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Off the Mat #1
Fight Me, Break Me: An MM MMA Romance
From USA Today bestselling authors Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams, comes a steamy MM enemies-to-lovers sports romance about childhood best friends turned bitter enemies, queer awakening, first times, secret hookups, and forced proximity. It will leave you hooked from the first page. This is the first book in the Off the Mat duet, and Keaton and Rowan’s story continues in Heal Me, Love Me, which will be released in August 2026.
Keaton Stafford knows exactly how dangerous Rowan Cross can be.
And it has nothing to do with what Rowan can do in the cage.
Growing up, they were next-door neighbors and best friends. Just two boys who shared secrets, first kisses, and more. But one brutal night during their senior year of high school destroyed everything, turning them into enemies who haven’t spoken since.
After serving four years in the Air Force, Rowan returns home ready to turn years of jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and military boxing into a shot at an MMA future he’s wanted for years. He’s determined not to waste his second chance, and the last thing he expects to find is Keaton already making a name for himself at Titan Elite—or to end up as his roommate.
Training at the same gym means there’s no escape from the past between them. Every argument cuts too deep. Every glance lingers too long. Every touch sparks something far hotter than hate.
The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to pretend their history meant nothing.
But attraction doesn’t erase betrayal, and old wounds don’t stay buried for long.
For Keaton and Rowan, this fight is only the first round.
Keaton Stafford knows exactly how dangerous Rowan Cross can be.
And it has nothing to do with what Rowan can do in the cage.
Growing up, they were next-door neighbors and best friends. Just two boys who shared secrets, first kisses, and more. But one brutal night during their senior year of high school destroyed everything, turning them into enemies who haven’t spoken since.
After serving four years in the Air Force, Rowan returns home ready to turn years of jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and military boxing into a shot at an MMA future he’s wanted for years. He’s determined not to waste his second chance, and the last thing he expects to find is Keaton already making a name for himself at Titan Elite—or to end up as his roommate.
Training at the same gym means there’s no escape from the past between them. Every argument cuts too deep. Every glance lingers too long. Every touch sparks something far hotter than hate.
The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to pretend their history meant nothing.
But attraction doesn’t erase betrayal, and old wounds don’t stay buried for long.
For Keaton and Rowan, this fight is only the first round.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2026
38 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Knight
82 books3,036 followersKimberly Knight is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in the Central Valley of California with her loving husband, who is a great research assistant, and young daughter, who keeps Kimberly on her toes. Kimberly writes in a variety of genres, including romantic suspense, contemporary romance, erotic romance, and paranormal romance. Her books will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and fall in love before she throws you curve balls you never see coming.
When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, including cooking competitions, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.
When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, including cooking competitions, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 6, 2026
3.75⭐️
Fight Me, Break Me was honestly a pretty fun read. I really liked the storyline, and I loved getting the flashbacks to Keaton and Rowan’s past because it helped understand both of them and their relationship a lot more. I’m always a sucker for a second chance romance with emotional moments, and this definitely delivered that.
I also really liked the MMA aspect and thought the training/fighting scenes added a lot to the story. And that cliffhanger definitely did its job because I’m really excited to read the next book 😭
I do think the pacing felt a little off towards the end, and while I understand why some things were done the way they were, a few parts started to feel repetitive and a little predictable at times.
Overall though, I still really liked it. If you like second chance romance, emotional scenes, and cliffhanger endings, this is definitely a fun one to pick up.
****
Thank you to The Author Agency for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest thoughts.
Fight Me, Break Me was honestly a pretty fun read. I really liked the storyline, and I loved getting the flashbacks to Keaton and Rowan’s past because it helped understand both of them and their relationship a lot more. I’m always a sucker for a second chance romance with emotional moments, and this definitely delivered that.
I also really liked the MMA aspect and thought the training/fighting scenes added a lot to the story. And that cliffhanger definitely did its job because I’m really excited to read the next book 😭
I do think the pacing felt a little off towards the end, and while I understand why some things were done the way they were, a few parts started to feel repetitive and a little predictable at times.
Overall though, I still really liked it. If you like second chance romance, emotional scenes, and cliffhanger endings, this is definitely a fun one to pick up.
****
Thank you to The Author Agency for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest thoughts.
April 29, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC!!
What I loved:
1. Rowan and Keaton’s friendship was so beautiful and when it all fell apart, it literally broke my heart. I was an emotional wreck throughout most of this book.
2. MMA fighting. I have always loved MMA, and Fight Me Break Me really had some great fighting and training scenes!
3. Mason. I kind of adore him. Fingers crossed that he’s super gay and we get a Mason book!
4. The MASSIVE cliffhanger! I was SCREAMING!!!! I will definitely read book 2 just to find out what happens next. But, fuck Devon.
5. Loved the dual timelines and dual POV’s. It gave so much depth to the story and characters that we NEEDED. I honestly thought the flashbacks to childhood and teenage years was so much better than the “present” timeline.
6. The cover of this book is FIRE. It is exactly how I pictured Keaton. Fucking gorgeous. (Maybe not so much Rowan - he needed to look more military-ish. You know?) but Keaton *chefs kiss*
Things that bothered me:
1. Keaton forgives Rowan way too easily. Like, what he did was the worst of the worst and he just forgave him with a snap of the fingers. Nope. That was fucked. They jumped back into a full blow relationship way too quick to be believable.
2. In the scenes where Rowan and Keaton are talking to eachother, it seemed so repetitive. Like they were saying the same things over and over in different ways for pages at a time.
3. There should have been more plot fleshed out when it came to the enemies part of their bffs to lovers to enemies to lovers story.
Overall, I enjoyed it and will definitely read book 2 just to find out what happens after that cliffhanger.
MM enemies-to-lovers sports romance about childhood best friends turned bitter enemies, queer awakening, first times, secret hookups, and forced proximity.
Keaton and Rowan's story continues in Heal Me, Love Me, which will be released in August 2026.
Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC!!
What I loved:
1. Rowan and Keaton’s friendship was so beautiful and when it all fell apart, it literally broke my heart. I was an emotional wreck throughout most of this book.
2. MMA fighting. I have always loved MMA, and Fight Me Break Me really had some great fighting and training scenes!
3. Mason. I kind of adore him. Fingers crossed that he’s super gay and we get a Mason book!
4. The MASSIVE cliffhanger! I was SCREAMING!!!! I will definitely read book 2 just to find out what happens next. But, fuck Devon.
5. Loved the dual timelines and dual POV’s. It gave so much depth to the story and characters that we NEEDED. I honestly thought the flashbacks to childhood and teenage years was so much better than the “present” timeline.
6. The cover of this book is FIRE. It is exactly how I pictured Keaton. Fucking gorgeous. (Maybe not so much Rowan - he needed to look more military-ish. You know?) but Keaton *chefs kiss*
Things that bothered me:
1. Keaton forgives Rowan way too easily. Like, what he did was the worst of the worst and he just forgave him with a snap of the fingers. Nope. That was fucked. They jumped back into a full blow relationship way too quick to be believable.
2. In the scenes where Rowan and Keaton are talking to eachother, it seemed so repetitive. Like they were saying the same things over and over in different ways for pages at a time.
3. There should have been more plot fleshed out when it came to the enemies part of their bffs to lovers to enemies to lovers story.
Overall, I enjoyed it and will definitely read book 2 just to find out what happens after that cliffhanger.
MM enemies-to-lovers sports romance about childhood best friends turned bitter enemies, queer awakening, first times, secret hookups, and forced proximity.
Keaton and Rowan's story continues in Heal Me, Love Me, which will be released in August 2026.
April 27, 2026
Arc Review
At age Ten, Keaton Stafford and Rowan Cross are best friends and live next door to each other. Keaton has a turbulent home life and seeks solace at Rowan’s home. They do everything together, share lives, kisses and love. One night at a party, senior year, their friendship is blown to pieces, and don’t speak for four years.
Rowan, having served four years in the Air Force, returns to be a cage fighter. He moves into his coach’s house, where he finds his housemate is Keaton. There is still a lot of hostility between them.
When they confront their issues that ruined their friendship and with Rowan taking responsibility for it, they explore their feelings again, and become so much more.
Having both been given to opportunity to go to LA to participate in MMA, Rowan discovers something to blow their bubble wide open.
Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams have done it yet again with the first book in the ‘Off The Mat’ duo. The writing flows seamlessly and the story moves at a great pace.
