Strike to the Heart

Champion Hearts #1

by Malia Mallory

Tonight wasn’t about love, it was about greedy desire.

When tennis star Jo Parker-Barrow meets MMA fighter Zane Ryan at a US Open party, she has no idea who he is. She just knows he’s handsome and sexy. Throwing her usual caution to the wind, Jo allows herself one hot night with a stranger.

But Zane doesn’t want to remain a stranger. He pursues Jo until she can’t say no, but neither can she say yes. She’s had her fill of men who take risks for a living, and Zane is a mixed martial arts fighter at the top of his sport. Can Jo love not only the man but the fighter as well?

Genres: Romance, Sports, Mixed Martial Arts, Fighters, Contemporary Romance, Erotica, Contemporary

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2015

About the author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Malia Mallory lives in Hawaii with her husband and daughter. She's been working with words since alphabet blocks rolled into her crib, not only writing her own work but copy editing and proofreading the work of others. She has loved to read about relationships since she first sneaked off with her mother's Harlequin.

Malia's books are available at major retailers.

Reviews

[♛✨Christine ♛✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this all in one sitting and I couldn't get enough. The cover and blurb just sucks you in. I had no intention of starting this novel until I had all my work done. This was a massive fail when I had a quick look at the first page and I was drawn in.

It was such a quick read that will have you feeling so many things. Love for a guy like Zane and a whole lot of lust.

Zane is an MMA fighter and what a fighter he is. He's an organised and confident hot hunk who knows what he wants and will do anything to attain it. You can't help but fall in love with him. Seriously, where can I find me a guy like him?

Reading this I wanted to enter into this world and leave behind my real one and any author that can make me feel this way is definitely number one in my books. I also loved the fact that the novel alternates between both Jo and Zane. We receive insight into what they are feeling or thinking and it just adds more to the literary components of the novel.

A fine short read that will have anyone falling in love and wanting more. Looking forward to reading more into this series.

Novel kindly provided by author, Malia Mallory, in exchange for an honest review.

[~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't a big fan of this one..

I didn't like how this story was balanced. Or un-balanced, I should say. It is a very brief read, but that's not what bothered me here. What bothered me was even though you get POV's from the H and h, her POV seemed to dominate the story. And for me, it wasn't all that interesting. We got insight into her, and what makes her tick, even got to see her in great detail when she was in her element, (her profession) but when it came to our Hero, we didn't get that same insight. Aside from his POV being VERY brief when we got it, it was always only centered on her and his feelings about her & where he wanted things to go. (Which would have been great if we got to see more of him as an individual as well). Like we do our heroine.

It all flowed in a simpleton manner. I guess you could say. And I wasn't feeling that. It left me wanting for the chemistry we are promised at the very beginning of the story, but was never fully realized. And it left the characters as just one-dimensional.

So no. I will not be continuing with this series. Nor would I recommend this read.

[Kimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of Strike to the Heart by Malia Mallory for an honest review.

Strike to the Heart was a HOT quick read! If you're addicted to books with sexy MMA fighters like I am then this will be right up your alley. I will say there were a few areas that I felt were a little rushed but over all I love it!

Jo is an up and coming top contender in tennis who competing in the US Open. Jo has been hurt in the past and just looking for a good time.

Zane Ryan what can I say beside I want my very own Zane Ryan. Zane is one of the most popular MMA fighters who is spending a week at the U.S. Open before he starts training for his next MMA match. Zane is ready to find that special someone and start the next chapter of his life ( yes I wish it were me).

Yummy Zane has earned a spot on my book boyfirend list!



Find out what happens when their paths crazy.

[Ann Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love to read books with a two person narrative. We meet Jo and Zane, two hot athletes in the prime of their careers. Jo has been hurt several times, she thinks its because she chooses the wrong guy. I think she just didn’t meet the right guy. Sometimes you gotta go through the mud to get to clear water. (lol I just made that up!) Anyway, Zane….*sighs oh Zane……*coughs sorry ok where was I? So Zane here is your hot MMA fighter. He wants love, wants to give love and be loved……*ok sighs here* adorable right? Yes! So he is at the top of his game and meets Jo at a bar one night. Things heat up quickly between them. Hold on to your hat! lol. So will Jo fall for Zane? Will Zane fall for Jo??? hmmmmm??? Great read!! check it out today! Happy reading :)

[Stace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story but I'm not sure the page count is right. Took me barely an hour to finish. Not a lot of depth or development but a good way to pass some time. Sex was standard for a contemporary romance and isn't as explicit as you might expect considering some of her other titles.

