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Hold Me Like a Grudge
When a fierce rivalry between two professional wrestlers grows increasingly heated, neither man can fight the attraction burning between them, in this dazzling debut romance.
From dramatic character gimmicks to death-defying stunts, everything in the world of professional wrestling is an act. Asher Ross's hatred for Caleb Knight, however, is not. When Asher gets drafted to Global Elite Wrestling’s main roster, playing the role of Caleb’s worst enemy—the face to his heel—should be easy. Stripping him of his World Championship title should be even easier. But as the two men trade barbs and blows across arenas, they’re each surprised to find their chemistry is so sizzling, it can’t just be for the cameras.
Through training sessions, rehearsals, and injuries, Caleb’s icy demeanor melts away, and Asher begins to see the real man behind the cruel persona GEW has molded Caleb into. An unlikely truce evolves into feelings neither want to deny, but the company won’t let them be seen as anything other than bitter rivals, both in and out of the ring.
As Asher and Caleb grapple with what they truly want in an industry with a history of denying queerness, their forbidden romance comes crashing down on them, and both men are forced to decide if their relationship is real enough to last, and just how much they’re willing to fight for it.
From dramatic character gimmicks to death-defying stunts, everything in the world of professional wrestling is an act. Asher Ross's hatred for Caleb Knight, however, is not. When Asher gets drafted to Global Elite Wrestling’s main roster, playing the role of Caleb’s worst enemy—the face to his heel—should be easy. Stripping him of his World Championship title should be even easier. But as the two men trade barbs and blows across arenas, they’re each surprised to find their chemistry is so sizzling, it can’t just be for the cameras.
Through training sessions, rehearsals, and injuries, Caleb’s icy demeanor melts away, and Asher begins to see the real man behind the cruel persona GEW has molded Caleb into. An unlikely truce evolves into feelings neither want to deny, but the company won’t let them be seen as anything other than bitter rivals, both in and out of the ring.
As Asher and Caleb grapple with what they truly want in an industry with a history of denying queerness, their forbidden romance comes crashing down on them, and both men are forced to decide if their relationship is real enough to last, and just how much they’re willing to fight for it.
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 30, 2026
About the author
Celine Ong
2 books874 followersBorn in sweltering Singapore, Celine Ong (they/she) was raised in mosh pits and writes fun and flirty queer romance novels about chaos gremlins with dreadful manners, funky feelings, and mortifyingly earnest hearts. Their proudest accomplishment is being able to, completely unprovoked, quote the entirety of Venom: Let There Be Carnage by heart.
You can find Celine trying to be cool and mysterious (but failing miserably for they were born to yap about their many fixations) at writewithcel.com or on Instagram at @readwithcel.
Celine is represented by Brent Taylor at Triada US Literary Agency.
You can find Celine trying to be cool and mysterious (but failing miserably for they were born to yap about their many fixations) at writewithcel.com or on Instagram at @readwithcel.
Celine is represented by Brent Taylor at Triada US Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
May 2, 2026
the author's a freak. five stars.
May 16, 2026
*FIFTEEN MINUTE STANDING OVATION*
ITS CEL’S WORLD AND WE’RE JUST LIVING IN IT 🙂↕️
ITS CEL’S WORLD AND WE’RE JUST LIVING IN IT 🙂↕️
Read
September 2, 2025What a magnificent title.
M/m romance set in the world of pro wrestling (the kind that is basically violent pantomime). I know nothing whatsoever about this, so have no comment on how accurate the depiction is, but I'm very happy to buy it as presented here, and the book absolutely makes me understand why people would choose to do this and care so much about what is, from the outside, a somewhat bizarre pursuit.
The romance is a very sweet slow burn that heats up nicely, with a lot of love and care and found family for back up. Caleb isn't very good at being an ice prince but is realistically hurting; Asher is too pure for this world and we love him. Plus his dragon flame breath gimmick on stage is super cool.
I had a couple of niggles. The repeated use of 'boy' in the narrative felt a bit obtrusive given Caleb in particular is 27 and 250lb. But we live in a time where 35 counts as new adult so maybe I'm out of step. I also found the ending a bit turned up to 11 in terms of hope and redemption and cheering crowds, although now I say that, it's probably perfectly in tune with the brightly coloured nature of wrestling. It's very possible it's not so much the book being too positive as me being despondent, but I didn't quite buy into it though I wish I could have. Very much a YMMV issue there.
A tender, funny, immensely likeable and very human romance set against a garish backdrop that's nevertheless depicted with clear love and respect. Highly enjoyable.
M/m romance set in the world of pro wrestling (the kind that is basically violent pantomime). I know nothing whatsoever about this, so have no comment on how accurate the depiction is, but I'm very happy to buy it as presented here, and the book absolutely makes me understand why people would choose to do this and care so much about what is, from the outside, a somewhat bizarre pursuit.
The romance is a very sweet slow burn that heats up nicely, with a lot of love and care and found family for back up. Caleb isn't very good at being an ice prince but is realistically hurting; Asher is too pure for this world and we love him. Plus his dragon flame breath gimmick on stage is super cool.
I had a couple of niggles. The repeated use of 'boy' in the narrative felt a bit obtrusive given Caleb in particular is 27 and 250lb. But we live in a time where 35 counts as new adult so maybe I'm out of step. I also found the ending a bit turned up to 11 in terms of hope and redemption and cheering crowds, although now I say that, it's probably perfectly in tune with the brightly coloured nature of wrestling. It's very possible it's not so much the book being too positive as me being despondent, but I didn't quite buy into it though I wish I could have. Very much a YMMV issue there.
A tender, funny, immensely likeable and very human romance set against a garish backdrop that's nevertheless depicted with clear love and respect. Highly enjoyable.
December 10, 2024
GET IN LOSERS, WE’RE DEVELOPING A COLLAR KINK TOGETHER!
Want to Read
October 9, 2025GOT THE ARCCCC i just screamed thank you berkley i need to experience all of the yearning for myself
June 13, 2026
It was a sweet story overall, I did really like Caleb, but in the end, it didn’t manage to win me over.
