Knockout

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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.