QOTD: who is an author you don’t read the blurbs for?

I don’t read Sarah MacLean blurbs. I just follow her blind (not newsworthy I know) but oddly I am not always a full on fan of every book - but this one I am obsessed with. Obsessed. There are feelings about beards, chases through the city, literal and figurative explosions, competence kink for days (or fourteen months IYKYK) and not to mention a liberal agenda that I am here for. (I still hate this cover though…)

ID:

TL/DR Review
Stars: five (possibly exploding stars)
Series: Hell’s Belles
POV: dual third
Steam: ummm slow burn that explodes! Lowkey exhibitionism, steamy and sweet and makes sense for the couple!
Tropes: interclass, opposites attract, us against the world, minor hurt/ comfort and bodyguard
For Fans Of: Miss Scarlet and the Duke
Theme Song: can’t pretend by Tom O’Dell
Subgenre: historic
CW/ TW: misogyny, grief/ death of parents, some bloodshed on page, references to violence and explosions

Thank you to the author and publisher for my complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

#arcreveiew #newrelease #netgalley #romancebooks #romancenovels #romancereader #romancereadersofinstagram #romancelandia #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #review
#arcreader

I am not usually a fan of bodyguard romance but MacLean managed to make me love it here. Imogene is such a lovable character. You fully understand why Tommy finds her so fascinating. Tommy could have been very one dimensional, but again, MacLean is able to take what could have just been a very dull trope and turned it into a compelling tale. I guessed the villain probably earlier than I should have, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. I really loved it.

love this series, love this author and loved these two leads, especially after already getting to know them, cannot wait for the final one!

Imogen has been such a fun character and was waiting for her story for quite some time now! Knockout was everything I wanted for Tommy + Imogen. It was fun, funny, sweet and spicy.

If you recall from the previous books in the series Imogen loves to make things go boom and Tommy being a detective inspector doesn't appreciate the Hell's Belles always interfering with his crime scenes. So when Tommy feels that Imogen's life is in danger he does the only thing he can think of to keep her safe - he acts as her bodyguard. Can these two try to keep their relationship strictly professional when they're in such close proximity?

I loved the push and pull of the relationship between Tommy and Imogen. These two were seriously so much fun and their banter was always leaving me with a grin on my face. Not only did I enjoy their relationship but also the relationship that Imogen had with the Belles as well as her relationship with her brother. (I really hope we get a book with him - I loved his character!).

I have been loving this series so much and can't wait to read about the Duchess next!

My absolute favorite of the Helles Belles series. This is very reminiscing of Lisa Kleypas’s Marrying Mr Winterborne, Tommy is so GONE for Imogen that it’s a completely joyful experience watching them allow themselves to fall in love. And the next book is PERFECTLY set up. Gimme gimme.

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

I can't even express how much I have been looking forward to this book. Every time I told my family I was reading a historical romance recently, I was asked if it was Imogen and the explosions yet. So, of course, I jumped on reading it as soon as I received it.

Imogen is the most amazing character. It's so sad that she doesn't see herself as having main character energy since I think she stole the show in the previous Hell's Belles books. She loves chemistry (yay women in STEM!) and especially enjoys blowing things up. And her knowledge lets her dabble in forensic science.

Of course, that also means that she regularly crosses paths with Thomas Peck, the Scotland Yard detective who she has provided with evidence about the crimes of the aristocracy. Their romance defies tropes. They work together but also against each other. They are collaborators and rivals. And they come from incredibly different backgrounds. She asks him tough questions about who the police force will show up to protect and who they will ignore.

And then there's Tommy. He is amazing on his own (and has his own fan club from his appearance in gossip sheets). But more than that, the way he sees her. The things he says to her. I can't get over this one.

I adore this series, and this is my favorite yet. All the stars!

Sarah MacLean once again dazzles readers with "Knockout," the latest addition to the Hell's Belles series. Imogen Loveless, with her fiery spirit and explosive experiments, is a captivating protagonist. Her unconventional ways and dynamic interactions with the other Belles and Thomas Peck make for an enthralling read.

As Imogen delves into investigating a series of explosive incidents targeting women-run businesses, her path crosses with Thomas Peck, a detective inspector. Their previously contentious encounters take a new turn as they find themselves working together to solve the crimes. Imogen's protective brother hires Thomas to ensure her safety, igniting a fiery attraction between them.

