Ten years after being dropped by the IWU's training team, Logan Fraser is back on the roster. The surly Scot has spent the last ten years building up a loyal fan base on the indie circuit. When his company is bought up by the larger IWU, he finds himself face to face with the woman who broke his heart. Layla George.
Now the management want them to team up for the cameras. A fresh faced eighteen year old Layla had been swept up by the charms of her fellow Brit, Logan. They were both new to the States, training in upper state New York to prove that they were up for a main roster spot. After Logan left, Layla worked harder then ever to make it. When he is brought back into the fold, she finds herself having to pretend to be his girlfriend for the fans.
All she wants to do is KO the man who left without a word.
Jac Franklin was born and raised in Norwich but relocated to the Essex coast over a decade ago, for love. When she's not writing, she's listening to music. Her tastes are eclectic, and stem from her time at music college.
Jac's pen name comes from the initials of her real name, and Franklin is in tribute to her late grandmother who was truly one of a kind.
An avid reader, she grew up reading primarily fantasy books. Garth Nix, Terry Pratchett, Rick Riordan being some of her favourites. Nowadays she's a ferocious reader of spicy romance novels. She loves Amy Daws, Julia Quinn, Samantha Young and Melissa Foster, to name a few.
The first book in the Degrees of Separation, Coast to City, started as a dream that wouldn't go away until she wrote the story down. It took just twenty days to write the entire novel, but then the other characters started piping up, and so DoS was born.
Mini review: •This is such a fun story about heartbreak and forgiveness! I loved Layla’s character and how right at the start of the book she knew that she’d never leave her career for a man. She became such a powerful character! When she saw Logan again their agents decided it would be great for them to pretend to be together for the fans. Little did they know they’d catch those same feelings again (or maybe those feelings never left). Such a cute story about a teenage romance with the vibes of you’re the only one for me.
Layla and Logan were young when they met. They were professional wrestlers working for the same company. Logan’s contract was not renewed but Layla’s was. Her and Logan got in a huge fight because he was given the opportunity in Australia and he told them he would think about but she thought he already made up his mind. So he ended up leaving and they went their separate ways for 10 years. The company she was with ended up buying the Company he was with. So they ended up reconnecting and their story was great from there. This is a good read.
Even though I’m not a fan of wrestling, I really enjoyed this book. It was insightful, emotional, funny and smouldering hot. Layla and Logan were made for each other, their journey was as real as it gets. Can’t wait to see what comes next .
First love ends in a broken heart because neither is willing to compromise or even stop and listen. Fast forward 10 years where we have to travel together. Will Logan get his second chance with her? This is beautifully written. Skye is a fabulous friend in their journey to get these 2 together.
I'm not gonna low when I saw the blurb and cover for this book I was soooooo excited!!!! My husband is a pro wrestler and I have found very few pro wrestling romance novels. This was the most perfect representation of professional wrestling I have ever seen or read that wasn't by a professional wrestler. The terminology, that training, the energy from back stage, the gear, it was all soooooo spot on! I absolutely marked soooooo hard while freaking this book! This was all well written that I'm wondering who Jac Franklin is and how soooooo they know soooooo much about pro wrestling...
Color me impressed! Very well done!!!
I was gushing soooooo much about the pro wrestling aspects I forgot to gush; pun intended, about Logan and Layla. All you need to know about them is I'm the dedication page... IFKYK
Layla George and Logan Fraser were the couple and trainees with the IWU. Layla received an extension contract and Logan got the boot. This was Logan's dream. He had to find another way. The Australian Wrestling Federation offered Logan a job. This was the way to his dream. Would Layla go with him on this journey?
Ten years later - Layla did not go with Logan. She could not believe that he put his wrestling career above her, above everything. She could never trust him again. Seeing Logan was a different story though. AWF and IWU merged. Layla was a huge star at IWU and Logan had made a name for himself at AWF. These two stars together would be magical. The chemistry was still there and Logan decided as soon as he saw Layla that she would be his again. Layla was content to scratch an itch with Logan every once in a while but refused to let their connection be anymore than that.
Logan was not having it and took the time to wine and dine Layla while on the road. This changed things for both of the them. Can Layla trust Logan again? I loved this story especially their roommate and best friend, Skye. Skye offered insight and kick in the butt to both Layla and Logan when needed. It was interesting getting a look at the behind the scenes of wrestling. I loved every minute of it.
