Sparring Partners

By: Erin Rose

Narrated by: Marcella Black, Christian Leatherman

When a Gen Z content creator meets a brooding MMA coach, they are the hottest thing on the mat in this forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers sports romance for fans of Liz Tomforde and Elle Kennedy.

Fake dating was not in the training plan…

One year ago, Lily Parker escaped to Chicago, seeking anonymity among millions. Her new job as a content creator for a South Side MMA gym is more than a fresh start – it’s a chance to save the gym and empower women.

Kieran Sullivan, the gym’s tattooed coach, marks Lily as an enemy from day one. With a body forged by fighting and a heart guarded by scars, Kieran will do anything to protect those he loves – and that doesn’t include the gym’s newest employee. Even if the heat between them is impossible to ignore…

But when their video goes viral, sending the internet spiralling over their sizzling will-they-or-won’t-they chemistry, Kieran and Lily are forced to play nice on camera to keep the fans happy.

Sometimes the only thing that separates love from hate…is knowing exactly who your opponent really is.

Warning: Flirting may cause unexpected knockouts

Perfect for fans of:

🥊 Sports romance

🔥 Enemies to lovers

👔 Workplace romance

©2026 Kathryn Rose Harpel and Kathleen Erin Huntsberry (P)2026 Harlequin Enterprises ULC