Holy moly, what a book. I've been a big fan of this series already, but I think Sarah MacLean really bested herself with <i>Knockout</i> in so many ways. Exquisite prose, an absolutely unputdownable story, an utterly captivating dynamic between Imogen and Tommy, and a really fascinating and refreshing interrogation of policing which feels even bolder for where and when the story is set. And that epilogue setup for the Duchess had me SCREAMING. We need to kiss for science + chaotic heroine/growly hero + verifiable girl gang + she rips his bodice + #TommyGoBoom = probably my favorite installment of the Hell's Belles yet.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have been waiting for Imogen Loveless and Thomas Peck’s story since their first meeting in Bombshell. This book did not disappoint!

Tommy was a delightful grump and Imogen was a complete firecracker of a woman and I loved her the most.

The best part of the story for me was the absolute and complete way Tommy loved Imogen (even before he realized it himself). He would have taken a bullet for Imogen and I love that someone with Imogene’s fire found someone to love her like she deserved.

The romance and plot were top notch and I will forever be a Sarah MacLean fan!

Knockout is the third installment in the Bombshell series by Sarah MacLean. I adore the first two books in this series, but for some intangible reason, the storyline for Knockout didn't grab me in the same way as it did in the first two books. As per usual in MacLean's books, the characters are relatable, smart, witty, and personable. It almost seemed as if MacLean wasn't as invested in this story as she has been in the earlier books. I intended to give this book 3 stars but I am going to give it 4 stars because I do adore MacLean and I'm hoping that it was just my mood and not the book.

the hells belles series by sarah maclean is one of those uniquely perfect series that mixes intrigue, action, and lust. i had been dying for imogens story with mr peck as i read and loved the other books in the series and absolutely loved the implication that they would wind up together. i am already speculating about the duke of treveschan and the mysterious duchess, although i had begun to hope that maybe she would wind up with imogens brother! as always, this was 5 stars from maclean!

I love this series so much!! Seriously one of the best of the best, and I was desperate for Imogen and Tommy’s story!

Nothing like a grumpy, grumbling, man with touch her and die energy!! Seriously swoon! Also I love for a heroine who knows what she wants, demands it, and forges her own wild path!

Oh and I’m now thoroughly intrigued by Imogen’s brother and hoping we get his story in the future!

Also that epilogue?!???? My mind is blown!!

Thank you to Avon, NetGalley, and the author for my advanced eArc copy!

With gratitude to @avonbooks for approving my (desperate) request to read an advance copy of one of my most anticipated reads of the year: Knockout by Sarah MacLean is out August 22nd!

The beautiful thing about reading all of MacLean’s books is seeing the steps that she took to get here. Her stories, as ever, remain magic.

The Hell’s Belles series is my favorite of MacLean’s to date — stories of fierce women using their skills and privilege to bring truth to power, and of the swoony men in their orbit who fight alongside them.

Knockout follows Tommy, the put upon detective of the series, who clashes with pyrotechnics expert Imogen with — quite literally — explosive results. I have been so excited for Imogen and Tommy and they absolutely delivered!!! I adored the Detective Inspector Jack Robinson/The Honorable Miss Phryne Fisher vibes. Tommy is absolutely not in control and is exasperated about it, and Imogen brings exactly the correct amount of brilliance and chaos to the situation. This one feels like a love letter to the girls who feel they are too big, too loud, too much, or not enough.

MacLean comes through with cameos for the fangirls: Hattie and Whit(!!!), Maggie and The Place, and of course loads of Caleb, Sesily, Adelaide, and Henry!

And while I’m gushing, I’ll add that I can *not* wait for Duchess’s story in book four!

Hell's Belles strikes again - in the best way, of course! I adore this series and I have been eagerly awaiting Imogen and Tommy's story. Twas worth the wait!! We love a grumpy, growling, broody hunk of a man who goes absolutely BONKERS for his lady. Big Touch Her and You Die energy from Mr. Peck and I am HERE for it. All the stars. #thoughtsandprayersforTommyPeck

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and the author for the eARC in exchange for my review.

Imogen is the too much curvy chemist badass that we already love but this one will make your heart explode! Thomas is the ripped - thick thighs- Scotland Yard detective trying to to be all good but falls hard for the smart sassy lady. These two have chemistry from the start but it just keeps getting better and better- it's bubbling!
The banter and more banter is just perfect on all levels- I don’t know how Sarah made an even better Hells Belles but I think she did. This girl gang taking on the worst of the worst and sometimes super high of London society is just wonderful! It also reads super fast- this is one I wish was 700 pages- so much action, laughs, fun, and the explosions!
Highly recommend reading this series in order so you can see it all run its course- it's also so worth it! I can’t wait for more of this!

