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Tapped Out #4
Knockout: MMA Romance
She’s forbidden to me…and so is he. Too bad I want them both.
MMA fighters are supposed to leave it all in the ring. But I have a secret. Two secrets, actually.
Secret #1: I can’t deny the simmering attraction I feel toward Lily, the sweetly innocent daughter of an overprotective cop who is like a second father to me. And Lily’s friend JC? Freaking A, he's hot. He also just happens to be renovating the gym I train at and is always walking around shirtless and sweaty.
Secret #2: I love women. I love men just as much. Once I get an unforgettable taste of both Lily and JC, I'm addicted. One night turns into more, and soon I'm ready to walk away from everything just so I don't have to give up either of them.
Now with all of my secrets coming to a head, the only question left is how much I'm willing to lose.
Author’s note: Lots of boy-on-boy—and boy-on-girl—touching ahead. Knockout is book 4 in the Tapped Out MMA series and is a short novel with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhanger. Previously released by Cari Quinn in the Hunks, Hammers and HEAs anthology in 2015.
MMA fighters are supposed to leave it all in the ring. But I have a secret. Two secrets, actually.
Secret #1: I can’t deny the simmering attraction I feel toward Lily, the sweetly innocent daughter of an overprotective cop who is like a second father to me. And Lily’s friend JC? Freaking A, he's hot. He also just happens to be renovating the gym I train at and is always walking around shirtless and sweaty.
Secret #2: I love women. I love men just as much. Once I get an unforgettable taste of both Lily and JC, I'm addicted. One night turns into more, and soon I'm ready to walk away from everything just so I don't have to give up either of them.
Now with all of my secrets coming to a head, the only question left is how much I'm willing to lose.
Author’s note: Lots of boy-on-boy—and boy-on-girl—touching ahead. Knockout is book 4 in the Tapped Out MMA series and is a short novel with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhanger. Previously released by Cari Quinn in the Hunks, Hammers and HEAs anthology in 2015.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
33 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Cari Quinn
124 books2,152 followersUSA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn grew up wanting to be a singer more than anything else. When she realized she probably wouldn’t be hired as the opening act for the Foo Fighters, she stopped singing and started writing. Now she happily writes about rock stars, MMA fighters, suited heroes, bodyguards and everything in between. And she blasts her music as loud as the neighbors can stand, because hey, she’ll always be a rock star in her own head.
She's also half of the duo Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott, as well as one half of the USA Today bestselling author Taryn Quinn, who writes steamy small town romantic comedies (among other things.)
Visit Cari at www.quinnandelliott.com to sign up for her newsletter and visit the Word Wenches on Facebook, her fun, sexy reader group with Taryn Elliott! https://www.facebook.com/groups/34642...
She's also half of the duo Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott, as well as one half of the USA Today bestselling author Taryn Quinn, who writes steamy small town romantic comedies (among other things.)
Visit Cari at www.quinnandelliott.com to sign up for her newsletter and visit the Word Wenches on Facebook, her fun, sexy reader group with Taryn Elliott! https://www.facebook.com/groups/34642...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 18, 2021
Grab something cold to drink before you start this one because it is H-O-T! Emerson and JC are both attracted to each other and even though Lily and JC are friends that quickly turns to more when Lily shows an interest in Emerson. This book was just pure fun to read and didn't seem to have the under tones of the other books, just the heat and was just what I needed.
**Received this ARC for review**
**Received this ARC for review**
June 18, 2021
Universal
Emerson knows Lily is off-limits, but he's been in love with her for so long and he'll never act upon those feelings. Or???
Then there's JC. Emerson's having an equally hard time coming to grips with his feelings for JC. On one hand, he's jealous of JC's relationship with Lily. On the other, he's finding he's just as attracted to JC as he is to Lily, who's friends with both of them. But he'll never act upon those feelings either, because an MMA fighter who's not 100% hetero is not happening. Or is it?
