The Knockout Rule

Wonderful Story & Listen🎧 Gripping & Heartwarming! Wow, I loved everything about this book, from Kelly Siskind’s wonderful writing style to the fabulous characters and storylines she created to the perfectly cast narrator who brings it all to life from the pages to the ears. This is my second book from this author and the fourth of her “Showman” series and it stands completely on its own, characters from earlier books are cameo’d or mentioned but it is perfectly fine if you are meeting them for the first time here, everything you need to know about them is in the details. The Knockout Rule is a fabulous slow burn sports romance novel that contains a whole lot of heart. The story swept me in right from the start, grabbing not only my attention but it tugged on my heartstrings too. Isla Slade’s father is a boxing legend, but growing up watching him take punch after punch and sustain some serious injuries from those punches broke parts of her. He constantly promised this would be his last fight, but he always had one more and now he is suffering the consequences from too many blows to the head. Isla studied sports medicine and works as a physiotherapist, helping athletes recover from the stress they put on their bodies and injuries. She has a hatred for boxing, so she branched out and starts her own business so she can choose what clients to take in. Amid setting up this business, her father asks for a huge favor, to accompany him to Vegas where he will coach an upcoming boxer for the fight of a lifetime and he wants her to be his physiotherapists. Because her father has done so much for her, she can not say no. Her father, thinking she uses a dating app to meet people, tries to meddle in her dating life by mentioning to his boxer’s manager, Preston Church, that he should ask her out. Preston is sweet and a little on the flashy side but it is not him who gets under her skin starting from when they first meet, but Eric “Brick” Kramarov sure manages to. She goes in thinking he is the typical meathead boxer and misjudges him, but he sets her straight in the best way he knows, linguistically. I adored Eric, he has a heart of gold, caring for his family and putting others before himself. The more Isla learns about him to the more she likes him, the same goes for him, but he knows she does not want another boxer in her life. But if he can’t have her, he still wants to see her happy and when Preston asks for help, he does so Cyrano de Bergerac style. I loved how everything played out in this book, the story is perfectly balance with drama, a touch of angst, humor, smart and witty dialogue and a slow burn and meaningful romance. The author does a wonderful job incorporating and shedding light on serious subject, mental health, sport injuries and mental health, doing is in a moving way and without bringing the story down. Kelly Siskind, thank you for this wonderfully heartwarming story & emotional rollercoaster ride! 🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Kimberly M. Wetherell continues to deliver an outstanding performance as she brings these characters and their story to life. She has a complete understanding of the characters she portrays, gives each a voice that fits the character’s persona to a tee, sounding believable and just as I pictured the characters to sound. She sets the perfect tone for the story, captures the characters’ emotions and projects them into her performance. Ms. Wetherell is a versatile voice artist and her narration enhances an already amazing story to another level. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen. #TheKnockoutRule #NetGalley

Loved Isla and Brick's romance! This slow-burn romance had some really heartfelt moments that took me by surprise. The last thing Isla wants to do is fall in love with a boxer after dealing with her father's boxing career and the long-term health implications of his chosen career. So when her father asks her to work as a physiotherapist for the boxer he is training, she's determined to harden his heart. But Brick is so much more than the showy persona that she thinks is the real him. It takes a lot for him to get past her walls and for her to open not only her mind to his friendship, but her heart to him as well. I love how complex these two characters were, and that they really took the time to get to know each other and develop a true, but complicated friendship. Narration of the audio by Kimberly Wetherell captured Isla's vulnerability and inner turmoil, as well as Brick's frustration with his public persona and the pressures of his family life.

This is the fourth book in the Showmen series. Isla and Preston's story is beautifully written, emotional, and heartwarming, filled with drama, and romance. They are both interesting characters. Isla is caring and supportive. Preston is handsome, and devoted to his family. I liked their slow-burn romance. Kimberly M. Wetherell did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed it. I love this series.