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Strike

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DANEEL


When people hear the name Dean Cantrell, it’s all hero-worship and stars-in-the-eyes. He was an idol, a mentor, a champion. A façade. A fantasy.

My father, the longest reigning champion in MMA history, inspired people of all ages and from all walks of life. What they didn’t see was the drugs and gambling, the man drowning in debt so deep he couldn’t escape. Until the day he died and left me to do the drowning. The same man who, for decades, encouraged the hopes and dreams of millions around the world stole mine out from under me.

After my father’s untimely death, I inherited his debt to a ruthless loan shark who held in his filthy palms not only my life but the lives of everyone I love. Which is how I ended up at Limbo, an underground fight club owned by the infamous Tanner Vasquez. A ruthless businessman, Vasquez rules his fighters with an iron fist, all to protect his business, his money, and himself from the law.

Five years ago, Vasquez designated Hayes Renton as my personal trainer. A bitter man, thanks to the loss of his career as an illegal fighter, Hayes takes out his resentment on me. Then one night he learns my secret, and his mission suddenly changes from making my life a living hell to being my savior.

But my battles are my own, and I’m the only one who can win this fight. Even if it costs me my life. Just like my father.


HAYES


It’s been five years since my career as an undefeated underground fighter went up in smoke in a single fight. My title, my legacy, gone. Just like that.

“You can never fight again,” the doctors said. “One more wrong blow to the head will kill you.”

Thankfully, my friend Tanner, owner of the fight club Limbo, offered me a position as a trainer, letting me keep my love for fighting alive. At least, I was thankful until he assigned me to be her trainer.

Daneel Cantrell is a fireball who fights me at every turn. Reckless and mouthy. Infuriatingly impulsive. And sexy as sin.

Then, one night, her secret becomes my own and I finally understand the anger and resentment behind the venomous creature the crowd calls “Ice.” She’s spent most of her life suffocating under the weight of someone else’s obligations. Learning about the personal hell D lives in because of her father’s mistakes forces me to see her as more than just a pain in my ass. And, because it does, the desire I’ve suppressed for so long has finally awakened. Even worse, I’m overcome by the need to protect her from this world she was thrown into.

I will get her out of my world of criminals, sin, and death. No matter how hard she fights to front this battle alone.

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2023

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Charli Owen

4 books99 followers

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5 stars
35 (66%)
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16 (30%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Anshul (stories.buddy).
664 reviews11 followers
May 30, 2023
First thing first is that I love the name of the characters. Daneel is such a beautiful name and then there’s Hayes. And now the main thing, CHARLI you said it’ll be one book but now I am holding onto that shit of the cliffhanger. It’s huge really huge and the DYNAMICS of it is a mystery to me at its best. I was not ready for the cliffhanger and now I have to sit tight for the next book in the duet.

The writing is fabulous and detailed in every aspect of the plot. The mystery and suspense between the main characters are gyrating my nerves. The emotions are so brazenly open and the thoughts are clear as a Sunny day for readers to read. The concept of underworld fighting is pretty awesome to read and having FMC as a fighter is icing on the cake.

The story has a snippet POV of Damon, which explains his personality and love interest. I love it when I get the feel of every major character's life in the book. The determination of Daneel to deal with every bad thing happening in her life is highly commendable. And the way Hayes pulled out of his head by the end of the book is something to read for. The chemistry and spice are undoubtedly hot. An excellent story to read.
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
1,404 reviews49 followers
May 30, 2023
Wow! Ok. First, I was SO NOT expecting the cliffhanger! I’ve only read a few books by Charli but I’ve loved each of them. Daneel and Hayes story was really really good! There’s a lot of emotional angst, back and forth, but their chemistry together is hot. I love MMA fighter books, but this was my first with the fmc being a fighter! I wasn’t sure if I’d like that or not, but I loved it. She definitely didn’t take any crap from Hayes. Which was very refreshing.
As I patiently wait for book 2, I’m going back to re-read Malia and Liam's story.
3,804 reviews
May 30, 2023
A new to me author, and a story that captured me.

