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Half Cocked
**Narration for this audiobook has been conducted in duet style.
If there was one thing I knew for sure, it was that good guys finished last. But smart women? We finished on top.
It made for a quick climax and an even quicker escape. Especially when you left ʼem zip tied to the headboard with a wink and a wave of the middle finger.
Mine wasn’t a love story. It was a cautionary tale. A field guide for exactly what not to do if you ever found yourself in my size-six riding shoes. A reminder in case you needed another reason you sure as f*ck shouldn’t fall for the bad boy who promised you the world and left you with a bullet in your skull instead. Or the glorified bodyguard who thought catching a knife to the gut meant he deserved a ring. And how to not use sex and adrenaline to cope with either. Both?
Yup, my life wasn’t just complicated. It was f*cked. And so was the pretty boy with the green eyes and the greener complexion. The same one with a limp in his step and a slightly tender set of balls because he was dumb enough to stand between me and my next paycheck. Which left me to wonder how the dumb f*ck still thought I was girlfriend material.
Someone was about to learn a hard lesson. I could only hope that someone wasn’t me…
*This is a full-length forbidden, dark, standalone romance written in first-person dual POV. Think modern Romeo and Juliet with a dark, comedic twist and a HEA.
*Trigger Please check the full list at the beginning of the book. Recommended for readers 18 and older. If you have any concerns as a listener, please reach out to the author directly. This book has a contemporary setting; however, there are strong themes involving the criminal underground.
If there was one thing I knew for sure, it was that good guys finished last. But smart women? We finished on top.
It made for a quick climax and an even quicker escape. Especially when you left ʼem zip tied to the headboard with a wink and a wave of the middle finger.
Mine wasn’t a love story. It was a cautionary tale. A field guide for exactly what not to do if you ever found yourself in my size-six riding shoes. A reminder in case you needed another reason you sure as f*ck shouldn’t fall for the bad boy who promised you the world and left you with a bullet in your skull instead. Or the glorified bodyguard who thought catching a knife to the gut meant he deserved a ring. And how to not use sex and adrenaline to cope with either. Both?
Yup, my life wasn’t just complicated. It was f*cked. And so was the pretty boy with the green eyes and the greener complexion. The same one with a limp in his step and a slightly tender set of balls because he was dumb enough to stand between me and my next paycheck. Which left me to wonder how the dumb f*ck still thought I was girlfriend material.
Someone was about to learn a hard lesson. I could only hope that someone wasn’t me…
*This is a full-length forbidden, dark, standalone romance written in first-person dual POV. Think modern Romeo and Juliet with a dark, comedic twist and a HEA.
*Trigger Please check the full list at the beginning of the book. Recommended for readers 18 and older. If you have any concerns as a listener, please reach out to the author directly. This book has a contemporary setting; however, there are strong themes involving the criminal underground.
314 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2024
11 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Sybil Knight
18 books411 followersSybil is a career-driven Philadelphian native. A crime show enthusiast by day, and a BDSM club hopper by night. When she isn't working or writing, she is talking about working and writing. She is a single mom to her beta fish (Fish) and way too many dead houseplants.
Her stories range from gray to black, with darker themes throughout. She prefers heroines with a kick-ass mentality and the heroes who know how to rein them in. The mental and medical aspects of her books are well-researched, though they are given a humanistic approach and diagnoses aren't the focal points. She believes her characters don't need to wear labels in order to get her messages across.
Her books are mostly standalones, though her characters may interact and intersect worlds. Additionally, she works closely with and writes alongside author Dahlia Reign and some characters will appear in cameos in each of their publications.
Her stories range from gray to black, with darker themes throughout. She prefers heroines with a kick-ass mentality and the heroes who know how to rein them in. The mental and medical aspects of her books are well-researched, though they are given a humanistic approach and diagnoses aren't the focal points. She believes her characters don't need to wear labels in order to get her messages across.
Her books are mostly standalones, though her characters may interact and intersect worlds. Additionally, she works closely with and writes alongside author Dahlia Reign and some characters will appear in cameos in each of their publications.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 27, 2024
Received this as an ARC & read it while having covid. Let’s just say the characters were amazing company during my bedroom banishment! Fast paced, amazing spice, good plot & the comedic banter between Dani & Connor kept the pages turning!! My jaw was on the floor more than once and I loved every moment of it!!! I was sad to see it end and truly hope there’s a sequel with a little MacCaullah boy they need to keep away from the Russians!!! Don’t let this be the end of Nympho Dani & Too Good To Be True Connor! I think it’s safe to say I’ve found a new go to author in Sybil Knight!!
October 31, 2024
A Different Kinda Grumpy/Sunshine Dark Read!!!
This is a dark mafia type of read. Dani is the one immersed in the life and has a suspicious/grumpy attitude about things. She ends of meeting Connor and two of them have instant chemistry. Connor embraces his feelings for his b@d @$$ woman before she can trust the feelings she has for him.
This book is dark, it’s quick paced and it’s HOT! I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to read more from this author. She ticked all of my boxes with this read. Highly recommend it to those that love darker reads.
This is a dark mafia type of read. Dani is the one immersed in the life and has a suspicious/grumpy attitude about things. She ends of meeting Connor and two of them have instant chemistry. Connor embraces his feelings for his b@d @$$ woman before she can trust the feelings she has for him.
This book is dark, it’s quick paced and it’s HOT! I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to read more from this author. She ticked all of my boxes with this read. Highly recommend it to those that love darker reads.
