Knockout by Sarah Maclean

 

5*

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.