Scorch

Smoke #9

by Abbi Glines

A world of racing horses, wealth, power, and organized crime was what Garrett Hughes had been born to lead. He thrived as the boss of the southern mafia. Women had come and gone in his life, but he had never needed any of them. Once he was given his heirs, he no longer cared about marriage. He had one family, The Family. He didn’t need anything more.

The gorgeous cocktail waitress at his private club is everything he despises. She gets by in life by her beauty, not striving for more. Just like his ex-wives. Beautiful, vain, and flighty. What kind of woman raises a kid in a camper, always picking up and moving? A selfish one. Someone who can’t be trusted.

Fawn Parker isn’t a typical mother, but having a child when she was seventeen and alone in the world, she did all she could to give her the best life possible. The one thing she has taught her daughter is to never back away from an adventure. To live life to its fullest.

The day that Garrett sees Fawn’s true character, he can’t seem to stay away. He wants to be near her and experience life through her eyes. It’s addicting and unlike anything he’s ever known.

What he didn’t expect was to have to work for her attention. He’s never been told no until Fawn does it frequently. Tossing his demands, gifts, and interest in his face. She refuses to let his money and power control her.

But instead of getting angry, he keeps coming back for more.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2023

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is seriously freaking amazing. The books just keep getting hotter and hotter. I didn’t expect to love Garrett as much as I did, but the way he loved and protected her was so satisfying. I loved that we got to see a different side of Fawn with this book, I like how she stayed strong and didn’t let him walk all over her with his need to control everything. I can’t wait for Wilder’s story now!

[Judy Portelles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this series it’s so good. I loved Garrett and Fawn’s story. Daddy Garrett falls so hard for her and I adored how much he cares for her and protects her and her daughter. Even though Fawn stands up for herself, I loved how she let Garrett in little by little. So good.

The narrators did an amazing job, highly recommend the audio.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars- The 9th book in the Smoke series. It does not need to be read in order and is a standalone novel. Sex to story ratio, 2:1. Why does being a mafia guy = kinks? Honestly, it gets tiring reading about them page after page. The ending isn’t necessarily a true cliffhanger; but, there are loose threads. Things that could be picked up and worked into a future book.

[Sandie Chraponski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Daddy, I mean we all wanted Garrett and Fawn’s story, but I don’t think we were prepared for just how good it was going to be! Abbi Glines writes the perfect mix of romance and intrigue and I am here for it!!

Garrett is the Boss in his world. He is used to people respecting him to the point of fear, what he’s not used to and what intrigues him the most is Fawn and her ability to stand up to him while standing up for herself.

Take this journey with these two, watch the mighty fall and the not so meek rule the world. Abbi has done a phenomenal job with timelines with this one, it fits with Firecracker perfectly. It’s filled with so much spice that it just might “Scorch” your kindle !! Do not miss out on this southern mafia series, just don’t do it!

1. Smokeshow
2. Fireball
3. Smoke Bomb
4. Straight Fire
5. Firecracker
6. Whiskey Smoke
7. Smoking Hot
8. Burn
9. Scorch
10. Ashes (coming soon)

[Victoria Paige]

I've officially jumped to book 9 and will have to go back to read book 5. These books are like crack. Lol. My favorite is still Blaise and Maddy's book. But in this book, we can see where Blaise learned his ruthlessness...however it's the first time Daddy Garrett becomes obsessed with a woman and I'm here for it.
This series is heavy in spice but there's a dynamic that keeps me turning the pages.

[Sage Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was skeptical with the main charters on this book. I was not sure that I would like they way this story read, but boy was a wrong! I was surprised with how well Garretts story read compared to the previous books. Never doubt your favorite author! One more book to wrap this series and on the spin off!

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Rich Rancher Man!!

Just when you think this series can’t get any better she knocks it out of the park with a new story. Fawn and Garrett have been in the background of the last three stories. Now we get the up close and personal of there own HEA.

Faith has had a rough life raising a daughter by her self always moving around from place to place. She’s is the kind of person who try’s to see the best in everything.

“There is a wealthy member of the club. I think he did this. I’m going to talk to him tonight. I don’t want his charity. I’m not for sale.”

Garrett Hughes is used to getting anything or anyone he wants. Rich and powerful beyond her comprehension. She brings out a side of him he didn’t know he was capable of.