January 29, 2025
This was a great mafia book. Featured the Irish and Italians. Danica Rossi was in love with the enemy so to speak. Leo was the son of the Irish leader. They were both 19 and she said young and dumb. Dani was hired muscle and did jobs for the Renegades when she was bored. She was banned from Irish territory but she didn’t care. She had a job to get done and the person was at Mollies an Irish establishment. She was refused entry by Connor but she still found a way in eventually. Her and Connor hooked up and she couldn’t get him off her back. She had an injury and she would black out. She thought Leo was the cause of her injury but it turns out it wasn’t. She found out much later but it was too late. Leo was gone from the earth. Her father saw to that. But Leo loved her and she loved him. Her entire family was taken out. Her mother and 4 year old brother.
February 5, 2025
Okayyyy, so what is this you ask? This book is straight up gold at the end of the rainbow. It's action packed, it's hilarious, and there is so much witty banter and it made me sad to have this book be over. The FMC is grumpy, bit*hy, kick a$&, hilarious, and witty AF! Dani makes the book and you can't tell me otherwise. I wish could be her when grow up. Now Connor is like the sunshine compared to Dani. He is an amazing MMC and worth his weight in gold.
July 20, 2024
I really enjoyed the dark comedic twist to this dark enemies to lovers romance. I thought Danica and Connor were so funny - they bickered like a married couple from damn near the moment they met. Danica was sassy, damaged and sexy - she was my favorite! I love how she didn’t take any shit and was just this bad ass FMC. But god has girl been through so fucking much!
The chemistry between the MCs was really good and the flow of this story was easy for follow along even with the time jumps between the past and the present. I like how flashbacks were used to sort of answer questions as they came along. Also showed that the main conflict wasn’t as black and white as it was thought to be.
This is a dark romance so please make sure to check trigger warnings before reading - this is also a crime/mafia background storyline so there is a lot of violence, 🩸 and 🔪 !
March 2, 2025
Went in with low expectations and it was actually pretty good! Needed a breather right after a long series and man did it do the trick.
July 31, 2024
This book was phenomenal! So much action and spice that I have already been recommending this to fellow dark readers. The MFC was just beautifully crazy. She was smart-mouthed and crafty. The MMC was so adorable you have to love him. If you love the morally grey female this book is definitely for you. This book was *chef kiss* 🤌🤌🤌. Thank you Sybil Knight for an amazing book I didn't know I needed in my life.
August 31, 2024
Half-Cocked by Sybil Knight
What it's About: Dani is an assassin for hire but likes to work alone and does NOT like attachment after her boyfriend 6 years ago shot her in the head. Connor is working for the rival gang of Irishmen when he stumbles upon Dani during an attempted assassination. What starts out as enemies soon becomes sexual relationship but could they let it lead to more? Can they stay alive?
My Thoughts: ❤️❤️❤️❤️. Enemies to lovers will forever be my favorite trope and when he falls first....it's amazing! Loved the entirety of this book including the plot twist I did not see coming! Check your triggers though cause this is not a cute romance novel. The storyline gives Romeo and Juliet vibes with star crossed lovers and forbidden relationships. Also love that we get dual POV.
***There is a cameo appearance of masked men who star in Sybil Knight's book Skin, soon to be released. Keep a look out for my review of this book coming in September****
Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶. Very very spicy! Spice rivals plot in this one but still a good story.
What it's About: Dani is an assassin for hire but likes to work alone and does NOT like attachment after her boyfriend 6 years ago shot her in the head. Connor is working for the rival gang of Irishmen when he stumbles upon Dani during an attempted assassination. What starts out as enemies soon becomes sexual relationship but could they let it lead to more? Can they stay alive?
My Thoughts: ❤️❤️❤️❤️. Enemies to lovers will forever be my favorite trope and when he falls first....it's amazing! Loved the entirety of this book including the plot twist I did not see coming! Check your triggers though cause this is not a cute romance novel. The storyline gives Romeo and Juliet vibes with star crossed lovers and forbidden relationships. Also love that we get dual POV.
***There is a cameo appearance of masked men who star in Sybil Knight's book Skin, soon to be released. Keep a look out for my review of this book coming in September****
Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶. Very very spicy! Spice rivals plot in this one but still a good story.
August 23, 2025
Wow.... That was.... a book. I think the one positive is that it's not 500+ pages. But man, it was a very cringey book.
My biggest issue with the writing is that the characters were CONSTANTLY breaking the fourth wall, asking a question in their mind and answering it; sometimes rhetorical and sometimes sarcastic but always annoying. Every other page. Also, both the FMC and MMC sounded exactly the same inside their minds - the same humor, the same sarcastic tone, the same stupidly cheesy observations and questions.
The plot: basically non-existent. It was kind of a dark romance slice of life that no one asked for? The relationship: equally ridiculous. It was absolutely insta-lust to she's my girl by the third meeting ever. Somehow, within those three meetings, he basically knows her soul.
Not that he's had much interaction with her considering the first time, they met for 5 seconds before she knocked him out, the second time was 10 seconds before she knocked him out and fucked him while he was still knocked out (eww) and then left before he came and then third time showed up in a dazed state, ended up fucking in a closet and was interrupted right before either of them came. And BAM, he loves her, he knows everything about her personality and is so damn confident and willing to take a blade for her. What?
