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Playing for Keeps #1

Intercepted Hearts

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The NFL’s hottest quarterback sets his sights on me, he’s the one guy I can’t have.

Hudson Baldwin is a player—in every sense of the term.
The god of the gridiron has no lack of women throwing themselves at him.
Football players have always been on my no-go list.
Just because I have to cheer for him doesn’t mean I want anything to do with his advances.
Yet, here he is...telling me he wants me.
He wants us.
I’m not here to score with the NFL star player.
But the more time I spend with the king of the turf, the more hits my defenses take.
Can the connection between us be real?
Or is believing love can exist in this brutal sport nothing more than a Hail Mary?

Note: Intercepted Hearts is a standalone sports romance that will give you all the feels. It’s filled with scorching banter, sexy scenes, and several laugh-out-loud moments. No cheating. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed HEA.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2020

314 people are currently reading
308 people want to read

About the author

Mika Jolie

35 books1,273 followers
Mika Jolie is the bestselling author of the Martha’s Way series. She lives in New Jersey with her Happy Chaos—her husband and their energizer bunnies. A sports fanatic and a wine aficionado, she’s determined to balance it all and still write about life experiences and matters of the heart. Let’s face it, people are complicated and love can be messy. When she’s not weaving life and romance into evocative tales, you can find her on a hiking adventure, apple picking, or whatever her three men can conjure up.
She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Mika on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Amazon.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikajolie.au...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikaJolie1

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/mikajolie

Email: mikajolie2@gmail.com

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5 stars
142 (33%)
4 stars
155 (36%)
3 stars
93 (21%)
2 stars
19 (4%)
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17 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
Profile Image for Nadene  (Totally Addicted to Reading).
1,522 reviews218 followers
January 24, 2020
Intercepted Hearts by Mika Jolie was a short, sweet and spicy read. For a short story, it sure packed a lot of punch. It is a story of lost dreams and hope for a better future. It also highlighted the love of family.

This book gave me all the feels. Filled with pain, joy, and love, the story pulled me and I had no choice but to empathize with the characters. I wanted what was best for them and I hoped they could move past their fears and seize their chance at happiness.

I admired Natalie. She was a strong, determined, and caring individual. She has a lot dealing with leaving her no time for love, especially with a pro footballer.

Hudson Baldwin is the quarterback for the New York Kings. A rising star whose biggest dream was to play in the Superbowl. I loved his confidence in his abilities and his humility in the face of all the fame.
They were instantly attracted to each other, but Natalie’s fears proved a hindrance to their budding relationship. However, I am happy to report that it all worked out.

Recommendation / Conclusion
Intercepted Hearts took me on a journey that tugged on my heartstrings and had me smiling from ear to ear.

I recommend this to sports romance readers. I am looking forward to reading River’s story (Hudson’s twin brother)
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,387 reviews899 followers
January 22, 2020
Holy heck, this was AMAZING!!! For a novella, this one packed it in and left me more than satisfied.

”To be in love is to feel all your fears twice and still choose to love.”


Image result for football aesthetic


Hudson and Natalie - two people with conflicting emotions. Hudson lives for football. He’s the golden boy, the King of New York. Natalie despises the game and all that it has cost her. When these two meet and realize that what they’re experiencing is special, they each have to come to terms with how the other one feels, knowing that they may both walk away with a broken heart.


I really respected Natalie and all that she has been through. My heart hurt for her and the fear that she lived with when considering a relationship with Hudson.

’For what I show is a forced resiliency, a way I’ve had to be my entire life just to survive. To call a person strong or brave sounds so nice, but if they are like a horse being run to death and praised for its speed and beauty, there is a cruelty to it.’


Animated GIF


I loved that Hudson made wise decisions regarding his reputation. He was in the perfect position to live life wild. Instead, he lived it honestly, respecting the lessons passed on to him. Add the fact that once he met Natalie he saw and thought only of her, and he was pretty perfect.

’My skin is hot. I’ve never felt like this from simply kissing a woman. Every part of me wants to claim her.
I want to do filthy things to her.
I want to be in her body.
I want to own her and mark her as mine.’



'Menikahlah denganku,maka mulut ini akan kututup' -Jeon Jungkook Dia… #fiksiremaja # Fiksi remaja # amreading # books # wattpad


This has everything I enjoy in a full length book. While there is some angst, it doesn’t consume the story. With a bit of drama, some light hearted moments, and chemistry you can feel sizzling off the page, as well as some amazing football scenes, this is the perfect read. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys the sport.

Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Profile Image for Leisa Ann.
790 reviews11 followers
January 15, 2020
Loved this quick read! For a short book I felt like the characters and the story were well developed. Love a good football story and this one was just what I was looking for!
Profile Image for Lori R..
1,411 reviews71 followers
February 26, 2020
I absolutely loved Hudson Baldwin.
He’s an NFL quarterback and his team is going to the super bowl.

Natalie is filling in for a cheerleader who was injured. She will practice with the team’s cheerleaders for a couple of weeks until the big game.

Relationships between cheerleaders and the football players are a big NO-NO.

During one practice, they make eye contact. Oh em gee. I swear I could FEEL IT. This is one of those instant attractions. The sparks flew and sizzled clear across the field.

Nat’s father is a former QB. She’s convinced his history of being knocked around during games is the reason for his memory loss and declining health.

So a relationship with a football player is out of the question. She’s not going to set herself up for that pain and heartbreak she thinks is inevitable. So she cannot date Hudson.

No matter what.
Not gonna do it.
No way, no how.
Nope.

But have you met Hudson Baldwin?!
After reading and getting to know him, you will understand how and why she couldn’t stay away from him.

So kind, so sexy, so giving, so respectful, so selfless, so...perfect. I lost count of the number of times I swooned. It was A LOT.

This was a novella, but to me it felt like more. It gave me everything I wanted and needed.

This was my first read by this author and I can’t wait to read more!
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,863 reviews119 followers
January 26, 2020
4.5

A quick romantic read that you never want to end! From their first glance to the last touch the heat between Hudson and Natalie is undeniable and even as they try to fight it fate keeps putting them in each other’s paths! Hudson just wants a chance Natalie is caving to her fear but when love is on the line they’ll both be powerless to stop it!

I loved how strong and sure Hudson is and his family is seriously amazing! I can’t wait to see what’s in store with this series and I hope to learn more on the Baldwin’s! Natalie is strong and patient! She has made adjustments in her life for those she loves and when she lets you in she doesn’t let go!

A beautiful story from start to finish I just wish it didn’t have to end!
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,122 reviews554 followers
February 1, 2020
Sports-related romance is my go-to when I’m in a funk and need a quick, fun-to-read book for a break from the heavier stuff.

Hudson Baldwin, NFL quarterback meets Natalie Harris, cheerleader, and the sparks fly. It’s insta-love with plenty of angst and lots of steam. He’s sitting on top of the world and her world is spinning out of control. She’s struggling (but not very hard) against falling for the gorgeous QB for up-close and personal reasons.

Had plenty of potential, but fumbled the ball and missed the touchdowns. Felt like an outline for a great story that just didn’t reach the goal line. The characters were likeable, but there was so much more that needed to be conquered.

Okay for a quickie – didn’t love or hate.
Profile Image for Victoria Weston.
1,027 reviews54 followers
January 14, 2020
This is the second book I've read by this author and I absolutely loved it.
I've never read a sports romance before and I must say I absolutely loved it. This is a quick read and I couldn't put it down.

Hudson Baldwin is a professional Starting quarterback for the New York Kings. He has football in his blood but sometimes feels like he's in his dad's shadow,  he also has an identical twin brother River.

Natalie has alot going on and is under some pressure, she has a sister Avery and her dad who she cares for because he has early on set dementia, she cares for the family and it's alot of work. All Natalie wants is her paycheck so she can take care of her family.
There is something different about Natalie that's caught Hudson's eye, he knows she's different from the rest and she could change his life forever.There is alot of sexual chemistry between them both but Natalie is very nervous, she doesn't go on many dates and she doesn't date footballers.

It's really quite emotional this book and what Natalie is going through, I really feel for her.They have a strong connection between them it's on a deeper level a soul connection, they have both had tragedy in there lives. Natalie has alot of
What ifs
What ifs
What ifs

This book is a complete page turner and I read it in one sitting and stayed up late, because I just had to see what happens. Can these two figure it out and be together. They go through I and I was really rooting for them both.

This book is told from two different points of which that I always like and I loved the epilogue. These characters were written brilliantly and I loved them both.
This author has an awesome writing style and tells this story so good you are desperately wanting more.
The bonus at the end was absolutely fabulous, cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next book by this author.


Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

This book is expected to be released on 24th January 2020.
Profile Image for Paulette.
738 reviews20 followers
January 15, 2020
This book will definitely intercept your heart. It’s not just your typical sports romance story. There’s so much more going on in this book. It’s a story of dreams being denied, dreams being granted and poses questions to you such as are your dreams worth of the risk or should you roll the dice and let them play where they lay?

