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bekacrook's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Last book in the series and as with the other books, I have to pretend the characters are younger than they are because they have no reason to act the way they are in their like 40s.
Dramatic, mystery subplot which I enjoyed, it tied together some of the details in the last two books. I really liked that we saw inside Lucian's head, he'd been the hardest to read and it was interesting to see how he viewed the world, to learn about his shared history with Sloane and see why he was the way he was. He had a super sad back story, a lot of trauma he was struggling to deal with and I liked the inclusion of him going to therapy but it being shown that it's not an instant fix.
Sloane was feisty and protective and straight talking. I liked how much she cared for those around her and her community but that she wasn't a pushover. She didn't just give in and let Lucian walk all over her.
They traded some great insults between them and their dynamic was interesting, not the healthiest but interesting. It felt like everything got tied up super neatly and quickly and that Lucian had a complete 180 in his views and behaviour due to one experience which I found to be slightly jarring just because of how quick it was.
It had a happy ending which is always a bonus, and that was expanded on in the two epilogues.
Oh, and there's a lot of talk about biological clocks ticking, eggs drying, worrying about potential infertility and running out of time which felt a bit heavy-handed.
Dramatic, mystery subplot which I enjoyed, it tied together some of the details in the last two books. I really liked that we saw inside Lucian's head, he'd been the hardest to read and it was interesting to see how he viewed the world, to learn about his shared history with Sloane and see why he was the way he was. He had a super sad back story, a lot of trauma he was struggling to deal with and I liked the inclusion of him going to therapy but it being shown that it's not an instant fix.
Sloane was feisty and protective and straight talking. I liked how much she cared for those around her and her community but that she wasn't a pushover. She didn't just give in and let Lucian walk all over her.
They traded some great insults between them and their dynamic was interesting, not the healthiest but interesting. It felt like everything got tied up super neatly and quickly and that Lucian had a complete 180 in his views and behaviour due to one experience which I found to be slightly jarring just because of how quick it was.
It had a happy ending which is always a bonus, and that was expanded on in the two epilogues.
Oh, and there's a lot of talk about biological clocks ticking, eggs drying, worrying about potential infertility and running out of time which felt a bit heavy-handed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Grief, Infertility, and Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer
beckyyreadss's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I wanted to read this book because I loved the first book and the second book, and I knew this book was going to be as good. After this book, my thoughts still stand on wanting to move to Knockemout and get me a friend within that friendship group – hell, I'll be the assistant.
This book has two points of view. The first is Lucian Rollins. We met him in the first book, and he was seen as a lean, mean vengeance-seeking mogul. He is on a quest to erase his father’s mark on the family name, he spends every waking minute pulling strings and building an indestructible empire. The more money and power he amasses, the safer he is from threats. Except when it comes to the small-town librarian and neighbour that keeps him up at night. The second point of view is Sloane Walton. She is a spitfire, and she is determined to carry on her father’s quest for justice. She'll do that just as she figures out exactly what the man she hates did for her family. With the father passing, she is wanting to settle down and find a life partner that can give her great sex and be a good father to their future children, unfortunately all she can think about was how her friendship ended with her next-door neighbour. They are both bonded by an old dark secret from the past and the dislike they now share for each other. Sloane trusts Lucian about as far as she can throw his designer-suited body. When bickering turned to foreplay, these two find themselves not quite regretting their hot and sexy one-night stand. But once they flames are lit, it seems impossible to put them out. Lucian knows Sloane wants to settle down, but he isn’t even considering the idea of marriage, so that leaves these enemies-to-lovers at an impasse. Lucian believes that broken men break women because that was what he witnessed, and he isn’t taking that chance with Sloane. He would rather live a life of solitude than put her in danger. But he learns the hard way that leaving her means leaving her unprotected from other threats. It's the second time he’s ruthlessly cut her out of his life. There is no way that Sloane is going to give him a third chance. He's just going to have to make one for himself.
