Hard Knocks: A spicy standalone MMA fighter romance novel

by Matt Mememaro, M.A. Darke

With the title on the line, can she help him recover before the title rematch, or will their professionalism get in the way of something more?

Alicia is just your average physiotherapist that gets taken to her first Muay Thai fight by a friend. At first, she does not know what to make of the fight, until her sights are set on the CSA light heavyweight champion Cain Axel “The Crow” Weaver. The fight ends with Cain sustaining an injury and, subsequentially, losing the fight. Alicia leaves the fight with a newfound appreciation for combat sports; however, she finds herself unable to stop thinking about the man that once was the light heavyweight champion.

Alicia’s work then finds her at the Hard Knocks Gym, where she runs into Cain once again. Yet this is not the same Cain that once stood proudly with the championship gold around his waist. This man is broken, and hungry for something more than just another title belt. He has his eyes set on Alicia and everything that she brings to the table.

Will Alicia fall for the rugged and commanding presence of Cain, or will his demons and past failures be too much for him to overcome?

Hard Knocks is the brand-new spicy MMA fighter romance standalone novel by Matt Mememaro as he makes his proper debut in the romance genre. Enter the world of Hard Knocks with characters that will leave you screaming, with a slow burn tension that will leave you begging to be a good girl for Cain.

Genres: Romance

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2026

About the author

Hailing from the enchanting landscapes of Australia, Matt Mememaro is a distinguished fantasy author who has recently ventured into the realms of romfantasy, seamlessly blending magic with matters of the heart.

Immersed in the rich tapestry of Australian culture, Matt's upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for the mystical and the extraordinary. This fascination with the fantastical, coupled with a love for storytelling, laid the foundation for his journey into the world of fantasy literature.

As Matt Mememaro ventures into the uncharted territories of romfantasy, he brings his signature blend of magic, adventure, and heartwarming romance to captivate readers. His works transport audiences from the sun-kissed landscapes of Australia to realms where love and magic intertwine, creating a literary experience that is as enchanting as the author himself.

Click "FOLLOW" to be notified about new releases, or follow Matt on his social media outlets.

Reviews

[Tei Past Midnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hards Knocks (Standalone), Matt Mememaro, M.A. Drake
🤭Review of advanced readers copy sourced independently from author.

⭐Rating: 5/5
🔥Spice: 4/5
🖼️Cover: 4/5
😭Tears Shed: 1/5

After a devastating knee injury threatens his fighting career, MMA champion Cain is determined to get back into the cage and reclaim his title. Enter Alicia, the physiotherapist tasked with getting him fight-ready. The attraction between them is immediate, but Alicia refuses to cross the professional line, no matter how much Cain enjoys testing her resolve. As their feelings become harder to ignore, outside pressures and unexpected danger force them to decide whether some rules are worth breaking.

I really enjoyed this one. The chemistry between Cain and Alicia carried the story, and their banter had me smiling and kicking my feet more than once. Cain is confident, cocky, and absolutely knows the effect he has on Alicia, while she's determined to stay professional despite his constant attempts to get under her skin. Their back-and-forth made the slow-burn romance feel natural, and it was satisfying watching the walls between them gradually come down.

One thing that genuinely surprised me was discovering this is the author's first spicy romance. I've only read a handful of romance novels written by male authors, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. The romance felt authentic, the spice was well written, and the pacing kept me turning the pages. I also loved the coloured character illustrations throughout the book—they were an unexpected touch that really brought the characters to life.

The MMA storyline added plenty of tension without overshadowing the romance. Between Cain's recovery, the pressure of returning to competition, family conflict, and the looming title fight, there was always something driving the story forward. Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced sports romance that I easily finished in a couple of days. Congrats on this debut spicy book, I’ll be over here waiting patiently for Tammy’s story.

