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Smoke #1
Smokeshow
Set in a world where southern wealth and power comes from one source. The Family is ruled by one boss and it's time for the newer generation to step into place.
It’s a fragile thing- the whispers of truth that you hope are lies.
Hughes Farm was the largest racing horse establishment in the south. The family that owned it were known to be wealthy, powerful, arrogant, and terrifying. My first encounter with them didn’t prepare me for all that was to come. I don’t think anything truly could have.
Growing up with only my father and brother hadn’t been easy but we’d had each other. Losing them was the hardest thing I’d ever faced. It had made the times we went without food, electricity, or even shelter seem insignificant in comparison.
It is when a woman, claiming to have been my mother’s best friend, arrives to take me home with her that questions begin to surface. My father had rarely spoken of my mother. She’d died when I was a toddler. Having no other option, I trust this stranger and am thrown into a world of mansions, racing horses, extravagance, and him .
It’s true that there is a thin line between love and hate. But there is an even thinner line between truth and lies.
It’s a fragile thing- the whispers of truth that you hope are lies.
Hughes Farm was the largest racing horse establishment in the south. The family that owned it were known to be wealthy, powerful, arrogant, and terrifying. My first encounter with them didn’t prepare me for all that was to come. I don’t think anything truly could have.
Growing up with only my father and brother hadn’t been easy but we’d had each other. Losing them was the hardest thing I’d ever faced. It had made the times we went without food, electricity, or even shelter seem insignificant in comparison.
It is when a woman, claiming to have been my mother’s best friend, arrives to take me home with her that questions begin to surface. My father had rarely spoken of my mother. She’d died when I was a toddler. Having no other option, I trust this stranger and am thrown into a world of mansions, racing horses, extravagance, and him .
It’s true that there is a thin line between love and hate. But there is an even thinner line between truth and lies.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2023
918 people are currently reading
5169 people want to read
About the author
Abbi Glines
118 books86.4k followersAbbi Glines is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Smoke, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, Field Party and Existence series. She never cooks unless baking during the Christmas holiday counts. She believes in ghosts and has a habit of asking people if their house is haunted before she goes in it. She drinks afternoon tea because she wants to be British but she now lives in New England and that's as close as it is going to get. When asked how many books she has written she has to stop and count on her fingers. When she’s not locked away writing, she is reading, watching Netflix and all the introverted stuff.
You can connect with Abbi online in several different ways. She uses social media to procrastinate.
You can connect with Abbi online in several different ways. She uses social media to procrastinate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 511 reviews
April 20, 2023
Kill me now.
1.5 stars, because I finished it.
I've read at least ten books by this author, so I can't understand what happened here.
Nor how I managed to finish this story. 🤷♀️
Seriously, I have never read such a bad book by this author.
The plot was a hodgepodge with the most bizarre combination
The H was a shell, with no character development.
The h was so weak, the overused doormat expression fits perfectly here. She had no personality, was too submissive, and was easily manipulated by other characters, saying amen to everything without questioning important things.
Last but not least, the instalove. It was so poorly done. I can't even.
1.5 stars, because I finished it.
I've read at least ten books by this author, so I can't understand what happened here.
Nor how I managed to finish this story. 🤷♀️
Seriously, I have never read such a bad book by this author.
The plot was a hodgepodge with the most bizarre combination
The H was a shell, with no character development.
The h was so weak, the overused doormat expression fits perfectly here. She had no personality, was too submissive, and was easily manipulated by other characters, saying amen to everything without questioning important things.
Last but not least, the instalove. It was so poorly done. I can't even.
May 15, 2023
So I really enjoyed this overall. It starts as a typical AG book and then takes a turn to a more dark tone than her other books. The h is not too soft not too prickly. The H is a jealous/possessive bulldozer. I liked him once he kicked in gear.
Things I didn’t like:
- there are some pretty crazy parties thrown by the H and his friends. There are naked girls everywhere having public sex. The H isn’t shown partaking, but it’s obviously something he’s accustomed to… that isn’t really my issue tho… I’m just wondering WHY? Why is this included? because it’s never addressed in relation to the MCs. I kept expecting it to come up. Either the h to express her unease/disgust or the H to refuse to let her go to those parties or for him to decide to stop hosting them because he’s a possessive/protective f*cker and doesn’t want anyone to see the h like that or for the h to be watching other dudes with their dongs out. It was just never used to further the plot and I couldn’t figure out why it was included at all if it wasn’t going to be used in some way.
- the transition from enemies to super intense relationship gave me whiplash. I thought I’d accidentally skipped some chapters… but no - it really goes from him being a bastard to him eating her out and him moving her in with him in the space of a flip of the page. We do get a little bit of explanation for his side later in the book but it wasn’t enough. I needed some more lead up. His jp bulldozing helped me keep reading. I’m a sucker for that, but it wasn’t well done.
