Strike Out

by Izzy Ravas

#7 - Malakai Vaughn

3B B/ R/R 6'2" 21

I’ve been in love with Isla since I was fourteen years old. From the moment I set my eyes on her, I just knew.

The problem is, she’s my stepsister and closed the door on any chance for us three years ago.


Now she needs a place to stay until her new apartment is ready, and I’m more than happy to help out.



Will having my stepsister live with me cloud my head now that the season's starting?



Or will this finally give us the push we need to say screw everyone else and finally be together?



I guess only time will tell if I strike out or not.

Strike Out is novella number one in The San Jose Coyotes series. Please be sure to check the content warning!

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Romance

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2025

Reviews

[destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE CONSENT CHECKS 😚🤌🏼💋 THE DIRTY TALK 😚🤌🏼💋 THE CHEMISTRY 😚🤌🏼💋

one thing about izzy ravas is that she will have me immediately obsessed and swooning for all her mmcs just by mentioning them. this one actually took me by the throat, called me a slutty little step sister, fucked me seven ways to sunday, and manifesting this man to be real 🧎🏻‍♀️ thank you so much izzy for letting me arc read 🤍

this is a brand new series full of filthy baseball romance novellas, fast paced, taboo, step sister / brother, pro baseball mmc + college student fmc, degradation, exhibitionism, impact play, cnc, free use, somno, breeding, praise, audio recording of sexual acts, use of sex toys, pregnancy announcement (towards the end), duo pov, and book one ⚾️

WOW. WOW. WOW. WOW.
i don’t know what to say besides wanting to scream out from the rooftops that everyone needs to read this book and all of izzy’s backlog. seriously.

with no where to go, isla needs a place to stay before college classes starts. when kai hears this and that she needs help, he didn’t even think twice about it before taking her in. he always loved her. ever since they met when they were just teenagers he already surrendered his every being to her. but they never did anything growing up because of their parents. isla didn’t want to ruin their family. but that didn’t stop them from falling for each other at a distance. they were forever from the moment they met 🥹 after three years apart, now that isla is moving into kai’s home, will they find that connection again ? or will they let their chance slip away once again ? 👀

kai is the absolute most perfect man 😩 the way he is both dominant yet such a softy only for her had me pulsing in four places 💥💳 WE LOVE A CONSENT KING !!!! this man had me falling for him the second he opened his mouth. plus he’s such a family man ???? HELLO ?!! it doesn’t get better than this truly 🥰 and isla omg she’s everything. she’s such an angel i just want to wrap her up and protect her from everything bad in this world. she was holding back so much just to keep her family together. but being in the same vicinity as her big step brother just had her forgetting about everything else but him. these two are just so precious 🫀 i love them so much

THE ENDING ??? i need to know about adriana and gael RIGHT NOW !!!

i fear this series will have me in the biggest chokehold (it literally already does). if you’re in a funky slump and don’t know what to read, definitely pick this up !! it immediately cured my slump and got me deep in my baseball romance era 🤭 i’m so excited for more !!

🌶️🌶️🌶️

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strikeout had everything I was looking for. It was quick and full of spice. Kai (MMC) said all the right lines, and there was little to no drama besides Isla’s ex-boyfriend sending a text. Usually, in these types of forbidden trope books, the family members are upset with the step-siblings getting together, but that’s not the case here. It was a good read. I liked this one a lot.

[Ariel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too insta-lovey for my tastes, and as soon as they started talking about babies, it was an immediate drop in stars. Breeding kink isn't my jam, I don't want babies in my erotica, and I hate accidental pregnancy, so I won't be finishing the duet.

[littlesmuttyone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kai & Isla. I was swooning & kicking my feet with Kai, can he get any better and yes he can .

the scene in the suv with his close teammates was hottest thing ever!!!

Adriana lmao love her period!!!

Gene all I have say he had it rough but he amazing so is Nadia love them so much .

I have so many things say about this one .this is a series yes !!!