Fave Quotes:

“....I remember you. I saw you before I got knocked out.” - Cain

“It looks like you’re with me, Alicia. What a shame.” - Cain

“Which one of you touched her first?” - Cain

“That’s where you’re wrong, Alicia. The cheques may come from Hard Knocks Gym, but I’m paying for you, and I think you’re worth every cent.” - Cain

“Don’t leave me.” - Alicia

“What you did to me, Cain. It’s fair game.” - Alicia

“...No matter how hard I try, Alicia, I can’t get you out of my fucking head.” - Cain

“Well, if you’re already breaking the rules, you might as well come inside.” - Alicia

📚 Recommended for readers who enjoy:
• MMA fighter
• Spice and banter
• Forced proximity
• Physio x Client
• F*ck it moment
• Slow burn
• Character art in book
• Obnoxious protector MMC
• HEA

[Mandy Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️

I had an absolute blast reading this book, and I don’t think I’ve laughed this much while reading in a long time.

From the opening MMA fight, I was hooked. The chemistry between Alicia and Cain was there from the start, but it was the banter that completely sold me. And omg the “we shouldn’t tension aghhh”

The humor in this book deserves a standing ovation.

“Spaghetti was straight until it got wet.” 💀

I lost it more than once. Between Alicia’s internal monologue (“What would he do if I leaned forward and bit his bicep?”) and Cain’s shameless flirting, I was constantly laughing. The dialogue felt natural, witty, and ridiculously entertaining.

Cain was the perfect broody, stubborn fighter, and watching the relationship between him and Alicia unfold had me completely invested. The tension was delicious, the flirting was effortless, and once the spice hit… it hit. If you enjoy a romance with incredible chemistry, laugh-out-loud banter, and plenty of heat, you’ll probably eat this one up.

I also appreciated the MMA setting. It added so much excitement to the story, and the physical therapy aspect gave the romance a unique twist. The balance of humor, romance, action, and steam made this such an addictive read.

By the time I reached the ending, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. I would have happily read another hundred pages with these characters because I just wanted more.

If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts funny, swoony, and steamy, this one absolutely delivers. Think spicy romcom.

Eye of the Tiger was playing in my head during every fight scene, while I Knew You Were Trouble and Scream My Name by Thomas LaRosa became the unofficial soundtrack for Cain and Alicia… and an exclusive bonus track STFUATTDLAGG by Ruby Darkrose…. IYKYK

This was just plain fun.

[☆ Allanah • Cosmic's Library ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW✨️

"I can see the way you look at me when you come into the gym. The fact that you've just told me no, only just makes me want you more."

Thankyou to Hawthorn & Aster for the ARC opportunity and HAPPY RELEASE DAY Matt Mememaro & M.A. Darke 🫶🏻

First of all, I had absolutely no experience with MMA, so I knew next to nothing about the sport. For some reason, though, I was drawn to sign up for this ARC, and I am so glad I did. 🙂‍↕️ Not only was this a HOT AF romance, but I genuinely loved learning about MMA along the way. It wasn't just used as a backdrop, it was woven into the story in a way that made it easy to understand and appreciate. I felt like I was learning about the sport right alongside the romance, and it made the whole reading experience so much more immersive. 👏🏻👏🏻

Now onto the romance because THAT was the main event for me.🤭 Cain and Alicia's chemistry was straight FIRE! 🥵 They bounced off each other so effortlessly, and every bit of banter, tension, and emotion just worked. Alicia challenged Cain to become the man he was capable of being, while Cain gave Alicia a space to loosen up, relax, and just be herself. 😍 They balanced each other out so perfectly, and watching them slowly bring out the best in one another had me completely invested.

I did find myself wishing for a little more after the final fight, and I would have loved to spend more time exploring family dynamics but that said, it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment, it was a fun and refreshing change from my usual romances.

If you're looking for a romance that's equal parts funny, swoony, and steamy, this is the book for you. It doesn't matter if you're an MMA fanatic or have never watched a fight in your life, this story is an absolute blast from start to finish. ❤️‍🔥

[Ashleigh Buckton · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

Thank you to the authors for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hard Knocks is a spicy MMA romance featuring Cain, a fighter recovering from an injury sustained in his latest fight, and Alicia, the physiotherapist hired to help him recover. Alicia has a strict no-dating-clients policy, which adds an extra layer of tension to their slow-burn romance.