I was going to have her. She just wasn’t aware of it yet.

She has a bad habit of choosing the bad boy little does she know he’s the baddest of them all.

There was a softer side to Garrett Hughes. Under all that dark, terrifying lord persona of his was a man.

The Daddy of them all is just as alpha and dangerous as they come. The younger generation learned from the best.

[Brittany Pickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my damn! I had a feeling Garrett’s book was going to be my favorite out of this series and it did not disappoint! The boss is a badass! Everything about him is alluring. His power, his reach, his possessiveness, his charm, his dominance and even his kinks had me high while reading. The way Fawn changed him to be tender hearted and loving while still remaining to be exactly what he was born to be was everything! Fawn is sweet and kind but also stubborn and takes shit from no one, even the boss of the mafia that everyone is afraid of but her. The kind of mother she is to her daughter is everything. They have a relationship I can only hope to have with my children one day. Not just respect but friendship. I loved seeing the older generation of the “family” step up when needed. Amazing!! One more book left in this series and then on to the spinoffs.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking LOVE this series by Abbi Glines!!!!! Scorch is book #9 in the Smoke series and one I’ve been waiting for!!!! The story of Garrett and Fawn was going to be a wild ride and it didn’t disappoint! The way he protects her and her daughter would make anyone swoon. The way Fawn stands up for herself is something Garrett has to learn to accept but once he does it’s an amazing HEA!! Let’s not forget about those steamy parts either 🌶️, those did not disappoint in typical Abbi fashion. And that teaser???? I can’t wait for Wilder’s story!

I was given an ARC of this book and am giving my honest opinion and review.

[Angela D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to be on book 9 of a series and it be getting better and better?

Yes!!!! Scorch is what we’ve all been curious about but never thought we’d get. The mafia boss’ story!
We were introduced to a small glimpse of their life in Book 5, Firecracker, but Fawn and Garrett’s story needed to be told and of course Abbi Glines delivers.

Don’t get me started on that teaser at the end!!!! It’s a whole new world of our boys in the Southern Mafia and I am here for it!

[Anastacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well hot damn, Daddy… I mean Boss. I don’t usually go for the Daddy kink/trope, but lord, this book did it right. I mean, who wouldn’t call Garrett Hughes Daddy or let that man own them in every way? Me, me, pick me! And can we please take a moment to appreciate Fawn? The badass, free-spirited, zero-fucks-given mother she is? She fully embodied the “I don’t need no man” energy, even after falling in love with Garrett, and I loved that. Absolutely obsessed with this book!

[Greyland Reviews · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars
I thought I would enjoy this more since the characters were a little older but they fell into Glines over used character tropes.
Trigger Warnings: forced sex work, statutory rape, domestic abuse mentioned, murder, death, violence, gunshots, gun violence, and physical assault

[Kim Brewing · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story, I just wished there was more of it and less bedroom time, we got it, they have kinks but it took centerstage instead of their relationship. I wouldn't say this book added anything to the series as we're met everyone already and know some of it. I would have like to see more of them interacting as a family.

[Yamina -Women Who Stare at Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scorch was a steamy, hot, tense and great story. Just loved it! I wish I had read the other books to get the full experience but going to do it now.
Not your classic mafia story … not predictable. Enjoy the ride!

*Arc provided for an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abbi Glines has done it again! I devoured this book from the moment I woke up and realized it had downloaded to my kindle app. Like all the books in this series I couldn’t put it down. These Southern Mafia men are HOT & like the title implies, Garrett leaves you scorched! Can’t wait for more, I might even start over and reread, these books are just too good.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scorch is book #9 of the Smoke series. I can't believe that we are up to #9! I have burned through each book. I actually had to slow my reading down so that I could make the story last more than one sitting! So, here we are at Garrett's story! He was not someone I was overly excited about but as each story was told more pieces of him, more glimpse of him were dropped. The buildup and the intensity of the Mafia boss started to pique my interest. And wow! What a story! This is not your mom's romance stories!

Garrett Hughes is the most alpha of all! He is domineering, controlling, powerful. He is not to messed with. And not one to say no to. He was born and raised into this life. He has lived it his way. He has lived hard and played harder.

I take care of what's mine.

Fawn Parker is like a free spirit. She is fun and full of adventures. She has traveled all over in her camper while raising her daughter, Gypsy. She is also so different than any woman Garrett had known. Fawn and Garrett have a connection. A chemistry. And a passion that will scorch everything in its path!

