Fighter's Frenemy

Crown MMA Romance: The Outsiders #1

by A. Rivers

I’ve craved his love for years, but I was invisible to him. Now that I’m ready to move on, he suddenly sees me. And he won’t let me go.

As the shy, plus-size twin sister of a professional cage fighter, I’m used to being overlooked. Including by the one man I’ve always yearned for. Leo ‘The Lion’ Delaney has trained alongside my brother for years. He’s all the things my brother isn’t—good, honorable, and protective. Not to mention he’s built like Goliath and tattooed to boot. It’s impossible not to want him, but he’s only ever looked at me with disdain.

Then, overnight, everything changes. My arrogant brother is revealed as a cheat and my family are even more focused on him than ever. But I’m no longer interested in playing second fiddle. It’s time to put myself first, and it all starts with proving I’m not the spoiled, thoughtless princess Leo seems to think I am. This curvy woman is about to take charge, and it seems he’s coming along for the ride.

Sparks fly, and before long I’m in deeper with Leo than I ever expected. But when a scandal rocks our fledgling relationship, will we be strong enough to hold onto the possibility of forever?

Author’s note: This is a short romance / novella with a complete standalone romance story of approximately 25,000 words.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Sports Romance, Novella, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Amazon

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2022

About the author

A. Rivers writes steamy romance books with take-charge heroes and strong heroines who aren't afraid to fight the odds for love. On the rare occasions when she ventures out of the writing cave, you can probably find her face down in a book, cuddling her pets, or planning her next overseas adventure with her husband.

If you'd like to keep up to date with her books and news, subscribe to her newsletter today!

Reviews

[Lars Dekker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was cute. Nothing really much.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a quick light hearted read, finishing in just under two hours. It’s a cute story with very little angst and no drama. The female main character struggles to find confidence after having to deal with an overbearing brother and unsupportive parents. The hero helps her grow into herself and is very sweet, but the heavy lifting of her growth is done herself, which I appreciate, she was no damsel in distress. The hero’s issues seem to remain unresolved or just magically disappear though, I’d like to have seen him go up against his demons as well. In the beginning he states that he cannot be in a relationship with a woman because his dad cheated on his mom and he’s afraid he will end up like him. No proof is given to validate his fears as he is not a cheater and is actually nicknamed the priest. He is not promiscuous in any way, but as his relationship with the heroine develops we never see him struggle and his issue with commitment disappears. The hero doesn’t really grow at all in this one and I’m not sure why it was even mentioned that he had commitment issues at all, seemed pointless if it wasn’t going to be addressed. However this story really focussed on the heroine and her growth which I felt was well done in the short time frame that a novella offers. Quick, short, happy read with no drama, ow, break ups or angst. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all the stories in this series and they just keep on delivering. Leo and Camile were perfect for each other. I loved the transition from (sort of) friends to lovers. I loved the side characters that helped them get to the finish line. I loved him for trying to protect her and I also loved her for sticking up for herself with her mom.

The only thing that I have a problem with this story is the length of it - it was TOO DAMN SHORT!!!

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

I loved the way he fell so hard and fast for Cami! And the way he let her take control of things, he supported her completely with her ideas and business but didn't try to take over.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo and Camile are great together. Leo is doing is best to not let the scandal from his old gym interfere with his future. He also is not going to be like his father, a cheat. And Camile has always been in her brother Karsten’s shadow. So when things start to fall apart for her brother she is determined to be the person she wants to be. And now all of sudden Leo is noticing her. And she couldn’t be happier. I enjoyed this short story and can’t wait for more MMA fighters.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wished Leo and Camila's story was not just a novella, but a full-length novel. Because I loved their story. I enjoyed seeing Leo finally admitting his feelings for Camila and Camila living her own life and stop being a shadow of her brother. I loved watching them work on those things together and I loved Leo for supporting Cami through it. I can't wait for more MMA fighters' books.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read about Leo and Cami’s relationship. Despite being in the same circle of people surrounding MMA fighting for several years, they really don’t know each other. From their years of being in each other’s proximity they each developed their own impression of who the other is, but when reality shakes up these false images, each of them is intrigued to learn a little more of the truth. And what they find surprises and intrigued them to learn even more.

This is the first book in Crown MMA Romance: The Outsiders, which is a group of fighter’s who join Seth’s gym after a drug cheating scandal occurs at their old gym. This short read is an both an introduction to these new fighters (Leo, Tony, Enya, Oman, and Vic) and of Leo and Cami’s romance. It’s told in dual first-person POVs which keep you focused on the emotions, happenings and reasons for how things take place in the story.

Leo Delaney is trying to not live up to become like his father, an MMA champion who routinely and openly cheated on Leo’s mother. He’s been told he’s so much like his farther as to be a carbon copy of him. Leo doesn’t see this as admirable.

Camile/Cami is the twin sister to Karson, an MMA fighter who was arrested as part of the drug scandal and who was the abusive ex-boyfriend of Lena (who is now with Jace - was book #1 Fighter’s Heart).