Interesting plot and world building! Strong characters! Delicious!

Most definitely not my last! I have got to start from the beginning!

I have some Notorious to read so, got to go do that!

Trust me, this was so good, and you'll want to start at the beginning like me!

Ms. Owen is on my list!
Profile Image for Danielle.
171 reviews10 followers
May 31, 2023
What the heck!! Omg!!!! Charli does it yet again!! The characters mesh perfectly, the angst, push/pull, love a strong FMC. I just SPEECHLESS!! THEN THAT CLIFFY!! Like what?!?! The world building, hotness, characters, everything about this book is spot on.

You will be sucked in from the get go and you’ll finish it so fast! Be ready for this amazing book!! Love love loved it!
Profile Image for Renee.
4,182 reviews55 followers
June 1, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the story of Daneel and Hayes. Her dad was the longest reigning champion in MMA history. What the people that admired him and he inspired, is that he had a gambling problem and drugs. He was drowning in debt and when he died he left all that debt to her. He might have inspired other peoples hopes and dreams he stole his daughters right out from under her. He owes the debt she inherited to a loan shark who now holds no only her life the the people she loves lives. This leads her to making a choice she never in a million years would have ever had to make. Desperate she goes to Limbo, an underground fight club owned by ruthless businessman Tanner Vasquez how rules his fighters with an iron fist all to protect everything he has. He made Hayes Renton her personal trainer. He is a man who was at one time one of the best and an undefeated underground fighter until the doctors told him one more wrong blow and he would lose his life. He's not thrilled at all to be her trainer but when he learns all of her secrets he suddenly doesn't feel the need to take it all out on her but to get her out of the world of criminals, sins and death. However she is of the mind that this her her mess and she will get out of it even if it kills her like it did her father.
Talk about some smoking hot chemistry, you are going to find that in this book. Hayes and Daneel have it in spades and I loved these characters. This book has one amazingly strong and determined female character that is just great to read about. This story will hook you from the beginning. You will not be laying it down. Then you get to the end and it's been days since I finished this book and I am still thinking about it. I cannot wait to get the next book in my hands. I need to know what is going to happen like yesterday. I cant' wait.
Profile Image for Cara.
352 reviews7 followers
May 31, 2023
We meet Daneel and Hayes 5 years in the past when they first meet. Daneel has a chip on her shoulder and ice in her veins. She needs to pay off debts her father left behind. She has come to fight.
Hayes' career has just ended. He can't take any more hits if he wants to keep his life. He's bitter. But he knows he has to move on, stop the one thing he loved the most, fighting. Thus starts a trainer fighter relationship between these two.
5 years on, and they're constantly at each other's throats. Spewing curse words at each other when they're not sparring. Daneel doesn't let anyone in. She can't afford to with this threat hanging over her head, she keeps everyone at a distance and she has a prickly exterior. This book starts really strong and we get a picture painted in our minds of what she's going through. Charli's writing is "punchy" (yes, I used a pun, sue me!) It's clipped and I feel like that is exactly what these characters are like, this writing suits them.
Hayes, comes across as grumpy, all the time, and wears a perpetual scowl. He pushes D just to get a rise out of her.
One drunken night, everything changes. They both realise what they have could become something and D is scared of Hayes getting hurt. I enjoyed the atmosphere of this book and how D wasn't a timid little girl. She had fire and is really not used to depending on people. She is stubborn and does everything she can to push Hayes away.
The push and pull they have is intense, they are intense and when they are together it's explosive. There's so much going on in this story, that you're never bored. There are some side stories as well, and I love that we get these from a different POV.
This was my first Charli Owen book and i absolutely loved it! I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Cara.
289 reviews
March 5, 2024
We meet Daneel and Hayes 5 years in the past when they first meet. Daneel has a chip on her shoulder and ice in her veins. She needs to pay off debts her father left behind. She has come to fight.
Hayes' career has just ended. He can't take any more hits if he wants to keep his life. He's bitter. But he knows he has to move on, stop the one thing he loved the most, fighting. Thus starts a trainer fighter relationship between these two.
5 years on, and they're constantly at each other's throats. Spewing curse words at each other when they're not sparring. Daneel doesn't let anyone in. She can't afford to with this threat hanging over her head, she keeps everyone at a distance and she has a prickly exterior. This book starts really strong and we get a picture painted in our minds of what she's going through. Charli's writing is "punchy" (yes, I used a pun, sue me!) It's clipped and I feel like that is exactly what these characters are like, this writing suits them.
Hayes, comes across as grumpy, all the time, and wears a perpetual scowl. He pushes D just to get a rise out of her.
One drunken night, everything changes. They both realise what they have could become something and D is scared of Hayes getting hurt. I enjoyed the atmosphere of this book and how D wasn't a timid little girl. She had fire and is really not used to depending on people. She is stubborn and does everything she can to push Hayes away.
The push and pull they have is intense, they are intense and when they are together it's explosive. There's so much going on in this story, that you're never bored. There are some side stories as well, and I love that we get these from a different POV.
This was my first Charli Owen book and i absolutely loved it! I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for _chroniclesofabookworm_.
149 reviews67 followers
June 10, 2023
💥Overall opinion:
Charli is the QUEEN of cliffhangers and this book was no different. Love this whole Notorious world and all of the characters that she creates in it. Plus, this woman can wrote some AMAZING spice!