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5-3 stars... this was a sweet sexy story and easy read. However it had no real depth, no character development. For a quick read, I recommend it.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fling, that was what this about. What was supposed to be a “…thing. A night of fun.”, turned out to be so much more.

Can two people who are extremely devoted to their careers have it all? You will have to read to find out.

This is the story of two very important, very popular athletes who make eye contact one night and what was supposed to be a night of passion turned out to be something more. He falls pretty fast, while she can't let go of boyfriends past.

I felt like this book had a great storyline. I also feel like there should have been so much more to the plot. We got the outline; there was just no meat to it. They fell in love way to fast and went from meeting for the first time to being in love. Some say love at first sight does exist, who am I to say it doesn't? I just felt like there wasn't enough in between for me to believe it.

Now, if you could take this and turn it in to a 300 page book, giving me the guts of the story. I might believe it. Great start, though, just not enough emotions to go on. ~ Stacey, 3 Stars.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about Jo and Zane. Jo is a pro tennis star and Zane is an MMA fighter. This is the third story in I've read from this particular author. With the other stories, something about them just didn't work for me. However, I loved this one. With this story, the roles are basically reversed. From the beginning, Jo and Zane have an amazing chemistry between them. Zane knows exactly what he wants, which is a serious commitment from Jo. Jo is denying her feelings and uses Zane's career to stick him into a stereotype she avoiding. I liked that in this story, Zane very much knows what he wants and isn't what one expects of someone in that career choice. I understood Jo avoidance of the person she thought he was.

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a tennis star crosses paths with an MMA fighter? Sparks fly and a fabulous romance is born. Jo is finally reaching the top of her game when she meets Zane at a pre-US Open party. Zane provides her with a much needed distraction right before the big event and then when she is playing he provides the boost needed to dig deep and fight. The problem is she never dreamed of dating a fighter. Zane is blown away by Jo's drive, commitment and beauty so he does what all fighters do, he fights to win the girl. But will the girl fight for him? I read this story in the Players Anthology box set.

[Patricia Maia (The Bookery Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover is seriously HOT! This is my first book from Malia and I'm really looking forward to read more from her.
What a great story about how two people can connect so easy. One first look and the lust for each other just exploded! One night was all it was about but for Zane wasn't enough...
Jo didn't want a relationship with someone like Zane, but the heart have its own ways...
I really enjoyed the story, loved the way the author brought together those emotions and Zane... he's the perfect Alpha male! The sex scenes are pretty hot!
Cant wait for the rest of the series!

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo Parker-Barrow, a tennis star, didn't expect more than a one night stand with MMA fighter Zane Ryan. Jo doesn't want to get involved in a relationship despite the undeniable attraction she feels for Zane. Zane has fallen for Jo and doesn't hesitate to fight for the woman he loves.
I like that the story is written from both Jo's and Zane's point of view so that both sports are incorporated into the story. This is a nice romance with steamy love scenes, strong characters and a sweet ending.

[Heather Schrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read and i couldnt flip thru the pages fast enough to see where things go for Jo and Zane. Sex scenes were well written and very tastefully done and again we have such an alpha male who would do anything to get the girl. I first read this in the Players sports anthology.

[Wminbc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thank you to the author for the ARC...my review will be posted on https://talkbookstomeblog.wordpress.com/

Happy Monday!

[☽ Su ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

woha !! that was a quick read !! . I loved Zane and Jo .a very nice romance with hot love scenes, strong characters and a sweet ending.Cant wait for the rest of the series!

[Pagan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating: 2/10
An Extremley Quick Read with No Substance

Warning: This review may contain spoilers.

To be honest I am not sure what I just read. Not sure how many pages Strike to the Heart actually is, but the novel felt ridicuosuly fast to read - I am pretty sure I read the entire novel in about 30 minutes. There is nothing wrong about fast paced novels, but this isn't fast paced it finished in a blink of eye which is a problem where it actually trying to tell a story that most of this kind are covered in longer stories. You couldn't buy into the story, the characters or relationship because the story just blitzed past everything. Stripping it all back, the story and characters had good enough bones, but it honestly felt 5 minutes in that the characters had progressed from meeting, sleeping together to in love. There was more pages focused on the sex than actually building a story or meaningful relationship between characters. By the end of the book they're proposing to each other.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tennis star and a mixed material arts fighter, an unlikely combination.
First shever thought it would be a good fling, but they got more.
But how could they work together?

Read with passion, a woman with a bad love past and a fighter with a great heart

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

It sucked it was so short! But that’s my fault, for not checking. 😥

[Melyssa Winchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Strike to the Heart
Author: Malia Mallory
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone Series (Champion Hearts Book One)
Rating: ★★★★

Review

I’ve never had the pleasure of reading this author before, but since this book was a freebie on Amazon and the blurb sounded great, I jumped into it and now that it’s over, I don’t really have any regrets and I’ve got a new author to check out more from.

