Sparring Partners

By: Erin Rose

Published by Afterglow Books by Harlequin, 2026-03-31

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 Nikki Castle and Elle Kennedy. Gloves off. And hands on... When things get hard, some choose "flight..." It's been a year since Lily Parker fled to Chicago, hoping to lose herself among millions of people. Becoming the new content creator for a South Side MMA gym isn't just a fresh start or a new job--it's a chance to save the gym and help women protect themselves. But while the gorgeous, scarred and tatted-up MMA coach has marked Lily as an enemy, there's definitely something spicy between them... He chooses "fight." Kieran Sullivan only knows how to use his fists. His body is a testament to survival and protecting those he loves--and that does not include the gym's newest employee. But when a video goes viral, Kieran and Lily must play nice in front of the cameras to keep the gym's fans happy. Now the internet is obsessed with their scorching, will-they-or-won't-they chemistry. Sometimes, the only thing that separates love from hate is knowing exactly who your opponent really is. From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don't miss any of these other fun titles... Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin The Summer of Perfect Mistakes by Cynthia St. Aubin Meet Me in a Mile by Elizabeth Hrib