There are a few reasons for that, some of which are purely personal preference.
For one, the wrestling. While reading, I discovered that I find wrestling very bizarre.
It’s not really a thing where I live. I kind of knew that it existed, but that’s it. So finding out that it’s basically like theatre, completely scripted, everyone plays their little roles while beating on each other? Yeah, that was pretty weird. I just don’t understand the appeal of it all, I guess. And because it’s a big part of the story, I struggled to make it through.
But if you don’t have a problem with that, then your chances of enjoying this are already way higher than mine ever were.
This book has a perfectly fine page count of 334 pages for a romance, but it felt way longer. It just really dragged at points. That, along with my newfound dislike for wrestling, made it tricky to enjoy.
As I mentioned already, I did like Caleb, but I never really warmed to Asher for some reason. So the romance felt a bit lukewarm to me.
And lastly, because I want to be completely honest in my reviews, I also have to mention that this story reminded me a lot of another story. I checked some other reviews, and no one mentioned it, so I’m not going to expand on it; it might just be me. But yeah, I didn’t appreciate that.
If you’re interested in this, I’d recommend checking it out for yourself because I don’t think it was a bad book, just not a book for me personally.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
__
Haven’t even looked at my arcs in months 🫣🫠
There are a few reasons for that, some of which are purely personal preference.
For one, the wrestling. While reading, I discovered that I find wrestling very bizarre.
It’s not really a thing where I live. I kind of knew that it existed, but that’s it. So finding out that it’s basically like theatre, completely scripted, everyone plays their little roles while beating on each other? Yeah, that was pretty weird. I just don’t understand the appeal of it all, I guess. And because it’s a big part of the story, I struggled to make it through.
But if you don’t have a problem with that, then your chances of enjoying this are already way higher than mine ever were.
This book has a perfectly fine page count of 334 pages for a romance, but it felt way longer. It just really dragged at points. That, along with my newfound dislike for wrestling, made it tricky to enjoy.
As I mentioned already, I did like Caleb, but I never really warmed to Asher for some reason. So the romance felt a bit lukewarm to me.
And lastly, because I want to be completely honest in my reviews, I also have to mention that this story reminded me a lot of another story. I checked some other reviews, and no one mentioned it, so I’m not going to expand on it; it might just be me. But yeah, I didn’t appreciate that.
If you’re interested in this, I’d recommend checking it out for yourself because I don’t think it was a bad book, just not a book for me personally.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
__
Haven’t even looked at my arcs in months 🫣🫠
Read
November 20, 2025Hold Me Like a Grudge was one of my most anticipated 2026 releases. I mean, a sports romance by one of the sweetest people in the bookish world you can think of? That one had to be amazing. So when I finally got the ARC, I was over the moon, and then I got scared. What if I didn’t like it? I love sports romances and know quite a lot about sports, if I may say so myself, but wrestling? I hadn’t got a clue except that two people are fighting on top of each other.
And then when I started reading the wrestling went over my head and I writhed in my seat. Until Caleb asked Asher to train together and I had this ohhh moment. Wrestling is more of a show than a sports competition. Ohhhh. Okay… I had to completely rewrite my mental image of wrestling as a sport.
Once I let go of the sports aspect, I started to enjoy the story much more. The gorgeous writing, the lovely grumpy-sunshine trope, the beautiful found family, and the personal and oh-so-sweet acknowledgments all made it a joy to read. I adored the part when Asher got injured and Caleb took care of him. Or the part where Celeb pushes a young girl in a wheelchair around.
And yet, the wrestling part kept getting in the way. I also stumbled over Caleb constantly being called “the older man” and Asher “the younger man.” For me, it made Caleb sound forty and Asher twenty, even though they were both in their twenties with only a four-year difference.
I HATE that the wrestling part makes me feel like this, especially knowing from the acknowledgments how important wrestling is to Cel. I honestly have no clue how to rate the book now, which is why I’ve decided not to rate it at all.
And Cel, I already have a highly anticipated list for 2027 and of course yours is on it. There was so much to love in Grudge that I’m convinced I will adore your sophomore book!
Thank you so much, Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley, for this ARC.
Follow me on Instagram
And then when I started reading the wrestling went over my head and I writhed in my seat. Until Caleb asked Asher to train together and I had this ohhh moment. Wrestling is more of a show than a sports competition. Ohhhh. Okay… I had to completely rewrite my mental image of wrestling as a sport.
Once I let go of the sports aspect, I started to enjoy the story much more. The gorgeous writing, the lovely grumpy-sunshine trope, the beautiful found family, and the personal and oh-so-sweet acknowledgments all made it a joy to read. I adored the part when Asher got injured and Caleb took care of him. Or the part where Celeb pushes a young girl in a wheelchair around.
And yet, the wrestling part kept getting in the way. I also stumbled over Caleb constantly being called “the older man” and Asher “the younger man.” For me, it made Caleb sound forty and Asher twenty, even though they were both in their twenties with only a four-year difference.
I HATE that the wrestling part makes me feel like this, especially knowing from the acknowledgments how important wrestling is to Cel. I honestly have no clue how to rate the book now, which is why I’ve decided not to rate it at all.
And Cel, I already have a highly anticipated list for 2027 and of course yours is on it. There was so much to love in Grudge that I’m convinced I will adore your sophomore book!
Thank you so much, Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley, for this ARC.