Their story has passion, friendship, fire, misunderstandings and retribution - mafia style! It is a bit more on the raw side with some darker sexual content. The men of the series all possess a kink of some kind and Garrett is no different.

I had known he'd ruin me, but I hadn't known just how completely.

I have really enjoyed the Smoke series. It is filled with bad-boys, horses, mafia, and southern charm. Scorch is heavily focused on Garrett and Fawns story with only a glimpse of past characters. Now, who will be next? I don't think I can take Liam's story next! I might combust! Abbi Glines, keep them coming!

All of the Smoke series books are interconnected and can be read as a stand-alone. Although it is best to read them in order. Enjoy!

#AuthorAbbiGlines #Scorch #Burn #Smokeshow #Fireball #SmokeBomb #WhiskeySmoke #HotAndSteamy #GarrettAndFawn #SmokeSeries #Romance #Mafia #FriendToLovers

[Fiona Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read still 5 very shinny lit stars ⭐️

[Cahdii · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
🎤 Duet narration by Lucas Webley and Meg Sylvan
Spice level 🌶️: 3/5

This is the least suspenseful book of the series but I still enjoyed it. It's about Garrett Hughes the retiring leader of the Southern Mafia. Most of the story takes place before the events of book 5, but you have to read that one before this one because this one has spoilers.

Fawn is a 36 year old single mum who's only ever had herself to rely on. Garret Hughes meets her while she's working as a server at his club and he takes a liking to her. Like the other men in this series, he's relentless in the pursuit of the woman he wants. She's a spitfire who doesn't trust easily and refuses to let him take care of her. Over time, he breaks down her walls and she falls for him. It's a bit of an age gap because Garret is in his mid to late 40s.

I loved the dynamic between Fawn and Garrett. He's the feared mafia boss that everyone is afraid to challenge, except Fawn. Granted, she doesn't initially know he's in the mafia., but she knows he's a powerful man of sorts and she's not afraid to speak her mind. She tempers his controlling nature, but let's him dominate in the bedroom, unlike most of the partners he's had before. I love that he's relentless in his pursuit of her because they are exactly what the other person needs but she has a hard time letting him in because of her past.

Don't expect a lot of mafia action in this book. It mostly about the romance, with Garrett's power, influence and money showing in the way he woos Fawn and deals with the people who disrespect/ try to hurt her. He may be retiring and calming down, but he has his moments when he becomes unhinged. We get to see a bit of the old him at the end, though and that was quite fun to watch (if you're the type who likes to see villains punished mercilessly).

I loved the audio for this book. All the narrators in this series are amazing and Meg Sylvan and Lucas Webley were no exception. They're both quite new to me. I've only listened to one other book by either of them. I really enjoyed Meg's portrayal of the feisty, independent Fawn. I was really impressed with the flawless southern accent Lucas gave Garrett, given that his real accent is English, and the gravel in his voice made the scenes where Garret was exerting his authority (including the spicy scenes) really hot.

This book is for the girlies who are tired of having to do everything by themselves and dream of having a morally grey billionaire come and whisk them away and take care of all their needs. It's also for the girlies who can leave feminism at the door when they read because the men in this world are possessive, a bit controlling and have no respect for the women in their world who don't demand it.

Content warnings:
-Graphic vi0lence and t0rture (of a villain)
-SA on one of the characters in a flashback (not a detailed description, but still potentially triggering)

*I received an advance copy from Wordsmith Publicity. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Erin Under_Covers_Smut_Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5
Spice 3.5

WOW, another great book from the talented Abbi Glines. She is able to write her characters with such depth, that have real issues and ones you could possibly relate to. Just when I thought this series was sadly coming to an end, she surprised me with a new teaser from the next book to come!

The excitement that I was expecting to feel from Garrett and Fawn's book was there. It was everything I could have asked for. To know what lies behind the man Garrett Hughs has always been there throughout all of the Smoke Series. Giving her audience just enough to know that he is this powerful Mafia Boss, that you really didn't even get a taste of until Firecracker (Trevor and Gypsi story). Then again in Smoking Hot, you saw a little bit more of the man. He has always been this mysterious hot Mafia Boss behind the scenes. To know that he is domineering and has some dirty kinks, that I could get down with...I didn't expect anything less. His kinks were shown more in this book than some of the past men in this series. Garrett was every bit of man I thought he should be and probably more. He was fierce, protective and a man who was feared by those who truly knew him. The author didn't disappoint when writing his character.

