From USA Today bestselling authors Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams, comes a steamy MM enemies-to-lovers sports romance about childhood best friends turned bitter enemies, queer awakening, first times, secret hookups, and forced proximity. It will leave you hooked from the first page. This is the first book in the Off the Mat duet, and Keaton and Rowan’s story continues in Heal Me, Love Me, which will be released in August 2026.

Keaton Stafford knows exactly how dangerous Rowan Cross can be.

And it has nothing to do with what Rowan can do in the cage.

Growing up, they were next-door neighbors and best friends. Just two boys who shared secrets, first kisses, and more. But one brutal night during their senior year of high school destroyed everything, turning them into enemies who haven’t spoken since.

After serving four years in the Air Force, Rowan returns home ready to turn years of jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and military boxing into a shot at an MMA future he’s wanted for years. He’s determined not to waste his second chance, and the last thing he expects to find is Keaton already making a name for himself at Titan Elite—or to end up as his roommate.

Training at the same gym means there’s no escape from the past between them. Every argument cuts too deep. Every glance lingers too long. Every touch sparks something far hotter than hate.

The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to pretend their history meant nothing.

But attraction doesn’t erase betrayal, and old wounds don’t stay buried for long.

For Keaton and Rowan, this fight is only the first round.

Sign up now to get the most out of Books2Read

Discover something great at Books2Read.

Thanks for signing up for Books2Read notifications!