I have been waiting for this book since we first met Lucien and Sloane in the first book. It has got all my favourite things that I love in books – Grumpy x Sunshine Trope, touch her and die trope, everyone but her trope, dual POV and a broken sexy man. I still love this friendship; I want one of these men. I thought I was going to struggle because I love Knox and still do and he still my favourite – but Lucien and Nash are both a close favourite, but I loved how Lucien was so protective and worshipping the ground that Sloane walks on. I love that Lucy manages to discuss difficult conversations such as PTSD and abusive parents. I love Sloane and I wanted to hug her, and I love how much she was ready to kick anyone’s ass who was a dick to Lucien after what he went through. The action in this book kept me on my toes.
I cannot fault anything about this book or series. It has been stuck in my brain since I started reading the first book and patiently waiting for book two and three. I was thinking about it during work, driving home, watching TV. I made the mistake with reading these books is that I wanted more and more and wanted to savour it. I didn’t want to make the same mistake and I keep reading them in three or four days because I love this town and these characters.
I am so sad this series is over, and all of these books could be 10000 pages long and I would still want more. I will forever adore this series and I will reread this series for the rest of my life and still not be bored of it. I am still hoping there will be a book for Stef and Jeremiah and maybe Waylay in five years or the kids of the friendship group when they are all grown up and trying to figure themselves out.
I cannot wait for what Lucy writes next and in the meantime, I'm going to be reading more of her old books and series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Gun violence, and Alcoholism
Minor: Cancer, Murder, and Pregnancy
sdupont's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I just knew that Sloane and Lucian were going to be my favorite couple in this series and this book did not disappoint! It was so fun being able to see their relationship evolve throughout the book. The flashbacks really added depth to the characters journeys. Sloane and Lucian have red hot chemistry. This was a well thought out childhood friends to enemies to friends with benefits to lovers story. The arc of Lucian was truly *chef’s kiss* He is a mix of broody protective and secretly sweet and caring. The continuation of the plot surrounding the crime boss added an element of suspense that had you turning the page for more. I will say this book had no business being this long! While I enjoyed the story it could have been edited down from the almost 600 pages. Despite that I did enjoy this book and would recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Grief, Alcoholism, and Death of parent
Minor: Cancer, Murder, Pregnancy, Infertility, and Blood
chrissandrapherlv's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Gun violence, Police brutality, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Pregnancy
zoevjester's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was so excited for Sloane and Lucian's story, with so much tension and back story between then shown in the previous two books, I was so interested to know their past and where their book would go.
I whole-heartedly believe their story, their romance and their past trauma and trust issues. They both hurt each other and they emotionally have their journey together throughout the book - it's not rushed, it's not forced, it's very layered and detailed and it all makes sense to me.
Their love story? It went neighbours-childhood friends-bestfriends-enemies-archenemies-nemesis-enemies-neighbours-friends-lovers and it was delicious!
The only thing that was a let down for me was the main plot thread of Anthony Hugo. I thought it would be more threatening, more tension, more compelling, but you meet him and then two chapters later it's all wrapped. I would have enjoyed seeing that thread through for another 100 pages or so, so it felt fleshed out and a solid send off, but that might be just my opinion.
Overall, really enjoyed this whole series. It's very rereadable and I'll find physical copies down the line. I love the Knockemout trilogy. Well done, Lucy Score.
I whole-heartedly believe their story, their romance and their past trauma and trust issues. They both hurt each other and they emotionally have their journey together throughout the book - it's not rushed, it's not forced, it's very layered and detailed and it all makes sense to me.
Their love story? It went neighbours-childhood friends-bestfriends-enemies-archenemies-nemesis-enemies-neighbours-friends-lovers and it was delicious!
The only thing that was a let down for me was the main plot thread of Anthony Hugo. I thought it would be more threatening, more tension, more compelling,
Overall, really enjoyed this whole series. It's very rereadable and I'll find physical copies down the line. I love the Knockemout trilogy. Well done, Lucy Score.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Alcohol, Death, Addiction, and Physical abuse
Minor: Gun violence, Murder, Blood, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Cancer, Injury/Injury detail, Animal death, and Medical content
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