Raine doesn't do help. She participates in an underground fight circuit, owns her own bike shop, and fixes what breaks, fighting what won’t stay down. She’s learned the hard way that relying on people just gives them something to take from you later.
But then three men start showing up anyway. They’re best friends, oddly persistent, and for some reason, have decided she’s their problem now.
Elias is quiet and watchful, the kind of man who notices everything and steps in to care for everyone before they even ask. He offers help like it’s a given, and never makes a big deal out of it. It's just his nature.
Theo is the boy you root for, soft and gentle, awkward and shy, but strong and intelligent. He listens more than he talks, at least around her. He doesn’t push too hard, staying solid and patient in a way that’s harder to shake for her.
Jax is loud, reckless, and fiercely loyal. All impulse and heat, crashing into her life with laughter and a refusal to let her push them away and keep them at arm's length.
Raine knows better than to let any of them in. She knows better than to trust three men in a world that already wants more from her than she has to give. But she can't shake them, and sometimes she's tired of fighting. Debt doesn't wait, however, not when the mafia owns it. The underground doesn’t play fair, and walking away isn’t an option. Neither is doing this alone.
Definitely Not is a dark gray, slow-burning why-choose romance with underground fights, found family, sharp banter, and three men who aren’t taking "leave" for an answer—even when Raine insists she doesn’t need them.
This was my first read by Rae Knight but likely not my last. I enjoyed the story and getting to know the characters and I thought the concept took a unique twist to the reverse harem trope. I will say, personally the story felt a little too drawn out and slow, yet also not fleshed out enough? Especially the beginning; there was a lot of information about Raine but not her men or her situation. It felt like the same scene was just recycled and done over again multiple times instead of moving the story forward to keep it moving. The Elias and Jax situation also felt forgotten about and didn't get enough attention in my opinion.
Overall, an enjoyable read and one I'm glad I picked up and gave a try.
I absolutely loved the banter between the main characters. I really connected with the FMC, Raine who is a strong, independent, and resourceful woman who has been on her own for too long, just trying to keep her head above water. I also love how all three MMCs, Theo, Jax, and Elias have such different personalities, each individually providing a different relationship dynamic with Raine but all collectively put her first.
My favorite quote is from Elias regarding the FMC's ability to handle herself: “There’s a difference between being able to and having to.”
Definitely Not is a chaotic, emotionally charged why-choose romance that hooks you immediately and refuses to let go. From the very first chapter, Rae Knight makes it clear this story isn’t going to play it safe—on tone, on characters, or on feelings. The book opens at an underground fight ring, told through Theo’s POV, and that scene alone sets the standard for the rest of the story. The writing is vivid, gritty, and immersive, pulling you straight into the heat, noise, and tension of the warehouse. Then Raine steps into the ring—and everything shifts. She’s small, lethal, unimpressed, and devastatingly competent. Watching her dismantle a man twice her size isn’t just hot, it’s a thesis statement for who she is: controlled, skilled, and absolutely done underestimating herself for anyone. Raine is a standout FMC. She’s a true black-cat heroine—sharp-tongued, emotionally guarded, fiercely independent, and allergic to pity. She fights, fixes bikes, owns her own shop, and refuses to soften herself to make anyone comfortable. But beneath that armor is grief, exhaustion, and fear she’s been carrying alone for far too long. Her refusal to rely on anyone doesn’t come from arrogance—it comes from survival. The three MMCs couldn’t be more different, yet they balance each other perfectly. Theo is the quiet, anxious, painfully sincere one. He’s observant, gentle, and emotionally attuned in a way that sneaks up on you. His moments with Raine are soft, vulnerable, and deeply intimate, especially when she finally breaks down and lets herself be held. Their connection feels like safety—earned, not forced—and the emotional payoff between them is huge. Elias is the steady protector, the EMT who can’t stop caring even when he knows it’ll complicate things. His POV is full of restraint, longing, and quiet devotion. He doesn’t try to control Raine or fix her—he simply refuses to look away when she’s hurting. Their kiss is one of the most charged scenes in the book because of how careful, deliberate, and emotionally loaded it is. Elias doesn’t rush her, and that respect makes his presence hit harder than grand gestures ever could. And then there’s Jax—cocky, charming, relentlessly flirtatious, and very aware of the effect he has on people. His banter with Raine is top-tier. He pushes, teases, provokes, and refuses to let her hide behind deflection. But underneath the bravado is jealousy, insecurity, and genuine care that catches him off guard. Watching him realize he actually feels something—and doesn’t know how to joke his way out of it—is incredibly satisfying. The external conflict with Bash and the mafia debt adds real stakes to the story. It’s not just background drama; it actively shapes Raine’s choices and her fear of letting the guys get too close. Her belief that loving people makes them targets is heartbreaking, and the way the men slowly dismantle that belief—not by force, but by consistency—feels earned and realistic. What really makes Definitely Not shine is the emotional pacing. The relationships don’t blur together. Each connection develops differently, with its own tension, intimacy, and emotional weight. The men don’t compete in a way that diminishes Raine’s agency, and she never becomes a prize—they orbit her because they choose to, not because she needs saving. This book is gritty, funny, tender, and painfully human. It’s about letting yourself be seen when you’re terrified of losing everything, about choosing connection even when isolation feels safer, and about love that doesn’t demand you be less sharp, less angry, or less yourself. If you love black-cat FMCs, found family vibes, sharp banter, slow emotional burn, and multiple MMCs who each bring something real to the table, Definitely Not absolutely delivers.
