City Threads - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$4.99 with 67 percent savings
Print List Price: $14.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Bella Matthews
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Knockout (Playing To Win Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Bella Matthews (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 5,320 ratings
** NOW AN AMAZON TOP 8 BEST SELLER**

From USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author Bella Matthews comes a hot new hockey romance between a broken ballerina and the forbidden bad boy who saves her.

We all have dirty secrets. Some are just more fun to hide than others.

Ares Wilder is a so-called bad boy. A ladies man. The teammate most likely to fight both on and off the ice. And now this devastatingly dark and handsome hockey player with a sinful smile and a filthy mouth is my twin sister’s new brother-in-law, landing him firmly in the forbidden category.

Only he doesn’t see it that way.

Resisting him should be no big deal, right?
At least that’s what I thought…

Until one night, he manages to look past the illusion I’d spent a lifetime perfecting and see the broken girl behind the pink satin pointe shoes.

We were the perfect storm I never wanted to escape.
But with secrets piling up and my world crashing down, will Ares be one more thing I destroy?
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 3 of 4
    Playing To Win
  2. Print length
    274 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 11, 2024
  6. File size
    3.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 4 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  5. Broken King (Restless Kings)
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  10. Fallen King (Restless Kings)
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  25. Just This Once (The Kings)
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  26. Empty Net (Seattle Serpents)
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
Next page
Loading...
Popular Highlights in this book
What are popular highlights?
Previous page
  1. “You’re going, and you’re going to be amazing, Grace. And when you’re ready, we’re going to be everything.”
    Highlighted by 647 Kindle readers
  2. “How can you be so sure?” she whispers in the dark room, and a chill snakes down my spine. “Because the first time I met you, I knew you were mine.”
    Highlighted by 576 Kindle readers
  3. “Oh, baby . . . Don’t doubt for one single minute that you haven’t been mine since the snowstorm.”
    Highlighted by 567 Kindle readers
Next page

From the Publisher

Bella Matthews USA Today bestselling author a hot hockey romance between a good girl and bad boy
hockey player and ballerina, forced proximity, he falls first, girl tribe, romance tropes hockey

knockout spicy romance books

playing to win series knockout spicy romance

hockey romance books romance tropes booktok

The Knockout eBook
The Knockout Traditional Paperback
The Knockout Alternate Paperback
The Keeper
Buying Options
Buying Options
Buying Options
Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars 5,320
4.5 out of 5 stars 5,320
—
4.3 out of 5 stars 11,110
Price $4.99 $14.99 — no data $0.99
Ways to enjoy The Knockout Read in Kindle Unlimited The traditional paperback edition The alternate edition with custom interior formatting Read the first in series

Editorial Reviews

Review

★★★★★ "I don't even know where to start with reviewing this book. I am so beyond obsessed with Grace and Ares that it makes me lose my train of thought. So, I'll just start by saying, if you read the Wildcat, and loved Cross Wilder, just you wait... because Ares freaking Wilder is in fact, an absolute knockout (pun intended)." - Morgan


★★★★★ "The chemistry between them sizzled off the pages!! One of my favorite things about this series is the witty banter and the tight bonds among all the characters, and all that was alive and well in this book as well! Those group texts are fictional gold!! I cannot recommend this highly enough! I'd give it all the stars if I could." - Jennifer


★★★★★ "There was so much more to Ares than I imagined, and once he knew, he knew and that was that. Man the swoon! The. Swoon! I'm head over heels for Ares Wilder! This book had me in a chokehold and I wanted to do nothing but read it!" - Rachel


★★★★★ "Wow! I thought Cross and Everly were going to be hard to top....but man, was I wrong...Ares and Grace are everything I couldn't put this book down and finished it in one sitting. Can't wait for what's coming next." - Allie


★★★★★ "I didn't think Bella could top Cross Wilder but then she gave us his brother Ares... Bella, how do you keep making your MMCs better?" - Kayla

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CCPSNPXV
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 11, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 274 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Playing To Win
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 5,320 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Bella Matthews

Bella Matthews

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Bella Matthews is a USA Today & #1 Amazon bestselling author. She is married to her very own Alpha Male and raising three little ones. You can typically find her running from one sporting event to another. When she is home, she is usually hiding in her home office with one or two of her English bulldogs by her side. She likes to write swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, smart heroines. Sarcasm is her love language and big family dynamics are her favorite finishing touch to add to each story.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
5,320 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this book gets better with each installment, with a fantastic story between Ares and Grace that's full of emotion and sweet moments. The book features wonderful characters with witty banter, and customers describe it as a perfect mix of sweet and steamy content. They appreciate the amazing couple dynamic, with one customer noting how the twin sisters fell for brothers, and they enjoy the humor throughout the book.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

57 customers mention "Readability"57 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, noting that it gets better with each book in the series and is worth the wait.

