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The Champion Sisters #1
The Heart Of A Champion
How does a man handle the risk taker, a no-nonsense type of woman such as Zafirah? The one who seems so well put together on the outside but won’t let anyone within an inch of discovering what’s inside. Without a doubt, Zafirah is a daddy’s girl and in her eyes has the perfect role model as a father which makes it hard for any man to compare. Is her heart even capable of allowing another being to direct her steps? Does she even want to be handled? Her passion for designing clothes and opening a boutique is all she’s worried about until her heart takes a turn when she realizes the chemistry that she and Troy share.
Mr. Champion, Zafirah’s father regards Troy as his son. Will the close-knit relationship they share be a stumbling block for Troy and Zafirah? Is Troy what Mr. Champion envisions for his daughter? Will Zafirah and Troy go against the grain to be with one another?
Troy Cunningham is an example of a man that can overcome any obstacle and still succeed despite the statistics. He went from dealing in the streets to owning a successful business and his growth as an evolving individual shows daily. However, hardships later plague him and his heart is on the line. Will he continue to win in the game of life?
“Please… When you have me all to yourself, you don’t know what to do.” ~Zafirah~
“I missed you too Zee, so stop flexin’ all the time.” ~Troy~
The Champion Sisters is a series spotlighting four sisters with very different personalities that are conquering their own world, in their own way, at their own pace. Join them on their journey as they navigate through family, careers, and life. Discover how they all end up coming out as champions.
Mr. Champion, Zafirah’s father regards Troy as his son. Will the close-knit relationship they share be a stumbling block for Troy and Zafirah? Is Troy what Mr. Champion envisions for his daughter? Will Zafirah and Troy go against the grain to be with one another?
Troy Cunningham is an example of a man that can overcome any obstacle and still succeed despite the statistics. He went from dealing in the streets to owning a successful business and his growth as an evolving individual shows daily. However, hardships later plague him and his heart is on the line. Will he continue to win in the game of life?
“Please… When you have me all to yourself, you don’t know what to do.” ~Zafirah~
“I missed you too Zee, so stop flexin’ all the time.” ~Troy~
The Champion Sisters is a series spotlighting four sisters with very different personalities that are conquering their own world, in their own way, at their own pace. Join them on their journey as they navigate through family, careers, and life. Discover how they all end up coming out as champions.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2019
168 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Donnia Marie
14 books159 followersDonnia Marie is the author of the popular set of books in the Bennett Affair Series! She's quickly gaining momentum with her impeccable skills in weaving the complexity yet real love experienced by couples.
"I write to fill the heart, not with just joy of love but the beautifully imperfect love that we're capable of experiencing."
Donnia also emphasizes the need to have each reader form their own perspective and experience of a story.
"What good is a book if you can't picture yourself in it or feel the emotions? Every read should take you somewhere, whether it's to feel or learn."
With several books under her belt and most on audiobooks, it's hard to miss her work. If you don't run across her through books or audio, you may catch her performing. Donnia is very involved in the film industry as she's an actress and a serial entrepreneur. Go figure why she's such a travel fanatic. When taking a break, you can count on catching her with family and friends, enjoying the simplicity of life.
Anyone needing to contact her for business purposes can email her.
But for those wanting to comment or request certain reads, feel free to subscribe to her site or contact her via the site contact page.
Promo photos/videos are available for all books at www.DonniaMarie.com/Books
Text DONNIA to (678) 735-3400
for the latest updates and book releases
Twitter: AskDonnia
Facebook: AskDonnia
Instagram: AuthorDonniaMarie
Website: www.DonniaMarie.com/Books
More from DonniaMarie: www.linktr.ee/askdonnia
Email: Info@DonniaMarie.com
"I write to fill the heart, not with just joy of love but the beautifully imperfect love that we're capable of experiencing."
Donnia also emphasizes the need to have each reader form their own perspective and experience of a story.
"What good is a book if you can't picture yourself in it or feel the emotions? Every read should take you somewhere, whether it's to feel or learn."
With several books under her belt and most on audiobooks, it's hard to miss her work. If you don't run across her through books or audio, you may catch her performing. Donnia is very involved in the film industry as she's an actress and a serial entrepreneur. Go figure why she's such a travel fanatic. When taking a break, you can count on catching her with family and friends, enjoying the simplicity of life.
Anyone needing to contact her for business purposes can email her.
But for those wanting to comment or request certain reads, feel free to subscribe to her site or contact her via the site contact page.
