Strike Out

The San Jose Coyotes #1

by Izzy Ravas

#7 - Malakai Vaughn

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

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

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


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



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



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



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

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

Genres: Sports, Novella, Sports Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, Dark Romance

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2025

Reviews

[destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting on the day for when a man is pathetically in love with me😪

[Tai · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.3✨’s

When I say this was insta, heed my warning. We are dropped smack dab in the middle of 7 years of mutual pining that turns into forever within one night (chapter). Buuut for me that was a nonissue. Almost nothing happens, so this was exactly the break I needed before I dive back into more dark romance.

Anywhooooo…


Nitpicky Notes —
•letting others watch isn’t my jam

🩷’d:
•throat grabbing
•”good boy”
•Mallory + Mila
•H tailors his diet to hers, and even when they weren’t together he stayed away from things she was allergic to
•H has tattoos dedicated to h
•talking in between thrusts 😩😩😩😩 (YUM, omygah who is telling my business to these authors?!?!? That’s in my top 4 and not 4)


⚠️ + Info:
— Dual POV
— Instalove
— Mutual Pining
— Step-siblings
— NLB Player x College Student
— h (21) H (21)
— Both MCs experienced
— Group smex but no sharing.
— all the way 🥵 @ 16% (chp.3 of 20)
— Separation: only when H has away games
— No notable OW/OMD, sharing, cheating, push/pull, or 3rd act break up
— HEA: Happily married & pregnant with a daughter.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Ariel · Rating 1 out of 5]

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

[littlesmuttyone · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

Adriana lmao love her period!!!

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

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

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

[nikreadsnrambles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

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

[Avelon Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Perla Najera · Rating 4 out of 5]

love a step siblings romance and this one was spicy🥵

kai & island are perfect together 😍

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

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

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Brooklyn Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

[The.SmuttyBookClub · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Please note that this review is mainly for my benefit as it is more of a summary of the book and may contain spoilers.***

