After the Knockout

by A. Blossom

Genres: African American

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2026

About the author

Author Blossom is an upcoming best selling author born and raised in Saint Louis, Mo. It was there that she developed a love for reading and writing early on. A. Blossom knew she had a passion for writing after she wrote her first story for the girls in her eight-grade class. A. Blossom wants to pen love stories that show black women and men of all skin tones, shapes, and sizes.

When she isn’t writing, Blossom spends her free time with her husband and her two small children. A. Blossom is excited to embark on this journey and invites readers to let love grow. Blossom can be reached on these platforms:

Email: authorablossom@gmail.com

Instagram: author_blossom

Facebook: Author A Blossom

Twitter: @AuthorBlossom

Reviews

[Ashanti Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow burn sports romance. Secret baby trope. Lovers to enemies to lovers. Lyrius wasn’t living right leaving Dakota “KO” to deal with the fallout. Six years later she has to evacuate due to a hurricane. She ends up back in the last place she expected and she’s not alone. Unforeseen circumstances lead her right back in the arms of KO and he’s pissed. Feelings are fought and the denial is real. It took them some time but when these two finally got it together I was locked in. Good amount of drama. I enjoyed reading. I would recommend.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow-burn second chance romance done right. I loved how the story acknowledged the ambivalence that can come with starting over when there’s still so much left unsaid. Up until a certain point, I kept thinking, “I don’t buy into their romance because when are they actually going to address the past so they can move forward?” Then the conversation finally happened (in a unique way), and it was such a beautiful illustration of how a couple considering a second chance should approach healing together.

I typically dislike the secret baby trope, but I understood her reasons here and found myself extending a bit more grace, especially after learning of her upbringing. Watching KO and Dakoda build their relationship was everything, and Dae Dae was the cutest kid. Jaylen also provided some much-needed comedic relief, which I really appreciated.

I do think the plot twist and ending felt a little rushed. A few more pages to fully develop those moments would have made the ending even stronger.

Overall, this was a sweet story and a reminder that we are not defined by our mistakes. It’s what we choose to do after them that truly matters.

[EricaLenise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blossom... you stay on my automatic read list for a reason. The minute you drop a book, everything else gets pushed to the side. And once again, you understood the assignment.

Second chance romance? Check.

Secret baby? Check.

Now put those together with characters you can't help but root for, and I was completely locked in.

KO and Lyrius took me on an emotional ride. I was frustrated, I was heartbroken, and I was rooting for them at the same time. What I appreciated most was that this wasn't a story where everyone pretended the past didn't happen. They had to face it, work through it, and earn their way back to each other.

Then there's KO. Baby, he stole every scene he was in. And Jaylen had me laughing exactly when I needed the break.

One of my favorite takeaways from this book was the reminder that one bad decision doesn't define an entire person. That message stayed with me long after I finished reading.

The ending moved a little faster than I wanted, but it wasn't enough to take away from how much I loved this story. This one had me smiling, emotional, and completely invested from beginning to end. Dakota and Lyrius forever.

[Symone · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, the way things started popping off from the beginning had me immediately locked in. 👀 Because....what you mean?! Sis you did what?! I felt so bad for KO and was surprised by how much time went by.

In a way, I'm glad the storm forced everything into motion. There was still too much unresolved between them, along with another secret she had been carrying that needed to come out. While KO was understandably hesitant at first, I loved how he ultimately stepped up to the plate and handled business.


Overall, I enjoyed the journey, especially the moments that had me smiling and saying “awww.” There's just something about a second chance romance with a redemption arc that gets me every time.

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐

I was all-in with Dakota and Lyrius from the beginning. I knew they would find themselves orbiting one another even after the truth came out. I didn't read what the book was about because I've come to know I'll enjoy an A. Blossom story. KO and Lyrius were both products of broken homes/the system and for her to do what she did... I get it, but I still think she should have taken a chance to reveal their truth. Little Dae-Dae was absolutely hilarious and added so much with the "cute-kid- factor." If you love a second chance, hidden child, unexpected twists, you'll enjoy this one! Happy Reading Y'all!💋

[Toni Cookies · Rating 5 out of 5]

COOKIES REVIEW 🍪

AYYYYEEE BLOSSOM! You are on of the authors I drop EVERYTHING and READ. I AM SO GLAD I DID. YOU never DISAPPOINT! As a girl who just loves love! Ahhhh! This book made me smile real big! It had both of my favorite tropes! Second chance and secret baby! Ugh! This was everything! Dakota and Lyrius FOREVER!

[Cardi Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sheesh

Despite the errors, the plot was good. Whew everybody had a rough childhood. I know it’s a standalone but now I want Jaylen’s background because I’m nosey.

[Miss Read A lot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dislike secret baby stories, but I was actually enjoying this one… at first. Lyrius is a nagging ass baby mama. Gahdamn.

KO was right. Lyrius could’ve told him about his son, especially after finding out he hunted down the people who came for him. They couldn’t have been that damn dangerous.

Speaking of this heaux… she worked my mf nerves! Damn! A hurricane just passed and it was a disaster. She definitely needed him, their son needed him. Then tries to be that “I don’t need you baby mama”. Like do they ever think about the child? Or they just think about their feelings…Crazy thing about it, she’s the one who betrayed him but she mad…

She was trying to control every interaction between KO and his son. Every time KO wanted to do something as a father, she was talking about, “You don’t have to do that.” Girl… you broke. Shut up. Rich baby daddy can do whatever he wants for his child. Sometimes she needed to think before she opened her mouth. Idk what her angle was.

Dae and KO can be having a conversation, and her aggy ass would jump in if she felt Dae Dae was being aggravating toward his daddy. Girl we know you his mama. Let him aggravate his daddy, his daddy ain’t tripping. Then she nagged when he wanted to be with his child that she hid for 5 years. Asking why he at her apartment. Not to see yo naggin ass. Then she nagged because he paid her bills for up to 6 months. She was mad about that. Who the hell questions why their rich baby daddy wants to make sure his kid has lights and somewhere to live? She was making EVERYTHING an issue.

Some of the conversations just felt childish to me, because of Lyrius. So, this one wasn’t even the secret baby that annoyed me. I understood why she ran. It was her. I think in almost every secret baby, it’s always a “you didn’t have to do that” baby mama, when the father tries to lessen the load. Yes he did! That’s why yo slow ass went to find him.

Another thing that drove me crazy was the amount of cut-off sentences. It happened so often that it started making my eye twitch.

[Natalie Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know how to feel about this book. I want to start off by saying I don’t really like that second chance romances because most of the time they broke up for a reason and it was a valid reason. With that being said, yeah, I understand she had something to do with him getting shot and everything, but I really believe that she loved him and she was stuck between a rock and a hard place. This book made me wanna freaking cry, especially when they were going to counseling and she was saying the stuff that she was saying. I liked how they got to where they are and getting married because of facing their issues and going to counseling. It broke my heart and made me wanna cry reading his point of view and how much distain he had for her like there was no sign that he really actually truly loved her and he was just mad like I really felt like he hated her. He didn’t like pine over her and be like I loved her once or I need her or look at her in a certain way, during his POV he was just always talking about how much he hated her which granted he had every right to feel that way, but I didn’t feel like he cared her. I felt like he was more mad at her than anything.

I don’t like how we didn’t get to the bottom of why those people were doing what they were doing and what they truly wanted. They kept telling him to throw the fight but there was no I had money riding on this or whatever like that was a little bit consistent. Was he a target because he had money or was he targeted because he wanted him to lose fights, but he wasn’t losing those things so you were losing money like that could’ve been explained better it fell flat. I also don’t like how none of them died. Victoria did all that crap she didn’t get an ass whooping or nothing. It just felt unfinished me and I didn’t like it.

[Delusional Readz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be a tad bit biased because I love A Blossom but this was a perfect second chance romance.

After a night where things go horribly wrong, our FMC is forced to leave her home and the man that she loves with no idea what the future holds. 6 years later a hurricane forces her to flee right back into the city that she never thought she would ever return to. Not only did she never think she would return to that city, but she also never thought she would ever be in the same room with the only man who has ever had her heart again. This isn’t a happy reunion because our FMC has so much that she has to answer for.

This was just a beautiful ass story but I’m not surprised I expect nothing less from A Blossom. I appreciate a story where I love both the FMC and the MMC. I loved Lyrius no matter how flawed she was. I loved Dakota “KO” because of how he handled the pain that was caused to him. He didn’t run from he processed through it, he healed from it, and he didn’t hold it over Lyrius’ head even though you couldn’t blame him if he did.

Sometimes your heart doesn’t get the memo when the person you love the most causes you the worst pain. Your body then becomes a battlefield when your brain is telling you to let go but your heart refuses to follow. Do you listen to your head? Or can you accept that a bad decision doesn’t always equal a bad person?

[Q. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

His kryptonite.....

Mrs.A. Blossom, it's been quite some time since I graced one of your books. I see that you are still an all "A" student because the assignment was completed. I have been noticing a trend in the last few books I read, having foster kids as main characters. I am all aboard because family doesn't mean we share the same DNA. Families are formed when one person can love another person unconditionally as if they birthed that individual. Dakota and Jaylen were adopted at the right moment in their lives. One thing for certain and two things for sure Jaylen didn't play about Dakota. The protectiveness just kept flowing when Lyruis entered the picture. Dakota was head over heels in love with her. She was his kryptonite, and he took advantage of its power. It was a plethora of explosive secrets among the two of them. One of those secrets bonded them forever. He was well worth the tension. He opened a few eyes and unburied some feelings.

Ladies and gents, this is another masterpiece, so I highly suggest you download it. I didn't want to give away too many spoilers. The plot is two strands twisted that have secrets popping out like popcorn. It is well written and worth reading.

P.S. I am glad you are staying in Azalea for a bit. I would love to read Jaylen's story because he is a wild one.

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in a chokehold

I devoured this book!! It was absolutely amazing. KO and Lyrius run into each other after many years during a hurricane. They end up stranded together and KO learns that he has a five year old son. He is rightfully livid but determined to be involved in his son’s life. He is also leery of Lyrius because of her past discretions. He doesn’t feel like he can trust her but his heart still wants her. Lyrius still loves KO but she understands his anger and feels like she deserves it. Although she wants her man back, she doesn’t feel worthy. KO and Lyrius have to deal with their trauma if they’re going to be the family that they both want.

Listen…this book sent me through all the feels!! I was mad at Lyrius and then mad at the circumstances. Despite it all, I still rooted for this couple. I felt their love come off the pages of the book. Pops said it best…”don’t confuse a bad decision with a bad person”. That wrapped it all up for me. Kudos on a fabulous book. Five smoking hot stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!! I’ll definitely reread this!!

[Atoshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter! If you love second-chance romance, secret baby, forced proximity, and enough lies to keep you questioning everything, this one is a must-read.
The chemistry between the main characters never disappeared, even after everything they went through. Watching them confront old wounds, unravel painful secrets, and find their way back to each other was emotional, frustrating, and incredibly satisfying. The secret baby added the perfect amount of tension, while the forced proximity made every interaction impossible to ignore.
There were moments that had me swooning, moments that had me yelling at the characters, and moments that genuinely pulled at my heart. The redemption, forgiveness, and undeniable love made every twist worth it.
If you're looking for a romance packed with heartbreak, healing, family, and unforgettable chemistry, add this one to your TBR immediately. This was an easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me!

[Readingizmytherapy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

🥊📚 After the Knockout by A. Blossom 📚🥊

Listen… A. Blossom came in swinging and DID NOT MISS! 😮‍💨👏🏽

A love story as only A. Blossom could write.

This book was EVERYTHING! There is absolutely NO WAY you’re making it through this story without feeling every emotion possible. One minute you’re smiling, the next you’re clutching your chest, and before you know it, you’re looking at the book like, “Now why would you do me like this?!” 😂😭❤️

This is, by far, one of my favorite books by A. Blossom. And if there’s one thing she’s gonna do, it’s write a GOOD sports romance! Every. Single. Time. 🏆🏀🥊

Baby, this wasn’t just a knockout because of the title… it was a knockout because it knocked me clean into my feelings! 👊🏽💥

If sports romance is your thing—or if you’re just looking for a love story that’ll have your emotions doing backflips—go ahead and add this one to your TBR. You can thank me later. 😉📖✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #PagezAndPlotTwistz

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the knockout

I liked that this couple were able to get their happy ever after especially after all the bad stuff that happened to them. I liked that therapy was a part of their reconnection and fresh start, but I wish more of those moments had happened on page. I loved Dakoda’s character. He was the cutest five year old and he was all about his daddy once he met him.