Follow me on Instagram
June 14, 2026
thank you to Netgalley, Victory Editing and Celine Ong for providing me with an e-arc of Hold Me Like a Grudge
this could’ve been even freakier; i know the author is holding out on us.
hold me like a grudge is a book full of heart and fighting spirit. the spirit to fight for your dreams, to fight for your community, to fight for what’s important to you. it's a tender exploration of what it means to be queer in a setting that won’t let you be yourself. i love how this story treats its characters with such kindness and compassion!!
ong’s own fighting spirit and heart shine through just as much as their love for these characters and wrestling. imo, that’s one of the greatest strengths of this book: because right now, we need stories like that, full of heart and soul, more than ever.
the characters are a joy: the wonderfully diverse and funny cast of supporting characters, and asher and caleb - how much weight is put on exploring their emotions, and looking behind the curtains of a sport that’s so much show (caleb get behind me, i will protect you!!). and the way they grow, both together in their relationship and on their own. since this is an arc, i can’t really share quotes but some of them are so sweet i want to YELL. (my favorite ones are the ones with them pathetically yearning though.)
i have to admit that i still don’t wholly get wrestling. i fully appreciate the theatrical and athletic genius involved in that sport but besides that i can only yell “go sports!!” from the sidelines, so the actual wrestling scenes kinda went over my head. asher and caleb always manage to pull me back in though 🙂↕️
(review for an advanced copy received from Netgalley, but also 2026 reread since i read an earlier version of grudge aswell)
(initial freakout btw) OH MY GOD EVERYONE STAY CALM CEL'S BOOK IS ON GOODREADS THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND RIGHT THERE MY CLOWN ON A GLOBAL STAGE
this could’ve been even freakier; i know the author is holding out on us.
hold me like a grudge is a book full of heart and fighting spirit. the spirit to fight for your dreams, to fight for your community, to fight for what’s important to you. it's a tender exploration of what it means to be queer in a setting that won’t let you be yourself. i love how this story treats its characters with such kindness and compassion!!
ong’s own fighting spirit and heart shine through just as much as their love for these characters and wrestling. imo, that’s one of the greatest strengths of this book: because right now, we need stories like that, full of heart and soul, more than ever.
the characters are a joy: the wonderfully diverse and funny cast of supporting characters, and asher and caleb - how much weight is put on exploring their emotions, and looking behind the curtains of a sport that’s so much show (caleb get behind me, i will protect you!!). and the way they grow, both together in their relationship and on their own. since this is an arc, i can’t really share quotes but some of them are so sweet i want to YELL. (my favorite ones are the ones with them pathetically yearning though.)
i have to admit that i still don’t wholly get wrestling. i fully appreciate the theatrical and athletic genius involved in that sport but besides that i can only yell “go sports!!” from the sidelines, so the actual wrestling scenes kinda went over my head. asher and caleb always manage to pull me back in though 🙂↕️
(review for an advanced copy received from Netgalley, but also 2026 reread since i read an earlier version of grudge aswell)
(initial freakout btw) OH MY GOD EVERYONE STAY CALM CEL'S BOOK IS ON GOODREADS THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND RIGHT THERE MY CLOWN ON A GLOBAL STAGE
November 17, 2025
I'm sorry. I truly am.
I wanted to love this book, but I didn't.
I hate anticipating a book so much and end up feeling nothing while reading. I prefer hating a book than feeling indifferent to it, it leaves a lasting impression at least.
The only part of the book that made me feel anything was the acknowledgments at the end. And yes, I added one star for it sue me.
To begin I don't like wrestling, but I thought I'd get over it however it is such an important part for the story I just didn't enjoy much of it. I didn't connect to any character, so none of the emotional bits did anything for me. I love me a good cute happy ending but this was a little too disney channel to my liking.
I actually liked the writing, so I would read another book by the author, but Hold Me Like a Grudge is a hard pass.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC.
I wanted to love this book, but I didn't.
I hate anticipating a book so much and end up feeling nothing while reading. I prefer hating a book than feeling indifferent to it, it leaves a lasting impression at least.
The only part of the book that made me feel anything was the acknowledgments at the end. And yes, I added one star for it sue me.
To begin I don't like wrestling, but I thought I'd get over it however it is such an important part for the story I just didn't enjoy much of it. I didn't connect to any character, so none of the emotional bits did anything for me. I love me a good cute happy ending but this was a little too disney channel to my liking.
I actually liked the writing, so I would read another book by the author, but Hold Me Like a Grudge is a hard pass.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC.
Want to Read
September 9, 2025I freakin' love the title. Giving it a chance for that alone. Here's hoping! It's a long ways off, but...on the tbr now.
May 2, 2026
2026 re-read
what cel has crafted from that beautiful first read is nothing short of tender, loving, sexy, and queer af. hold me like a grudge will tug at your heart but most importantly it still has so much ass.
my original review in 2024 when my dear friend entrusted me with this:
aside from me just screaming "THAT'S MY FRIEND" with tears streaming down my face I do want to say that this book has heart, has joy, has so many funny moments and dialogue, but most importantly it has ass.
what cel has crafted from that beautiful first read is nothing short of tender, loving, sexy, and queer af. hold me like a grudge will tug at your heart but most importantly it still has so much ass.
my original review in 2024 when my dear friend entrusted me with this:
aside from me just screaming "THAT'S MY FRIEND" with tears streaming down my face I do want to say that this book has heart, has joy, has so many funny moments and dialogue, but most importantly it has ass.
August 31, 2025
4.5
Oh, you all are not ready!! THIS WAS SO GOOD!!
Pre-reading thoughts:
This hit my shelf at the start of the week, and I couldn't contain myself anymore. I gotta read it now. The cover looks so good!! 😱🤩
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.
Oh, you all are not ready!! THIS WAS SO GOOD!!
Pre-reading thoughts:
This hit my shelf at the start of the week, and I couldn't contain myself anymore. I gotta read it now. The cover looks so good!! 😱🤩
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.
Read
February 14, 2026Update 2/13/26: This book's publishing has been cancelled/postponed as a result of the publisher and author parting ways. Unfortunately, this also means that it has been deleted off of NetGalley and I no longer have access to my full review and can't update this. Not really sure what to do about that lol.
I'm melting! I'm melting into a great big puddle of tenderness and emotional vulnerability!
I'm melting! I'm melting into a great big puddle of tenderness and emotional vulnerability!
December 10, 2024
I loved this book!
I’m gonna ramble some thoughts in no particular order-
Both their growth! How Asher started so wide-eyed and naive and optimistic then learned how to be a grown up and shit is hard but it’s also worth it. How Caleb CHOSE HIMSELF, I was so proud!! These boys had me in my feelings.