Immediately thrown into the ring with this story. Raine is fierce and isn't afraid to take down guys bitter than she is. She fights because she enjoys it but also because she has a debt she inherited when her father passed. She refuses to lose the shop her Dad built but she isn't willing to do anything illegal like the owner of said debt wants.
I do not typically like a slow burn in my why choose books but this built up so naturally and the chemistry mixed with her own fears fed the story. I never had that "would you just do it already" feeling I usually get in a slow burn.
I adore the men and how they each bring something different to the table but together they balance. Theo is so sweet and innocent but the minute someone he cares for is in danger he becomes a beast. He's this nerdy character with a bite I absolutely loved. Elias is like the big brother holding everyone together. He needs everyone to be protected and safe because of something in his past. Jax is the one who will make you laugh no matter the situation. He is loyal and needs everyone to enjoy themselves.
I feel the slow burn was perfect for the way Raine needed to grow and they needed to break through her barriers. The spice was intentional and hot. Everyone got their time and there was even some group action that was super spicy.
On a side note I need a book about Elias. I love how that all went down and I'd love to know more about him and what he's doing.
MMFM Badass FMC 3 Devoted MMCs He (they) Falls First
Loved having the opportunity to ARC read this book! Overall, I enjoyed the read, but it fell a little flat for me. The story felt rushed in some places and dragged on in others, so the pacing felt a bit off. I loved Raine. Her strength and resilience shine through as she fights to protect what's important to her - her shop, her independence, and later on, the three MMCs. Jax is a loud-mouthed brat, providing levity. Elias is the strong, silent type. And Theo is so kind and gentle. They all brought a different comfort to Raine, which was fun to see play out.
I do wish I got to see more of Jax & Elias together. Their relationship felt almost forced, just to say the book had some MM. But I know they're not the main focus.
Would I recommend it? Yes. Absolutely. I know so many people who would just EAT. THIS. UP.
I received this as an ARC and it was such an enjoyable read! A fun, why-choose MMFM with a happy ending, the slowburn had me on the edge of my seat but it was so worth it once Raine started letting down those walls. She's incredibly resilient and doing the best she can to survive while mitigating the losses in her life by keeping people out. When that armor starts to crack and you get to see that pain and loneliness, that need to just be taken care of for once, it truly makes you feel for her.
All the boys are unique and endearing in their own ways. Jax is loud and likes to crack jokes, even when he probably shouldn't, but he's loyal as hell. Elias is a caretaker at heart and will do anything for those he loves. He's strong and not afraid to be demanding when it comes to caring for those he loves. Theo is so soft, just a ball of anxiety and nerves but so incredibly smart and much stronger than he gives himself credit for. I really enjoyed their friendship dynamic.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the story but do wish we could have gotten more as some parts felt rushed. I wanted more background on Raine and the boys. I wanted to see more of Jax and Elias's feelings for each other as the tension was there but the resolution fell a little flat for me. I think this story could have easily been a duology to give us more background on the characters as well as raise the stakes. It felt like the big bad was taken care of a bit too easily and it would have been nice to see that dragged out a bit more so the stakes felt higher and there was the fear that it could all end horribly.
This was a fantastic read overall and Rae definitely gave us some fun and unique characters to fall in love with! I think Theo has to be my favorite and has me realizing I need more shy, soft boys in my life 😂 I highly recommend if you love a strong, badass female lead and boys who fall first and fall hard!
Wow! Have you ever thought I just want a man that takes care of me, makes me laugh, and is there for me when I need someone to talk to. Now imagine that as three different men that ALL want to be with you and still stay friends while you ride your motorcycles together. This book is definitely for you! Rae Knight did an amazing job with this book and the development of the characters throughout the pages. I loved every second of it and was sooooo thankful I got to read it as an ARC. Can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Another fantastic read from Rae Knight. I absolutely loved Raine and her guys. She was strong and independent. Elias was the strong and steady one. Jax was chaotic but protective. Theo was shy but hid a tougher side. I loved how Raine connected and fell for each guy individually. All of them fell first and hard while Raine didn't want to drag them into her mess. Each guy showed her just how important she was and that they were ready to help her get out of the trouble she was in.
I was one of the lucky ones to receive an arc of Definitely not from Rae Knight. From page one I was intrigued and couldn’t put it down, but I thought could use a little more. It was in the right track but I got lost somewhere along the way and it started to drag a bit. Overall I loved this the characters were awesome especially the FMC she was a complete badass and I loved her!
I was delighted to receive this arc by Rae knight and ive read some her books before and fully enjoyed them, this is my honest review.
I feel this book has so much potential but it just is very slow and I struggled massively to get through it especially when Rae's previous books have been very fast paced. I love the concept of the 3 MMC they or more he falls first but i feel that Jax and Elias needed more in the book as I feel the book mainly highlighted Theo and Raine the most. I loved how rain was such a badass though. This book does skim over a MM connection/romance Jax and Elias incase MM isnt your think it really isnt too much. Jax is very out there where Elias is more the caring one and Theo is more the shy one.
It is a good read its just not gripping like previous books Rae has produced it lacks pace and feel bits are very dragged out but other may love this but this.
I was honoured to receive this book from Rae Knight. Honestly, my attention span while reading over the last week or so has been quite poor. So I was pleasantly surprised when I devoured this book in one go!
The pacing and the chapter lengths were perfect for me. The author managed to write fantastic group dynamics while also solidifying individual personalities. Found family is one of my favourite tropes, and their fierce protectiveness and loyalty over one another was perfect. I also loved all the banter, Jax made me giggle throughout ✨️
What made this book so incredibly enjoyful for me to read was the emotional pacing. Sometimes with why choose, the connections all blur a bit and it can be up and down pace wise. However, Rae established these connections so perfectly! Each relationship and emotional connection was developed with each MMC at a steady pace. It wasn't rushed, and I appreciated being able to get to know them and each dynamic properly. It made it all the more worthwhile, when they established their poly relationship towards the end.
I adore that Raine was a badass, independent, sharp tongued woman who paved her own way. She was so protective over her guys from the get go too.
First, you need to keep one thing in mind — as the author states, this book is a slow burn. And considering it’s quite long, it can feel really SLOW at times. However, it’s a decent read that I genuinely enjoyed. We meet all the main characters right from the beginning, and you can clearly feel the character development throughout the story.
The FMC isn’t a naive girl who constantly needs saving, and each MMC has their own strong, distinct personality (which isn’t always a given in why-choose books).
The plot itself was simple, but there were plenty of funny moments, some sweet ones, and the 🌶️ scenes were definitely worth it too.
To sum it up, this is a good, character-driven book that focuses on relationships and their development. Overall, I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing read — something that won’t make you cry your eyes out or feel like it completely destroyed your soul.
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Definitely Not from the author, and wow, this was such a good read. I flew through it without even trying (even though I was supposed to be studying for school 🙃)
The story is fun, easy to sink into, and the kind of book that naturally pulls you along. The banter felt effortless, the tension built really nicely, and the characters were genuinely easy to connect with. I caught myself smiling a lot while reading and getting that warm, invested feeling where you just want everything to work out for them.
“Definitely Not” one of my favorite why chooses. It has that perfect balance of chemistry, emotion, and moments that just work without feeling overdone.
Such a solid, enjoyable read. Definitely one I’d recommend adding to your TBR. 🤍📖
A great ARC read!definitely a slow burn and for me it took off quite slowly. I genuinely just loved the fact I didn't feel like I needed to rush through and get to the end, it was engaging and hooked me but to the point I was looking forward to reading it every night and I didn't need to desperately get to the end. Granted I can absolutely see how someone could finish this FAST.
MMMFcs all really likeable, none of their individual quirks/trains were taken too far, so although stubbornness can sometimes get a little unbearable in this case it didn't and the slow burn was WORTH THE WAIT.
Overall a great read and it's release day! gogo go get it!
Rae Knight’s books are always so much fun because her ability to write banter is, honestly, the best. I love her characters, and these four definitely don’t disappoint!
It’s such a cute love story with the amazing addition of darker elements and real emotions that prove falling in love isn’t always easy and relationships definitely aren’t, but that everything is still worth the effort. Her characters are so much fun, and I loved getting to see different personalities come together here. My favorite character is definitely a type, but Knight does the broody nerd so well.
Thanks to Rae for this arc. Definitely Not is a MMFM, 1 badass FMC, 3 devoted Males, they fall first. Raine was an amazing FMC. It is a chaotic emotionally charged why choose read. Three men proving how important she is to them. Rae's writing is always awesome, steady plot, amazing flow & everything has its reasons, her writing is always vividly done with tension, immersion and grit. The character art to go along with this book is amazing too.
If you love why choose, and found family. This one is for you!
This book was sooo good. I read it in about 10 hrs. Theo Jax and Elias have this instant draw to Raine. Raine is such a strong badass female. It was really refreshing to read this as a why choose that they each took their time with her and it wasn't all at once. She built a connection with them individually vs them building their connections while every person was there Everytime. This book is hard to talk about just because I don't want to give anything away! But come on who doesnt love a badass motorcycle riding punch throwing female!
Definitely Not is a gritty, emotionally charged why-choose that drags you into an underground fight ring and never loosens its grip. It’s vivid, loud, and brutal in all the right ways. Raine storms onto the page as a lethal, sharp-tongued black-cat heroine who fixes bikes, breaks bones, and refuses to be pitied, carrying grief like armor she’s worn too long. The three men circling her, soft, steady, and dangerously charming they don’t try to tame her but meet her fire with patience, restraint and devotion as mafia stakes close in. It’s chaotic, tender, and painfully human, a story about choosing connection when survival taught you to stand alone and the emotional payoff hits hard.
I absolutely loved this book. it grabs you from the first page! you have Raine who is this small woman who has walls built up and does everything to take care of herself. She goes to underground fights and handles herself against grown men and is a mechanic too.
The three main guys, Elias, Theo, and Jax are all friends and all three notice her and are intrigued by her. Each one is different and brings something completely different for her. I really enjoyed how each of them gets to know her on their own. There is definitely jealousy but also understanding too.
This book has twists and turns and the banter and flirting had me rolling my eyes and laughing at parts. Read this book!
Raine is a bad*ss FMC, I would have loved to read more of her fight scenes. This book would be a good movie/show. I loved how they guys were always there for her and knew what she needed before she even knew herself. The love, care and devotion they show her is something everyone wants for themselves. I loved that Jax, Theo & Elias are so different from each other but that together they work!
This was such a great read. I loved the lack of jealousy between all the guys, they all just wanted to be there for Raine and help her. I also loved how different Elias, Jax and Theo were, they each brought very different energy to the relationship and I so enjoyed watching Elias and Jax get closer!
I loved this book! It was so investing and the characters were so much fun I never wanted it to end the story was good and paced. Raine was such a strong female lead. I would recommend this book to anyone! Can’t wait to get a physical copy!
Wow what an amazing world. I do have to say I do like the why choose from time to time and this one was fun and I fell in love with the Males.... I could re-read this over and over again. Once you start reading I promise you.... You won't wanna put it down or better words you won't put it down....
Definitely Not is a gritty, emotionally charged why-choose romance that pulled me in right away. Raine is such a standout FMC. She’s fierce, independent, and completely unapologetic, yet carrying so much beneath the surface. I loved how different each of the three MMCs felt: Theo’s gentle sincerity, Elias’s steady devotion, and Jax’s cocky charm all brought out something unique in her. The underground fight ring backdrop and mafia tension added real stakes without overshadowing the relationships. The pacing felt slightly uneven at times, but overall the emotional depth, banter, and found-family vibes made this a compelling and satisfying read.
Really liked this book. Has a strong female main which I liked. The boys are perfect and the mm was coming from the start. I loved that! Could have come earlier if I'm honest. Good plot as well. Not just about the you know, which scored points with me. Definitely recommend!