Promo photos/videos are available for all books at www.DonniaMarie.com/Books
Text DONNIA to (678) 735-3400
for the latest updates and book releases
Twitter: AskDonnia
Facebook: AskDonnia
Instagram: AuthorDonniaMarie
Website: www.DonniaMarie.com/Books
More from DonniaMarie: www.linktr.ee/askdonnia
Email: Info@DonniaMarie.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 24, 2023
Firah x Troy
Why did I loooove this story so much? This book was extremely fun, it was a little deep, it was funny, it had great sëx, family and betrayal. I love the friendly relationship between Zafirah and Troy and how close he was to her family. Their transition into more was done beautifully. This is my first book by this author, and I was not disappointed. Narration was fantastic.
Looking forward to the siblings' stories.
4.8⭐️
Why did I loooove this story so much? This book was extremely fun, it was a little deep, it was funny, it had great sëx, family and betrayal. I love the friendly relationship between Zafirah and Troy and how close he was to her family. Their transition into more was done beautifully. This is my first book by this author, and I was not disappointed. Narration was fantastic.
Looking forward to the siblings' stories.
4.8⭐️
June 26, 2019
I've never felt such compassion and chemistry between two characters before. Troy and Zee were friends first, but their progression to lovers felt like it was always in the cards. The Heart of a Champion was a great start to this series an once I finished I felt like I couldn't wait to read about the other sisters.
The Champion parents were present figures in the lives of Troy and Zee and played a part in the start of their relationship. It was good to read about loving families with a strong bond. The fact that they are black is icing on the cake!
On to book two. Sister #2 will have a hard act to follow!!
The Champion parents were present figures in the lives of Troy and Zee and played a part in the start of their relationship. It was good to read about loving families with a strong bond. The fact that they are black is icing on the cake!
On to book two. Sister #2 will have a hard act to follow!!
June 14, 2023
Oooooh this book here!
First of all. I started this book a good while ago and I'm not sure why I never finished it, but I grabbed the audio recently and Wesleigh siobhan and Emmanuel Ingram did not disappoint!
It was sweet, spicy, funny and definitely heartfelt. The way Trot cared for his mother brought me to tears. The way Z didn't play about that respect or disrespect from her so called friend! Whew!
I seriously enjoyed this!
First of all. I started this book a good while ago and I'm not sure why I never finished it, but I grabbed the audio recently and Wesleigh siobhan and Emmanuel Ingram did not disappoint!
It was sweet, spicy, funny and definitely heartfelt. The way Trot cared for his mother brought me to tears. The way Z didn't play about that respect or disrespect from her so called friend! Whew!
I seriously enjoyed this!
August 15, 2019
Love cares...
Troy & Zee thank you for not fighting the evolution of your friendship. It was a beautiful process. No matter how we have to adjust for life's storms love makes the transition easier to bare. Donnia thank you for giving us a glimpse if Benji & Ri.
Troy & Zee thank you for not fighting the evolution of your friendship. It was a beautiful process. No matter how we have to adjust for life's storms love makes the transition easier to bare. Donnia thank you for giving us a glimpse if Benji & Ri.
Want to read
June 27, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/27/2019)! 🎁
September 7, 2023
4-4.5 stars
June 23, 2019
Good Book
This isn't first time reading a book by this author. It was very good. I love a book about family. These sisters are very close. I love Zee and Troy together. Can't wait for the next book.
This isn't first time reading a book by this author. It was very good. I love a book about family. These sisters are very close. I love Zee and Troy together. Can't wait for the next book.
August 13, 2019
Took me for a ride
Where do I start? This book had me laughing, crying, and not wanting to put it down. The H is the man of my dreams 😍. The h got on my nerves a few times but it was nice watching her grow. I would recommend this book 💯💯
Where do I start? This book had me laughing, crying, and not wanting to put it down. The H is the man of my dreams 😍. The h got on my nerves a few times but it was nice watching her grow. I would recommend this book 💯💯
November 10, 2022
Zafirah n Troy! This was a good listen!!
July 16, 2019
Great story of love and dedication
This is the story of Zee and Troy friends who become lovers. There is a mutual attraction that Troy tries desperately to suppress . Zee's is not having it she knows that they are attracted to each other and she wants to pursue it. Dedication is Troy's care of his mother who suffers from Alzheimer. The love and support of friends is amazing in this story. This is a good book I couldn't put it down I didn't finish until 5 a.m. and it was definitely worth the loss of sleep. Well done 💕.
This is the story of Zee and Troy friends who become lovers. There is a mutual attraction that Troy tries desperately to suppress . Zee's is not having it she knows that they are attracted to each other and she wants to pursue it. Dedication is Troy's care of his mother who suffers from Alzheimer. The love and support of friends is amazing in this story. This is a good book I couldn't put it down I didn't finish until 5 a.m. and it was definitely worth the loss of sleep. Well done 💕.