The pacing was one of my favourite parts. Slow burns can sometimes feel drawn out, but this one kept me engaged throughout. The tension between Cain and Alicia builds steadily, and for me the story really took off after the “fuck it” moment, where Alicia finally gives in to what has been building between them.

I really enjoyed Cain and Alicia’s dynamic. Their chemistry felt natural, and both the emotional and physical connection between them developed in a way that felt earned. Cain’s “good girl” line definitely lived up to the hype and added to the intensity of their relationship.

There were a couple of moments in the more intimate scenes where the physical action and positioning felt a little unclear, which made it briefly difficult to picture exactly what was happening. I found myself rereading those sections to follow the flow of movement, although this may have been due to the ARC draft I received. Either way, it didn’t significantly impact my overall enjoyment of the story.

Overall, I enjoyed Hard Knocks so much that I read it twice, and I would happily recommend it to readers who love MMA romance, slow-burn relationships, forbidden romance, and plenty of chemistry with well-earned spice.

Thank you again to M.A. Darke, Matt Mememaro, and Hawthorne & Aster for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. 🫶🏻

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Knocks is a quick, spicy sports romance that leaves very little to the imagination.

Alicia is a physiotherapist who is brought in to help Cain recover from an injury sustained during his last fight. With limited time before he needs to defend his title, she has a challenging road ahead of her.

Although this is a short, fast paced story, it never feels incomplete. Alicia tries to resist her attraction to Cain, knowing there are professional boundaries she shouldn't cross, but Cain certainly knows how to test her resolve.

There are some fun bookish tropes woven throughout the story, including one in particular that had me laughing out loud in the best way. The romance unfolds through a series of cleverly crafted moments that feel natural, and while the spice certainly delivers, it was the romance that won me over. Watching what begins as instant attraction gradually grow into something much deeper was genuinely enjoyable.

There are subtle moments throughout the story where Alicia and Cain's relationship continues to strengthen. Seeing someone who is so dedicated and disciplined in their sport begin to reassess their priorities made their connection feel meaningful and heartfelt.

The ending is packed with adrenaline while still delivering a satisfying, heartwarming conclusion that had me smiling and cheering for Alicia and Cain.

I really enjoyed this story, and it delivered exactly what I was hoping for from a spicy sports romance.

I received this book as an ARC from the authors and Hawthorn & Aster, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.

[Lil Bit Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard Knocks by M.A. Darke and Matt Mememaro

Alicia is a physiotherapist. She works hard and cares about her clients. Her best friend takes her to a Muay Thai fight for the first time. From the moment he walks into the ring, she can’t take her eyes off him. Cain Axel “The Crow” Weaver is a sight to behold. She is drawn not just to his physical beauty, but also the way he moves. Unfortunately, he is injured severely during the fight. Weeks later, he is still on her mind when she gets called to a job at the Hard Knocks gym. Cain is in need of her help for an upcoming fight. Will she able to put aside her feelings and be the therapist he needs? Especially when she finds out that not only does he remember her, but the attraction is mutual.

This novel is a slow burn with lots of tension buildup. I would rate the spice level at a 3 out of 5.

When I first heard this romance novel would be centered around MMA fighting, I immediately jumped at the chance to ARC read it. While I have never been to a live match, I used to love watching MMA fights on the television with friends. We would have regular MMA viewing parties. Reading this novel, brought back fond memories for me of those get togethers. While there is detail regarding the actual fights, there wasn’t much regarding the sport overall and the politics of it. My hope is that this story turns into a series. I would like to see a lot more world building centered around the sport.

I recommend this novel for mature audiences only due to sexual content and some violence.

I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Ariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

My last ARC for the month 🥹
So I give this book 🥊🥊🥊/5!

This was such a fun sports romance! As someone who doesn't usually gravitate toward combat sports, I actually found myself really enjoying the Muay Thai aspect of the story. The training sessions, fight preparation, and the rehabilitation process gave the book its own identity and made it more than just a romance.