- for an aggressively jealous/possessive bulldozer who is very powerful, he sure does fold quick when the h decides she wants to leave. I found this annoying. Also he’s been watching the h for years and was obsessed and let her lose her vCard to a loser boyfriend. I’m not wild about this detail.
- this book ends on a cliffy. When it came out, there was no indication that it wasn’t a standalone. That’s annoying.
Bottom Line? I actually really liked this despite the drawbacks. I was engrossed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️SAFERY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- OW drama - kinda - the H has a girl hanging about but it turns out she’s not really an OW. There are naked women at the H’s parties but his friends seem more into that than the H.
- OM drama - there are a couple guys that are also into the h. Their interest are what prompts the H to make a move
- no dubcon/noncon - the H is pretty aggressive and isn’t shy with the manhandling and rough sex, but the h is into it for the most part
- condoms used - safety is discussed - then not used - the h is not on BC
- no virgins - it’s assumed the H (28-ish) is experienced - the h (19) has had one partner and hasn’t had an orgasm
- the h’s father and brother died/murdered
- talk of addiction
- cutting/self-harm witnessed and talked about
- cliffy
Things I didn’t like:
- there are some pretty crazy parties thrown by the H and his friends. There are naked girls everywhere having public sex. The H isn’t shown partaking, but it’s obviously something he’s accustomed to… that isn’t really my issue tho… I’m just wondering WHY? Why is this included? because it’s never addressed in relation to the MCs. I kept expecting it to come up. Either the h to express her unease/disgust or the H to refuse to let her go to those parties or for him to decide to stop hosting them because he’s a possessive/protective f*cker and doesn’t want anyone to see the h like that or for the h to be watching other dudes with their dongs out. It was just never used to further the plot and I couldn’t figure out why it was included at all if it wasn’t going to be used in some way.
- the transition from enemies to super intense relationship gave me whiplash. I thought I’d accidentally skipped some chapters… but no - it really goes from him being a bastard to him eating her out and him moving her in with him in the space of a flip of the page. We do get a little bit of explanation for his side later in the book but it wasn’t enough. I needed some more lead up. His jp bulldozing helped me keep reading. I’m a sucker for that, but it wasn’t well done.
- for an aggressively jealous/possessive bulldozer who is very powerful, he sure does fold quick when the h decides she wants to leave. I found this annoying. Also he’s been watching the h for years and was obsessed and let her lose her vCard to a loser boyfriend. I’m not wild about this detail.
- this book ends on a cliffy. When it came out, there was no indication that it wasn’t a standalone. That’s annoying.
Bottom Line? I actually really liked this despite the drawbacks. I was engrossed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️SAFERY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- OW drama - kinda - the H has a girl hanging about but it turns out she’s not really an OW. There are naked women at the H’s parties but his friends seem more into that than the H.
- OM drama - there are a couple guys that are also into the h. Their interest are what prompts the H to make a move
- no dubcon/noncon - the H is pretty aggressive and isn’t shy with the manhandling and rough sex, but the h is into it for the most part
- condoms used - safety is discussed - then not used - the h is not on BC
- no virgins - it’s assumed the H (28-ish) is experienced - the h (19) has had one partner and hasn’t had an orgasm
- the h’s father and brother died/murdered
- talk of addiction
- cutting/self-harm witnessed and talked about
- cliffy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2023
3 stars
This one was wild. I’m not sure I liked the hero, but I liked the heroine and some of the other side characters. After the ending, I’m curious to know what happens next so I’ll check out the next book when it comes to audio!
This one was wild. I’m not sure I liked the hero, but I liked the heroine and some of the other side characters. After the ending, I’m curious to know what happens next so I’ll check out the next book when it comes to audio!
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrators: Ingrid Greene
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: New Adult Romance
Length: 7h 6m
April 17, 2023
2.5 it stated out realllyyy good.. Mc dislike each other and then out of nowhere they start fucking and are in love. The girl had a whole personality change overnight. I mean wtf.
April 17, 2023
“This is mine. All of it. I’ll die before I let you leave me.”
Completely addicted to Blaise Hughes! All the stars go to this smokin’ hot, enemies-to-lovers, bet ya’ didn’t see that coming, SMOKESHOW by Abbi Glines!!!
“Was this love? Or was it obsession? Or were they the same?”
You all need to read this book like asap!!! I read Smokeshow in one sitting because BLAISE and Maddy’s chemistry was off-the charts and UNPUTDOWNABLE!!! 🙈🥵
Overall, this rating is for all the points made above, including unique world-building, plot lines, charming/relatable characters, and use of multiple point of views. I thoroughly enjoyed this fiery story by romance queen author, Abbi Glines; her steamy reads never disappoint. And I am eagerly awaiting to find out what happens next in Fireball, book 2, in May! Don’t walk, RUN!