Whew, this is one hot, slightly angsty threesome here! Emerson and Lily had long ago bonded over losing a parent, and having been in each other's lives for so many years. Then there was poor JC who, though he came from a wealthy family, they weren't half the family to him that Lily's dad was to both Lily and Em. So many intense emotions and none of them could reconcile them until later in the story. But I loved reading every word - the heightened feelings, the serious steam, and the sweet ending. I've loved this series so far, I hope it continues forever!
ARC via authors for an honest review.
Series graphics via Cari's Facebook page.
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June 15, 2021
Knockout is the latest contribution in the Tapped Out series which begins with Shadowboxer. While there are light references to characters from previous stories in this series, you by no means have to read any other story to be sucked into this underground MMA world based in New York. In fact MMA is simply in the background and it is the characters and their life experiences that is forefront in this installation. You are introduced to Emerson, who lost his father as a child, Lily who lost her mother as a child and JC who despite coming from a family of money and has both parents living, might as well have lost them both because of their neglect. This is a wonderful story of two young children that grow up together yet unknown to each other fall in love, but hide their feelings because of loyalties and sense of family. Along the way a third person enters their orbit and slowly engrains himself in the lives of Lily, by being a best friend, and Emerson, through a sense of jealousy towards his relationship with the woman he secrectly loves and an attraction to the man he struggles with. I enjoy how the characters hide their attraction, lust and love for each other as they work through their issues trying to make sense of it all. And when they do come together it is explosive sex! One of the things I absolutely love about Cari Quinn is she doesn’t make you wait forever for the sexy parts, yet she can give you several life times of background and develop her characters so quickly that the sex, love and lust seem so natural. The other thing I love about Cari Quinn is she gives you lots of excellent, well-written sex scenes. There is no waiting 75% of the story for the one big hook up, then slam into the happily ever after. Ms. Quinn gets you there quickly, then deals with the aftermath and resulting feelings and conflict before you get the HEA. Each book in this series keeps getting better and better!
June 23, 2021
Knockout is a quirky fun; hot as mid summer in Texas, these three bring everything to the mat. I read from cover to cover none stop.
Emerson is a sweet shy guy, that is able to hold his own in the ring. The question is can he hold his own when his heart comes in play double time? Emerson’s past has been anything but easy, that was until Lance Matthews took him in and raised him, now Emerson was about to test their relationship.
Lily is a fun, sexy ball of energy that has no off switch. She knows what and who she wants and nothing was going to stop her from getting them both. Lily had me smiling and tearing up so many times through Knockout, her love for her parents.
JC is a ham, a very hot sexy ham at that. JC comes from wealth even though he doesn’t flaunt it. JC loves working with his hands as a skilled craftsmen, but given the chance JC is willing to take a chance at showing that his hands are good at something all together.
Knockout is about three people who have discovered what their deepest desires are, and weather to act on them. Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott give us an amazingly lovely thoughtful moments, with heart, fun and sizzling passion.
Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb!
Emerson is a sweet shy guy, that is able to hold his own in the ring. The question is can he hold his own when his heart comes in play double time? Emerson’s past has been anything but easy, that was until Lance Matthews took him in and raised him, now Emerson was about to test their relationship.
Lily is a fun, sexy ball of energy that has no off switch. She knows what and who she wants and nothing was going to stop her from getting them both. Lily had me smiling and tearing up so many times through Knockout, her love for her parents.
JC is a ham, a very hot sexy ham at that. JC comes from wealth even though he doesn’t flaunt it. JC loves working with his hands as a skilled craftsmen, but given the chance JC is willing to take a chance at showing that his hands are good at something all together.
Knockout is about three people who have discovered what their deepest desires are, and weather to act on them. Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott give us an amazingly lovely thoughtful moments, with heart, fun and sizzling passion.
Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb!
June 28, 2021
WOW! What a way to end a series! This final book in the Tapped Out Series was a quick read, but VERY rememberable. It does not focus on the main characters that were in the earlier books, but people associated with the Gym The Cage.
Lili and Emerson have been friends forever. Lily's dad kind of adopted him after his father was murdered and got him into fighting so he could protect himself as he was always getting beat up on. Years later Emerson is now a top ranked MMA fighter.