The spice was fantastic-especially with the chain, I won’t be forgetting that. I wasn’t expecting the light sub/dom dynamic and I loved it! All those good boys 😮💨
Really great side characters, I want to be friends with them all.
I liked how there was actually a good amount of wrestling in it. Did I totally get into wrestling?? I sure did.
I’m gonna ramble some thoughts in no particular order-
Both their growth! How Asher started so wide-eyed and naive and optimistic then learned how to be a grown up and shit is hard but it’s also worth it. How Caleb CHOSE HIMSELF, I was so proud!! These boys had me in my feelings.
The spice was fantastic-especially with the chain, I won’t be forgetting that. I wasn’t expecting the light sub/dom dynamic and I loved it! All those good boys 😮💨
Really great side characters, I want to be friends with them all.
I liked how there was actually a good amount of wrestling in it. Did I totally get into wrestling?? I sure did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2025
Vibrant and witty writing with characters who complement each other perfectly. Grudge has so much heart, so much angst, and so much fight in it. It is also undeniably hot! This is peak found family; I love this cast of characters to their cores. The wrestling aspects are written so well! I don’t really know anything about wrestling but I understood it all effortlessly.
Rivals to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and I feel that it is done so well here. There are a lot of reasons to dislike each other on both sides, but over time Asher is able to thaw Caleb’s iciness both in and out of the ring. I just love them so much!!! Their love story and also professional wrestling story is one that I think the world really needs right now.
This book is a gut punch and a kiss to make it better. I LOVE IT, I ALREADY CANNOT WAIT TO REREAD IT. I L O V E Cel’s writing style. It is an honor to call them my friend, and a gift to be able to read their books!! I cannot wait for this to be out in the world. Consider me sat forever for every book they ever write. <3
For fans of:
-idiots in love
-yearning
-hurt / comfort
-collars 👀
-found family
-grump/ chaotic sunshine
-forbidden romance
-freaks (complimentary)
-fighting for your dreams even if the odds are stacked against you
Out 31 March 2026 ✨
thank you to Netgalley & Berkley for the opportunity to read this eARC early!
Rivals to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and I feel that it is done so well here. There are a lot of reasons to dislike each other on both sides, but over time Asher is able to thaw Caleb’s iciness both in and out of the ring. I just love them so much!!! Their love story and also professional wrestling story is one that I think the world really needs right now.
This book is a gut punch and a kiss to make it better. I LOVE IT, I ALREADY CANNOT WAIT TO REREAD IT. I L O V E Cel’s writing style. It is an honor to call them my friend, and a gift to be able to read their books!! I cannot wait for this to be out in the world. Consider me sat forever for every book they ever write. <3
For fans of:
-idiots in love
-yearning
-hurt / comfort
-collars 👀
-found family
-grump/ chaotic sunshine
-forbidden romance
-freaks (complimentary)
-fighting for your dreams even if the odds are stacked against you
Out 31 March 2026 ✨
thank you to Netgalley & Berkley for the opportunity to read this eARC early!
Want to Read
December 29, 2025Sounds like a heated rivalry.
With wrestling.
I’m in.
With wrestling.
I’m in.
May 21, 2026
Just gets better every reread !!! Incredible show stopping amazing !!!!
Hold Me Like a Grudge is a funny, beautiful, hopeful (and horny) romance about two rival professional wrestlers, Asher and Caleb, who find love in a sport dead set on hiding how queer it really is.
This book is my favourite romance I have read in years. Simultaneously filled with so much queer joy & defiance in the face of systems set up to break us, Hold me Like a Grudge is an absolute powerhouse of a debut.
This book both broke me and put me back together. Caleb and Asher’s love story is one for the history books. I absolutely adore rivals to lovers and Grudge did it so right. The tension built between them was perfection, the romance was angsty and STEAMY and I couldn’t ask for more.
The found family dynamic was also incredibly well done - I was invested and interested in the lives of every single side character. They need their own books!
I was riveted from page one even thought I previously knew very little about the logistics of wrestling. I’m simply obsessed.
Not only is this a SIZZLING rivals to lovers romance, it’s also a beautiful love letter to queer communities and to the inherently queer sport of wrestling. A huge middle finger to corrupt and broken systems, Grudge is a hopeful and defiant and beautiful story I will return to often.
Ong’s voice is sharp, witty, and earnest - I look forward to reading everything they write.
Thank you to NetGalley & Solaire press for an e-arc of Hold Me Like a Grudge
Hold Me Like a Grudge is a funny, beautiful, hopeful (and horny) romance about two rival professional wrestlers, Asher and Caleb, who find love in a sport dead set on hiding how queer it really is.
This book is my favourite romance I have read in years. Simultaneously filled with so much queer joy & defiance in the face of systems set up to break us, Hold me Like a Grudge is an absolute powerhouse of a debut.
This book both broke me and put me back together. Caleb and Asher’s love story is one for the history books. I absolutely adore rivals to lovers and Grudge did it so right. The tension built between them was perfection, the romance was angsty and STEAMY and I couldn’t ask for more.
The found family dynamic was also incredibly well done - I was invested and interested in the lives of every single side character. They need their own books!
I was riveted from page one even thought I previously knew very little about the logistics of wrestling. I’m simply obsessed.
Not only is this a SIZZLING rivals to lovers romance, it’s also a beautiful love letter to queer communities and to the inherently queer sport of wrestling. A huge middle finger to corrupt and broken systems, Grudge is a hopeful and defiant and beautiful story I will return to often.
Ong’s voice is sharp, witty, and earnest - I look forward to reading everything they write.
Thank you to NetGalley & Solaire press for an e-arc of Hold Me Like a Grudge
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was not the first pro wrestling romance I read, but I fear it only cemented that this is NOT the sport for me. Something about the prevalence of injury and uncertainty makes me suuuuper anxious while reading.