This book scratched an itch I had for a long time. My husband has been getting our son into wrestling and I had the thought “hmm if I’m going to be in this world too, I need a little spice,” and Knock Out was exactly what I needed. Logan and Layla are absolutely fantastic MCs. They are both strong and successful in their own rights, but together, they’re even better. I enjoyed being brought into the behind the scenes and I to the lives of professional wrestlers. Logan gave me Drew McIntyre vibes, a Scottish WWE wrestler, and Layla was giving Becky Lynch, a badass Irish WWE wrestler. I know they’re aren’t together in real life, but the story was just too good I couldn’t not picture it! The tension between the two MCs made for delicious spicy scenes through out the book. The author did an amazing job of writing from both POVs, something I personally prefer in the books I read. The plot was well thought out, which is sometimes missed in these “spicy” stories, but there was a very good blend between the two. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a wrestling romance book, or if you’re in need of a great happily ever after to get you through these days! I wish we had more Logan and Layla, That’s for sure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the story of Layla and Logan. Both are professional wrestlers. When they were both 19, they broke up when Logan is dropped from the training team and Layla is given a two-year contract. Logan gets the chance to continue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler in Australia and asks Layla to go with him. She refuses, thinking he is putting his dreams before hers.
Ten years later, both are famous wrestlers for different organizations. Logan’s organization is bought out by the group that employs Layla. On the day he meets with the owners to see if they are keeping his contract, they see each other and the fireworks fly. The smexy times are hot, the love story between the two main characters is satisfying, and you get a happily ever after.
This is the first time reading a story by Jac Franklin and it will not be the last. Her writing is crisp, and you find yourself cheering for the characters. I loved the backdrop of professional wrestling as it is a fresh break from your typical sports story. This story is a great read and I recommend you add it to your TBR list.
I received an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review - all opinions herein are my own. This is a book I was super duper excited about - the second I saw what it was about on the ARC signups and the second I saw I got accepted I was so freaking excited. This is a professional wrestling spicy romance, which is something I so desperately wanted and had hunted down and been entirely unable to find (because apparently from those I spoke to it didn’t exist). I’m a huge WWE fan - I actually read this a few weeks before I went to a Smackdown live event - and this just like ticked most all of my boxes. It took me a minute to get past some of the rules of the promotion being different from the WWE rules I’m more used to - but I loved the characters and I absolutely loved the story. They handled a lot of wrestling terminology super well which made me feel more immersed as well which was nice!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Ever watched the wrestling film ‘fighting with my family’? It reminds me so much of this. It’s about Logan and Layla, a Scot and a Brit trying to make it in the international wrestling union (IWU).
The writing flowed really well, the story was great and it was so nice to see something different other than the usual NFL and ice hockey romances out at the moment!
Logan is a gruff Scotsman who left Layla 10 years previously to further his career. 10 years later they meet back up again and guess what happens 😉
Fantastic read! Highly recommend! Out 24th September, available on KU
this was a great book! a second chance romance for young adults who didn’t quite think things through. the smut it so so good. lots of 💦💦 from mfc which i love in books because you don’t see it often i feel like. also the inclusion in this book is another thing i adore with a character that goes by they/them pronouns. this is my second book like this and it was absolutely wonderful. this book had great lay out, you got a little back story on the main characters before jumping into the goods. lay & logan are like horny teenagers, they can never get enough of each other! i definitely recommend this read!!
As a lifelong wrestling fan and a lover of spicy books Logan and Layla's story was perfect for me (even if your not a wrestling fan I highly recommend it)! This is a second chance romance focusing on the relationship between Logan and Layla. The mc's were in a relationship early on in their wrestling careers but due to career goals and immaturity they were forced to take different paths. Ten years later Logan is sent to IWU, where Layla is the face of the promotion and they are teamed together to be mixed tag Champs. Knock Out is the perfect mix of banter, spice and wrestling! The next time booktok readers are looking for wrestling vibes I will definitely recommend this book!
Layla and Logan are MMA fighters. When Logan doesn’t get his contract extended but Layla does, he leaves and goes to train in Australia.
10 years later, Logan comes back trying to secure a spot on the team. Layla has gone on without him and made a name for herself. Logan still loves her, but Layla is mad that he left her. With all of the tension, they get it on in a closet.
Layla doesn’t want to go back to Logan, but she can’t ignore her feelings. When they start a benefits only relationship, it puts a strain on their friendship. They both have to decide on what’s more important, fighting or each other.
First time reading something with an IWU/ wrestling theme. Enjoyed every minute. The characters have a relationship together but break it off because of an argument and career focus. They meet 10 years later and the story tells about them working together as a mixed gender team. Sparks /spice fly and they start feeling for each other. The intimate scenes are well written. I definitely need a Logan in my life ..... My first time reading Jacs work and I was very pleased. I will be picking up more from them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
So I've never read a book about wrestling before. I had a small interest as a young teenager but it was never something I got into.
And then I read this. I want more of the IWU. More of the wonderful Skye and more of the comradery between wrestlers.
I also discovered a new swear word, Wankstain. I'll be adding that to my repertoire. The warnings at the start were helpful and made me feel prepared for the book itself.
