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Hold Me Like a Grudge
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26When a fierce rivalry between two professional wrestlers grows increasingly heated, neither man can fight the attraction burning between them, in this dazzling debut romance.
From dramatic character gimmicks to death-defying stunts, everything in the world of professional wrestling is an act. Asher Ross's hatred for Caleb Knight, however, is not. When Asher gets drafted to Global Elite Wrestling’s main roster, playing the role of Caleb’s worst enemy—the face to his heel—should be easy. Stripping him of his World Championship title should be even easier. But as the two men trade barbs and blows across arenas, they’re each surprised to find their chemistry is so sizzling, it can’t just be for the cameras.
Through training sessions, rehearsals, and injuries, Caleb’s icy demeanor melts away, and Asher begins to see the real man behind the cruel persona GEW has molded Caleb into. An unlikely truce evolves into feelings neither want to deny, but the company won’t let them be seen as anything other than bitter rivals, both in and out of the ring.
As Asher and Caleb grapple with what they truly want in an industry with a history of denying queerness, their forbidden romance comes crashing down on them, and both men are forced to decide if their relationship is real enough to last, and just how much they’re willing to fight for it.
From dramatic character gimmicks to death-defying stunts, everything in the world of professional wrestling is an act. Asher Ross's hatred for Caleb Knight, however, is not. When Asher gets drafted to Global Elite Wrestling’s main roster, playing the role of Caleb’s worst enemy—the face to his heel—should be easy. Stripping him of his World Championship title should be even easier. But as the two men trade barbs and blows across arenas, they’re each surprised to find their chemistry is so sizzling, it can’t just be for the cameras.
Through training sessions, rehearsals, and injuries, Caleb’s icy demeanor melts away, and Asher begins to see the real man behind the cruel persona GEW has molded Caleb into. An unlikely truce evolves into feelings neither want to deny, but the company won’t let them be seen as anything other than bitter rivals, both in and out of the ring.
As Asher and Caleb grapple with what they truly want in an industry with a history of denying queerness, their forbidden romance comes crashing down on them, and both men are forced to decide if their relationship is real enough to last, and just how much they’re willing to fight for it.
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 31, 2026
11 people are currently reading
6533 people want to read
About the author
Celine Ong
2 books796 followersBorn in sweltering Singapore, Celine Ong (she/they) was raised in mosh pits, and writes queer romance novels about chaos gremlins with bad manners, weird feelings, and big hearts. Their proudest accomplishment is being able to, completely unprovoked, quote the entirety of Venom: Let There Be Carnage by heart.
HOLD ME LIKE A GRUDGE is their debut novel. LOSER NEW YEAR comes out in 2027.
You can find Celine trying to be cool and mysterious (but failing miserably for they were born to yap about their many fixations) at writewithcel.com or on Instagram at @readwithcel.
Celine is represented by Brent Taylor at Triada US Literary Agency.
HOLD ME LIKE A GRUDGE is their debut novel. LOSER NEW YEAR comes out in 2027.
You can find Celine trying to be cool and mysterious (but failing miserably for they were born to yap about their many fixations) at writewithcel.com or on Instagram at @readwithcel.
Celine is represented by Brent Taylor at Triada US Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
September 6, 2025
the author's a freak. five stars.
September 26, 2025
*FIFTEEN MINUTE STANDING OVATION*
ITS CEL’S WORLD AND WE’RE JUST LIVING IN IT 🙂↕️
ITS CEL’S WORLD AND WE’RE JUST LIVING IN IT 🙂↕️
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September 2, 2025What a magnificent title.
M/m romance set in the world of pro wrestling (the kind that is basically violent pantomime). I know nothing whatsoever about this, so have no comment on how accurate the depiction is, but I'm very happy to buy it as presented here, and the book absolutely makes me understand why people would choose to do this and care so much about what is, from the outside, a somewhat bizarre pursuit.
The romance is a very sweet slow burn that heats up nicely, with a lot of love and care and found family for back up. Caleb isn't very good at being an ice prince but is realistically hurting; Asher is too pure for this world and we love him. Plus his dragon flame breath gimmick on stage is super cool.
I had a couple of niggles. The repeated use of 'boy' in the narrative felt a bit obtrusive given Caleb in particular is 27 and 250lb. But we live in a time where 35 counts as new adult so maybe I'm out of step. I also found the ending a bit turned up to 11 in terms of hope and redemption and cheering crowds, although now I say that, it's probably perfectly in tune with the brightly coloured nature of wrestling. It's very possible it's not so much the book being too positive as me being despondent, but I didn't quite buy into it though I wish I could have. Very much a YMMV issue there.
A tender, funny, immensely likeable and very human romance set against a garish backdrop that's nevertheless depicted with clear love and respect. Highly enjoyable.
M/m romance set in the world of pro wrestling (the kind that is basically violent pantomime). I know nothing whatsoever about this, so have no comment on how accurate the depiction is, but I'm very happy to buy it as presented here, and the book absolutely makes me understand why people would choose to do this and care so much about what is, from the outside, a somewhat bizarre pursuit.
The romance is a very sweet slow burn that heats up nicely, with a lot of love and care and found family for back up. Caleb isn't very good at being an ice prince but is realistically hurting; Asher is too pure for this world and we love him. Plus his dragon flame breath gimmick on stage is super cool.
I had a couple of niggles. The repeated use of 'boy' in the narrative felt a bit obtrusive given Caleb in particular is 27 and 250lb. But we live in a time where 35 counts as new adult so maybe I'm out of step. I also found the ending a bit turned up to 11 in terms of hope and redemption and cheering crowds, although now I say that, it's probably perfectly in tune with the brightly coloured nature of wrestling. It's very possible it's not so much the book being too positive as me being despondent, but I didn't quite buy into it though I wish I could have. Very much a YMMV issue there.
A tender, funny, immensely likeable and very human romance set against a garish backdrop that's nevertheless depicted with clear love and respect. Highly enjoyable.
December 10, 2024
GET IN LOSERS, WE’RE DEVELOPING A COLLAR KINK TOGETHER!