Also, she is so fucking annoying. Like Celaena Sardothien in ToG 1 annoying. She's so bad ass, she's so cool, she's so independent... yes this is her talking about herself in her own mind. What in the fan fic, Mary Sue, wattpad bullshit is this? Also, wtf is that cover?
My biggest issue with the writing is that the characters were CONSTANTLY breaking the fourth wall, asking a question in their mind and answering it; sometimes rhetorical and sometimes sarcastic but always annoying. Every other page. Also, both the FMC and MMC sounded exactly the same inside their minds - the same humor, the same sarcastic tone, the same stupidly cheesy observations and questions.
The plot: basically non-existent. It was kind of a dark romance slice of life that no one asked for? The relationship: equally ridiculous. It was absolutely insta-lust to she's my girl by the third meeting ever. Somehow, within those three meetings, he basically knows her soul.
Not that he's had much interaction with her considering the first time, they met for 5 seconds before she knocked him out, the second time was 10 seconds before she knocked him out and fucked him while he was still knocked out (eww) and then left before he came and then third time showed up in a dazed state, ended up fucking in a closet and was interrupted right before either of them came. And BAM, he loves her, he knows everything about her personality and is so damn confident and willing to take a blade for her. What?
Also, she is so fucking annoying. Like Celaena Sardothien in ToG 1 annoying. She's so bad ass, she's so cool, she's so independent... yes this is her talking about herself in her own mind. What in the fan fic, Mary Sue, wattpad bullshit is this? Also, wtf is that cover?
December 29, 2024
Enemies or more. This book is dark and twisty and there are secrets revealed that will shock you. I could not put it down. Well developed characters that grip you. Highly recommend.
June 23, 2025
I thought I was going to love this book, I adore a smart ass, violent, unhinged FMC and a man who loves her in spite of it.
And I did love Dani, I also thought Connor was great too, but there wasn’t much substance in the rest of the book. It had great parts, but not all of it was good. The spice was nice. That’s it, just plain old nice. Or maybe I’m just depraved 😂 This rated low on the panty dampener scale. Barely noticeable wet patch.
I did enjoy the violence, there was some good shit in there, but again, maybe not quite enough.
I often ask my class what they can do to extend their writing pieces and I’m feeling the same urge here. It was good, but it’s lacking something. I’d give it a “Good job” and a hand drawn smiley face.
And I did love Dani, I also thought Connor was great too, but there wasn’t much substance in the rest of the book. It had great parts, but not all of it was good. The spice was nice. That’s it, just plain old nice. Or maybe I’m just depraved 😂 This rated low on the panty dampener scale. Barely noticeable wet patch.
I did enjoy the violence, there was some good shit in there, but again, maybe not quite enough.
I often ask my class what they can do to extend their writing pieces and I’m feeling the same urge here. It was good, but it’s lacking something. I’d give it a “Good job” and a hand drawn smiley face.
July 31, 2024
Brilliant. This book is bloody brilliant (and brilliantly bloody). It’s 300 pages of fast-paced action and sex and done so beautifully that I want to grab ahold of strangers in the street and tell them about this book. So I’m talking about it on here, which is the next best thing.
Dani is a smart-alecked, crazy twenty-something who experienced a traumatic brain injury six years ago when her lover shot her in the head (not that she was wrapped real tightly before the TBI). So, yeah, she has trust issues.
When she knocks Connor out with one punch, he gets seriously hooked on her. Together, they’re on the run from Irish Mob bosses. He is along for the ride when she goes after them. Blood and destruction abound wherever Dani is. And whenever she’s with Connor, the zexytime is so hot, it’s like the surface of the sun. I could spend days rhapsodizing about his green eyes, and his skills at Visiting Australia (which is what I call it when a character Goes Down (Under). He’s also out to prove that he’s the one person she can trust to love her.
It was interesting to get glimpses inside Dani’s psyche. She is actually insane. And she earned that after enduring betrayal and the death of her entire family. Dani even gets these unfortunate blackouts when she’s stressed. Connor loves her for all she is, rather than in spite of all she is, and believe me, she is a lot. As a person who also dwells slightly south of sanity, who is also a lot, this totally gives me the feels.
Dani is no Damsel in Distress. She could totally be the Trope Namer for Badsass Heroine (yeah, I say words like Badsass and Zexytime because Amazon has a very liberal definition as to what constitutes profanity). She is also psychotic. But it’s strangely endearing. I found myself liking Dani for all she is, and Connor for his stubborn loyalty. Every character is layered and I can count at least two possible spinoffs and a sequel based on side characters.
What it’s taking me a long time to say is that I am absolutely crazy about Half Cocked. If you don’t mind hardcore, bloody (oh so bloody) graphic violence and you like Badsass crazy heroines, you’ll be as in love with this book as I am.
Dani is a smart-alecked, crazy twenty-something who experienced a traumatic brain injury six years ago when her lover shot her in the head (not that she was wrapped real tightly before the TBI). So, yeah, she has trust issues.
When she knocks Connor out with one punch, he gets seriously hooked on her. Together, they’re on the run from Irish Mob bosses. He is along for the ride when she goes after them. Blood and destruction abound wherever Dani is. And whenever she’s with Connor, the zexytime is so hot, it’s like the surface of the sun. I could spend days rhapsodizing about his green eyes, and his skills at Visiting Australia (which is what I call it when a character Goes Down (Under). He’s also out to prove that he’s the one person she can trust to love her.
It was interesting to get glimpses inside Dani’s psyche. She is actually insane. And she earned that after enduring betrayal and the death of her entire family. Dani even gets these unfortunate blackouts when she’s stressed. Connor loves her for all she is, rather than in spite of all she is, and believe me, she is a lot. As a person who also dwells slightly south of sanity, who is also a lot, this totally gives me the feels.
Dani is no Damsel in Distress. She could totally be the Trope Namer for Badsass Heroine (yeah, I say words like Badsass and Zexytime because Amazon has a very liberal definition as to what constitutes profanity). She is also psychotic. But it’s strangely endearing. I found myself liking Dani for all she is, and Connor for his stubborn loyalty. Every character is layered and I can count at least two possible spinoffs and a sequel based on side characters.
What it’s taking me a long time to say is that I am absolutely crazy about Half Cocked. If you don’t mind hardcore, bloody (oh so bloody) graphic violence and you like Badsass crazy heroines, you’ll be as in love with this book as I am.
August 21, 2025
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved this book, it’s a wild ride! Connor totally stole my heart with his unwavering loyalty to Dani from the jump. His all in, ride or die energy was chef’s kiss, and I was here for how he stayed patient, letting Dani come around on her own time while still making it clear he’s into her. No pushy vibes, just pure respect, and I’m a sucker for that. Dani’s a badass in her own right, she is calm, collected, and handles whatever comes her way like a pro.
The action in this book? Non stop. It kept me glued to the pages, flipping faster than I’d like to admit.
That said, it wasn’t quite a five star read for me. The slang in the second half got to be a bit much. Specifically one scene where “ya” instead of “you” was thrown around like confetti. I get it, they’re going for that authentic accent, but it made my brain hurt.
Also, there’s this one scene where Connor’s drugged up post surgery and some guys are involved and I felt like it was just tossed in there and didn’t really move the story forward. Kinda left me scratching my head as to why it was added.
Overall, though, this book’s a banger, and I’m definitely checking out more from this author. Solid read, just a couple of things that kept it from being perfect in my opinion.
⚠️ Warning: my book information, shelves, and tags can be spoiler-y.
Book Information • • • • • • •
👩🏼❤️👨🏻 POV: dual, first person
🏷️ Tropes: organized crime, revenge, golden retriever x black cat, grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers, he falls first, unhinged fmc
🚩Triggers: murder, torture, blood, grief, PTSD
🔥Kinks: pierced gentitals (her), face sitting,
🎂 Ages: 25h, unknown H
✨ Virgins: none
💫 HEA: yes
🌈 Epilogue: yes
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved this book, it’s a wild ride! Connor totally stole my heart with his unwavering loyalty to Dani from the jump. His all in, ride or die energy was chef’s kiss, and I was here for how he stayed patient, letting Dani come around on her own time while still making it clear he’s into her. No pushy vibes, just pure respect, and I’m a sucker for that. Dani’s a badass in her own right, she is calm, collected, and handles whatever comes her way like a pro.
The action in this book? Non stop. It kept me glued to the pages, flipping faster than I’d like to admit.
That said, it wasn’t quite a five star read for me. The slang in the second half got to be a bit much. Specifically one scene where “ya” instead of “you” was thrown around like confetti. I get it, they’re going for that authentic accent, but it made my brain hurt.
Also, there’s this one scene where Connor’s drugged up post surgery and some guys are involved and I felt like it was just tossed in there and didn’t really move the story forward. Kinda left me scratching my head as to why it was added.
Overall, though, this book’s a banger, and I’m definitely checking out more from this author. Solid read, just a couple of things that kept it from being perfect in my opinion.
⚠️ Warning: my book information, shelves, and tags can be spoiler-y.
Book Information • • • • • • •
👩🏼❤️👨🏻 POV: dual, first person
🏷️ Tropes: organized crime, revenge, golden retriever x black cat, grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers, he falls first, unhinged fmc
🚩Triggers: murder, torture, blood, grief, PTSD
🔥Kinks: pierced gentitals (her), face sitting,
🎂 Ages: 25h, unknown H
✨ Virgins: none
💫 HEA: yes
🌈 Epilogue: yes
September 24, 2025
Half Cocked By Author Sybil Knight
Series name Renegade world.
Estimated read time
[Kindle] 4hrs
Favorite quotes
“Stop! Unless you’re willing to trade in all that pearl clutching for a pearl necklace. Then, by all means, welcome to the shitshow. Where the pies are cream-filled and so are you.”
“And pent-up rage had a way of fucking with your nervous system, increasing the stress hormones coursing through your body while causing the veins to restrict and the pressure to build. In a way, our bodies were our own worst enemies. Because we did that shit to ourselves. And there wasn’t a goddamn thing we could do to fix it.”
Overall reactions
So perfect of a book. Danica and Connor are a twisted dark romance of the black cat and cinnamon roll boyfriend. Connor though he is a bouncer at a Mafia club is as green as his Irish heritage. And in walks the Italian Queen that doesn't want love just a thirst of adrenaline and sex.
They Turn each other's worlds upside down. Connor shows her that the Right man will stand by you no matter how crazy you are.
My favorite part is the banter in this book. Not only between the characters but also in the internal monologues of Dani. I share so many of them with my hubs.
Closing thoughts
Welcome to Briarwood!! We hope you enjoy your stay even if you are on the outside team. I hope to figure out what the job is in the upcoming books for the Renegade series.
