I find her so elegant, and yet I know she could kick my ass with ease.
Lincoln Nash is the top hitter in major league baseball, and a World Series Champion. When his best friend hooks up with the sister of MMA fighter, Dee Lex, he’s eager for an introduction. She’s strong, fearless, and effortlessly beautiful. Linc is known for being a player, and a one-hit wonder when it comes to his conquests.
Diane Lexington, aka Dee Lex, is intrigued when her sister Brooke mentions that she knows Lincoln Nash. He’s hot, and from his reputation, he’s down for a hookup without any strings—just the way she likes it. When they finally meet, she’s not prepared for the real Linc. He’s impossibly charming, with swagger for days. He screams Alpha, and Dee enjoys the challenge to keep it simple.
With Linc falling hard, he’s determined to win Dee’s heart, making a fool of himself in the name of love. Will he be able to fight harder than this feisty, fierce MMA fighter, or will she pin him to the mat before leaving him in the cage? Join Linc and Dee for a comedy of errors, steamy romance.
I'm happiest when wandering through the unchartered territory of my imagination. You'll find me curled up with my laptop, browsing the books at the local library, or enjoying the smell of a new book, taking great delight in cracking the spine and writing in the margins!
Eva is a native Scot, but lives in Texas with her husband, two kids, and a whizzy little fur baby with the most ridiculous ears. She first fell in love with British Literature while majoring in Linguistics, 17th Century Poetry, and Shakespeare at University. She is an avid reader and lifelong notebook hoarder. In 2014, she finally put her extensive collection to good use and started writing her first novel. Previously published with Prism Heart Press under the pen name Sienna Parks, Eva decided to branch out on her own and lend her name to her full back catalogue! She is currently working on some exciting new projects.
This multi-sports themed rom-com series is always full of banter, spicy and characters to love.
Linc and Diana are both at the top of their game. He's just won the World Series and she's a champion UFC fighter. Who doesn't love a girl who can take a guy down?
These two have hot chemistry but one always wants more and the other is pulling away. These work hard to find their way to each other. Their attraction grows to protectiveness and it's everything to watch them stand up for each other.
This is not listed as part of a series but it's interconnected with Eva's Hall of Fame sports romance series. There's character cameos all over the place and I cannot wait for the next book!
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Before I begin I want to state that I love this authors writing style. So when I heard she was coming out with a new book I was very excited to read it. That said this book was really so different than what I was expecting. This story is a second chance at romance with lots of anger and hatred in the beginning and they have a one night stand that leads to more and more and more nights. Its about the messiness of love/lust I guess you could say.
Before I go on with this review I want to say I HATED the first 30% of this book. I did not like either main character. They call each other names and treat each other horribly. Linc and Dee are what one may call a seriously hot mess.
Linc is a baseball player that has won the world series. He is riding a high and he is a flirty, hot guy and one night stands are his favorites. I did not like his behavior in the beginning. I don't like how he has sex with others while crushing on Dee, our heroine. I kind of agreed with Dee that he would have sex with anyone as long as it was fun.
Dee I hated too. She clearly hates Linc and I am not sure why. She also uses him, calls him names and he her names. He even uses a slur that honestly I was very offended by. But she also treats him terribly and calls him names.
Dee is into MMA and she is one tough cookie. She hates Linc, but aside from bitter experience with men, I did not understand why she hated Linc so much. If you like hot messes and true hatred then you will love this romance.
I felt the author took a big risk in this story by making Dee this tough MMA fighter. Its honestly the first time I have seen female MMA heroine and I truly loved this aspect of the story.
As I kept reading I fell in love with how into Dee, Linc was. As these two cannot stay away from each other I started to see Linc's soft side and even though Dee fights him for her heart, he cannot give up or stay away and well that made me love him and root for him.