JC is a contractor working at The Cage in their expansion project. The place is getting so popular they had to enlarge the building. JC is also a very close friend to Lilly and friends with Emerson.
So Lilly has been in love with Emerson for years and also JC. Emerson has loved Lilly forever and has been crushing on JC as he is Bi-sexual. JC has wanted the both of them forever and came up with a clever little scheme to get them all together and on the same page, and the same BED!
Awesome menage' story with crazy bedroom, living room, shower, antics!!!!!
Lili and Emerson have been friends forever. Lily's dad kind of adopted him after his father was murdered and got him into fighting so he could protect himself as he was always getting beat up on. Years later Emerson is now a top ranked MMA fighter.
JC is a contractor working at The Cage in their expansion project. The place is getting so popular they had to enlarge the building. JC is also a very close friend to Lilly and friends with Emerson.
So Lilly has been in love with Emerson for years and also JC. Emerson has loved Lilly forever and has been crushing on JC as he is Bi-sexual. JC has wanted the both of them forever and came up with a clever little scheme to get them all together and on the same page, and the same BED!
Awesome menage' story with crazy bedroom, living room, shower, antics!!!!!
June 13, 2021
Emerson is Lily’s best friend and protector. It’s been that way for years. But the last few years she has also become the woman he thinks he doesn’t deserve. JC is also her best friend and she can’t decide why both men are what she wants as a forever. Emerson can’t stand JC or so it seems. JC wants both of them too but has to plough through the walls they have built over the years. I really loved this one. Emerson is really complex as to why his walls are as high as they are. He feels he doesn’t deserve either of them and holds them at arms length. JC barrels into both their hearts by putting himself on the line. Lily is the so assumed innocent of the group but she surprises them at every turn. Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliot know how to write triads so well and I always love where they take me on those journeys.
July 14, 2021
Knockout is the 4th book in Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott's Tapped Out series. It doesn't follow the main characters of the other books but is about some side characters. This menage, best-friends-to-lovers story is short but it's one helluva hot one!!!
In Knockout, we get Emerson (the hunky MMA fighter), JC (the hunky construction worker), and Lily, the beautiful best friend they both secretly love. This is a super steamy M/M/F story that will keep you wanting more. Get ready because your Kindle will most definitely overheat! What happens when you are in love with your best friend but are afraid to tell the person for fear of losing them? Would you take that risk to fulfill your wildest fantasies? Is it worth taking that leap? Emerson, JC and Lily explore this and more in Knockout. It's a hot, fun, and very satisfying read that you don't want to miss! 5 stars
In Knockout, we get Emerson (the hunky MMA fighter), JC (the hunky construction worker), and Lily, the beautiful best friend they both secretly love. This is a super steamy M/M/F story that will keep you wanting more. Get ready because your Kindle will most definitely overheat! What happens when you are in love with your best friend but are afraid to tell the person for fear of losing them? Would you take that risk to fulfill your wildest fantasies? Is it worth taking that leap? Emerson, JC and Lily explore this and more in Knockout. It's a hot, fun, and very satisfying read that you don't want to miss! 5 stars
June 10, 2021
Emerson, Lily, & JC
Dual POV. Book 4 in the Tapped Out series. This is an edited re-release in this author duo's incredible body of work. It was originally written and published solely by Cari Quinn.
Here is the proper reading order of the Tapped Out series:
book 1: 'Shadowboxer' (Tray & Mia)
☆bonus 1: 'Takedown' (Liam & Abby)
☆bonus 2: 'Body Shot' (Carly & Giovanni)
book 2: 'Sneak Attack' (Tray & Mia, #2)
book 3: 'On The Ropes' (Giovanni & Carly)
book 4: 'Knockout' (Emerson, Lily & JC)
Emerson, Lily, & JC heat up the pages. Emerson is an MMA fighter who has to fight more than just his opponent until he can't fight his feelings anymore.
Warning: This is a book about a romance within the illegal underground world of MMA fighting. JP
Dual POV. Book 4 in the Tapped Out series. This is an edited re-release in this author duo's incredible body of work. It was originally written and published solely by Cari Quinn.