I do feel like the story kind of dragged on until about the 70 percent mark and the climax was over before it really began and was pretty anticlimactic to me. I also feel like some of the minor details were inconsistent but the inconsistencies started adding up.

All in all, I didn’t love the book or hate it, but I found it hard to connect with the main characters for majority of the book, which could have made the book seem longer to me than it actually was. I am still a fan of this author and will continue to support her work.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Love just Knocks you out!

After the Knockout was my first book by A. Blossom, and it did not disappoint! I really liked her fresh twist on the sports romance trope.
I loved seeing inner-city issues woven into a masterful story, especially one that didn’t rely on the usual "bang bang, shoot 'em up" tropes. lol. It was so refreshing to see Black men depicted actively tapping into their emotions and healing to become better versions of themselves. The emphasis on doing the internal work, not just for your partner, but for yourself, was top tier.
…And that Dakoda was an absolute hoot! He represented his daddy to the fullest. Even though he was a secret from his father at first, I loved how Lyrius still let him know who his dad was from afar. Ultimately, I just loved seeing Lyrius and KO decide to get it together and love on each other fully.

[FoldingpagesWNay ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

MUST READ !

I don’t like second chance romance or secret baby trope but I devoured this read comes to turn out I only like it when certain authors write it and ms.Blossom did her thing with this one . Getting to see ko & lyrius where they began , what happened to cause a life shift & how the found each other way back . I definitely understood why lyrius kept it secret and dipped , made alot of sense when you hear her back story . I loved the growth they both showed and how they quickly figure things out for lil Ko , seeing ko go through the emotions and fighting his true feelings why lyrius is writing herself off from a happy future . The twist I was waiting on I kinda had an idea but not the way it happened . The spice scenes were 🔥🔥

[Diamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyrius walked into the eye of the storm and into destiny.
KO & Lyrius’ story is one about forgiveness and redemption. Lyrius made mistakes out of desperation and survival and it cost the both of them but she never shied away from accountability. Besides his love for Lyrius I believe that was what allowed KO to find that forgiveness. The most beautiful moment in KO and Lyrius’ story is when they both decided to commit to their healing. They didn’t just do it for each other and Dekoda, they did it for themselves as individuals. Both of them realizing they deserved the love they had for each other and the life they were building. Life had dealt Lyrius and KO a rough hand from the very beginning and, for better or worse, that lead them to each other.

[GratefuldefreyLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The knockout warmed my heart!

Lyrius and Dakota were two pretty messed-up people who were absolutely crazy about each other, but Lyrius got tangled up with some vultures who couldn't care less who they hurt—just trying to rip people off and mess with folks for a quick buck. Their greed is what led Lyrius to find the love of her life and nearly blew both their worlds apart. Her totally unforgivable move shattered two hearts that were super connected. No matter how hard Dakota tried, he just couldn't shake the love he had for Lyrius. A. Blossom seriously doesn't miss—she's has this incredible talent for bringing a story to life that's got me grinning and kicking my feet.

[Ladi Tee Inferno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Biggest Fight

This couple had to fight for love time after time. Lyrius' intentions towards Dakota in the very beginning wasn’t traditional. Hell, it wasn't real. But that thing called love can sneak up on you when you're being treated right, by the right one and forgot the mission. Dakota fell in love without knowing the cost. It cost more than his relationship. It almost cost his life and hers. Mother Nature helped reunite these two plus some but it was not pretty. The circumstances or the reunion. Looking beyond the two of them to who's most important actually helped in trying for forgiveness and a second chance. Just when you're on track, old enemies resurface and try to KO what you've built again. Are they successful? Journey in these pages and fall in love with Lil Dakoda!! I did!

[Cathyrn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly amazing book. It gave second chance romance and a hidden baby trope and I ate that up with the quickness once I could finally open the book. KO & Lyrius had real love from the moment they met and although it blew up with the secret Lyrius held, the love never went away and time only made the heart grown fonder with both of them. I loved how they were both open to forgiveness, him with her and Lyrius with herself. This love story showed that love is all knowing and all loving and faith always knows what’s best. Dakoda was my favorite character, he stole the show everything with him cuteness. I can’t wait to read more from this series. Highly recommend.

[Lisareadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Ms. Author really did an amazing job conveying the story of this couple who both suffered through one big mistake and then reconnected due to a natural disaster. I loved that the response that KO gave, he had to process it and really make decisions. I understood lyruis honestly and why she left, she really was placing all the blame on herself and not feeling worthy. My fav part is the date that KO planned for them if that is not the sweetest and most considerate thing ever I do not know what is. Yall just have to read to find out 💜⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

He was about family

This was a messy fun deep rooted second chance secret baby romance. I know that was a mouth full but it was a perfect description of what I just read.

Dakoda, was a sweet energetic little boy who was his mother's protector as well as her right hand. He made the book to me. Dakota and Lyrius was just adults trying to navigate a life as his parents with a rough past. He brought them together and made them see that they were better as a unit. Also, he was their beginning as a result of an end that was left with many questions.

What a soft read.

[Pamela session · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

Awww this story was so beautiful love redemption survivor second chance, I love how the story touched on how sometimes falling in love like fairy tale where every thing is perfect in the beginning etc...lol even thou I love them stories too this one really touch my heart 💕❣️they were ment for each other and little dae dae had me cracking up about his dinosaurs lol..I love how he fought for his family🥰😍🤩💞💕definitely one of my favorite couple yesssss 🫶🏽👊🏾🙌🏾👏🏾💪🏾I loved it!!!!

[Katia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Girls Need Grace Too

I just love a bad girl because bad girls need grace too. We need somewhere soft and gentle to land when we mess up.

Lyric had my heart from beginning to end. I loved everything about her. This was such a good story, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The pacing was perfect, the themes were well developed, and the setting and overall vibe pulled me right in.

Even Dakota had me rolling. This story had the perfect balance of mess, romance, and character growth.

I really liked this one.

[Ame Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg

Oh Gosh, how do we get this book nominated for an award. You did your big one with this. Wow, I even forgave the Jaylen, Jalen, Dakota, Dakoda immediately. WOW, the healing, the journey, the love, the laughter. I loved it. Dae is one for the books. And I did not see that Ali twist coming. I was like wait what?

Wow, thank you. I needed it. AI editing was a little obvious in some places, but it did not detract from the story too much. Just don’t let it steal your unique voice. Well done

[Fantasia Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨ now yall know how I feel about a secret baby. Because why you hiding that man baby! But anyway, as always, this was a great read. A Blossom does a great job at pulling emotion from both characters. Even her side characters are always a good time. Little Dakoda and his dinosaurs were definitely stars of the show and I can’t forget about Ali.


Huge shout out to A Blossom for the ARC.

[Mia L Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the Knockout

This was really. At first, I was thinking that Lyrius was an undercover agent, and I was like oh no because K.O. really loves her. Then, I found out that she is a scam artist. Now K.O. is fighting for his life, and she is running away to save hers.

Five years later and a hurricane leads her back to the place she ran from. Not only is she back, but she also has a secret. This is a great story about redemption and second chances.

[Shanae · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the second chance romance trope is one of my least favorites, I absolutely love sports romances. My preference outweighed it all when I decided to pick up After the Knockout by A. Blossom. The story is well written with diverse, complex characters. Despite it's slower pace, the story is engaging from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Spice rating: 3/5

Content warnings: Explicit sexual content, murder, violence, child neglect

[Cie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

10’s 10’s 10’s

I just love a “Love Conquers All” story and this exactly what this book was. I must say in the beginning Lyrius highly pissed me off, but as the book continued I was able to understand her character more, and she wasn’t so bad. Dakota Knox😍😍😍was EVERYTHING‼️ I loved his strength, resilience, and maturity. He’s definitely who he thinks he is. All in all I’d read this book again😁