This anxiety was made even worse due to the specific writing style of Hold Me Like a Grudge. It's raw and visceral, which makes the romantic scenes feel more emotional and vulnerable, but it also makes the fight scenes absolutely brutal and physically devastating, even when everything goes according to plan. I was constantly horrified by what these people put their bodies through, and baffled at how they just kept getting back up.
But that anxiety about injuries was additionally heightened by the plot around Caleb, the Ice Prince, and how he can be callous and ignores the rules. There are reasons for why he acts as he does, of course, but even after reading from his POV the anxiety never got better for me.
While I would not call this a grumpy-sunshine romance, Asher was a beam of light compared to Caleb. He has his own struggles, of course, but his arc and disposition was generally much more positive than Caleb's. I also liked the overall positive arc around the other wrestlers around the two.
I am a sucker for an unequivocal happy ending, and given that this is a romance I knew there would be a happily-ever-after, or at least happy-for-now ending. That said, the ending here threw me due to just how happy and perfect it was. I am a big confused by how bothered I am by this - usually this sort of cheese happy ending is exactly what I want! But here with how raw and at times dark the narrative was, I just didn't quite believe the overally perfect way things wrapped up.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This anxiety was made even worse due to the specific writing style of Hold Me Like a Grudge. It's raw and visceral, which makes the romantic scenes feel more emotional and vulnerable, but it also makes the fight scenes absolutely brutal and physically devastating, even when everything goes according to plan. I was constantly horrified by what these people put their bodies through, and baffled at how they just kept getting back up.
But that anxiety about injuries was additionally heightened by the plot around Caleb, the Ice Prince, and how he can be callous and ignores the rules. There are reasons for why he acts as he does, of course, but even after reading from his POV the anxiety never got better for me.
While I would not call this a grumpy-sunshine romance, Asher was a beam of light compared to Caleb. He has his own struggles, of course, but his arc and disposition was generally much more positive than Caleb's. I also liked the overall positive arc around the other wrestlers around the two.
I am a sucker for an unequivocal happy ending, and given that this is a romance I knew there would be a happily-ever-after, or at least happy-for-now ending. That said, the ending here threw me due to just how happy and perfect it was. I am a big confused by how bothered I am by this - usually this sort of cheese happy ending is exactly what I want! But here with how raw and at times dark the narrative was, I just didn't quite believe the overally perfect way things wrapped up.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 29, 2025
A solid debut from someone who clearly has a lot of passion and heart to give. Hold Me Like a Grudge is equal parts tender and sweltering tension, all wrapped up neatly with a found family I would have killed for when I was young and finding my queer little way through life. I couldn’t give a damn about the world of wrestling, but I was hooting and hollering for these folks barely a third of the way in.
The book does hit one too many clichés for my liking (“defeat evil with the power of friendship,” yadda yadda), but even then, I was still fighting through tears by the last few chapters. A big recommend for anyone looking for a new sports romance to sink their teeth into.
The book does hit one too many clichés for my liking (“defeat evil with the power of friendship,” yadda yadda), but even then, I was still fighting through tears by the last few chapters. A big recommend for anyone looking for a new sports romance to sink their teeth into.
Did Not Finish
June 8, 2026“Hold Me Like a Grudge” by Celine Ong
DNF @ 27%
It pains me to DNF this book; it was one of my most anticipated ARCs for this year. I think I’m too familiar with the source material (pro wrestling), and lots of little details kept taking me out of the story. The writing itself was fine, and I probably could have continued the story and ended with a three star rating if I could look past these little details.
First of all, I didn’t care for the constant name dropping of real life pro wrestlers. I think using made up names would have been better for the story. The final straw was name dropping Darren Young and saying he worked for the fictitious GEW company in the past.
Second, the names of the characters that are obvious parallels to real life people, were too 1:1. Kennedy Prichard? Vincent *KENNEDY* McMahon? Bruce Prichard? Thea? Rhea? Bailey? Baylee? Also, please just call it something other than the Performance Center; that’s exactly what NXT calls their training facility.
Third, and this is the one that annoyed me the most, one of the MMCs (Caleb) seemingly has no clue GEW has a developmental program. It’s one thing to not be aware of the wrestlers in developmental, or the storylines, but I cannot buy into the top heel of the company being so clueless. He seriously doesn’t know their developmental program exists? Even when people, like Asher, who he is working with in a storyline, get called up? Maybe I’m misunderstanding that plot point, or maybe it wasn’t described very clearly, either way I was done at that point. The damage was done, lol.
DNF @ 27%
It pains me to DNF this book; it was one of my most anticipated ARCs for this year. I think I’m too familiar with the source material (pro wrestling), and lots of little details kept taking me out of the story. The writing itself was fine, and I probably could have continued the story and ended with a three star rating if I could look past these little details.
First of all, I didn’t care for the constant name dropping of real life pro wrestlers. I think using made up names would have been better for the story. The final straw was name dropping Darren Young and saying he worked for the fictitious GEW company in the past.
Second, the names of the characters that are obvious parallels to real life people, were too 1:1. Kennedy Prichard? Vincent *KENNEDY* McMahon? Bruce Prichard? Thea? Rhea? Bailey? Baylee? Also, please just call it something other than the Performance Center; that’s exactly what NXT calls their training facility.
Third, and this is the one that annoyed me the most, one of the MMCs (Caleb) seemingly has no clue GEW has a developmental program. It’s one thing to not be aware of the wrestlers in developmental, or the storylines, but I cannot buy into the top heel of the company being so clueless. He seriously doesn’t know their developmental program exists? Even when people, like Asher, who he is working with in a storyline, get called up? Maybe I’m misunderstanding that plot point, or maybe it wasn’t described very clearly, either way I was done at that point. The damage was done, lol.
May 29, 2026
Oh I really wanted to love this one, and whilst some parts were great, a lot of it fell flat for me.
Things I enjoyed:
✨ The found family element. There were some really great secondary characters here and I love how they all embraced Caleb after getting to know him.
✨ Asher’s parents. Adorable, no notes.
✨ Caleb’s redemption arc. From ice prince to mushy sweetheart.