July 1, 2019
Great Series Start
I really enjoyed this story! I loved Zafirah & Troy's chemistry. And I liked that they were good friends first. It was beautiful, yet heart wrenching to see Troy Carr for his mother through her illnesses. He was so devoted! And I loved seeing Riana & Benji again. I especially enjoyed reading about successful Black business owners! Great read! Can't wait to read the rest of the sisters stories.
I really enjoyed this story! I loved Zafirah & Troy's chemistry. And I liked that they were good friends first. It was beautiful, yet heart wrenching to see Troy Carr for his mother through her illnesses. He was so devoted! And I loved seeing Riana & Benji again. I especially enjoyed reading about successful Black business owners! Great read! Can't wait to read the rest of the sisters stories.
June 17, 2019
The Love Of A Champion
The Heart Of A Champion is a sexy, loving, and emotional story. Everyone should have a friendship that borders on relationship. Troy and Zee’s friendship is an example of what happens when you step out on Faith. Awesome first book in The Champion Sisters series.
The Heart Of A Champion is a sexy, loving, and emotional story. Everyone should have a friendship that borders on relationship. Troy and Zee’s friendship is an example of what happens when you step out on Faith. Awesome first book in The Champion Sisters series.
June 23, 2019
Great Story
So when amazon sent me this book as one to read, I was like I know this writer but I could not place it so when I began to read the story I went back to my kindle unlimited story and yeah I read two stories from this writer. Yes I totally enjoyed her writing and her characters and I am looking forward to more stories from her.
So when amazon sent me this book as one to read, I was like I know this writer but I could not place it so when I began to read the story I went back to my kindle unlimited story and yeah I read two stories from this writer. Yes I totally enjoyed her writing and her characters and I am looking forward to more stories from her.
July 3, 2019
I liked the overall story, excited to read more on the characters introduced, but the writing was a little choppy in some places, I had to go back a few times because the scene changed and I was confused like did I miss something. Overall a good book, I look forward to seeing more from this author, her stories are there I would like to see a little more from maybe her editor.
July 7, 2019
Champion for sure
The story was a nicely written YA story. I've tried this genre of late to stay fresh. The Champion sister's series started off in a good direction with Z's story. Worth a try, and maybe stay for the series, I certainly plan on being there.
The story was a nicely written YA story. I've tried this genre of late to stay fresh. The Champion sister's series started off in a good direction with Z's story. Worth a try, and maybe stay for the series, I certainly plan on being there.
July 7, 2019
So much soul in this story!
I love the Champion family! This, daughter is big fun, paired with the perfect male. I am waiting on the sisters journey 's.
I love the Champion family! This, daughter is big fun, paired with the perfect male. I am waiting on the sisters journey 's.
February 6, 2025
3.5⭐️Friends to lovers. I enjoyed Troy and Zafirah’s story. Troy had a good relationship with her family, so them getting together made sense. I wanted more context on the situation with Danielle but a lot wasn’t given. Zafirah’s parents, especially the mother were always in her business.
July 7, 2020
I loved this book. It was realistic and not like most romance novels where it's love at first sight and get married a month later. A book about long-time best friends who've always liked each other but too scared to make a move but once they do...it's FIREWORKS! Zee is my kind of girl so I could definitely relate. I love reading about young black men who once were in the streets but cleaned up their lives due to having positive role models AKA Mr. Champion. Also, I enjoyed reading about a young black man taking care of his momma down to her dying days. Great Job!
November 9, 2021
Choppy and all over the place
It didn’t flow, the scenes were all over the place. Likeable … shock value humor but just eh at best.
It didn’t flow, the scenes were all over the place. Likeable … shock value humor but just eh at best.
May 25, 2025
Family of Champions and Healing
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because this book deserved far more!!!…
I cried when Troy cried, I celebrated when the family celebrated, I sat in deep thoughts as the words of wisdom left Mr Champions lips!!!…
This book was deep and Troy’s story resonated with me as the care of my mother came to mind, then the loss of my mother!!!…
You truly don’t realize the value of the moments until those moments are gone!!!…That last I love you, that last touch of the hand, the last hug or the last conversation when the silence is so deafening!!!…
Zee & Troy is a beautiful couple and I can’t wait to see what is next for them!!!…
I understood the gap in the relationship with Zee and her mother because daddy was a softer and safer place without feeling judged, but corrected!!!…I was glad to see those 2 start to heal their relationship!!!…
I think I’m my interested in Sister O story because she is always in the cut with words, but also protection!!!…
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because this book deserved far more!!!…
I cried when Troy cried, I celebrated when the family celebrated, I sat in deep thoughts as the words of wisdom left Mr Champions lips!!!…
This book was deep and Troy’s story resonated with me as the care of my mother came to mind, then the loss of my mother!!!…
You truly don’t realize the value of the moments until those moments are gone!!!…That last I love you, that last touch of the hand, the last hug or the last conversation when the silence is so deafening!!!…
Zee & Troy is a beautiful couple and I can’t wait to see what is next for them!!!…
I understood the gap in the relationship with Zee and her mother because daddy was a softer and safer place without feeling judged, but corrected!!!…I was glad to see those 2 start to heal their relationship!!!…
I think I’m my interested in Sister O story because she is always in the cut with words, but also protection!!!…
August 19, 2025
Such a heart warming and fulfilling story about two great childhood friends that became lovers and fall head over heels for one another. While Troy is a business owner and taking care of his mother, he falls in love with his head strong bestie. Safira is his true counterpart...they are soul mates and love one another with such depth and heart. From loving his mother to protecting Troy, the entire family is heartwarming and sweet. But that best friend -- she deserved to get beat up in her own house. So conniving and manipulative.