Here is the proper reading order of the Tapped Out series:
book 1: 'Shadowboxer' (Tray & Mia)
☆bonus 1: 'Takedown' (Liam & Abby)
☆bonus 2: 'Body Shot' (Carly & Giovanni)
book 2: 'Sneak Attack' (Tray & Mia, #2)
book 3: 'On The Ropes' (Giovanni & Carly)
book 4: 'Knockout' (Emerson, Lily & JC)
Emerson, Lily, & JC heat up the pages. Emerson is an MMA fighter who has to fight more than just his opponent until he can't fight his feelings anymore.
Warning: This is a book about a romance within the illegal underground world of MMA fighting. JP
June 11, 2021
In this one we get Emerson, Lily, and JC's story, so be warned that this is a menage. So if you don't like menage romances, this won't be for you! I, personally, find them hot! And this story was no different in that way! Emerson is the tie in to the other books as he is an MMA fighter who trains at the same gym as Fox and Gio. Lily works for the gym as well and JC is a contractor who is there to redo parts of the gym. This one is novella length, and I really wish it was longer as there was so much more that could have been told with their story. But it was still good, just not as good as Carly's story in my opinion. Honestly, for me not being sure about this series at all, I really liked all the stories and have definitely added them to my reread list!
June 16, 2021
The finally book in this series. This follows Emerson, who you've met in previous books, Lily the Cage receptionist, and JC the contractor.
We learn early on the Emerson and Lily are best friends. Lily is also friends with JC.
We also least that JC and Emerson are bi and have been with other men
This trio makes a great throple. The book is told in each POV.
You'll be surprised at how not innocent Lily can be when she realizes she wants something or someone.
Emerson had built very high walls around himself. He believes he is not worthy of either Lily or JC. But why?
JC wants both and he decides to barrel into their lives and see where this can go.
You'll enjoy this friends to lover story.
I am leaving an honest voluntary review.
We learn early on the Emerson and Lily are best friends. Lily is also friends with JC.
We also least that JC and Emerson are bi and have been with other men
This trio makes a great throple. The book is told in each POV.
You'll be surprised at how not innocent Lily can be when she realizes she wants something or someone.
Emerson had built very high walls around himself. He believes he is not worthy of either Lily or JC. But why?
JC wants both and he decides to barrel into their lives and see where this can go.
You'll enjoy this friends to lover story.
I am leaving an honest voluntary review.
June 16, 2021
Previously released by Cari Quinn as part of the Hunks, Hammers, and HEAs anthology in 2015, Knockout is an MFM romance and a relatively quick read. This is also part of the Tapped Out series and has been released with the addition of Taryn Elliott's name.
Emerson Knapp has a thing for Lily Matthews...and JC O'Connor. These three together truly captured my attention and my heart. I'm a sucker for a good back story, and Emerson, Lily, and JC had that down pat. The sex is hot between the three of them, but this is more than just a story about lust. There's a lot of love to go around, and I enjoyed seeing them come into their own as a throuple. Five stars for Knockout!
Emerson Knapp has a thing for Lily Matthews...and JC O'Connor. These three together truly captured my attention and my heart. I'm a sucker for a good back story, and Emerson, Lily, and JC had that down pat. The sex is hot between the three of them, but this is more than just a story about lust. There's a lot of love to go around, and I enjoyed seeing them come into their own as a throuple. Five stars for Knockout!
June 8, 2021
Set in the MMA world Emerson is an upcoming MMA fighter that we met in the other books, he works out and trains in the gym with Fox and Gio. Lily is a receptionist for the gym. and JC is a contractor. Emerson and Lily have known each other for years after her father took Emerson in after his father died. There has been an attraction between them for a while but no acting on it. JC's been working remodeling the gym and with his attraction to them, things get hot and sexy very quickly. This is a short novella with a lot of both m/m and m/m/f sex.