Sarah MacLean's latest novel is an addicting historical romance that will have readers gripped from the first page!

Lady Imogen Loveless is chaos personified: wild curls, a penchant for explosive devices, and not a care for society's rules and regulations. Detective Inspector Thomas Peck thrives on order. It's how he's gotten so far in the police force and his family out of the poverty he grew up in. And yet, he inexplicably drawn to Imogen. Imogen and Thomas want the same thing: justice to be served for the bombings occurring near Covent Garden. Sparks fly as these two keep running into each other and Peck finds himself volunteering to watch over Imogen, who always seems to find herself amidst trouble.

If you enjoy heat, humor, and ladies rejecting society and getting up to no good-- the Hell's Bells series is absolutely for you. Knockout was a thoroughly enjoyable read and the teaser for the next book at the end genuinely left me speechless. I love Sarah MacLean and I can't wait for more books from her!

Imogene is a chemistry expert, an explosive enthusiast, and generally considered "too much" by society. For 18 months she's been helping and escaping Tommy, a rising detective in Peel's new police force. The chemistry between them is explosive (yes this is a pun ... but it is also VERY true). And this book has some of the best banter of any of MacLean's novels. As powerful men begin setting off bombs in female owned businesses around London, Imogen and the Helle's Belles are investigating and trying to limit the damage. But Imogen doesn't know if she can trust Tommy or not. And Tommy doesn't know if an aristocratic lady like Imogen belongs with the son of a street sweeper. An electric romance with strong social messages! And it has me very ready for Duchess's book for the conclusion of the series.

Sarah MacLean is one of my favorite romance authors. I would even hazard to say that she’s my favorite historical romance author, period. There’s something about her heroines that I haven’t found in any other romance book that just really resonates with me. They’re powerful, they’re not afraid to break out of their assigned roles, and they (usually) take absolutely zero shit from their men. That’s the case here, with Imogen in her very own book, Knockout. We’ve seen Imogen before, in the other two Hell’s Belles books, and I was always very interested in her. What’s not to love with a curvy heroine who has a penchant for explosives?

Is this Sarah MacLean’s best work? I would say no, but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t have fun. Imogen was explosive (heh), eager to help those less fortunate, and head over heels for Tommy Peck. (Sidenote — I don’t love that the love interest was a cop in this one, but seeing as Peck was probably one of the only good cops ever, and also head over heels for Imogen, he gets a pass.) Tommy Peck is huge, bearded, and ready to take down the entire Scotland Yard to protect his lady love. He didn’t think he deserved her but damn if he was going to let something happen to her.

I loved them together, but I do wish I could have smacked Tommy over the head a couple times. Maybe Imogen should have lightly exploded him just to get his head on straight. Dude was ready to give up the love of his life just because she was a lady and he was from Shoreditch. Imogen didn’t care, so why did he???? (There’s actually a really good reason that he did, so again, he gets a semi-pass.) ANYWAY, Imogen and Tommy forever.

All in all, this is almost five stars, but not quite. I can’t even pin down why, but there you have it. Do I recommend this? Yes, if you love historicals, you’ll love Knockout. But bet sure you read the first two novels or you’ll miss some things.

Well, Sarah MacLean fans won't be disappointed by Imogen and Tommy's story, the latest installment of the Hell's Belles series.

Fair warning to readers coming to this book first in the series: Knockout does work even if you've not read the previous two book, but only just. You really need to have read Bombshell and Heartbreaker before proceeding to fully appreciate the cast of characters and plot here, because we dive right in to Imogen and Tommy's romance, already in progress.

Imogen is the clever explosive expert of the Hell's Belles crew, and Tommy is the Scotland Yard detective who is exasperated, fascinated, and attracted to her. Tommy and Imogen are brought together once again in this story by a series of explosions that have been targeting businesses in the East End that front secret efforts to protect women, children, and workers. Imogen and the other Hell's Belles are consistently one step ahead of Tommy in investigating these crimes, gathering evidence that indicates that Scotland Yard itself might be part of a larger conspiracy. As Imogen weighs whether to trust Tommy with the evidence she's gathered, Tommy is hired by her brother to protect Imogen, since it appears she may have made a target of herself through her inquiries.