This book was a little different than what I’m used to.

Normally you get the pro athlete book and the person they’re falling in love with isn’t another athlete (at least in the books I’ve read lately), but this was the pro athlete (tennis star) heroine and the MMA fighter that stole her heart.

It was also different in that, the hero of this particular tale, Zane, was the one sure of what he wanted first, and what he wanted was Jo and not just for a few days the way Jo had originally thought, but forever.

What started as a few steamy nights together turned into something more and even though it all happened rather quickly, I was more than happy with the payoff.

Plus I liked watching Jo in the heat of the game since tennis normally isn’t my thing. It was another added element that I felt was a nice touch.

If you’re looking for a longer story, you won’t find it here, but for the length of it, it was paced rather well and held enough elements besides the characters to keep my interest.

If you’re into cute yet steamy reads with a pretty clear HEA than this one’s for you.

The writing style, the differences (and similarities) in the characters, along with the story in between I enjoyed it. My only complaint is that I would have liked just a little more with them since I did find them cute together, but overall it was a great read.

[Megan Crisp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, I didn't want to leave a review because after all I did only rate it 2 stars, but it needs to be said, this book or whatever you want to call it was just ridiculous, the only thing I must admit I actually liked about it was the dual pov and the fact that it did have some potential, here are the problems... The first pov from jo and Zane was practically identical, the second major problem was after 2 days he falls in love with her, the third problem, was all the broken bits of a story you get, it jumps from one point to another with no timing reference or previous speaking of said matter, the fourth was it had absolutely no detail, now mind you the fall madly in love and he asks her to marry him all within a few weeks, the end... Yea that's basically the story, it had no emotion, there was no shock, it was bland, like white rice, you know it will be good if given a bit more effort or added ingredients but alone it's tasteless and boring, this book was the lonely white rice, I believe I downloaded it for free, atleast I hope I did, whatever you do, I don't care if it's .99 do not buy this book, it's not with the time, I hate leaving negative reviews, but I owe it to my fellow readers, who actually read reviews to leave my honest opinion, I unfortunately will not read another book by this author, with authors either you have it or you don't, and well...... Yea happy reading...

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book...which ended up in my Spam folder, offering a lesson: when you receive ARCs, be sure the author is on your safe list.

Few writers inspire me to read and write reviews quite as much as Malia Mallory. This book challenged me tbough because, unlike many men,I detest sports. So, when she asked me to review a book involving MMA, I was a bit skeptical. But read it I did and was not displeased.

In a few words, Zane in an MMA fighter,Jo is a rising tennis star. They meet at a party, romance ensues, and we have a very nice story.

In the positive column, the sports angle was not overdone. The characters stood on their own and any other professions (construction worker and ballet dancer, electrician and office manager) could have played out in a similar fashion. Also, playing to one of my major issues with other writers, the narrative does not short-change time as a functional part of plot.

My only real peeve was that it went to denoument far faster than I would have thought, given the slow-burn up to that point.

A very worthwhile read.

[Jenni Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am giving this review on behalf of Katsindiebookblog. Jo is a great tennis player, working her way through tournaments such as the popular US Open. Zane is a popular MMA fighter. One night, huge party, they see each other across the way and have an instant connection. Jo doesn’t do relationships, especially when it comes to men in dangerous professions. Jo is just looking to rewind, relax and get on with her tournaments. Zane falls instantly for Jo and wants more than just a one nighter. Can Jo look past what Zane does for a living, or will she continue to push possibly the best thing in her life away?
I’ve read my share of Malia’s books and have loved them. This one is no different. It is well written with great imagery in it. Yes, it’s a little fast paced, BUT it will keep you on your toes through the whole read. For a fast paced romance novel, this would be a great choice. Chemistry is an instant between the two, it’s just a question if Jo can step over her imaginary boundaries and take a leap for possible love.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this book I found the storyline insightful how do you open up your heart to someone when you had it broken before that seems to be the problem with tennis pro Jo Parker-Barrow. So when tennis pro Jo meet MMA fighter Zane Ryan at a US Open party she finds him really attractive but not really the type have a guy that she goes for but Zane provide the much-needed distraction she needs right before her big event not expecting to see him again she goes for it. So when Zane shows up at her match providing her with just enough encouragements to help her with her match so she takes a chance and sees him again. When things start to get serious between them she pushes him away afraid that he's only going to turn around and hurt her Zane being the fighter that he is does everything in his power to show her that what they have is real. Overall a great read would totally recommend this if your looking for something hot and steamy and everything else in between.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Malia’s newest series, Champions Hearts, we meet Jo, a pro tennis star and Zane an MMA fighter at an after party being thrown for athletes. Jo was reluctant to go, wanting to be ready for her games but is convinced by her friend, Darcy to attend. When Zane sees Jo, he knows he has to have her. The chemistry is immediate between the two. Jo isn’t sure about getting involved with Zane even for one night but decides to throw caution to the wind. Even after their one night together Zane wants to see where things can go between them, but Jo is against this. She has been hurt so many times that she doesn’t want to set herself up again to get hurt. This doesn’t stop Zane from not pursuing Jo, if not it made him want her all the more. Nothing like having an Alpha male pursuing his woman!!
Loved this book and know Malia’s next book, THIS ROUND FOR LOVE ( Darcy and Ford’s story ) will be just as amazing!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Jo, a young woman who is a professional tennis player and who is well on her way to becoming number one.
Jo goes to a party and catches the eye of a seriously hot guy across the room. Enter Zane. Zane is a professional MMA fighter.
You wouldn’t think the two would mix well but you would be wrong. Jo and Zane hit it off, being professional sport players they both understand the strict regime needed to stay in shape for their respective sports.
Even with everything on their side, don’t expect smooth sailing, especially since Jo has had bad experience with bad boys in the past and doesn’t ever plan on falling for one again.
Great read and wanted to read more but alas, the book was finished.