"...Overall this was a fantastic read. I love this world Bella Matthews has created and am always excited to see what she’ll think of next." Read more

"...Ares and Grace’s story was fast paced and fun. I absolutely loved how the connection between them grew over time...." Read more

"...Great read and you will not be disappointed. Let’s go to the next one, Brynn you are up. I need to know what is up with this girl...." Read more

"...Fast paced and filled with heat, Grace and Ares chemistry and easy banter are explosive and make for a suck-you-in kind of read...." Read more

54 customers mention "Story quality"54 positive0 negative

Customers love the story, particularly Ares and Grace's relationship, describing it as a great love story with spice that keeps getting better with each book.

"...It was a friends to lovers, brother’s best friend, hockey player romance with an underlying theme of growing into your own and learning to put..." Read more

"...Ares and Grace’s story was fast paced and fun. I absolutely loved how the connection between them grew over time...." Read more

"I love the way the story was told by the author. The chemistry between both was well written and to have figure it out first was a nice touch...." Read more

"...Plus the epilogue and bonus epilogue were just perfect! Tropes: -Hockey player MMC -Ballerina FMC..." Read more

28 customers mention "Heartwarming story"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the story heartwarming and full of emotion, with sweet moments throughout, particularly appreciating the couple's love for Grace.

"...Ares was a surprisingly good book boyfriend. I loved his love for Grace...." Read more

"...So glad to see Grace grow as an individual and loved their happily ever after. I’m so stoked for the final book!" Read more

"...Plus, Ares is hot, dominant and not afraid of his feelings. Grace is a ballerina who gets her dream job dancing in England...." Read more

"...He's thoughtful, kind, caring, and down so bad for her right from that first night they started really talking...." Read more

13 customers mention "Character development"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the wonderful characters and witty banter between them, with one customer highlighting the true friendship between the main characters.

"...you see not only love story building but a true friendship between these two characters...." Read more

"...Nicknames tend to be a sticking point for me but both characters nicknames are perfect and perfectly used...." Read more

"...Bella Matthews is the queen of creating complex and relatable characters. The Knockout is no exception...." Read more

"...The character dynamics are unforgettable and addicting, this group is what keeps you enthralled in this world...." Read more

13 customers mention "Sweetness"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet, with one describing it as a sexy yet sweet cake.

"...Ares is tough on the outside but sweet on the inside. Especially when it comes to Grace. He is the perfect book boyfriend...." Read more

"...This good twin story is super sweet and a must read!" Read more

"...The swoon worthy moments, the SPICE, the banter and love between all the characters is the definition of chefs kiss!..." Read more

"...comes off as all fun, but we see this guy who has so much depth and sweetness. Grace comes off as having it all, knowing exactly what she wants...." Read more

9 customers mention "Steamy content"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the steamy content of the book, with Ares being particularly hot, and one customer noting the intense chemistry between the lead characters.

"...Plus, Ares is hot, dominant and not afraid of his feelings. Grace is a ballerina who gets her dream job dancing in England...." Read more

"...This book is heart felt, loving, and steamy. I'm not giving anymore spoilers. I know if you like Bella Matthew's books you'll love this one too." Read more

"Man did I love this story. Made ares the man I thought he was. Hottest of the books yet with a great story. I loved this and the series so far!..." Read more

"...Ares is everything. He is all in, observant, caring, in love, and he is hot! Gracie is so different from what I expected...." Read more

9 customers mention "Twins"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the twin characters in the book, describing them as an amazing couple and perfect book boyfriend, with one customer noting how well they complement each other.

"...Especially when it comes to Grace. He is the perfect book boyfriend. Grace is exactly what her name says. She is graceful and caring...." Read more

"...They were so perfect and complimented each other so well...." Read more

"...I loved that twin sisters fell for brothers. Not only that but they get to raise their babies together at the same time...." Read more

"I sure love Bella’s book world and am so glad we’re getting the second generation of all the characters I’ve come to love so much...." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning both funny and sad parts, while another notes the heartbreaking moments.

"...Their story is sweet, sad, and basically just full of emotion...." Read more

"...⁣ 🔹⁣ This book made my laugh, cry, and smile! It was amazing and I can’t wait to get more of this group!..." Read more

"...Definitely heartbreaking times. I feel like this is my favorite. This series just gets better. “I thought you left,” I cry. “..." Read more