The love and hate you feel from the characters leaps off the page. I cannot wait to read the second book, and see the solution to the cliffhanger.
At age Ten, Keaton Stafford and Rowan Cross are best friends and live next door to each other. Keaton has a turbulent home life and seeks solace at Rowan’s home. They do everything together, share lives, kisses and love. One night at a party, senior year, their friendship is blown to pieces, and don’t speak for four years.
Rowan, having served four years in the Air Force, returns to be a cage fighter. He moves into his coach’s house, where he finds his housemate is Keaton. There is still a lot of hostility between them.
When they confront their issues that ruined their friendship and with Rowan taking responsibility for it, they explore their feelings again, and become so much more.
Having both been given to opportunity to go to LA to participate in MMA, Rowan discovers something to blow their bubble wide open.
Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams have done it yet again with the first book in the ‘Off The Mat’ duo. The writing flows seamlessly and the story moves at a great pace.
The love and hate you feel from the characters leaps off the page. I cannot wait to read the second book, and see the solution to the cliffhanger.
April 24, 2026
Another one where the writing felt juvenile. Is it me?! Am I the problem? Maybe I’m in a slump.
When I started this novel, I really liked the premise and the characters. However, the more I read the more it felt repetitive and too much smut. They could have taken the time to flesh out the story more and less on flesh slapping flesh.
It did end on a cliffhanger, so will I read part II when it comes out? Perhaps. 🤷♀️
Received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
When I started this novel, I really liked the premise and the characters. However, the more I read the more it felt repetitive and too much smut. They could have taken the time to flesh out the story more and less on flesh slapping flesh.
It did end on a cliffhanger, so will I read part II when it comes out? Perhaps. 🤷♀️
Received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2026
Fight Me, Break Me - Kimberly Knight & Rachel Lyn Adams
🌟 4.25/5 🌟
* SPOILERS *
I have read a lot of these two authors books and I’ve loved most of them and this one definitely did not disappoint at all. It definitely kept me on my toes.
I knew that things were going to get messy because things were so good for them when they reconnected. It makes me eager for the second part of Keaton and Rowan.
I’m hoping that Keaton does make Rowan work for it after what he saw because maybe forgiving him too quickly was a sign for these two to really go through it.
I really loved the back and forth from how they met to how they became friends and more. The fallout made me sad but what do you expect from these two.
I really love how they came back into each other’s lives because these two are soulmates in my eyes. I love how Rowan was Keaton’s safe space when they were growing up because his childhood just wasn’t the best.
I will say that I’m eager for Mason to get his own story because he’s just a fun character. All in all, I am really sitting on the edge of my seat for the next book.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
🌟 4.25/5 🌟
* SPOILERS *
I have read a lot of these two authors books and I’ve loved most of them and this one definitely did not disappoint at all. It definitely kept me on my toes.
I knew that things were going to get messy because things were so good for them when they reconnected. It makes me eager for the second part of Keaton and Rowan.
I’m hoping that Keaton does make Rowan work for it after what he saw because maybe forgiving him too quickly was a sign for these two to really go through it.
I really loved the back and forth from how they met to how they became friends and more. The fallout made me sad but what do you expect from these two.
I really love how they came back into each other’s lives because these two are soulmates in my eyes. I love how Rowan was Keaton’s safe space when they were growing up because his childhood just wasn’t the best.
I will say that I’m eager for Mason to get his own story because he’s just a fun character. All in all, I am really sitting on the edge of my seat for the next book.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
April 29, 2026
I really liked this start to this duet. These were both new authors to me so I will definitely be looking into their backlogs! Loved how the flashbacks showed us the evolution of Keaton & Rowan's friendship into more than friends and then the falling out. I also liked seeing what they did in the years apart and how they got to where they are. I did feel like Keaton was a little too forgiving too quickly (which he even had an inner dialogue about), but it's not my story, so I went with it. Once they did make up and admit feelings, there were a LOT of spicy scenes. LOL I'm not complaining, I was just kind of wondering where do we go from here? Welp, be careful what you wish for, because this baby ends on a cliffhanger that is making me hate having to wait months until I can find out what happens. I have a good idea which way it's going to go, and these poor boys are probably going to go through it a bit more before they get to their HEA, but I'm here for it. :)
April 23, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this book! The dynamic between Keaton and Rowan was amazing. I loved that the story was told past and present, although at times the jumps were confusing and I was unsure if three months later was past or present, but overall I was able to figure it out pretty quickly.
Regarding the besties to enemies to lovers… oof! That was a hot mess. Rowan did Keaton dirty, Keaton held onto it for years, and then all of a sudden everything is good? I enjoyed the tension while they were still on enemy territory, and wish that had gone on longer. I thought Keaton forgave Rowan too easily, and they didn’t really address everything in the after.
That cliffy was excellent, and I cannot wait to read the second half in this duet!
Regarding the besties to enemies to lovers… oof! That was a hot mess. Rowan did Keaton dirty, Keaton held onto it for years, and then all of a sudden everything is good? I enjoyed the tension while they were still on enemy territory, and wish that had gone on longer. I thought Keaton forgave Rowan too easily, and they didn’t really address everything in the after.
That cliffy was excellent, and I cannot wait to read the second half in this duet!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2026
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Keaton + Rowan
The thing about young love is 1, sometimes we don't know it's that, 2, it's just puppy love and it goes away and 3 sometimes it bubbles at the surface much later in life. Keaton & Rowan's story is no different. & one night at a party changed everything.
Being from a household that wasn't keen on MM relationships Rowan heads to the Air Force as planned. It was always planned. & Keaton hadn't gave Rowan closure because of the way he acted. & now that they are within the same house.. things are about to get crazy. & they do.. lots of intimate scenes and them working through their issues.
Keaton forgives Rowan WAY too easy and that cliffhanger GOOD GOD.
Keaton + Rowan
The thing about young love is 1, sometimes we don't know it's that, 2, it's just puppy love and it goes away and 3 sometimes it bubbles at the surface much later in life. Keaton & Rowan's story is no different. & one night at a party changed everything.
Being from a household that wasn't keen on MM relationships Rowan heads to the Air Force as planned. It was always planned. & Keaton hadn't gave Rowan closure because of the way he acted. & now that they are within the same house.. things are about to get crazy. & they do.. lots of intimate scenes and them working through their issues.
Keaton forgives Rowan WAY too easy and that cliffhanger GOOD GOD.
May 11, 2026
Fukkin hell. I didn’t realize this was 2 parts so now I’m stuck waiting. Blarg.
Anyway, there’s nothing particularly new or different about this one but I did actually think the backstory set this up really well. I think the 4 year gap and the intense feelings remaining made absolute sense. The transition from friends to lovers then enemies (one sided on the enemies part) was very well done. However, the enemies back to lovers did feel pretty abrupt. I do like Rowan and Keaton together a lot!!
Anyway, there’s nothing particularly new or different about this one but I did actually think the backstory set this up really well. I think the 4 year gap and the intense feelings remaining made absolute sense. The transition from friends to lovers then enemies (one sided on the enemies part) was very well done. However, the enemies back to lovers did feel pretty abrupt. I do like Rowan and Keaton together a lot!!
April 22, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! It was such an emotional roller coaster and I literally couldn’t put it down. I will impatiently wait for the sequel and I highly recommend you read this book, it was definitely worth 5 stars 🌟
I’d like to thank Kimberly and Rachel for the ARC. You two continue to amaze me with your beautiful stories.
I’d like to thank Kimberly and Rachel for the ARC. You two continue to amaze me with your beautiful stories.
Review of advance copy received from Shelf Awareness Pro
Fight Me, Break Me by Kimberly Knight & Rachel Lynn Adams is a gripping, emotional story that kept me turning pages from start to finish.
Rowan and Keaton’s relationship is intense and complicated—they were once incredibly close until a tragic event drove them apart.
Their reunion under the same MMA coach adds tension, emotion, and a powerful sense of unfinished business.
Their story is filled with tension, emotion, and that undeniable pull between two people with a complicated past.
Definitely a gripping read that kept me turning pages late into the night.
Rowan and Keaton’s relationship is intense and complicated—they were once incredibly close until a tragic event drove them apart.
Their reunion under the same MMA coach adds tension, emotion, and a powerful sense of unfinished business.
Their story is filled with tension, emotion, and that undeniable pull between two people with a complicated past.
Definitely a gripping read that kept me turning pages late into the night.
April 29, 2026
WHAT?!?! I have no words for how this book ended.