All I can say is I look forward to more of this world and more of the Scot and the Brit.
I would like to point out that I received this book as an ARC from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
This book combines two of my favourite things - reading and wrestling! The relationship between Logan and Layla is spicy and complicated, and so realistic. You can tell the author has quite the attraction to WWE wrestler Drew McIntyre ;) As with other books written by Jac, the writing style is fantastic, the plot is well thought out and engaging, and the characters are well developed (including side characters; who are equally as captivating as the MCs) The spice scenes are perfect for one-handed reading - a bit of advice, keep things charged, you'll need them! I have laughed, cried and swooned while reading this book and I am looking forward to more in this series written by Jac.
There is positive LGBTQ+ representation throughout, featuring a transgender woman and a gender non-conforming, biologically male, polyamorous heterosexual who uses they/them pronouns.
Even if you don't like wrestling or fully understand the world of it, I highly recommend you pick up this book.
I read this book as a ARC. AND I LOVED IT! I’m a romance reader and have read so many genres within romance but wrestling was new to me, and Jac did the genre proud!! I will definitely not be scanning past any more wrestling romances!! I just hope they can hold up to the standard this book set!! A must read! Can’t wait for more books from supporting characters because if they were calling to me for their own story they were definitely calling to the author!!
Logan and Layla were training to become professional wrestlers they were both 19 and in love they lived together in a flat they shared with there friend Skye When it came to there contracts to be renewed Layla got one for 2 years but Logan’s wasn’t renewed Logan was then approached by someone from an Australian professional wrestling company and was asked to go straight away he asked Layla to give up her career and follow him and she refused roll on 10 years and they both meet again
When Logan returns from Australia to see if he'll be picked up by the wrestling league he knew he would run into Layla again. They still have feelings for each other, but must navigate things after their time apart.
This is a really good story. I loved reading about their love and how it never went away over the time away from each other. Very well written and it grabs you immediately into the story.
Knock Out is my first book by Jac Franklin and it definitely won’t be my last. I fell in love with the characters. Layla’s and Logan’s dynamic and chemistry was top-notch. While I’m not a diehard Wrestling or MMA fan, I really enjoyed this read. There’s angst, action, and spice. I can’t wait to read about some of the other characters!
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Spicy, fun, engrossing. Jac Franklin does it again. I loved this spicy story. Logan and Layla are back working for the same wrestling team that tore them apart then years ago. But this time the IWU wants to bump the ratings with a fake romance between the two. I love that this book aside of the wrestling careers is a realistic look at a relationship. There is great character development and great story build up. Each character is also built separately not just as a couple together. I love how the story ends and all the winding rode we go down to get there. Logan and Layla pulled on my heartstrings. I read this book through start to finish. Thank you to Jac Franklin for trusting me with another piece of your art, which I am reviewing voluntarily and honestly. Keep doing what you're doing!!
I enjoyed this book. Jac Franklin did a wonderful job at character development for both Logan and Layla. I love a book with some good tension and angst and these characters pull it off flawlessly. Logan and Layla are brought back together after 10 years and the chemistry between them is like the never spent a moment apart.
Fantastic second chance romance within the pro wrestling scene, loved the insight to the matches. As for the romance between Layla and Logan that was gripping, they both broke each others hearts ten years before and now back working together can they put it behind them and find the love they had once again.
Absolutely loved this book, wrestling is my thing, the book was also technically correct which is a huge bonus. Can't wait to carry on reading the series.
This is my first book by Jac Franklin and I will be reading more. Finally found a sports Romance that is about wrestling and has spice with it. Good story line and I love the characters.
I've always loved jac's books and when I seen she has another one out I just had to jump onit and I'm so glad I did. It was a phenomenal read, a great start to a new series. I loved how she made these characters into professional wrestlers that's a book you don't come across very often and that is awesome that she done that. It definitely takes you a wild ride. I couldn't put it down once I had started. The characters, plot and storyline was perfectly executed.
Layla and Logan where young sweetheart, both where employed by the same IWU company. Things where going great until Layla got resigned and Logan want resigned by the same company but there was a company interested and she thought he signed and was going to leave her behind. But that wasn't the case and it was a big misunderstanding. But they ended up going their separate ways in the end. And both have made it big with the company's they are with. But fate has other plans for the pair!
10years later IWU and AWF have joined together meaning the pair will be working together again. Separately they are big but together they will be truly amazing, more epic than before. When they both see each other again their chemistry is still there and Logan is determined to make her his again. But layla has other plans, she don't mind hocking up with him now and then but her heart won't be in play. Logan isn't haven't that and will do whatever it takes for her to let go and be his again.
I loved this pair and their story, it had so much action, spice, angst and more. The twists and turns where wonderful. The characters where really thought out. I can't wait to read more in the series. It was deliciously good. Highly recommend.