Completely addicted to Blaise Hughes! All the stars go to this smokin’ hot, enemies-to-lovers, bet ya’ didn’t see that coming, SMOKESHOW by Abbi Glines!!!
“Was this love? Or was it obsession? Or were they the same?”
You all need to read this book like asap!!! I read Smokeshow in one sitting because BLAISE and Maddy’s chemistry was off-the charts and UNPUTDOWNABLE!!! 🙈🥵
Overall, this rating is for all the points made above, including unique world-building, plot lines, charming/relatable characters, and use of multiple point of views. I thoroughly enjoyed this fiery story by romance queen author, Abbi Glines; her steamy reads never disappoint. And I am eagerly awaiting to find out what happens next in Fireball, book 2, in May! Don’t walk, RUN!
November 2, 2023
After losing her father and brother in a car accident, Madeline Reese is swept away to Ocala, Florida by her mom’s BFF, Melanie.
A world unlike anything she’s ever experienced, Maddy is quickly swept into the fold and protected. Yet not everything is as it appears and she becomes a victim of their coddling.
Abbi Glines’ Rosemary Beach series were some of the first romance books I read. But it’s been years since I’ve read her. I read the blurb, no reviews because I knew I’d try the series regardless. Although it wasn’t hard to figure out what the family was keeping from Maddy, I’m still glad I went in without knowing a lot of details. I really enjoyed the first book in this new series and am looking forward to seeing who else we get books from once Maddy gets her HEA.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😊🫣🤭🥵😮
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (6), Alphahole, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forced Proximity, Mafia, Manipulation, MINE!, Opposites Attract, Rich AF, , Rich Boy/Poor Girl Secrets & Lies, Tracking/Spying, Touch-Her-and-💀 OTT Jealous/Possessive
💋 Kinks: Domination, Finger Licking Good, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This angsty read will leave you wanton.
🚩 Safety Squad: Unalìvíng, Vìolėnçe, and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Smokeshow is the first book in Maddy’s duet and part of the Smoke series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
A world unlike anything she’s ever experienced, Maddy is quickly swept into the fold and protected. Yet not everything is as it appears and she becomes a victim of their coddling.
Abbi Glines’ Rosemary Beach series were some of the first romance books I read. But it’s been years since I’ve read her. I read the blurb, no reviews because I knew I’d try the series regardless. Although it wasn’t hard to figure out what the family was keeping from Maddy, I’m still glad I went in without knowing a lot of details. I really enjoyed the first book in this new series and am looking forward to seeing who else we get books from once Maddy gets her HEA.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😊🫣🤭🥵😮
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (6), Alphahole, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forced Proximity, Mafia, Manipulation, MINE!, Opposites Attract, Rich AF, , Rich Boy/Poor Girl Secrets & Lies, Tracking/Spying, Touch-Her-and-💀 OTT Jealous/Possessive
💋 Kinks: Domination, Finger Licking Good, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This angsty read will leave you wanton.
🚩 Safety Squad: Unalìvíng, Vìolėnçe, and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Smokeshow is the first book in Maddy’s duet and part of the Smoke series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
July 26, 2023
Re-read 23.07.23 It’s 101% better second time around because I know what’s going on . This is so damn good.. I’m gonna push it to 5 stars because I will be re-reading it again sometime.
*4,5 stars*
I honestly was thinking DNF at 45%. I was confused out of my mind who is supposed to be H? I came to check the blurb to make sure Blaise is the H.
We get most of the book her hanging out with Saxon and Trev. Blaise and Maddy only met few times.
Then slowly things started to unravel and answers started to slowly coming in. I have to say, Maddy’s attraction to Blaise was a bit instalove but apparently my brain was accepting it. I think it’s mainly because nobody ever in her life cared about her so strongly… basically, we are dealing here with abandonment issues.
I guess, this book either works for you or it doesn’t. Interestingly, it worked well for me. I am happy there is another one coming out, that’s why I am completely fine with slow-ish pace for them to get together.
🔸h 19 years old
🔸H 25 years old
🔸 no cheating
🔸no ow/om drama ( it’s more of a he thought,she thought)
🔸 condoms used/then not
🔸 h had one partner
🔸 H was a manwhore
🔸lots of secrets
🔸 hot AF smexy times 🥵
🔸cliffhanger
*4,5 stars*
I honestly was thinking DNF at 45%. I was confused out of my mind who is supposed to be H? I came to check the blurb to make sure Blaise is the H.
We get most of the book her hanging out with Saxon and Trev. Blaise and Maddy only met few times.
Then slowly things started to unravel and answers started to slowly coming in. I have to say, Maddy’s attraction to Blaise was a bit instalove but apparently my brain was accepting it. I think it’s mainly because nobody ever in her life cared about her so strongly… basically, we are dealing here with abandonment issues.