"...There is support, nosiness, humor, protectiveness and steam...." Read more

Until the End of Time!
5 out of 5 stars
Until the End of Time!
“𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐬, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬.“ Another day, another Bella Matthews book absolutely devoured and now I’m left patiently impatiently awaiting the next. “𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞.” From the moment I met Ares, I knew the god of war was going to light my fire in every way possible. But, I still was just not ready for the mouthwatering possessiveness that was this man. Plus, my kryptonite of all kryptonites: a deliciously dirty mouth. With the cherry on top: the ability to swoon me in a puddle with “mine”, “good girl”, and sweet nothings. Phew, get a fork and stick it in me because I am done. The way he saw Grace without her having to say a single word. The way he challenged her to live the life she wanted not for any other person. To say he stole my heart and soul is an understatement. They always say it’s the quiet ones to watch for, the sweet ones. Don’t let the good twin nickname fool you cause my girl Gracie was a spicy one. And if you thought you saw possessive with Ares, hmph Grace showed you she did not come to play about what’s hers. I loved getting to really know Grace and watching her embrace the life she wanted to live and pursue all the things that brought her true happiness. I always love getting to spend time with all my beloved Kings of Kroydon Hills and Kingston family and Bella made sure my heart was full on that front. The friendship that’s became a sisterhood is one of the things I live for in my books. Man, did I love every single moment of their story and like all Bella books, I couldn’t put it down. By the delectable nuggets dropped, I am itching to have that next book in my hands! I need it to be summer like yesterday. “𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞.”
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jennifer J.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ares and Grace
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was a quick read for me. It was fast paced, but had a surprisingly long timeline. It was a friends to lovers, brother’s best friend, hockey player romance with an underlying theme of growing into your own and learning to put yourself and your needs first.

    Ares was a surprisingly good book boyfriend. I loved his love for Grace. He saw what nobody else in her life did and took it upon himself to make it better. Grace had been struggling for years and found herself miserable while she achieved her highest goal. When Ares crashed into her life she had a lot to conquer within herself and he forced her to do that.

    I loved Grace’s character development. She was so conditioned to her people pleasing ways and without Ares fighting for her I’m not sure she ever would have realized how unhappy she really was.

    Declan Sinclair will always and forever be my favorite Bella Matthews hero, and he just gets better as a dad. I loved how open he was to Ares and that he was one of the first people to notice the relationship between Grace and Ares. He was every bit the protective dad you would expect, but he knew when his daughter had found her match and didn’t question it.

    The third act conflict was heartbreaking. However, I loved that the correct party did the groveling. I’ve read a lot of books where the MMC grovels for something that wasn’t his fault and that was not the case here. Grace had to figure out what she wanted and she did a great job apologizing to Ares for her role in breaking him.

    Overall this was a fantastic read. I love this world Bella Matthews has created and am always excited to see what she’ll think of next.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kristin L.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Loved Ares & Grace!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The Knockout is book #3 in the Playing to Win series. This is a sibling’s best friend, hockey romance.

    Ares and Grace’s story was fast paced and fun. I absolutely loved how the connection between them grew over time. Their chemistry was palpable and riveting. I felt it did focus more on Grace’s career than Ares’, but I don’t think it took away from the story. So glad to see Grace grow as an individual and loved their happily ever after. I’m so stoked for the final book!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • EGS
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Pairing
    Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love the way the story was told by the author. The chemistry between both was well written and to have figure it out first was a nice touch. Aries is a player but the minute he locked in with Grace, that was it for him. The “good twin” pulled him in and he never looked back. As the story progresses, you see not only love story building but a true friendship between these two characters. There is a pivotal moment in this book where Grace has to step up and own her decisions, which I thought was well written. Aries is the perfect boyfriend for Grace, and Grace was good for Aries.

    There is a lot going on with this one, but three things stood out for me

    1. It was not drug addiction focus point, and she was strong enough to recognize and manage it.
    2. No weird director getting in the mix to creep us all out. Thank you for that one.
    3. I LOVE that her dad, Declan, saw the chemistry immediately and was accepting of their relationship.

    I have read all of this author's book and have never been disappointed. Even when there were a few moments where it went a little fast, it actually fit the story. Great read and you will not be disappointed. Let’s go to the next one, Brynn you are up. I need to know what is up with this girl. I mean seriously, creating a “Friends” moment by giving up her amazing apartment, and the awkward moment when Aries walks in on her with the guy in the living room. I am so ready!
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Helen M
    5.0 out of 5 stars The bad boy and the good girl for the win.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Gracie and Ares is the story of the good twin and the bad boy and it’s an easy five star read for me. Fast paced and filled with heat, Grace and Ares chemistry and easy banter are explosive and make for a suck-you-in kind of read. Nicknames tend to be a sticking point for me but both characters nicknames are perfect and perfectly used. While a fast read, this romance takes place over a long time, allowing plenty of time for a genuine “fall in love” feeling. Plus, Ares is hot, dominant and not afraid of his feelings.

    Grace is a ballerina who gets her dream job dancing in England. Ares is a hockey player and the best friend of Grace’s twin’s husband. There’s a little off limits feel to the relationship and Grace as the two try to fly under the radar. FaceTiming and messaging while apart, Ares visits Grace and they basically combust. This book does have a third act breakup but it didn’t bug me bc it felt organic and was done in a way I don’t normally see. It wasn’t a miscommunication, but rather a core value issue and while crushing for the characters involved, it was a very honest way to handle a very real issue.