🌶🌶🌶
[v] Abduction
[v] Actor M
[v] Addiction (M
[v] Adopted Siblings
[v] Adoption of neice
[v] Adult breastfeeding
[v] Age Gap ( 21 F & 38 F
[v] Age play
[v] Airplane Sex
[v] Alien M
[v] Alpha/Bega/Omega (omega F, omega M, Alpha M)
[v] Amnesia
[v] Anal
[v] F to F anal
[v] F to M anal
[v] M to F anal
[v] M to M anal
[v] NB to M anal
[v] Anal Beads
[v] Anal Felching
[v] Anal Fisting
[v] F to F anal fisting
[v] M to F anal fisting
[v] M to M anal fisting
[v] Anal Gaping
[v] Anal Hook
[v] Anal Knotting
[ ] Anal Play
[v] F to F anal play
[v] F to M anal play
[ ] M to F anal play
[v] M to M anal play
[v] Anal Rimming
[v] F to F anal rimming
[v] F to M anal rimming
[v] M to F anal rimming
[v] M to M anal rimming
[v] Anthology
[v] Anxiety Attacks
[v] Arranged Marriage (marriage contract)
[v] Arrangement
[v] Artist F (
[v] Assault
[v] Auction
[v] Auralism Kink (sounds and voices)
[v] Author F
[v] "Baby Boy"
[v] "Baby Girl "
[v] Bar Sex
[ ] Baseball/MLB MLB player
[v] Bath Sex
[v] Bathroom Sex
[v] Begging
[v] Ben Wa Balls
[v] Belt
[v] Best Friend's Brother
[v] Best Friend's Dad
[v] Best Friend's Daughter
[v] Best Friend's Mom
[v] Best Friend's Son
[v] Bi-Awakening
[v] Billionaire M
[v] Birth Control Tampering
[v] Biting
[v] Blackmail
[v] Blood Kink
[v] Blood-Play
[v] Blue Collar (mechanic F & M)
[v] Body Guard
[v] Boat sex
[v] Bookstore Sex
[v] Branding (F's ex tattooed her by force
[v] Brat
[v] Breast Binding
[v] Breath-Play
[v] Breeding Bench
[v] Breeding Kink
[v] Brother's Best Friend
[v] Bully to Lover
[v] Butt Plug
[v] CSA (Child Sexual Assault) in M's past, off page
[v] Cage
[v] Candaulism Kink (desire to show off one's partner)
[v] Cane
[v] Car Sex
[v] Carriage sex
[v] Cat of Nine Tails
[v] Chastity Cage
[v] Cheating (M cheats on his wife with other M
[v] Chef M
[v] Child Abuse (in M's past)
[v] Childbirth (in M's past, off page
[v] Childhood Friends
[ ] Choking
[v] Christmas
[v] Church Sex
[v] Classroom sex
[v] Claws
[v] Clit Clamp
[v] Closet Sex
[v] Cock and Balls Harness
[v] Cock Piercing(s)
[v] Cock Ring
[v] Cock Sleeve
[v] Cock Warming
[ ] CNC (Consensual Non-Consent)
[v] Collar
[v] College Romance
[v] Communication Barrier
[v] Cousins (not blood related)
[v] Cowboy M
[v] Cozy
[v] "Crawl to Me"
[v] Crime (mafia
[v] Cuckhold
[v] Cult (she escaped religious cult
[v] Cum Kink
[v] Cumming in his pants
[v] "Daddy "
[v] Dad's Best Friend
[v] DADVP (Double Anal and Double Vaginal Penetration)
[v] DAVP (Double Anal and Vaginal Penetration) with fist (P) and anal hook and cock (A)
[v] Dark Romance
[v] Daughter's Boyfriend
[v] Death of a Child (in M's past, off page)
[v] Death of a Parent (F, in past off page)
[v] Death of a Sibling (F, off page)
[v] Death of a Spouse (F , off page)
[ ] Degradation
[v] Demisexual M
[v] Dentist F
[v] Dildo
[v] Dining Room Sex
[v] Disability (F, completely paralyzed from hips down due to accident in past)
[v] Dissociation
[v] Divorced F
[v] Doctor F
[v] Doll play
[v] Soft Dom and Sub
[v] Dom and Subs
[v] Doms and Sub
[v] Doms and Subs
[v] Domme and Sub
[v] Domme and Subs
[v] Dommes and Sub
[v] Dommes and Subs
[v] Domestic Voilence (F's past, off page
[v] DP (double penetration) with fingers
[v] DP (Double Penetration) with cock (P) and vibrator (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with dildo (P) and fingers (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and butt plug (A)
[ ] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and finger (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with two cocks
[v] DP (double penetration) with fingers (P) and buttplug (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and anal hook(A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with vibrator (P) and cock (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with dildo (P) and butt plug (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with fingers (P) and cock (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with fist (P) and anal hook (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with dildo (P) and cock (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and knife hilt(A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with tongue (P) and tentacle (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with fingers (P) and Tail (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with tail (P) and fingers (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and bed footboard spindle (A)
[v] Drinking Blood
[v] Drug Use (weed)
[v] Drugging
[v] DUBCON (Dubious Consent)
[v] DVAP (Double Vainal and Anal Penetration) with cock and Vibrating bulb (P) and butt plug (A)
[v] DVP (Double Vaginal Penetration) with cock and fingers
[v] DVP (Double vaginal penetration) with vibrator and fingers
[v] DVP (Double vaginal penetration) with vibrator and cock
[v] DVP (Double Vaginal Penetration) with cock and dildo
[v] DVP (Double Vaginal Penetration) with two cocks
[v] DVP (Double Vaginal Penetration) with fingers and tentacle
[v] Eating Disorder
[v] Edging
[v] Electrical Stimulation
[v] Elevator Sex
[v] Enema
[v] Enemies to Lovers
[v] Ex's Dad
[v] Ex's Uncle
[v] Ex-Convict M, he escapes prison
[v] Exhibitionism
[v] F Masturbation
[v] F Virgin
[v] FF
[v] F to F oral
[v] FFF
[v] FFM
[v] FMF
[v] FFFF
[v] FFFM
[v] FFMF
[v] FFMM
[v] FMFM
[v] FMMF
[v] FMMM
[v] FFMMM
[v] FMMMF
[v] FMMMM
[v] Face Fucking
[v] FaceTime Sex
[v] Fairy
[v] Fairytale Retelling (Cinderella
[v] Fake dating
[v] Fake engagement
[v] Fall/Autumn
[v] Fangs
[v] Fantasy
[v] Fated Mates
[v] Feeding Kink
[v] Feet Fucking
[v] Flogger
[v] Food Play (
[v] Foot Fetish
[v] Football/NFL NFL player