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October 9, 2025GOT THE ARCCCC i just screamed thank you berkley i need to experience all of the yearning for myself
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November 20, 2025Hold Me Like a Grudge was one of my most anticipated 2026 releases. I mean, a sports romance by one of the sweetest people in the bookish world you can think of? That one had to be amazing. So when I finally got the ARC, I was over the moon, and then I got scared. What if I didn’t like it? I love sports romances and know quite a lot about sports, if I may say so myself, but wrestling? I hadn’t got a clue except that two people are fighting on top of each other.
And then when I started reading the wrestling went over my head and I writhed in my seat. Until Caleb asked Asher to train together and I had this ohhh moment. Wrestling is more of a show than a sports competition. Ohhhh. Okay… I had to completely rewrite my mental image of wrestling as a sport.
Once I let go of the sports aspect, I started to enjoy the story much more. The gorgeous writing, the lovely grumpy-sunshine trope, the beautiful found family, and the personal and oh-so-sweet acknowledgments all made it a joy to read. I adored the part when Asher got injured and Caleb took care of him. Or the part where Celeb pushes a young girl in a wheelchair around.
And yet, the wrestling part kept getting in the way. I also stumbled over Caleb constantly being called “the older man” and Asher “the younger man.” For me, it made Caleb sound forty and Asher twenty, even though they were both in their twenties with only a four-year difference.
I HATE that the wrestling part makes me feel like this, especially knowing from the acknowledgments how important wrestling is to Cel. I honestly have no clue how to rate the book now, which is why I’ve decided not to rate it at all.
And Cel, I already have a highly anticipated list for 2027 and of course yours is on it. There was so much to love in Grudge that I’m convinced I will adore your sophomore book!
Thank you so much, Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley, for this ARC.
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And then when I started reading the wrestling went over my head and I writhed in my seat. Until Caleb asked Asher to train together and I had this ohhh moment. Wrestling is more of a show than a sports competition. Ohhhh. Okay… I had to completely rewrite my mental image of wrestling as a sport.
Once I let go of the sports aspect, I started to enjoy the story much more. The gorgeous writing, the lovely grumpy-sunshine trope, the beautiful found family, and the personal and oh-so-sweet acknowledgments all made it a joy to read. I adored the part when Asher got injured and Caleb took care of him. Or the part where Celeb pushes a young girl in a wheelchair around.
And yet, the wrestling part kept getting in the way. I also stumbled over Caleb constantly being called “the older man” and Asher “the younger man.” For me, it made Caleb sound forty and Asher twenty, even though they were both in their twenties with only a four-year difference.
I HATE that the wrestling part makes me feel like this, especially knowing from the acknowledgments how important wrestling is to Cel. I honestly have no clue how to rate the book now, which is why I’ve decided not to rate it at all.
And Cel, I already have a highly anticipated list for 2027 and of course yours is on it. There was so much to love in Grudge that I’m convinced I will adore your sophomore book!
Thank you so much, Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley, for this ARC.
Follow me on Instagram
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September 9, 2025I freakin' love the title. Giving it a chance for that alone. Here's hoping! It's a long ways off, but...on the tbr now.
December 10, 2024
OH MY GOD EVERYONE STAY CALM CEL'S BOOK IS ON GOODREADS THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND RIGHT THERE MY CLOWN ON A GLOBAL STAGE
November 17, 2025
I'm sorry. I truly am.
I wanted to love this book, but I didn't.
I hate anticipating a book so much and end up feeling nothing while reading. I prefer hating a book than feeling indifferent to it, it leaves a lasting impression at least.
The only part of the book that made me feel anything was the acknowledgments at the end. And yes, I added one star for it sue me.
To begin I don't like wrestling, but I thought I'd get over it however it is such an important part for the story I just didn't enjoy much of it. I didn't connect to any character, so none of the emotional bits did anything for me. I love me a good cute happy ending but this was a little too disney channel to my liking.
I actually liked the writing, so I would read another book by the author, but Hold Me Like a Grudge is a hard pass.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC.
I wanted to love this book, but I didn't.
I hate anticipating a book so much and end up feeling nothing while reading. I prefer hating a book than feeling indifferent to it, it leaves a lasting impression at least.
The only part of the book that made me feel anything was the acknowledgments at the end. And yes, I added one star for it sue me.
To begin I don't like wrestling, but I thought I'd get over it however it is such an important part for the story I just didn't enjoy much of it. I didn't connect to any character, so none of the emotional bits did anything for me. I love me a good cute happy ending but this was a little too disney channel to my liking.
I actually liked the writing, so I would read another book by the author, but Hold Me Like a Grudge is a hard pass.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC.
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September 11, 2025I'm melting! I'm melting into a great big puddle of tenderness and emotional vulnerability!
Full review to come closer to publication.
Full review to come closer to publication.
August 31, 2025
4.5
Oh, you all are not ready!! THIS WAS SO GOOD!!
Pre-reading thoughts:
This hit my shelf at the start of the week, and I couldn't contain myself anymore. I gotta read it now. The cover looks so good!! 😱🤩
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.
Oh, you all are not ready!! THIS WAS SO GOOD!!
Pre-reading thoughts:
This hit my shelf at the start of the week, and I couldn't contain myself anymore. I gotta read it now. The cover looks so good!! 😱🤩
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.
October 11, 2025
Vibrant and witty writing with characters who complement each other perfectly. Grudge has so much heart, so much angst, and so much fight in it. It is also undeniably hot! This is peak found family; I love this cast of characters to their cores. The wrestling aspects are written so well! I don’t really know anything about wrestling but I understood it all effortlessly.
Rivals to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and I feel that it is done so well here. There are a lot of reasons to dislike each other on both sides, but over time Asher is able to thaw Caleb’s iciness both in and out of the ring. I just love them so much!!! Their love story and also professional wrestling story is one that I think the world really needs right now.
This book is a gut punch and a kiss to make it better. I LOVE IT, I ALREADY CANNOT WAIT TO REREAD IT. I L O V E Cel’s writing style. It is an honor to call them my friend, and a gift to be able to read their books!! I cannot wait for this to be out in the world. Consider me sat forever for every book they ever write. <3
For fans of:
-idiots in love
-yearning
-hurt / comfort
-collars 👀
-found family
-grump/ chaotic sunshine
-forbidden romance
-freaks (complimentary)
-fighting for your dreams even if the odds are stacked against you
Out 31 March 2026 ✨
thank you to Netgalley & Berkley for the opportunity to read this eARC early!
Rivals to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and I feel that it is done so well here. There are a lot of reasons to dislike each other on both sides, but over time Asher is able to thaw Caleb’s iciness both in and out of the ring. I just love them so much!!! Their love story and also professional wrestling story is one that I think the world really needs right now.
This book is a gut punch and a kiss to make it better. I LOVE IT, I ALREADY CANNOT WAIT TO REREAD IT. I L O V E Cel’s writing style. It is an honor to call them my friend, and a gift to be able to read their books!! I cannot wait for this to be out in the world. Consider me sat forever for every book they ever write. <3
For fans of:
-idiots in love
-yearning
-hurt / comfort
-collars 👀
-found family
-grump/ chaotic sunshine
-forbidden romance
-freaks (complimentary)
-fighting for your dreams even if the odds are stacked against you
Out 31 March 2026 ✨
thank you to Netgalley & Berkley for the opportunity to read this eARC early!
December 10, 2024
I loved this book!
I’m gonna ramble some thoughts in no particular order-
Both their growth! How Asher started so wide-eyed and naive and optimistic then learned how to be a grown up and shit is hard but it’s also worth it. How Caleb CHOSE HIMSELF, I was so proud!! These boys had me in my feelings.
The spice was fantastic-especially with the chain, I won’t be forgetting that. I wasn’t expecting the light sub/dom dynamic and I loved it! All those good boys 😮💨
Really great side characters, I want to be friends with them all.
I liked how there was actually a good amount of wrestling in it. Did I totally get into wrestling?? I sure did.
I’m gonna ramble some thoughts in no particular order-
Both their growth! How Asher started so wide-eyed and naive and optimistic then learned how to be a grown up and shit is hard but it’s also worth it. How Caleb CHOSE HIMSELF, I was so proud!! These boys had me in my feelings.
The spice was fantastic-especially with the chain, I won’t be forgetting that. I wasn’t expecting the light sub/dom dynamic and I loved it! All those good boys 😮💨
Really great side characters, I want to be friends with them all.
I liked how there was actually a good amount of wrestling in it. Did I totally get into wrestling?? I sure did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
A solid debut from someone who clearly has a lot of passion and heart to give. Hold Me Like a Grudge is equal parts tender and sweltering tension, all wrapped up neatly with a found family I would have killed for when I was young and finding my queer little way through life. I couldn’t give a damn about the world of wrestling, but I was hooting and hollering for these folks barely a third of the way in.
The book does hit one too many clichés for my liking (“defeat evil with the power of friendship,” yadda yadda), but even then, I was still fighting through tears by the last few chapters. A big recommend for anyone looking for a new sports romance to sink their teeth into.
The book does hit one too many clichés for my liking (“defeat evil with the power of friendship,” yadda yadda), but even then, I was still fighting through tears by the last few chapters. A big recommend for anyone looking for a new sports romance to sink their teeth into.
December 10, 2024
aside from me just screaming "THAT'S MY FRIEND" with tears streaming down my face I do want to say that this book has heart, has joy, has so many funny moments and dialogue, but most importantly it has ass.
September 9, 2025
I would be lying if I said I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Celine and I have been bookstagram mutuals for a while, and I've always found their posts thoroughly witty, funny, and smart, with just the right amount of tender, soft vulnerability weaved in. It is, then, no shock that their debut novel was all of those things as well, just as I expected it would be.
Both Asher and Caleb, idiots though they may be, had such wonderful growth, individually and as a couple. They had distinct voices, motivations, backgrounds, and personalities, both of them able to stand on their own while simultaneously making complete sense together. I loved how they balanced one another out as perfect complements. And while I adored them both, there's something about a brooding, misunderstood, desperate-for-connection-but-bad-at-showing-it, "grumpy" half of a grumpy/sunshine pairing that will always make me feel so achingly seen and tenderly held. In that sense, Caleb was exactly what I needed him to be, and he's carved out his own little space in my heart as a result.
Barring a WWE phase I had in middle school, which was promptly ruined upon learning that it was, in fact, all incredibly fake, I know very little about wrestling. Celine clearly knows a lot about wrestling, but none of the wrestling in the book ever felt too confusing for me to follow using my very limited knowledge. There was enough context for me to keep up with what was happening to the extent that was needed, even if all that was truly necessary was an understanding of how deeply homoerotic the sport actually is. And while hockey will always remain my #1, it was really fun to read a sports romance that felt unique and different from others I've read in the past as a result of its focus on a largely untapped portion of the sports realm.
If you like wrestling or queer people or lovable morons, or if you've ever giggled at one of Celine's Instagram captions, or if you simply enjoy fun and whimsy, or if you would like to bear witness to the mortifying ordeal of being seen, I encourage you to read this book. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, and congrats to Celine on a stellar debut!
Both Asher and Caleb, idiots though they may be, had such wonderful growth, individually and as a couple. They had distinct voices, motivations, backgrounds, and personalities, both of them able to stand on their own while simultaneously making complete sense together. I loved how they balanced one another out as perfect complements. And while I adored them both, there's something about a brooding, misunderstood, desperate-for-connection-but-bad-at-showing-it, "grumpy" half of a grumpy/sunshine pairing that will always make me feel so achingly seen and tenderly held. In that sense, Caleb was exactly what I needed him to be, and he's carved out his own little space in my heart as a result.
Barring a WWE phase I had in middle school, which was promptly ruined upon learning that it was, in fact, all incredibly fake, I know very little about wrestling. Celine clearly knows a lot about wrestling, but none of the wrestling in the book ever felt too confusing for me to follow using my very limited knowledge. There was enough context for me to keep up with what was happening to the extent that was needed, even if all that was truly necessary was an understanding of how deeply homoerotic the sport actually is. And while hockey will always remain my #1, it was really fun to read a sports romance that felt unique and different from others I've read in the past as a result of its focus on a largely untapped portion of the sports realm.
If you like wrestling or queer people or lovable morons, or if you've ever giggled at one of Celine's Instagram captions, or if you simply enjoy fun and whimsy, or if you would like to bear witness to the mortifying ordeal of being seen, I encourage you to read this book. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, and congrats to Celine on a stellar debut!
December 10, 2024
YOU ARENT READY FOR ME TO GET SOOOO FERAL
November 23, 2025
Many thanks to PRH International for the digital review copy!
Hold Me Like a Grudge achieved something that I hoped it would be able to, but never actually expected: it made me care about wrestling, at least within the confines of the story. For someone who's decidedly not a sports fan, but does enjoy the occasional sports romance, that is a pretty huge accomplishment.
Somehow, this book was exactly what I expected from it, and I mean that in a really good way. It hit like I hoped it would, and I could see myself picking this up regularly as a comfort read. The writing is so fun, I loved the characters, and everything felt fleshed out well. While it took a little while for Caleb to grow on me, I absolutely loved Asher. But by the end, I adored both of them. The romance build-up was done so well, and then there are all these hilarious moments that make the story feel lighter, and it all worked so well together.
Hold Me Like a Grudge achieved something that I hoped it would be able to, but never actually expected: it made me care about wrestling, at least within the confines of the story. For someone who's decidedly not a sports fan, but does enjoy the occasional sports romance, that is a pretty huge accomplishment.
Somehow, this book was exactly what I expected from it, and I mean that in a really good way. It hit like I hoped it would, and I could see myself picking this up regularly as a comfort read. The writing is so fun, I loved the characters, and everything felt fleshed out well. While it took a little while for Caleb to grow on me, I absolutely loved Asher. But by the end, I adored both of them. The romance build-up was done so well, and then there are all these hilarious moments that make the story feel lighter, and it all worked so well together.
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October 22, 2025I GOT THE ARC?????
(22/10/2025)
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i’m seated. the bookstore employees are scared and asking me to leave because "it's not even out yet" but i’m simply too seated.
(31/07/2025)
(22/10/2025)
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i’m seated. the bookstore employees are scared and asking me to leave because "it's not even out yet" but i’m simply too seated.
(31/07/2025)
November 2, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Celine Ong did a wonderful job with her debut, Hold Me Like a Grudge! The book explores the challenges queer people face in the sports industry and how they strive to balance their careers with their personal beliefs which can be difficult sometimes.
Asher and Caleb’s relationship isn’t an easy one, but throughout their journey together, they earn it — never giving up on each other. Their love was written so beautifully that I melted a little every single time. Caleb was such a cutie beneath his tough exterior, a victim of the system. And Asher was just ready to be loved by Caleb, and to love him fiercely in return.
And I loved how their teammates were always there to support them!
Celine Ong did a wonderful job with her debut, Hold Me Like a Grudge! The book explores the challenges queer people face in the sports industry and how they strive to balance their careers with their personal beliefs which can be difficult sometimes.
Asher and Caleb’s relationship isn’t an easy one, but throughout their journey together, they earn it — never giving up on each other. Their love was written so beautifully that I melted a little every single time. Caleb was such a cutie beneath his tough exterior, a victim of the system. And Asher was just ready to be loved by Caleb, and to love him fiercely in return.
And I loved how their teammates were always there to support them!
November 4, 2025
RATING: 4.25/5 STARS
I say this as the highest compliment... HOLD ME LIKE A GRUDGE delivered all the fanfiction feels! SERVED AND LEFT NO CRUMBS. I FELT the angst in this one. There was so much tenderness and longing between Caleb and Asher. Celine Ong set up their push-pull dialogue and the unraveling of enemies to lovers in an exquisite way. She wrote one of the best sick/hurt-comfort scenes I've read, I actually went back and re-read it. The wrestling setting was fun to read about, and as someone who doesn't really follow WWE I was overall able to visualize the fight scenes.
I say this as the highest compliment... HOLD ME LIKE A GRUDGE delivered all the fanfiction feels! SERVED AND LEFT NO CRUMBS. I FELT the angst in this one. There was so much tenderness and longing between Caleb and Asher. Celine Ong set up their push-pull dialogue and the unraveling of enemies to lovers in an exquisite way. She wrote one of the best sick/hurt-comfort scenes I've read, I actually went back and re-read it. The wrestling setting was fun to read about, and as someone who doesn't really follow WWE I was overall able to visualize the fight scenes.
November 22, 2025
In the wrestling ring, the Dragon faces off against the Ice Prince in a no holds match for the championship belt on live entertainment. Featuring a scrappy up and coming wrestler paired opposite the ruthlessly cold history-making champion, the path to glory and success seems so straightforward until feelings get involved, pun intended. Celine Ong’s debut novel Hold Me Like a Grudge is an entertaining and witty queer sports romance story full of the expected adrenaline-fueled fights, choreographed training arcs, and entertainment industry shenanigans one would expect in a wrestling focused rivals to lovers narrative. Yet beyond the spotlight and headlining matches, this book is so much more. Backed up by strong platonic and romantic chemistry, excellent character writing, and earnest themes of acceptance and found family, this book is equally punchy as it is endearingly wholesome, a well-rounded and amazing read!
In the world of sports and live entertainment, professional wrestling is perhaps one of the most homoerotic sports out there and it’s slightly surprising there aren’t very many well-known MM romance books that are themed to the sport. Anyway, for those that are not aware, most professional wrestling is more or less a theatrically scripted form of entertainment as opposed to being true and honest fight matches. Ong’s approach to the story is heavily based around the high-octane theater-style performances and the manufactured storylines by entertainment industry, elements I was hoping the book would address. Presented from dual perspectives of the newest up and coming tier1 pickup Asher Ross vs the face of GEW and reigning champion Caleb Knight, the story follows their initial rivalry and hate for each other before slowly shifting into something more. As their heated conflict starts to cool and their stilted work relationship grows more complicated, the two are forced to navigate around the company’s kayfabe requirement, maintaining distance from each other and maintaining their public feud outside the ring.