    I loved both characters but especially Ares who redefined the bad boy with a heart. A total winner of a book. Highly recommend. 5 stars. 2.5 peppers
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Paige W (@wingsandsmut)
    5.0 out of 5 stars holy smokes
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Low key am in love with Ares Wilder, holy smokes! Finally getting his story and seeing who he really is opened my heart up to loving him, just like our Gracie girl! Who knew that he would become my new favorite Widler brother?!! Their story is sweet, sad, and basically just full of emotion. The way he so easily sees Grace and when she struggles and urges her to care for herself had me swooning. He's thoughtful, kind, caring, and down so bad for her right from that first night they started really talking. The tension and spice are great and I couldn't get enough! Plus the epilogue and bonus epilogue were just perfect!

    Tropes:
    -Hockey player MMC
    -Ballerina FMC
    -He falls first and HARD
    -Secret relationship
    -Surprise pregnancy
    -Found family
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • @natalies.marvelous.books
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another amazing book to add to the series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I dont know what Bella Matthews is putting in these books, but I am addicted.

    Ares Wilder is probably one of the swooniest MMC's Bella has written, and that is definitely saying something because that woman knows how to write a swoon worthy man.

    Grace has always been portrayed as 'the good twin', and she has lived up to this her entire life, always putting everyone else first. From the moment Ares meets Grace, he knows she is the one, and he sees right through the facade to the broken girl beneath.

    Ares and Grace are absolutely perfect he is so sweet and caring, but get that man in a bedroom, and damn does his dirty side come out and I loved every second of it!!

    This book will have you experiencing all the feels, I laughed, I cried, I swooned, and I fell head over heels in love with Ares and Grace.

    This series just keeps getting better and better, and with every one of Bellas books I read, I am reminded why she is one of my all-time favourite authors.
    Report
  • Andrea
    5.0 out of 5 stars until the end of time
    Reviewed in Canada on April 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    “ She’s not the song you dance to. She’s the lyric you can’t get out of your head.”

    When it comes to books written by Bella.. I’m a fan, a Stan, an AMBASSADOR!! This book, their story has claimed a part of my heart.

    You can feel the pull between Ares and Grace right aways but Grace feels like nothing can come out of their attraction because she is moving to another continent to pursue her ballerina career.

    “Because the first time I met you, I knew you were mine.”

    Ares is confident in that fact that she is it for him and is willing to wait until she is ready for more. I loved the little things that he does to care for her and be present even with the distance.

    “ Ares Wilder is going to destroy me in one single night. “

    Without spoilers, their journey is definitely an emotional one. Ares is the first one to notice how she is struggling with certain things and gives her the strength to stand still for a moment and evaluate her life and what she truly wants for her future.

    I loved watching their love story unfold and when the spice hit, I was definitely fanning myself. I’m a such fan of their entire world that I literally kick my feet when their group texts start and their interactions when they are all together. Shoutout to Daddy Declan and his words of wisdom to Ares throughout this book. I can’t WAIT for what is coming next.

    “I love you, good twin.”
    “Until the end of time, god of war.”
    Report
  • Kem85/BR
    5.0 out of 5 stars ❤️ -- no spoilers.
    Reviewed in Brazil on April 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    As per usual, Bella's book kept me, for two nights in a row, awake until 2 am.
    I always love when the underestimated, taken for granted and pushover show their true colours, and this one is a must-read.
    I could relate to parts of the story. I laughed, I got angry and then happy again...
    I also made little notes of what I imagine to be clues for what's coming..
    Thank you for another 5 🌟 story.
    Report
  • AngieH
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Good Twin and the God of War
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed reading this story. I was hoping that Grace and Ares would get together while reading the previous book. They are a good match, have great chemistry and were enjoyable to read. Lots of laughter, sexy scenes and a little drama.
    Report
  • Molly Scicluna
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ares Wilder is book husband material
    Reviewed in Canada on April 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Ares was so unexpected in the best possible way. He falls first and hard.

    Imagine having no expectations from others...and the polar opposite of designing your life to please the people around you...Ares and Grace are complete opposites.

    Grace Sinclair aka the "good twin" seems to have her entire life together. She was offered her dream job...which means flying across the world and being the principal dancer for the London Ballet. But her sister's wedding night changes everything. Suddenly she is unsure because Ares Wilder alters her DNA.

    Ares has always been in his brothers shadow, which means little to no expectations for him to be successful in the NHL. He's got a reputation that is all wrong and Grace is about to find out who he really is. And the way he shows up for her, so so beautiful.

    I loved every second. The text chains, the banter, the spice, the absolute love.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report