[v] Forced Marriage
[v] Forced Orgasms
[v] Forced Proximity
[v] Four cocks
[v] Free Use
[v] Friends-to-Lovers
[v] Friends with Benefits
[v] Frotting (Jacking off two dicks together with one hand)
[v] Fucking machine
[v] G-Spot Stimulator
[v] Garage Sex
[v] Gaslighting
[v] Gay awakening
[v] Glory Hole
[v] "Goddess"
[v] Gods (Dragon shifter god M)
[v] Golden retriever M
[v] Golden Shower (peeing on someone)
[v] Grumpy and Sunshine
[v] Gun-Play
[v] Gym Sex
[v] Hair-Pulling
[v] Halloween
[v] Harness
[v] He didnt know she was a virgin
[v] He falls first
[v] Heat/Rut
[v] Hidden Cameras
[v] Hidden Identity
[v] Hockey/NHL NHL player
[v] Hood
[v] Horns
[v] Horror
[v] Hospital Sex
[v] Hot Tub Sex
[v] Hotel Sex
[v] HUCOW
[v] Humiliation
[v] Imprisonment
[v] Incest, CSA in M's past, off page
[v] Infertility F
[v] Interracial (Mexican/Italian M & white F's)
[v] Jacob's Ladder Piercings
[v] Kendo Sticks
[v] Kinging (face-sitting)
[ ] Kitchen Sex
[v] Knife-Play (he fucks her with knife hilt
[v] Knot
[v] Labia Clamps
[v] Lactation Kink
[v] Lake Sex
[v] Laundry Room Sex
[v] Lawyer M
[v] Leash
[v] Library Sex
[v] Limo Sex
[v] Lip Piercing
[v] "Little Girl"
[v] Locker Room Sex
[v] Love triangle
[v] M Masturbation
[v] M Virgin (inexperienced)
[ ] MF
[ ] F to M oral
[ ] M to F oral
[v] MM
[v] M to M oral
[v] M to NB oral
[v] MFM
[v] MMF
[v] MMM
[v] MFFM
[v] MFMM
[v] MMMF
[v] MMMM
[v] MMFMF
[v] "Ma'am"
[v] Make-a-Baby Arrangement
[v] Marriage of Convenience (in F's past)
[v] Married couple
[v] "Madame"
[v] "Master"
[ ] Mask
[v] Mating Mark
[v] Medical condition (diabetic M
[v] Medical experiments
[v] Medical play
[v] Mental illness (D.I.D. M)
[v] Military (veteran M
[v] Milking Machine
[v] Miscarriage (in M's past, on page)
[v] "Mistress"
[v] Mistaken identity
[v] "Mommy"
[v] Mom's best friend
[v] Monster (vampire M
[v] Motel Sex
[v] Motorcycle Club
[v] Mouth Gag (O ring
[v] Mummification
[v] Murder
[v] Mutual Masturbation
[v] Muzzle
[v] Nanny
[v] NBF
[v] F to NB oral
[v] NB to F oral
[v] NBM
[v] M to NB oral
[v] NB to M oral
[v] NBFM
[v] NBMM
[v] Necrophilia kink
[v] Needle Play/Kink
[v] Neighbors
[v] Neurodivergent M, can't process or name emotions
[v] Nipple Clamps
[v] Nipple Enlargers
[v] Nipple Piercing(s) F
[v] No Happily Ever After
[v] Non-Binary (NB)
[v] NC (non-consent)
[ ] Novella
[v] Nurse F
[v] Office Sex
[v] One Night Stand
[v] Orgy
[v] Outdoor Sex
[v] Overdose
[v] Paddle
[v] Panic attack(s) F
[v] Pansexual
[v] Paralytic Poison
[v] Pegging
[v] Period Sex
[v] "Pet"
[v] Pet Play (Cow)
[v] Phone Sex
[v] Piercing
[v] Pillory
[v] Pinwheel
[v] Pleasure Dom
[v] Plus Sized FMC
[v] Plus Sized MMC
[v] Pocket Pussy
[v] Police Officer F
[v] Politics (president M, first lady F, and vice president M)
[v] Polyamory (MFM
[v] Pool Sex
[v] Postapolyptic
[v] Praise
[ ] Pregnancy
[ ] Pregnancy Sex
[v] Prehensile Cock
[v] Prehensile Tail
[v] Priest M
[v] Primal Play/Kink
[v] Prince Albert Piercing
[v] Professional domme
[v] Professor F
[v] Prostate Massager
[v] Psychosis
[v] PTSD F
[v] Public Bathroom Sex
[v] Public Sex (alley at night
[v] Punishment
[v] "Pup"
[v] Pussy Pump
[v] "Queen"
[v] Queening (face sitting)
[v] Reincarnation
[v] Remote Controlled Vibrator
[v] Restaurant Sex
[v] Restraints (rope
[v] Reverse Age Gap (35 F & 18 M)
[v] Reverse Harem (1 F & 3 M's)
[v] Riding Crop
[v] Rock Star M
[ ] Role Playing
[v] Roommates
[v] Rose Toy
[v] Royalty (prince
[v] Rugby (former player M
[v] SA (Sexual Assault) not by MMC, on page (groping by coworker/boyfriends s dad)
[v] Saw Horse
[v] Schizophrenia
[v] Scissoring
[v] Scratching
[v] Second Chance Romance
[v] Secret baby
[v] Secret Society
[v] Selective Mutism
[v] Self harm (in F's past)
[v] Sentient Object(s)
[v] Serial Killer M
[v] Sex Club
[v] Sex in a Corm Maze
[v] Sex in the Woods
[v] Sex lessons
[v] Sex on a Carousel
[v] Sex on a Motorcycle
[v] Sex on a Piano
[v] Sex Swing
[v] Sex Tape
[v] Sex trafficking (not MCs
[v] Sex Worker (content creator F
[v] Sexting
[v] Shape-Shifting
[v] Shaving kink
[v] Shibari
[v] Shock Collar
[v] Shower Sex
[v] Single Dad
[v] Single Mom
[v] "Sir"
[v] Sissy Man
[v] Size Difference
[ ] Slapping (face
[v] Slit
[v] Slow burn
[v] Small Town
[v] Snowballing (passing cum from one mouth to another)
[v] Soccer (pro team owner)
[v] Social Media Influencer
[v] Somnophilia
[v] Son's best friend
[v] Sounding
[ ] Spanking
[v] Spanking Bench
[v] Spitting (on pussy
[v] Spreader Bar
[v] Squirting
[v] St. Andrew's Cross
[v] Stalking
[v] Stepdad
[v] Stepmom & stepson
[v] Strap-On Dildo
[v] Step Cousins
[ ] Step Siblings (did not grow up together)
[v] Stepbrothers
[v] Stepsisters
[v] Stockade
[v] Suicide (not a main character)
[v] Suicide Attempt (in F's past, off page)
[v] Suspension
[v] Swingers
[v] Tail
[v] Tangy Dinger (giving blow job after doing anal)
[v] Tattoo Artist
[v] Teacher F & Student M
[v] Teenagers
[v] Temperature Play (he can change the temperature of his skin
[v] Tentacles
[v] Terminal Illness
[v] Thanksgiving
[v] Therapist
[v] Titty Fucking
[v] Tongue Ring M & F
[v] Torture
[v] TVP (Triple Vaginal Penetration) with three tentacles
[v] Two Cocks
[v] Unplanned Pregnancy (
[v] Vaccuum Play
[v] Vaginal Felching
[v] Vaginal Fisting
[v] Vaginal Gaping
[v] Vaginal Knotting
[v] Vaginal penetration with tequila bottle
[v] Vaginal Piercings (clit hood
[v] Vanilla
[v] Vibrating bullet
[v] Vibrating cock
[v] Vibrating egg
[v] Vibrating Tongue
[v] Vibrating Wand
[v] Vibrator
[v] Vision Deprivation (blindfold
[v] Voyeurism
[v] War
[v] Watching Porn
[ ] Wedding (off page
[v] Wet Dreams
[v] Whip
[v] Why choose
[v] Widow
[v] Wings
[v] Workplace Romance
[v] Yacht

13 MF

[Naomy Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Karlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Cdngurl85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy and Emotional

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

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

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

[DeAnna · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

[Aracely · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

📚Book Type: step siblings sports romance

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

[Erin Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨

ARC REVIEW

Strike Out - Izzy Ravas

5/5⭐️

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

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

📚📚📚

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

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

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

[The Book Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy, Sweet, and Unexpectedly Addictive

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

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

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

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

[Awilda Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

Things to know

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

[kaylaschapterchats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good ♥️♥️♥️

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

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

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

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

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

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

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

[Zariah Calloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strike Out by S. J. Sylvis is a short but emotionally charged novella that blends sports romance with a complicated forbidden-love dynamic. As the first installment in the The San Jose Coyotes series, the story centers on long-held feelings, unresolved tension, and the risks that come with loving someone you’re not supposed to.

The novella captures the intensity of a love that has quietly existed for years. The connection between the characters feels sincere, and the close-proximity situation having Isla move in temporarily creates a steady emotional push and pull that keeps the story engaging.

Because of its novella length, the pacing moves quickly, and some emotional moments could have benefited from deeper exploration. Still, the story delivers enough chemistry and tension to keep readers invested in whether the characters will finally confront their feelings.

Overall, Strike Out is a quick, engaging read that will appeal to readers who enjoy sports romance with a touch of forbidden attraction and emotional stakes. It sets the stage well for what could become an intriguing series.

[spicybookmama · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

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

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

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

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

Highly recommend

[TheBookishGothGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew I love Baseball!

Wow, couldn't put it down!

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

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

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

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

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

[Cole Branham · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[El Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ rounded up

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