We all know that Fawn was introduced in Firecracker as Gypsi's mom, then again in Smoking Hot. To learn the life she had lived when she was younger, and to know how Gypsi was conceived was heartbreaking. I truly felt the anguish and emotion of what Fawn must have gone through. This book really brings forth these two characters. What Garrett puts Fawn through in the beginning was tough as well. I don't see how Fawn stayed so cool towards a certain character she worked with. I was so mad for her and the way she was treated. That is what the author does in her books. She makes you feel for these characters as though they are a part of your life. Even down to the country way Fawn talks. She brought that out in writing Fawn's part, but not enough to be like ok that is too much. I know because I talk the way Fawn does because I am from states that this character was born and raised in.

The only negative about this book was the ending. I had to flip back and go forward again to make sure I didn't miss something. I thought this truly can't be the ending, but sadly it was. I would have liked to have seen it end on a different note. Maybe and ending of their wedding and Garrett talking to his son's as he passed down everything. Or maybe it was my own mushy emotional self-hoping he would say something to his son's that he never had before. Those who read it know what I am talking about here. So many ways to end this book differently, but maybe the author has something else up her sleeves when it comes to these two. Especially Garrett's revenge, it just has to continue elsewhere in the future. I would only take off .5 for that, but you can't do that during these reviews, and I am not taking a whole star away because of this. Oh, another character that came out in this book that was never brought out this way was Saxon's dad Richard. Can we say OMG to the new side it shown of him. I would have never guessed the quiet, bored but deadly type when it came to sweet ole Saxon's dad. Truly a shocker, but I am so glad it spoke more on him and his past and current self. I always wondered about him, but now I know!

As always thank you Abbi Glines for another great story out of this series. I cannot wait to continue this ride with you as you move forward with series as a reader and fan. Seriously though, that teaser for the next one has me ready and excited. I may have let out a little whine when the teaser was done. I was ready to continue with it, lol. You always keep me waiting for the next book to drop.

I did receive this book as an ARC for my honest review, and I feel that I gave that. Excellent writing as always. I always feel connected to your characters as though they are part of my life today. Another story that didn't disappoint, and I am ready for the next!

Written by Under_Covers_Smut_Lover
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[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Story & Listen🎧 Compelling & Emotional!

Scorch
Smoke, Book 9
By: Abbi Glines
Narrated by: Meg Sylvan, Lucas Webley

I can not get enough of Abbi Glines’ “Smoke” series, the amazing world she created with equally amazing characters and have been looking forward to Garrett Hughes’ and Fawn Parker’s story ever since meeting them in “Firecracker”. Garrett interested me even before that, since he is the boss and has been handing over the reins to his son and the younger generation. I would like to say this book is the best in the series, but that would not be fair to all the earlier books because they are just as amazing, though Abbi Glines certainly outdone herself with their story, a story that is captivating from start to end. Garrett and Fawn are two headstrong characters, and it was great watching how they came about, the push and the pull, and then see their relationship take off and morph into something more. Garrett met his match with Fawn, and she stayed true to herself and gave as good as she got, with exceptions, WTG Daddy oh. Hearing her backstory was gut-wrenching, but she came back stronger and built a good life for herself and her daughter, a unique life, but one they were happy with. There was never a dull moment in this book, and as always, the writing, plot and world building are incredible, as are the character growth and development. This multilayered story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. Abbi Glines, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Meg Sylvan and Lucas Webley were the perfect cast to bring the characters to life, and they did a fantastic job portraying them, giving each a voice that was fitting. I loved how they took each role and made it their own sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. Meg Sylvan was a natural in Fawn’s role, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her witty fierceness to her strength and determination. Lucas Webley is just as amazing in Garrett’s role, showcasing his personality and his alpha/bossy demeanor. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the secondary and side characters too. They set the right tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These two are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

[Daki Crow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scorch gives us an unexpected but satisfying shift in perspective by diving into the romance between Garrett Hughes—the powerful, emotionally detached boss of the southern mafia—and Fawn Parker, the free-spirited, fiercely independent single mom we’ve only seen in the background up until now. While it doesn’t push the main plot of the series forward in any big way, it still manages to add a new emotional layer to the world of Smoke.