✨ Affection through touch. I love a touch starved character and Caleb was a prime candidate for some cuddles.
✨ Caretaking. I loved the caretaking after injury aspect, however how they got the injuries was one of my main icks….
Things I didn’t enjoy:
✨ Turns out, I hate wrestling as a romantic sport. Their job is literally to hurt each other and that just threw me out of the romance. It’s their job, I get it, but I personally hated every kick and punch they threw at each other. It was jarring for them to be snuggling and looking after each other after injuries that THEY CAUSED. Ugh, just uncomfy to read for me personally.
✨ The pacing. It just felt all over the place. Sections really dragged (so much inner-monologuing, even though it’s in 3rd person!) and some were skirted over almost completely (like Caleb’s religious trauma?? Indoctrination by Prichard?? Tell me more!!)
✨ We’re told repeatedly that Caleb is an asshole, but other than being painfully introverted and rude to Asher when they were younger, I just didn’t see it?
✨ The wrestling itself threw me out of the story. I watch wrestling and enjoy it, but I didn’t enjoy reading the full sequences of the matches. It really slowed the story down for me.
✨ The author kept name dropping real WWE wrestlers like Darren Young and Finn Bálor, which was confusing because… is this an AU where they wrestle for GEW? Does WWE and GEW both exist in this world? None of this is explained. Also one of the key side characters is called Bailey, who is an upbeat, sparkly female wrestler who loves to hug. Y’know, just like IRL wrestler Bayley. In fact I was convinced for most of the book that the author was just using a real person as one of her characters and it really weirded me out.
So I do think some people will truly adore this, but for me I just didn’t love it 😭 Thank you to the author and Solaire Press for an ARC via NetGalley.
Things I enjoyed:
✨ The found family element. There were some really great secondary characters here and I love how they all embraced Caleb after getting to know him.
✨ Asher’s parents. Adorable, no notes.
✨ Caleb’s redemption arc. From ice prince to mushy sweetheart.
✨ Affection through touch. I love a touch starved character and Caleb was a prime candidate for some cuddles.
✨ Caretaking. I loved the caretaking after injury aspect, however how they got the injuries was one of my main icks….
Things I didn’t enjoy:
✨ Turns out, I hate wrestling as a romantic sport. Their job is literally to hurt each other and that just threw me out of the romance. It’s their job, I get it, but I personally hated every kick and punch they threw at each other. It was jarring for them to be snuggling and looking after each other after injuries that THEY CAUSED. Ugh, just uncomfy to read for me personally.
✨ The pacing. It just felt all over the place. Sections really dragged (so much inner-monologuing, even though it’s in 3rd person!) and some were skirted over almost completely (like Caleb’s religious trauma?? Indoctrination by Prichard?? Tell me more!!)
✨ We’re told repeatedly that Caleb is an asshole, but other than being painfully introverted and rude to Asher when they were younger, I just didn’t see it?
✨ The wrestling itself threw me out of the story. I watch wrestling and enjoy it, but I didn’t enjoy reading the full sequences of the matches. It really slowed the story down for me.
✨ The author kept name dropping real WWE wrestlers like Darren Young and Finn Bálor, which was confusing because… is this an AU where they wrestle for GEW? Does WWE and GEW both exist in this world? None of this is explained. Also one of the key side characters is called Bailey, who is an upbeat, sparkly female wrestler who loves to hug. Y’know, just like IRL wrestler Bayley. In fact I was convinced for most of the book that the author was just using a real person as one of her characters and it really weirded me out.
So I do think some people will truly adore this, but for me I just didn’t love it 😭 Thank you to the author and Solaire Press for an ARC via NetGalley.
May 28, 2026
This was such a fun sports romance! I’ve never read a romance based around the world of wrestling and now I’m hooked I need more! This book is so incredibly tender and the characters are so raw! This book was queer, sexy, and fun and exactly what I wanted!
I thought Asher and Caleb were so sweet! I really felt for the both of them! I loved how Asher discovered his sexuality and how accepting everyone in is life was! I also really felt for Caleb and his whole situation with his parents :( I’m really glad that Celine chose to have them have different situations that they came from. I fell like coming out can be glanced over sometimes in queer romance and it doesn’t always how we would hope and I feel like Celine did a wonderful job handling it in ways that were true to the characters.
I also really enjoyed all of the side characters! I feel like they added so much to the story! The found family aspects were so so cute! I loved all of the mentions of queer history too! It really added a lot to the story! Also that cover and title! Ahh! It’s worth picking up for that alone!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I will be recommending this to any one who will listen! :)
Read if you like:
🩵rivals to lovers
🩷wrestling
🩵found family
🩷grumpyxsunshine
🩵sports romance
Thank you to NetGalley and Celine Ong for an eARC in exchange for an honest review! Thoughts and opinions are my own!
I thought Asher and Caleb were so sweet! I really felt for the both of them! I loved how Asher discovered his sexuality and how accepting everyone in is life was! I also really felt for Caleb and his whole situation with his parents :( I’m really glad that Celine chose to have them have different situations that they came from. I fell like coming out can be glanced over sometimes in queer romance and it doesn’t always how we would hope and I feel like Celine did a wonderful job handling it in ways that were true to the characters.
I also really enjoyed all of the side characters! I feel like they added so much to the story! The found family aspects were so so cute! I loved all of the mentions of queer history too! It really added a lot to the story! Also that cover and title! Ahh! It’s worth picking up for that alone!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I will be recommending this to any one who will listen! :)
Read if you like:
🩵rivals to lovers
🩷wrestling
🩵found family
🩷grumpyxsunshine
🩵sports romance
Thank you to NetGalley and Celine Ong for an eARC in exchange for an honest review! Thoughts and opinions are my own!
December 10, 2024
YOU ARENT READY FOR ME TO GET SOOOO FERAL
February 11, 2026
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The author & publisher have however parted ways and the book's publication was cancelled for now :(
I feel like this book is hard to review. It has a strong backbone. It truly shines with its characters and their depth. The two protagonists both have distinct voices and feel like fully realized individuals. The story itself starts off really strong: we're introduced to high stakes, believable conflicts, a vivid setting (pro-wrestling and its storylines), and a large cast of friendly goofballs. The pacing is quick and keeps you engaged from the start.
