When a fierce rivalry between two professional wrestlers heats up beneath the spotlight, neither man can fight the attraction burning between them, in this steamy sports romance.
From death-defying stunts to campy character gimmicks, everything in the world of professional wrestling is an act. Asher Ross's hatred for Caleb Knight, however, is not. When Asher finally gets drafted to Global Elite Wrestling's main roster and is thrown into a feud with Caleb for the World Championship title, he's hell-bent on making Caleb's life a living nightmare. But as both men trade barbs and blows across arenas, they're each surprised to find their chemistry is so electric, it can't be just for show.
Through rehearsals, training sessions, and injuries, Caleb's icy walls begin to thaw, revealing the real man hidden behind the cruel person GEW has molded him into. An unlikely truce blossoms into feelings neither want to deny, but, set in old ways, the company won't let them be seen as anything more than bitter rivals, both in and out of the ring.
With the risk of their forbidden romance upending their lifelong dreams, Asher and Caleb grapple with what they truly want in an industry known to erase queerness from its history, and square up against the hardest challenge yet: how much of their hearts they are prepared to give up, and if they are willing to fight to leave a legacy of their own.
"A knock-out of a debut, Ong delivers a sweet and steamy romance as a heated rivalry that turns into a tender love story... Trust me when I say this book will have you more than just a little hot under the collar."-Mason Deaver, author of The Build-a-Boyfriend Project and I Wish You All the Best
"Hold Me Like a Grudge had me in a chokehold...and I'm not complaining! Celine Ong delivers a romance as fierce as it is vulnerable-full of found family, second chances, and the kind of heat that leaves you breathless. This debut is proof that love stories hit hardest when they fight for joy. It's sweaty, stunning, and downright unforgettable!"-Chip Pons, author of Winging It with You
"A riveting queer sports romance...Ong paints a vivid portrait of the wrestling world...the chemistry between Caleb and Asher is fierce. Fans of Heated Rivalry will be thrilled."-Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"With their extraordinary debut, Ong delivers an illuminating love letter to the joys of professional wrestling as well as a superbly nuanced romance that thoughtfully explores the courage it can take to live life as your true self. Combine this with plenty of deliciously snarky banter, insightful characterization, and some incendiary sexual chemistry, and you have a love story that is winning in every way."-Booklist (starred review)
"Bitter enemies, hot romance, and a vibrant and engaging setting-Hold Me Like a Grudge needs to be at the top of your TBR!" -Stephanie Archer, author of The Vancouver Storm series
Born in sweltering Singapore, Celine Ong (they/she) was raised in mosh pits and writes queer romance novels about chaos gremlins with horrible manners, funky feelings, and mortifyingly earnest hearts. With a BA in psychology, they work with their local queer community by day. By night, they're just a little court jester.