MacLean masterfully crafts a tale of suspense and romance, interweaving Imogen and Thomas's electric chemistry with a captivating mystery. Their personal struggles and emotional growth add depth to their characters, making their journey to a passionate and fulfilling relationship all the more satisfying.

"Knockout" keeps the series' signature spiciness alive while showcasing the characters' development and the strength of their connections. The camaraderie among the Hell's Belles and the revisitation of beloved characters from earlier books further enrich the story. MacLean's storytelling prowess shines through in this novel, leaving readers eager for more and excitedly anticipating the next installment in the series.

I didn't read the previous entries in this series but will go back and do so posthaste - this is a very fun romp with two specific characters who both ring true and whose conflict is grounded and makes a lot of sense. Plus explosions!

This series continues to be one of my absolute favorite historical romances. Sarah MacLean is truly a master of the craft and clearly a lover of the genre. We’ve seen glimpses of Imogen and Tommy in the previous books that made me absolutely feral for their book. I loved seeing these two absolutely exasperate each other while still being inevitable. The chemistry is off the charts. The sneak into Duchess’ book coming soon was also delicious.

Content warnings: Imogen and Tommy have both lost parents and there are pieces of those stories here; at one point Imogen is physically assaulted on page

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Expectations were high for Imogen/Thomas Peck and this book lived up to all my hopes and dreams! Their chemistry was incredible, the plot was thrilling, and I laughed many times. I loved seeing these two characters find someone who loved them exactly as they were.

This may be my favorite book of the series so far especially since I read it in one day. Imogen is a fascinating character and her relationship with the other belles and Tommy was so sweet.

Imogen loves explosions and is the resident chemistry expert on the Hells Belles team. However, when she begins investigating a series of explosions affecting women-run businesses she finds herself in a little bit of trouble. Enter Thomas Peck, a detective inspector at Scotland Yard. The two have had run-ins in the previous books but now the two are investigating the same crime. However, Imogen's brother wants Imogen safely married off so he hires Peck to protect Imogen. Obviously, the two are wildly attracted to each other but Peck's sense of honor and duty and Imogen's quiet self-esteem issues create a barrier. However, they definitely overcome that barrier to solve the crime and find a deliciously happy ending.

This book is just as spicy as all the rest and their happy ending feels well deserved. I especially loved how they supported each other and overcame their issues together.

I also really enjoyed revisiting Caleb and Claybourne (from books 1 and 2) and how they treat Imogen like a sibling. I love the whole Hells Belles crew and cannot wait for Duchess's story.

I was provided a free copy of this book through NetGalley.

I’ve been waiting for Imogen and Tommy’s book from the start and it was everything I hoped for and more! #TommyGoBoom #ThoughtsAndPrayersForTommyPeck

I devoured this book and didn't want to put it down. Imogen and Tommy's chemistry was off the charts and the writing was so witty and hilarious. I loved their playful banter and how they each got under the other's skin. The pining was next level and I knew stern brunch daddy Tommy Peck would deliver. He was so perfectly starchy and growly and I am always a fan of the heroes who are just gone for their loves. I did feel that his character could have been expanded a bit more beyond his two modes of "protect Imogen at all costs" and "we're from two different worlds" though. Also, the third act drama/pushaway felt unnecessary after everything that happened, but I'm glad it resolved very quickly. I loved Tommy so much and he is definitely going into my book boyfriend hall of fame.

I have loved all the Belles so far, but Imogen might be my favorite. She's so incredibly smart, loyal, and fearless. As much as I loved the romance between Tommy and Imogen, what really stole the show for me were the friendships between all the Belles. This girl gang is second to none and I loved all the humor and heart they injected into the story. All of the cameos from the previous couples was such a treat (especially the moments showcasing how gone Caleb and Henry were for their wives) and that ending has me soooooo excited for Duchess's story next! I truly can’t recommend this series enough!

Note: Knockout can be read as a standalone, but I think it would be most enjoyed if read in order since things have been building between these two from the start.

CW: death of parent (past), grief, fighting/explosions, fire/destruction of property, financial insecurity as a child, threats to safety & assault (on page)

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

The Hell's Belles series gets better and better with every book. Sarah MacLean has definitely hit her stride with this series and it's Imogen's turn to shine. In previous books she's been the one with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and the go-to-girl to cause a distraction (usually of the explosive variety). Now we get to see Imogen Loveless and her smart, strong presence but also those questioning thoughts of whether she is suited for romance herself or not. I love that her character never diminishes herself, as with all the Hell's Belles, but even seeing her friends and chaos partners in supportive relationships gives her pause regarding her own suitability. Burly, honest, straight-and-norrow Tommy Peck seems likes the opposite to her chaotic personality. It's not so much an opposites-attract situation for these two, and I do love that MacLean didn't jump to the obvious trope here, but they do see each other. When they are together it is very much that feeling of a hurricane's eye.
Of course I loved every bit of it. I love how they will burn down and rebuild their world together.
Thanks so much for the 5 star ARC!

I love the MacLean-verse. I will read anything MacLean writes. I will buy it. I will reread it (and I'm not a rereader). Heartbreaker (Hell's Belles #2) was my fave book last year, so it was always going to be hard to follow that up. I was nervous because Imogen had been written as such a kooky side character in the first two books and I wanted her to have some depth. Unfortunately, she was still very kooky and entirely too much in an unbelievable way for about half the book. I wanted her out there-ness to have some explanation. As a person who is also loud and too much, I wanted to know she was a human under there. That did come eventually, around the 60% mark. I was grateful for it and that's when it got good to me. Detective Inspector Thomas Peck, however, was amazing from the jump. His beard, his thighs, his clear view of justice. And his absolutely goneness for Imogen. Tommy Go Boom indeed. I love him. I also loved getting to see Clayborn and Calhoun, who are still very much gone for their wives, and them pulling Tommy into their supporting guys club. While not my fave Hell's Belles, it was still fun, and I will be rereading the scene in the rooms at Holborn many times. ALSO ALSO THE LAST CHAPTER OMG

3.75/5 🌟
3/5 🌶️

Tropes: class difference, bodyguard, forced proximity, awesome girl gang, let's do some crime and some justice, these straight laced men don't know what to do with us

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Avon for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Knockout comes out August 22, 2023.

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I've been eagerly awaiting the romance of hunky Scotland Yard inspector, Tommy Peck and explosives expert Imogen Loveless. I love a star-crossed, different class romance, especially when the hero is so close to the character of "Duke" in PBS's "Miss Scarlet and the Duke," (one of my absolute faves!)

This one is a scorcher! Tommy and Imogen burn up the pages, every scene crackles with explosive passion. I dare you to put this book down! Sarah Maclean never disappoints her readers. Everything Maclean writes is heightened and at the top of her genre in quality. Her plots, the stakes, the passion, the dialogue, the villains and the happy endings. Maclean's writing explodes off the page like one of Imogen's broaches.

And the epilogue gives us a gob smacking teaser for the next installment of the series. The Duchess's book looks to be a doozy. I can't wait! Just read this book and the other two in the series, you won't be disappointed, you'll be obsessed!

Knockout, at the risk of sounding lazy, is indeed a knockout!! We LOVED it. Thank you to MacLean and Avon for this arc.

This book, the 3rd in MacLean’s Hell’s Belles series features perhaps the most intriguing of the Belles, Lady Imogen Loveless, and Detective Thomas Peck, a dedicated member of Scotland Yard.

These two are classic opposites attract, with a twist!

She’s the delightful chaos to his serious steadiness. She’s short and curvy. He’s tall and muscular. And he has a beard! She’s a Lady. He has worked his way up from nothing. Turns out though, they have similar goals.

Imogen wants nothing more than to do her science in peace and of course, to strike fear in the hearts of cruel men in power. Then she meets Tommy and miiiiiiight want just one more thing.

Tommy wants to keep his city safe and work his way up in the force, to be someone his adoring family* is proud of, and now, to protect his personal slice of chaos, Lady Imogen.

*(there is a dinner at his mother’s home that will melt the coldest of hearts ♥️♥️)

Imogen and Tommy want each other from the first, literally the first book. Some of us have been waiting for this story for a LONG time. 🤣🤣 And boy does MacLean make these too work for their HEA. In one of the classes she teaches MacLean stresses that authors must be able to address why the characters can’t be together RIGHT NOW. And while these two are on the page together for most of the book, they have A LOT to overcome to be together: Class. Belief in justice. Their own insecurities. Villains. Paternal legacies. Family.

Knockout continues the intrigue of the previous books but is definitely a stand alone story. Many of your favorite characters from earlier books and earlier series make appearances too, a theme in the MacLeaniverse!

Imogen is a perfect MacLean FMC. She knows what she wants, who she is, and how to get it. She doesn’t necessarily need help, but when it comes from the right person, she may just accept when no one expects it.

I'm a Sarah MacLean stan and have read every single book she's written. Imogen and Tommy's story has been one I've been waiting for and this one did not disappoint.

I just find the whole premise of the Hells Belle's an absolute delight. A female girl gang based on a real story? Women from all walks of life coming together to upend society and the patriarchy? So. Much. Fun. This band of women exists to expose bad actors who hurt women in a variety of ways. They do not care about class, race, sexual orientation, and truly work for the good in society. This of course butts them up against Scotland Yard.

Imogen is a misunderstood heroine. She's always told she's "too much" and she knows that she's a wild personality. I mean what kind of woman enjoys science and blowing things up? Tommy Peck is a lead detective in Scotland Yard and orderly and quiet is his MO. Of course the two are opposites and drawn together and hilarity ensues. Tommy can do anything but contain her and he's the only person who hasn't tried. Their romance was believable and sweet, and the sex scenes did so much character development in a way that I just really appreciated.

This was fast paced with a dose of action and fun to see some Easter eggs from prior novels. #teamhattie
The Epilogue sets up the next book for Duchess and oh my gosh can I not even!

I haven't read the previous books in the series, so I had no preconceived notions about this book. Suffice it to say, I loved it! Lady Imogen Loveless is described as chaos incarnate and odd, but she is so very brilliant that she uses that ruse to cover her real activities--that is, solving the explosions in the East End of London. I loved Imogen and was so glad that Ms. MacLean did not dumb her down in her interactions with Detective Inspector Thomas Peck.

The banter and interactions between these two are off the charts, and I had many laugh-out-loud moments while reading this story. Thomas Peck was so honorable, but underneath all his stickler personality, there was such admiration and, eventually, love for Imogen and her abilities to solve seemingly unsolvable. Add in the cast of Hell's Belles, and the story was well-fleshed out. The conspiracy behind the explosions is complex, and it will take all of them--Thomas, Imogen, and the Bells--to unravel all the complicated threads to take down the real perpetrators. There are lots of twists and turns between Tommy and Imogen finally get their HEA.

Now, I'm really looking forward to reading the book about the Duchess. That looks to be another "knockout" of a read.

This is my favorite book in the series so far.  From beginning to end, it is absolute perfection!  We met Imogen and Tommy in the first book.  Their relationship has been building through both Sesily and Adelaide's stories to the point where MacLean has you absolutely desperate for something to happen with Lady Imogen and the Detective Inspector, and boy does it.  There was so much joy in reading each interaction they had.  There is still that feel of action and adventure throughout while also having a romance full of chemistry and angst.  Imogen just feels like she's too much.  I could relate to this, as I'm sure many women can.  I love that, while Imogen exasperates Tommy, he never wants her to change.  A mutual respect and partnership between the two grows stronger as their story builds.  Plus there is insane heat that is absolutely scrumptious.  Knockout has aspects of grumpy/sunshine, only one bed, and class differences.  There is found family with the Belles that is always fun to revisit.  There are strong, brilliant women and men who love them.  It all comes together into a fantastically wonderful romance that I could not put down.  This can be easily read as a standalone but, I believe, reads better for having read the first two in the series.  I highly, highly recommend you pick this one up immediately.

Wow, Sarah MacLean does it again!

As the third book of the Hells Belles series, I would highly recommend that you read these in order. I have been looking forward to Imogen and Tommy’s book, since we were introduced to those characters in book one.

The banter between these two was absolute perfection. The amount of pining that Tommy feels for Imogen just made this book that much better.

This was a fast paced book with quite a bit of action, and we finally get to have a finished story arc that started with the first book in the series.

I am absolutely delighted that we get another book in the series, and I literally cannot wait.

I have loved being able to be with the Hells Belles again, they had moments where I was laughing out loud with absolute giddiness. The way they are heroes love them and respect them and support them has been absolutely perfect throughout this entire series.