BRETT:

I've made a career out of tearing Luke Dalton apart.

Criticizing him? Easy. Surviving the summer next to him? That's another story.

As a sports journalist, I expose every fumble the NFL legend makes. Luke is my favorite target—arrogant, untouchable, perfect. Now that he's retiring with millions, I thought I was finally rid of him.

Life, though, has a twisted sense of humor.

Turns out, I'm stuck next to Mr. Perfect all summer after he rented the beach house next to mine. Every time I see him shirtless and smirking, I can't help but fantasize about wiping that grin off his face.

But here's the kicker: the clock's running out. My boss at Pinnacle Sports is demanding fresh insults—snarkier, meaner, and way more personal. Our rivalry is about to explode, and I'm not sure either of us will walk away unscathed.

LUKE:

Brett Mercer's made a living out of dragging my name through the mud.

Every game, every play, he's there mocking me on his podcast. So, when I discover my loudest critic is my new neighbor, I plan to ignore him—or drive him insane. But then I see the fiery look in Brett's eyes up close, and everything changes.

The insults, the tension—it's electric.

I don't just want to get under his skin. I want to get him under me.

I see right through his tough, sarcastic facade. He wants to keep pushing me? Bring it on. He's in for a fight, and I'm all in. The line between hate and love is razor-thin—and Brett's standing right on the edge.

Necessary Roughness is a standalone novella.