The author put a nice spin in the story where it was so well balanced. It wasn’t just one person who was questioning their decisions. I don’t do spoilers. I don’t feel it’s fair to the author. You should read the book. I will tell you how it affected me and how it made me feel.
Hudson, is the quarterback and of course is dreamy with just the right amount of swag ( confidence). Seriously, if you’re the quarterback you need a certain amount of confidence to do the high pressure job. He’s not over the top though.
Natalie, is a sweet, talented girl who’s carrying a lot on her shoulders.
How they meet and what they go through is the main thrust of the story. Each one has their own family story who helps make them who they are and what they expect in life and what challenges them. What really sold me on this book is how the feelings come through raw and real. I know this sounds weird but it’s a story that makes sense. Along the way we get to meet some interesting characters that I hope will have books of their own.
Don’t worry it brings all the feels. You get the smiles, the dreamy, the awww moments as well as the sad, and you get the heat. What I really liked is that it wasn’t lascivious. It was done beautifully and not over the top. It earned it’s place in the story.
I read the story in one night. This was for two reasons; it was a fast read and I couldn’t put it down if I wanted to.
Yes, this book is a touchdown for me!
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,008 reviews57 followers
January 24, 2020
Intercepted Hearts is a fast paced sports romance that has depth, passion and an extreme amount of chemistry. Hudson is the Quarterback with the world at his feet and Natalie is the cheerleader who has deep seated reasons to stay away from a football player. However sometimes the heart wants what it wants and just when we think we outsmarted it, the need to make it beat comes running your way wanting nothing less than scoring the winning points to your heart. Their story although quick lacks nothing and leaves you completely captivated by these two.
Profile Image for Stephanie Rose.
Author 30 books2,944 followers
January 23, 2020
Love at first sight done so very right...
Hudson and Natalie sizzle from the second they're on the page together and I fell just as fast and hard for both of them. Mika Jolie crafted a beautiful story of love and another side of football that was poignant and timely. I cannot wait for the rest of this series!
Profile Image for Ola Adamska.
2,881 reviews27 followers
January 17, 2020
This is A nice, easy and short story touching an important subject (it was not mentioned in the blurb so I won't reveal it).
Hudson is a top player and has a chance of his life ahead. He had tons of one night stands and he is done with those.
Nathalie, a sweet girl with her life full of things that she can't find a place for love, especially for an athlete that is a PRO.
Hudson felt that she can be the one for him but will he manage to convince her? Or will she stand her ground of not dating a sportsman?
Profile Image for Rina's Reads.
1,661 reviews43 followers
January 18, 2020
"I love the way her small body melts into mine. The way our lips fit like two puzzle pieces. A kiss like this is a beginning, a promise of much more to come."

This is just a taste of the goodness in this book.
It was short, easy to read with a healthy dose of drama and steam. My only complaint is: I wish it was longer! I was really enjoying it- I want more 😊
I am looking forward to River's book, that's for sure!
Profile Image for Mrs K.
240 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2020
Basic overview: Natalie must decide if she wants to enter a relationship with Hudson, who plays the sport which led to her Fathers’ health condition.
The story is a quick read with a hea. This truly is a great little read based on a moral dilemma.
1,276 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2020
Author Mika Jolie has a knack for writing captivating and sweet romances, and this book is no different. It is a heartwarming, steamy and humorous read all in one.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,406 reviews20 followers
January 28, 2020
Hudson is on a high with his football career but something is missing. Natalie was a dancer back in the day, she is also a sub cheerleader, and is scheduled to work while another is out. Hudson sees Natalie, and he's totally hooked. But there is sort of a rule, no fraternizing with the football players, vice versa. But, Hudson is really not going to let that get in his way, since he thinks Natalie is his forever.

Natalie has been having a hard time with her fathers health, she is attracted to Hudson, but she has this rule about not dating football players, her experiences and what she has been dealing with the past few years is a factor from football. I enjoyed their story very much, it was an easy quick read, you just want these two together so badly, they deserved each other and their happy ever after.
7 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2020
Mika Jolie didn’t disappoint with this novella. This book may have been a quick read, but it had all the ingredients of a well developed complete novel.

One of the things I love about this author is that she gives you well rounded, thought out characters that you can not only relate to but feel their emissions and fall in love with them so that you are rooting for them. She engages you so youfeel invested in their outcome.

Natalie didn’t like football brpecause she was living with one of the consequences of the game. Hudson was a footballer. This book tellls their story and how they overcome this obstacle

Natalie didn’t just roll over at the first hurdle and forget her situation with her dad and the reason she made the decisions she did, but she never came across as bitter or spiteful; just principled. And Hudson, while being an alpha male, wasn’t arrogant, bullish or selfish. Just confident in who he is and his ability. Mika allowed both these characters to be themselves - two young people embarking on life’s journey and dealing with it the best way they can. They were both gentle and loving while dealing with the struggles of real life situations with pragmatism, yet strong enough to recognise when opportunity is knocking you sometimes have to trust in life enough to grab it with both hands and face the consequences full on.

You felt the connection between Hudson and Natalie and you could feel the angst of their situation. I truly felt the pain in Natalie’s decision to walk away and Hudson’s heartache in letting her go. And rejoiced when they just let go and stop denying themselves.

i never felt that the journey to this HEA was contrived and therefore, I was able to truly enjoy this read, was engaged from start to finish and would recommend this to everyone- well done Mika!
Profile Image for Canadian Girl Reads.
1,097 reviews35 followers
January 18, 2020
Intercepted Hearts is a quick read about hopes and dreams that have been put aside, reborn and conquered and also about family. The novel is told in the alternating first-person point of view of Hudson and Natalie. I was grateful to receive an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Hudson is the starting quarterback for the New York Kings and has just punched his ticket to the Super Bowl. With confidence and determination, he is focused on trying to win the big game. That is until the new cheerleader shows up and catches his eye.

Natalie has a lot on her shoulders that she needs to focus on the here and now and not get distracted but when the star player on the team has his sights on her she has to decide between following her dream or following her heart.

This was my first novel by Mika Jolie and will not be my last. She was able to tell the whole story in the short novel and it did not feel rushed or that anything was missing from the story. I can not wait to see where she goes from this novel to develop the stories of some of the side characters.

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Profile Image for K.  Ramjohn.
2,551 reviews
January 24, 2020
Intercepted Hearts was a sweet touching love story. This sports romance was a short, easy read you will enjoy, but one that also touches on an important issue. The story was engaging and will touch your heart at times. You will like both these characters and be rooting for them from the start. I loved Natalie and Hudson's banter and chemistry and I loved that dedication to their family. There were some interesting secondary characters in this story and I can't wait to see if they get their own story. Intercepted Hearts had a bit of everything, some drama and angst, lightheartedness, chemistry, awesome sports scenes and fabulous characters. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to all lovers of sports romance.
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,421 reviews6 followers
January 18, 2020
After seeing the effects football can have on a man's life, Natalie Harris decided a long time ago that dating a man that played the game would never be an option for her... she swore that that they were off limits!

But then Hudson Baldwin comes crashing into her carefully planned world and turns it upside down... she doesn't have room in her life for love or dating, but Hudson is determined to convince her otherwise.

The moment I started this one I knew it was going to leave a mark, it's words hitting it's intended target, making me feel their pain, love, joy, and heartache. It was such a touching story, each page drew me deeper into these characters world, and closer to their corner. You just couldn't help but root for them and hope that they found a little happiness. Natalie was carrying the worlds of three people on her shoulders, struggling to stay afloat, and then came Hudson to lighten the load and give her some much needed support. I loved every minute of this one, it's well penned words were absorbing and rich with feeling, and took me on a journey that left my heart so, so happy! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Bree202.
232 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2020
I can’t say enough about this book and the brilliant story Mika Jolie wrote!

The story was somber and I felt saddened, heartbroken and happy all at the same time. It is a beautiful written love story about a young NFL quarterback, Hudson and Natalie, a professional dancer. Grab your Kleenex, you are going to need it at times, because this story deals with the tough issue of injuries in sports and how it can sometimes effect family members lives. One of my favorite quotes was:

“Life isn’t fair. Neither is sport.”

I felt connected to the couple and was rooting for them to find their happily ever after. Another quote that grabbed my attention was:

“The difference between love and sex is that sex relieves tension and love causes it.”

That being said, this story isn't all doom and gloom. It is heartwarming and exciting. I really liked that the author was able to bring out so many different emotions with words and phrases that blended together to create a beautifully woven love story.

It shows that we sometimes have to face our fears and overcome them, in order to find true happiness and live our best lives. This book is a must-read.

Thank you Mika Jolie!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
January 24, 2020
Hudson is part of a family who have created quite the legacy in football. He has followed the family tradition and is a successful quarterback who is headed for the biggest game of his life.

For Natalie family always comes first even to the detriment of herself. She is not about to be distracted by any man but especially an athlete who plays the sport she hates.

For a novella this story packs quite the emotional punch. There is no denying the chemistry and connection between them but first she must deal with her past.
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
January 24, 2020
Not a bad book but a bit unrealistic But so so sweet. You'll love Hudson and feel Natalie's life struggles. She's a great gal and they're going to make sweet babies. Lol
Profile Image for Donna.
1,444 reviews14 followers
January 18, 2020
I enjoy reading sports romance so was happy to do an ARC for this book.
This is a story about Hudson Baldwin who is a pro football Quarterback for the New York Kings and Natalie Harris, an alternate cheerleader for their squad. There is so much chemistry between them however, Natalie won't date a football player due to family reasons. Natalie has so much on her plate that she has put her dreams on hold and that also includes dating.
Even though Hudson is preparing for the Super Bowl he is drawn to Nat and won't give up and just has to convince her to give him a chance.
This story also brings up important issues with contact sports.
So does Nat take a leap of faith or stand her ground?
Profile Image for Jill Gauger.
1,226 reviews12 followers
January 19, 2020
Hudson Baldwin is the Quaterback for the New York Kings. He is taking them to the Super Bowl. Natalie is a dancer/bartender called in as alternate on the Kings cheer squad.
The heat between them is intense from first sight but there’s a complication. Natalie’s father is a ex football player who after one to many concussions is suffering from a form of dementia so Natalie has a rule that she never dates a football player.
This book is adventurous, sad and romantic. Is love greater than fear.
I loved this book and Mika Jolie has captured my heart in this tale of two characters fighting for the chance at love.
Profile Image for Kayleigh Confair.
391 reviews10 followers
January 16, 2020
Absolutely amazing! The chemistry between Hudson Baldwin, star quarterback for the New York Kings, and Natalie Harris, alternate cheerleader for the squad, is palpable from their first interaction. But there's just one problem...

Natalie doesn't date football players.

Not after what happened to her father.

Plus, Hudson and the team are preparing for the Super Bowl in a week. They certainly can't become distracted with each other. Not when they both have jobs they need to do?

How long will she deny her feelings for Hudson? Can he convince her that he will always be there for her, and that their love means something? Or is it an interception for their relationship- and game over for their love?
207 reviews5 followers
January 18, 2020
Natalie and Hudson wouldn’t appear to be a good match. He’s from a wealthy family and is the quarterback for a NFL team. Natalie lives in a tiny two bedroom apartment with her father and sister and they struggle to make ends meet. When Hudson and Natalie meet it’s insta lust, but can the flame of lust survive Natalie’s resistance to dating a football player? Once I started Intercepted Hearts I couldn’t put it down. The story flows and you can feel Natalie and Hudson’s pain and connection.

Ms. Jolie knows how to bring her characters to life. This book deserves ALL the stars!!!!
Profile Image for Angie.
603 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2020
Fast paced, super addictive, sweet and sexy read.
I love sports romance novels. Football isn't typically one I usually read, but the blurb on this one had me going for it. I was sooo glad I did.
The storyline and characters are fantastic. It's well written and such a blast to read.
Natalie has alot on her plate. She's taking care of her family while trying to achieve her dreams. Which have been on the back burner for some time. When she meets Hudson, things start to change. Not for what she believes is for the better. Knowing she has to focus on her family, she pushes everything else to the side. Including what might just be the love of her life. Family first.
This story is sweet, sexy,intense and highly addictive. I'm so glad I took the chance on this gamechanger.
5/5
Profile Image for JudyAnnLovesBooks.
2,126 reviews78 followers
January 13, 2020
“Intercepted Hearts” was my first read by Mika Jolie. As a huge fan of sports romance books, I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of this football romance. Hudson is young, talented and motivated. At 23 he is on the cusp of winning his first Super Bowl as the star quarterback. Although young, he is not reckless, his hardworking demeanor has made him the golden boy both on and off the field. Natalie is a beautifully damaged young woman, forced to take care of her sick father and younger sister she has given up on college and her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. As a sub for the cheerleading squad she gets a chance to shine, and shine she does catching the eye of the quarterback. They fall hard for one another and overcome the obstacles holding them back. They’re HEA is sweet and well deserved. TBR this quick and easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews

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