Keaton and Rowan’s story hurt. The last part of the book moved very quickly, and I just wanted more glimpses of them during that time. As soon as I read the last sentence, I immediately flipped back to the prologue to fill in the gaps. I can’t wait for book 2!
Keaton and Rowan’s story hurt. The last part of the book moved very quickly, and I just wanted more glimpses of them during that time. As soon as I read the last sentence, I immediately flipped back to the prologue to fill in the gaps. I can’t wait for book 2!
April 25, 2026
***ARC Review***
“I wanted him. There had never been a time I didn’t want him, despite how often I tried to forget.”
I am speechless. Talk about a book that completely exceeded my expectations.
Fight Me, Break Me is a friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers mm romance novel. It is part one of a duet and definitely ends in a cliffhanger.
The whole thing was written beautifully and I fell in love with both characters immediately. Just the right amount of angst and surprises kept me hanging on every single word. Absolutely cannot wait for the second one.
This was my first book by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams. I will definitely be checking out more.
“I wanted him. There had never been a time I didn’t want him, despite how often I tried to forget.”
I am speechless. Talk about a book that completely exceeded my expectations.
Fight Me, Break Me is a friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers mm romance novel. It is part one of a duet and definitely ends in a cliffhanger.
The whole thing was written beautifully and I fell in love with both characters immediately. Just the right amount of angst and surprises kept me hanging on every single word. Absolutely cannot wait for the second one.
This was my first book by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams. I will definitely be checking out more.
May 6, 2026
Keaton Stafford knows exactly how dangerous Rowan Cross can be.
And it has nothing to do with what Rowan can do in the cage.
Growing up, they were next-door neighbors and best friends. Just two boys who shared secrets, first kisses, and more. But one brutal night during their senior year of high school destroyed everything, turning them into enemies who haven’t spoken since.
After serving four years in the Air Force, Rowan returns home ready to turn years of jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and military boxing into a shot at an MMA future he’s wanted for years. He’s determined not to waste his second chance, and the last thing he expects to find is Keaton already making a name for himself at Titan Elite—or to end up as his roommate.
Training at the same gym means there’s no escape from the past between them. Every argument cut’s too deep. Every glance lingers too long. Every touch spark’s something far hotter than hate.
The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to pretend their history meant nothing.
But attraction doesn’t erase betrayal, and old wounds don’t stay buried for long.
For Keaton and Rowan, this fight is only the first round.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: MM Romance, Childhood Best-Friends to Estranged to Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Roommates, Second Chances, Secret Hookups, Sports Romance (MMA) Queer Awakening, High Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Opposites Attract, Boy Next Door, First Love, Slow-Burn, Tension, Hurt, Pining, MMA, Military MMC, First Time, Brother’s Best-Friend, College Romance, Double Bi-Awakening, Only One Bed.
Fight Me, Break Me is the 1st book in the Off the Map Duet An MMA Romance by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams. From USA Today bestselling authors Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams, comes a steamy MM enemies-to-lovers sports romance about childhood best friends turned bitter enemies, queer awakening, first times, secret hookups, and forced proximity. It will leave you hooked from the first page. This is the first book in the Off the Mat duet, and Keaton and Rowan’s story continues in Heal Me, Love Me, which will be released in August 2026.
When Keaton Stafford and Rowan Cross were Ten they were the best of friends and who were next door neighbors. Keaton’s home life was stormy and he would often try and find peace at Rowan’s home. Rowan and Keaton would do everything together, they shared their lives, their first kiss, and found a love they couldn’t explain. It was one night during senior year at a party that their friendship is suddenly blown up and neither Keaton or Rowan speak again for four years.
After graduation Rowan joins the Air Force and serves for four years. When he leaves the Air Force he returns in the hopes to become an MMA cage fighter. Rowan chooses to move into his coach’s house where he’s shocked to find that he’s not the only one who’ll be living with his coach, he’ll also be sharing the house with none other than Keaton. And when the two men are once again face-to-face, they realize that there’s a lot of hostility and anger between them.
They finally sit down and confront their issues head on, the very issues that had destroyed their friendship four years ago. And Rowan finally takes responsibility for what had happened that night senior year. Once they work their issues out, they are once again faced with the feelings they’d left behind them, left behind when their friendship blew up and they decide now is the time to finally explore them, and in doing so, they not only rekindle their friendship but become so much more.
Both Rowan and Keaton are given the opportunity to take the next step in their MMA career and are invited to go to LA and participate in the MMA scene there, and it’s there in LA that Rowan makes a discovery that once again blows their little bubble wide open.
Kimberly Knight & Rachel Lyn Adams, this is one of my favorite writing duo’s and man have they done it again with the first book of their “Off The Mat” duet. Their writing is seamless and you can’t tell who writes what part. The story moves at the absolute perfect pace and the storyline, the plot and the sub-plot are chefs kiss perfect.
The primary and secondary characters were unconditionally perfectly created. They just leap off the page, they grow, they are relatable, they feel realistic and authentic.
Now, I do have to warn you that this book does end in a cliffhanger and now I am just waiting to get my hands on the 2nd book of this duet, which is due out in August 2026, so I can find out what happens and how this stunning duet ends.
I do have to say this, when you find out what Rowan does to Keaton, you’re going to scream and want to throttle him. Sure, he was this dumb kid, but still, I wanted to throttle him. I feel rather protective of Keaton after everything he’s been through, he’s had a rough go of the rough power dynamics, a toxic home life with some serious instability, and his unresolved childhood trauma. So the whiplash I was feeling from Rowan and Keaton’s reunion and making up after 4 years of lost time, I honestly wanted more emotional development and I wanted there to be more time and healing between the two of them.
The last thing I am going to say is that I really hope Mason gets his own story as I found him to be a really fun character and I’d love to learn more about him, learn his back story, and I’d just love to see him get his own HEA.
If you enjoy MM, a redemption arc, MMA, then this is a great book to pick up and get lost in. I know that you’ll love it as much as I did and you’ll be eager for the 2nd part of this duet just like I am.
My favorite quote from this book is:
“I wanted him. There had never been a time I didn’t want him, despite how often I tried to forget.”
And it has nothing to do with what Rowan can do in the cage.
Growing up, they were next-door neighbors and best friends. Just two boys who shared secrets, first kisses, and more. But one brutal night during their senior year of high school destroyed everything, turning them into enemies who haven’t spoken since.
After serving four years in the Air Force, Rowan returns home ready to turn years of jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and military boxing into a shot at an MMA future he’s wanted for years. He’s determined not to waste his second chance, and the last thing he expects to find is Keaton already making a name for himself at Titan Elite—or to end up as his roommate.
Training at the same gym means there’s no escape from the past between them. Every argument cut’s too deep. Every glance lingers too long. Every touch spark’s something far hotter than hate.
The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to pretend their history meant nothing.
But attraction doesn’t erase betrayal, and old wounds don’t stay buried for long.
For Keaton and Rowan, this fight is only the first round.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: MM Romance, Childhood Best-Friends to Estranged to Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Roommates, Second Chances, Secret Hookups, Sports Romance (MMA) Queer Awakening, High Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Opposites Attract, Boy Next Door, First Love, Slow-Burn, Tension, Hurt, Pining, MMA, Military MMC, First Time, Brother’s Best-Friend, College Romance, Double Bi-Awakening, Only One Bed.
Fight Me, Break Me is the 1st book in the Off the Map Duet An MMA Romance by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams. From USA Today bestselling authors Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams, comes a steamy MM enemies-to-lovers sports romance about childhood best friends turned bitter enemies, queer awakening, first times, secret hookups, and forced proximity. It will leave you hooked from the first page. This is the first book in the Off the Mat duet, and Keaton and Rowan’s story continues in Heal Me, Love Me, which will be released in August 2026.
When Keaton Stafford and Rowan Cross were Ten they were the best of friends and who were next door neighbors. Keaton’s home life was stormy and he would often try and find peace at Rowan’s home. Rowan and Keaton would do everything together, they shared their lives, their first kiss, and found a love they couldn’t explain. It was one night during senior year at a party that their friendship is suddenly blown up and neither Keaton or Rowan speak again for four years.
After graduation Rowan joins the Air Force and serves for four years. When he leaves the Air Force he returns in the hopes to become an MMA cage fighter. Rowan chooses to move into his coach’s house where he’s shocked to find that he’s not the only one who’ll be living with his coach, he’ll also be sharing the house with none other than Keaton. And when the two men are once again face-to-face, they realize that there’s a lot of hostility and anger between them.