But around the halfway point (maybe before), the book begins focusing more on the romance and loses most of its momentum by pulling away from its (vibrant! extremely compelling!) pro-wrestling setting. I found the middle section, up to about 80%, a bit more bland, less eventful. There's a lot of fluff and sex, which is all great and well-written, but ultimately less engaging.
The ending, though, is what disappointed me most. The book 1. completely divorces itself from reality, veering into clichés ("and everyone clapped" Tumblr posts), and 2. ties up every narrative thread in the most optimistic, cookie-cutter way possible, sometimes at the expense of believability or character growth/character work. (ending spoilers)
The book is however, well-written at a line level; it places a lot on emphasis on characters' feelings and exploration of themselves. It features respectful, adoring portrayal of its cast; you can just tell the author is in love with the characters she has created and the world they live in.
Overall, even though the book focused a bit too much on romance for my own taste, I still think it's a solid read that will definitely find its audience when it releases! I can easily see it gaining a cult following like other books in the genre have before.
I am sending the author good vibes and wish her the best to find a new house for her book; breaking a deal a month before release is a terrible blow. I am also obsessed with conspiracy theories about what possible scandal could have been going on behind the scenes; I am, at heart, just a nosy bitch 👀
I feel like this book is hard to review. It has a strong backbone. It truly shines with its characters and their depth. The two protagonists both have distinct voices and feel like fully realized individuals. The story itself starts off really strong: we're introduced to high stakes, believable conflicts, a vivid setting (pro-wrestling and its storylines), and a large cast of friendly goofballs. The pacing is quick and keeps you engaged from the start.
But around the halfway point (maybe before), the book begins focusing more on the romance and loses most of its momentum by pulling away from its (vibrant! extremely compelling!) pro-wrestling setting. I found the middle section, up to about 80%, a bit more bland, less eventful. There's a lot of fluff and sex, which is all great and well-written, but ultimately less engaging.
The ending, though, is what disappointed me most. The book 1. completely divorces itself from reality, veering into clichés ("and everyone clapped" Tumblr posts), and 2. ties up every narrative thread in the most optimistic, cookie-cutter way possible, sometimes at the expense of believability or character growth/character work. (ending spoilers)
The book is however, well-written at a line level; it places a lot on emphasis on characters' feelings and exploration of themselves. It features respectful, adoring portrayal of its cast; you can just tell the author is in love with the characters she has created and the world they live in.
Overall, even though the book focused a bit too much on romance for my own taste, I still think it's a solid read that will definitely find its audience when it releases! I can easily see it gaining a cult following like other books in the genre have before.
I am sending the author good vibes and wish her the best to find a new house for her book; breaking a deal a month before release is a terrible blow. I am also obsessed with conspiracy theories about what possible scandal could have been going on behind the scenes; I am, at heart, just a nosy bitch 👀
May 1, 2026
I would be lying if I said I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Celine and I have been bookstagram mutuals for a while, and I've always found their posts thoroughly witty, funny, and smart, with just the right amount of tender, soft vulnerability weaved in. It is, then, no shock that their debut novel was all of those things as well, just as I expected it would be.
Both Asher and Caleb, idiots though they may be, had such wonderful growth, individually and as a couple. They had distinct voices, motivations, backgrounds, and personalities, both of them able to stand on their own while simultaneously making complete sense together. I loved how they balanced one another out as perfect complements. And while I adored them both, there's something about a brooding, misunderstood, desperate-for-connection-but-bad-at-showing-it, "grumpy" half of a grumpy/sunshine pairing that will always make me feel so achingly seen and tenderly held. In that sense, Caleb was exactly what I needed him to be, and he's carved out his own little space in my heart as a result.
Barring a WWE phase I had in middle school, which was promptly ruined upon learning that it was, in fact, all incredibly fake, I know very little about wrestling. Celine clearly knows a lot about wrestling, but none of the wrestling in the book ever felt too confusing for me to follow using my very limited knowledge. There was enough context for me to keep up with what was happening to the extent that was needed, even if all that was truly necessary was an understanding of how deeply homoerotic the sport actually is. And while hockey will always remain my #1, it was really fun to read a sports romance that felt unique and different from others I've read in the past as a result of its focus on a largely untapped portion of the sports realm.
If you like wrestling or queer people or lovable morons, or if you've ever giggled at one of Celine's Instagram captions, or if you simply enjoy fun and whimsy, or if you would like to bear witness to the mortifying ordeal of being seen, I encourage you to read this book. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, and congrats to Celine on a stellar debut!
Both Asher and Caleb, idiots though they may be, had such wonderful growth, individually and as a couple. They had distinct voices, motivations, backgrounds, and personalities, both of them able to stand on their own while simultaneously making complete sense together. I loved how they balanced one another out as perfect complements. And while I adored them both, there's something about a brooding, misunderstood, desperate-for-connection-but-bad-at-showing-it, "grumpy" half of a grumpy/sunshine pairing that will always make me feel so achingly seen and tenderly held. In that sense, Caleb was exactly what I needed him to be, and he's carved out his own little space in my heart as a result.
Barring a WWE phase I had in middle school, which was promptly ruined upon learning that it was, in fact, all incredibly fake, I know very little about wrestling. Celine clearly knows a lot about wrestling, but none of the wrestling in the book ever felt too confusing for me to follow using my very limited knowledge. There was enough context for me to keep up with what was happening to the extent that was needed, even if all that was truly necessary was an understanding of how deeply homoerotic the sport actually is. And while hockey will always remain my #1, it was really fun to read a sports romance that felt unique and different from others I've read in the past as a result of its focus on a largely untapped portion of the sports realm.
If you like wrestling or queer people or lovable morons, or if you've ever giggled at one of Celine's Instagram captions, or if you simply enjoy fun and whimsy, or if you would like to bear witness to the mortifying ordeal of being seen, I encourage you to read this book. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, and congrats to Celine on a stellar debut!
