the story began, but they couldn't deny the chemistry that flared between them from the moment they met. I found it endearing that Jaeger couldn't seem to stop putting his foot in his mouth when he was around Jade; considering his reputation as a playboy, I would have figured him for a smooth talker, but with her he was anything but smooth! That said, I could tell how much owning the gym and building a successful business meant to him. He wanted to be known as more than just a jock, which is understandable.

Jade, meanwhile, was a total boss babe and I loved how confident and independent she was. She was justifiably proud of everything she'd built and had no intention of giving it up without a fight. At the same time, she was hiding a trauma that was sadly relatable to many of us. I really admired that she turned her experiences into something positive by giving back to the community; she taught women's self-defense classes and dreamed of someday starting her own women's shelter. Falling in love with Jaeger didn't "fix" her, but it did prompt her to get the help she needed to move forward with her life, which included a relationship after many years of avoiding them. I was rooting for her (and them) the whole way.

I highly recommend "The Rival Romeo" for all contemporary/sports romance fans. It was the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

CW: Sexual Assault

arc

Tara

192 reviews1 follower

Ria Alexander - Reading Is Our Satisfaction

If you love seeing a cocky athlete lose his cool for the right one, then this book will hit the spot. Jade is a driven business women. She wants to see her gym grow as well as give back to the community. She is not impressed by Jaeger and his plans to open a gym near hers. When they meet there are sparks but it is definitely not romance flames. Jaeger is the MVP basketball player who meets his match in Jade. She is unimpressed with his charm. As they begin to try and work together then the sparks start flying. Jade has walls up from past experiences and Jaeger has to work hard to over come them. Just when things seem to be turning for the couple they are hit with what could be the biggest obstacle they face.

Jaeger and his ego were almost unbearable. Watching Jade take him down a few notches was delightful. He shows that he is more than just good looks and a talented athlete, but Jade makes him work for it. His admiration for Jade shines through. He sees how hard she works for what she has and how much more she wants to get done. I love that she challenges him do better. He also makes her more open. She has been so resistant to anyone getting close to her, but Jaeger shows her that it is ok to trust someone again. They ultimately become great balances for each other and make the other better.

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the banter. Harper is a delight. Her tell it like it is attitude is entertaining. The other team members are also lots of fun. Their nonstop banter and jokes at each others expense adds great humor to the story. This is a great addition to the #pugetsoundspilots series. It is a stand alone but interconnected characters make appearances.

2,251 reviews42 followers

January 21, 2023

Jaeger & Jade ... perfect rivals

I've only read a couple of Sierra Hill's books before and I have thoroughly enjoyed them. THE RIVAL ROMEO is book #3 in The Puget Sound Pilots series and is the story of Jaeger Matlin and Jade Russell.

From the outset Jaeger came across as cocky and arrogant, but he was so much more than that. He was charming, caring, and oh so loveable. Jade was a strong, feisty, independent businesswoman, who hadn't had things always go her way. Jaeger wants to buy out her business, something she's not happy with and she stands her ground. I loved the progression of their story; they were the perfect rivals until their rivalry developed into something more. I enjoyed watching Jager realise he was starting to develop feelings for Jade, but how was he going to get Jade to see him in a different light, especially since she had built high walls around herself because of her past.

I enjoyed Jaeger and Jade's story. Sierra Hill knows how to reach her reader's emotions and ensure her characters find a place in their heart. Even though this story was quite serious at times, Sierra added some perfect moments of hilarity. She also deftly portrayed the plight of the homeless through Mary Q.

Overall, THE RIVAL ROMEO was another fabulous read from Sierra Hill.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FOUR STARS

adult-fiction best-contemporary-romance best-romance

Jackie Wright

4,984 reviews107 followers

contemporary-romance enemies-to-lovers sports-non-hockey

4.5 Stars for The Rival Romeo (The Puget Sound Pilots #3)
I haven’t read a lot by Sierra Hill but what I have read I have throughly enjoyed. The Rival Romeo is Jaeger ( aka Bomb or Jaeger Meister) Matlin a member of the Puget Sound Pilots and business woman Jade Russell’s story.
I have to say it took some time for me to warm up to the arrogant and cocky Jaeger but as I got to know him I realised it was all a front. Behind the front is a caring, kind and charming man.
Jade is a business woman who in order to succeed has become strong and independent, she has worked hard to get to where she is and when Jaeger looks to buy out her business she digs her heels in and shows him just how strong she can be.
What follows is two people learning to look beyond the walls they both have built, learning to trust and eventually taking a big leap of faith knowing they will be caught. This is a well written journey that touches on subjects some authors would shy away from like homelessness and the reality of living on the streets and Ms Hill covers this subject with compassion. This book touched me on so many levels and I’m looking forward to reading more works from this very talented author.

Traci Bookstagram

868 reviews41 followers

January 15, 2023

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Contemporary Romance, Sports, Basketball, Independent Woman, Enemies to Lovers, Interracial
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 💜💜💜
𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘁: 💧💧
𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️
𝗣𝗢𝗩: Dual
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘀: Ebook, Paperback
𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: January 23rd
𝗧𝗪: Sexual Assault, PTSD

𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀.

This is a great enemies to lovers sports romance. This is my first book by this author and I have to say I will need to check out others. Jude & Jaeger have such great enemies to lovers chemistry. They start off with a rivalry that turns into enemies and eventually into partners. I enjoyed the progression of these two’s relationship.

Jaeger matures so m in from his playboy ways in this book. Jude is a strong independent woman and businesswoman who has a take no shit attitude. But even with this, she has a past experience that no one should live through.

This is a great book.

Edie L.

1,828 reviews8 followers

The Rival Romeo by Sierra Hill.
I really enjoyed Jaeger’s book. This is book three in the series and so far they have all been really good. I loved Jade but I knew I would since we met her in The Wife Win. However of course here we get to see so much more of who she has and what she has been through. We find out what she has been hiding and why she has those trust issues with men. I loved how she was with Mary Q and Perkins and she does to help her community and the homeless and women who need it that is so admirable. I’m the outside she seems like a true confident strong woman which she is but in the inside she is always looking over her shoulder and afraid all because of what she went through. I loved that the attraction was there yet she gave Jaeger a run for his money. She made him sweat and work for everything which he needed. It was such an entertaining book and I enjoyed it very much. I would happily recommend this book to everyone.

Donna

1,017 reviews10 followers

January 16, 2023

Puget Sound Pilots

Jaeger Matlin is a Championship MVP rookie for the Puget Sound Pilots, bringing the first championship trophy to this new franchise team and is as cocky as they come. But he wants to be smart with his money learning this from his dad and wants to invest in some business ventures. Of course his thoughts are branded gyms catering to the elite and he found a place, an old building to renovate but he didn't plan on having to fight the gym owner round the corner from him. Should be easy, just buy her out.
Jade Russell owner of Seattle Circuit has dreamed and worked hard to have her own gym and 5 yrs ago it became a reality. She majored in sports kinesiology with a minor in business to make that happen. She runs more than just a gym but does special programs to help women. So some hot shot basketball player wants to buy her out, not gonna happen. She's not impressed with him, his fame or anything. And yes it's game on!

4.5 stars
I loved how Mary Q, a homeless woman brought the facts of reality, what happens to women on the streets, their challenges, dangers faced and that some choices are taken away from a woman.
I Loved this series!

Erin Lewis

4,878 reviews180 followers

January 17, 2023

4 Star Review The Rival Romeo (The Puget Sound Pilots #3) by Sierra Hill

Sierra Hill is a relatively new author to me but what I have read I have enjoyed. This is Jaeger (aka Bomb or Jaeger Meister) Matlin, a member of the Puget Sound Pilots and Jade Russell’s story.
I wasn’t too keen on Jaeger initially, he was too arrogant and full of himself, but he eventually grew on me. I liked Jade, she was a strong, determined business woman who couldn’t stand Jaeger when they first met.
Jade has not had an easy life and has worked hard to get where she is, determined to give back, particularly to those in need. Teaching self defence classes at her gym, Seattle Circuit, she is focused on helping women learn how to protect themselves. The fact that Jaeger wants to buy her out doesn’t sit well with her.
As Jaeger develops feelings for Jade, he has his work cut out for him. She doesn’t trust many people and has built a wall to protect herself.
Ms. Hill also tackled the issue of homelessness and Mary Q was a secondary character that added a touch of reality to the story with the harsh realities of living on the streets and the dangers that can occur.
.

Cheryl

5,580 reviews213 followers

All I have to say is go Jade! She is my hero. She was not afraid to spar with Jaeger or to give him a bloody nose. He did deserve the bloody nose as you never grab a woman from behind, especially a feisty woman. While Jade and Jaeger's first meeting was not the best, it is the ending that counts. Additionally, Jaeger's cockiness grew on me.

Despite liking Jade and Jaeger, I did find that I struggled a bit in the beginning forming an emotional connection to both of them. It took me more than a third of the way into the story for my feelings to change about them. Yet, once I did, I really enjoyed this book.

The chemistry between Jade and Jaeger is spicy. When they would get up close and personal, there were a few times that I inhaled deeply. The Rival Romeo is a quick, spicy read!

Dee Mac

1,751 reviews3 followers

Jade is a strong, proud woman, running her own business, making her own decisions until Jaeger swoops in and starts challenging everything. Their attraction is strong but she doesn’t trust and hurts from her past still control her. Eventually he becomes more than she can resist and she realises that he just might be more than what the media portrays, he’s deeper and more understanding than she thought. A wonderful full length novel full of emotion, personal growth, sweetness and steam with a spicy fun HEA.
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.

Pattip

778 reviews6 followers

Kelly G (Now Accepting Book Boyfriend Applications)

Gosh, I am conflicted with this review. I decided on my 3.5 stars because it took a while for me to get into the story. I really like when a book grabs me earlier and doesn't let me go. Once it did pull me in, I really enjoyed it. I found Jade really likeable. She's strong and doesn't just fall for Jaeger. She really makes him sweat! Jaeger is typical and exactly how you expect an arrogant jock to be, but Jade makes him see the light! Overall an enjoyable read! I was sent a complimentary copy and I am choosing to leave my honest review.

1,074 reviews83 followers

2023-read enemies-to-lovers slow-burn

I really liked Jade and Jaeger .... they were a pretty even type couple. The slow burn could have used more sexual tension leading into them FINALLY getting together, but there was enough story to keep me interested. I do think that there could have been more dialogue and more interaction between them in the beginning. But overall it was a good story and I love the way that he was with her. Totally understanding and not at all pushy.

Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔

Faith89

2,630 reviews42 followers

When I saw that this was part of a series, I binged read the first books and loved them.
The Rival Romeo is Jade and Jaegar’s story. An interracial enemies to lovers sports romance.
Jade is the smart, independent owner of a small business. She is beautiful with a heart of gold.
Jaeger is a basketball superstar. On the surface he is Cocky and charming -loving the life of fame and fortune. He is so much more. He can be sweet and respectful. He loves his family and is loyal.
There is plenty of back and forth as the move towards their HEA. What starts out as business rivalry turns to more.
Entertaining, steamy, easy to follow, stand-alone with good characters.

Brittanie England

399 reviews7 followers

January 18, 2023

**ARC Review**
This was my first every basketball romance! I loved it! There was tension and it was super sweet as well! Playboy meets accomplished, strong women! Jade defiantly gives Jaeger a run for his money! I love that she was not impressed by him and he really had to work for it, and boy did he. He did not backdown from the challenge and Jade was his challenge! He never wanted someone so bad and that made him make some life decisions that he didn’t think he would!

Just when he thought they were on good terms, things hit hard for Jade and her past comes back to haunt her. They make it though the rough patch and I love the grand love gesture!