They finally sit down and confront their issues head on, the very issues that had destroyed their friendship four years ago. And Rowan finally takes responsibility for what had happened that night senior year. Once they work their issues out, they are once again faced with the feelings they’d left behind them, left behind when their friendship blew up and they decide now is the time to finally explore them, and in doing so, they not only rekindle their friendship but become so much more.
Both Rowan and Keaton are given the opportunity to take the next step in their MMA career and are invited to go to LA and participate in the MMA scene there, and it’s there in LA that Rowan makes a discovery that once again blows their little bubble wide open.
Kimberly Knight & Rachel Lyn Adams, this is one of my favorite writing duo’s and man have they done it again with the first book of their “Off The Mat” duet. Their writing is seamless and you can’t tell who writes what part. The story moves at the absolute perfect pace and the storyline, the plot and the sub-plot are chefs kiss perfect.
The primary and secondary characters were unconditionally perfectly created. They just leap off the page, they grow, they are relatable, they feel realistic and authentic.
Now, I do have to warn you that this book does end in a cliffhanger and now I am just waiting to get my hands on the 2nd book of this duet, which is due out in August 2026, so I can find out what happens and how this stunning duet ends.
I do have to say this, when you find out what Rowan does to Keaton, you’re going to scream and want to throttle him. Sure, he was this dumb kid, but still, I wanted to throttle him. I feel rather protective of Keaton after everything he’s been through, he’s had a rough go of the rough power dynamics, a toxic home life with some serious instability, and his unresolved childhood trauma. So the whiplash I was feeling from Rowan and Keaton’s reunion and making up after 4 years of lost time, I honestly wanted more emotional development and I wanted there to be more time and healing between the two of them.
The last thing I am going to say is that I really hope Mason gets his own story as I found him to be a really fun character and I’d love to learn more about him, learn his back story, and I’d just love to see him get his own HEA.
If you enjoy MM, a redemption arc, MMA, then this is a great book to pick up and get lost in. I know that you’ll love it as much as I did and you’ll be eager for the 2nd part of this duet just like I am.
My favorite quote from this book is:
“I wanted him. There had never been a time I didn’t want him, despite how often I tried to forget.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
FIGHT ME, BREAK ME
By Kimberly Knight & Rachel Lyn Adams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this E-book ARC edition of the novel from The Author’s Agency on behalf of the authors in exchange for an honest review. It will be Available May 4th on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
www.amazon.com /B0GH94S985
This is a 245-page Fast Paced, Origin Story, Secret Friends-to-Lover-to-Haters-to-Lovers, Opposites Attract, Second Chance MM Romance. This is the first book in the OFF THE MAT DUET, and doesn’t seem to be taking place in any of the author’s existing extended universes, that I could catch. Kimberly and Rachel have a reputation for their duet/duologies, leaving you hanging to finish their character’s story a short time in the future. Soooo, LOCK IN!!!! *Please see Content Warnings
Written in alternating chapters dual first person POV, this book starts out way in the future, or so it seems. We will find out. Dropping us in during a tense moment before a major fight is about to take place only to be shot back to when our MCs are only 10 years old, making us play the long game in a short novel. The novel’s timeline will keep you on your toes dragging you back and forth to fill in the blanks of their childhood origin story, and how we ended up back in the beginning.
Rowan is a military brat, moving around from one base to another every couple of years or so, until he lands next door to Keaton, who has a traumatic household and tries to escape it as often as possible. The two hit it off, and become besties, but with secrets.
The pacing of the plot isn’t just fast, it moves with the speed of a F-16 traveling at Mach-2, with dialogue that’s delivered like a rapid 1,2 punch that you don’t see coming. The authors don’t throw filler or unnecessary content at you to be extra with the purpose they wanted to achieve. They do a good job at separating the MCs personalities drastically even though they both partake in this violent sport. Actually, all of the ensemble fighter’s personalities as well! They really show that the aggressiveness you see in the ring or on the mat isn’t all there is to them as individuals. They are real people with real feelings and are complex. Especially when someone else is constantly on your mind.
The spice was a lot and all at once. Nothing like making up for lost time. A binge without the purge. An addiction without the drugs. I could keep going and going and going, just like them, but I just don’t have the stamina to keep typing. It is a mix of Closed Door, Cracked Door and FULLY OPEN DOOR, going back to the beginning when they were younger. The authors did an awesome job of knowing where the line was for when they were a certain age with content that didn’t seem inappropriate to me, but was also realistic. Most authors wouldn’t even write or include a story plot like this to begin with because of the taboo nature it could turn into, so I give my full respect to Kimberly and Rachel for what they pulled off.
The ensemble was a good size and was constantly changing. Some characters are considered our core ensemble that you get to know, and I hope that we get additional books in the future for some of them. But other characters come and go for the purpose of moving the story along, giving our characters life lessons, or in the instance of our cliffhanger that I completely guessed wrong, they are there to throw an upper cut to upend the entire thing.
It was a quick read that could easily be done in one sitting. For as fast as it goes, and how short it technically is, the authors packed a lot of emotion and feelings into it. And the reaction you will have at the end will only make you wish that the August Release Date was closer than it is!
💜Happy Reading🫶
By Kimberly Knight & Rachel Lyn Adams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this E-book ARC edition of the novel from The Author’s Agency on behalf of the authors in exchange for an honest review. It will be Available May 4th on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
www.amazon.com /B0GH94S985
This is a 245-page Fast Paced, Origin Story, Secret Friends-to-Lover-to-Haters-to-Lovers, Opposites Attract, Second Chance MM Romance. This is the first book in the OFF THE MAT DUET, and doesn’t seem to be taking place in any of the author’s existing extended universes, that I could catch. Kimberly and Rachel have a reputation for their duet/duologies, leaving you hanging to finish their character’s story a short time in the future. Soooo, LOCK IN!!!! *Please see Content Warnings
Written in alternating chapters dual first person POV, this book starts out way in the future, or so it seems. We will find out. Dropping us in during a tense moment before a major fight is about to take place only to be shot back to when our MCs are only 10 years old, making us play the long game in a short novel. The novel’s timeline will keep you on your toes dragging you back and forth to fill in the blanks of their childhood origin story, and how we ended up back in the beginning.
Rowan is a military brat, moving around from one base to another every couple of years or so, until he lands next door to Keaton, who has a traumatic household and tries to escape it as often as possible. The two hit it off, and become besties, but with secrets.
The pacing of the plot isn’t just fast, it moves with the speed of a F-16 traveling at Mach-2, with dialogue that’s delivered like a rapid 1,2 punch that you don’t see coming. The authors don’t throw filler or unnecessary content at you to be extra with the purpose they wanted to achieve. They do a good job at separating the MCs personalities drastically even though they both partake in this violent sport. Actually, all of the ensemble fighter’s personalities as well! They really show that the aggressiveness you see in the ring or on the mat isn’t all there is to them as individuals. They are real people with real feelings and are complex. Especially when someone else is constantly on your mind.
The spice was a lot and all at once. Nothing like making up for lost time. A binge without the purge. An addiction without the drugs. I could keep going and going and going, just like them, but I just don’t have the stamina to keep typing. It is a mix of Closed Door, Cracked Door and FULLY OPEN DOOR, going back to the beginning when they were younger. The authors did an awesome job of knowing where the line was for when they were a certain age with content that didn’t seem inappropriate to me, but was also realistic. Most authors wouldn’t even write or include a story plot like this to begin with because of the taboo nature it could turn into, so I give my full respect to Kimberly and Rachel for what they pulled off.
The ensemble was a good size and was constantly changing. Some characters are considered our core ensemble that you get to know, and I hope that we get additional books in the future for some of them. But other characters come and go for the purpose of moving the story along, giving our characters life lessons, or in the instance of our cliffhanger that I completely guessed wrong, they are there to throw an upper cut to upend the entire thing.
It was a quick read that could easily be done in one sitting. For as fast as it goes, and how short it technically is, the authors packed a lot of emotion and feelings into it. And the reaction you will have at the end will only make you wish that the August Release Date was closer than it is!