I guess, this book either works for you or it doesn’t. Interestingly, it worked well for me. I am happy there is another one coming out, that’s why I am completely fine with slow-ish pace for them to get together.
🔸h 19 years old
🔸H 25 years old
🔸 no cheating
🔸no ow/om drama ( it’s more of a he thought,she thought)
🔸 condoms used/then not
🔸 h had one partner
🔸 H was a manwhore
🔸lots of secrets
🔸 hot AF smexy times 🥵
🔸cliffhanger
April 16, 2023
My gosh you will get hooked! line and sinker from page one. I couldn’t read fast enough. This book keeps you on your toes and keeps you guessing and your eyeballs working overtime. The goosebumps were intense! The spice level is too hot for the Scoville scale! Abbi knows how to bring it. Also! Just feelsplosion! The jaw drop you experience throughout this whole book… no words! I will never be the same either lol so excited for book 2! I need a reread stat to comprehend the sucker punch my heart just went through! Ahhhhh! That sneak peak for book 2 was not enough!!!
July 8, 2024
So, I’m feeling super ranty, but just stick with me, okay? A couple years ago I finally swore off Abbi Glines because when it came to her books, I spent more time rolling my eyes than actually reading. But when I read the synopsis of Smokeshow, I was intrigued and, against my better judgment, decided to give it a go. The female main character was classic Abbi Glines: drop dead gorgeous (but of course it completely oblivious to this fact), is adored/lusted after by every male in a 50 mile radius, and is dumb as a box of rocks. Of the three guys who could not resist her (non-existent) charms, two were decent enough guys and one was a total a-hole. One guess who the love interest is.
It was obvious as soon as Maddy arrived at her new home and started meeting people that there was more going on than was being openly discussed. But Maddy was a doormat, easily manipulated, and basically went along with whatever she was told to do. She hung out a lot at her new friend Trevor’s house, even though public poolside sex seemed to be the norm and made her uncomfortable. And when the a-hole simply could not stay away from her any longer (insert eye roll) and told her to pack a bag because she was now going to live with him… yeah, she went without a word. Then the plot took a one-way street into crazy town and I decided, sure, why not, I’m going with the crazy. And then it ended with a cliffhanger. Sounds like I didn’t like this one, right? Seems like I would run far, far away from a sequel, right? So ask me if I’m going to read the next book? You better believe I am. Sure Maddy is dumb, sure Blaise (did I mention the love interest is named Blaise?) is an a-hole, and yeah, the plot is so crazy that even a soap opera looks bland in comparison… but I got sucked in and I’m not giving up. Bring on the next book. I’m ready to return to this hot mess and wallow in it.
Note: I went back forth from 2.5 stars to 3.5 stars and everything in between. Finally, because I have to give credit to Glines for the sheer gotta-know-what-happens factor, I settled on 3 stars.
It was obvious as soon as Maddy arrived at her new home and started meeting people that there was more going on than was being openly discussed. But Maddy was a doormat, easily manipulated, and basically went along with whatever she was told to do. She hung out a lot at her new friend Trevor’s house, even though public poolside sex seemed to be the norm and made her uncomfortable. And when the a-hole simply could not stay away from her any longer (insert eye roll) and told her to pack a bag because she was now going to live with him… yeah, she went without a word. Then the plot took a one-way street into crazy town and I decided, sure, why not, I’m going with the crazy. And then it ended with a cliffhanger. Sounds like I didn’t like this one, right? Seems like I would run far, far away from a sequel, right? So ask me if I’m going to read the next book? You better believe I am. Sure Maddy is dumb, sure Blaise (did I mention the love interest is named Blaise?) is an a-hole, and yeah, the plot is so crazy that even a soap opera looks bland in comparison… but I got sucked in and I’m not giving up. Bring on the next book. I’m ready to return to this hot mess and wallow in it.
Note: I went back forth from 2.5 stars to 3.5 stars and everything in between. Finally, because I have to give credit to Glines for the sheer gotta-know-what-happens factor, I settled on 3 stars.
September 21, 2023
SMOKESHOW
● Maddy (19) & Blaise (25)
● Maddie’s family has died (mom died when she was a toddler. Dad and brother both died.)
● she moved in with her mom’s childhood friend and her family
● horse farm
● cliffhanger
There's a whole bunch of craziness that happens in the storyline. But one main thing to know when you go into this book it ends on a cliffhanger.
● Maddy (19) & Blaise (25)
● Maddie’s family has died (mom died when she was a toddler. Dad and brother both died.)
● she moved in with her mom’s childhood friend and her family
● horse farm
● cliffhanger
There's a whole bunch of craziness that happens in the storyline. But one main thing to know when you go into this book it ends on a cliffhanger.