Garrett has always been painted as cold, commanding, and unshakably in control. A man with a legacy to uphold and zero interest in love or vulnerability. But then along comes Fawn—bold, radiant, and everything he’s never understood. Their dynamic is an opposites-attract dream. She’s lived on the edge, raising her daughter on her own, traveling from place to place in a camper, and never apologizing for her choices. Meanwhile, Garrett judges her at first glance—assuming she’s no different than the shallow women from his past. But the more time he spends with her, the more that control starts to unravel.

What’s especially refreshing about Fawn is how immune she is to Garrett’s wealth and power. She doesn’t just resist it—she outright rejects it. She’s unimpressed by his money, unfazed by his authority, and constantly calls him on his bullshit. Watching Garrett try (and fail) to woo her the only way he knows how—with gifts and dominance—only to realize he has to show actual vulnerability? That made for some incredibly sweet, funny, and even humbling moments.

Even though this book doesn’t have the same level of tension or violence as the others in the series, it still carries emotional weight. Seeing Garrett soften for Fawn, choose her over the image he’s clung to for decades, and integrate her into his life as an equal rather than a conquest was deeply satisfying. Fawn, in turn, gets the safety, stability, and adoration she always deserved—on her terms.

Scorch may be a quieter story, but it’s a beautiful one—about late-in-life love, second chances, and the power of choosing someone not because you need them, but because you want them.

[Luisa Rivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Abbi Glines has outdone herself in this series, it has been so good and so addictive! And the title for this book is so apt because it has been such a scorching hot story!

After reading the stories of the young men in this Mafia family, of course we’re intrigued by Garret Hughes. He’s the boss, the most powerful man in the organization, he has an air of danger and menace, of absolute power and control of everything around him, so the woman who tames him has to be uber special. And she is!

Fawn has been around, has had her share of adventures, and yet, she still possesses an air of kindness and trust. She’s as beautiful inside as she is outside. Moreover, she has been an excellent mom to Gypsi, raising a girl who is mature and responsible. When Fawn starts working at the club owned by Garrett, I’m pretty sure he was thinking of having a fling. But once you know Fawn, you realize she’s not a woman you have a fling with, she’s the woman you take to your home and introduce to your family.

I loved seeing Garrett get fascinated by Fawn’s beauty, then captivated by her kindness, her interest in everything new, her happiness. For the first time in his life, he’s enjoying life, feels happy, is laughing a lot, all thanks to this woman. And in exchange, Fawn is feeling cherished and protected. It’s a very romantic story with very spicy scenes, and super tender moments. I could see how Fawn surprised Garrett, at the same time she also angered him because she would just not say yes to all his gifts and his plans.

The story happens more or less parallel to Firecracker, Trev’s and Gypsi’s story. I found it funny how much Garrett liked Gypsi and found that his son Trev didn’t measure up to his girlfriend’s daughter. I liked seeing them from this different perspective, and also seeing Gage in action in all his psycho glory.

Abbi Glines did it again, another spicy and wonderful story to add to our addiction. I didn’t miss the teaser at the end, so happy to see more to come!

[MiracleBooklover Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s time for daddy to find his love

I kind of did not want to read this book in the beginning, but I am so happy I did you get to see Fawn in a total different light same with Garrett.
In the beginning, Garrett, kind of makes up his own opinion about Fawn when he visits the judgment MC club, but Fawn starts to work at one of his established, of a gentleman club, she not knowing that he is the boss of the southern mafia talks to him like he’s a regular rich man for him, he has to show that he was still “The Boss” and fires her but of course he ends up rehiring her. He still kind of is very rude to her, and one of the girls at the club is very jealous of Fawn and flips the tray that she has in her hands and spills it all over her and he ends up telling Fawn that she’s going to have to pay for it out of her check finally two friends of Fawn at the club tells him the real story and he goes to apologize to her in the dressing room. Fawn just wanting get home to her daughter and forget about this whole day. She goes in the locker room to get her things and she can’t find her her purse anyways Garrett goes in there to apologize and ask her why she didn’t tell him the true story, she tells him she can’t find her purse. He takes her to the security room with all the cameras and they watch the girl put👜 her purse in the toilet, Garrett watches some more of the security tapes and realizes how he has been acting, and that his opinion of Fawn was so wrong after he offers her a ride home and he replaced her purse with a new phone, and cleans her car. I mean he was really trying to make it for how he treated Fawn-sorry not sorry you’re gonna have to read the rest on your own.
I do really love how Garrett falls in love with her and realizes he’s has never told his two sons that he loves them at the end. He really becomes a better father and a better man. I think that was a really the big reason he went ahead and retired it was because he trusted his older son.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely amazing series that just keeps getting better and better . As per usual Abbi has once again exceeded all my expectations and just completely blew me away in all the best ways . Scorch was and is everything I mean everything, It’s an emotional rollercoaster that plays on all your emotions in ways you won’t even be expecting. You’ll experience everything from being utterly speechless, to yelling outta pure frustration. Your heart will feel like it’s beating so fast and then bam being torn apart with tears streaming down your face , you’ll be glued to the edge of your seat anticipating what will happen from one second to the next . And you’ll find yourself rooting so freaking hard . I knew from the moment i met both Garret and Fawn I was in trouble, I knew there was no way I was going to be getting much sleep , something I cannot put into words pulled me to these two like a moth to a flame and I found myself becoming more and more invested not to mention falling hook line and sinker in love . Dark , raw and gritty , mafia romance, polar opposites, intrigue, suspense, non stop action, tragedy, love , passion, drama , twists and turns, secrets angst , oh so steamy moments, heartbreaking and heartwarming, family , friendships , second chances, a powerful and dangerous crime boss who is a alpha In every way . Protective / in control and would do anything to protect the ones he loves . A heroine who is not only strong , confident,and hardworking but also happens to be a single mother to a 19 year old daughter . Both have not had the easiest of lives in fact there is so much more to Fawn and Garrett then meets the eye - so many different layers . Scorch is the type of love story that’s going to hook you from the very first chapter . In fact I can guarantee that once you start there’s no way you’ll be able to stop .

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Garrett Hughes was born to be the leader of organized crime. It's in his blood and he is really good at it. No one could ever deny that. He has really never needed a woman in his life. And trust me there have been plenty that have come and gone. He has his heirs and that always led to ex-wives. The only family the man has ever needed was the Family and he has that now. However when he meet a cocktail waitress in his private club he knows that she is everything he has ever desired. Fawn Parker however isn't your average cocktail waitress. To him she is flighty, and not living up to her potential at all. After all she lives in a camper and can take off on a moments notice with her child and be long gone if she needs to. However she is doing everything she can to give them the best life possible. The odds were stacked against her when she found herself at seventeen alone and pregnant. Her daughter is her entire world and she will do whatever it takes for her. She is teaching her to never back away from an adventure and live her life to the fullest. The more that Garrett gets to know her the more time he wants with her and to experience life the way she and her daughter do it. But she isn't making it easy on him and he has to really work for her attention. I really loved the way that he had to work for her attention. She didn't just fall at his feet because of all the power and money he has. But this doesn't cause him to not keep trying. These two really take you on a magical journey. I can't leave out that this book will melt your kindle in your hands. These two have some serious chemistry between them. I loved reading this book and closed it with a big old smile on my face. You do not want to miss this book.

[Nicoletta Tompros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fawn. You. Go. Queen. 👑

The way she talks back to the boss? ICONIC. The fact that she wants nothing from Garrett—and gives back every gift? Even better. Fawn is everything, and what makes it even hotter is that Garrett is willing to let her call the shots. My only complaint? I desperately wish there was more.

This series just keeps getting better and hotter with every book. I didn’t expect to love Garrett as much as I did, but the way he loves and protects Fawn was beyond satisfying. What I loved most was seeing a different side of Fawn—she stays strong, grounded, and never lets Garrett bulldoze her with his need to control everything. Their dynamic is addictive, and now I’m dying for Wilder’s story.

Oh Daddy… we all wanted Garrett and Fawn’s book, but I don’t think any of us were prepared for just how good it was. Abbi Glines absolutely nails the balance between romance and intrigue, and I was hooked from start to finish.

Garrett Hughes is the boss in every sense of the word—alpha, domineering, powerful, and used to being feared. He’s not someone you say no to… except Fawn does. And that’s exactly what pulls him in. She stands up to him while standing up for herself, and he doesn’t just tolerate it—he needs it.