Imogen and Tommy have fantastic repartee and endless heat together, and are individually fantastic characters. Tommy is principled, devoted, open-minded and fucking gorgeous (if you like big, bearded, handsome men). And who would not want to be Imogen? Inventive, bright, unconventional, and dedicated to justice, she's the whole package. (And as a short, curvy girl, I love the representation here.) I also am a sucker for a man who is completely sold on the smart woman he's in love with. I didn't even mind that the main mystery felt a bit anemic/predictable--I could watch these two banter all day and not be disappointed.

I've always been a fan of MacLean's writing, and my ongoing critique is that the existence of the so-called "MacLeaniverse" (her well-plotted, well-realized universe that unites all her series) means that we sometimes start a novel already at a fevered pitch. I usually want my novels to build to something, and when someone is fully obsessed on page 1 and the slow simmer has happened in earlier books, there's not a lot of room within the novel for character growth. (Even explosion-loving Imogen recognizes that not everything can be gunpowder going off all the time.) I love big emotions; I just like them to feel like they are earned and not assumed from prior books or page 1.

That said, when I am looking for heroes ready to tear their hearts out from the opening chapter, I know Sarah MacLean's got me covered. And like I said, Tommy is a perfect, gorgeous, mountain of a man who rightly knows that Imogen is worthy of all his devotion. Good on him, and for us readers who get to see the two of them come together in this engaging novel.

I loved this book! I‘ve been waiting for Imogene‘s story since the beginning of the Hell‘s Belles series and it did not disappoint! I love how confident and salty our heroine can be but also sweet and loving. And the banter! The push and pull of a chemist and bomb enthusiast and a by the book detective falling for each other is fantastic! I enjoyed every minute of the ride and was sad when it was over Highly recommend! Releases 8/22/24.

Listen I knew I would be feral for Tommy and Imogen based on the snippets we see of them in the first two books and boy did this book deliver for me! This is one of the historical romance series that I think you HAVE to read in order to understand their relationship to the fullest - otherwise you might think this is insta-love when it really isn't.

What I loved most is how well Tommy and Imogen understood each other - Tommy never thinks Imogen is "too much" and when she finally reveals the culprit, Tommy immediately believes her unconditionally. Their banter is also top notch and the hurt/comfort turned hiding in plain sight scene will live in my head rent free for QUITE a while! Imogen's obsession with Tommy's beard and thighs kept making me laugh (because same) The friendships between the Hells Belles ladies were absolutely lovely, I want to be part of a girl gang!

Read this for:
- Starchy MMC who is really a cinnamon role just for her
- Top level spice from the queen herself, Sarah MacLean
- Hurt/comfort
- Class difference
- Bodyguard
- Forced Proximity

I got SO excited for the next book based on the epilogue and can't wait for the Duchess's story!

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Well! Tommy and Imogen's story was more explosive than I thought it would be and I loved every minute!!!!

I already knew I was going to love Imogen and Tommy's story, and Sarah MacLean far overshot all my expectations. I loved getting to know them on a deeper level, and I super loved the scene with Tommy's family.
There is action, intrigue, some blazing chemistry, and steamy moments that had me needing to fan myself. Their romance is swoon-worthy and had me feeling all the feels. It gave me everything I wanted and so much more!
I also had no idea how much I needed the Duchess' story until a certain statement at the end of this book and I can't wait to see how that story is going to go!! So now it's time for a reread cause Im not ready to leave our Hells Bells behind just yet!!

Knockout, the 3rd in Maclean’s Hell’s Belles series, is the story of the unlikely, forbidden romance between Lady Imogen Loveless, a possibly autistic-coded, curvy genius with a passion for homegrown explosives, and growly Detective Inspector Tommy Peck, introduced in Book One (Bombshell) when Imogen blew up a jail cell to free Caleb, her colleague Sesily Talbot’s lover. Peck is inadvertently responsible for the name given to this foursome of intrepid social crusaders who are waging war against the British aristocracy and misogynistic patriarchy at the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign with the goal of bringing down the evil men who prey on women, the poor, and other defenseless people.

It's clearly a case of love at first sight (that readers have been witness to since the beginning of the series), but Tommy fights against his attraction and fascination with Imogen, not only because he doesn’t feel worthy of her given he’s from the wrong side of the Thames and she’s Mayfair, but also because he wants to protect her from the same men the Belles are trying to destroy, and he knows any association with her will ruin his chances of begin promoted to Head of the Detective Branch. However, when all signs point to a tie between corruption at Scotland Yard and the criminals the ladies are trying to bring down, he must make a choice about where his loyalties lie.