As we start to see signs that Dee is pregnant, thats when I really started to love her. Thats when her soft side comes out and I loved how she slowly lets Linc in. These two form a real friendship and I started to adore them together. They become true partners and Linc is always there for her and I loved how Dee starts to let Linc inside her heart.
By the end of this book I loved this couple so much. They are truly a very different couple than I have ever read before and I truly hated both of them in the beginning but by the end of the story I never wanted to say goodbye to them. This is a really special and awesome story and I absolutely adored it.
This was a good read. However, I just couldn't give this a 5 star review due to the fact of the H giving me a headache in the beginning. Talk about a moody chick that I wanted to just strangle. She eventually got her stuff together, but it was a rough start. Lincoln was amazing and you just couldn't help but to fall in love with him.
Baseball playing Hero? Check. MMA Fighter heroine? Check. Enemies to lovers? Check.
While this one didn't hit as hard for me, compared to the previous book, I still enjoyed it. I think my biggest issue was with the heroine, Diana/Dee. There was just something about her that really irked me throughout the book, but aside from that, I really enjoyed the story line itself. I'd say that overall I'd give this book 3.5 stars.
Eva Haining's Hall Of Fame series is one of my favourites from her. It's been comical, entertaining, fun filled and an absolute pleasure to read. STRIKE ZONE is book #4, and it is so different from the previous three. Although it still has everything the previous books had, Ms. Haining has added extra emotion to her two main characters. i won't lie, many readers may not initially like the characters Eva has brought to life, however as their story continues and secrets are revealed, I have to say I fell in love with both of them. The baseball player and the MMA fighter WON MY HEART in the end.
"I hate that I'm so attracted to him. He's an ass. A handsome, fit, glorious bad boy."
Diana Lexington, sister to Brooke and a MMA champion, is getting ready to defend her title, and not a fan of Lincon Nash. from the very beginning she does not get along with him ... they're like oil and water. These two simply cannot be in the same room without the conversation between them becoming quite nasty. Diana was downright vicious toward Linc, however she never fully explained why, she just put him in a box and kept him there, even after Brooke openly defended him. Diana has a lot of built up anger towards men, because of a previous relationship, and Linc just happens to be an easy target. will she be able to fend off the enigmatic Lincoln Nash?
"Diana is the most infuriating woman I've ever met, but she's undeniable sensual. She exudes sex with every move she makes, but when she opens her mouth, vitriol spills out like chemical waste."
Lincoln Nash is a World Series baseball champion. He's a fun-loving, womanising and sometimes arrogant man, who has women falling at his feet. From the first moment he set eyes on Diana he was struck by her beauty. He wanted her and the chase was on, even continuing when she constantly puts him down and bad mouths him. He is determined, he sees in Diana a woman no one else sees, he sees her curves, her femininity, her insecurities, the woman she has hidden for years. If Linc were any other man he would have walked away, yet he knows that underneath her rough and touch exterior, Diana is a woman just calling out to be loved. Can he convince her that she is worth being loved just as she is?
"You and me... we have chemistry... this phenomenal physical connection, and whenever I'm around you, it takes over. It's like all rational thought goes out the window."
The thing I love about Eva's writing is that she can always draw me into a story, even when one of the characters is not all that likeable. She takes her characters and develops them at a steady pace by bringing out their true personalities and allowing their emotions to rant, rave, rage and deepen on their journey. Life is definitely never meant to be easy, and Eva has ensured that Linc and Diana's road to happiness has many hurdles to jump and walls to crumble. I oved that the further into this book the more likeable Diana became, she was just a woman scarred by her past, and Linc was simply the man who wanted that one special woman he could love, and who could love him in return.
"Love isn't a ball game... it's a cage fight."
eva's tagline says it all, and once again she has let emotions both fun and not so fun, rule her words. This Hall Of Fame series has it all, romance, comedy, drama, some angst, and characters you'll either love or hate. Even better ... there's going to be a fifth book ... Pole Position, and I can't wait.
I will start with this is book four in the series, and I only read book three prior; I have no clue who the first two books are about, but for this seeing as books three and this book are siblings, I felt they flowed together, this is just IMO. Anyways, Dee or Diana is Brooke's sister, and Brooke is married to Anders who is best friends with Linc. Ever since Brooke and Anders' wedding Linc has been wanting to get to know Dee a bit better, only in the one night stand kind of way though. Dee knows all about Linc's way with the ladies and is not impressed and so they have a bit of a hate/hate relationship. When everyone is in Vegas for Dee's upcoming fight, the two end up sharing a bit more than just hateful words, but it still doesn't end pretty. But for Linc that one taste isn't enough but Dee has made it clear that she has no use for him. So what's Linc to do when Dee texts about meeting up again? Will the two finally end up doing what they both so desperately want? Or will common sense stand in their way, again?
This was such a great read! We are getting drama, a bit of heart break, a heroine that literally kicks butt for a living, a cocky alpha, some laughs, some cute moments, and spicy moments that make you fan yourself! I loved that Linc let Dee be herself and never once tried to change her. I give this 5 stars.
Strike Zone is the delectable follow-up to Screwball. Linc, the best friend of Anders from Screwball, is smitten with Diana, the sister of Brooke from the same book. Diana is coming off disillusionment and has a lot of anger with other baggage she's been hauling around. Linc, for all his bravado, has his baggage that he's kept hidden since he was a teenager. Oh, did I mention Diana is a champion MMA fighter? She's so cool.
When these two meet, the sparks fly, but baggage, anger, and walls make the relationship rocky at best, more like a minefield. However, life (and romantic comedies) throw wrenches in these relationships, and we get to experience all the good stuff. These situations are where Eva shines as a writer in her romantic comedies. She manages to write engaging scenes with likable characters you would like as your friends. She doesn't write perfect characters as she allows you to see them grow to become their best (or better) selves to fall in love and get to the lovely HEA. Strike Zone is a fun-filled romp with characters you enjoy getting to know who has a way with dialogue you can enjoy. If you have read Screwball, you need to read Strike Zone. Or read them both--it's a fun-filled time!
Linc is a pro baseball player who is coming off a World Series win, and he sure doesn't have any issue with finding his one night stands all over the place. Dee is a MMA fighter who is totally bada**, but she's got some baggage when it comes to relationships making her a bit more difficult than the average heroine, but while I wanted to choke her out more than once, I still pretty much loved her because she was a strong female. Linc is taken with Dee as he's the best friend of her sister's husband, but Dee is definitely making him work for it. However, Linc isn't so nice himself for a cool minute so I really did have mutual dislike for both at the same time which is something I hardly ever come across since I'm all about taking a side with my books LOL! Here's the thing, despite any dislike (or hate if I'm being honest) by the end of the book, I was in love with both of them which is an even more rare occurrence when it comes to me & my books so BRAVO Eva Haining who writes the hell out of realistic characters with flaws that they can turn around but not end up too perfect either. So at the end of the day I LOVED this story in all its messy glory since I felt everything! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
First, let me say that the ending is absolutely terrific! I had tears in my eyes for, maybe the last 1/3 of the book. With that said, I hated Dee. She was so mean and nasty, to the point of being cruel. I just wanted Lincoln to be rid of her. He kept putting himself out there and Dee just kept slapping him down. He’d say no more chances and then give her another chance. Their back and forth wasn’t cute or funny. It was just sad and uncomfortable. So, if you feel like you’re hating Dee, the cold-hearted b***h UFC fighter, hang in there. She redeems herself as Diana, the warm & caring, but bad-a** UFC champion (and maybe another title that will surprise you.) Because I really disliked Dee and wanted to give up on the story, I gave it 4 stars. I think she’s just a tough pill to swallow and others might not be able to choke it down.
The truth lies below the surface. A Romantic Comedy of Enemies to Lovers of EPIC proportions! Lincoln Nash, famous World Series baseball player, seems to have it all... fame, great looks, ladies swarming him 24/7, etc... but his childhood insecurities keep popping up every so often making him question his worth. Wild, uninhibited, uncomplicated sex is his motto... until Diana Lexington, reigning UFC bantam weight champion, crashes into his life. She exudes sex with every move she makes but the moment "she opens her mouth vitriol spills out like chemical waste"! Both Lincoln and Diana are fighting their personal demons... but the fine line between love and hate begins to blur the more they get to know each other. 5 Amazingly Sexy And Highly Entertaining Stars for "Strike Zone"... where both heroes discover their self worth in each others embrace.
I have loved every book I have read from Eva, but honestly I did wonder if Strike Zone would be the book that broke that streak. It did take me awhile to get into this story, mainly because I struggled to find anything to like about Dee. So many times throughout the book I was hoping Linc would just walk away - well he does do that several times but he always found himself going back. Then about two thirds into the book I got where Eva was going with Dee & Linc. Their relationship started to make sense and by the end of the story I knew Eva couldn’t have written these two any other way. Oh, and that epilogue - simply outstanding!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
"I have loved every book I have read from Eva, but honestly I did wonder if Strike Zone would be the book that broke that streak. It did take me awhile to get into this story, mainly because I struggled to find anything to like about Dee. So many times throughout the book I was hoping Linc would just walk away - well he does do that several times but he always found himself going back. Then about two thirds into the book I got where Eva was going with Dee & Linc. Their relationship started to make sense and by the end of the story I knew Eva couldn’t have written these two any other way. Oh, and that epilogue - simply outstanding!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book."
Swoon worthy AMAZING!! Talk about sexual tension between two people. Linc and Diana have it in spades. I think these two loved to hate each other. Their banter alone will have you wanting more from them. Linc has wanted Diana from the beginning. Even if he was known as a player he was hell bent on having her. Diana was pushing Linc away at every turn. You could feel the tension, stress, frustration, the hurt, the love and so much more of what these two were feeling. You will feel as if you're part of the story. I loved this book so much. Eva Haining has done it again. She pulled me in and held on to me until the very end. This is a must read.
This is the fourth book in this amazing series and is Lincoln and Diana / Dee’s story. Linc is a top striker in a major league baseball team, and is a world series champion, while Dee is an MMA fighter. I was a bit conflicted as how this story would pan out going by the love / hate relationship and back and forth between these two characters, but all ended well. The chemistry between these two is intense and undeniable. This is a well written story which has angst, emotions, tension, humor, witty banter, intrigue, and love, which leads to an entertaining page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
When hatred takes a 360, it gets interesting, Lincoln baseball player, ladies man, flirt & a man with no father & a mother that is hateful; sees his teammates in relationships but does not yearn for a relationship with one woman. Dee a bad a—MMA fighter has had a relationship with a guy for a year, but one morning his phone rings while he is in shower & she finds out he is married, so that ends the relationship & hence her disdain for men. Dee is a lot to take in the beginning of this book, her & Lincoln are oil & water. This book is funny at times, it’s full of sexual heat & it’s sad at times. Strike Zone is definitely worth reading!!
I just have to say I have really enjoyed all of Eva’s books that I’ve read but this series is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!
I love Dee and Linc. They just have that love/hate relationship. Dee doesn’t have the best personality but she does grow on you after a bit. One of my absolute favorite tropes are in this book and I can’t even talk about it because I don’t want to bring up any spoilers.
I’m glad that we get to keep reading about past characters in each book. I am looking forward to more Hall of Fame books in the future 😉
Thank you Eva for allowing me to read and review this book. ♥️
Dee and Linc will keep you laughing. They have this nearly combustible chemistry but go out of their way to annoy each other. Yet they can't avoid one another because his best friend is married to her sister. This might be an enemies with benefits type story. Love that Linc tries to show his sweeter side to Dee. There were parts of the story that she just wasn't very likable but it was nice to see her start to mature and find her way. I think this is my favorite in the series so far!
I recieved Strike Zone as a free ARC and was impressed. I'm giving it 4 stars mainly cause I could barely handle how cruel Dee was but stuck through. Yes she redeems herself but it's the suffering thrift it part where I almost put the book down. I love a strong bad as crap FMC but not like this. Definitely liked it but don't know if I loved it. It's not everyone's cup of tea so I definitely recommend reading it before you make the assumption not to read it.
The fight is on! In one corner stands Lincoln, prideful and swaggering after becoming a World Series Champion. In the other corner stands Dee, fierce contender in the UFC circuit. Both have confidence deeply ingrained into their bones. And both have the desire to be footloose and fancy. But a one night stand, no strings attached, is just what they want. Until... and that is when the sparks fly, the chemistry ignites, and the battle for the heart begins.
It will take a strong man to handle Dee Lex. Linc is just the man for the job, however frustrating it is. Dee/Diana is at the top of game - MMA. She is tough, rude and a little hard to like. She takes Linc on a back and forth ride, that most of us would have got off of. Eventually we find out it was well worth the effort. The chemistry and tension between these two is out if this world. These two went from hate to love and an epic HEA.
An okay sports rom com. The characters both had a good sense of humour and good chemistry. After dumping her ex UFC fighter Diana “Dee” Lexington had was determined not to become another notch on the bedpost of Baseball superstar Lincoln “Linc” Nash. Linc is best friends with her sister’s husband and it’s only a matter of time before these two get together then it’s a rollercoaster filled with banter. It was an okay story and had some good laughs.
Linc has always been a ladies man, but he has as some hidden qualities. Diana has always been more a tomboy and thinks no one sees her softer side. Linc sees Diana for Diana even if she's to afraid to admit it! These two do more than heat up the sheets and pick at each other! They are spellbinding when they find there way thru there own personal baggage.
Eva hit it out of the park with this book. It was Everything I had hoped for and more. I relate to dee. The walls I've built around myself to keep myself safe after being hurt... yeah it resonates. Linc swoon my god what a guy... yep I adored this book and am gutted its over. It really was a knockout ❤
This isn't love at first sight for both of them. Linc knows he likes Diana, but it takes a while before he actually loves her. Diana had her heart broken & doesn't trust any man when it comes to love & commitment. She really makes Linc work for it. Their chemistry is off the charts! This book can be read as a standalone.
I liked Strike Zone because there aren’t many romances that have an MMA fighter as the heroine, but Diana Lexington doesn’t give Lincoln Nash a single inch when he is near her. And that is what made the book fun to read.
You should read Screwball (Hall of Fame #3) to understand her sister, Brooke Lexington and his best friend Anders Verbeck but it isn’t required.
Ok, I’m 22% in to this story and I’m so disappointed. Dee is a raging psycho who needs meds. Maybe she has ‘roid rage. I’ve loved every book in this series and was looking forward to Linc’s story, even though he’s been quite the man whore. I’m going to keep reading and if this gets better, I will update this review.
This book is so good. She hit it out of the park. I will be rereading this. The way Dee and Linc have a love/ hate relationship. Dee's mom is also a favorite. It has all the feels. Loved it so much .
Taut tension and sizzling sparks fill this seductive dance of push and pull. Dee and Linc were great characters and I really liked them. The chemistry between these two is off the charts and I thought the storyline was so much fun. I am electing to post a forthright review.
I usually read very dark romance books and decided on a change of pace. And this book had me laughing and swooning in all the best ways. It was such a nice change of pace from my usual reads I’m definitely going to be reading more of the authors books
Lincoln knows what he wants and has no problem going after it. Dee is a bombshell even though she doesn't realize it. What she needs is Lincoln to help her realize it. Their chemistry is off the charts. I couldn't put this book down!