💜Happy Reading🫶
May 4, 2026
This book by Authors Kimberly Knight & Rachel Lyn Adams, blew me away with the scenes that were written extremely well with an awesome back story that goes a big way to making it gel I sure was smitten . It’s got depth and some scenes I almost wept! The storyline is divine. Two best friends are forced to part . Different life goals for a start. 👌♥️
Blurb :
Keaton Stafford knows exactly how dangerous Rowan Cross can be. And it has nothing to do with what Rowan can do in the cage. Growing up, they were next-door neighbors and best friends. Just two boys who shared secrets, first kisses, and more. But one brutal night during their senior year of high school destroyed everything, turning them into enemies…
Rowan has just done four years service in the Air Force ,now he’s wanting to follow his ultimate dream ,his goal. Ju-jitsu ,wrestling and more. For his MMA future overall. On a mat covering the floor. Pent out that rage but disciplined in a cage. Only he doesn’t count on Keaton Stafford,his childhood best friend to more. When he walks out onto the Gym floor. What’s more the room he rents ,means they’re now roommates. No longer staying with his parents.
Keaton is already making a name for himself on the circuit for Titan Elite and Rowan needs this to feel complete. He’s not going to be beat. If he can get past this bypass his beef with his ex mate,everything should be great… The owner thinks they should bury the hatchet or one of them go. He doesn’t need to know the ins and outs. Just when they’re on his matting . There’s no spatting allowed .
With heavy petting and more they’ve shared before ,do they give in to their sin once more ? Does one of them have his heart ripped out some more? Read and see for yourself. It really is top shelf good. So go out and buy I’d happily sigh and recommend this read I would . It’s so good. They have you on the edge of your seat ,waiting and urging them on. With this story of theirs I was done. Be still my beating heart. Angst and in despair at the two of them I share that much. This beautiful story has the power of love beating through it . And these authors pull them through turmoil to reach their ultimate triumph. This book certainly has oomph! Phew 😮💨
Blurb :
Keaton Stafford knows exactly how dangerous Rowan Cross can be. And it has nothing to do with what Rowan can do in the cage. Growing up, they were next-door neighbors and best friends. Just two boys who shared secrets, first kisses, and more. But one brutal night during their senior year of high school destroyed everything, turning them into enemies…
Rowan has just done four years service in the Air Force ,now he’s wanting to follow his ultimate dream ,his goal. Ju-jitsu ,wrestling and more. For his MMA future overall. On a mat covering the floor. Pent out that rage but disciplined in a cage. Only he doesn’t count on Keaton Stafford,his childhood best friend to more. When he walks out onto the Gym floor. What’s more the room he rents ,means they’re now roommates. No longer staying with his parents.
Keaton is already making a name for himself on the circuit for Titan Elite and Rowan needs this to feel complete. He’s not going to be beat. If he can get past this bypass his beef with his ex mate,everything should be great… The owner thinks they should bury the hatchet or one of them go. He doesn’t need to know the ins and outs. Just when they’re on his matting . There’s no spatting allowed .
With heavy petting and more they’ve shared before ,do they give in to their sin once more ? Does one of them have his heart ripped out some more? Read and see for yourself. It really is top shelf good. So go out and buy I’d happily sigh and recommend this read I would . It’s so good. They have you on the edge of your seat ,waiting and urging them on. With this story of theirs I was done. Be still my beating heart. Angst and in despair at the two of them I share that much. This beautiful story has the power of love beating through it . And these authors pull them through turmoil to reach their ultimate triumph. This book certainly has oomph! Phew 😮💨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into this with pretty level-headed expectations, for some reason I didn’t think it would be very emotional, but it surprised me in the best way ☺️
The prologue already had tension, and I love it when a book pulls me in that quickly. And then multiple things clicked - the pacing, the writing, perfect length for the first part of the duet - and I ended up devouring it in a matter of hours.
This story definitely had emotional moments. My personal one was about having my own 10yo son, so my heart really ached for baby Keaton 💔 But at the same time, I appreciated that it didn’t become overwhelmingly heavy, it’s not built entirely around trauma, it made it easier to stay immersed and not feeling drained.
So their initial fallout? Frustrating, dramatic maybe. But 18yo teens are allowed to be messy, unsure, and make stupid decisions. It didn’t take me out of the story, it felt age-appropriate really.
Was the reciprocation a bit quick? Again, maybe, but also I still remember what it felt like to be stupidly in love in my early twentieth, so I didn’t really question it at all 🥹
And I think that’s the key thing here, it’s not about some intricate plotting, shocking twists or very sensible actions. It’s about the feeling.
I felt it when things broke and I felt it when they came back together 🥹
And talking about the twists - call me whatever, but I did not ! expect that final one, the last line, EXCUSE ME?? 🫨 I honestly thought we were heading in a completely different direction, some unexpected confrontation between them or something, but not that 🫠
And now there are more than 3 months until book two, and I know I am really waiting to see how it all works out.
The cover is also ❤🔥
So objectively, I can maybe see why this might land as a 4⭐ for some people.
But my experience reading it felt like 5 🥰
Thank you so much to the authors and TAA for the ARC 🙌
The prologue already had tension, and I love it when a book pulls me in that quickly. And then multiple things clicked - the pacing, the writing, perfect length for the first part of the duet - and I ended up devouring it in a matter of hours.
This story definitely had emotional moments. My personal one was about having my own 10yo son, so my heart really ached for baby Keaton 💔 But at the same time, I appreciated that it didn’t become overwhelmingly heavy, it’s not built entirely around trauma, it made it easier to stay immersed and not feeling drained.
So their initial fallout? Frustrating, dramatic maybe. But 18yo teens are allowed to be messy, unsure, and make stupid decisions. It didn’t take me out of the story, it felt age-appropriate really.
Was the reciprocation a bit quick? Again, maybe, but also I still remember what it felt like to be stupidly in love in my early twentieth, so I didn’t really question it at all 🥹
And I think that’s the key thing here, it’s not about some intricate plotting, shocking twists or very sensible actions. It’s about the feeling.
I felt it when things broke and I felt it when they came back together 🥹
And talking about the twists - call me whatever, but I did not ! expect that final one, the last line, EXCUSE ME?? 🫨 I honestly thought we were heading in a completely different direction, some unexpected confrontation between them or something, but not that 🫠
And now there are more than 3 months until book two, and I know I am really waiting to see how it all works out.
The cover is also ❤🔥
So objectively, I can maybe see why this might land as a 4⭐ for some people.
But my experience reading it felt like 5 🥰
Thank you so much to the authors and TAA for the ARC 🙌
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to The Author Agency and the authors for the eARC.
I was really excited to dive into a story centered around two MMA fighters, and there was definitely a lot here that worked for me—even if it didn’t fully hit the mark overall.
Rowan and Keaton’s history is one of the strongest parts of this book. Meeting at just ten years old gave their relationship such a solid emotional foundation, and the flashbacks to their past added a lot of depth to their journey. For me, those transitions flowed well and helped build the emotional weight behind their connection.
And honestly? The fallout of their friendship hurt. Watching everything unravel, especially seeing how Rowan let fear, pressure, and outside influences shape his choices, was tough to read. It added a heartbreaking layer to their story, and I really felt for Keaton through so much of it.
There were definitely sweet moments, and I appreciated the emotional complexity, but I do think the reconciliation felt a little too rushed. Given everything they’d been through, I wanted more time spent rebuilding that trust before their relationship fully deepened again.
I also found myself questioning the purpose of the prologue. It felt a little disconnected from the rest of the story, and by the end, I wasn’t entirely sure what it was meant to add. If it was meant to foreshadow the next book, I’m not convinced it was necessary—especially since the cliffhanger itself could have carried that weight without it.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read by any means—I just wanted a little more time, tension, and clarity in certain areas to really make the emotional payoff land stronger.
⚠️ Please check trigger warnings for domestic violence mentions, sudden death of a side character, physical violence/fighting, and homophobia.
I was really excited to dive into a story centered around two MMA fighters, and there was definitely a lot here that worked for me—even if it didn’t fully hit the mark overall.
Rowan and Keaton’s history is one of the strongest parts of this book. Meeting at just ten years old gave their relationship such a solid emotional foundation, and the flashbacks to their past added a lot of depth to their journey. For me, those transitions flowed well and helped build the emotional weight behind their connection.
And honestly? The fallout of their friendship hurt. Watching everything unravel, especially seeing how Rowan let fear, pressure, and outside influences shape his choices, was tough to read. It added a heartbreaking layer to their story, and I really felt for Keaton through so much of it.
There were definitely sweet moments, and I appreciated the emotional complexity, but I do think the reconciliation felt a little too rushed. Given everything they’d been through, I wanted more time spent rebuilding that trust before their relationship fully deepened again.
I also found myself questioning the purpose of the prologue. It felt a little disconnected from the rest of the story, and by the end, I wasn’t entirely sure what it was meant to add. If it was meant to foreshadow the next book, I’m not convinced it was necessary—especially since the cliffhanger itself could have carried that weight without it.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read by any means—I just wanted a little more time, tension, and clarity in certain areas to really make the emotional payoff land stronger.
⚠️ Please check trigger warnings for domestic violence mentions, sudden death of a side character, physical violence/fighting, and homophobia.
May 6, 2026
⭐️ 5/5
🔥 5/5
🌶️ 4/5
💧 4/5
Fight Me, Break Me by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams, provided via The Author Agency, is an emotionally intense MM sports romance filled with unresolved feelings, emotional tension, forced proximity, second chances, and relationship dynamics that make it impossible to stop reading.
The story follows Rowan and Keaton, former childhood best friends whose relationship completely shattered years earlier after one devastating night changed everything between them.
Now Rowan has returned home after serving in the Air Force and is pursuing cage fighting, only to discover that the coach’s roommate is none other than Keaton.
The forced proximity between them immediately creates emotional tension because neither of them has fully moved on from the past or the feelings still lingering underneath the anger and hostility.
One of the strongest aspects of this story was getting to see flashbacks and moments from when Rowan and Keaton were actually friends before everything fell apart. Those scenes added so much emotional depth because you could clearly understand how much comfort, safety, and emotional connection they once found in each other.
That emotional history made their relationship feel incredibly real and emotionally layered.
I also appreciated that Rowan owned up to his role in what destroyed their friendship because it allowed the emotional healing and rebuilding between them to feel believable rather than rushed.
The balance between emotional vulnerability, action, tension, and relationship development kept the pacing strong throughout the entire book.
Overall, Fight Me, Break Me is an emotional and addictive MM sports romance filled with unresolved feelings, emotional healing, forced proximity, tension, and second-chance romance that completely pulls you into Rowan and Keaton’s story from beginning to end.
🔥 5/5
🌶️ 4/5
💧 4/5
Fight Me, Break Me by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams, provided via The Author Agency, is an emotionally intense MM sports romance filled with unresolved feelings, emotional tension, forced proximity, second chances, and relationship dynamics that make it impossible to stop reading.
The story follows Rowan and Keaton, former childhood best friends whose relationship completely shattered years earlier after one devastating night changed everything between them.
Now Rowan has returned home after serving in the Air Force and is pursuing cage fighting, only to discover that the coach’s roommate is none other than Keaton.
The forced proximity between them immediately creates emotional tension because neither of them has fully moved on from the past or the feelings still lingering underneath the anger and hostility.
One of the strongest aspects of this story was getting to see flashbacks and moments from when Rowan and Keaton were actually friends before everything fell apart. Those scenes added so much emotional depth because you could clearly understand how much comfort, safety, and emotional connection they once found in each other.
That emotional history made their relationship feel incredibly real and emotionally layered.
I also appreciated that Rowan owned up to his role in what destroyed their friendship because it allowed the emotional healing and rebuilding between them to feel believable rather than rushed.
The balance between emotional vulnerability, action, tension, and relationship development kept the pacing strong throughout the entire book.
Overall, Fight Me, Break Me is an emotional and addictive MM sports romance filled with unresolved feelings, emotional healing, forced proximity, tension, and second-chance romance that completely pulls you into Rowan and Keaton’s story from beginning to end.
May 8, 2026
Fight Me, Break Me by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams is book one of their Off the Mat duet. A secret Friends-to-Lover-to-Haters-to-Lovers, Opposites Attract, Second Chance, MMA fighters MM Romance. I've read Kimberly and Rachel duet/duologies, and I enjoy their style of writing very much. Fight Me, Break Me is one that will leave you hanging until August but I promise you it'll be worth it! Also, read the content warnings. Like their previous work, this is written in dual, first person POV, story of childhood friends Rowan and Keaton, although the story starts when they are adults and then flashback to when they were ten years old. You get bits of this throughout the story, which I understand for some is annoying but I'm invested already just based on the tropes. Also, I've been waiting for a good MM romance that wasn't about hockey players because MMA fighters deserve a HEA. Following the timeline kept me engaged to fill in the blanks of their childhood and how we ended up back in the beginning. A good friends to lovers to enemies to lovers timeline is always entertaining for me. I appreciate the origin too, it explains a lot. Keaton comes from a broken home and Rowan, the "military brat", meets and both share that comfort and safety of home, belonging. They have that in common, it's like they found peace in each other when they were young. I really do appreciate that Kimberly and Rachel don't write unnecessary "fillers" or drama, they write their characters with conviction and do a great job at it! They do their research and show the aggressiveness yet vulnerability of MMA fighters and the sport overall.
For me it was a quick read, and I finished it in one sitting. I can't wait for Rowan and Keaton HEA in book two. Happy reading all!
For me it was a quick read, and I finished it in one sitting. I can't wait for Rowan and Keaton HEA in book two. Happy reading all!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 5✨
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - May 4, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- MM romance
- childhood best friends to enemies
- forced proximity
- roommates
- second chance
- secret hookups
- sports romance (MMA)
- queer awakening
- high angst
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Rowan and Keaton were once inseparable. Best friends, first kisses, first love, and each other’s safe place. But one painful night changed everything and turned love into heartbreak. Four years later, fate throws them back together in the same gym, the same house, and right back into all those feelings they tried to bury.
This book had me hooked from page one. The tension between Rowan and Keaton was so intense and emotional, and every scene between them felt heavy with history. You could feel the hurt, the love, and all the unfinished feelings in every chapter.
I loved how messy and real their story felt. It wasn’t perfect love, it was painful, complicated, and so addicting. The childhood connection made everything hit harder because you could see how deep their bond always was.
The chemistry was insane, the training scenes were hot, and the emotional moments hurt in the best way. Keaton’s pain felt so real and Rowan’s guilt broke my heart.
This story gave me angst, tension, heartbreak, and so much longing. I could not stop reading because I needed them to fix everything between them.
And that ending destroyed me. I was not expecting that cliffhanger at all and now I have to wait till August 2026 for book two and honestly I’m crying already 😭
Thank you the author agency for the ARC!
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - May 4, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- MM romance
- childhood best friends to enemies
- forced proximity
- roommates
- second chance
- secret hookups
- sports romance (MMA)
- queer awakening
- high angst
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Rowan and Keaton were once inseparable. Best friends, first kisses, first love, and each other’s safe place. But one painful night changed everything and turned love into heartbreak. Four years later, fate throws them back together in the same gym, the same house, and right back into all those feelings they tried to bury.
This book had me hooked from page one. The tension between Rowan and Keaton was so intense and emotional, and every scene between them felt heavy with history. You could feel the hurt, the love, and all the unfinished feelings in every chapter.
I loved how messy and real their story felt. It wasn’t perfect love, it was painful, complicated, and so addicting. The childhood connection made everything hit harder because you could see how deep their bond always was.
The chemistry was insane, the training scenes were hot, and the emotional moments hurt in the best way. Keaton’s pain felt so real and Rowan’s guilt broke my heart.
This story gave me angst, tension, heartbreak, and so much longing. I could not stop reading because I needed them to fix everything between them.
And that ending destroyed me. I was not expecting that cliffhanger at all and now I have to wait till August 2026 for book two and honestly I’m crying already 😭
Thank you the author agency for the ARC!
May 8, 2026
*Overall Book Rating: 4.5 / 5
*Tropes:
-MM Romance
-Forced Proximity
-Second Chance
-Best Friends to Lovers to Estranged to Lovers
-Opposite Attracts
-Hurt / Comfort
-Virgin MC
-It’s Always Been You
-Book 1 of the Duet
*Spiciness: 3 / 5
This story revolves around Keaton and Rowan and how their relationship changes throughout their childhood to adolescence to adulthood. As children, Keaton and Rowan were best friends who spend all their time outside school together. As they grew older, their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship, strengthening their bond. When Keaton felt overwhelmed at home, he would seek solace, security, and affection with Rowan. Their relationship took a downward turn after a particular incident, leading them to go their separate ways. Years later Rowan and Keaton’s path cross again when Rowan joins the same gym where Keaton is training for his MMA career. Rowan and Keaton’s relationship is still awkward, filled with unresolved issues, resentment, and lingering sexual tension. On a fateful night, the sexual tension between them snaps, and they finally give in to their desire for each other. This leads to them finally talking about what had happened all those years ago and resolving their issues. They decide to give their relationship another chance and things are going great between them until they are not - once again. This is the first book in the duet and it ends at a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read the second book and find out what happens next.
*Tropes:
-MM Romance
-Forced Proximity
-Second Chance
-Best Friends to Lovers to Estranged to Lovers
-Opposite Attracts
-Hurt / Comfort
-Virgin MC
-It’s Always Been You
-Book 1 of the Duet
*Spiciness: 3 / 5
This story revolves around Keaton and Rowan and how their relationship changes throughout their childhood to adolescence to adulthood. As children, Keaton and Rowan were best friends who spend all their time outside school together. As they grew older, their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship, strengthening their bond. When Keaton felt overwhelmed at home, he would seek solace, security, and affection with Rowan. Their relationship took a downward turn after a particular incident, leading them to go their separate ways. Years later Rowan and Keaton’s path cross again when Rowan joins the same gym where Keaton is training for his MMA career. Rowan and Keaton’s relationship is still awkward, filled with unresolved issues, resentment, and lingering sexual tension. On a fateful night, the sexual tension between them snaps, and they finally give in to their desire for each other. This leads to them finally talking about what had happened all those years ago and resolving their issues. They decide to give their relationship another chance and things are going great between them until they are not - once again. This is the first book in the duet and it ends at a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read the second book and find out what happens next.
May 4, 2026
Overall, yes, I liked it. But again I feel like sex is used as a filler far too much. Maybe because I've been an avid reader since before kindergarten. But it just seems like an easy way to fill pages. The more sex there is, the less special it seems to me. Fade to black sometimes.
The back story of Keaton and Rowan was mostly sweet. Friends since they were kids, living next door to each other but the older they got the more into their respective "cliques" they stayed. Pretending like they didn't know each other while at school- or with any other person basically- was a bit extreme. That was the first hint for me that I wasn't going to like what happened. And I was right. I don't know how a friendship lasted that long when it was a secret. Yes, the friendship was a secret.
Flash forward a few years and they cross paths again. Keaton is still, rightfully, mad. Rowan knows he is wrong but it takes a bit before Keaton will even talk to him.
And then POOF! All forgiven. Like, come on. And they don't even talk about the whole secret friendship thing. Just what led to the break up.
The MMA parts were interesting. I don't know a lot about it but it didn't bore me with over explanations. There was just enough to keep me in the story without wanting to skip pages.
I knew this was book 1 of 2 but the cliffhanger was not what I was expecting. That alone will probably make me read book 2.
The back story of Keaton and Rowan was mostly sweet. Friends since they were kids, living next door to each other but the older they got the more into their respective "cliques" they stayed. Pretending like they didn't know each other while at school- or with any other person basically- was a bit extreme. That was the first hint for me that I wasn't going to like what happened. And I was right. I don't know how a friendship lasted that long when it was a secret. Yes, the friendship was a secret.
Flash forward a few years and they cross paths again. Keaton is still, rightfully, mad. Rowan knows he is wrong but it takes a bit before Keaton will even talk to him.
And then POOF! All forgiven. Like, come on. And they don't even talk about the whole secret friendship thing. Just what led to the break up.
The MMA parts were interesting. I don't know a lot about it but it didn't bore me with over explanations. There was just enough to keep me in the story without wanting to skip pages.
I knew this was book 1 of 2 but the cliffhanger was not what I was expecting. That alone will probably make me read book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fight Me, Break Me was an interesting read, and I'm always on the lookout for new fighter and/or MMA/BJJ plotlines.
FMBM is a great fit for people who want second-chance romance, hurt/comfort, forced proximity, friends to lovers that are also enemies to lovers.
Both Rowan and Keaton were likeable, but there are definitely times where you want to give Rowan just a bit of a kick. To be honest, the guys are still young when Rowan makes his big mistake, so for me, it was easier to forgive him.
I totally get, though, why Keaton is so upset, because Knight and Adams did a good job of building up the boys' background. I'm not typically a big fan of stories that bounce between the present and the past, but in this case, it was done well. We see "key" moments that fulfill a purpose rather than any jumps into the past feeling like filler.
As a whole, the forgiveness part came maybe a bit fast for me, but based on the ending of book one, I think the guys aren't quite done smoothing over the rough edges of their broken relationship. The cliffhanger at the end wasn't entirely unexpected, and it wasn't that bad as far as cliffhangers go.
I won't give away specifics other than to say don't worry, no one is dead or dying so it could be much worse.
Looking forward to book two!
FMBM is a great fit for people who want second-chance romance, hurt/comfort, forced proximity, friends to lovers that are also enemies to lovers.
Both Rowan and Keaton were likeable, but there are definitely times where you want to give Rowan just a bit of a kick. To be honest, the guys are still young when Rowan makes his big mistake, so for me, it was easier to forgive him.
I totally get, though, why Keaton is so upset, because Knight and Adams did a good job of building up the boys' background. I'm not typically a big fan of stories that bounce between the present and the past, but in this case, it was done well. We see "key" moments that fulfill a purpose rather than any jumps into the past feeling like filler.
As a whole, the forgiveness part came maybe a bit fast for me, but based on the ending of book one, I think the guys aren't quite done smoothing over the rough edges of their broken relationship. The cliffhanger at the end wasn't entirely unexpected, and it wasn't that bad as far as cliffhangers go.
I won't give away specifics other than to say don't worry, no one is dead or dying so it could be much worse.
Looking forward to book two!
Review of advance copy
This was a wonderful story of neighbor children turned secret friends turned youthful lovers turned enemies turned lovers again… Are you confused yet? Don’t worry… You didn’t even get to the cliffhanger… Oof!
Rowan finally thinks he *might* have the chance to stay somewhere and make friends after traveling the world as part of a military family. He’s a sports kid, which makes him part of a different crowd than the boy next door. Keaton’s life doesn’t have the stability that Rowan’s does, and he finds his escape and solace with his new neighbor, even if nobody at school knows how deep their friendship is. Rowan has a future set with the military, but he has a desire to box and do BJJ, which he is passionate about. The falling out that happens between the two is jarring, and sets them on a course that would ordinarily keep them apart. Years later, Rowan’s passion and Keaton’s skill and unique talent, instincts, and desire to survive bring them full circle and back into each other’s orbit. They still have so many secrets between them that threaten to tear them apart, even as they try to mend what was broken so long ago. I can’t wait to see how the cliffy is resolved and where the authors take us from here. I loved both these guys for their unique outlook on the world, their tenacity, and their desire to fight and fix what happened.
Rowan finally thinks he *might* have the chance to stay somewhere and make friends after traveling the world as part of a military family. He’s a sports kid, which makes him part of a different crowd than the boy next door. Keaton’s life doesn’t have the stability that Rowan’s does, and he finds his escape and solace with his new neighbor, even if nobody at school knows how deep their friendship is. Rowan has a future set with the military, but he has a desire to box and do BJJ, which he is passionate about. The falling out that happens between the two is jarring, and sets them on a course that would ordinarily keep them apart. Years later, Rowan’s passion and Keaton’s skill and unique talent, instincts, and desire to survive bring them full circle and back into each other’s orbit. They still have so many secrets between them that threaten to tear them apart, even as they try to mend what was broken so long ago. I can’t wait to see how the cliffy is resolved and where the authors take us from here. I loved both these guys for their unique outlook on the world, their tenacity, and their desire to fight and fix what happened.
May 5, 2026
MY OPINION: This is a duet of books that leave you in an unexpected spot. No HEA here, so be prepared for the heartbreak with no resolution. There is quite a bit of story here; they do not even speak to each other civilly until seventy-five percent.
There is quite a bit of spice in that last quarter, but it’s two men making up for lost time. Generally, the story is about young men (eighteen-year-olds) falling hard. Learning about themselves and their preferences, the problem is that when a choice had to be made, it was a bad one. Without resolution they are separated for four years.
They find themselves forced back together, and it ends up being a situation where, maybe they can repair the damage. The story has a lot of heart, tons of emotion. Sharing a future and a past can get tricky, and slowly they start to build something again.
I might just be too soft-hearted, but there were some emotional moments, I cry to easy I swear. The fact that I loved this book frustrates me because of all the anxiety. Such a great story, and I do recommend it. The problem is that the next book won’t be out until August. Where we are left is not expected, and now … feelings.
Pick this up, there is some spice, but it’s all in the last quarter. I felt like I knew the men very well and liked them both. I am certainly looking forward to the next one so I can get my HEA.
There is quite a bit of spice in that last quarter, but it’s two men making up for lost time. Generally, the story is about young men (eighteen-year-olds) falling hard. Learning about themselves and their preferences, the problem is that when a choice had to be made, it was a bad one. Without resolution they are separated for four years.
They find themselves forced back together, and it ends up being a situation where, maybe they can repair the damage. The story has a lot of heart, tons of emotion. Sharing a future and a past can get tricky, and slowly they start to build something again.
I might just be too soft-hearted, but there were some emotional moments, I cry to easy I swear. The fact that I loved this book frustrates me because of all the anxiety. Such a great story, and I do recommend it. The problem is that the next book won’t be out until August. Where we are left is not expected, and now … feelings.
Pick this up, there is some spice, but it’s all in the last quarter. I felt like I knew the men very well and liked them both. I am certainly looking forward to the next one so I can get my HEA.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fight Me, Break Me
by Kimberly Knight & Rachel Lyn Adams
@kimberlyknight.rachellynadams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fight Me, Break Me is book one of the Off The Mat duet that tells the story of Keaton Stafford and Rowan Cross. Told through flashbacks sprinkled in throughout the book, you learn how Keaton and Rowan meet at 10 years old when they become neighbors and how Rowan’s home becomes Keatons safe space. Over time, their friendship evolves into a deeper relationship that ultimately comes crashing down and then, after four years of estrangement, find themselves as teammates training at the same MMA gym and housemates. The writers give us the rare gift of two people actually communicating both as they are teenagers working out their feelings for each other and then as adults as they deal with the fallout of the incident that tore them apart. I don’t know much about the MMA world, but the authors pull you in to that world and has you rooting for these two to both succeed in and out the cage. And while we know something was going to cause them more problems, since this is the first book, the way it ended caught me off guard. Looking forward to the second part of this story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
by Kimberly Knight & Rachel Lyn Adams
@kimberlyknight.rachellynadams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fight Me, Break Me is book one of the Off The Mat duet that tells the story of Keaton Stafford and Rowan Cross. Told through flashbacks sprinkled in throughout the book, you learn how Keaton and Rowan meet at 10 years old when they become neighbors and how Rowan’s home becomes Keatons safe space. Over time, their friendship evolves into a deeper relationship that ultimately comes crashing down and then, after four years of estrangement, find themselves as teammates training at the same MMA gym and housemates. The writers give us the rare gift of two people actually communicating both as they are teenagers working out their feelings for each other and then as adults as they deal with the fallout of the incident that tore them apart. I don’t know much about the MMA world, but the authors pull you in to that world and has you rooting for these two to both succeed in and out the cage. And while we know something was going to cause them more problems, since this is the first book, the way it ended caught me off guard. Looking forward to the second part of this story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m a total sucker for a second-chance romance, and this one hit so hard. There’s honestly nothing like a messy and devastating break up to show you how much thought an author put into a story, mostly because you know the groveling and growth in their redemption is going to be insane. So many things kept getting in their way, and I just wanted them to choose each other.
The way this was written with the flashbacks was so good. It really let you see how they changed between then and now. Their journey from best friends to lovers, to enemies, and back again was incredible to watch. But that cliffhanger? I’m actually distraught. I have such a bad book hangover and I need the next one immediately.
Also, for the record: I absolutely hate Devon. He was sketchy from day one and I need him to just… go away. Forever.
I really loved the MMA aspect, too. You don’t see that setting enough, and watching their dynamic shift was such a ride. They were both so determined to make their careers work while struggling with real-life heavy hitters. And their love? They wanted it even when they hated each other, but they just kept getting in their own way. I’m a giant ball of feelings right now and I’m so ready for Book 2!!!
The way this was written with the flashbacks was so good. It really let you see how they changed between then and now. Their journey from best friends to lovers, to enemies, and back again was incredible to watch. But that cliffhanger? I’m actually distraught. I have such a bad book hangover and I need the next one immediately.
Also, for the record: I absolutely hate Devon. He was sketchy from day one and I need him to just… go away. Forever.
I really loved the MMA aspect, too. You don’t see that setting enough, and watching their dynamic shift was such a ride. They were both so determined to make their careers work while struggling with real-life heavy hitters. And their love? They wanted it even when they hated each other, but they just kept getting in their own way. I’m a giant ball of feelings right now and I’m so ready for Book 2!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2026
Tension, History, and a Love That Never Let Go
Fight Me, Break Me by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams delivers on angst, tension, and that you were always mine even when we were broken kind of connection.
Keaton and Rowan’s history is everything here. Childhood best friends turned enemies? Yeah… you feel that weight in every interaction. The way their past lingers in every look, every argument, every moment they’re forced into the same space—it builds this constant tension that just doesn’t let up.
Rowan coming back with something to prove and Keaton already established at Titan Elite sets up such a strong dynamic. Neither of them can let go, even when they try to pretend they already have—and that push and pull? So good.
And when that line between hate and something else starts blurring again… yeah, it hits. Their chemistry is intense, messy, and tied so tightly to their past that it makes every moment feel heavier.
Why You’ll Love This Book
* Childhood best friends ➡️ enemies ➡️ something more
* Forced proximity that keeps the tension high
* Emotional history that drives every interaction
* Angsty, layered connection that doesn’t let go
Just know this is only the first round—Keaton and Rowan’s story continues, and you’ll definitely want what comes next.
Fight Me, Break Me by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams delivers on angst, tension, and that you were always mine even when we were broken kind of connection.
Keaton and Rowan’s history is everything here. Childhood best friends turned enemies? Yeah… you feel that weight in every interaction. The way their past lingers in every look, every argument, every moment they’re forced into the same space—it builds this constant tension that just doesn’t let up.
Rowan coming back with something to prove and Keaton already established at Titan Elite sets up such a strong dynamic. Neither of them can let go, even when they try to pretend they already have—and that push and pull? So good.
And when that line between hate and something else starts blurring again… yeah, it hits. Their chemistry is intense, messy, and tied so tightly to their past that it makes every moment feel heavier.
Why You’ll Love This Book
* Childhood best friends ➡️ enemies ➡️ something more
* Forced proximity that keeps the tension high
* Emotional history that drives every interaction
* Angsty, layered connection that doesn’t let go
Just know this is only the first round—Keaton and Rowan’s story continues, and you’ll definitely want what comes next.
May 4, 2026
Friends to lovers to enemies to lovers to cliffhanger
Y'all that cliffy snuck up on me and I. Was. Unprepared. Now I am unwell.
These guys became fast friends when they were 10. Keaton needed a friend for sure and I loved how Rowan became his safe place. I loved seeing how they grew up and became closer. The bestie to lovers was sweet and made sense but then came the fall and suddenly the imagined future wasn't what they had planned.
Man when these two were forced back into not only the same gym but the same house that shares a bathroom. That tension, anger, pain, and everything else mixed in was fantastic and brutal. Everyone knew something had caused the animosity but no one knows what.
I hated that they never fully talked through everything before jumping back into something. I mean you could tell the love was still there but forgiveness came too easily and without really working through everything or even fully catching up. It felt like everything was still balancing on a knifes edge.
I can't even imagine the consequences of that cliffhanger and I have no clue how it's going to go but I'm pretty sure it's going to suck for a while and I absolutely need the answers like right now....
Y'all that cliffy snuck up on me and I. Was. Unprepared. Now I am unwell.
These guys became fast friends when they were 10. Keaton needed a friend for sure and I loved how Rowan became his safe place. I loved seeing how they grew up and became closer. The bestie to lovers was sweet and made sense but then came the fall and suddenly the imagined future wasn't what they had planned.
Man when these two were forced back into not only the same gym but the same house that shares a bathroom. That tension, anger, pain, and everything else mixed in was fantastic and brutal. Everyone knew something had caused the animosity but no one knows what.
I hated that they never fully talked through everything before jumping back into something. I mean you could tell the love was still there but forgiveness came too easily and without really working through everything or even fully catching up. It felt like everything was still balancing on a knifes edge.
I can't even imagine the consequences of that cliffhanger and I have no clue how it's going to go but I'm pretty sure it's going to suck for a while and I absolutely need the answers like right now....
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