From the get-go, one of the book’s biggest selling points outside of its focal romance is its apt commentary on diversity and inclusivity in a stereotypically heteronormative and masculine dominated industry. Apart from featuring one of its male main character’s bi awakening, the cast of characters are very diverse and well-represented from across the entire queer community as well as ethnic backgrounds. Not just thrown in for token representation, the story features notable narrative elements on the discrimination and sexism towards athletes of color or queer identities. In addition to wonderful queer portrayals, the book also has a prominent recurring theme of found family and self-acceptance. Elevated from the low regional level, the rest of the GEW athletes take Asher under their wings, forming a lovable group and family, often getting into silly and outrageous activities. The themes of family are also one of the most prominent elements of Caleb’s story, touching on his long-internalized hate, ostracization from his family, and self-isolated loneliness. While the romance in the book is great, I personally found the ride and die together co-workers/friend dynamics to be the best part of the story, not to mention the found family and undying support group to be very heartwarming. For a book titled after a grudge and a revenge arc, this novel is softly warm and wholesome.
In addition to its comforting and healthy portrayals of queer joy, this book also works well thanks to its great main characters and their compelling character arcs. Following Asher’s growth and attempts to crack into the highest level of professional wrestling, he’s faced with constant reminders of how much he and his family have sacrificed to give him a shot for glory. Confident, driven, sociable, fiery, but also logical, his character is quite well-rounded and is easy to root for. Besides his eventual queer identity, his Singaporean background and family values are also utilized well, particularly his parents and his mom’s great words of wisdom. Her occasional struggles with English phrasing are also very well written and the way she says “watching the Youtube” is exactly how my grandparents refer to anything streaming related. Contrasting Asher, Caleb is the opposite as the quiet, reserved and isolated lone wolf whose icy and cruel persona has extended off-camera and become one with his personal life, a contrast to his soft sad puppy inner voice. Eventually revealed to be a survival and self-defense mechanism developed from being rejected by his family, his loneliness and walled off emotions are heartbreaking to read about, and his negative experiences are those many queer readers will find relatable, hitting close to home.
Following the general trajectory of the rivals to lovers trope, the book’s romance and relationship growth are measured, gradual slow burns. Initially set up as rivals competing to win/defend the championship belt, their strained work relation and thawing of their icy conflict gradually shifts to that of unlikely, but supportive friends in a “oh, he’s not so bad” kind of way. As rivals to friends, to confused feelings, and eventually to lovers, the story takes its time with its plotting and development, really making sure that their relationship feels believable; a common pitfall of many rivals or enemies to lovers romance books. I personally love romance books that feature couples with complimentary platonic chemistry before the romantic chemistry kicks in which this book nails. Their mutual support for each other as they navigate the challenges and sacrifices required for the industry is well-written and while this book is certainly spicy and swoony when it wants to be, the overall tone and style of romance is surprisingly tender; Asher and Caleb are less of a steamy passion project and more of a comforting and safe home for each other when it feels like the world outside is too much to bear.
One important thing to note, contrary to its genre tags on certain book retailer listings and what some of the early reviews say, this is NOT an enemies to lovers story and is instead a rivals to lovers romance. Both the book’s blurb of "fierce rivalry” and Ong’s own overview describe it following the rivals to lovers trope. I believe the early synopsis of the book describing Asher’s initial hatred for Caleb comes off too strong and potentially gives the wrong impression. While Asher and Caleb’s conflict is present and tense at times, the hatred is mostly one-sided, and the heated conflict is mostly performative for the wrestling theater show. Those that are looking for frustration-fueled spice, hate-filled sexual tension, or will-they-won’t-they off each other will likely be disappointed as that’s not the book’s tone or intention. Instead, it’s a meaningful and hopeful story of romantic love that’s heightened by Ong’s well-rounded prose. While modern in style with jokes and pop culture references heavily leaning towards millennials born in the 90’s (I was shook when I read references to Sky High, never thought I’d see that in a book), Ong’s writing has an air of confidence and sophistication, avoiding feeling too casual or fanfiction-like common in a lot of popular contemporary romance books. As per the requirements of ARC reviews, no part of the ARC edition may be quoted. However, while I cannot provide quoted examples at this time, just know that Ong’s character writing is incredibly relatable. Particularly in the back half of the story when Asher and Caleb start to grow closer, the heavier narrative material and quieter moments really showcase Ong’s writing chops, nicely contrasting their more unhinged and crazy flair on display at the beginning of the book.
Featuring compelling entertainment industry elements, dynamic and exciting wrestling choreography, lovable characters, and themes of queer acceptance and found family, Hold Me Like a Grudge is an outstanding sports romance book that seemingly does it all. Anchored by its great dual main characters complimented by excellent chemistry and character development, this novel doesn’t simply coast on its eye-catchingly novel sports premise, instead delivering an optimistically hopeful and well-plotted story. Colorfully written, paced, not to mention a lot of fun, this is a confident and strong debut novel and I’m eagerly looking forward to what Ong serves up next with Loser New Year tentatively set for a 2027 release.
This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by Berkley Publishing Group via Netgalley.
*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, check out my blog TheBookGrind!
In the world of sports and live entertainment, professional wrestling is perhaps one of the most homoerotic sports out there and it’s slightly surprising there aren’t very many well-known MM romance books that are themed to the sport. Anyway, for those that are not aware, most professional wrestling is more or less a theatrically scripted form of entertainment as opposed to being true and honest fight matches. Ong’s approach to the story is heavily based around the high-octane theater-style performances and the manufactured storylines by entertainment industry, elements I was hoping the book would address. Presented from dual perspectives of the newest up and coming tier1 pickup Asher Ross vs the face of GEW and reigning champion Caleb Knight, the story follows their initial rivalry and hate for each other before slowly shifting into something more. As their heated conflict starts to cool and their stilted work relationship grows more complicated, the two are forced to navigate around the company’s kayfabe requirement, maintaining distance from each other and maintaining their public feud outside the ring.
From the get-go, one of the book’s biggest selling points outside of its focal romance is its apt commentary on diversity and inclusivity in a stereotypically heteronormative and masculine dominated industry. Apart from featuring one of its male main character’s bi awakening, the cast of characters are very diverse and well-represented from across the entire queer community as well as ethnic backgrounds. Not just thrown in for token representation, the story features notable narrative elements on the discrimination and sexism towards athletes of color or queer identities. In addition to wonderful queer portrayals, the book also has a prominent recurring theme of found family and self-acceptance. Elevated from the low regional level, the rest of the GEW athletes take Asher under their wings, forming a lovable group and family, often getting into silly and outrageous activities. The themes of family are also one of the most prominent elements of Caleb’s story, touching on his long-internalized hate, ostracization from his family, and self-isolated loneliness. While the romance in the book is great, I personally found the ride and die together co-workers/friend dynamics to be the best part of the story, not to mention the found family and undying support group to be very heartwarming. For a book titled after a grudge and a revenge arc, this novel is softly warm and wholesome.
In addition to its comforting and healthy portrayals of queer joy, this book also works well thanks to its great main characters and their compelling character arcs. Following Asher’s growth and attempts to crack into the highest level of professional wrestling, he’s faced with constant reminders of how much he and his family have sacrificed to give him a shot for glory. Confident, driven, sociable, fiery, but also logical, his character is quite well-rounded and is easy to root for. Besides his eventual queer identity, his Singaporean background and family values are also utilized well, particularly his parents and his mom’s great words of wisdom. Her occasional struggles with English phrasing are also very well written and the way she says “watching the Youtube” is exactly how my grandparents refer to anything streaming related. Contrasting Asher, Caleb is the opposite as the quiet, reserved and isolated lone wolf whose icy and cruel persona has extended off-camera and become one with his personal life, a contrast to his soft sad puppy inner voice. Eventually revealed to be a survival and self-defense mechanism developed from being rejected by his family, his loneliness and walled off emotions are heartbreaking to read about, and his negative experiences are those many queer readers will find relatable, hitting close to home.
Following the general trajectory of the rivals to lovers trope, the book’s romance and relationship growth are measured, gradual slow burns. Initially set up as rivals competing to win/defend the championship belt, their strained work relation and thawing of their icy conflict gradually shifts to that of unlikely, but supportive friends in a “oh, he’s not so bad” kind of way. As rivals to friends, to confused feelings, and eventually to lovers, the story takes its time with its plotting and development, really making sure that their relationship feels believable; a common pitfall of many rivals or enemies to lovers romance books. I personally love romance books that feature couples with complimentary platonic chemistry before the romantic chemistry kicks in which this book nails. Their mutual support for each other as they navigate the challenges and sacrifices required for the industry is well-written and while this book is certainly spicy and swoony when it wants to be, the overall tone and style of romance is surprisingly tender; Asher and Caleb are less of a steamy passion project and more of a comforting and safe home for each other when it feels like the world outside is too much to bear.
One important thing to note, contrary to its genre tags on certain book retailer listings and what some of the early reviews say, this is NOT an enemies to lovers story and is instead a rivals to lovers romance. Both the book’s blurb of "fierce rivalry” and Ong’s own overview describe it following the rivals to lovers trope. I believe the early synopsis of the book describing Asher’s initial hatred for Caleb comes off too strong and potentially gives the wrong impression. While Asher and Caleb’s conflict is present and tense at times, the hatred is mostly one-sided, and the heated conflict is mostly performative for the wrestling theater show. Those that are looking for frustration-fueled spice, hate-filled sexual tension, or will-they-won’t-they off each other will likely be disappointed as that’s not the book’s tone or intention. Instead, it’s a meaningful and hopeful story of romantic love that’s heightened by Ong’s well-rounded prose. While modern in style with jokes and pop culture references heavily leaning towards millennials born in the 90’s (I was shook when I read references to Sky High, never thought I’d see that in a book), Ong’s writing has an air of confidence and sophistication, avoiding feeling too casual or fanfiction-like common in a lot of popular contemporary romance books. As per the requirements of ARC reviews, no part of the ARC edition may be quoted. However, while I cannot provide quoted examples at this time, just know that Ong’s character writing is incredibly relatable. Particularly in the back half of the story when Asher and Caleb start to grow closer, the heavier narrative material and quieter moments really showcase Ong’s writing chops, nicely contrasting their more unhinged and crazy flair on display at the beginning of the book.
Featuring compelling entertainment industry elements, dynamic and exciting wrestling choreography, lovable characters, and themes of queer acceptance and found family, Hold Me Like a Grudge is an outstanding sports romance book that seemingly does it all. Anchored by its great dual main characters complimented by excellent chemistry and character development, this novel doesn’t simply coast on its eye-catchingly novel sports premise, instead delivering an optimistically hopeful and well-plotted story. Colorfully written, paced, not to mention a lot of fun, this is a confident and strong debut novel and I’m eagerly looking forward to what Ong serves up next with Loser New Year tentatively set for a 2027 release.
This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by Berkley Publishing Group via Netgalley.
*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, check out my blog TheBookGrind!
October 23, 2025
Disclaimer - I do follow the author on Instagram and we are friends. This has not affected my review, which is my personal opinions of the book!