⛔️Brief Story Summary:
She's the daughter of a great fighter that passed away and left all of his loan shark debt on her shoulders. In order to pay him, she finds Limbo, and underground illegal fight club. Hayes was assigned as her trainer and for five years, that's what he did. At least until he gave into his urges and kissed Daneel for the first time.

💋Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Angsty AF
MMA/Sports
Suspense
Dark Secret
Alpha Hero
Who Hurt You

💣Main Character Rating:
Hayes - 10⭐️ - this man can train me to fight ANY day! I am LIVING for this man. His mouth and the way he talks...in and out of the bedroom...DAMN! This filthy-mouthed alpha, that will burn the world for his girl, is definitely on my top favorite MMC list.
Daneel - 5 - ⭐️ - loved her strong minded mentality and the strength she has, despite the terrible things she been through. She's a badass in the ring but sh also takes no shit outside of it. Her whitty comebacks and smart mouth remind me of myself, which make me love her more!

🌶Spice
3/5 - amazing chemistry between characters and when they collide physically, it's done and written detailed and so damn well.

🚫Closure:
This woman continues to blow me away with her writing and her characters. I swear each one is better than the last, if that's even possible. This book has it all! Can't wait for book two in this duet!

⭐️Overall Rating:
5 freaking stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Stephannie Tolitsky- Seppyreadsbooks.
1,139 reviews24 followers
June 7, 2023
Seppy's 5 Star


Daneel's dad was the longest-reigning champion in MMA history and everyone admired him. Outside the ring, he had a gambling and drug problem. When he died he was drowning in debt and now Daneel is expected to pay it back to a loan shark who he owned money. To the world, her dad was a famous MMA fighter who was inspiring. But to Daneel, he was the guy who killed her dreams and had her worrying about paying back money to a dangerous loan shark who threatens her life and anyone near her. To pay back the money, Daneel fights at Limbo, an underground fight club owned by ruthless businessman Tanner Vasquez. Hayes Renton former fighter himself becomes her personal trainer. These two have that love/hate relationship but neither has realized the love part yet.  When Hayes finds out why she really is fighting and the danger she is in; this changes things between the two. What happens when Hayes gets too close is explosive. These two have such amazing, hot chemistry that rides that thin line between love and hate just right. 

