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The man I married became a monster.

I was too afraid to run but more afraid to stay.

Then I met Malik, a retired MMA championship fighter with mesmerizing hazel eyes.

He kept me safe and hidden away from the life I knew.

I didn’t think I could ever feel again. I’d forgotten how to love. Then Malik showed me what life could be like without fear consuming me.

As each day passes, I realize we’re both in danger until we can rid our lives of the monster for good.

Maybe I should’ve stayed, but I want to survive.

270 pages, Paperback

Published March 10, 2019

13 people are currently reading
48 people want to read

About the author

Terra Kelly

60 books801 followers
Hi there! This is me, Terra Kelly, a romance author, food blogger, and creative who loves lettering, drawing, crocheting, and gardening.

I'm a cat and bunny mom who loves to spend time with my hubby.

Welcome to our home and favorite place to relax and create together in Charlotte, North Carolina.

I love writing sweet romance, steamy romance, and romantic suspense.

All my books are available in eBook and paperback format on my website or in your favorite online bookstore and libraries.

That’s not all, though.

You can also read a new chapter weekly in the Crystal Shores serial and a new chapter every other week in the No Rules Required serial. Join our community on Ream.

As an extra treat, I add recipes to my books or share recipes on my blog inspired by the characters in my books.

The characters think of the recipes, and I run to the kitchen to create the delicious treat.

I started a food blog in 2010 and published my first book in 2014. Combining these two passions in one space just made sense.

The food blog has changed over the years because my food needs have changed.
In 2025, most of my recipes will use whole wheat flour. You’ll also see less sugar and more sugar alternatives.

I can’t wait for you to meet my characters and enjoy the delicious recipes they love to make for YOU!

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Sophie Koufes.
1,994 reviews27 followers
November 22, 2019
Striking (Fight It Out #4) can be read as standalone in this series, with supporting character's appearing in the other books in this series.This is a two-fold series as it blends two tropes under the same genre. A romantic suspense series with a sports romance theme interloped to create a spine-tingling read. MMA is my favourite sport to watch this series unveils MMA moves melodrama in a fun way.This series focuses on female fighters which is so thrilling.This one focuses on newcomer fighter Jenny and retired MMA fighter Malik. I absolutely love all the character's, the dynamics witty banter between them. Characters are compelling, tenacious well-rounded. A core group of character's that dovetail in a way that creates a sense of realism. A spoonful of CIA agents intricately weaved into this romantic suspense with sensual moments, mma training, mma fighting, and friendships strengthened. Looking forward to reading the next novel in this romantic suspense series which is CIA Kac (Ghost) Anora (Jenny's best friend). I highly recommend reading this novel and series as it commingles two entertaining tropes.
Profile Image for Ana Rita.
1,773 reviews41 followers
March 17, 2019
After having a few dark days this just happened... A new book from an author that I really adore has arrived on my kindle and I couldn't be more happy.
Terra Kelly has been giving us some pretty amazing books that made my heart burst with joy. Not only can she give us a sweet story but she can also rock our world with some steamy and suspenseful ones as well. Her writing will get your attention from the first page.
Striking is her latest release and it's the fourth book from the Fight It Out Series.
But let me just say one thing. Despite the fact that all books are standalones I tottaly advise you to read them all in order. By doing so you will understand this series better.
This new book explores the lifes of Jenny and Malik.
Jenny has been abused by the person that vowed to protect and cherish her forever. How can you survive years of abuse without losing yourself? One visit to a local gym changed her life. When she sign up for some self defense classes she thought one thing but after a look at the instructor...
Malik is a former MMA fighter. He's a reserved man with a golden heart. One look at Jenny and he only had one thought. To keep her safe but can he?
Yep... It's true... She did it again.
This book was feaking awesome and made this series even better.
Superb plot, very well written, super intense, emotional and unforgettable.
The chemistry of the main characters is so strong that made me fall in love with them in a sec.
This book presented us with love, second chances, desire, dreams as well as abuse, violence, crime and madness.
It's was perfect the way this story progressed and it was even better the chance to read about the other characters from this series.
And get ready boys and girls because we have some pretty hot stuff way ahead.
I'm so mad right now Terra... Wanna know why? Because the way you ended this book... Seriously... How am I suppose to wait for the next book and keep my sanity? I don't know if I can... Please don't take to long because I want more...
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,222 reviews19 followers
February 25, 2019
I am not a big MMA fan, but I am loving this series. This books is so good—it has suspense, sadness, laughter, and romance. I felt so bad for Jenny when her husband Ray started beating her up. It is hard to understand why someone stays with a man that does the things he did to her. I was glad when he almost killed her that she finally decided to get away from him. Since she had tried to take some self defense classes, her best friend Anora turned to Malik and Charlie from the boxing place to help her get away from Ray. I was glad to see Jenny trust Malik. Malik used to be in the CIA and was a fighter. He called in his friends from the CIA to help keep Jenny safe from Ray. Little did they know who Ray had got himself entangled with, and the CIA were after the group. There are so many exciting scenes where I didn’t know if people were doing to make it out alive. I can’t wait until the next book! I strongly encourage you to read this book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
185 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2019
Suspense And Romance