June 19, 2021
This menage was super steamy! Emerson was taken in by Lily's dad to when Emerson's dad was killed. He's been Lily's protector forever. Lily works at the gym that Emerson trains at. JC is a contractor that works at the same gym. While each of them have secretly lusted over each other, no one made a move until JC invites Emerson and Lily over to a house warming party. When they arrive, they find out that they're the only ones there and JC makes his move. The three of them together are hot and this was a fun steamy read!
June 21, 2021
Unlike the other books in the Tapped Out series, this one has a different feel. The writing is good and hot but there isn't a lot to the story other than about the relationship that develops between longtime friends Emerson and Lily with the new addition of her friend JC. I am the type of reader that requires a bit of grittiness in their stories so I recommend reading this and seeing if it is right for your tastes. Knockout was told from multiple POV and this YA/NA menage story is steamy and then some!
June 11, 2021
Knockout is book four in the Tapped Out series. While the books have been released and lightly updated, this is one that I haven't read but wanted to for so long. This is one of my favorite series but somehow I never got around to reading this one until now. It's everything you can expect from this writing duo. I loved KC, Emerson, and Lily so much. They are everything this series needed to bring it together.
June 12, 2021
Great read
Lily works in the gym and Emerson is a MMA fighter that trains at the gym that also is friend that is more like family to lily he looks out for her, but is there underlying feelings there? JC is another friend that is doing work around the gym who also has feelings for Lily and Emerson. Once the three friends start hanging around after hours can the feelings be explored? Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott brings the heat in this one. Rereading this series was so great.
Lily works in the gym and Emerson is a MMA fighter that trains at the gym that also is friend that is more like family to lily he looks out for her, but is there underlying feelings there? JC is another friend that is doing work around the gym who also has feelings for Lily and Emerson. Once the three friends start hanging around after hours can the feelings be explored? Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott brings the heat in this one. Rereading this series was so great.
June 19, 2021
Interesting
Individually, I liked Emerson, Lily, and JC. I just don't know what to think of them together as a threesome. Even though the book was steamy all throughout, I couldn't feel a connection to them. Both Lily and Emerson emerged from tragic childhoods and that got to me. Maybe if the book had been longer, then I might have liked it better. This book was sent to me by the authors for an honest review
Individually, I liked Emerson, Lily, and JC. I just don't know what to think of them together as a threesome. Even though the book was steamy all throughout, I couldn't feel a connection to them. Both Lily and Emerson emerged from tragic childhoods and that got to me. Maybe if the book had been longer, then I might have liked it better. This book was sent to me by the authors for an honest review
June 20, 2021
Lily and Emerson are best friends since their childhood, he ended up becoming her protector, just like her father.
But Lily also has another best friend, JC, when the three of them are together there are sparks, but they don't understand it was attraction, when they find themselves alone in JC's new house it is hot, fire.
A good book, a hot couple/triad but I want more for the others characters from the series.
But Lily also has another best friend, JC, when the three of them are together there are sparks, but they don't understand it was attraction, when they find themselves alone in JC's new house it is hot, fire.
A good book, a hot couple/triad but I want more for the others characters from the series.
June 21, 2021
Emerson, Lily and JC have been friends for ever! Emerson and Lily practically grew up together and helped each other through tragedy. JC came along and just seemed to click with Lily, much to Emerson's annoyance.
The beginnings of a triad relationship can be overwhelming, but especially so when not everyone is talking.
The Tapped Out series is one incredible series! The flow from one to the next, the connection between the characters and the MMA create an exciting and action packed read.
The beginnings of a triad relationship can be overwhelming, but especially so when not everyone is talking.
The Tapped Out series is one incredible series! The flow from one to the next, the connection between the characters and the MMA create an exciting and action packed read.
June 25, 2021
I received a free copy of this book.
Contains MFM and MMF (yummy!). They’ve all been in love with each other, but never said anything due to their friendships and protective natures. My heart just broke for Emerson in the club scene. JC’s heart is in the right place, but his technique left much to be desired. And Lily has to figure out the fix. At different points very sweet and very steamy.