Cain and Alicia had some sweet moments together as well, and I loved the physiotherapist × fighter dynamic... it was refreshing to see a romance where healing wasn't just emotional but physical too. Watching Cain work toward his comeback while Alicia tried her very best to remain professional 👀 made for some entertaining moments, and there was plenty of chemistry sprinkled throughout.

I do wish we'd gotten a little more depth from the characters. Tammy especially felt like someone who had the potential to shine with a bit more page time, and I would've loved to dig deeper into Cain and Alicia's individual personalities and motivations outside of their relationship. Because of that, some of the emotional moments didn't hit quite as hard as they could have.

The ending also felt a tadddd bit rushed for me, but I appreciated that everything was wrapped up neatly and we got a satisfying conclusion.

Overall, if you're looking for a quick, spicy sports romance with an injured champion, a determined physiotherapist, plenty of training scenes, and a good dose of chemistry, this is definitely a fun one to pick up! 🥊❤️

[Bookish Check-ins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard Knocks is a high-stakes sports romance that seamlessly blends raw athletic intensity with an emotional, slow-burn connection.

Cain, our MMC, is spiraling after defeat that has left him needing help from Alicia, our FMC, if he hopes to get back into the octagon. Neither character comes into this patient/provider relationship thinking it will turn into more. Alicia treats Cain as a man who needs to face his physical and emotional limits, not as the famous fighter everyone fawns over. Alicia doesn't allow Cain to use his usual dominance and control to get what he wants. Alicia holds her professional ground, earning Cain's respect which leads to his affection.

Alicia does eventually struggle with her professional ethics. She and Cain have undeniable chemistry, but she is focused on keeping her boundaries. Through their professional relationship, Cain learns to rely on Alicia and stand up for what he wants and needs. This allows their relationship to grow into more. They do have to face some obstacles, but the author handles this well. The characters are able to maintain their traction into building their relationship, while focusing on the end goal: Cain's title match.

The character growth was beautiful to watch. Cain realizes he has more to offer than just being a championship fighter. Alicia is able to secure her professional identity. Cain and Alicia learn to trust and support one another. Their relationship wasn't rushed and truly felt earned.

[Novellaworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever read an MMA romance before…

But as a mum who spent years sitting ringside watching her son fight, heart in my mouth every single time, hoping he’d win but mostly hoping he’d walk away without being seriously hurt… I know just how brutal this world can be.

That made me really curious about Hard Knocks.

Was I surprised? Absolutely.

The fight scenes felt authentic, the world of Muay Thai was easy to picture, and you could tell the author knew what they were writing about. It does take its time to build, but once the story hits its stride, I was completely invested.

Cain isn’t just fighting for a title—he’s battling injuries, expectations, and the weight of his past. Alicia was exactly the kind of heroine he needed: strong enough to challenge him, yet compassionate enough to see beyond the fighter.

The chemistry is a slow burn with plenty of tension, and yes… “Baby Girl” definitely worked. 👀

I would have loved a little more after the final fight and a deeper dive into a few of the family dynamics, but overall this was an enjoyable read that gave me something completely different from my usual romances.

If you’re looking for a romance set in the gritty world of combat sports with plenty of heart, determination and spice, this one is worth stepping into the ring for.

Thank you for the ARC!
These are my honest thoughts.

[Cara Garland · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC READ
HAPPY LAUNCH DAY @madarkeauthor @mattmememaro

I was lucky to recieve an ARC of this book.

It was really good and had me captured.

A physiotherapist Alicia is shocked when she gets a client specifically request her and pay for the week. But she decides she'll take the job on and travel to a near by town to do so.

She lands at boxing gym run by Duncan. The man who has hired her. He heard how she helped another boxer recover from a big injury and now Ducan wants Alicia to help his boxer son, Cain.

Alicia assists Cain and his injury with physio and trys to push back thoughts that she may like this guy.

Cain seems to have also taken a liking to Alicia. Whether Alicia picks up on this initially is probably affected by her frustration with Cain. He doesn't seem to listen to Alicia and that he needs to take it easy. He likes to disobey the rules.

Cain also needs to heal though and win his fight, distraction free. Ducan will constantly remind him of this.

Alicia does not date her clients.
Can she stick to this though?

Cain's father wants what he feels is best for his son and wants him to heal and win his next fight.
But how far will he go to uphold this with Cain.

Its a great read guys and recommend this boxing romance.

@mattmememaro @madarkeauthor

@hawthorn.and.aster.services
@australianindieverse

STARS: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶🌶🌶.5

[Steph L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Release day to Hard Kocks by M.A. Darke and Matt Mememaro. I read an early copy from Hawthorn and Aster Services in exchange for an honest review.

Vibes
Sports Romance
Fighter MMC
Physio FMC
Healing

4 stars

Characters

The characters were one of my favorite things about this book. I read a lot of Sports Romance, and Alicia and Cain were memorable for me. I loved the way that Alicia and Cain understood each other in smaller ways in this book. The banter between them was fun at the start, and I enjoyed seeing them fall in love along the way.

Writing

As a big sports romance reader, and romance reader in general, dual pov is my favorite way to read a romance. I loved how M.A. Darke and Matt Mememaro wrote the story. There were some lighter moments, also some heavier ones mixed in that brought the characters together. The writing was easy to read, and hooked me from the beginning.

Plot

I enjoyed this story overall. The early copy was a little shorter than my usual reads, so I wish the early copy had been longer. The highlights of the story for me were Alicia and Cain, falling in love, and healing from the past together. I wish we had more on the family we find ourselves following in this book.

Enjoyment

I would read more from this author duo. I enjoyed the characters and the story.

[Yaneth Alvarado · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC Review

DNF at 30%

Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.

The premise sounded right up my alley: an injured Muay Thai champion working with a physiotherapist while trying to recover and earn a title rematch. I was expecting a lot of emotional tension, slow-burn chemistry, and a meaningful recovery journey.

Instead, I struggled with how quickly the romance developed. The attraction and emotional attachment felt very one-sided and happened before I felt like the characters had really gotten to know each other. I never had the chance to connect with either character because the story seemed to jump straight into intense feelings without enough build-up to make me believe them.

By the time the FMC was already consumed by thoughts of the MMC, I was still waiting to learn more about who he was beyond being an injured fighter. As a result, many of the romantic moments didn’t land for me because I felt like the foundation of the relationship hadn’t been established yet.

I kept reading hoping the story would eventually click for me, but at around 30% I found myself skimming pages and only reading dialogue to get through chapters. At that point, I knew it was time to put the book down.

While this one wasn’t a match for me, readers who enjoy very fast attraction and romance-forward stories may have a different experience.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥊Hard knocks 🥊
Thank you for the opportunity to be an ARC reader!
First off the story line for hard knocks was great! The forbidden love story between a physio & fighter is chefs kiss!
I loved that this book had so much detail about different moves/respects in Muay Thai fighting and extensive knowledge in the physio aspect.
The steam was steamy & the ‘F it’ moments will always be a favourite mini trope of mine!
Cain is stubborn not only in his recovery but also in taking no for an answer and while Alicia is firm in her ‘no dating patients’ rule she becomes persuaded by Cains charms.
I loved that Alicia pushed Cain to be a better version of himself and Cain brought out the more relaxed free version of Alicia.
I would have loved more past detail about Cains brother Darcy & his son Tobias.
Even some back story on Cains up bringing in more detail/why he calls his dad Duncan more than dad etc!
I also thought the ending was brushed over after the fight and would have loved more of a rekindling between Cain & Alicia.
I did find myself going back a few times through the book a little bit confused/things not adding up & there was some use of repetitive text/phrases however I still thoroughly enjoyed the story & plot and would still recommend to friends!

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from Author

This book packed far more of a punch than I expected.

Cain Weaver is the definition of a fighter, but his toughest battle begins after the final bell. Watching him struggle with the loss of his title, his identity, and the uncertainty of his future made his journey feel incredibly authentic. Alicia was the perfect balance to his chaos. As his physiotherapist, she challenges him to heal not just physically but emotionally, and their chemistry is impossible to ignore.

The slow-building romance is filled with tension, longing, and just the right amount of steam. I loved that this wasn’t just about falling in love. It was about finding purpose beyond the ring, learning to let someone in, and realizing that some victories can’t be measured with a championship belt.

The MMA world felt immersive without being overwhelming, and the emotional depth gave the story real heart. Between the sizzling chemistry, redemption arc, and characters you can’t help but root for, Hard Knocks landed every emotional hit.

If you love sports romance with wounded heroes, forced proximity, emotional healing, and a romance that fights for its happily ever after, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

-MMA Boxing Romance
-Slow Burn
-High Spice
-Cocky MMC
-Physio FMC
-"Fvck it" moment

@mattmememaro and @medarkeauthor come together to bring you a standalone Muay Thai influenced spicy MMA romance. This short novel has around 200 pages and the writing style will have you turning page after page making this a quick read. The characters will have you screaming at times while smiling and giggling at others. If a tall, tattooed fighter is your type you'll be wanting to be Cain's good girl by the end of the book.

"He can call me good girl any day of the week."

The banter and character development will give you a clear idea of who these people could be in real life. You'll be able to picture them as well as their surroundings whether engaged in a sparring match or engaged in other more intimate scenes.

"Oh my God! You've been munched on!"

Recommended to readers of slow burn sports romance who enjoy an unlikely couple that fight their attraction multiple times, but ultimately give in to their most dark desires. Repeatedly.

#HardKnocks #MattMememaro #romance #sportsromance #spicyreads

[Nikki B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard Knocks is a fun, spicy, emotional, MMA fighter romance. It can be read as a standalone.
Alicia is a physiotherapist, called in to take a look at Cain, an ex MMA champion. He lost his last his championship after his last fight where he was injured and wants to get back in fighting shape to win his championship back. Alicia and Cain try to keep things professional, but they can't help but feel that draw to one another. Things heat up and it gets spicy, however, Cain's father and coach, Dennis, wants Cain to end things with Alicia. He feels like she is too much of a distraction for his son and demands the relationship ends, or he gets pulled from the fight!
The story itself is great. The plot is interesting and keeps me wanting to read. However, I didn't like either of the characters. I couldn't connect with either one. I felt like Cain was too rude and arrogant and Alicia was just so unprofessional and childish. The plot was intriguing, but the characters personalities kept me from really enjoying the story. That said, I still think it's great story and is still definitely worth a read!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard Knocks is a gritty, MMA dark romance packed with chemistry, high emotions, and the adrenaline filled world of professional fighting.

The story wastes no time diving into the action, with Cain dealing with an injury while Alicia enters his life at just the right moment. Their instant attraction creates plenty of tension from the very beginning, and the MMA setting adds an exciting, raw intensity that complements the darker tone of the story.

While the insta-lust and quick pacing weren't quite the right fit for my personal reading preferences, I can absolutely see this working well for readers who enjoy relationships that ignite immediately and romances that keep the momentum going from start to finish.

Overall, Hard Knocks delivers an energetic, emotionally charged romance with plenty of passion and a unique MMA backdrop. It wasn't a personal favorite, but I appreciated the concept, the intensity, and the exciting atmosphere.

Thank you to the authors and Hawthorn and Aster for gifting me this for early review!

[Sara-Jane Keenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating 3.5⭐️ 3🌶️

Tropes 📚
🥊 Sports Romance
🥊 MMA Fighter x Physiotherapist
🥊 Redemption Journey
🥊 Healing
🥊 ‘F*** It’

Muay Thai fighter Cain loses his championship belt in a match and is left with a potentially career ending injury. He hires physiotherapist Alicia to help him get back to the ring.

Cain was hot and I loved the character art throughout the book. He’s cheeky, stubborn and smooth. There is instant chemistry, tension and great banter between him and Alicia. He pursues her hard but she’s determined not to date a patient, until she has a satisfying f*** it moment and gives in to her feelings.

The story is easy to read, fast paced and I love the banter and humour. I enjoyed Cain’s recovery process and the drama that came along with it. The spice was good but not as much as I was expecting and not my favourite tropes either but if you like things a little submissive with some praise thrown in then you’ll enjoy it.

Overall, this was a fun read and I rate it 3.5⭐️ and 3🌶️

[BrewedBookDragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
Release Date: July 5th

I don't think I've read a MMA sports romance before but I love the sport and that is what attracted me to this novel.

This is a standalone Muay Thai inspired spicy romance that is a fast read and a slow burn.

Cain is our MMC and an injured fighter who needs to get better for a rematch to get his title back. Though that isn't all he is fighting. Cain is 6' 3", handsome, tatted, and has a commanding presence.

Alicia is his physio and has the monumental job of getting him back into fighting shape while fighting her physical attraction to him and his ego.

Slowburn....60% in before the tension finally breaks!! It does break and "good girl" and "yes sir" are involved!!

I would have liked a little more on the family dynamics.

If you like sports romances set in the world of fighting with banter and spice, then add this to your fight card.


Thank you to Hawthorn & Aster for the ARC opportunity, this is my own review.

[Shae Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who enjoys sports romance, I was excited by the MMA setting and appreciated getting a glimpse into that world. Cain's journey as a fighter dealing with injury and loss had a lot of potential, and the sports elements were definitely the highlight for me.

I found the pacing a bit slow in the beginning, and it took a while for the story to really get going. I also didn't really feel the chemistry between the characters, as their relationship felt more like friends-with-benefits than a developing romance. Some of the spicy scenes felt more forceful than I personally enjoy, and the repeated use of "Sir" pulled me out of the story, though I know that's a dynamic many readers enjoy.

Overall, while I liked the MMA aspect and think it's great to see different sports represented in romance, this one just wasn't for me. Readers who enjoy dominant alpha heroes and more intense relationship dynamics may have a very different experience.

[Patricia Nenno · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book in over two days. I really enjoyed it and something out of my normal reads. This was my first MMA romance I got the pleasure to read.

Hard Knocks is a spicy MMA romance featuring Cain, a fighter who hires a physiotherapist Alicia to help him recover from a knee injury he sustained on his latest fight. He needs her help to get ready for his next fight. There is tension between them from the beginning and their story is a slow burn romance. They navigate life, work, and their professional/personal relationship.

Spice level of this book for me was 3 out of 5.

Tropes:
-Sports Romance
-Dual POV
-Slow Burn
-Injured MMC Fighter
-F*uck it moments
-Spicy romance
-Banter and Snarky
-Touch her and Die

Overall, I enjoyed this early copy and would recommend it if you want a quick read. I will say this is for a mature audience because there is explicit sexual content. There is also some violence expressed during the martial arts fights.

[Shay loves books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first MMA romance book, and I enjoyed it.

We follow Cain who owns Hard Knocks a Muay Thai gym, and he’s fighting to win back his title but gets injured and has to rely on Alicia a Physiotherapist to help get him back into shape for his last fight to get his title back.

As lines get crossed between patient and client, things get a little harry and they start falling for each other. No matter how hard they fight it, they are both very attracted to each other. Then comes Duncan, Cains dad, who pushes Cain too far and doesn’t want him to do anything but train and focus on his fight coming up.

This story starts off a little slow, but picks up about 50% in and that’s when the good stuff starts happening. I kinda understand where Duncan is coming from but I don’t like him. He makes Cain feel as though he isn’t good enough and pushes him way too far.

[Momma T's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read something and said, "Yes. This is for me." When you put an arrogant fighter in front of a woman that can knock him down a few pegs, you have a good read. When he adds, "Baby Girl" to the mix in the most delicious of ways, you have gold.

The fights were real. Whether from experience or research, I felt like I was sitting ringside. The tension and angst between these two had me reading past my bedtime. The F* it moment, spectacular. I would have liked just a little more of that moment.

I am looking forward to this version of Mr. Mememaro. I'm always skeptical when an author crosses genres. And going from Fantasy to Sports Romance, and having a KO in the first round. EXCELLENT!! Loved it. Give me more.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars since the beginning. When I tell you their writing was so good it had me hooked since page one. I finish the book in a day for that same reason. These characters gave us all, the banter, the back and forth, the chemistry, she is helping him recover but he just wants to fight, the: you are mine! Yes yes I was here for it all. Alicia and Cain are a wonderful pair, one you will learn to love and you will feel their connection on every page. This is a book you are going to want to grab, MMA fighter, Physio, slow burn but it is the best way, plus chef kiss writing. What they write, I will definitely read. Don't forget to check this one out on July 5th you won't regret it.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Book Review!

Welcome to the world of MMA fighting!

This is something still relatively new to me, but i am so glad I got to read this one. Our MMC Cain has got a filthy mouth, which is always a plus for me. Alicia, our FMC is a girl who knows what she wants, even if shes tiptoing some ethics laws.

And that scene in the ring?! HOTT!!

If you love a man whos spicy in the bedroom, but still buys you flowers and listens to you, read this book.

If you like MMA fighting, and gym training, read this book. It was also quite educational on the specific fight style as well.

[Mushmookie (Karla P) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced Copy Review -

I enjoyed this book. It was more of a forbidden romance for me with MMA as a background. I love MMA so I was excited to read this book. I would have like to have read more “fight” into it but I loved all the aspects of Muay Thai. The injuries, the rehab, the training and the fight preparations and winning the title was a great add in.

The forbidden love & banter between the MMC, the fighter, Cain and the FMC, the physio, Alicia was fun to watch develop. It would’ve been nice to have a little more character development into it but overall I really enjoyed it.

[Kimberly S45 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Knocks gym and mixed martial arts!

I really enjoyed this story. Going in I didn’t know much about Muay Thai, but the author really breaks it down in a terrific way that was super interesting.

Story follows Alicia and Cain. Alicia is a physiotherapist who helps athletes with injury. Cain the no holds barred MMA fighter.

Alicia see Cain at a match and is mesmerized by his ability. Unfortunately he gets injured in said match. A bit later she is in trusted to help him recover.

Great story telling loved the relationship and it’s definitely spicy 🥵 especially the ring scene 🔥

First time reading anything by these authors and I’d definitely read again!

Highly recommend

Thanks Hawthorn and Aster for the ARC

[Julia Prater · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by these authors and was an ARC.

I loved this story, enjoyed both the MMC and FMC. I would have liked to have known more about the family background with each character. Definitely a slow burn but could feel all the tension between characters as I was reading it! Once the spice hit it was amazing- all the "good girls" and "yes, sirs." When he said “I could, but you and I both know that you’re fucking mine.” 🥵♥️. Overall good fast pace read.

Additionally I think this would be a great Vertical (the short dramas we see on social media)

[maaike_intheshadowcourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

♥️ARC read♥️

When Cain loses the championship fight he has a big MCL injury. He is in need of a good physio to get him back on track to win his championship belt back. Then there is the beautifull physio Alicia who gets him back in to the ring to prepare him for the fight of his life.

I really enjoyed this book.. This story has so much character and takes you through every emotion. If you love a sports romance with a little bit of spice, this is the perfect book for you.

Thank you for letting me read this ARC. I really enjoyed it and found it incredibly entertaining!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mrs. K. Book Reviews · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one simply did not hold my attention. I couldn't connect with either character. It took far too long to establish the initial conflict of the story.

There is also the consistent use of passive voice; a few issues can be overlooked (especially since this was an ARC copy) but once it became clear that the entire novel would be riddled with passivity, I couldn't continue on. Passive voice distances both author and reader from the actual plot and events in the narrative.

While the initial blurb seems very intriguing, the delivery wasn't great. Thus, I DNF-ed it @ 15%.