I simply loved this book as I have the others in this series. Although this is a stand alone book you will really enjoy it more if you read the others in the series as a lot of the character make appearances and that is part of the enjoyment.
Jenny was a battered wife who was so much stronger than she thought and was able to become so much more with the help of great friends and the love of her new man, Malik. And what a man Malik is. He is understanding, encouraging and so patience. I loved that Jenny wanted to fight professionally. There was plenty of mystery and surprises regarding Jenny’s husband and I loved that he got what he deserved. Malik and Jenny made a perfect couple.
Like I mentioned seeing the couples from the previous books was great and I look forward to what lies ahead between Anora and Kac and Lincoln and Journey.
For an entertaining read with suspense and romance don’t pass up Striking.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for J. Ockenhouse.
1,743 reviews18 followers
February 25, 2019
Everything around me evaporated because I was consumed with this book. Ray is beyond evil. Jenny is living a shocking and truly sad life. You want her to bring out her inner strength and give that no good d-bag a dose of his own medicine.

Malik is just the trainer she needs. He is smitten with her as is her to him and they playfully flirt. She shouldn't want another man but Ray is definitely not husband of the year material. Now Malik... that man should be bottled up and when you lose faith in men, spray him around to let it be known that good men do exist.

A well crafted story, great main characters and powerful friends make up the secondary characters. I swam through this book like crazy because it's that addictive. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,682 reviews26 followers
March 3, 2019
This is book four in the Fight It Out series and it centers around Jenny and her quest to survive her abusive husband’s beatings. She finds the Fight It Out gym, when she sees a flyer for self defense classes at her grocery store. I’m not going to leave any spoilers because I think everyone who has ever been in or is in an abusive relationship needs to read this inspirational story. Of course, we know we’re going to go on a roller coaster ride with this suspenseful story and what a ride it was. There will be some surprises, but that’s what makes Terra Kelly such an amazing author. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. I loved reading about all the previous characters in this book and was so happy that Malik was the main male character this time.
1 review
March 5, 2019
Just wow, that was one hell of a ride. You find out from the first chapter that Jenny's husband is a wormy little ******* but it takes a little while to find out just had bad he really is. I was sucked in from the beginning, watching Jenny learn to trust Malik made my heart happy. I'm so glad she realised just how strong she is, and that really showed with how she changed throughout the book. I've been wanting to read Jennys story since she first appeared in the series and it was definitely worth the wait, honestly you won't be disappointed at all. Can't wait for book 5!
Profile Image for Teresa Reitnauer.
964 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2019
Another great book from Terra Kelly. The plot revolves an all too frequent story of spousal abuse. The characters are realistic and believable. Malik and Jenny have great chemistry. Malik put his life on the line to protect Jenny. I highly recommend this book along with the other Fight It Out books.
Profile Image for Andrea Britton.
2,117 reviews41 followers
March 11, 2019
A story of SURVIVAL!

A story of NEVER GIVING UP.

A story of FIGHTING FOR YOUR LIFE.

I couldn’t wait for Jenny’s book ever since the very first book in this series. And what a story Terra gave us.

Jenny’s life was abusive, she was a wife to a monster. Until one day it all changed. Malik was the perfect protector for Jenny. He was also a great trainer. Training Jenny to become a MMA fighter.

This story is action packed, it’s suspenseful and it’s a romance all in one phenomenal read.