This was my first book from Donnia Marie and will not be my last. Please listen to it on Audible!!!
This was my first book from Donnia Marie and will not be my last. Please listen to it on Audible!!!
August 7, 2023
Heart of a Champion
I’ve had this book on my TBR list for a while and I’m mad it took me so long to read this book. This story was so good. I loved the connection between Troy and Zafirah and their journey from friends to lovers. I also loved both of their relationships with her father. Mr. Champion was an OG and a great father. He was all about his family and his “son.” I loved the sisterhood of the She-Unit and how they supported and loved on one another. I look forward to reading the rest of their series.
I’ve had this book on my TBR list for a while and I’m mad it took me so long to read this book. This story was so good. I loved the connection between Troy and Zafirah and their journey from friends to lovers. I also loved both of their relationships with her father. Mr. Champion was an OG and a great father. He was all about his family and his “son.” I loved the sisterhood of the She-Unit and how they supported and loved on one another. I look forward to reading the rest of their series.
February 5, 2025
I had high hopes for this book. it started off strong but somewhere in the middle just started jumping all over the place and what started off as probably a 4.5/5 star end up being a A three star because somewhere in the middle the author decided to just breeze through the book and we didn't really get any real conflict or resolution. like how did Sapphira realise that? Danielle had left her underwear at Joyce house before speaking to Danielle? they seem to just gloss over things and just have sex.
September 23, 2023
I enjoyed Troy and Zafirah! I was not expecting to cry tho! 😩 Taking care of an ailing parent changes you so much. Troy pulled at my heart this whole book. Even how he loved Zafirah. She made it hard sometimes, but he loved her through everything. I loved her family dynamic and the love and respect she carries for her family. This was well written for me. Donnia Marie usually hits it home for me.
September 30, 2024
The Heart of a Champion started off good and it had a lot of potential. This friends to lovers story had a lot of good elements but ultimately had too many elements. The story was all over the place and there were just too many plot points. It wasn’t a long book but it honestly could have been shorter. I liked all the stories the author was trying to tell they just should have been in separate books.
August 13, 2022
Audio via Scribd, August 9-13, 2022. 4/5 stars
The story of Safarrah and Troy was good...the plot kept my interest, but the story didn't have a smooth transition and sometimes seemed confusing. The writing seemed rushed and incomplete, but again the plot was good. I love how best friends become lovers.
The story of Safarrah and Troy was good...the plot kept my interest, but the story didn't have a smooth transition and sometimes seemed confusing. The writing seemed rushed and incomplete, but again the plot was good. I love how best friends become lovers.
May 19, 2020
Donnia was a little long winded with this one.
Good book. I loved how Donnia was able to pull back the many layers of Troy and Zee. However, it dragged a little. I am going to need Troy to be more savvier than what he was in handling all of these thirsty women.
Good book. I loved how Donnia was able to pull back the many layers of Troy and Zee. However, it dragged a little. I am going to need Troy to be more savvier than what he was in handling all of these thirsty women.
October 16, 2021
1st time
This was my first book by this Author. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Troy's love, care and determination to take care of his Mother was so heartfelt! Great read...it handles difficult topics with dignity and respect.
This was my first book by this Author. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Troy's love, care and determination to take care of his Mother was so heartfelt! Great read...it handles difficult topics with dignity and respect.
April 16, 2025
Thoughts while reading:
Oh Danielle a snake?
I feel so bad for Troy mom.
Somebody was so press to tell her dad about her and Troy.
Troy said don’t let this community service fool you 😂😂😂 I’d beat the brakes of you.
Oh Danielle a snake?
I feel so bad for Troy mom.
Somebody was so press to tell her dad about her and Troy.
Troy said don’t let this community service fool you 😂😂😂 I’d beat the brakes of you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews