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Smoke #5

Firecracker

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Being the second son of a mafia boss has its perks. The money and power without the pressure of running the damn thing one day. Trev Hughes was everyone’s favorite playboy. He possessed the Hughes sex appeal without the intimidating presence.

The last time a gorgeous blonde walked into his life he never stood a chance. She had belonged to his older brother from the very beginning. However, when he uses one of his best pickup lines on a girl he notices across the room at a gala, tricks her into a kiss, and loses her before midnight he’s determined to find his Cinderella.

Trev Hughes was nothing like Gypsi had expected. He was funny and down to earth. She enjoyed his attention and the taste of his kiss still lingered on her lips. Disappearing into the night had been the only way to keep herself from making a mistake. Trev was destined to only be her friend. She just hoped she could learn to control the way he made her stomach flutter and heart race.

Trev soon finds out that he hadn’t lost his Cinderella. In fact, she would soon be living right down the hall… since Gypsi was about to become his stepsister.

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2023

385 people are currently reading
827 people want to read

About the author

Abbi Glines

118 books86.4k followers
Abbi 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.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole.
359 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2023
My least favorite of the series.
Profile Image for Melluvsbooks.
1,570 reviews
dnf
September 7, 2023
I loved Trevor in the other books, and was looking forward to this book but he’s just a smarmy douche-canoe in this one and he’s paired with a ridiculous off-putting heroine. Not feeling the chemistry or connection. Horny sex obsessed people having sex.

Yay?


This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rose.
703 reviews46 followers
September 14, 2023
What a bust this ended up being. Not a whole lot with the H and the h made sense and I didn’t like their relationship at all. They enter into a FWB situation because the H doesn’t do relationships and the h is still *supposedly* emotionally messed up from her last relationship. We go from zero to porn stars super fast. The h is a self proclaimed nympho and the H, a manwhore himself, is basically the scandalized one by the amount and type of sex they’re having. Why is he not talking to her about why even after fucking ten times in a row she isn’t satisfied? It was not hot. It was desperate. Will she be satisfied once she has a major UTI or bacterial vaginitis? It was gross. I just kept imagining them all wet and rashy.

I would have really liked to have seen them have some intimacy and connection in other ways besides both of them being sex fiends and liking the Godfather. It was just not enough of a connection to make this a satisfying romance. Not to mention she’s calling all the sex shots. She’s demanding he chokes her, bites her etc. Ugh!!! I hate this dynamic. Like I’m fine if she makes one demand but she’s running the show here! And this kind of rough sex is only hot to me when the H is just so overcome with passion for the h that it happens naturally and in the moment. He has to constantly ask her if she wants more too. Again, It’s just not hot. I want him to know she needs more but she’s such a sex fiend that he can’t even tell. Dude supposedly has a “beautiful big cock” too so like how is he able to have sex with her “ten times just in a morning” without her being majorly sore?!? Really authors, can we make things make sense here? She’s not a succubus. This is a contemporary book. When stuff is this silly it just makes the whole book a joke. These characters were a joke and their sexual relationship the punch line.

All this was such a bummer bc I really liked Trev in the other books and was looking forward to his story. Booooo.

The last half was moderately better but the angst didn’t hit how it was supposed to because their connection was abysmal.The stripper telling him to go get his girl was icing on the ‘this book is ridiculous’ cake.

I was glad to finally get some info about Angel so that’s a plot hole wrapped up, finally. I also liked getting to know Saxon more. Fingers crossed my excitement for his book doesn’t backfire like it did here.
Profile Image for Sierra's Book Wanderings.
175 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2024
This was my least favorite of the three books I have read in this series. There was too much s*x and focus on their friends-with-benefits relationship, which overshadowed the love story and mafia suspense. I've read books and like my romance books with a lot of smut, but many authors still make me feel the love story. However, in Firecracker, Trev and Gypsi forming a connection was briefly mentioned & off-page, which didn't allow me, as a reader, to connect to them since their friendship was discussed rather than experienced.

As far as alphaholes go, Trev takes the cake. He was an absolute pig, and in some books, it doesn't bother me because the heroes make up for it later on, but Trev waited too long for me to go past his manwhore mentality (despite no cheating) until the last chapter. I didn't feel like he deserved Gypsi, and I felt like Gypsi was a doormat for putting up with his immature behavior.

If I had been reading this instead of listening to it, I wouldn't have continued. But Lucas Allen, whom I listened to on an audiobook a year ago, narrated duet style, so I had to continue because he was the perfect voice selection for Trev!

On a positive note, even though I don't like heroines being the dominant sexual partners, I was proud of Gypsi for not being shy about her needs. I also liked that he didn't judge her for it.
Profile Image for Laetitia.
65 reviews
July 30, 2023
He fucks around before, during and after meeting the heroine, he basically says he won't hook up with anyone as long as she promises to have sex with him regularly but, of course, without feelings. He forbids his best friend from making a move on her even though he'd probably be a better man for her BUT says "you can have her after I'm done with her"
So romantic

Obviously, it's NOT SAFE at all. And of course the heroine is a doormat and allows him to do whatever/whomever he wants
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Luisa Rivas.
2,196 reviews36 followers
August 3, 2023
This series is so addictive! Trev Hughes and Sax Houston are like the puppies in this Mafia family. I saw them as the mischievous and fun-loving young men, who held frequent pool parties where the girls preferred to go topless and there were lots of public sex scenes, very decadent. Now, they’re being introduced to family business, so they get sent on a few assignments. This story is about Trev, but Sax appears frequently because they are very close friends.

Gypsi is in Ocala with her gorgeous mother, and Garret Hughes is madly in love with her mom. They were supposed to stay for a while and move North, but now they seem to be here to stay. Gypsi is scared because she left a psycho boyfriend behind in Miami and is afraid he may be following her. I loved the relation Gypsi has with her mom, they have been living in a camper, traveling frequently, and they are very close. Even though Fawn is very much in love with Garrett, she’s also very concerned that her daughter be comfortable and happy. I loved that she’s not a trophy girlfriend or a social climber, she’s enjoying the perks but is not dazzled and she’s not an empty-headed bimbo.

In previous books, we saw Trev as the indulged little Hughes, who didn’t work and lived for partying. Now we’re introduced to a Trev with a dark side, who tags along on jobs as assigned by his father. He’s mostly flirt but he does perform. He attaches himself to Gypsi, she keeps him at arms length due to trust issues, and he pouts and gets petty. Sax is the constant good guy who pitches in for Trev when he bails on them.

As entertaining as this story was, I saw a Trev who was vindictive when he didn’t get his way with Gypsi and wanted to hurt her when he perceived an offense instead of asking and discussing. And yet, even though Trev was having a tantrum, he was still lovable. I perceived he was fighting his feelings and sticking to a step-siblings with benefits option. Trev and Gypsi together were combustible, they had really intense sexy times. Gypsi was perfect for him, demanding and kinky, just what he needed to stay focused. I found it hugely entertaining, loved Gypsi, Trev, and Sax. I even loved that Faye and Garrett found real love, not just lust. I was very happy with the end, but still think Trev needs to grow up a little more!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
869 reviews5 followers
September 29, 2024
The Smoke series continues with Trav's story -Firecracker! There is no shortage of steam, secrets, and the down & dirty! Trev Hughes is the playboy of the family. Always having a party and going through women faster than an ice cream cone melts in the summer! But, be warned, Trav has a dark side and it comes out! A much more mature sexual theme runs through this addictive steamy read.

Trev is fun, loveable and irresistible. Gypsi is kind, honest and a free spirit. They are both new to relationships. Trev, because he is immature. And Gypsi, because of the nomad lifestyle that she led while traveling around with her mom in their camper. They have many hurdles to overcome. The biggest one being her mom is dating his dad!! Did I mention Daddy Hughes is the head of the Southern Mafia...

The steam factor is super-hot! And as I said above, their sexy times are a bit darker and adult themed. I have been enjoying this new series by Abbi Glines and I can't wait for Levi and Aspen next in Whiskey Smoke!

'You're not what I expected," she replied. "I think we might end up being good friends.: Oh, hell no. She was not friend-zoning me.

#AuthorAbbiGlines #Smokeshow #Firecracker #Fireball #Smokebomb #HotAndSteamy #TrevAndGypsi #BlaiseAndMaddy #HuckAndTrinity #SmokeSeries
2,353 reviews
February 26, 2024
Liked the beginning and the end, but iffy on the middle

3.5 stars

I have a lot of conflicting thoughts when it came to this one. It started off as very promising with things being very forbidden between Gypsi and Trev. Since it was forbidden between them, there was a lot of great tension and angst between them. The banter between them was great. I loved the teasing and flirting going on.

Then they started sleeping together, and that was when it went downhill. It happened quicker than I would have liked. Their romps were way over the top. For me, it was a little too much. It made the focus of their relationship on that than them falling in love. In fact there was very little affection outside of the bedroom I didn’t like that.

The last little bit I did enjoy though because there was a touch of affection there. I wish there was more of those two scenes than stuff in the bedroom. It just needed to be flipped in my opinion.

There were other aspects that I really enjoyed too. The mafia being one of them just added something extra to the story even if it wasn’t a big part of the plot. Also I liked the suspense plot because it really upped the intensity and edge to the story. It just added some interesting things especially with so much focus being on the sexy time between Gypsi and Trev being a bulk of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brittany Pickard.
289 reviews
March 7, 2025
As like all the other books in this series, I am obsessed! I can’t get enough and I read through them s lo fast because I can’t seem to put them down! I really enjoyed this story. I loved getting to experience the younger characters in this series. Trev is fun and charismatic, add Gypsi to that mix and he became demanding, obsessive and dominant with a bit of jealousy. It was perfect! I loved how Gypsi knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to say it while they were doing the dirty. Every woman deserves to be heard and made to feel good with their needs not just the mans. I loved to see Trev take more of a role in the “family” and even Sax is starting to be trained. Its awesome! This book was more easygoing than the others have been, probably due to their age but I was all here for it! Can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,041 reviews23 followers
July 30, 2023
Holy Crap!!

Steps with benefits!

Boy talk about kinky and freaky this is it. More than any of the other books this one certainly stands out.

Trev Hughes is a playboy extraordinaire. From the very first book he’s hit on every woman he sees.

“Did you do some research last night, Lollipop?”

Gypsi has lived her life never staying in one place for long. When her Mom meets Garret Hughes she’s introduced to a different lifestyle one she’s never dreamed of.

“Then, I guess you’re my hero,” I told him. He leaned down close to my ear. “I’m the villain, Lollipop.”

These jealous protective men from the Southern Mafia will grab your attention and your heart. Sometimes they do stupid things in the process but you can’t help but love them.

I’d like that with someone who wanted it with me too. Who thought I was special. Who could love me in return. One day, maybe.

Pour Saxon never gets to keep the girl. I’m ready for him to get a HEA!!

Levi is next bring it on!!!
Profile Image for Maria.
187 reviews8 followers
September 10, 2024
Audio review
Narrated by MK Blackwood & Lucas Allen

Something about these men written by Abbi Glines… I just love them! I’ve read 2 books in this series now and I can say I’m really enjoying the storylines. I haven’t read them all prior to this one but I still really enjoyed the characters and plot.

Gypsi and Trev were so good together. I just loved Trev’s obsession with her from the get go! Their soon to be step siblings thing made it all so much hotter. 🔥🔥

The narrators for this book were new to me and they did soo good. Their performance made the story that much better! It’s done in duet style. I definitely recommend the audio!

Thanks Wordsmith publicity for the review copy! 🫶🏼
Profile Image for Anastacia.
274 reviews
March 7, 2025
3.5 Stars —
Wow, this one had a totally different vibe from the first four books, you could definitely tell they were younger. But I think it was done really well. I loved watching Trev uncover that darkness in him, that possessiveness. And lord, I never really knew what a nympho was, but after these spicy scenes? Yeah, I get it now. LOL. Seriously, I have no idea how either of them kept up with that kind of demand! Overall, it was good! I did get a little annoyed at times, but I think that had more to do with the younger age of the main characters. Still, I enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Tracy.
1,578 reviews10 followers
November 2, 2023
Loved this one. Gypsi was a breath of fresh air and I’ve always liked Trev.

Gypsi and her mother Fawn have spent their lives moving from place to place. When Fawn and Garrett fall in love, Gypsi realizes she’ll be free to explore life on her own-something she’s wanted to do. She then learns who Garrett is and that she can’t just leave on her own anymore because it’s not safe.

Gypsi has to acclimate to her new world. Trev is completely taken with her. It’s great to watch him work hard to get her to take him seriously and give in to his charms. Especially since she may be his step-sister some day.

Couldn’t put this down!
Profile Image for Lisa.
134 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2023
From the moment this series started, I couldn’t wait for Trev’s book!!!!! They annoying little brother got his HEA and I loved every second of it!
Profile Image for Nat Smithy.
556 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2023
Loved that Trevs book wasn't like the others. Gypsy was my favorite person.
Profile Image for Sage Ware.
13 reviews
June 21, 2024
Abbi will never disappoint me! This one ranks just a little lower on the list in comparison to the other 4 books in this series but overall a good read. I was waiting for the male character to have a love interest since book one! On to book 6!
Profile Image for Alexandra Lovell.
112 reviews
January 31, 2025
Love!

Oh! Trev and Gypsi are good. Huck and Trinity are still my favorite, but I appreciate all the characters and stories!
26 reviews
July 30, 2023
The female MC’s name is a big no-no, it’s an ethnic slur
Profile Image for Danny Lea.
772 reviews12 followers
September 21, 2024
Lordy. One of the worst books of Abbi Gline's I've read yet. She completely ruined Trev's character and put him with some 19 yr old nympho. Wasn't believable. The smexy scenes were cringe AF. The word harder was written hundreds of times felt like. Just all around bad, and the plot was horribly weak. I hope she doesn't ruin Levi's book.
Profile Image for Cahdii.
272 reviews11 followers
September 4, 2024
🎧Audiobook Review🎧

🎤Narrated in duet by @mkblackwoodnarrator and Lucas Allen

Spice level🌶️: 4/5

This book definitely lived up to its name. I enjoyed the last book and was eager to experience more of this world.This is book 5 in the series, but only the second book that I’ve read (after book 4). It has a totally different vibe from book 4. I usually picture the story in my mind when I’m reading and book 4 had a dark tinge to the setting. This one was sunny and vibrant. The MMC, is a mafia prince and has been mostly living the soft life, as the second, much younger son of a mafia boss.

The main characters, Trev and Gypsi (who are in their early 20s), meet at a party and there’s instant chemistry between them. They are such opposites but they just click. Trev is the son of a billionaire, while Gypsi lives in a trailer with her mum. Trev is a playboy, who has no interest in relationships, while Gypsi is very much a relationship girlie, who is currently reeling from her previous disastrous relationship and not looking to get involved with anyone. Throw in the fact that Trev’s dad and Gypsi’s mum are dating, and it’s just a very tense and complicated situation.

Since this is only the 2nd book I’ve read, I haven’t seen much of Trev. In the last book, we saw his discomfort and squeamishness at being introduced to the mafia lifestyle, by his older brother, Blaise. In this book, we see him struggle with the new responsibilities he’s taking on in “the Family” and the growth he makes, get more confident in his role and letting his unhinged-ness surface. Like the previous book in the series, this book is heavy on the romance and lighter on the mafia. The first part of the story focuses on the couple, as the mafia/suspense subplot develops later on in the story. This book is also a lot spicier than the last one. This is a relative short book and I enjoyed the pace. I finished it in one sitting.

I think possessive alpha male is a dominant personality among the males in this series and I’m so here for it. But I also love that Trev also has a softer cinnamon roll side to him. Despite comes from opposite sides of the track, he and Gypsi are well matched and he cherishes the parts of her that her ex shamed her for.

This book can be read as a standalone, but for the best experience, you should read them in order. I’m yet to read the first 3 books but there’s an interesting dynamic between Blaise and Trev, which I suspect was explored in-depth in previous books and I’m really itching to know what happened. Thankfully the books are all in KU so I can go back and read them when I’m done with the multiple books I’m currently reading. There is also a spoiler for Blaise’s story (books 1&2) in chapter 28 so be warned. (Thankfully, I have a “spoiler radar” on high alert when I read books out of order, so as soon as I pick up a hint of something spoilery, I skip over it.)

The narrators for this were both new to me and I loved their performance. The duet style narration made for an immersive listening experience. Their portrayals of Trev and Gypsi were spot on and they also did a good job voicing the other characters. They conveyed the tension between Trev and Gypsi really well and their portrayal of the spicy scenes was really hot. I would definitely be looking out for more of their work.

This is a great book if you’re looking for a quick spicy listen and like unhinged mafia men who will do anything to protect their women.

*I received a review copy from Wordsmith Publicity and these opinions are entirely my own
Profile Image for Bette.
3,305 reviews23 followers
August 25, 2024
More Smoke Series Greatness! Fantastic Story & Listen🎧

Firecracker
Smoke Series, Book 5
By: Abbi Glines
Narrated by: MK Blackwood, Lucas Allen

Abbi Glines pens another amazing novel set in her “Smoke” series, and it is great to be back in this amazing world she created. This fifth book is Trev Hughes and Gypsi Parker’s story, and wow, what a story it is. The two meet the night before the Kentucky Derby races, and there is an instant connection between them, but she knows who he is, the son of the man her mother is dating, Garrett Hughes, and a reason they should not go there, and he finds out soon enough. But that does not stop Trev from wanting her, working out excuses in his head. I will admit, I was not a fan of Trev at first, but he won me over and redeems himself by the end. I adored Gypsi from the start, her wit and her heart of gold, worrying about others when her past comes back to haunt her. I actually thought Saxon was better for her, but the heart wants what the heart wants. This book captivated my attention the entire time, and I loved all the layers of the story and how it all played out with plenty of drama, some angst, twists and turns, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Abbi Glines, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧  Abbi Glines chose the perfect cast to bring her characters and story to life. MK Blackwood and Lucas Allen did an amazing job portraying the characters, and I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. MK Blackwood truly shined as Gypsi, showcasing her personality and demeanor perfectly, her strength, determination and her caring side. Lucas Allen was just as fabulous as Trev, grasping all aspects of his personality and demeanor too, starting as a carefree player and morphing in to more by the end. Both were fabulous performing the roles of the secondary and support characters, too. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’s emotions, as well as their passion, and had you feeling it all. They are entertaining storytellers and their performance elevates this already fantastic story to another level. Thank you for this wonderful listen.
Profile Image for Daki Crow.
492 reviews
July 2, 2025
Firecracker might just be my favorite entry in Abbi Glines’ Smoke series so far. Trev Hughes—resident playboy and charming second son—finally takes center stage, and he absolutely delivers. This one’s messy, sexy, and oh-so-satisfying in the best kind of forbidden way.

Trev has always been the fun one—the Hughes with fewer responsibilities, the one who throws wild parties and makes girls blush with a single smirk. But Firecracker peels back that glossy exterior and reveals there’s more to him than just pretty privilege and poolside antics. He’s got some bite under all that charm, and when it comes to Gypsi? He’s completely hooked.

Enter Gypsi, the girl with a past, a psycho ex, and a suitcase full of secrets. She’s fierce, grounded, and whip-smart, with a relationship with her mom that’s one of the most heartwarming elements of the book. I loved that Fawn—Gypsi’s mother—isn’t a throwaway character or a plot device. She’s fully formed, thoughtful, and her love story with Garrett adds a quiet kind of sweetness that balances the high heat between Gypsi and Trev.

Now, about that heat. Trev and Gypsi are electric. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their dynamic is the perfect blend of push-and-pull. But what I appreciated most was how Gypsi didn’t immediately fall into Trev’s lap—figuratively or literally. She challenged him, kept him guessing, and made him work for it. And Trev? He’s not perfect. He pouts. He’s petty. He reacts before thinking. But somehow, even in his worst moments, he’s still so easy to root for.

Also, shoutout to Sax, the ultimate best friend/backup guy who never fails to add humor and heart. I can’t wait for his story—he’s clearly up next and it’s going to be a riot.

Firecracker is the kind of story that makes you laugh, fan yourself, and maybe even swoon a little. It’s messy in the best way, packed with drama and steam, and filled with characters who feel real in their flaws and fire. If you’re already deep in The Family's world, this book is everything you’re hoping for—and then some.
82 reviews
August 4, 2023
Mafia meets Gypsi

Book 5 of the Smoke Series….but now we are 5 books in and the plot and outcome are kind of all the same.

⚠️ DO NOT READ review if you have not read the other 4 books! It’s not a requirement but it may spoil book 1 & 2 which I loved! Even book 3

Here is the thing…you know how the story starts and ends…Mafia meets poor girl, someone is after poor girl, someone is captured maybe killed, a little bump along the way, to happiness living like a billionaire princess.

Here is the thing…if you are inexperienced in sex (one previous partner) there is no way in hell that you are obsessed with sex and need it so much. Reading is about losing yourself in someone else’s story but fiction should still contain some form of reality. Blaise and Maddy’s story is completely believable….even Huck’s story but the last 2 felt really predictable.

Let’s get to the story!
Trev is the younger brother to Blaise, future head of family, complete playboy with a lot of charm.

Gypsi is the new girl at the party and catches the eye of Trev almost immediately. The next day he finds out Gypsi’s mom Fawn is his fathers new girlfriend and things between them are heating up fast…future step siblings.

Attraction leads to sex but Gypsi and her mom stay on the road and never settle down long. In addition Gypsi is running from abusive ex boyfriend but Trev is not letting anything get in his way…not even a marriage between their parents.

A lot of excitement and I liked the story but I knew I had read it before!!
256 reviews5 followers
August 4, 2023
Book 5 of the Smoke Series….but now we are 5 books in and the plot and outcome are kind of all the same.

⚠️ DO NOT READ review if you have not read the other 4 books! It’s not a requirement but it may spoil book 1 & 2 which I loved! Even book 3

Here is the thing…you know how the story starts and ends…Mafia meets poor girl, someone is after poor girl, someone is captured maybe killed, a little bump along the way, to happiness living like a billionaire princess.

Here is the thing…if you are inexperienced in sex (one previous partner) there is no way in hell that you are obsessed with sex and need it so much. Reading is about losing yourself in someone else’s story but fiction should still contain some form of reality. Blaise and Maddy’s story is completely believable….even Huck’s story but the last 2 felt really predictable.

Let’s get to the story!
Trev is the younger brother to Blaise, future head of family, complete playboy with a lot of charm.

Gypsi is the new girl at the party and catches the eye of Trev almost immediately. The next day he finds out Gypsi’s mom Fawn is his fathers new girlfriend and things between them are heating up fast…future step siblings.

Attraction leads to sex but Gypsi and her mom stay on the road and never settle down long. In addition Gypsi is running from abusive ex boyfriend but Trev is not letting anything get in his way…not even a marriage between their parents.

A lot of excitement and I liked the story but I knew I had read it before!!
Profile Image for al borland.
361 reviews6 followers
December 8, 2023
i couldn't get past the first few pages of this book on the first attempt and now months later, i read it in a few hours. not because it's good. no, it's definitely not. a two star rating is even too high. but i had so much fun laughing at this one that i had to inflate the score. likely because there was less overwrought melodrama to skip, but mostly because this is quite possibly the dumbest mafia in the history of criminals. this book is about the boss's son, yet there is such minimal mafia plot it doesn't even make sense why this story needed to take place in the mafia at all. but really at this point, i think the mafia adds a sense of camp to the whole world and that's why i keep reading. we get abbi's typical step-sibling taboo boning trope, but this time with the risk of sneaking around a highly secure facility. the wealthy new step dad was also something out of an early 2000s teen romcom but with gratuitous sex scenes. and there was nothing like the pure lunacy of the jealous boyfriend getting to slowly cut up his true love's ex in a family sanctioned torture session. abbi's creative decisions leave me scratching my head in nearly every way, it's like she gets to a fork in the road to make a great turn for the plot then picks the opposite direction. i can't wait to see what she has in store next as we go deeper into the scraps of her mafia underlings...i can only imagine there will be more unrealistic toughbro heart to hearts.
Profile Image for MiracleBooklover Bassett.
35 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2024
It’s Time for our Trev to grow up and Gypsi is perfect for him

I feel like everybody underestimated Trev and Gypsi noticed the man behind the boy and she is so perfect for him. I do feel like Garrett was very selfish. It was all about him falling in love with Fawn, and him losing her, but he didn’t stop to think that maybe his son was actually in love with Gypsi. I was so happy that Fawn noticed and did not agree with him and I love how she put him in his place.
Trevor didn’t have anyone to fight for or anyone to protect until he fell in love with Gypsi and that is what broke the monster out, he went into that room and was ready to fight for her and he did.
He is a warrior of love and protection and I noticed in some of the other books, he says that no one messes with “The Family” now he will always protect “ The Family” and the woman he loves.
So Watch Out. He’s Going To Protect What’s His.
Small sidenote I would tell you to read Scorch Book 9 before you read Firecracker just so you’re able to see the whole picture because when you read Fawn and Garrett‘s book, you totally will fall in love with him and he’s not the big boss asshole that he seems he has a heart and Fawn owns it because personally when I read this book I did not like Fawn or Garrett but after I read Scorch Book 9, I fell in love with them. Totally up to you. So enjoy because I know I did.😉
Profile Image for Jaimie.
1,644 reviews25 followers
August 31, 2024
I have been slowly going through this series and waiting for them to come to audio. But I have been hooked on this series since the first book. I hate that it took me so long to finally read / listen to Abbi's books.

Since the first book, Trevor has been in the background, and I was curious about how his story would be told. I was surprised by the way it all happened and loved how the story ended.
Trevor seems like the typical womanizer, and he shows that on more than one occasion in this book. But you either hate him or love him!
Gypsi can live up to her name and be happy about it. And I love her for her strength in some hard times and the way she finds herself in the chaos of the Hughes family. But at the same time, she has her own secrets.

I had the pleasure of listening to this audio, and I really liked it. I don't know that I have heard Lucas Allen before, and at first, I wasn't sure if I liked him as Trevor. But shortly after the audio started, he fit the idea I had in my head.
As for MK Blackwood, I know that I haven't listened to her before. She was the perfect Gypsi. I liked the emotions and the way she changed her voice for the times it was needed.

This is a book I will listen to again. I love that this series is coming to audio and I will slowly make my way through as they release!
Profile Image for Nicoletta Tompros.
203 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2026
Holy crap—Steps With Benefits was EVERYTHING.

Talk about kinky, bold, and unforgettable—this book absolutely stands out from the rest of the series. Trev Hughes has always been the ultimate playboy, but pairing him with Gypsi takes things to a whole new level. He’s fun and charismatic, but with her, he becomes intense, dominant, a little jealous—and it works perfectly. Their chemistry is off the charts.

Gypsi is a standout heroine. She knows exactly what she wants, isn’t afraid to speak up, and owns her needs unapologetically. It was refreshing to see a heroine who demands just as much pleasure and respect as she gives. Watching Trev step up—not just for Gypsi, but within the “family”—was incredibly satisfying, and seeing Sax begin his training added an exciting layer to the story.

This book felt more lighthearted and fun than the others, likely because of their age, and I loved every second of it. I went in excited and came out completely blown away—it was even better than I expected and such a quick, addictive read. I adored Gypsi’s grit, tenacity, and personality, and while Trev started off a bit of a tool (let’s be honest), he grew into the perfect match for her. If the earlier books are anything like this one, I’ll be head over heels for all of them. I cannot wait for the next book! 🔥📖
Profile Image for CourtneyS.
660 reviews36 followers
September 1, 2024
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
▪︎Spice Level:  🌶🌶🌶/ 5
•Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧/5- Duet Style
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Bookshelf Worthy: 📚📚📚/5
•Platform: E-book and Audio
•Recommend: Yes!!!
▪︎Re-read/re-listen: Yes.
•Trope: Mafia Romance, Touch her and 💀 vibes, girl with a stalker.

• Thoughts:
I was going into this book excited. I was absolutely blown away. It was better then what I was expecting. It was a quicker listen for me. And I gobbled it up! I loved Trev and Gypsy. He wanted to stay away from her but was soo drawn to her. Gypsy is a character that is written in a way that you just love her. I adored her personality, her tenacity, her grit. She is a very well written character. I am not gonna lie I thought Trevor was kind of a tool. Lol but you cannot help but like him and as the story progresses, he is perfect for her. I really need to go back and read the first three books. If they are anything like this one. I will be head over heals for all these men!!

•Narrator Thoughts:
MK Blackwood is a newer to me, narrator, and I loved her. I think she did a great job in bringing the characters life and heart! Lucas Allen was a new to me narrator and I really liked him!! The audio was epic!!
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