And now I can’t wait for more.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Jo Pizzi Byrne.
103 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2019
Grabbed me from the beginning

The minute picked this up I didn't want to put it down. Jenny is an amazing woman who never gives up. Even when things are horrible for her. I loved seeing her transformation. I have fallen in love with everyone at the gym. Especially Malik. I need to go read the other books in these series and can't wait for the next.
Profile Image for Izzybear.
755 reviews
April 21, 2019
Striking is an emotional, suspenseful and action packed read. At times I had to remind myself to breathe. I couldn’t stand the abuse Jenny endured. It made me angry but I never gave up hope for Jenny. I absolutely loved seeing her find the strength within herself and fight for the life she wanted. I also loved how everyone came together, loved and protected her like they would their own family.
Jenny and Malik’s story is one of pain and heartbreak but also of hope and love.
I think this one might be my favorite in the series.
I look forward to reading the next.
1,023 reviews
March 14, 2019
Striking is a story I have been waiting to read. Jenny is a woman in an abusive relationship. She has to decide if she is going to stay with her abuser or if she is going to reclaim her life. Malik is a fighter at Fight It Out gym. He is a kind and protective man. Jenny and Malik are drawn to each other almost instantly. Events unfold that force them together and they find themselves falling in love.

Jenny is a good character. She is strong and works hard to reclaim her life. Her husband's abuse if horrible and terrifying. I really appreciated that she wanted to learn to fight. I think her motivations were clear and her growth was believable. Malik was more of a device to allow Jenny to grow. Even at the end he is a bit of a mystery.

I think the mystery surrounding Jenny's husband was a little over the top. And I don't think I would want to be friends with the people at Fight It Out gym because they are always being kidnapped, beaten up, shot at and running in fear! Plus they are all overly confident in their abilities to beat the bad guys.

I enjoyed this story. I recommend reading this series in order. I recommend this series to anyone that likes simple contemporary romance with a bit of mystery, suspense and the mob. Plus there's cage fighting.

Quote:
"Why are you helping me?"
"Don't you want help, Jenny?" loc 618
Profile Image for Sophie Koufes.
1,994 reviews27 followers
July 7, 2019
Striking (Fight It Out #4) can be read as standalone in this series, with supporting character's appearing in the other books in this series.
This is a two-fold series as it blends two tropes under the same genre. A romantic suspense series with a sports romance theme interloped to create a spine-tingling read.
MMA is my favourite sport to watch & this series unveils MMA moves & melodrama in a fun way.This series focuses on female fighters which is so thrilling.
This one focuses on newcomer fighter Jenny and retired MMA fighter Malik.
I absolutely love all the character's, the dynamics & witty banter between them. Characters are compelling, tenacious & well-rounded. A core group of character's that dovetail in a way that creates a sense of realism.
A spoonful of CIA agents intricately weaved into this romantic suspense with sensual moments, mma training, mma fighting, and friendships strengthened.
Looking forward to reading the next novel in this romantic suspense series which is CIA Kac (Ghost) & Anora (Jenny's best friend).
I highly recommend reading this novel and series as it commingles two entertaining tropes.
Profile Image for Mary Mutisya-Astin.
502 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2019
Wow! Finally, we get Jenny and Malik’s story and it is worth the wait!

Jenny is struggling with her abusive husband and is looking for a way to defend herself against his ever-increasing temper. When she sees a flyer for self-defence classes she signs up but it is not long until her husband notices she is not where she says she is which gets her in deeper trouble.

Malik meets Jenny when she signs up for his classes. There is something about this striking woman that gets to him and he can’t help but want to save her from what is scaring her. When he finds out her true situation, he will stop at nothing to make sure she is safe forever even if it means delving deeper into the underground to do it.

This story was well anticipated and well worth the wait. Full of twists and turns it will keep you page turning until the end. I cannot wait for the next book

I voluntarily read a copy of this book for an honest review.
748 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2019
Love this series

Jenny is a battered wife. Her husband used to be so loving but lately he’s on edge and every little misstep earns her a beating. Her neighbor tries to get her away from him, but it seems to be hopeless. When she sees a notice in her grocery store about defense classes, she tries them out. Unfortunately her husband finds out and she’s reluctant to return. Can she be convinced to escape her violent home?