This is a great standalone in this series! Im defiantly going to be going through and reading the rest!

2023-arcs-read

lowkeyreader

4,726 reviews45 followers

I really enjoyed Jaeger and Jade's story. I was turned off by Jaeger right from the start because he's such an arrogant and cocky guy. But as we get to know him more, we learn that he's actually a loving and caring guy. These two started off on a rocky start but the development in their relationship was really there. And you can see he started to fall for her. But it's not easy when Jade has these tall walls surrounding her. Loved reading their push and pull.

Lisa Hemming

862 reviews11 followers

Patricia Rohrs (Spellbound Stories blog)

Sierra Hill is a gifted author who often touches on serious and emotional issues in her books and in her new book “The Rival Romeo”, the real star of the story is Jade Russell. I admired her courageous and uplifting outlook on life and her desire to be successful in a man’s world. Jade was a star athlete in college who, with very little money, was able to open up her own gym. She is an astute businesswoman who enjoys giving back to the community. She has dedicated her life to helping women learn how to protect themselves if they are feeling vulnerable which is why she also teaches self defense classes at her gym. Jade has little free time for romance and has trust issues when it comes to matters of the heart.

Jaeger Matlin popped into her life like a runaway basketball, with his sexy swagger and arrogant attitude. Jade thought she knew all about his wicked ways but she was shocked to learn that he had another side that unfortunately appealed to her. Jaeger had his work cut out for him if he thought he could charm his way into Jade’s life. He did his homework and learned as much as he could about the brilliant and beautiful Jade. Luckily for him, their paths crossed at various events and he felt this was a sign they were meant to be together. Despite the fact that Jade rebuffed all of his advances, Jaeger could tell that the desire he had for Jade was also apparent when he looked into her gorgeous eyes. Can these two rivals come to an arrangement that satisfies both their business and romantic desires?

christine

206 reviews15 followers

January 14, 2023

They say opposite attracts in this case Jade and Jaeger is a perfect example. Jade is a hard working, compassionate, fiesty and determined. Jaeger is a young cocky rookie basketball player that thinks he can charm anyone one with his looks.

Took alittle bit to get into. Once i was able it was no stopping. The story line flow. The push and pull between the characters wasnt forced.

2,266 reviews105 followers

The depth and emotion written in the pages of this book can only be achieved by Sierra Hill! Jaeger and Jade’s story really hits on so many relevant topics that I couldn’t help but feel all the emotions as I read this book! The seriousness and sprinkles of hilarity had me reading this book in one sitting!

Jade is a woman not only trying to make her mark in the world but also trying to make it better! She works hard for her business and for her community! She’s had an uphill battle her whole life and won’t let anyone take away from who she is and what she has done! Jaeger is her opposite in every way. He’s her rival from the start but it’s her no nonsense personality that shows Jaeger he can be so much more and with time they become fiends and partners!

Seeing not only Jarger grow but Jade heal really brought tears to my eyes! The way they helped the other out and could just read one another was so beautiful! The steamy times too OMG I needed a cold shower when I finished because that what one heck of an ending! This book easily rose to the top of the Favorite’s list!

Victoria Wyatt

3,051 reviews45 followers

Jaeger is female magnet; he is famous. Jade could care less about all that and she is fierce and independent and not at all taken by him. When they are up against each other neither is willing to lose. It's a good enemies to lovers read, my first book by Sierra and quite entertaining.

Stephanie Hutchison

457 reviews7 followers

January 18, 2023

This was my first book in the Puget Sound Pilots world and now I'm going to have to back and read the first two books.

Jaeger and Jade are rivals from their first meeting. Jaeger's plans for a new project directly interfere with Jade's livlihood and she doesn't plan on losing.

Jaeger has never lost at anything before, but it's quickly apparent that with Jade, he'd going to have to change his game plan.

Neither of them planned on losing their hearts, but sometimes the rules of the game change.

Ashley Herndon

1,039 reviews14 followers