Ever since I started following Cel on Instagram, I’ve admired the way she writes her captions and makes me feel emo over books I haven’t even read yet. I should have known that she’d destroy me with her first book. Hold Me Like a Grudge was up as “read now” on NetGalley yesterday, and I ran to download and read it. I didn’t move from my couch from the time I started until I finished. I don’t generally cry from books but she got me good with this one!!! This is a love story in all forms - between the main characters, between them and their friends, love for wrestling and for queerness, and just. My heart bro!!! Cel wrote a book love letter and I’m emo. Asher and Caleb were such great characters individually, and I love how they brought out the best in each other and learned from each other. Seeing their support system of friends in the wrestling world was SO CUTE. Found family forever!!!!! There was so much packed in this book about discovering yourself, following your dreams, adjusting those dreams, and standing up for what is right. Ugh I just loved it so much, and cannot wait for more from Cel.
REP: bisexual Singaporean main character; gay main character; lesbian side character; nonbinary side character [bisexual nonbinary disabled Singaporean author]
Ever since I started following Cel on Instagram, I’ve admired the way she writes her captions and makes me feel emo over books I haven’t even read yet. I should have known that she’d destroy me with her first book. Hold Me Like a Grudge was up as “read now” on NetGalley yesterday, and I ran to download and read it. I didn’t move from my couch from the time I started until I finished. I don’t generally cry from books but she got me good with this one!!! This is a love story in all forms - between the main characters, between them and their friends, love for wrestling and for queerness, and just. My heart bro!!! Cel wrote a book love letter and I’m emo. Asher and Caleb were such great characters individually, and I love how they brought out the best in each other and learned from each other. Seeing their support system of friends in the wrestling world was SO CUTE. Found family forever!!!!! There was so much packed in this book about discovering yourself, following your dreams, adjusting those dreams, and standing up for what is right. Ugh I just loved it so much, and cannot wait for more from Cel.
REP: bisexual Singaporean main character; gay main character; lesbian side character; nonbinary side character [bisexual nonbinary disabled Singaporean author]
October 28, 2025
I love me a good sports rivalry mm. I can’t say the world of pro wrestling interests me much, but major props to the author for opening a whole new world for me. Whether it’s 100% real or not — I’m not sure, but there’s several things I liked. First, this is one of the first rivalry stories where it made actual sense beyond ‘it would be a PR nightmare and ruin our careers.’ Like I had no idea pro wrestling had legal rules too. And this is just one of the new things I learned. I may not have followed all the moves, but I found their practices and their performances and their travel life really interesting. Again, not sure how much is interpretive art for this book, but it led for an interesting read in a subject I knew nothing of.
Loved the MCs and all the side characters. I thought the queer and non-binary representation as a major story line was so well done. I would follow all of those side characters in their own books.
The author did spice so well, I was pretty surprised there was only
I think everything came together too easily, too neatly wrapped in the end.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the arc!
Loved the MCs and all the side characters. I thought the queer and non-binary representation as a major story line was so well done. I would follow all of those side characters in their own books.
The author did spice so well, I was pretty surprised there was only
I think everything came together too easily, too neatly wrapped in the end.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the arc!
August 25, 2025
What a powerful debut from Celine Ong — and a fresh take on the sports romance! (I've never paid much attention to wrestling, but you know what? I'm intrigued...) I fell in love with Asher and Caleb from the first page, and whew, that ending had me tearing up.
November 20, 2025
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for this eARC! I never thought I would love a Wrestling romance book but WOW! Asher and Caleb have an epic strong connection and is only heightened and increased by the trust they put in eachother in the ring as well as the bedroom. The community Asher has built around himself that he willingly shares with Caleb is so beautiful and is the epitome of strength in community and chosen family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
July 18, 2025GET ME A SPOON BC I'M GONNA EAT THIS UP.
September 7, 2025
Thanks to Edelweiss for this ARC.
When this book first popped up as available for me I was like “a professional wrestling themed romance? That sounds fucking bonkers, give it to me!” I figured even if it’s not good the concept sounds wild enough that it’ll keep me entertained.
I’m so glad I picked it up though because it was actually amazing! The characters were so fun, the romance between Caleb and Asher was so fucking sweet, and I practically inhaled this book in one sitting. I cannot wait for this book to be released so I can start recommending it to customers.
I’m definitely adding this author on my automatic buy list.
When this book first popped up as available for me I was like “a professional wrestling themed romance? That sounds fucking bonkers, give it to me!” I figured even if it’s not good the concept sounds wild enough that it’ll keep me entertained.
I’m so glad I picked it up though because it was actually amazing! The characters were so fun, the romance between Caleb and Asher was so fucking sweet, and I practically inhaled this book in one sitting. I cannot wait for this book to be released so I can start recommending it to customers.
I’m definitely adding this author on my automatic buy list.
October 27, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a wholesome read!
I loved Asher and I really liked Caleb, both in different ways!
Asher was just such a ray of light and such a fun main character to follow. He was definitely my favorite. He brought the best out of Caleb, and it was really nice to see!
My heart ached for Caleb. It was so hard to read his inner thoughts of being so lonely and disliking himself for the persona he put on. I was glad to see him come out of his shell and start to gain friendships and stand up for himself more!
I thought the author did a good job of balancing out the rivals to lovers. It wasn’t too much of a slow burn and we didn’t have to wait the entire book for them to get together, but it wasn’t like they got together too quickly either.
The supporting cast of friends were a fun addition. They each had such fun and nice qualities! I really loved Ava, they were so funny. Alexei and Thea were also great! I like seeing the main characters have friends as well and it not just being all about the romance. Even though the romance was amazing.
I fell into the trap a little bit of, I get kind of bored once the characters get together. By the end I found myself less engaged in the story, but I still love them together. I just like the drama of them fighting their feelings for each other, or thinking they are rivals only to know they will fall in love eventually.
I have never been into boxing or wrestling or this kind of content before, so the parts when they were fighting was boring to me, but it’s not like it was badly written or anything, it’s just a personal preference.
I liked that they fought for their rights by the end of the novel. It was a very sweet way to end it. Even though it’s not always that perfect in the real world sadly, reading it in fiction and having a happy ending is always great to read.
This novel was pretty steamy! There were a couple of graphic sex scenes, but you could see the love and care they had for each other. It wasn’t just sex for sex which I liked.
I laughed, I got excited, I swooned and I got emotional at the things the characters went through.