Malik is a trainer at Fight It Out, the local gym that Jenny tries to go to for the self-defense classes. There’s a spark between them but she’s married and then she disappears. What Jenny doesn’t know is that Malik has skills and contacts that he doesn’t often talk about. And he’s willing to use them to save her. But there’s more going on than either of them realize. And it just might get them killed.
Profile Image for Juliana Ignácio.
1,132 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2019
This book deals with difficult subjects as abuse and control in a very realistic way.
Jenny was a battered wife who chose to survive and shows us the strength she really has when she manages to bloom with the help of friends and the love of a man totally different from her ex-husband.
Malik is a retired MMA championship fighter, besides being patient and encouraging. He does everything possible to help Jenny.
Malik and Jenny are perfect for each other.
I really loved that Jenny's ex-husband got what he deserved.
This is a very well written story with fantastic characters. I highly recommend the reading.
1,109 reviews
May 16, 2019
This book absolutely slayed me, and I warn anyone that reads these reviews before purchasing, there are many subjects that some may find hard to read. It took a lot of courage for Jenny to stand up and fight, and I admire her as a character. I hate to say that the way she was acting towards the beginning of the book broke my heart, but I know that it was an integral part of the story and Jenny's growth. I did enjoy this story, and even though it is book 4, it was my first one in the series I believe, so I know you can read each of them as a standalone. I didn't feel lost.

Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Linda.
23 reviews
March 14, 2019
Jenny and Malik’s story was so worth the wait. I knew it would be an explosive story about domestic violence but I was not prepared for the depth of violence Jenny endured. Jenny’s strength is amazing and I loved how Malik supported and loved her. I am still not certain we got the whole story on Ray, perhaps that will come out more in Alana and Kac’s story. Oh yeah, you know there’s a story waiting to be written for these two. I think Jenny’s story is my favorite in this series so far.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.7k reviews28 followers
March 18, 2019
Malik and Jenny's story is about two people who are destined to be together. This author takes on the sensitive subject of domestic abuse and she does it with heart. Jenny goes through so much but her strength captivated me. I love how she met Malik, a trainer at the Fight It Out Club. This is a well written, heartbreakingly beautiful story and I have to say my favorite in this series so far. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ola Adamska.
2,881 reviews27 followers
April 27, 2019
This is my first book written by Ms. Kelly! And I'm so amazed by this book. It had great characters, a plot with some intriguing twists as well as an abusive relationship was shown how it really is - a victim is working in the same way for a very long time that it becomes normal...
I loved how the relationship was developing between characters and how Jenny was fighting still trying to fight her demons slowly. And Malik - let's say I'm a goner for male characters like him!
2,643 reviews8 followers
March 12, 2019
Jenny is married to an abusive husband and finds the Fight It Out gym for self defense classes. Malik is the trainer and openly flirts with her which she reciprocates. This was well written, has wonderful characters and the storyline is gripping. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Adrienne.
135 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2019
Strength

It was sometimes difficult to read, knowing that situations like Jenny’s happens in reality. What made it easier was following her journey to find her inner strength. Great read!
Profile Image for Carrie Gubish.
1,031 reviews11 followers
April 1, 2019
Ok

I was really getting into the book until later she wanted to be a professional fighter. I don't find that sport secy at all for women. Just turned me off and started flipping pages to get through it.
1,006 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2019
This story is a little bit dark Jenny the heroine is an abused woman. She is abused and very frightened of her husband Ray. He abuses her for basically nothing and she has stayed eve when he halfway kills her , but Jenny starts taking self defense classes.

Malik is her trainer and an ex MMS fighter
He also tries to help her to no avail her husband is one demented, psycho man.

By the help of her friend Anora she finally excepts help from Malik and he hides her. And Malik shoes her with love and care how a man should treat a woman . Like in most abuse cases you wonder why the abused stays and Jenny thought in her mind that this is how her husband showed her love, but actually all he wanted was someone to dominate, she was not his wife, she was his possession. With the help of Malik Jenny finds herself and learns to box. This story is part of a series and I don't know why I haven't read anything by this author this story was amazing and kept my attention the whole time. Now I can't wait to read her best friend's story Anora and Ghost.
I voluntarily received an arc copy through Booksprout for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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