Kai is perfect . when he said this I was a goner and teary a bit cause my girl was feeling like a burden :(
“Your medical conditions don’t define your worth to me. I would gladly give it all up again, in every lifetime… just so I could have you.” 😍😭 I love him so much ♥️

[nikreadsnrambles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Review: (no spoilers)
Izzy has done it again. Another 5 star 🥰 I think I’ll read just about anything she writes at this point, no questions asked.
Little fun fact; Izzy created my love for step siblings ☺️ so when I found out that Strike Out was a step sibling romance, I didn’t walk- I RAN 🏃🏻‍♀️💨
This novella has me giggling and kicking my feet and, because I am who I am, I CRIED! HIGHLY recommend everyone go meet Kai, Isla, and the San Jose Coyotes!

[Avelon Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla & Kai - A Spicy Step-Siblings Romance
Firstly, this is spiced up and adorable and oh so hot!
This guy is a walking green flag and he worships her.
This is a great start to a series and I can’t wait for book two. If baseball players and the sweet girl next door is your vibe then you’ll love reading this novella. It’s just the right amount of everything and hits just right for a novella that feels like a novel.

[Cdngurl85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy and Emotional

OMG Izzy!! How do you write a book that is Spicy out the gate, to making me tear up a few chapters later?!

Strike Out is a taboo Stepsiblings extra spicy romance and I just devoured it!! I'm in love with Kai!! He's the definition of the perfect book boyfriend!!

The story is perfect, the characters are amazing and I just want more!! 10/10 and I can't wait to read book 2.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for all the spice in a quick, fun, low drama way this is definitely for you! You won’t regret it. But if you’re looking for a bit more plot, you might not love it.
Overall, I enjoyed Kai and Isla’s story. The spice was definitely spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and I appreciated how much detail was included as we learned about the MC’s and their history and of course the HEA was chefs kiss.

[Perla Najera · Rating 4 out of 5]

love a step siblings romance and this one was spicy🥵

kai & island are perfect together 😍

the fact their parents were just waiting for them to come out with it was beautiful!!

although it did move at a fast pace the book hit all it’s marks!

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I’m so beyond ready for book two because I am sold! Like I need more of this series and I have questions that need to be answered!

[Brooklyn Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

-step-siblings
-spitting
-motorcycle
-baseball
-toys as teammates
-mask

[⋆⁺₊✧ l pao l⋆⁺₊✧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

lowk have a love hate relationship w this book. i think the story was very cute, all of the yearning and how much Kai cares for Isla, the amount of smut in this book made me sick at some points i literally had to stop reading n go out to touch some grass 😭😭 but i knew what i was signing for when i asked my friend to give me options to read for a baseball romance. besides that i rlly liked the book, it kept me hooked the entire time i read it and lowk cant wait for the second part 🙂‍↕️

[Naomy Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this new journey that the author is taking trying a new genre for her to write. This book is for you if you do not mind a taboo book with an MMC who is just obsessed for the FMC. Also how many males would wait until the female is done being in denial of her feels because they are that confident in the love and connection between themselves and the love if their life. This book was also a breath of fresh air and I can not wait what more is to come with this series.

[Karlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well damn can Izzy write anything that is bad? Nope! Another 5 read! The sheer intensity of Kai's love for Isla is something to behold! I absolutely destroyed this in one sitting.

[DeAnna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/4.25⭐️
“All this time, I’ve just been living the one dream I had, playing baseball, waiting for you to come and help me with the rest. You’re my other half, Isla, and I’m ready to start the rest of our life together.” ❤️
“She’s my world. All I need is her, a kid, and baseball. I’ll be a happy man.” ❤️
“You are my reason, Isla.”❤️
“My bride. My beautiful Isla. My wife.” ❤️

Tropes
Baseball romance (MLB)
Spicy novella
Breeding kink with pregnancy
Taboo (step siblings)
Longing & pining
It’s always been her

This was a fun short and spicy read. I usually don’t mind a insta love trope story, but when the point was made that they had had feelings for each other since they were kids/since they first met, it would’ve been nice if this was a longer book. Also, all the “little sister/big brother” were starting to get a little annoying.
If we would’ve gotten to see more of their history, the build up of them falling in love, and the secret longing and pining between them, gotten more of a conclusion her ex harassing her and Kai taking care of it, a bit more baseball (since it was his first season in the pros it would’ve been cool to see him win the series), and more of her pregnancy or birth, it would’ve been a 5 star for me. But since it was just novella, I’ll rate what we did get, and from what we did get, I enjoyed it.
Kai was everything. He was sweet, passionate, intentional, attentive, affectionate, he called her “princess”, didn’t want to hide her or his love for her, was possessive in the best way, and had a filthy mouth. The spice was spiiiiiiiiiicing with these two. I really loved that it was always her for him and how he waited for her. I liked that Isla didn’t put up too much of a fight and didn’t make it hard for him. Since they both wanted the same thing it was nice not to have deal with all of the will they won’t they drama.
I like that their parents were encouraged and had already had an idea that they had feelings for each other, and that their friend groups were supportive.
The cliffhanger was intriguing, so I’ll be jumping right into that one next.

[Aracely · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤 Izzy has done it again 10/10 perfection! Izzy knows how to write a dirty mouthed but sweet and loving MMC that will have you blushing like slut, but also have you big time swooning! Kai is definitely going on my book boyfriend list cause he was absolutely PERFECT! I love the way he loves Isla and helps her not to feel like a burden, and goes out of his way to make sure nothing will cause her an allergic reaction. Ok, but like can we talk about the car scene👀?! It had me blushing and fanning myself cause omg that was hot! I love a good exhibitionism scene and this one did not disappoint. I cant get the “Be good, little sister. Spread your legs and let them watch while I make you come all over my fingers.” out of my head cause that was just 🥵🥵! Ok time for the side characters shout out. I was cracking up the entire time there was a scene with Gene cause poor man looked like he was about to burst a blood vessel with all the teasing they were doing. I loved how Nadia and Gene both were of super supportive of their relationship and just loved them and wanted the best for them. i cant wait to see what Izzy has in store for the rest of the Coyotes team cause some of those cameos had me wanting to know what was going on with them.

📚Book Type: step siblings sports romance

✨Tropes/CW’s
🧎🏽‍♀️step siblings
🧎🏽‍♀️Pregnancy
🧎🏽‍♀️Breeding kink
🧎🏽‍♀️Phone sex
🧎🏽‍♀️Impact play
🧎🏽‍♀️Degradation/praise
🧎🏽‍♀️Free use

[Erin Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨

ARC REVIEW

Strike Out - Izzy Ravas

5/5⭐️

📚📚📚
This one I completely busted out in one sitting!! I’m obsessed with these two! I just couldn’t get enough of these step siblings, the spice and dirty mouth from BOTH! They have always loved each other since the moment Isla and Malakai laid eyes on each other but never acted on it since they were step siblings. But now as adults and Isla in need of a place to stay, Malakai jumps for it. He’s truly the OG book boyfriend. This whole man literally cut all her allergies out of his diet and life since the moment he knew. “He’s always her safe place” and I just straight melted for that!! Without giving too much more away, I highly recommend reading this one!! I seriously cannot wait for the next book!

📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Step siblings
- Possessive MMC
- Invisible Illness Rep (Severe Allergies)
- Sports romance
- Degradation
- Impact play
- Humiliation
- CNC
- Breeding
- Free use
- Praise
… You should definitely check this out

📚📚📚

Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy

✨What’s a sport you enjoy playing or watching?

#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc

[The Book Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first ever sports romance of any kind and I gotta say, Izzy got me hooked. I'm not really a sports fan in my daily life so I was doubtful going in. I'm very pleased to i had no reason to be.

This was a very cute, very sweet and very spicy, start to The San Jose Coyotes series. It got me 100% primed, ready and excited for the rest of the series. If you're looking for a really deep story, you're not going to find it here. That said, this steamy novella is not just smut for the sake of smut. There is a very endearing love story here, and I did manage to to get emotionally attached to Kai and Isla. I could have happily continued following their story, and I'm hoping we bump into them again, further into the series.

As I mentioned before, this quick read is FULL of hot AF spice. Isla and Kai are one of the sexiest, spiciest couples I've ever read in a book, and for that I will be rating this delicious 5 ⭐ read a very hot 5 outta 5 🌶️'s. And while this isn't what I would call dark romance, it's definitely taboo and has some hardcore themes, so it's still important to read the trigger warnings. No book is worth putting your mental health and well being at risk.

So, if you decide StrikeOut is for you, queue up the playlist provided and enjoy this little handed read. Then, when you're done, come back here, drop a comment down ⬇️ below ⬇️ and let's chat about it!! 😘

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy, Sweet, and Unexpectedly Addictive

"Strike Out" is a fast-paced, spicy novella that wastes no time pulling you into the forbidden-but-irresistible romance between Malakai and Isla—step-siblings turned lovers. From the beginning (yes, it starts with a bold, exhibitionist-leaning scene), the chemistry between them is electric!

Malakai, a professional baseball player, is the kind of book boyfriend who sets the bar high. His devotion to Isla goes beyond the bedroom—he’s attentive, thoughtful, and even changed his diet to makes sure her food allergies are never an issue. Though his attentiveness is adorably sweet, don't get me wrong, this book brings the heat. The spice is checks all the boxes...consensual, intense, passionate, and just the right amount of dirty and dangerous. It hits every note for fans of spicy romance.

I wasn't sure how I felt about reading about step-siblings, but I was able to quickly look past that. The emotional connection and unapologetic love Malakai has for Isla is what truly hooked me. It leans more romance than smut, and I was surprised how much feeling was packed into such a short read.

The ending leaves you with a bit of a cliffhanger (involving Isla's best friend and one of Malakai's teammates!), and now I need book two in my hands ASAP. Izzy Ravas has me fully invested!

[thesmutreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩶⚾️ 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭 ⚾️🩶 𝐛𝐲 𝐈𝐳𝐳𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐬
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟖𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

𝟓/𝟓 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐒𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐌𝐂
𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞/𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡”

𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐢 𝐕𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩-𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐇𝐞’𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫—𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫.

𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐚𝐢. 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐍𝐨𝐰, 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠—𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞?

𝐊𝐚𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚’𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐊𝐚𝐢 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚, 𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭—𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐔𝐕 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞? 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧—𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭.

[Willie Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batter up! Strike Out ignites The San Jose Coyotes Series with a fiery start! 🔥

Meet Malakai “Kai” Vaughn, the guy who's been secretly crushing on Isla since their teen years, even though they're step-sibs. He shoved those feelings aside to focus on swinging his way to baseball glory. But now Isla's moved in, and all those bottled-up emotions are popping like a shaken soda. Kai's got a major league decision to make: risk it all for the gal of his dreams?

Kai's steady devotion and heart-melting patience? Total heart-throb material. Honestly, future book boyfriends, you've got some big cleats to fill (looking at you, Izzy 😩). And Isla? Her courage to jump into the unknown, despite being an overthinking queen, had me cheering her on all the way!

This novella is the perfect pitch for a series that’s bound to be my latest obsession. Add it to your TBR, darlings—you don't want to strike out on this one! 💕⚾️

Things to know

degradation, exhibitionism, impact play, humiliation, consensual non consent, free use, breeding, unprotected sex, alcohol use, explicit on page sexual acts, praise, audio recording of sexual acts, use of sex toys, pregnancy announcement, forbidden, step siblings, “it’s always been you”, no 3rd act breakup

[kaylaschapterchats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good ♥️♥️♥️

Our main characters are Isla and Kai. Isla is stuck when she leaves her fiance and needs a place to stay until uni starts. Her stepbrother Kai is more than willing to let her stay with him. Why, you ask? Because he has been in love with Isla since he was a young teenager.

I loved the plot. It was evident that Kai and Isla were made for each other. It was beautiful to see the way they were around with each other. Kai is dominant yet so gentle with Isla and Isla just gets Kai in ways others didn't, including their parents.

It was so funny with Gene and Nadia (Isla and Kai's parents). They knew it was coming and were preparing for it, I think.

Shout out to their friend group. They all seem like such ride or die's for them.

This is the first in Izzy's new series, and I seriously can't wait for the other couples. I have this feeling it's going to get better and better 😊

Thank you so much, Izzy, and your amazing team for the opportunity to read this story. I am extremely blessed to be a part of your ARC team 🙏

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

⚾️ dual pov
⚾️ step siblings
⚾️ possessive mmc
⚾️ baseball romance
⚾️ spicy praise/ degradation scenes

[spicybookmama · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You were always supposed to be mine beautiful girl. It just took a little longer for you to be okay with it.

Every book I’ve read by Izzy Ravas has been a home run for me. Pun totally intended. This novella is once again another story full of plot, characters I adore and the escape from reality I crave. Strikeout is everything a romance girly enjoys in a taboo spicy sports romance. Unhinged, obsessive possessive, thoughtful and infinitely passionate Malakai is pure perfection. OK he may be OTT but I wouldn’t want him any other way. His unconditional unwavering love for Isla is swoonalicious goodness. His and Isla‘s relationship is angsty, emotional and so sizzling hot. The SUV scene is salaciously sexy. As I do with all books by Izzy Ravas, I highly recommend it. This fast, paced scorcher is a must read and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the team brings.

“CALL ME WHATEVER TURNS YOU ON THE MOST, PRINCESS. MIL BE YOUR BIG BROTHER AND YOUR HUSBAND. I'IL F♥CK YOU LIKE THE DESPERATE WH❥RE YOU ARE ALL THE WHILE, YOU KNOW I LOVE AND CHERISH YOU OVER EVERYONE ELSE"

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Let me tell you about Malakai Vaughn… MY. GOD. Literally. @izzyravas knows how to write a man that will make you fold immediately and I mean IMMEDIATELY. And Kai is my favorite MMC she’s written so far. He’s a player for the baseball team, The San Jose Coyote’s, just kicking off his MLB career.

This is a fun, spicy novella. We have Kai and his stepsister, Isla who have had feelings for each other pretty much since their parents met when they were fourteen. Now at 21, those feelings can’t stay quiet anymore and Kai and Isla finally give in to what has always been right there waiting….a forever kinda love.

Kai is just, swoon. The filthy mouth, the way that in moments he’s not sure, he still asks Isla for consent, taking her needs and concerns and health into account when making choices for himself and he’s hot….and he wears his hat backwards because @izzyravas shares that same kink (I guess you’d call it) as I do.

This was a sweet read for me but the spice was spicing and I can’t wait for book 2.

Highly recommend

[ElderEmoSmutQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew I love Baseball!

Wow, couldn't put it down!

Sat and read this book in one sitting because it was just too good not to. Ravas writes such beautiful, easy to connect with characters, that you can't help but fall in love with their love.

Kai is the perfect man, if one existed. His possessive but protective nature towards Isla from the moment they meet is just the best mix of adorable and forceful. He also gives off pleasure dom vibes, which had my pulse racing several times.

Isla is just sweetness personified and radiates a gentle nature despite her taboo love for her step-brother. She is just as crazy about Kai as he is about her and it makes this dynamic so easy to read and enjoy.

Although there are some triggering themes in this book, it's quite a light romance that is heavy on the spice (where a lot of the darker themes come into play)
PLEASE READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS FIRST!

I give the book a 4.5 star rating and a 3.5 chilli rating for the spice. I cannot wait for Curve Ball, I need it in my life asap, because as I said, who knew I Love Baseball ⚾

[Cole Branham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet, another book that I sat and devoured in one sitting. This book has so much spice in it, and I loved every second of it because it was another one of those that had the perfect amount of spice and plot. On the spice scale it’s a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. This is also the first sports romance book I ever read and I am so glad it is because again I just devoured it. This is a baseball, taboo step sibling relationship between our MMC Kai and his stepsister Isla. If you’re somebody that loves either sports or taboo romances, I highly recommend this book. It is a quick read like I said I devoured it in one sitting it is the first book in a nine book series and I can’t wait to see where the second book goes!! The spice in this book is so well written. It’s one of those books where after you get done reading a spicy scene you have to stop think about what you just read and then happily go into the next scene because you just wanna read more.

[El Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ rounded up

I stepped outside my comfort zone to read this book and I am SO GLAD I did.
I usually shy away from step-sibling romance because it was always something I didn't really understand and felt uncomfortable with. Yet, somehow, the author managed to completely change my mind on the subject.
This is the most green flag taboo romance I have read to date. I am absolutely obsessed with this couple and how the author wrote this super feel good, totally sexy step-sibling romance.
The normalization? Excellent. The spice? hot AF. The consent checks? PERFECTION. The romance? swooning. The green flag MMC? I'm kicking my feet with joy over here.
Seriously I absolutely loved this sweet and spicy novella and I am showering Izzy Ravas with all the praise for completey changing and opening my mind to new tropes I never thought I'd get with. This was so fun and I can't wait to read future installments of this series!

[Marissa Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤ARC REVIEW🖤

“You were always supposed to be mine beautiful girl, It just took you a little longer to be ok with it”

Strike Out by @izzyravas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

⚾️This Baseball Romance novella is the first in The San Jose Coyote’s series. Each book is a different set of couples & contains lots of sp!cy good times.

⚾️Izzy what can’t you write? I’m so in love with all the MMCs you do, especially Malakai Vaughn… A hot baseball player. This man is top tier book boyfriend. Ladies the consent, the obsession, sweetness, the dirty mouth. Yes please !!

⚾️I really enjoyed this read, it was quick, sweet & sp!cy. Malaki & Isla are step siblings and have always had feelings for each other, but have never acted. Now at 21 they can’t hold back anymore.

⚾️The depth of emotion in this novella really surprised me. They had such a beautiful connection. Isla was such a sweet character who didn’t want to hurt anyone. Kai does everything to take care of her & make her happy.

⚾️When the two decided they are done waiting. Finally they have all of one another & OMG i was kicking my feet at their swoony & sp!cy moments. Can we talk about that car moment…. HOT!!

⚾️I can’t wait to read more in this novella series. Thank you Izzy for always trusting me with your babies.

TROPES & TRIGGERS
⚾️Baseball Romance
⚾️Step Siblings
⚾️Roommates
⚾️Possessive MMC
⚾️Pr@ise & Degr@dation
⚾️Impact Play
⚾️CNC & Free Use
⚾️Voyeur!sm & Exhibit!onism
⚾️Br33ding & Pregn@ncy
⚾️Humili@tion & Let Them Watch
⚾️Alc0hol Use
⚾️”It’s Always Been You”
⚾️Invisible Illness Rep (severe allergies)
⚾️Audio Recording (s*xual acts)
⚾️HEA

Available on KU & Amazon

#bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #sportsromancebooks #romancebook #romancereader #twosisterswithbooks

[Nyx Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝔖𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔨𝔢 𝔒𝔲𝔱 𝔟𝔶 ℑ𝔷𝔷𝔶 ℜ𝔞𝔳𝔞𝔰 (𝔅𝔢𝔱𝔞 ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴)
-
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
-
Review:
The first book of The San Jose Coyotes and I’m obsessed! Kai and Isla are such couple goals, I was giggling and blushing and also having my “Awe” moments while reading their story. The dedication and patience that Kai has for Isla is literally something I will always now look for in a man (Thanks Izzy) and the way Isla was ready to take that leap for Kai despite her over thinking when it came to the future? Yep, I was swooning hardcore. I highly recommend! Of course as long as you read the TW/CWs before hand. Happy reading everyone!
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Tropes:
* Step-Siblings
* Possessive MMC
* Roommates
* Bad Boy x Good Girl
* Sports Romance- Baseball
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Releases June 18th!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in a series of novellas and I am here for the short chapters and the short books! Perfect for when you need something to get you out of a slump!

Kai and Isla are step siblings who met when they were 14. Before moving out Kai professed his love for her but she rejected him in fear of what their parents might think.
Now Isla needs a place to stay and Kai is determined to make her his.

We don’t get a ton of backstory but we don’t really need it. It never felt like I was missing any information. 😮‍💨 The spice was spicing. Kai’s friends can look, but they can’t touch. Fast paced, spicy, and unexpectedly heartfelt, this was a perfect to read in one sitting!

Read if you enjoy:
⚾️ Possessive MMC
💋 Taboo romance
⚾️ He Falls First
💋 Look but don’t touch