These previously side characters are interesting and engaging, and their stories will bring additional interactions with beloved characters from the Crown MMA Romance series (Jace/Lena, Seth/Ashlin, Gabe/Sydney, and Harley/Devon). I’m so exited to read more in this world created by A. Rivers!

I really enjoyed this book and found Cami’s emergence from under her brother’s control and influence and out from his shadow to be exhilarating. She finds her voice and confidence which is powerful and Leo’s love and support is a huge catalyst for her changes and continued progress. I cheered out loud when she finally takes a stand against a family member over the phone just as a huge special event in her life gets ready to begin. Go Girl!

Leo also changes from viewing things in a black/white and right/wrong, cut and dried manner to start seeing more of a continuum on things that incorporates shades of grey, and intent and other’s feelings.

Excited to read more! Smitten kitten has to be my favorite character description in a while!! 😊

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is adorable and you will love the characters that are introduced. These books are a quick read, fun, flirty, and have great storylines that will make your heart happy.

Camille has always lived in her brother's shadow and now that he is mixed up in a drug scandel she is now being criticized even more. All she wants is for her parents to see her and be a part of her dream without always focusing solely on her brother. Camille decides she is done living this way and has set a list for herself to be more adventourous and put herself out there and she starts with finding someone to have an unforgettable kiss with. She of course knows who she would love to kiss but Leo hasn't ever seen her as more as the little sister and nothing more. However, now that she is starting to find some confidence in herself she is hoping Leo will finally notice her!!!

Leo has always noticed Camille but now he is seeing her in a whole new light and he can't wait to share everything with her. She is the one thing he never knew he was missing!

Their love story is adorable and I love tha Camille is a plus size heroine and Leo is beyond sexy and so attentive to Camille that is adorable. Happy Reading!!!

[Suzanne Normandeau Legault · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sports romance with MMA fighters with hearts of gold. Leo Delaney is a fighter with a deep crush on Camile Hayes. Camile has been living in her twin brother’s shadows Karson Hayes who’s been pulling hers strings for years and caused Camile to self doubt her ambitions. Being a graduate of design school , her dreams of becoming a fashion designer and owning her own clothing line was never appealing to her family. They never prioritized her, compared to her brother Karson, leaving her left out and lonely. Leo has always seen Camile and wanted her in a romantic way, but he self doubts himself as well . Thinks he’s not good enough for her , thinks he’ll become a cheater like his famous father, therefore, stays away from her. He’s amazingly surprised when Camile makes a move and shows him interest. Together they embark on a journey that will fulfil their every dream. A slow burn kind of love that’s sincere and real. Their chemistry is overwhelming and their commitment is forever. A captivating story that’ll keep you glued to the book! A most recommended reading!

[Alonna Irizarry · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF’d at 20%

“I really admired her in that moment, and I don’t like finding things to admire about Camille because I didn’t think she was the kind of woman who had admirable traits.”

That was the line that did me in. Camile’s twin brother Karson is a MMA fighter (like the MMC Leo) but because Karson was part of a cheating scandal, everyone lumps Camille in with him and assumes she’s up to no good. Being referred to as a “fat skank” and given the cold shoulder by basically everyone around her for something she herself was unaware of/uninvolved in doesn’t sit right with me. Her mother is unsupportive, her brother is emotionally abusive, and her longtime crush(Leo) is condescending tool. Camile, you can do better girl


#DNF

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

short steamy and full of sass

Cute short story. Loved Leo and that MMA fighter vibe. He has a heart of gold and after recent crazy events he is trying to keep a low profile. Cami is a twin to a fighter and has always been in his shadow. She has had a crush on Leo but he always saw her as a friend sister. Then she finally learned to stand up for herself and show her true colors and sass after everything her brother did. She realized she needed to stand on her own. Loved the story and their connection. Once he let his guard down and tried to see her for her and not his preconceived notions it was all chemistry. Can’t wait for enya and jimmys book

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong characters with a lot of chemistry

Most of the characters in this story were overcoming or had overcome some tough back stories. I liked that they were trying to be better instead of wallowing or blaming others. I might not have always liked the decisions the h made regarding her family or some of the ways the H treated her a first, but I liked how they were together. It ended around 90%, which seemed a waste because the ending felt rushed. But otherwise, it was a good way to pass the time.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo is an MMA fighter who has gotten caught up in a drug dosing scandal all by association. Along with Leo, Camile (Cami), Karson's twin sister, is caught up in the ruckus. Cami is crushing on Leo, and Leo is not crazy about Cami but senses something about her is not matching up to his initial thoughts of her. From the moment Leo really looks at Cami, he sees his future. The problem is she doesn't seem interested and a skittish. Once he shows her his real interest, things heat up quickly, and you find that a little support goes a long way..in love, life, and dreams.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and is Leo and Cami’s story. Cami is the twin sister off a professional cage fighter and has had a crush on Leo who trains alongside her brother for years, and she has had a crush on his as long. When a scandal hits Leo’s gym, Cami was brought up with an overbearing brother and unsupportive parents, which has he lacking in confidence, and tending to blend into the background. Now Leo is noticing Cami, and the sparks fly between them as he gives her the confidence to bloom, and finally stand up for herself against her family. This is a well written quick read, which has family, and love, which leads to a sweet, touching, entertaining, and light-hearted page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars)

Finished it within a few hours. Its cute, its sweet. Story might have skipped and progressed a little too fast. Like realistically being in the talking stage for maybe not over a week then already woohoo-ing and dating.

Its a simple story to fawn over and pull you out of your slump. What can i say? Im a hopeless romantic and this is just what i needed to get me to drown myself into books again. Its been a while since a book has sucked me in this much tbh…

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighter's Frenemy

Book 1 of Crown MMA Romance: The Outsiders
A. Rivers

I loved Cami and Leo. They had chemistry and so much more when they finally pushed all the doubts and preconceived notions aside. I love Enya and Tony. Great story.

.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cami lived in the shadows of her twin brother. Leo is trying to get to training before the scandal. Needless to neither of them are the people they use to be. It begins with a kiss and a list. Leo decides to support Cami at her dream job, while proves he's a fighter with heart and talent. Family and others try to fill them with doubt but can they believe in each other?

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Leo and Cami's story is short and for the most part sweet. I didn't really like how Leo treated her in the beginning but he got a bit better. I think this story would have worked better for me if it was fleshed out a bit more, it felt like we missed out on a lot of the story between these two. It wasn't awful though.

[Ash Juillet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo and Camile were perfect for each other. I love how Camile got the courage to stand up for her dreams over the course of the book with Leo's encouragement (even though he sometimes felt frustrated about her attitude). I also loved the way Leo's feelings for her changed the moment she became sassy.

[Keyanna McGriff · Rating 4 out of 5]

enemies to friends to lovers

I love the premise of the story and novella’s length, but I wish there was space to unpack their drama that’s leads to a more realistic ending. I also wish that their was an opportunity to expand on their past and really see the relationships evolution. Otherwise, it’s a cute quick read.

[Aimee Lombardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighter's Frenemy was a interesting read as it centered on Leo a MMA fighter who narrowly escaped scandle and Camile who is the twin sister of the MMA fighter who was involved in the scandal.

Camile finds her voice and independence with her brothers arrest and Leo finally sees Camile for who she really is now that she is no longer overshadowed by her brother. The two start to get to know each other and soon give into the attraction that they have for each other.
I loved camiles transformation and Leo's unwavering support in her endeavors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love MMA romance so I was super excited to read Fighter's Frenemy by A. Rivers. This was an amazing slow burn romance. Cage fighter Leo thought Cami lived in the shadow of her twin brother Karson but when Karson is arrested, he finds himself getting to know the real Cami. And he definitely likes what he sees. After her brother's arrest, Cami decides its time to step out of her brother's shadow and take some chances and have some fun. Leo and Cami had sizzling and intense chemistry. Amazing start to the Crown MMA Romance: The Outsiders. So anxious to read the next book.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo and Camile relationship transitions from (kind of) friends to lovers. The secondary characters helped them get to their HEA were great. Leo working at protecting her was a huge display of his caring.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

good short story, quick read

Not as much drama since it was a quick read but I liked it. Leo is a good guy and he doesn’t do anything awful to make Cami hate him or not want him. It’s kind of refreshing.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camile lived in her twin brothers shadow but when events unravel with him, she wants to make it on her own, only now Leo, the man shes always crushed on wont let her go. well written steamy short fast paced

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

short but very sweet

A lovely short and sweet romance. Sometimes it’s just what the doctor ordered. A definite must read if your looking for a sweet romance with a HEA ending and a peek into upcoming and past characters from the series

[Samantha Brehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo is trying to regain his career path after a cheating and drug scandal destroys the gym he was at. Camile is the twin of one of the fighters arrested at Leo's gym and is always overlooked because of her brother. Leo finally starts noticing her, but will she believe he suddenly sees her in a different light? I enjoyed this read, and it was a quick read. I was expecting more of an enemies to lovers, and this was more of a misunderstood acquaintance to lovers, which I liked because it was different. Leo was a sweetheart who needed to work through his own mind sometimes. Camile was AMAZING; I was so excited to read a female character who fought to be her own person and was so resolute about it. I also always love the MMA aspect of Rivers' books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Leo & Camille’s book. It was an intriguing read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leo & Cami

This was a great story, it's part of the Crown MMA side series The Outsiders. I love the Crown MMA world and can't wait to read the other 3 books in this series.

[Cry Baby · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book. OMG! as a woman on the bigger side this book really stuck out to me and didn’t leave me disappointed! i loved this book and would reread it! trust me and read it yourself!