Series name Renegade world.
Estimated read time
[Kindle] 4hrs
Favorite quotes
“Stop! Unless you’re willing to trade in all that pearl clutching for a pearl necklace. Then, by all means, welcome to the shitshow. Where the pies are cream-filled and so are you.”
“And pent-up rage had a way of fucking with your nervous system, increasing the stress hormones coursing through your body while causing the veins to restrict and the pressure to build. In a way, our bodies were our own worst enemies. Because we did that shit to ourselves. And there wasn’t a goddamn thing we could do to fix it.”
Overall reactions
So perfect of a book. Danica and Connor are a twisted dark romance of the black cat and cinnamon roll boyfriend. Connor though he is a bouncer at a Mafia club is as green as his Irish heritage. And in walks the Italian Queen that doesn't want love just a thirst of adrenaline and sex.
They Turn each other's worlds upside down. Connor shows her that the Right man will stand by you no matter how crazy you are.
My favorite part is the banter in this book. Not only between the characters but also in the internal monologues of Dani. I share so many of them with my hubs.
Closing thoughts
Welcome to Briarwood!! We hope you enjoy your stay even if you are on the outside team. I hope to figure out what the job is in the upcoming books for the Renegade series.
August 14, 2024
*BOOK REVIEWS*
BOOK: Half Cocked
AUTHOR: Sybil Knight
REVIEW: Dani lives her life as a vigilante of sorts. She meets Connor during one of her snatch and grab jobs, and he finds his way into her vehicle. They form a bond and an attraction. One night, the son of Connor's boss attempts to end their lives. Come to find out, he's the ex of Dani and he almost ended her life previously leaving her with a bullet in her head. Dani and Connor grow closer as their lives are in jeopardy. Will they make it out alive? Will they be able to have a relationship? Or Will they succumb? This book was a wild ride in all the best ways. It was funny, it was romantic, it was heartbreaking, it was spicy af, it was anxiety-inducing, this book had it all! I loved every second of this. I resonated with Dani a lot and I loved seeing her find a man who actually loved her and wanted what was best for her, she seriously deserved that! Connor is a new addition to my book husband harem. He was sweet, sassy, and caring. He's everything you could want in a man (aside from his mob connections, but then again, that'd spice life up a bit)! This is probably one of my top ten favorite reads for 2024 (if not my top 5 favorites), and it has me excited to see what Sybil puts out next!
RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
BOOK: Half Cocked
AUTHOR: Sybil Knight
REVIEW: Dani lives her life as a vigilante of sorts. She meets Connor during one of her snatch and grab jobs, and he finds his way into her vehicle. They form a bond and an attraction. One night, the son of Connor's boss attempts to end their lives. Come to find out, he's the ex of Dani and he almost ended her life previously leaving her with a bullet in her head. Dani and Connor grow closer as their lives are in jeopardy. Will they make it out alive? Will they be able to have a relationship? Or Will they succumb? This book was a wild ride in all the best ways. It was funny, it was romantic, it was heartbreaking, it was spicy af, it was anxiety-inducing, this book had it all! I loved every second of this. I resonated with Dani a lot and I loved seeing her find a man who actually loved her and wanted what was best for her, she seriously deserved that! Connor is a new addition to my book husband harem. He was sweet, sassy, and caring. He's everything you could want in a man (aside from his mob connections, but then again, that'd spice life up a bit)! This is probably one of my top ten favorite reads for 2024 (if not my top 5 favorites), and it has me excited to see what Sybil puts out next!
RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 7, 2025
Dani is hellfire on wheels. She has trauma that she's shoved so far down, she's a loose cannon ready to explode. She doesn't find herself in the predicaments she puts herself into as dangerous, just calculated. Then, she meets Connor. Connor changes everything for her; the good and the bad. She also shows Connor what it looks like to live on her side of the world. The meaning of the title of this book, makes absolute sense. The bullets and why they're so important to understand in this book... I love so much how Sybil worked up the reading to tell Dani's story. The banter was amazing in this book! Amongst soo many other tropes that ill leave you hanging so you can just read it. Except one more... it features Mafia families.
Honestly, I couldnt not give this 5 stars!
Also, I read this book after starting the Renegades Series of Sybil's and I was glad I did... it made sense to me so much more about the connections there! But of course, its not recommended to read that way. You could read this book before or after.. or not at all.. and not miss a beat for this book or the Renegades Series.
Honestly, I couldnt not give this 5 stars!
Also, I read this book after starting the Renegades Series of Sybil's and I was glad I did... it made sense to me so much more about the connections there! But of course, its not recommended to read that way. You could read this book before or after.. or not at all.. and not miss a beat for this book or the Renegades Series.
July 31, 2024
* 4.5 Stars *
Half Cocked was my first reading experience from Sybil Knight and I can safely say I will be back for more.
What sold me on the story was the undeniable chemistry and neverending, top-tier banter between the two MCs. Their love/hate, push/pull dynamic was so enjoyable to read, I couldn't get enough. Plus the sassiness and unhinged behavior exhibited by the FMC had me hungry for more.
I found the pacing to be on the faster side of medium but didn't feel too rushed. A wickedly exciting experience overall.
I applaud the author for trying something a bit different with the storytelling layout. It isn't often I see a book time hopping between not only the dual POVs, but also switching periods in time as well. Not many authors are bold enough to try something different, so that was nice to see.