I loved this book and read it cover to cover and loved every minute of it. I was hooked and then BAM... Cliffhanger. I loved Daneel and her strong, I can handle things myself attitude. Then Hayes and his overprotective alpha a$$holeness. It is great to read.  I cannot wait to read the next book. I need to find out what is going to happen next. One Click this one Today! 
Profile Image for Josmely.
350 reviews17 followers
June 7, 2023
THAT ENDING?!?!?! I'm so confused right now😭😭😭 im not gonna be able to stop thinking about that cliffhanger until I get my hands on book 2.

The plot for this book was really interesting and well written. Definitely had me on my toes waiting to see what would happen next.

NOW the push and pull between daneel and Hayes was EVERYTHING. They have so much chemistry i don't understand how they waiting so long to finally do something about it. There was definitely a switch that kinda of happened out of nowhere. They went from kind of hating one another (not really they just "disliked" each other) to cant stop thinking about u/ I need you now all over sudden.

In a way it makes sense why cause the only thing stopping them was her ex and after he was out of the picture (THANK GOD) they were able to actually deal and confront everything they were feeling. If there's something you want really badly and FINALLY get it ur not gonna let it go.

Daneel and Hayes are so gone for each other its insane. Once they crossed that line they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Sometimes it got frustrating seeing them push each other away while seeing how happy they would be if they would just open up and let the other in.

FREAKING LOVE the fact that Daneel can beat anyone's ass no matter who they. Loved how strong and fierce she was.

I NEED BOOK 2😭 I need to know what happens next
Profile Image for Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) .
634 reviews25 followers
June 1, 2023
This is my first book by Charli Owen and it definitely will not be my last. Strike is book one in a duet and they are recommended to be read in order.

First let me say that I fell in love with Charli Owen's writing. The way she molded her characters and the details that she puts into her stories make you fall into the book and not want to leave. Each character (and there are many in this story) brings something to the book that you didn't know you needed but you definitely want. The biggest surprise to me was that this isn't a story about 1 couple. Now don't get me wrong, the main characters are Daneel and Hayes but there are side characters that play a prominent role in this book. Each couple leaves you rooting for their relationship and Charlie keeps us on the edge of our seat because....YEP, a MAJOR Cliffhanger!!!! I will say that Daneel and Hayes had their work cut out for them from he very beginning. At times, I wanted to slap one or both of them because of their ego's that get in the way of what each wants.....happiness. I do have faith that Charlie will bring us an HEA but then again.....who knows. If you love a great slow burn romance with tough as nails characters...this is your book. I give this one 5 stars.
230 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2023
The book continues the high standard Of Charli Owen’s previous books, Strike centres around Daneel and her fight to save herself and those she loves, while trying to pay off debt she inherited following the death of her father, ten years ago. To earn the money needed to pay of this debt she has been underground fighting and has been trained by Hayes Renton, they have the prefect give and take relationship, where Daneel likes to give Hayes a hard time. Damon is a key character who enjoys pushing Daneel and Hayes towards each other, other key characters included Lloyd who is the main villian and the one who has turned Daneel’s life upside down, by forcing her to pay back her father’s debt and continues to threaten her life and the lives of the people she loves. This book was well written and I enjoyed reading about all the characters in this book, it was interesting that the book ended on a cliffhanger, I can’t wait for book 2, after the cliffhanger ending of book 1.

Thank you for the ARC.
Profile Image for anna.
81 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2023
3.5 ⭐️

daneel and hayes story was SO riveting!!! this book made me realize i need to read more MMA fighter/illegal fighting books. the enemies to lovers was 🤌🏼 their chemistry was also INSANEEEE. 😮‍💨
i love the little thriller aspect with freakin LLoyd (hate his guts tho)

i get she’s this super badass and fierce woman but the back and forth between the couple to the degree it was on was a tad bit annoying to me BUT i also get thats just their dynamic. they love how the other will never make it easy and they wouldn’t have it any other way, just not my cup of tea. i also found it funny how they even found it weird themselves that after 5 years of training together, all of a sudden they can’t stay away from each other bc i was like ??? despite my complaints, i’m looking forward to reading the rest of the duet!! the damon & hailey and tanner & dylan snippets made me so excited for their stories :) (if they’re getting one).
July 1, 2023
Brilliant back story into daneels personal life and what threw her into the world of  fighting,, aswell as hayes and the reasons he cant fight anymore, kinda hate that reason was liam, loving the little insights into the other characters.
I've read charli's work for many years on another platform, when she made the leap to physical books i was thrilled she wasn't held back in her writing style any more and good god she's amazing!!
As always with charli theres a huge cliffhanger which leaves you drooling for the next installment of this work of art! The back and forth between hayes and daneel is equal parts hilarious and full of drama. Both find themselves falling for the other whist trying to fight every urge to take it to the next level but when they do its like an atomic bombs gone off and
Im totally here for it,,,, cannot wait for switch!! Well done charli.
Cannot recommend this book enough
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Zoe.
280 reviews6 followers
June 10, 2023
This book was a red flag, and I mean it in the best ways, the push and pull between Daneel and Hayes is everything, even if it gives toxic vibes, I really liked it, the wait, the tension, waiting to see who will crumble first, it was everything and the way it ended left my jaw hanging open, I was like CHARLI WHAT THE EFFFF, WHYYYY.

Daneel and Hayes are like two opposite-sided magnets that cannot stay away from each other but at the same time they are stubborn af and don't give in to the pull either, they play the game of push and pull, and it gets on your every nerve, you just want to scream "JUST GET TOGETHER ALREADY", but at the same time you can see their reasoning for not giving in, I cannot wait for book two.
Profile Image for Ms Cat's World.
991 reviews10 followers
May 31, 2023
From within the author's Notorious World comes Daneel and Hayes, in an underground fighting ring 🥊. One starting their career to pay a debt and one whose career was ended by Liam Brenner (Malia's Rise Trilogy)

Loved the build up to their relationship ❤️Their dynamic morphing from hate to desire over the span of five years as trainer and fighter even as she tries to keep everyone safely at arms length 🩸💲

Lots of steamy 🔥💋 scenes once they start breaking down their walls, but... dun, dun, dunnnnn... I didn't 💯 see that twist at the cliffy 🫢

Oh, and can't wait for Damon and Hailey 💔 and Dylan and Tanner 🍼
Profile Image for Amy.
973 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2023
yes 🙌

This book was amazing! I love mma and to have the fmc be one of the best fighters is freaking awesome. Even though Daneel was a rich kid and her dad was famous , she still became independent and a tough cookie in the ring. It’s even better when her trainer who was a undefeated fighter gets in his feels for her. She doesn’t fall far behind . The tragic ending of Daneels father was horrible and the Daneel discovered how he passed. This book had plenty of action and steam and of course a what in the world moment cliffhanger. This book was definitely juicy and can’t wait for book 2.
2,949 reviews45 followers
May 30, 2023
Charli has quickly become an author I like reading after only a couple of her books, I was a fan. This one is no exception, Daneel has had to adapt to a new way of living due to her parents way of life. Hayes also has had to adapt to his fate now after his life as a MMA fighter. He and Daneel have a relationship where he is a butthead to her as her trainer and she is a sassy spitefire who gives it back to him. They end up in a position where their relationship takes a turn and that sparks something in him.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hawkins.
688 reviews17 followers
June 7, 2023
I enjoyed this book a LOT, especially the main character... she is such a badass! I loved her and her banter and her kick butt attitude.

I also really enjoyed getting to know all the people and the dynamics of this book world. Their stories are so twisted and interesting and I cannot wait to learn more about them.

The only thing I kind of wished for is that the author focused on one couple per book because there was kind of a lot going on and I felt like one story should be finished before another one can start. I just was getting whiplash from the changes of perspective.