October 13, 2025
This book seemed like it was going to be a fun read. I hadn’t seen a wrestlers MM romance before, so I thought it would be original.
It was not.
Most of the book is cliche teenage slang, stereotyping of multiple races of people, and old meme references. It also did a poor job of depicting the main character as ADHD. ADHD is not talking non-stop and being “annoying.” The author actually wrote this. The main character says he is annoying.
Both of the main characters are unlikeable and were cringey. Asher was superficial and Caleb was disgusted with himself for being a bad person but does nothing to change his situation. He actually makes it worse. Twice. Also, if someone slams the top of their head into a mat and is unconscious, DO NOT move him and especially don’t put him in a chokehold no matter how gentle the choke hold was. The fact that they didn’t have a spinal injury from that and is back in the ring only a few weeks later is not plausible or medically sound.
I tried to continue reading but when one of the characters begins having a gay crisis, even though he has been around many queer people and never mentions a woman once made me finally close my NetGalley app.
Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to read this before it came out but I won’t be buying it.
It was not.
Most of the book is cliche teenage slang, stereotyping of multiple races of people, and old meme references. It also did a poor job of depicting the main character as ADHD. ADHD is not talking non-stop and being “annoying.” The author actually wrote this. The main character says he is annoying.
Both of the main characters are unlikeable and were cringey. Asher was superficial and Caleb was disgusted with himself for being a bad person but does nothing to change his situation. He actually makes it worse. Twice. Also, if someone slams the top of their head into a mat and is unconscious, DO NOT move him and especially don’t put him in a chokehold no matter how gentle the choke hold was. The fact that they didn’t have a spinal injury from that and is back in the ring only a few weeks later is not plausible or medically sound.
I tried to continue reading but when one of the characters begins having a gay crisis, even though he has been around many queer people and never mentions a woman once made me finally close my NetGalley app.
Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to read this before it came out but I won’t be buying it.
March 21, 2026
This felt like a Heated Rivalry fanfic the entire time 😕 I REALLY wanted to love this book because of the author and plot, but it didn’t work for me.
I grew up watching wrestling so I was immediately intrigued by this book. The found family and behind-the-scenes of the wrestling entertainment world was interesting, but I felt like I had to force myself to care for the main characters and their connection.
Thank you NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I grew up watching wrestling so I was immediately intrigued by this book. The found family and behind-the-scenes of the wrestling entertainment world was interesting, but I felt like I had to force myself to care for the main characters and their connection.
Thank you NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 23, 2025
Many thanks to PRH International for the digital review copy!
Hold Me Like a Grudge achieved something that I hoped it would be able to, but never actually expected: it made me care about wrestling, at least within the confines of the story. For someone who's decidedly not a sports fan, but does enjoy the occasional sports romance, that is a pretty huge accomplishment.
Somehow, this book was exactly what I expected from it, and I mean that in a really good way. It hit like I hoped it would, and I could see myself picking this up regularly as a comfort read. The writing is so fun, I loved the characters, and everything felt fleshed out well. While it took a little while for Caleb to grow on me, I absolutely loved Asher. But by the end, I adored both of them. The romance build-up was done so well, and then there are all these hilarious moments that make the story feel lighter, and it all worked so well together.
Hold Me Like a Grudge achieved something that I hoped it would be able to, but never actually expected: it made me care about wrestling, at least within the confines of the story. For someone who's decidedly not a sports fan, but does enjoy the occasional sports romance, that is a pretty huge accomplishment.
Somehow, this book was exactly what I expected from it, and I mean that in a really good way. It hit like I hoped it would, and I could see myself picking this up regularly as a comfort read. The writing is so fun, I loved the characters, and everything felt fleshed out well. While it took a little while for Caleb to grow on me, I absolutely loved Asher. But by the end, I adored both of them. The romance build-up was done so well, and then there are all these hilarious moments that make the story feel lighter, and it all worked so well together.
December 28, 2025
WRESTLING IS SO GAY AND ANYONE WHO REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IS OUT OF THEIR MIND!! i truly hope that this kind of queer revolution can happen in the real world of wrestling one day. i know that A Certain (Corrupt, especially lately) Wrestling Company loves to silence marginalized voices, and watching my favorite wrestlers get shoved to the bottom of the food chain is tiring. I love wrestling, and i want to continue to love wrestling, but it becomes harder and harder to support A Certain Wrestling Company. that’s where hold me like a grudge comes in!!!! caleb and asher had such a lovely relationship, and it was so moving to read about how they fell in love with themselves while also falling in love with each other. i loved everything about the book, and i will be cheering even harder for wrestlers to kiss now!!! thank you to berkley for the ARC!!!
June 15, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book! If you’re looking for a book that balances enemies to lovers with romantic tension and genuine character growth, this is it. The chemistry between the two main characters is incredible. Watching their relationship evolve throughout the story was so satisfying, that ending was perfection!
Beyond the romance, I really appreciated how the author tackled the darker side of the wrestling world. It was refreshing to see the characters actively pushing for change, inclusivity, and a better environment within the sport. It gave the story so much more depth.
While the main duo stole the show, the side characters were just as well-developed and really rounded out the world.
The only improvements needed; there were a few moments where the transitions felt a little disjointed, and I had to double back to make sure I didn't miss anything. Just a bit confusing. But it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Definitely recommend this one, it’s a great read that sticks with me long after the final page! I loved the wrestling world.
Beyond the romance, I really appreciated how the author tackled the darker side of the wrestling world. It was refreshing to see the characters actively pushing for change, inclusivity, and a better environment within the sport. It gave the story so much more depth.
While the main duo stole the show, the side characters were just as well-developed and really rounded out the world.
The only improvements needed; there were a few moments where the transitions felt a little disjointed, and I had to double back to make sure I didn't miss anything. Just a bit confusing. But it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Definitely recommend this one, it’s a great read that sticks with me long after the final page! I loved the wrestling world.
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