If unhinged, graphically bloody, and pure chaos stories are your thing, look no further.
Half Cocked was my first reading experience from Sybil Knight and I can safely say I will be back for more.
What sold me on the story was the undeniable chemistry and neverending, top-tier banter between the two MCs. Their love/hate, push/pull dynamic was so enjoyable to read, I couldn't get enough. Plus the sassiness and unhinged behavior exhibited by the FMC had me hungry for more.
I found the pacing to be on the faster side of medium but didn't feel too rushed. A wickedly exciting experience overall.
I applaud the author for trying something a bit different with the storytelling layout. It isn't often I see a book time hopping between not only the dual POVs, but also switching periods in time as well. Not many authors are bold enough to try something different, so that was nice to see.
If unhinged, graphically bloody, and pure chaos stories are your thing, look no further.
August 16, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
This was my first Sybil Knight book, and Half Cocked is a dark romance in which you should probably check your TWs prior to reading as there is violence, gore, and blood described in detail on page. With that being said, this was a dark, enemies to lovers, mafia-style romance where the two MCs, Dani and Connor, brought extreme comic relief in their banter and bickered like an old married couple instantaneously.
I really liked the dynamic between Dani and Connor. Dani was opinionated, self-assured, independent, a bit damaged/deranged due to some trauma, violent, and able to read a man in 0.2 seconds flat. Connor was a lovable, sweet, golden retriever and a walking green flag who sees Dani for all that she is, not just her badass exterior. The chemistry between these two was great.
The storyline was fast-paced and easy to follow, even with flashbacks; the flashbacks gave context and answers to questions you had as you were reading.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
This was my first Sybil Knight book, and Half Cocked is a dark romance in which you should probably check your TWs prior to reading as there is violence, gore, and blood described in detail on page. With that being said, this was a dark, enemies to lovers, mafia-style romance where the two MCs, Dani and Connor, brought extreme comic relief in their banter and bickered like an old married couple instantaneously.
I really liked the dynamic between Dani and Connor. Dani was opinionated, self-assured, independent, a bit damaged/deranged due to some trauma, violent, and able to read a man in 0.2 seconds flat. Connor was a lovable, sweet, golden retriever and a walking green flag who sees Dani for all that she is, not just her badass exterior. The chemistry between these two was great.
The storyline was fast-paced and easy to follow, even with flashbacks; the flashbacks gave context and answers to questions you had as you were reading.
March 9, 2025
The enemies to lovers trope is quickly becoming one of my favs. Dani was the (seemingly) hard to love Italian who was a brash, no fucks given, badass kinda FMC. She meets Conner, the Golden Retriever, hottie Irishman MMC who always sees the glass as half full. Dani and Conner form a ‘forbidden’ relationship after she infiltrates the Irish mob’s night club, and he can’t seem to stay away from the girl that’s drawn him in like a fly on honey.
Dani’s got a mega chip on her shoulder resulting from the Italian/Irish Mob war that’s been happening before her time; yet somehow the silver lining shines when she meets Conner. This story really gave some star crossed lovers/Romeo & Juliet vibes with some serious collateral damage.
A fast paced, background mafia, assassin for hire, lady grumpy sunshine, he falls first story. I went into this book blind and had zero expectations; but was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this.
Dani’s got a mega chip on her shoulder resulting from the Italian/Irish Mob war that’s been happening before her time; yet somehow the silver lining shines when she meets Conner. This story really gave some star crossed lovers/Romeo & Juliet vibes with some serious collateral damage.
A fast paced, background mafia, assassin for hire, lady grumpy sunshine, he falls first story. I went into this book blind and had zero expectations; but was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this.
May 24, 2025
~My Review🎧~
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
♡Half Cocked~A Dark Forbidden Romcom~Sybil Knight♡
♡Duet Narration~Victoria Connolly & Robert Hatchet~
The narration for this book was phenomenal! Victoria brought Dani to life & did an amazing job bringing her crazy to life! Robert was a perfect choice for Conor & did an amazing job with the accents as well!
♡“What she wanted and what she needed were two very different things. And sometimes my little control freak just needed to release those reins a tad bit"♡
~This was my first read by this author & it will not be my last! Once I started this book I couldn't stop! I love a bad@ss, sassy, unhinged FMC & Dani did not miss a beat in that department! I couldn't count the number of times that I laughed to the point of tears during this book! The plot was great, the banter was top-notch, & the spice was hot! I can't wait to check out more of Sybil's books!~
♡As Always Happy Reading♡
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
♡Half Cocked~A Dark Forbidden Romcom~Sybil Knight♡
♡Duet Narration~Victoria Connolly & Robert Hatchet~
The narration for this book was phenomenal! Victoria brought Dani to life & did an amazing job bringing her crazy to life! Robert was a perfect choice for Conor & did an amazing job with the accents as well!
♡“What she wanted and what she needed were two very different things. And sometimes my little control freak just needed to release those reins a tad bit"♡
~This was my first read by this author & it will not be my last! Once I started this book I couldn't stop! I love a bad@ss, sassy, unhinged FMC & Dani did not miss a beat in that department! I couldn't count the number of times that I laughed to the point of tears during this book! The plot was great, the banter was top-notch, & the spice was hot! I can't wait to check out more of Sybil's books!~
♡As Always Happy Reading♡
June 18, 2025
Dani’s unhinged, Connor’s obsessed, and I’m feral.
5 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
Half Cocked is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat and then flirts with you while holding a knife. Dani is a savage, emotionally-wrecked vigilante with no time for love. Well, unless love shows up in the form of a hot, persistent, green-eyed golden retriever named Connor who just won’t take “go to hell” for an answer.
It’s enemies to lovers with trauma, bullets, and just enough hope to make you feel things you weren’t prepared for. You’ll laugh. You’ll sweat. You might cry. And by the end, you’ll wonder how you ended up rooting for a relationship that started with a snatch-and-grab and some casual zip ties.
If you like your romance dark, dirty, and a little deranged this one’s for you. Sybil Knight didn’t just write a book. She lit it on fire and dared us to jump in. Thank you Sybil for another great read with lots of wit!
5 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
Half Cocked is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat and then flirts with you while holding a knife. Dani is a savage, emotionally-wrecked vigilante with no time for love. Well, unless love shows up in the form of a hot, persistent, green-eyed golden retriever named Connor who just won’t take “go to hell” for an answer.
It’s enemies to lovers with trauma, bullets, and just enough hope to make you feel things you weren’t prepared for. You’ll laugh. You’ll sweat. You might cry. And by the end, you’ll wonder how you ended up rooting for a relationship that started with a snatch-and-grab and some casual zip ties.
If you like your romance dark, dirty, and a little deranged this one’s for you. Sybil Knight didn’t just write a book. She lit it on fire and dared us to jump in. Thank you Sybil for another great read with lots of wit!
August 2, 2024
Dani and Conor's relationship was so intense! There was a solid plot though out the book as well as really well thought out character development. This book really grabs you from the start and does not let go until the end! I also really enjoyed that it was a quicker read (closer to 300 pages) versus what I normally read (over 500).
The spice in this book was a lot (in a good way of course!)! Please always remember to check your trigger warnings because this book does play on some of them. But you will not be disappointed with the spicy scenes!
Overall I really loved this book and I give it a 4 star because while I wouldn't recommend it to 100% of readers, I would for 85% so it is not a go to recommendation for me - but very very high up there! The material in the book can be on the heavier side.
The spice in this book was a lot (in a good way of course!)! Please always remember to check your trigger warnings because this book does play on some of them. But you will not be disappointed with the spicy scenes!
Overall I really loved this book and I give it a 4 star because while I wouldn't recommend it to 100% of readers, I would for 85% so it is not a go to recommendation for me - but very very high up there! The material in the book can be on the heavier side.
May 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Ok so this was definitely a good and funny read! But the spice wasn’t spicing like it was chalked up to be. Don’t get me wrong it was good. But I kinda expected it to be better. Thanks to all the hype. But that’s ok. Loved the characters and loved the mmc and fmc. The only thing that bothered me was I got bored with the fmc attitude midway through. Did I absolutely love the way she was in the beginning? Hell ya. Badass heroine. Did I absolutely love the way she started softening up to our wonderful Irish hunk at the end. Fuck yes. But her attitude was annoying in the middle. Yes we know she had a fucking horrible 6 years but it kind dragged on. I did really like the fact that the author put Leon’s point of view. I thought that was creative. And the letter was absolutely adorable!! The ending tied everything together. Black cat fmc and golden retriever mmc. Loved it!
🌶️🌶️
Ok so this was definitely a good and funny read! But the spice wasn’t spicing like it was chalked up to be. Don’t get me wrong it was good. But I kinda expected it to be better. Thanks to all the hype. But that’s ok. Loved the characters and loved the mmc and fmc. The only thing that bothered me was I got bored with the fmc attitude midway through. Did I absolutely love the way she was in the beginning? Hell ya. Badass heroine. Did I absolutely love the way she started softening up to our wonderful Irish hunk at the end. Fuck yes. But her attitude was annoying in the middle. Yes we know she had a fucking horrible 6 years but it kind dragged on. I did really like the fact that the author put Leon’s point of view. I thought that was creative. And the letter was absolutely adorable!! The ending tied everything together. Black cat fmc and golden retriever mmc. Loved it!
June 20, 2025
💥 Book Review: Half-Cocked by Sybil Knight
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Locked, loaded, and fully obsessed
Let me tell you something—Dani is that girl. I loved her. She’s tough, sarcastic, got a mouth like a razor and a don’t-play-with-me attitude that had me grinning the whole way through. She’s not here to be polite or soft unless she says so—and baby, I was eating that up!
Half-Cocked gave us action, heat, danger, and a heroine who ain’t scared of any of it. Sybil Knight said, “You want a badass? Here’s a whole problem with great aim and zero patience.” And you know what? I lived for it.
The romance? Tension-filled and delicious. The danger? Real. The sass? 10/10. I need Dani to train me immediately because she’s got that “break your heart and your nose” kind of energy.
If you love your heroines fierce, fearless, and a little unhinged in the best way—this one’s for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2024
ARC Review: Half Cocked by Sybil Knight
Floored by how much I enjoyed this book!
“If there was one thing I knew for sure, it was that good guys finished last. But smart women? We finished on top.”
Dani went through some unimaginable, messed up sh*t, now she’s just surviving - looking for her next high and distraction whether it’s sex or blood. She was not looking for love… but she punched it in the face.
Gruesome, dark, fast paced - fun to be along for this dangerous ride with Dani & Connor.
I could not get enough of Connor - his smart mouth, the way he went after his girl, golden retriever vibes and he “doll faced” and “baby girled” until I was 🫠
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤enemies to lovers
🖤lost mafia princess
🖤he falls first
🖤reverse grumpy/sunshine
🖤 morally gray FMC
🖤one bed
*do check the TW*
Thank you Hawthorn & Aster for the opportunity to read and review this!!! 🫶
Floored by how much I enjoyed this book!
“If there was one thing I knew for sure, it was that good guys finished last. But smart women? We finished on top.”
Dani went through some unimaginable, messed up sh*t, now she’s just surviving - looking for her next high and distraction whether it’s sex or blood. She was not looking for love… but she punched it in the face.
Gruesome, dark, fast paced - fun to be along for this dangerous ride with Dani & Connor.
I could not get enough of Connor - his smart mouth, the way he went after his girl, golden retriever vibes and he “doll faced” and “baby girled” until I was 🫠
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤enemies to lovers
🖤lost mafia princess
🖤he falls first
🖤reverse grumpy/sunshine
🖤 morally gray FMC
🖤one bed
*do check the TW*
Thank you Hawthorn & Aster for the opportunity to read and review this!!! 🫶
July 8, 2024
Danika is an Italian mafia princess and the next in line to take over, but she’s spent the last few years running away from that life. Connor is a low level member of the Irish mafia, who want Danikas blood, but the second he sees her he becomes enamored.
This story is inspired by Romeo and Juliet, and there are for sure many Shakespeare vibes, and they were all great! I love modern Shakespeare vibes so much.
The first half felt a little slow for me, and there were some moments the writing/language choices felt a little clunky. But the second half really picked up and it ended up being a super quick read.
Overall it was enjoyable, funny, spicy, and a pretty quick read- I highly recommend checking it out now!
This story is inspired by Romeo and Juliet, and there are for sure many Shakespeare vibes, and they were all great! I love modern Shakespeare vibes so much.
The first half felt a little slow for me, and there were some moments the writing/language choices felt a little clunky. But the second half really picked up and it ended up being a super quick read.
Overall it was enjoyable, funny, spicy, and a pretty quick read- I highly recommend checking it out now!
July 11, 2024
Reason for the 3 ⭐️ rating:
The plot was nice. I just can’t get to it in the first parts of the story. It’s slow. And my main reason is the lines/language of the characters specially the FMC—it felt unnatural(the sarcasm, the sass, etc.). Like when you’re trying to be creative with words to be able to convey the personality—Feels overdone that sometimes it’s cringey.
Also other characters weren’t that much highlighted that they’re forgettable. And I can’t say much about them.
And also, the pattern of present, flashback, present, flashback… I wasn’t a fan of it. The spice scenes was okay.
Overall, the story is great, thought it could be longer.
And just some areas that could be done better.
July 24, 2024
вσσк яєνιєω:
~
⭐️’s: ✩✩✩
🌶️’s: 3
~
I got this book as an ARC
~
Danica Rossi & Connor MacCullagh had incredible chemistry from their first meeting. The humour within this book and between the FMC and MMC was gold and had me chucking away.
~
Danica is a damaged and formidable FMC whilst Connor is a big friendly giant and definite golden retriever MMC. This is a perfect grumpy x sunshine trope.
~
The world building and flashbacks were written really well and will definitely look to read other books written by @author.sybil.knight.
~
This book does reference the mafia/crime organisations and is very much a dark romance with high levels of violence mentioned so please do check the TWs before giving this one a read 🖤
~
⭐️’s: ✩✩✩
🌶️’s: 3
~
I got this book as an ARC
~
Danica Rossi & Connor MacCullagh had incredible chemistry from their first meeting. The humour within this book and between the FMC and MMC was gold and had me chucking away.
~
Danica is a damaged and formidable FMC whilst Connor is a big friendly giant and definite golden retriever MMC. This is a perfect grumpy x sunshine trope.
~
The world building and flashbacks were written really well and will definitely look to read other books written by @author.sybil.knight.
~
This book does reference the mafia/crime organisations and is very much a dark romance with high levels of violence mentioned so please do check the TWs before giving this one a read 🖤
August 5, 2024
Honestly when I first started the book i my opinions of the story were varied. Mainly because it started off with not a lot of context. Shortly after reading for a couple chapters though i got really engaged with the story because we started to learn more about our characters and really see the story develop. By chapter 20 I couldn’t put the book down i was in love the sory had built so much and you really got immersed with the characters. From this point the story stays pretty climactic and leads to such a fun ride waiting for the ending. I absolutely loved how fun Dani’s character was in the book she is my absolute favorite. Over if you love books with action, thrilling moments, spicy scenes and intense romance I suggest checking it out.
August 16, 2024
Phenomenal would be the understatement of the year. From page 1, this book had me obsessed. I was stunned in place by the need to know more and find out what was going to happen. Because holy smokes this book, yall is loaded with trauma, secrets, severe angst, lies, revenge, and delicious spice. This book is dark, it's raw and dirty. The FMC is a total bada$$ who is on her quest for revenge and meets a sexy as sin MMC, loves her special kind of crazy. Get ready to grip the edge of your seat and buckle up because this one is loaded with twists and turns, ones I guarantee you will not see coming. I highly recommend this book and Sybil Knight. She just became a new favorite author for me!!!!
Please check trigger warnings ⚠️ they're there for a reason, and your Mental Health Matters 🖤🩵
Please check trigger warnings ⚠️ they're there for a reason, and your Mental Health Matters 🖤🩵
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