HOLD ME LIKE A GRUDGE
HOLD ME LIKE A GRUDGE
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 ruthless person GEW has molded him into. An unlikely truce blossoms into feelings neither wants 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 face the hardest battle yet: how much of their hearts are they prepared to give up, and if they are willing to fight to leave a legacy of their own.
Praise for Hold Me Like a Grudge
“Much like professional wrestling itself, Celine Ong’s Hold Me Like a Grudge brings the sweat, the drama, and the FUN. I had a blast with this book!”—Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of The Art of Catching Feelings
“Hold Me Like a Grudge is the queer wrestling story I didn’t know I was missing, as Asher and Caleb grabbed me from the start and just wouldn’t let go! Celine Ong is a powerhouse voice in queer lit!”—Jason June, New York Times bestselling author of Out of the Blue
“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
“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)
“Heated Rivalry lovers, this one’s for you.“—Marie Claire
"A dazzling new voice enters the ring! Celine Ong weaves a heartfelt story of queer joy, belonging, and love that's worth fighting for. Hold Me Like a Grudge pins you to the mat and doesn't let go. For a sport built on theatrics, professional wrestling has never been this real."—Edward Schmit, author of The Open Era
“Deftly weaves the interpersonal drama with the competition, with the added fun of pro wrestling’s scripted nature and an eye toward the importance of queer stories…. [A] fresh and fun spin on sports romance.”—Library Journal
“Hold Me Like a Grudge is a total knockout. Asher and Caleb’s soft love, big secrets, and explosive chemistry create a romance to remember, and the endearing cast of characters brings their world to life. Come for the wrestling and spice or for the healing and queer revolution; either way, Celine Ong’s debut is not to be missed.”—Jen St. Jude, author of If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come
“Many a great love story begins with the feeling of having the wind knocked out of you. Ong literalizes the sensation with a passionately bloody, sweaty, and tearful debut about pro wrestlers grappling with their dreams, their regrets, and each other. The only thing more bruised than these boys’ bodies will be your heart as you root for not just Asher and Caleb but a more just and generous world.”—Lio Min, author of The L.O.V.E. Club and Beating Heart Baby
“Celine Ong pulls no punches in her knockout debut—a queer love story that is both unflinchingly raw and bruisingly tender.”—Sher Lee, author of Fake Dates and Mooncakes
"As tender and aching as a bruise, Hold Me Like A Grudge is a love letter to wrestling, queerness, and found family--not to mention a steamy, swoon-worthy romance. I absolutely couldn't put it down."—Nita Tyndall, award-winning author of Who I Was with Her