If anything about this novel seems appealing to you, I’d pick it up! It is just an encouraging story about their love and finding yourself, which is always a good message.
This was such a wholesome read!
I loved Asher and I really liked Caleb, both in different ways!
Asher was just such a ray of light and such a fun main character to follow. He was definitely my favorite. He brought the best out of Caleb, and it was really nice to see!
My heart ached for Caleb. It was so hard to read his inner thoughts of being so lonely and disliking himself for the persona he put on. I was glad to see him come out of his shell and start to gain friendships and stand up for himself more!
I thought the author did a good job of balancing out the rivals to lovers. It wasn’t too much of a slow burn and we didn’t have to wait the entire book for them to get together, but it wasn’t like they got together too quickly either.
The supporting cast of friends were a fun addition. They each had such fun and nice qualities! I really loved Ava, they were so funny. Alexei and Thea were also great! I like seeing the main characters have friends as well and it not just being all about the romance. Even though the romance was amazing.
I fell into the trap a little bit of, I get kind of bored once the characters get together. By the end I found myself less engaged in the story, but I still love them together. I just like the drama of them fighting their feelings for each other, or thinking they are rivals only to know they will fall in love eventually.
I have never been into boxing or wrestling or this kind of content before, so the parts when they were fighting was boring to me, but it’s not like it was badly written or anything, it’s just a personal preference.
I liked that they fought for their rights by the end of the novel. It was a very sweet way to end it. Even though it’s not always that perfect in the real world sadly, reading it in fiction and having a happy ending is always great to read.
This novel was pretty steamy! There were a couple of graphic sex scenes, but you could see the love and care they had for each other. It wasn’t just sex for sex which I liked.
I laughed, I got excited, I swooned and I got emotional at the things the characters went through.
If anything about this novel seems appealing to you, I’d pick it up! It is just an encouraging story about their love and finding yourself, which is always a good message.
December 12, 2025
When Asher Ross is called up to Global Elite Wrestling’s main roster, he is both annoyed and happy to be playing Caleb Knight’s enemy. Annoyed, because he hates Caleb, but happy to rid him of the championship belt. As Asher’s and Caleb’s animosity extends outside the ring, they end up spending more and more time together training, and Asher starts to see that underneath Caleb’s prickly exterior is a sensitive and kind person. And unsurprisingly, both men start to fall head over heels for one another.
Is the head over heels considered a pun?? Anyway.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I loved this so much! OMG. The ROMANCE. The STORY. The VIBES. The HOPE OF IT ALL. All of it was amazing 🩷🩷🩷
I used to be a big wrestling fan. It started with watching Total Divas (IYKYK), and then progressed to watching matches on TV, then in-person. I saw Monday Night Raw live once and it was a religious experience (the only appropriate place to chant "you look stupid" with a thousand other strangers lol). All this to say: I’m so happy to have finally read a queer wrestling romance!!! 🩷 It was the perfect combination of my love for romance, and my past love for wrestling, and honestly, this book has made me want to get back into watching wrestling again. I just loved Caleb and Asher. At first it’s easy to want to hate Caleb because he is definitely an a**hole. But very quickly you learn that he is hurting very deeply and then you just want to give him a hug. And the way he fell for Asher so hard was BEAUTIFUL. There’s also a sickfic scene and I was giggling and kicking my feet, it was sooo good 😭
I loved the side characters, mainly Asher’s friends who eventually become Caleb’s friends as well. The found family aspect of this book was so lovely and gave me all the warm feels 🫂 And the matches between Asher and Caleb were so detailed and interesting! I didn’t understand most of the moves (I’m a visual learner lol) but it was fun to imagine them leaping and flying at each other in the ring. And there’s that one dog collar match... 👀
The overall message of learning to love oneself, of accepting your faults and your mistakes and learning to be compassionate with yourself, and letting others in, and taking a chance on love and camaraderie and friendship, and more, was the true highlight of this book for me. I will cherish it forever! I can’t wait to hold a physical copy of this 🩷
Truly a masterpiece, HIGHLY recommend reading this lovely, feral, heartbreaking and heartmending romance book 🩷 Hold Me Like a Grudge releases on March 31st, 2026.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review 🩷
Is the head over heels considered a pun?? Anyway.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I loved this so much! OMG. The ROMANCE. The STORY. The VIBES. The HOPE OF IT ALL. All of it was amazing 🩷🩷🩷
I used to be a big wrestling fan. It started with watching Total Divas (IYKYK), and then progressed to watching matches on TV, then in-person. I saw Monday Night Raw live once and it was a religious experience (the only appropriate place to chant "you look stupid" with a thousand other strangers lol). All this to say: I’m so happy to have finally read a queer wrestling romance!!! 🩷 It was the perfect combination of my love for romance, and my past love for wrestling, and honestly, this book has made me want to get back into watching wrestling again. I just loved Caleb and Asher. At first it’s easy to want to hate Caleb because he is definitely an a**hole. But very quickly you learn that he is hurting very deeply and then you just want to give him a hug. And the way he fell for Asher so hard was BEAUTIFUL. There’s also a sickfic scene and I was giggling and kicking my feet, it was sooo good 😭
I loved the side characters, mainly Asher’s friends who eventually become Caleb’s friends as well. The found family aspect of this book was so lovely and gave me all the warm feels 🫂 And the matches between Asher and Caleb were so detailed and interesting! I didn’t understand most of the moves (I’m a visual learner lol) but it was fun to imagine them leaping and flying at each other in the ring. And there’s that one dog collar match... 👀
The overall message of learning to love oneself, of accepting your faults and your mistakes and learning to be compassionate with yourself, and letting others in, and taking a chance on love and camaraderie and friendship, and more, was the true highlight of this book for me. I will cherish it forever! I can’t wait to hold a physical copy of this 🩷
Truly a masterpiece, HIGHLY recommend reading this lovely, feral, heartbreaking and heartmending romance book 🩷 Hold Me Like a Grudge releases on March 31st, 2026.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review 🩷
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