Contains MFM and MMF (yummy!). They’ve all been in love with each other, but never said anything due to their friendships and protective natures. My heart just broke for Emerson in the club scene. JC’s heart is in the right place, but his technique left much to be desired. And Lily has to figure out the fix. At different points very sweet and very steamy.
June 15, 2021
This is another book set in the MMA world and connects some of the supporting characters to the main characters. This is a really hot menage story with Emerson who is an up and coming MMA fighter that trains with Gio and Trey. Lilly is the receptionist at the gym and JC is a contractor. Things heat up and right away you are swept away in their story.
June 15, 2021
This book is part of a series, but in no way do you need to read the previous books, it stands alone just fine.
A very hot ménage romance. A friends to lovers storyline. I really enjoyed the very different personalities of each of the 3 main characters. Each has their own feelings and thoughts and the author does a great job at conveying those throughout the book.
A very hot ménage romance. A friends to lovers storyline. I really enjoyed the very different personalities of each of the 3 main characters. Each has their own feelings and thoughts and the author does a great job at conveying those throughout the book.
June 18, 2021
So good!!!!
Oh my!! Not only is Knockout a MMA romance, it's a MMF romance and it is hot AF *fans self*. Of course this being a Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott book, it's more than that. It's emotions on steroids!! This is the story of three besties....Emerson, JC and lily, and their mutual, growing attraction they have for each other. It's a quick read but OMG is it so good!!!
Oh my!! Not only is Knockout a MMA romance, it's a MMF romance and it is hot AF *fans self*. Of course this being a Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott book, it's more than that. It's emotions on steroids!! This is the story of three besties....Emerson, JC and lily, and their mutual, growing attraction they have for each other. It's a quick read but OMG is it so good!!!
June 19, 2021
LOVED this! I loved the connection between the characters, JC, Lily and Emerson. The long friendships, the hidden feelings, that strong pull that they have towards each other. I was completely pulled in, flipping pages and enjoying every second!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 20, 2021
Wowwzza this is hot hot hot!
Emerson is best friends with Lily. And they are both friends with JC and together the three of them explore the wilds of their imaginations together. Forbidden, but will they succumb to their desires for each other. The chemistry is earth shattering and so sexy that you are drawn to them instantly. Brilliant just brilliant! This series is a 10!
Emerson is best friends with Lily. And they are both friends with JC and together the three of them explore the wilds of their imaginations together. Forbidden, but will they succumb to their desires for each other. The chemistry is earth shattering and so sexy that you are drawn to them instantly. Brilliant just brilliant! This series is a 10!
June 30, 2021
So hot.
Great characters. The banter between then was fun and sexy.
Plot was great
I wanted one more scene of the 3 of them together. *wink
HEA.
Characters = 4/5
Plot = 4/5
Romance = 5/5
Mystery = 0/5
Action = 1/5
Darkness = 0/5
Humor = 0/5
Stars = 4 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes
Great characters. The banter between then was fun and sexy.
Plot was great
I wanted one more scene of the 3 of them together. *wink
HEA.
Characters = 4/5
Plot = 4/5
Romance = 5/5
Mystery = 0/5
Action = 1/5
Darkness = 0/5
Humor = 0/5
Stars = 4 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes
June 11, 2021
This is an edited re-release to a amazing series. The story was good...the characters were phenomenal. This book was raw, emotional and heart pounding.I thoroughly enjoyed the book, the storyline is fun to read and I really didn't want it to end.
June 12, 2021
Knockout is the final book in the Tapped Out series. This book is a ménage. We get the story of Emerson, Lily, and JC story. This book will light your panties on fire this is how hot this book is. A must read!
June 16, 2021
This is the final book in the Tapped Out Series. It's a a friends to lover menage romance set in the MMA world. There are a few references to the MMA scene, but the book concentrates on the romance between Lily, Emerson & JC. It was a short steamy read.
June 17, 2021
Knockout is the final book in the series. This is Emerson, Lily and JC. They all have ties with a gym that trains MMA fighters. These three are all best friends and all have feeling for each other. This is a hot book and a must read . I absolutely loved this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews