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Playing to Win #3
The Knockout
The Knockout is a hot new hockey romance between a broken ballerina and the forbidden bad boy who saves her.
We all have dirty secrets. Some are just more fun to hide than others.
Ares Wilder is a so-called bad boy. A ladies man. The teammate most likely to fight both on and off the ice. And now this devastatingly dark and handsome hockey player with a sinful smile and a filthy mouth is my twin sister’s new brother-in-law, landing him firmly in the forbidden category.
Only he doesn’t see it that way.
Resisting him should be no big deal, right?
At least that’s what I thought…
Until one night, he manages to look past the illusion I’d spent a lifetime perfecting and see the broken girl behind the pink satin pointe shoes.
We were the perfect storm I never wanted to escape.
But with secrets piling up and my world crashing down, will Ares be one more thing I destroy?
We all have dirty secrets. Some are just more fun to hide than others.
Ares Wilder is a so-called bad boy. A ladies man. The teammate most likely to fight both on and off the ice. And now this devastatingly dark and handsome hockey player with a sinful smile and a filthy mouth is my twin sister’s new brother-in-law, landing him firmly in the forbidden category.
Only he doesn’t see it that way.
Resisting him should be no big deal, right?
At least that’s what I thought…
Until one night, he manages to look past the illusion I’d spent a lifetime perfecting and see the broken girl behind the pink satin pointe shoes.
We were the perfect storm I never wanted to escape.
But with secrets piling up and my world crashing down, will Ares be one more thing I destroy?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2024
1435 people are currently reading
4503 people want to read
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did-not-finish
April 12, 2024DNF at 32%
Holy crap, I'm on a roll with DNFing.
Ares and Grace met two months ago, and he said this: "She and Everly may be identical twins, but from the minute I met her, she was all I saw." I thought he'd be celibate from that day on, or maybe he is, but I'm not sure. I still have no clue what he was up to the last two months before the actual wedding.
Then they interacted again at their siblings' wedding (present time). And they spent that night together, nothing sexual, they only talked and slept afterwards. Then the next day, Ares said he'd wait for Grace because she's leaving for London. I don't think she took that seriously, though.
Anyway, everyone around them keeps saying he's a manwhore. Yet when Grace asked him about that reputation, this was his response to that: "It’s easier to let everyone think that than to correct them all the time." Still, up until this mark, this comment of his wasn't explained clearly. As a reader, I need to know what that means.
Then seven months had passed since Grace went to London (also after the wedding), and apparently they are still communicating. When he finally visited her, she brought up an article where he was photographed with another woman hanging from his arms. And this was how the convo goes:
“And we never made any promises. I saw the pictures. I guess I’m just still shocked you’re here.” Grace holds perfectly still as her eyes skim over my face. “I thought maybe we missed our chance.”
“That wasn’t our chance. That was our test,” I growl.
Wth did he mean when he said that it was their test? Letting other women get into his space and touch him is their freaking test? I mean, what trashy idea was that?
Also, this is where he said this confirmation: “Seven fucking months, Grace. Seven months, I’ve waited. There hasn’t been anyone else. Not a single woman. Not since that night. No one but you.”
So is it wrong to assume that he was having extracurricular activities during the past two months before the wedding? I mean, it's not impossible, seeing as everyone is aware of his manwhore reputation. And he also said they're not yet ready, and he's only waiting for Grace to figure out her own stuff. 😒
I don't have the energy to find out the answer, so I'm going to stop while I can.
Anyway, while this isn't for me, other readers might resonate with it more, to each their own as always.
Holy crap, I'm on a roll with DNFing.
Ares and Grace met two months ago, and he said this: "She and Everly may be identical twins, but from the minute I met her, she was all I saw." I thought he'd be celibate from that day on, or maybe he is, but I'm not sure. I still have no clue what he was up to the last two months before the actual wedding.
Then they interacted again at their siblings' wedding (present time). And they spent that night together, nothing sexual, they only talked and slept afterwards. Then the next day, Ares said he'd wait for Grace because she's leaving for London. I don't think she took that seriously, though.
Anyway, everyone around them keeps saying he's a manwhore. Yet when Grace asked him about that reputation, this was his response to that: "It’s easier to let everyone think that than to correct them all the time." Still, up until this mark, this comment of his wasn't explained clearly. As a reader, I need to know what that means.
Then seven months had passed since Grace went to London (also after the wedding), and apparently they are still communicating. When he finally visited her, she brought up an article where he was photographed with another woman hanging from his arms. And this was how the convo goes:
“And we never made any promises. I saw the pictures. I guess I’m just still shocked you’re here.” Grace holds perfectly still as her eyes skim over my face. “I thought maybe we missed our chance.”
“That wasn’t our chance. That was our test,” I growl.
Wth did he mean when he said that it was their test? Letting other women get into his space and touch him is their freaking test? I mean, what trashy idea was that?
Also, this is where he said this confirmation: “Seven fucking months, Grace. Seven months, I’ve waited. There hasn’t been anyone else. Not a single woman. Not since that night. No one but you.”
So is it wrong to assume that he was having extracurricular activities during the past two months before the wedding? I mean, it's not impossible, seeing as everyone is aware of his manwhore reputation. And he also said they're not yet ready, and he's only waiting for Grace to figure out her own stuff. 😒
I don't have the energy to find out the answer, so I'm going to stop while I can.
Anyway, while this isn't for me, other readers might resonate with it more, to each their own as always.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 11, 2024Now Available!
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Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3I6MPIV
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/TheKnockout
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3T04RSz
April 12, 2024
3.5 maybe⭐️I’m not sure how I feel yet!
Ares has had his eye on Grace since he met her about 2 months ago. His brother is marrying her twin sister. At the start of this book we see their siblings getting married and Ares is determined to win Grace! I love a man who goes for the woman he wants!
I loved how Ares is celibate since that night they spend together(not sexually) at the wedding…
Grace leaves to dance in London and they constantly are keeping up with each other…
Grace is a ballerina🩰Ares is a hockey player🏒
There is a part where she sees another woman on his arm in pictures. They had just won a championship game and were celebrating as a team. It is brought up and he assures her there is no other woman since the wedding….then why the hell is a girl hanging on you😡
Another thing that bugs me is that I get the impression he is still screwing OW those first 2 months when they first meet….
He gives off manho vibes in the past which gives me the ick…
Grace is no v thank goodness!
Ares was so sweet and loved Grace❤️
They were so great together I just wish Grace would have not hidden their relationship so long!!
Ares says I love you first several times before Grace says it back…
There is of course the third act break which I wasn’t crazy about…Grace should have figured herself out faster. I felt bad for Ares🥺
Ares has had his eye on Grace since he met her about 2 months ago. His brother is marrying her twin sister. At the start of this book we see their siblings getting married and Ares is determined to win Grace! I love a man who goes for the woman he wants!
I loved how Ares is celibate since that night they spend together(not sexually) at the wedding…
Grace leaves to dance in London and they constantly are keeping up with each other…
Grace is a ballerina🩰Ares is a hockey player🏒
There is a part where she sees another woman on his arm in pictures. They had just won a championship game and were celebrating as a team. It is brought up and he assures her there is no other woman since the wedding….then why the hell is a girl hanging on you😡
Another thing that bugs me is that I get the impression he is still screwing OW those first 2 months when they first meet….
He gives off manho vibes in the past which gives me the ick…
Grace is no v thank goodness!
Ares was so sweet and loved Grace❤️
They were so great together I just wish Grace would have not hidden their relationship so long!!
Ares says I love you first several times before Grace says it back…
There is of course the third act break which I wasn’t crazy about…Grace should have figured herself out faster. I felt bad for Ares🥺
April 29, 2024
There were so many people in this book and I think they’re all dating each others siblings
February 14, 2025
ares is a god tier book boyfriend. my god.
April 17, 2024
2.5⭐
Perhaps this is due to more personal preference, but I didn't enjoy this one.
From a twin constantly being referred to as the "good twin" to the MMC, whose name is Ares, always being referred to as "god of war" by other characters, it was just annoying.
There was hardly any story to Ares and Gracie. By the time we meet them, they were practically already in love. I didn't read the others in the series and I could hardly keep the characters straight. There just wasn't enough to make me want to read this. The conflict was silly and much of the dialogue was irritating.
Also, a pet peeve of mine is a large number of grammatical errors. This one had quite a bit. Whose when it should've been who's. Your when it should've been you're. The teacher in me can't help but be taken out of the story with every large grammatical error.
Perhaps this is due to more personal preference, but I didn't enjoy this one.
From a twin constantly being referred to as the "good twin" to the MMC, whose name is Ares, always being referred to as "god of war" by other characters, it was just annoying.
There was hardly any story to Ares and Gracie. By the time we meet them, they were practically already in love. I didn't read the others in the series and I could hardly keep the characters straight. There just wasn't enough to make me want to read this. The conflict was silly and much of the dialogue was irritating.
Also, a pet peeve of mine is a large number of grammatical errors. This one had quite a bit. Whose when it should've been who's. Your when it should've been you're. The teacher in me can't help but be taken out of the story with every large grammatical error.
April 14, 2024
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
I lived this book so much! This series started out fantastic but each book I fall more and more in love with the characters! I thought the bar was set high with the first two MMCs but Ares Wilder said “hold my hockey stick” and just snagged my top spot!
The way I love this man. He is protective, obsessive and just all in is SO FREAKING GOOD. God of War indeed 🩷
TROPES ⬇️
✨ He Falls First
✨ Brother’s Best Friend
✨ Hockey Player x Ballerina
✨ Good Girl / Bad Boy
✨ Protective MMC
Her entire life, Grace Sinclair had been the good twin, always doing exactly as expected as a top tier ballerina. But her new brother-in-law Ares Wilder, is something she wants just for herself. This bad boy hockey player is all in, but first Grace has to start living life on her own terms and not everyone else’s.
Grace and Ares are so good, as a recovering people pleaser myself, I felt so deeply for Grace and her struggles. But what surprised me was how dang much I loved Ares. He loved her with a ferocity that made me seen and instead of swooping in to save the day, he forced her to save herself.
I love that he was the one thing in Grace’s life that she took for herself and their love was the soulmate kind, it was just so special and perfect.
And man, that bossy God of War just did something to my brain chemistry and the phrase “let them watch” will forever be stuck in my head.
I will read anything Bella Matthews writes and out of 17 books, this one is definitely in my top 3! 🩷
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
I lived this book so much! This series started out fantastic but each book I fall more and more in love with the characters! I thought the bar was set high with the first two MMCs but Ares Wilder said “hold my hockey stick” and just snagged my top spot!
The way I love this man. He is protective, obsessive and just all in is SO FREAKING GOOD. God of War indeed 🩷
TROPES ⬇️
✨ He Falls First
✨ Brother’s Best Friend
✨ Hockey Player x Ballerina
✨ Good Girl / Bad Boy
✨ Protective MMC
Her entire life, Grace Sinclair had been the good twin, always doing exactly as expected as a top tier ballerina. But her new brother-in-law Ares Wilder, is something she wants just for herself. This bad boy hockey player is all in, but first Grace has to start living life on her own terms and not everyone else’s.
Grace and Ares are so good, as a recovering people pleaser myself, I felt so deeply for Grace and her struggles. But what surprised me was how dang much I loved Ares. He loved her with a ferocity that made me seen and instead of swooping in to save the day, he forced her to save herself.
I love that he was the one thing in Grace’s life that she took for herself and their love was the soulmate kind, it was just so special and perfect.
And man, that bossy God of War just did something to my brain chemistry and the phrase “let them watch” will forever be stuck in my head.
I will read anything Bella Matthews writes and out of 17 books, this one is definitely in my top 3! 🩷
April 11, 2024
eARC review ✨
The Knockout by Bella Matthews (4/11)
4.5 ⭐️ 🌶️2.5
“Good twin” Grace Sinclair got her HEA! 🥹 and with her BROTHER IN LAW?! Say less.
Ares Wilder absolutely blew me away. This. Man. 😮💨 my GAWD. Not only does he text and FaceTime her consistently for 7 months while they’re in different countries, but this man moves heaven and earth to make sure she’s taken care of. And feels seen. He’s pretty close to perfect, ya’ll.
My chronic people pleasers, this book is for you. Grace is the biggest people pleaser in her entire family, and has been for her entire life. And now, she’s learning how to work through that with Ares’ help.
There’s so much to love about this book. You get all the second gen kids and we get Daddy Declan Sinclair 🤭. All the banter, group texts and family love we’ve come to know from Bella’s books.
Tropes: pro hockey player x pro ballerina • friends to lovers • exhibitionism • possessive MMC • he falls first • afraid to love • groveling • big huge family
Thank you SOOOO much Bella for letting me be on your team and read this early! 🩷
The Knockout by Bella Matthews (4/11)
4.5 ⭐️ 🌶️2.5
“Good twin” Grace Sinclair got her HEA! 🥹 and with her BROTHER IN LAW?! Say less.
Ares Wilder absolutely blew me away. This. Man. 😮💨 my GAWD. Not only does he text and FaceTime her consistently for 7 months while they’re in different countries, but this man moves heaven and earth to make sure she’s taken care of. And feels seen. He’s pretty close to perfect, ya’ll.
My chronic people pleasers, this book is for you. Grace is the biggest people pleaser in her entire family, and has been for her entire life. And now, she’s learning how to work through that with Ares’ help.
There’s so much to love about this book. You get all the second gen kids and we get Daddy Declan Sinclair 🤭. All the banter, group texts and family love we’ve come to know from Bella’s books.
Tropes: pro hockey player x pro ballerina • friends to lovers • exhibitionism • possessive MMC • he falls first • afraid to love • groveling • big huge family
Thank you SOOOO much Bella for letting me be on your team and read this early! 🩷
April 15, 2024
THE GOD OF WAR, Ares was everything that we could ask for. OH MY GOD i loved a lot of things about him, especially the way that he was to Grace, he was so patient and so good to him, that it made me cry of hapiness.
Grace is known as the good twin, she doesn´t want to dissapint anyone, and she loves and puts her family first. She is so awesone.
WHat i loved the most about this book was the way that they completed each other, they are soulmates and they belong together in any universe.
Tropes:
- hockey player x ballerina
- friends to lovers
- he falls first
- possessive mmc
I received an Arc copy in exchange of an honest review
Grace is known as the good twin, she doesn´t want to dissapint anyone, and she loves and puts her family first. She is so awesone.
WHat i loved the most about this book was the way that they completed each other, they are soulmates and they belong together in any universe.
Tropes:
- hockey player x ballerina
- friends to lovers
- he falls first
- possessive mmc
I received an Arc copy in exchange of an honest review
April 19, 2024
4.5/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
I was so excited to get Ares & Grace’s story! I’ve loved Ares since we met him in The Wildcat but he really surprised me & won me over even more in this book. If you love a boy obsessed, he falls first, possessive MMC — you will eat this book up.
Thank you so much to Bella & her team for the ARC. I’m loving this series & I can’t wait to see who’s next to get their HEA 🥰
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Hockey Player x Ballerina
- Brother’s Best Friend/Roommate
- Secret Relationship
- Friends to Lovers
- Forbidden Romance
- Boy Obsessed
- He Falls First
2.5/5🌶️
I was so excited to get Ares & Grace’s story! I’ve loved Ares since we met him in The Wildcat but he really surprised me & won me over even more in this book. If you love a boy obsessed, he falls first, possessive MMC — you will eat this book up.
Thank you so much to Bella & her team for the ARC. I’m loving this series & I can’t wait to see who’s next to get their HEA 🥰
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Hockey Player x Ballerina
- Brother’s Best Friend/Roommate
- Secret Relationship
- Friends to Lovers
- Forbidden Romance
- Boy Obsessed
- He Falls First
April 8, 2024
Bella Matthews hasn’t published a book I didn’t completely swoon over… and this one is no exception. Ares Wilder is book boyfriend goals!! 🥰 He’s sweet, loyal, attentive, alpha; all the things you love in a book boyfriend. He was the perfect fit for Grace, loving her the way she needed to be loved & pushing her the way she needed to be pushed. Grace needed the reality check she had with him in order to grow a backbone & it paid off in spades for both of them. I absolutely LOVED this story! Can’t wait for the next. ♥️
April 17, 2024
This book felt impossible to get through. I can’t stand the repetition of the ridiculous nick names “god of war” and “good twin” 😒
Seriously, don’t waste your time. The spicy scenes aren’t worth it.
Seriously, don’t waste your time. The spicy scenes aren’t worth it.
April 14, 2024
Ares Wilder is your cliche playboy hockey player, so when his older brother, Cross Wilder, gets engaged to Grace’s sister, Everly, Cross forbids Ares from ever trying anything with Grace. However, on the night of the wedding, Ares convinces Grace to take the party up to his hotel room, where they spend the night talking & ultimately falling asleep on the same bed. Ares realises that he cannot stay away from Grace & that he may in fact have feelings for her & want to take their friendship to the next level, however Grace is set to move to England the next day…
Ugh! I KNEW these two would be a couple! We didn’t even get any solid scenes between them in the previous book that actually hinted at them being a couple, I was just super passionate & hopeful lol😭 but I devoured this book! It was quite short & super fast paced so I literally flew through it.
I love that Bella’s books always seem to jump straight into the story so you’re immediately engaged in the story. However, the one thing with Bella’s books is that I always wish they were longer! I can’t get enough of the story & I there’s always just something missing from them, so if this book was even 100 pages longer I think that would’ve made it extra great!🙏🏼
This is marketed as a hockey romance however there’s not really any hockey in it, other than the mmc being a hockey player, however I didn’t mind🤷🏻♀️
Grace is the “good twin” so she’s spent her entire life being a people pleaser & living by the rules in order to not upset or inconvenience anyone. This means that she is quite unhappy with her life & doesn’t take care of herself or listens to what her heart truly wants. I heavily related to these parts of her & really empathised with her. But I’m so glad she grew throughout the book & learnt to put herself first & that it was okay to listen to her heart even if it meant disappointing everyone.
Ares was so damn hot!😮💨 his playful & flirty personality, & his immediate obsession with, & possessiveness over Grace were super attractive🤭 He’s constantly underestimated & is seen as the typical bad/play boy, however the Ares that feel in love with Grace was a completely different man, & the biggest sweetheart & cutie ever! It’s impossible to not fall in love with him. He was constantly putting Grace first & letting her chase her dreams no matter how devastating it would be for him. But he was selfless for the way he let her grow & develop on her own because she desperately needed to do that in order to find herself.
The connection between Ares & Grace is instantaneous. The forbidden/secret aspect of their romance was addictive, the smut was amazing, their physical connection was hot, & their emotional connection was so sweet. I just wish we got to see more relationship development. I know this wasn’t instalove because their romance occurred over the span of like 1 year, but it kinda felt that way since we never really got to see their relationship grow during all those months that they were apart.
I really enjoyed this book though & im excited for the last book🩷
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞: good girl x bad boy, hockey player x ballerina, secret relationship, he falls first and hard, opposites attract, surprise pregnancy, forced proximity, found family
Thank you to Bella for having me on your arc team!
Ugh! I KNEW these two would be a couple! We didn’t even get any solid scenes between them in the previous book that actually hinted at them being a couple, I was just super passionate & hopeful lol😭 but I devoured this book! It was quite short & super fast paced so I literally flew through it.
I love that Bella’s books always seem to jump straight into the story so you’re immediately engaged in the story. However, the one thing with Bella’s books is that I always wish they were longer! I can’t get enough of the story & I there’s always just something missing from them, so if this book was even 100 pages longer I think that would’ve made it extra great!🙏🏼
This is marketed as a hockey romance however there’s not really any hockey in it, other than the mmc being a hockey player, however I didn’t mind🤷🏻♀️
Grace is the “good twin” so she’s spent her entire life being a people pleaser & living by the rules in order to not upset or inconvenience anyone. This means that she is quite unhappy with her life & doesn’t take care of herself or listens to what her heart truly wants. I heavily related to these parts of her & really empathised with her. But I’m so glad she grew throughout the book & learnt to put herself first & that it was okay to listen to her heart even if it meant disappointing everyone.
Ares was so damn hot!😮💨 his playful & flirty personality, & his immediate obsession with, & possessiveness over Grace were super attractive🤭 He’s constantly underestimated & is seen as the typical bad/play boy, however the Ares that feel in love with Grace was a completely different man, & the biggest sweetheart & cutie ever! It’s impossible to not fall in love with him. He was constantly putting Grace first & letting her chase her dreams no matter how devastating it would be for him. But he was selfless for the way he let her grow & develop on her own because she desperately needed to do that in order to find herself.
The connection between Ares & Grace is instantaneous. The forbidden/secret aspect of their romance was addictive, the smut was amazing, their physical connection was hot, & their emotional connection was so sweet. I just wish we got to see more relationship development. I know this wasn’t instalove because their romance occurred over the span of like 1 year, but it kinda felt that way since we never really got to see their relationship grow during all those months that they were apart.
I really enjoyed this book though & im excited for the last book🩷
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞: good girl x bad boy, hockey player x ballerina, secret relationship, he falls first and hard, opposites attract, surprise pregnancy, forced proximity, found family
Thank you to Bella for having me on your arc team!
April 10, 2024
“Never settle for bad coffee, boring friends, or sensible men. All three should set your soul on fire.”
✨Brother’s Best Friend
✨Bad Boy/Good Girl
✨He Falls First
✨Found Family
✨Forbidden Romance
“Grace Sinclair has managed to grab hold of me like no one else ever has, without ever lifting one of her delicate fingers.”
Ares Wilder has become the new brother-in-law to Grace Sinclair’s twin sister. And has officially become off limits. However, Ares has had his eye on her from the day they met, and plans to make her see there is nothing forbidden about them. At the night of her sister’s wedding, Ares notices something off about Grace and invites her to his room where they can drink champagne and eat appetizers in bed. Eventually, she agrees and ends up having a fun night with Ares. Time goes on, and Grace realizes she trust Ares and shares her secrets with him—secrets she has never told anyone else. Grace continues to maintain her perfect good girl persona, but can bad boy Ares help break down her walls?
“I’ve been the good guy for months. I gave you the space to figure out what you wanted. I’m not the good guy, Gracie. And I’m done waiting. I’m here for you.”
Bella Matthews can do no wrong when it comes to writing swoony book boyfriends and strong, amazing heroines. Ares and Grace are another perfect example. Ares is your typical bad boy hockey player, not afraid to start fights on and off the ice rink. He maintains a “man whore” image, but Grace learns real quick that that’s not him at all. Grace is the good twin, the one who tries her best to please everyone around her, the one that her family is overprotective of. However, Ares is able to see behind her facade and is determined to help her stand up for herself. I really enjoyed reading about Ares and Grace, this was definitely a book I was excited for.
“I’m never going to get over Ares Wilder. He’s going to be my destruction. But it’s going to be a beautiful fall.”
Just like in every other masterpiece written by Bella Matthews, this was such a quick and easy read and I flew through this, no problem. The character development for Grace was so good to read about as she deserved her HEA and learned to become her own person on her own terms. As always, the found family aspect of this entire series makes my heart happy. The girl tribe is so fun to read about and it makes me jealous that I didn’t grow up with a big family like these families. I loved the story, I loved the characters, and I loved watching Grace and Ares get the happily ever after they both deserve.
Thank you to Bella Matthews for the ARC of this book. You never fail to disappoint and your stories are ones I truly enjoy and I continue to look forward to all of your new releases. ❤️
✨Brother’s Best Friend
✨Bad Boy/Good Girl
✨He Falls First
✨Found Family
✨Forbidden Romance
“Grace Sinclair has managed to grab hold of me like no one else ever has, without ever lifting one of her delicate fingers.”
Ares Wilder has become the new brother-in-law to Grace Sinclair’s twin sister. And has officially become off limits. However, Ares has had his eye on her from the day they met, and plans to make her see there is nothing forbidden about them. At the night of her sister’s wedding, Ares notices something off about Grace and invites her to his room where they can drink champagne and eat appetizers in bed. Eventually, she agrees and ends up having a fun night with Ares. Time goes on, and Grace realizes she trust Ares and shares her secrets with him—secrets she has never told anyone else. Grace continues to maintain her perfect good girl persona, but can bad boy Ares help break down her walls?
“I’ve been the good guy for months. I gave you the space to figure out what you wanted. I’m not the good guy, Gracie. And I’m done waiting. I’m here for you.”
Bella Matthews can do no wrong when it comes to writing swoony book boyfriends and strong, amazing heroines. Ares and Grace are another perfect example. Ares is your typical bad boy hockey player, not afraid to start fights on and off the ice rink. He maintains a “man whore” image, but Grace learns real quick that that’s not him at all. Grace is the good twin, the one who tries her best to please everyone around her, the one that her family is overprotective of. However, Ares is able to see behind her facade and is determined to help her stand up for herself. I really enjoyed reading about Ares and Grace, this was definitely a book I was excited for.
“I’m never going to get over Ares Wilder. He’s going to be my destruction. But it’s going to be a beautiful fall.”
Just like in every other masterpiece written by Bella Matthews, this was such a quick and easy read and I flew through this, no problem. The character development for Grace was so good to read about as she deserved her HEA and learned to become her own person on her own terms. As always, the found family aspect of this entire series makes my heart happy. The girl tribe is so fun to read about and it makes me jealous that I didn’t grow up with a big family like these families. I loved the story, I loved the characters, and I loved watching Grace and Ares get the happily ever after they both deserve.
Thank you to Bella Matthews for the ARC of this book. You never fail to disappoint and your stories are ones I truly enjoy and I continue to look forward to all of your new releases. ❤️
May 3, 2024
Every time before starting a Bella Matthews’ book, I worry whether I will like it as much as the previous ones or whether these previous ones were some kind of exception. And every time I am happy when I realize at the very beginning that this is another book of hers, which I will devour in a very short time, and in the end I will not want it to end. "The Knockout" is no different.
✨Today is a new day and I'm living my life, not as the little girl afraid of flames, but as the oman who's waked through fire.✨
In the first five pages of chapter one, I already adored Ares and Grace as a couple. The insanely great attraction between them, the teases, the nicknames they had for each other, the understanding and conversations they had - all this only proved how perfect they are for each other and how, although their huge differences, they fit like two pieces of a puzzle. For this very reason, they did not feel as different from one another as I saw in the previous books in which they appeared. However, this should not confuse you that the author has now totally changed their already familiar images just to fit together. No, it just showed us how complex and well-built they are and in this book we are witnessing their thoughts and anguish, we do not see them through the eyes of other characters.
✨"How can you miss something you never had?"
"Oh, baby... Don't doubt for one single minute that you haven't been mine since the snowstorm."✨
However, do not be confused that all their scenes together are just cute or nice, because you will be really surprised by the absolute fire they were. I can tell you wit shaking legs that the chemistry, attraction and passion between them fueled the already raging fire burning during their erotic scenes.
✨"We're a really bad idea, god of war."
"We're the best fucking decision I've ever made."✨
But although it touches on the extremely important topic that you should put yourself first, and not try to please everyone and thus lose yourself, the book is presented in a very easy and pleasant way. Even this topic is approached in such a way as not to burden the reader, but only to absorb him even more in the already addictive and interesting story. That's what makes me admire Bella Matthews as an author with every subsequent book I read - how every time in seemingly light romantic stories she weaves such serious topics in such a masterful way that they do not seem superficially affected and do not make the book difficult to read.
Also, once again, I remain fascinated by the family, care and friendship that all the characters have created and maintained. The way they are there for each other, support one another, and would do anything for each other is simply priceless.
✨The scariest thing about crazy girls is they usually run in packs. If you think I'm a lot by myself, you should see me with my friends.✨
The ending is so sweet that it made me happy as a little child. Just like every other book by Bella Matthews I had read have made me.
A really wonderful book. Nothing was missing in the story, nothing was too much, and I think for now, "The Knockout" is my favorite in this series.
~~~
Rating: 5/5⭐
✨~~~This book was provided to me by Valentine PR for my honest opinion.~~~✨
✨Today is a new day and I'm living my life, not as the little girl afraid of flames, but as the oman who's waked through fire.✨
In the first five pages of chapter one, I already adored Ares and Grace as a couple. The insanely great attraction between them, the teases, the nicknames they had for each other, the understanding and conversations they had - all this only proved how perfect they are for each other and how, although their huge differences, they fit like two pieces of a puzzle. For this very reason, they did not feel as different from one another as I saw in the previous books in which they appeared. However, this should not confuse you that the author has now totally changed their already familiar images just to fit together. No, it just showed us how complex and well-built they are and in this book we are witnessing their thoughts and anguish, we do not see them through the eyes of other characters.
✨"How can you miss something you never had?"
"Oh, baby... Don't doubt for one single minute that you haven't been mine since the snowstorm."✨
However, do not be confused that all their scenes together are just cute or nice, because you will be really surprised by the absolute fire they were. I can tell you wit shaking legs that the chemistry, attraction and passion between them fueled the already raging fire burning during their erotic scenes.
✨"We're a really bad idea, god of war."
"We're the best fucking decision I've ever made."✨
But although it touches on the extremely important topic that you should put yourself first, and not try to please everyone and thus lose yourself, the book is presented in a very easy and pleasant way. Even this topic is approached in such a way as not to burden the reader, but only to absorb him even more in the already addictive and interesting story. That's what makes me admire Bella Matthews as an author with every subsequent book I read - how every time in seemingly light romantic stories she weaves such serious topics in such a masterful way that they do not seem superficially affected and do not make the book difficult to read.
Also, once again, I remain fascinated by the family, care and friendship that all the characters have created and maintained. The way they are there for each other, support one another, and would do anything for each other is simply priceless.
✨The scariest thing about crazy girls is they usually run in packs. If you think I'm a lot by myself, you should see me with my friends.✨
The ending is so sweet that it made me happy as a little child. Just like every other book by Bella Matthews I had read have made me.
A really wonderful book. Nothing was missing in the story, nothing was too much, and I think for now, "The Knockout" is my favorite in this series.
~~~
Rating: 5/5⭐
✨~~~This book was provided to me by Valentine PR for my honest opinion.~~~✨
April 10, 2024
Wow! Bella Matthews delivered again! I devoured this book in one night!!! The Knockout is the story of the “good twin” Grace Sinclair and the brother-in-law, Ares. He’s the bad boy hockey player. His brother is also on his team and at his brother’s wedding Ares shoots his shot with his new sister-in-law’s sister Grace. Grace is a professional ballerina who just learns she landed her dream job in London. Ditching the reception these two spend night together cuddling. He falls first and ready for forever. She’s ok remaining friends anything more is too complicated. This man doesn’t give up. He continues to text and FaceTime for months. This man loves deep! The level this man moves heaven and earth for this woman had me swooning. Grace a people pleasure can’t seem to let go of what’s best for everyone else. It’s such a great story and one that is great for self discovery of do what you want for you! What made it five star worthy was the storyline sure but the level of spice gave me what I craved.
That moment she gives herself to Ares:
“And of course, this man’s d@*% is gigantic and just might split in two. But oh, what a death it will be.” 🤣
Troupes:
Hockey player / ballerina
Friends to lovers
He falls first
Spicy
Possessive MMC
Highly recommend reading this book and the series.
That moment she gives herself to Ares:
“And of course, this man’s d@*% is gigantic and just might split in two. But oh, what a death it will be.” 🤣
Troupes:
Hockey player / ballerina
Friends to lovers
He falls first
Spicy
Possessive MMC
Highly recommend reading this book and the series.
April 13, 2024
I loved this book! Ares is known to his friends as "God of War," and Grace is known as the "Good twin" since her twin is known as the "bad twin."
These two get together and hang out at their sibling's wedding. They have feelings for each other, but Grace is hesitant because she's moving to London, and she doesn't think a relationship would work.
Ares and Grace text and FaceTime each other throughout the months they're a part. I love seeing their relationship grow and develop. Ares truly loves Grace, and you can see that. He's determined and sweet. Grace does drag her feet because she doesn't want to disappoint her sister and her family/friends. She's a huge people pleaser.
I love how, towards the end, Grace finally chooses how to live her life her way and with Ares. I also loved the surprise pregnancy and everything in between!
I can't wait to see what Bella has for us next!
These two get together and hang out at their sibling's wedding. They have feelings for each other, but Grace is hesitant because she's moving to London, and she doesn't think a relationship would work.
Ares and Grace text and FaceTime each other throughout the months they're a part. I love seeing their relationship grow and develop. Ares truly loves Grace, and you can see that. He's determined and sweet. Grace does drag her feet because she doesn't want to disappoint her sister and her family/friends. She's a huge people pleaser.
I love how, towards the end, Grace finally chooses how to live her life her way and with Ares. I also loved the surprise pregnancy and everything in between!
I can't wait to see what Bella has for us next!
April 11, 2024
Bella is the QUEEN of writing panty melting, dirty talking men and my God Ares ticked every single box. God of war made me swoon so hard.
I ate the pages up, I couldn't read it fast enough and definitely didn't want to put it down. I knew I was going to love Ares and Grace, separate and together. They have it all, the raw heat and undeniable chemistry.
It's a pure masterpiece and I think it's my favourite so far. I do say that after every book because they just get better and better.
I can't wait to see who we fall in love with next.
I ate the pages up, I couldn't read it fast enough and definitely didn't want to put it down. I knew I was going to love Ares and Grace, separate and together. They have it all, the raw heat and undeniable chemistry.
It's a pure masterpiece and I think it's my favourite so far. I do say that after every book because they just get better and better.
I can't wait to see who we fall in love with next.
April 9, 2024
I do not know how she continues to do it but Bell Matthews has written another book that I just COMPLETELY DEVOURED! And Ares, is everything you could possible want in a book boyfriend! You feel it all in the book!!
April 16, 2024
Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
I absolutely loved Grace & Ares story!!! Ares is absolutely my new favourite book boyfriend!!!
I loved that their relationship was the worst kept secret among their friends but the people who it would have mattered most too were completely oblivious to the their relationship.
This book did take me on a bit of an emotional journey with Grace coming to realise that the dream she is living is more for everyone else than for herself & to confront who she is & how to break this to her family. Also the heartbreak that Ares has to deal with absolutely broke my heart.
Some of the themes/tropes in this book are:
*Sports Romance
*Friends to Lovers
*Bad Boy/Good Girl
*He Falls First
*Girl Tribe
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book & this is my honest opinion.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
I absolutely loved Grace & Ares story!!! Ares is absolutely my new favourite book boyfriend!!!
I loved that their relationship was the worst kept secret among their friends but the people who it would have mattered most too were completely oblivious to the their relationship.
This book did take me on a bit of an emotional journey with Grace coming to realise that the dream she is living is more for everyone else than for herself & to confront who she is & how to break this to her family. Also the heartbreak that Ares has to deal with absolutely broke my heart.
Some of the themes/tropes in this book are:
*Sports Romance
*Friends to Lovers
*Bad Boy/Good Girl
*He Falls First
*Girl Tribe
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book & this is my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2024
Ares wilder !!! I just loved him and I’m a sucker for when he knows grace is his lady and will always do anything for her SWOON I LOVED THIS BOOK
January 2, 2025
hockey player and ballerina
April 11, 2024
This book……. I don’t know how Bella Matthews does it but with each book it just keeps. Getting. Better! We first met Easton and fell in love but then we met Cross and our ovaries rattled and now we have Ares - the god of war, and this man OH MY GOD!
When the “good twin” Grace Sinclair has a moment with her brother in law Ares Wilder at her twin sister’s wedding they know they really shouldn’t but when Grace soon leaves for London they both continue to text and FaceTime for seven months. Ares is the perfect book boyfriend loyal, sweet, always taking care of Grace and making her feel seen which is something she is so use to doing for everyone but herself.
This book has everything we have come to love - the group text chats, the banter, the big family and all the love. I couldn’t put this book down and just loved every moment.
When the “good twin” Grace Sinclair has a moment with her brother in law Ares Wilder at her twin sister’s wedding they know they really shouldn’t but when Grace soon leaves for London they both continue to text and FaceTime for seven months. Ares is the perfect book boyfriend loyal, sweet, always taking care of Grace and making her feel seen which is something she is so use to doing for everyone but herself.
This book has everything we have come to love - the group text chats, the banter, the big family and all the love. I couldn’t put this book down and just loved every moment.
April 11, 2024
I’ve been saying this a lot after reading a Bella Matthews Book but The Knock Out is my all time favorite read yet!!!!!!
What do you get when you take a hotshot playboy bad boy hockey player and the nice innocent ballerina together?? Well you get the most amazing opposites attract story!!
Ares Wilder and Grace Sinclair are here and if you weren’t ready for it then get ready because this story is full of emotions and all the lovey dovey moments we love in stories.
This story was simply beautiful. The development between the relationship that Ares and Grace form was perfection. These two stole my heart and ran away with it.
Ares and Grace were a pair I didn’t see coming and one I didn’t think twice about until this story. They surprised me and I didn’t think would be this addicted to them.
The Knock Out is a can’t miss read!!!!
What do you get when you take a hotshot playboy bad boy hockey player and the nice innocent ballerina together?? Well you get the most amazing opposites attract story!!
Ares Wilder and Grace Sinclair are here and if you weren’t ready for it then get ready because this story is full of emotions and all the lovey dovey moments we love in stories.
This story was simply beautiful. The development between the relationship that Ares and Grace form was perfection. These two stole my heart and ran away with it.
Ares and Grace were a pair I didn’t see coming and one I didn’t think twice about until this story. They surprised me and I didn’t think would be this addicted to them.
The Knock Out is a can’t miss read!!!!
April 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️
What to Expect:
- Professional Hockey Player MMC
- Professional Ballerina FMC
- He Falls First
- Bad Boy/ Good Girl
- Forced Proximity
- Alpha Hero
- Brother's Best Friend
- Secret Relationship
- Forbidden Romance
- Found Family
The Knockout is the third book in the Playing to Win series and follows the story of Ares and Grace. This book was so good! Bella Matthews put so much greatness into this story. I couldn't put this one down. For me, the best love stories are when two people least expected to be together end up being head over heels for each other. Ares and Grace are the epitome of this. Ares is a professional hockey player known as the bad boy who doesn't take anything seriously. Grace is a professional ballerina known as the "good twin" who always does the right thing. She always puts others before herself. Grace is an expert at hiding her pain, but Ares sees past the facade and really sees Grace for who she is. Ares wants Grace to be truly happy and encourages her to live her life for herself. He is the perfect book boyfriend. I loved this story and can't wait to read more of Bella's books.
Thanks to Bella Matthews for the early review opportunity. Opinions expressed are my own.
What to Expect:
- Professional Hockey Player MMC
- Professional Ballerina FMC
- He Falls First
- Bad Boy/ Good Girl
- Forced Proximity
- Alpha Hero
- Brother's Best Friend
- Secret Relationship
- Forbidden Romance
- Found Family
The Knockout is the third book in the Playing to Win series and follows the story of Ares and Grace. This book was so good! Bella Matthews put so much greatness into this story. I couldn't put this one down. For me, the best love stories are when two people least expected to be together end up being head over heels for each other. Ares and Grace are the epitome of this. Ares is a professional hockey player known as the bad boy who doesn't take anything seriously. Grace is a professional ballerina known as the "good twin" who always does the right thing. She always puts others before herself. Grace is an expert at hiding her pain, but Ares sees past the facade and really sees Grace for who she is. Ares wants Grace to be truly happy and encourages her to live her life for herself. He is the perfect book boyfriend. I loved this story and can't wait to read more of Bella's books.
Thanks to Bella Matthews for the early review opportunity. Opinions expressed are my own.
April 21, 2024
I love Ares like so much! 🥰
It’s not my favourite book out the series, I loved Ares a lot and felt like he was such a great character that he has climbed to spot number uno on my book boyfriends list! He is the whole package. I liked Grace in the beginning and was excited to see her progression but towards the middle-end I went to not really liking her. I also felt like Cross and Everly had changed a lot since book 2! I loved Everly in the first two books but she came across like a spoilt brat in this book which felt super different than previously portrayed. I felt like this book had a good story I did love the secret relationship but I have to say I loved the other books more! Still super excited for the next one in the series!
It’s not my favourite book out the series, I loved Ares a lot and felt like he was such a great character that he has climbed to spot number uno on my book boyfriends list! He is the whole package. I liked Grace in the beginning and was excited to see her progression but towards the middle-end I went to not really liking her. I also felt like Cross and Everly had changed a lot since book 2! I loved Everly in the first two books but she came across like a spoilt brat in this book which felt super different than previously portrayed. I felt like this book had a good story I did love the secret relationship but I have to say I loved the other books more! Still super excited for the next one in the series!
April 9, 2024
okay i have loved the other 2 books in this series so much and was really excited for grace and ares's story! i really enjoyed this story a lot and had a great time! however there were some things toward the end that i didn't love and that's why it's a 3.5 star read for me. i did love ares so much though, bella matthews men are everything i love in book boyfriends. this book comes out on april 11 to KU and amazon.
April 11, 2024
The Knockout is the first book I've read by Bella Matthews and I really liked it. The world she has built feels vast, and I love how the characters interact with each other. It packed strong found family vibes, even though many, if not most, of the characters are related (I think.)
I really enjoyed the struggle Grace faced at this point in her life. I liked how she wasn't 19 or 22 when having a life crisis, and instead was established in her career. It felt super believable that she would have felt burned out and exhausted after appeasing so many people in her life up until this point. I just really liked how it happened on her schedule, instead of the typical transitional schedule (right out of high school or college.)
I also liked how the book started and transitioned into the relationship between Ares and Grace. The tension that was built at Everly and Cross's wedding had me almost panting and vying for more. I didn't quite understand all the dynamics of the group, but I haven't read the previous books and this story was still readable without that information.
I do wish that the online and/or book's front matter family tree included the next generation, AKA the current cousins/friend group that was being written about. It was nice seeing which person belonged to which parents from previous series, but I wanted to know which kids from those older books were married to now, who they were married to and how they all connected. It was A LOT of characters to learn coming in at this point, and I often forgot who was who. It was super fun to see the relationships already existing, though!
I also had a major ick- the fact that everyone, especially Ares, continually called Grace 'good twin.' It felt gaslight-y to me and I didn't like it. I understand how that came to be and what the point of it was, but I wish Ares would have seen Grace for more than that and called her something that felt warmer and more loving.
Overall, I enjoyed Grace and Ares's story a lot. The apartment switch had me giggling and while I feel like parts of it could have flushed out a bit more, but I'm assuming the next book will answer a lot of questions. I loved the family dynamics Matthews packed into this novel and can definitely see why she has so many loyal readers. Her style felt unique and fun, and definitely would appeal to those who love a complicated family dynamic and serious longing tension.
Thank you so much to Bella Matthews and Valentine PR for the ARC!
I really enjoyed the struggle Grace faced at this point in her life. I liked how she wasn't 19 or 22 when having a life crisis, and instead was established in her career. It felt super believable that she would have felt burned out and exhausted after appeasing so many people in her life up until this point. I just really liked how it happened on her schedule, instead of the typical transitional schedule (right out of high school or college.)
I also liked how the book started and transitioned into the relationship between Ares and Grace. The tension that was built at Everly and Cross's wedding had me almost panting and vying for more. I didn't quite understand all the dynamics of the group, but I haven't read the previous books and this story was still readable without that information.
I do wish that the online and/or book's front matter family tree included the next generation, AKA the current cousins/friend group that was being written about. It was nice seeing which person belonged to which parents from previous series, but I wanted to know which kids from those older books were married to now, who they were married to and how they all connected. It was A LOT of characters to learn coming in at this point, and I often forgot who was who. It was super fun to see the relationships already existing, though!
I also had a major ick- the fact that everyone, especially Ares, continually called Grace 'good twin.' It felt gaslight-y to me and I didn't like it. I understand how that came to be and what the point of it was, but I wish Ares would have seen Grace for more than that and called her something that felt warmer and more loving.
Overall, I enjoyed Grace and Ares's story a lot. The apartment switch had me giggling and while I feel like parts of it could have flushed out a bit more, but I'm assuming the next book will answer a lot of questions. I loved the family dynamics Matthews packed into this novel and can definitely see why she has so many loyal readers. Her style felt unique and fun, and definitely would appeal to those who love a complicated family dynamic and serious longing tension.
Thank you so much to Bella Matthews and Valentine PR for the ARC!
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