Fawn Parker is a total free spirit. Adventurous, fearless, and fiercely independent, she’s raised her daughter Gypsy while traveling the world in her camper. She’s nothing like the women Garrett has known before, and their connection is explosive. The chemistry? Scorching. The passion? All-consuming.

Their story is filled with fire, friendship, misunderstandings, and mafia-style retribution. It leans raw and a little dark, with the signature kink threaded throughout the series—Garrett included.

“I had known he’d ruin me, but I hadn’t known just how completely.”
And honestly? Same.

🔥🔥🔥

[Dimitra A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garret steals the show...

OK. I will start with the fact that I didn’t expect this. This story. These characters. Everything took me by surprise – and it was EPIC! I admit that I didn’t expect to like Garret. At all. In the rest of the books – especially in his sons’ books (Smokeshow and Fireball (Blaise’s story), Firecracker (Trev’s story)) he is pictured as distant, cold, strict and well....unappealing as a character. Not so much in Firecracker as in the first two books in my opinion, but you get the picture.... So, to end up liking him so much after this book just shows in my eyes what an amazing author Abbi Glines is...Garret is not what he seems – or at least until he finds the right woman that unlocks feelings and traits he possesses but doesn’t let the world see. Yes, he is domineering, controlling, always used to get his way in everything. He is THE Mafia Boss – and he rules with an iron fist. But he is not unreasonable or unwilling to accept opinions and understand feelings. He really listens. He cares deeply, despite his aloof and hard façade he lets the world see (he is the Mafia Boss and he needs to be feared, after all). When Fawn barrels into his life, he is not prepared for a woman like her. His interactions with women, even his previous wives, showed him that they are just calculating gold-diggers. But Fawn is different. Strong, independent, an amazing single Mom of an equally amazing daughter. She couldn’t care less about his riches. It’s obvious that she appreciates the man – his qualities, his behaviour toward her and her daughter – she fears FOR him, not of him. Their story is one that shows us that it’s never late for someone to get their HEA in life. I couldn’t put my kindle down till the very last page! 5 stars!

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett Hughes is a powerful man, one who always gets what he wants...well except for her. Fawn Parker has met men like him before, seen the power they wield over everyone around them, and she decided a long time ago that she would never fall for one, no matter how tempting they maybe. Then again she has never met a man quite like Garrett Hughes!

The pages of Scorch will have you at it's mercy the whole way through, it's words so commanding and characters so mesmerizing that you won't be able to pry your eyes from them. These two are pure fire on the page, Fawn has no interest in becoming Garrett's new little toy and she fights his advances every step of the way. Garrett is a man that always gets what he wants and once he sets his sights on Fawn he does not give up, he wants her and will not take no for an answer. So needless to say the tension between these two is pretty intense and hot, SO very hot! I absolutely loved watching them dance around one another, fight the temptation and eventually lure one another in... it was one heck of a steamy little union!!

I've said it before and I will say it again nobody does romance quite like Ms. Glines, her books always hit a little different and always leave you wanting more!! If you like steamy mafia romances with a southern touch then I have no doubt you will love this new series from her... it is her best literary venture yet! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Jacqui Reads Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Abbi's books just get better and better, the perfect mix of romance and intrigue - a must read!

Garrett is used to getting his own way, and people do not say no to him! Bring on Fawn!

He is one powerful, domineering man who know one says no to him.

Fawn has just broken up with Micah after hearing him taking pleasure from a club porn star. It is just after this that Garrett gets his first look at Fawn, and is disappointed she is a club whore as she is stunning.

Fawn is a free spirt and travels whenever and wherever with Gypsi in their camper.

So, when she turns up in his elite club, this is where the fun begins.

She is not used to holding her tongue when someone is rude to her, and this gets her sacked from the club by Garrett and he will not tolerate being spoken to in such a way.

Fawn has not had it easy, but raising Gypsi has been her life and she has accepted that love is not for her.

She brings out a side of him he didn’t know he was capable of and he starts to chase her. He is going to have her, she is just not aware of it yet.

She has a habit of going for the bad boy, and boy has she gone for the baddest!

He has kinks and she loves them, where previous women have tolerated them because of his wealth, he is blown away that his money cannot buy her.

I won’t ruin the story, but fabulous characters and the story is out of this world, I wish I could jump in Abbi’s mind.

I wish I could give it 100 stars!

Role on 26th December for the next book!