Good Morning Reader Friends and Happy Tuesday!
In the last couple of years, romance books have completely stolen my heart. We can thank Covid for that, but if I were being honest, I’ve always loved romance. For most of my life, the ridiculous stigma surrounding romance novels and those who read them fully hindered me from even picking one up. But, no more! I have gone all in, and I can’t wait to share the third novel in a series that has captivated me this year. Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is out now!
Sarah MacLean’s “Hell’s Belles” series is a love letter to every woman who has had to fight for a place in this world–both in the past and the present. The “Belles” are a quartet of brilliant women in Victorian England who use their power and influence to bring down corrupt men and help those who cannot help themselves. These women are the Duchess of Trevescan, Lady Sesily (heroine of the first novel), the Duchess of Clayborne (heroine of the second), and Lady Imogen Loveless, the heroine of the third in the series and today’s focus.
Knockout, released in August of this year from Avon Books, is an explosive romance… not solely because our Lady Imogen loves to blow things up. I have been looking forward to Imogen’s and Detective Thomas Peck’s story since the first book, and it did not disappoint. While all three books so far combine romance, some humor, and a good deal of tension and action, I thought Knockout was the most tense of the three so far. As the aristocratic men in the highest echelons of society and politics increase their explosive attacks on businesses run by, and supportive of, women, the Belles find themselves increasingly at risk of discovery. Imogen’s fondness and knowledge of explosives put her even more at risk, so much so that the handsome Detective Peck of Scotland Yard feels he has no choice but to guard her…to Imogen’s delight.
I love Imogen and Tommy. Their banter has been one of my favorite things throughout the series, and the way Tommy sees through her put-on chaos gives me all of the warm fuzzies. Be aware–this book gets steamy with on-the-page sex, so if that’s not your thing, this might be one to avoid!
If you love historical romances with badass women, truly swoon-worthy men, adventure, and steam, then you should pick this one ASAP. Please note, however, that while you can technically read these as standalones, it is so much nicer to read them in order: Bombshell, Heart Breaker, and then Knockout. PS, Knockout has an epilogue that gives us a hint into the Duchess of Trevescan’s book and it literally made me scream.
The Bookish Bird 