The romance between Imogen and Tommy is mutually-protective, often chaotic, incendiary, flirtatious and brimming with witty banter, but the friendship between the four Belles is equally as compelling, each drawing on their strengths and loyally supporting and encouraging each other. Maclean is a masterful storyteller who weaves mystery and romance together without watering down either. Each book is billed as a standalone, but I encourage you to read them in order because the series builds the story of the four Belles and the vast network of courageous women who defend and protect the innocent. They’re proof that women should never be underestimated. Can’t wait for Book 4 when The Duchess finally meets her match! Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

here’s the deal, this book was really good…. if you’ve read the first two and are invested in these characters. as a standalone? i believe it would fall flat.

without the background context, it will read insta love and insta lust esp since they kiss 30% into the book.

i love tommy. i love him so so so much. i love the male love interests who are growly and grumpy and rigid and uptight and ugh. I LOVE HIM. i think he was a little annoying (see: not being able to shut the fuck up about imogen not wanting him bc he’s untitled…. babe…) but FUN!

this book felt a little bit thinner in development than the other hells belles. and also the ending resolution felt faster? or maybe i’m delusional??

anywho… i loved it, but again, there is a bit of an investment already, and on its own i believe flawed.

also why was this one so hot? why do i not remember heartbreaker being this sexy? bombshell was sexy but this was… SEXY! omg like?? the scene in the bordello??? exhibitionism??? huh??? i loved it.

oh yeah. and that ending? i knew duchess’ book was going to be INSANE. but now i know it will. like this book isn’t even out for the public yet and i’m already FIENDING for duchess’ book.

shoutout to sarah maclean for getting me invested in a historical romance series. i did not think it could be done.

ARC REVIEW (thanks NETGALLEY!)
I need more than a Peek of Peck!

I really, really loved their story! Tbh, I haven’t read Bombshell or Heartbreaker but got the gist of things pretty quick. I tend to go for traditional historical romances (you know, balls, demure fmcs, rake mmcs- the usual) so a badass group of women isn’t normally my thing. But I LOVED it. Tommy and Imogen were so horny I loved watching Tommy come undone. My only issue was the ending, like what happened with Scotland Yard? Tommy just quits? There’s no retaliation? That didn’t sit right with me. But mama the teaser for the next book?!? Are you fucking kidding me? I NEED IT NOW! But while waiting for DUCHESS I’ll be restarting the series.

Knockout was an awesome addition to the Hells Belles series. It had action, adventure, police corruption, explosions, corsets, and even a few ballroom scenes along the way. The romance at the center of the plot between Tommy and Imogen was dreamy (and steamy), but also adorable and sweet. Imogen has lived her life feeling as if she is too much for the people around her, & then she falls in love with Tommy, who feels that he will never be enough. The tension is perfectly drawn, and it never gets too angsty. I think every historical romance fan will fall for this one! I have been patiently waiting for my favorite of the Belles to get her story, and Duchess gets the *perfect* setup in the last few pages here. This was a super fun read! Thanks to Avon Books for allowing me to read the advanced reader copy! Knockout releases on August 22💥

4.5/5 stars rounded up

5 stars! To say that Knockout was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 would be an understatement. Ever since I met Imogen and Tommy in the first book, I needed them to have their own story. Every scene they spent together was simply incendiary, in more ways than one. Thankfully, Knockout did not disappoint. Imogen is a completely unique CHARACTER. I've never read another heroine quite like her. She's brilliant and passionate and loyal and principled and combustible and completely her own woman. And I ate that up. Tommy is basically her opposite. For all the chaos that is Imogen, Tommy is pretty straight-laced, but he has to be as a cop. He's also pretty growly. I haven't read a male hero as vocal as him in a while. I've come to love Sarah's books for the plot, the friendship, the steam, and the humor, and Knockout has all of that in spades. This book was so funny, in large part thanks to Imogen and Tommy's interactions. Their unique brand of banter had me constantly laughing and it basically amounted to her repeatedly poking him and him getting exasperated. The steamy scenes were everything I wanted; they were appropriately placed (not too many, not too few), and just the right amount of steam. And I would be remiss if I didn't bring up the Hell's Belles friend group. It was perfection. I just love all of these girls together and their friendship, and they were just as iconic in Knockout as they were in the previous books. All in all, I highly recommend this book. Technically, this is a standalone. With that said, I think you should read books 1 and 2 first. A big part of Imogen's and Tommy's magic was their history, which is referenced in Knockout. You'll enjoy this book more if you read the previous ones. If historical romance is your thing, I highly recommend giving this series a chance. On a side note- I know that Knockout hasn't been released yet, but... that little tidbit of the Duchess at the end of this book has me salivating for book 4.

Thank you so much to Sarah and Avon for the advanced copy. I did review this in exchange for my honest review. And clearly, I loved this one.