Overall, this book was a fun and steamy read and I cannot wait for the next installment because that cliffhanger was a slap in the face haha.
3 reviews
June 8, 2023
Speechless. That is how Strike left me. That cliffhanger, Charli!! I thought Liam and Malias story was stressful, but man was I wrong lol. All in all, the book was amazing as always. Hayes is a dream, Daneel is a badass with a big heart, Damon and Hailey break my heart. Many will say she is frustrating but I understand her. She is looking out for those she loves and those she doesn't even know she loves yet. Oh yeah, lots and lots of very descriptive smut. I highly recommend this book, however, please make sure to read the triggers before jumping in.
Profile Image for Grace.
182 reviews7 followers
June 16, 2023
first of all charli you did it again wrote an amazing book. Now you and your cliffhangers always get me. So im going to need book 2 because I will not be able to move on to other books until I read it. Just kidding maybe hopefully I can or I'm in trouble. I love the chemistry between Daneel and Hayes. I love the push and pull between them. Also how they do not put up with each others shit. Hayes such a boss guy and push her to want him which is so good. I really enjoy this book and need more of them. All I have to say is I was like wait I need more this cannot be it.
Profile Image for Erin Figueiredo.
3,028 reviews63 followers
June 5, 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author and it will definitely not be the last.

I was hooked right from the start and could not put this one down. It was filled with action, suspense, emotional turmoil, drama, angst and such incredible chemistry. Daneel and Hayes captured my heart and I never wanted to let them go in the end.

Highly enjoyed and look forward to the next book in the series.
5 reviews
June 8, 2023
I would categorize this book as a Sports romance, the main characters are definitely fire and ice. So there is a lot of push and pull. The spicy scenes are present and some are in different POV's. The author perfectly conveys Hayes and Daneel's story, and ties Malia and Liam in there as little easter eggs. Even though this is separate from Malia's Trilogy I would recommend reading the books. Finally, expect any of Charli's books to have badass FMC who can take care of business.
630 reviews13 followers
June 9, 2023
Angsty, MMA Read

This is my first time reading something by this author and I can’t wait to read more. This book is purposeful in setting up the characters and the world building which I appreciated. By the time things really kick off, you are dying for them to as the reader and they do not disappoint! I love how everything seems to intersect and it made me want to circle back and read interconnected books in this world!
Profile Image for Rosa Dunahue.
1,239 reviews20 followers
June 12, 2023
This is the first book of Daneel and Hayes story. Daneel is having to deal with a debt that not really hers. She is an mma fighter and Hayes is now her trainer. He was forced into retirement. They both fight their attraction to each other. But eventually they give in but other things stand in their ways. And people who threaten them harm. But nothing will prepare you for the cliffhanger at the end.
Profile Image for Carol-Ann.
197 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2023
OMG Charli Owen, that cliffhanger. I need the next book ASAP. I was routing for Daneel and Hayes to get their shit together. I was not expecting that ugly Lloyd would show up again at the end. I am desperate to know if Tanner is involved in anyway.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Martha.
405 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2023
This book was Amazing! This is the first book in the Fire and Ice Duet (Daneel's story) within the Notorious series. This book is an MMA MF story that did not disappoint. It does end on a cliffhanger but it is so worth it once you read the story. The was this tory is told you can't help but to devour it. I can't wait to read the next book in the duet. Charli really knows how to draw readers in.
2,039 reviews17 followers
May 31, 2023
I really like MMA romance and especially with the FMC being a fighter. This has fantastic chemistry between the MC's as well as some great angst and suspense. Only disappointment was that it is now a duet and I need more after that cliffhanger.
2 reviews
June 7, 2023
love these Daneel and Hayes with all that push and pull! it was frustrating as hell but it's obvious these two put others above their wants even if it gets the best of them. can't wait until book two!
Profile Image for Halee.
33 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2023
Can I say how much I love a strong FMC, like seriously. Daneel is someone I would not mess with. She doesn’t take anything from anyone. As for Hayes, swoon. That man is something else. I really enjoyed this. I love the emotions and chemistry. I definitely wanna see more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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