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Ingrid Greene
Length: 7H 06M
April 20, 2023
It’s like coming home and reading your favourite author- this story needed to be told even though you didn’t know you needed it.
Give me book 2 now..:.is it May yet?
Give me book 2 now..:.is it May yet?
July 1, 2023
I'm so surprised to see this wasn't a debut. I've never read any Abbi Glines before. This was an absolute hot mess. Sooooo confused about why the southern horse thing was involved with a Mafia book lol I honestly thought the horse racing underworld would make a cool storyline, and thought it had potential. That was before they started talking about the "family"...so corny. Then the just complete lack of character development was insane. Neither the FMC or the MMC had anything remotely likeable about them. The protective, asshole H trope only works if he has redeeming qualities, and that does not include creeping on the FMC for years before she is of legal age 🥴 Literally said "I was in love with you before you were even legal to be honest..." Oh yes, swooooon 🤢 Why was Angel even included in the story? Her story added nothing to the plot besides the shock value of a cutting scene (lazy). It was like trying so hard to be an angsty side plot 🤦♀️ The entire arc was just so badly done. The FMC just blindly following the MMC's orders had me cringing. He was a walking, talking red flag, no redeeming qualities. I need a better reason for him to be an asshole other than "I was mad I wanted you so bad" 😬 Good God, that had me cringing as I typed it. Also so annoying when the FMC is written to be this gorgeous female specimen that all the male characters are salivating over the whole time, yet has no idea. She just wants to read a book in some old sweatpants okay? 😂🙄 "Damn..." From every male character every time the girl turns around lolol. It was too chaotic for me and I've read some doozies. The kidnapping had me rolling. It was such a clunky scene and so obviously coming. The MMC being like "KEEP YOUR PHONE ON YOU AT ALL TIMES. YOU'RE IN DANGER, BUT I'M GOING TO LEAVE THE STATE FOR SEVERAL DAYS." 👌 I couldn't leave well enough alone, I had to see where this one would end up and then to see it end on a cliffhangerrrrrrrrr 🙄 Par for the course.
June 28, 2023
Cowboy mafia
Alpha, controlling, manwhore hero
Doormat heroine
Lust not love
I wasn’t going to read this. I had a feeling I wouldn’t like it. But it was in KU, so I figured what the hell?
I love me some good sexy times. But this reminded me of Skinamax. You young peeps won’t know that reference. It’s basically softcore porn. Blaise and his “rodeo squad” were just gross. Guys in their late 20’s screwing barely legal teenagers….out in the open….in front of everyone. And the “hero” telling the heroine he’s been with hundreds of women.
“I’ve tasted hundreds, but you’re a fucking drug I didn’t know existed.”
Is that supposed to make a female reader swoon? I’m confused.
Ends in a cliffhanger. Next book is not in KU, so I’ll be passing. I’m not paying $5.99 for this crap.
Alpha, controlling, manwhore hero
Doormat heroine
Lust not love
I wasn’t going to read this. I had a feeling I wouldn’t like it. But it was in KU, so I figured what the hell?
I love me some good sexy times. But this reminded me of Skinamax. You young peeps won’t know that reference. It’s basically softcore porn. Blaise and his “rodeo squad” were just gross. Guys in their late 20’s screwing barely legal teenagers….out in the open….in front of everyone. And the “hero” telling the heroine he’s been with hundreds of women.
“I’ve tasted hundreds, but you’re a fucking drug I didn’t know existed.”
Is that supposed to make a female reader swoon? I’m confused.
Ends in a cliffhanger. Next book is not in KU, so I’ll be passing. I’m not paying $5.99 for this crap.
November 1, 2023
I’m gonna need Abbi to keep writing her trashy, cute romance novels. Not keep trying to delve into poorly done kink and mafia.
December 30, 2023
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Read
March 12, 20245 Devil stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.5🌶
4.5🌶
May 21, 2023
3.5-4 ⭐'s
Maddy's father and brother have died and she's thrust into an unknown world of her late mothers.
She slowly starts to get to know everyone but has a hard time dealing in the land of wealth. And when Blaise comes into the picture, she is totally thrown.
She's not unfamiliar to him and that's where circumstances get interesting.
I certainly didn't expect this story to go the way it did, however, I am intrigued (especially with that ending) and can't wait for the next book, Fireball.
Maddy's father and brother have died and she's thrust into an unknown world of her late mothers.
She slowly starts to get to know everyone but has a hard time dealing in the land of wealth. And when Blaise comes into the picture, she is totally thrown.
She's not unfamiliar to him and that's where circumstances get interesting.
I certainly didn't expect this story to go the way it did, however, I am intrigued (especially with that ending) and can't wait for the next book, Fireball.
December 12, 2024
Warning: Cliffhanger. It would’ve been nice to put “part 1” or “duet” somewhere on the cover.
April 26, 2023
I didn’t have high hopes for this book at all. I have been let down a few times with Abbi Gline’s recent book releases. However, this had the same addictive quality that Fallen too Far has. To be honest, this felt like that book, but with more mature themes. I’m not mad at that though. I flew through this in an afternoon and enjoyed my time reading it.
This had a very Yellowstone feel to it. It had the secrets and the drama to keep you reading and I’m glad that Glines found her groove for this book.
Now the romance between Maddy and Blaise wasn’t fleshed out or built the right way, but I did like them. When she said it was her sexiest book to date, that was true. We were treated to dirty talk and quite a few sex scenes.
Be warned that this ends on a cliffhanger! The next book is supposed to be released sometime in mid-May I believe and I will be picking that up.
This had a very Yellowstone feel to it. It had the secrets and the drama to keep you reading and I’m glad that Glines found her groove for this book.
Now the romance between Maddy and Blaise wasn’t fleshed out or built the right way, but I did like them. When she said it was her sexiest book to date, that was true. We were treated to dirty talk and quite a few sex scenes.
Be warned that this ends on a cliffhanger! The next book is supposed to be released sometime in mid-May I believe and I will be picking that up.
September 19, 2023
It had been a while since I read a book by Abbi Glines, and I had forgotten how easy it is to lose yourself in them.
I went into this book not knowing much about it. I received it as a gift, and I decided to read it right away. I must say that even if it was fast-paced, I didn’t feel like everything was rushed or feel like we could need more details to be engrossed in this book. I guess it’s because of the type of book it is and since the main male character is quite intense from the start; it’s not surprising he would be so drastic in his decisions through the whole book.
I did like Maddy a lot. I feel like she was quite relatable. Even if sometimes I felt like she needed to be shake up a bit, I also liked how she was quite aware about who she was and how sometimes her reactions were not rational, but she went with how she felt.
Blaise is quite intense and more often than not, I wanted to slap him behind the head, but even if he doesn’t seem to be able to show how he cares in, let’s say, more conventional ways, I think you can tell that he does.
Of course we meet a few other guys who, more than likely, will get their own books and I’m so for this, some more than others, but still.
Overall, I read this book in half a day I think, and I really enjoyed it. I even finished the second book because I needed to know what was going to happen next (review for that one is next). I’m looking forward to start my reading of the next books in that series. I’m intrigued by what will happen with the other boys.
I went into this book not knowing much about it. I received it as a gift, and I decided to read it right away. I must say that even if it was fast-paced, I didn’t feel like everything was rushed or feel like we could need more details to be engrossed in this book. I guess it’s because of the type of book it is and since the main male character is quite intense from the start; it’s not surprising he would be so drastic in his decisions through the whole book.
I did like Maddy a lot. I feel like she was quite relatable. Even if sometimes I felt like she needed to be shake up a bit, I also liked how she was quite aware about who she was and how sometimes her reactions were not rational, but she went with how she felt.
Blaise is quite intense and more often than not, I wanted to slap him behind the head, but even if he doesn’t seem to be able to show how he cares in, let’s say, more conventional ways, I think you can tell that he does.
Of course we meet a few other guys who, more than likely, will get their own books and I’m so for this, some more than others, but still.
Overall, I read this book in half a day I think, and I really enjoyed it. I even finished the second book because I needed to know what was going to happen next (review for that one is next). I’m looking forward to start my reading of the next books in that series. I’m intrigued by what will happen with the other boys.
April 16, 2023
My gosh you will get hooked! line and sinker from page one. I couldn’t read fast enough. This book keeps you on your toes and keeps you guessing and your eyeballs working overtime. The goosebumps were intense! The spice level is too hot for the Scoville scale! Abbi knows how to bring it. Also! Just feelsplosion! The jaw drop you experience throughout this whole book… no words! I will never be the same either lol so excited for book 2! I need a reread stat to comprehend the sucker punch my heart just went through! Ahhhhh! That sneak peak for book 2 was not enough!!!
April 16, 2023
Give me more please!
I can't wait to read the next one! It was so freaking good, and it went too fast! I NEED MOOOOOORE!
I can't wait to read the next one! It was so freaking good, and it went too fast! I NEED MOOOOOORE!
April 16, 2023
Was too short. I needed more but will have to wait for book 2.
February 17, 2024
4.25 stars
Disclaimer: There will be references and comparison to Rush and Blaire another couple that was written by Abbi Glines. Rush and Blaire did influence what I felt about this story and the romance. So, just keep that in mind.
Review:
First off going into this romance featuring Blaise and Maddy, I already knew what the big mysterious secret with Blaise one. A big reason for that was that this series became labeled this certain genre so I was ready for. Because I knew this, it shaped my perspective of the story then if I went in blind. Even if I did go in blind, I would have probably figured it out. Though I will saying knowing that secret, really had me anticipating when Maddy was going to find out. I was excited to see it play out even if it didn’t happen until the end.
Secondly, as soon as the story started, I had an inkling what the second secret was going to be to tear Blaise and Maddy hence why there was a second book for them. So, that upped my anticipation as well because I wanted to know if I was right. I was.
The stuff at the last third of the book I loved. It brought danger and suspense. It upped the intensity. It just felt very action packed, which I was really, really into. I wished there was more of that. It definitely reminded me of other books in this genre, which I really appreciated. Plus the ending solidified the romance a bit for me too.
As for the romance, this so reminded me of Rush and Blaire’s romance. The trajectory was pretty similar of how Rush and Blaire progressed in their story. It was almost the same beats in fact with a little variation with the setup with this one. I really liked how Blaise and Maddy were progressing and how it was giving me those same Rush and Blaire feels. I was all for it.
My issue became though was in the middle where one minute Blaise was snarling at Maddy then the next minute he was going at her like a bull in a china shop. There was no real transition there. It was zero to sixty. It just came out of nowhere with no hints of feelings on his side.
Where in the case of Rush, there were little crumbs here and there that he had feelings for Blaire, and even though he fought it and pushed Blaire away, it was still there. He really took care with her even before anything physical happened with Blaire. I could actually see Rush falling hard for Blaire even just in their first book alone. I just loved seeing that progression. It was so good and so epic.
In the case of Blaise I really didn’t see his progression until the end. Heck, I couldn’t even tell if he cared about Maddy at all. To me, he was just treating her as a sexual possession. It icked me out a bit especially how he went about it to get her to his bed. I needed him to show his softer side before that like him teaching her to ride or swim. Just something. I understood that was not the role he was made for, but still. I was just shocked when I learned he had deeper feelings by the end.
Overall, even though I loved the epic feels of Rush and Blaire more, though I do have to get through book 2 for Blaise and Maddy before I fully decide on the epic scales, this still was entertaining and good. I really whipped through this book in a short period of time because I was really interested in this world and its characters. This one definitely made me excited for the rest of the stories in this series featuring some of these men. So, I think mainly this was a win overall.
Disclaimer: There will be references and comparison to Rush and Blaire another couple that was written by Abbi Glines. Rush and Blaire did influence what I felt about this story and the romance. So, just keep that in mind.
Review:
First off going into this romance featuring Blaise and Maddy, I already knew what the big mysterious secret with Blaise one. A big reason for that was that this series became labeled this certain genre so I was ready for. Because I knew this, it shaped my perspective of the story then if I went in blind. Even if I did go in blind, I would have probably figured it out. Though I will saying knowing that secret, really had me anticipating when Maddy was going to find out. I was excited to see it play out even if it didn’t happen until the end.
Secondly, as soon as the story started, I had an inkling what the second secret was going to be to tear Blaise and Maddy hence why there was a second book for them. So, that upped my anticipation as well because I wanted to know if I was right. I was.
The stuff at the last third of the book I loved. It brought danger and suspense. It upped the intensity. It just felt very action packed, which I was really, really into. I wished there was more of that. It definitely reminded me of other books in this genre, which I really appreciated. Plus the ending solidified the romance a bit for me too.
As for the romance, this so reminded me of Rush and Blaire’s romance. The trajectory was pretty similar of how Rush and Blaire progressed in their story. It was almost the same beats in fact with a little variation with the setup with this one. I really liked how Blaise and Maddy were progressing and how it was giving me those same Rush and Blaire feels. I was all for it.
My issue became though was in the middle where one minute Blaise was snarling at Maddy then the next minute he was going at her like a bull in a china shop. There was no real transition there. It was zero to sixty. It just came out of nowhere with no hints of feelings on his side.
Where in the case of Rush, there were little crumbs here and there that he had feelings for Blaire, and even though he fought it and pushed Blaire away, it was still there. He really took care with her even before anything physical happened with Blaire. I could actually see Rush falling hard for Blaire even just in their first book alone. I just loved seeing that progression. It was so good and so epic.
In the case of Blaise I really didn’t see his progression until the end. Heck, I couldn’t even tell if he cared about Maddy at all. To me, he was just treating her as a sexual possession. It icked me out a bit especially how he went about it to get her to his bed. I needed him to show his softer side before that like him teaching her to ride or swim. Just something. I understood that was not the role he was made for, but still. I was just shocked when I learned he had deeper feelings by the end.
Overall, even though I loved the epic feels of Rush and Blaire more, though I do have to get through book 2 for Blaise and Maddy before I fully decide on the epic scales, this still was entertaining and good. I really whipped through this book in a short period of time because I was really interested in this world and its characters. This one definitely made me excited for the rest of the stories in this series featuring some of these men. So, I think mainly this was a win overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
An easy, fast-paced read. This one fully engrossed me & I loved the uniqueness of setting a mafia in the horse racing world.
I thought this was a standalone at first so I was really confused why the story wasn’t wrapping up towards the end, but it’s a duet. The plot was pretty predictable (which is why I don’t love mafia), but I did enjoy most of the characters & the southern setting was fun.
I wasn’t entirely sold on Blaise for most of this book but I am curious to see if he will be redeemable.
These books are short and a good palate cleanser so I’ll definitely keep working my way through the series.
I thought this was a standalone at first so I was really confused why the story wasn’t wrapping up towards the end, but it’s a duet. The plot was pretty predictable (which is why I don’t love mafia), but I did enjoy most of the characters & the southern setting was fun.
I wasn’t entirely sold on Blaise for most of this book but I am curious to see if he will be redeemable.
These books are short and a good palate cleanser so I’ll definitely keep working my way through the series.
May 1, 2024
I had this book for months in my tbr and I finally started it. I liked the beginning of the story but suddenly the mc who hates the fmc is obsessed with her.... Just like that? The first chapter suggested a strong FMC but over the course of the story she transformed into a sensitive 19 year old girl. The plot is okay, some things bother me like the fact that the rodeo squad are 25 but in the first chapters there is certain comment which suggests that they are older. Also the sex scenes around the swimming pool, this type of scene reminds me of Mc club attitude NOT a mafia type of story. Overall an okay read I immediately jumped to the second book to see what happened next.
April 16, 2024
Sigh.
I don't know how to rate this. I'm sad to report this book didn't really hit the mark for me.
We are not in Kansas anymore, folks. And by Kansas I mean the world of Friday field parties, Rush or Vincent brothers (which I knew going in obvs, but I expected a bit more, a darker side of the storytelling I loved over the years maybe?)
***Maybe this genre is not for me, since I have yet to find a series I love (but here I am, keep trying lol)
But I really didn't connect with the characters or the story. It's like I was reading a script of an actual story so I was missing some pieces. Maddy is... who is she really? Her personality needed more Main Character vibes imo.
The only thing I was interested in and intrigued by was the world, the family and the rodeo squad.
Oh, also Trev and Sax, they are fun.
Not sure I will continue with this series atm, someone tell me it gets better and Maddy learns to stand up for herself?
It was addictive though, I will give it that. There is still that pull to keep reading...
I don't know how to rate this. I'm sad to report this book didn't really hit the mark for me.
We are not in Kansas anymore, folks. And by Kansas I mean the world of Friday field parties, Rush or Vincent brothers (which I knew going in obvs, but I expected a bit more, a darker side of the storytelling I loved over the years maybe?)
***Maybe this genre is not for me, since I have yet to find a series I love (but here I am, keep trying lol)
But I really didn't connect with the characters or the story. It's like I was reading a script of an actual story so I was missing some pieces. Maddy is... who is she really? Her personality needed more Main Character vibes imo.
The only thing I was interested in and intrigued by was the world, the family and the rodeo squad.
Oh, also Trev and Sax, they are fun.
Not sure I will continue with this series atm, someone tell me it gets better and Maddy learns to stand up for herself?
It was addictive though, I will give it that. There is still that pull to keep reading...
February 28, 2025
4.5 Stars
OH MY GOD! I am obsessed already and this is only book one! The characters, HOT! The storyline, though predictable so so good and tasteful. I just absolutely love Abbi Glines, I have ever since the first book I picked up by her when I was a teenager and still to this day her books never disappoint. The one and only complaint is that I wished it was longer! I can’t wait to jump into the next book in the series. I love the fact that mob aspect of this book is tied in with horses and the race track. This book is danger wrapped up in lies and love. It’s all soooo good!!
OH MY GOD! I am obsessed already and this is only book one! The characters, HOT! The storyline, though predictable so so good and tasteful. I just absolutely love Abbi Glines, I have ever since the first book I picked up by her when I was a teenager and still to this day her books never disappoint. The one and only complaint is that I wished it was longer! I can’t wait to jump into the next book in the series. I love the fact that mob aspect of this book is tied in with horses and the race track. This book is danger wrapped up in lies and love. It’s all soooo good!!
April 17, 2023
Abbi Glines made me fall in love with reading years ago, so when she started teasing about a new series, I knew it would be an instant buy for me!!! Needless to say this book did not disappoint!
I’m gonna need Book #2 ASAP!!!!
I’m gonna need Book #2 ASAP!!!!
April 17, 2023
Amazing story!
Oh my gosh! Abbi Glines did it again! I read this book in one evening. I could not put it down! It grabs you from beginning to end.
Oh my gosh! Abbi Glines did it again! I read this book in one evening. I could not put it down! It grabs you from beginning to end.
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