[Wanda Mayhue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I really loved this book and I loved both Zane and Jo. They were really perfect for each other.

Zane is an MMA Martial Arts fighter who is training for his next match. He is strong alpha male and caring and gentle but dominant lover.

Jo is a Tennis Pro who is in competition for the world championship. She has been hurt in past relationships and is afraid to believe I love.

This is just the beginning, this story is full of romance, humor, hot hot hot sex and last but not least an HEA.

I highly recommend this book and this author to everyone I know you'll enjoy it as much as I did. Be sure to pick up a copy you'll be very very glad that you did.

[Catherine Mefford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a rather good book. The author knows her sports pretty thoroughly, which was interesting. The attraction between Jo and Zane was hot. Them meeting at a party and even though Jo had reservations she went with what her body wanted and found a really caring man. Unlike Jo's former boyfriend she was important to Zane and he took the time to show her. As for Zane, his immediate attraction never wavered really he tried to show Jo in so many ways how much she meant to him. She finally came around to his way of thinking with a little help from her mother and they got their HEA. It was a a well put together story from start to finish to me and I can't wait to see what the next story is.

[beth myrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

These characters were just way to awkward

Their first meeting. Their dialogue. Their whole relationship. I never really felt any connection or passion. It was rushed. She was scared for some stupid reason that just felt contrived really. MMA and racecar driving and test piloting aren't on the same plane of danger. You can't compare MMA to the dangers of the other two, and if you do then you're just a little on the overdramatic side or looking for a way not to be in a relationship. I never felt like she cared anything about Zane except for sex. This whole story was a let down, and it really didn't have to be. However, the cover....HOT

[iloveladyporn · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the story starts off I thought Jo was a good girl being dragged out by her party animal friend. Turns out Jo is trying to be the good girl but fails. When she gives in to her lustful desires to go home with Zane she just figures its going to be a one night stand - He's a bad boy after all and she knows bad boys aren't forever type of guys. Little did she know Zane might look and even be a bad boy but he has set his sights on her. He tries to get her to see that what they have is more than a fling but she just breaks his heart. Jo eventually realizes the error in her ways and goes after Zane hoping it's not too late. Hot sex scenes. Fabulous ending.

[Mary Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC given in exchange for an honest review

Wow. I couldn't put this book down. I loved it. I couldn't get enough of this book. You read about two people who fall in love when they weren't even trying to. The chemistry between the two is hot and steamy.

Jo & Zane meet one night at a party and go have coffee. Jo doesn't expect to see Zane again and they have one night together, only Zane won't let her go. Jo can't make up her mind on what she wants to do and Zane ends up letting her go.

You gotta read it to see how it ends, you won't regret reading it. It is such an amazing read. Great job to the author.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book from the very beginning! Jo, a pro female tennis player at the top of her game, and Zane, a MMA fighter, have an instant chemistry when they meet. Jo is wary of the attraction (not a strong enough word lol) because of her past. It's up to Zane to convince her they are it for each other. I love the role reversal of the female being the nervous, wary character in love for once. They hit a few snags here and there but eventually have their HEA! (sigh) This was a fantastic story with plenty of hot sex and sexy alpha fighter male. I truly didn't want this story to end. If you love hot alpha males, fighters, and love this is definitely for you!