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Georgia Smoke #1
Slay
Rumor
There are moments in life when you make a decision. Accept who you are. What you have become. This was one of those times…The fairytale I thought I’d found had become a nightmare so quickly after I said, “I do.” Which was the reason I ran when I had the chance. Not thinking about the consequences. Just knowing I had to get free before it was my life that was taken.
I never expected to end up finding a haven. A place where people were willing to help me hide. It was as if I had walked into my own perfect daydream.
King
“Don’t believe every pretty face you meet, sweets. You should know by now that’s a terrible f----g idea.”
She was my job. I was to make her feel safe and do whatever I had to in order to make sure she didn’t run. Underneath the abused and broken exterior, there was a fighter. It was in her eyes. I lived for the moments when she let me see that spark.
I had been headed straight to Hell years before I met Rumor, but letting her fall in love with me was going to reserve me a room in the darkest pit available. One day soon, she was going to find out I was the monster she was running from and the family she had come to trust was the mafia that had killed her husband.
*Please be advised that this is book one in a duet and is a standalone in the Georgia Smoke Series.
There are moments in life when you make a decision. Accept who you are. What you have become. This was one of those times…The fairytale I thought I’d found had become a nightmare so quickly after I said, “I do.” Which was the reason I ran when I had the chance. Not thinking about the consequences. Just knowing I had to get free before it was my life that was taken.
I never expected to end up finding a haven. A place where people were willing to help me hide. It was as if I had walked into my own perfect daydream.
King
“Don’t believe every pretty face you meet, sweets. You should know by now that’s a terrible f----g idea.”
She was my job. I was to make her feel safe and do whatever I had to in order to make sure she didn’t run. Underneath the abused and broken exterior, there was a fighter. It was in her eyes. I lived for the moments when she let me see that spark.
I had been headed straight to Hell years before I met Rumor, but letting her fall in love with me was going to reserve me a room in the darkest pit available. One day soon, she was going to find out I was the monster she was running from and the family she had come to trust was the mafia that had killed her husband.
*Please be advised that this is book one in a duet and is a standalone in the Georgia Smoke Series.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2024
712 people are currently reading
1684 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 221 reviews
May 9, 2024
2.5 stars rounded down:
The heroine is an idiot. The hero is weak and smarmy.
I’ll still probably read the next book 😅🙃
The heroine is an idiot. The hero is weak and smarmy.
I’ll still probably read the next book 😅🙃
March 27, 2024
4.5 Stars!
Oooh, heck yes! My first read by this author in probably a decade and it was SO GOOD!!
Tropes:
- Southern mafia
- Cowboy vibes
- Small town
- Forced proximity
- Sleeping with the Enemy trope
- Hurt/comfort
- Touch her and die
Well, wasn't this just a gust of fresh air?! Color me instantly addicted!
Rumor is on the run from her abusive husband when she meets King Salazar. She's extremely frightened and untrusting when it comes to men, and rightfully so. He approaches her so carefully and knew exactly what she needed.
So I went into this book totally blind. I didn't read the blurb and I had not read the Smokeshow series that this series is a spinoff from. When I first started reading, I thought the book was going to go one way.. well, at about the 30% mark, it changed and we got to know King A LOT better. And let's just say, I liked the changes that transpired.
King is convinced that he's the last person in the world who can be anything more than a friend to Rumor. I absolutely adored the tenderness between these two. The hurt/comfort trope is STRONG in this story and I was here for it.
Rumor has never had a healthy relationship with men and King is determined to show her some good.
There are secrets and lies and not everything was the chance encounter that it initially appeared threatening Rumor's sense of feeling safe.
There were several characters and names I didn't know which was a little hard to keep track of. They really don't play into the story, except for a couple of them. The feel was all small town, ranch living, horses, sweet tea...
I cannot wait for Slay King and I need it like now.
I received a complimentary e-ARC of this book from the author and Wordsmith Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
Oooh, heck yes! My first read by this author in probably a decade and it was SO GOOD!!
Tropes:
- Southern mafia
- Cowboy vibes
- Small town
- Forced proximity
- Sleeping with the Enemy trope
- Hurt/comfort
- Touch her and die
"She was becoming an addiction. It was a cruel circle. The longer I kept her with me, the more I was craving her."
Well, wasn't this just a gust of fresh air?! Color me instantly addicted!
Rumor is on the run from her abusive husband when she meets King Salazar. She's extremely frightened and untrusting when it comes to men, and rightfully so. He approaches her so carefully and knew exactly what she needed.
"Monsters could come in pretty packages. I knew that only too well."
So I went into this book totally blind. I didn't read the blurb and I had not read the Smokeshow series that this series is a spinoff from. When I first started reading, I thought the book was going to go one way.. well, at about the 30% mark, it changed and we got to know King A LOT better. And let's just say, I liked the changes that transpired.
King is convinced that he's the last person in the world who can be anything more than a friend to Rumor. I absolutely adored the tenderness between these two. The hurt/comfort trope is STRONG in this story and I was here for it.
Rumor has never had a healthy relationship with men and King is determined to show her some good.
"You don't have to be jealous, sweets. Your body has my complete attention."
There are secrets and lies and not everything was the chance encounter that it initially appeared threatening Rumor's sense of feeling safe.
There were several characters and names I didn't know which was a little hard to keep track of. They really don't play into the story, except for a couple of them. The feel was all small town, ranch living, horses, sweet tea...
I cannot wait for Slay King and I need it like now.
I received a complimentary e-ARC of this book from the author and Wordsmith Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2024
This was a unique Mafia take for me. And a first from this author.
Rumor is stuck in a really horrible situation at the beginning of this story. She has nowhere else to turn when King throws her a lifeline and brings her to the family ranch. She doesn't want to impose but she is quickly won over and given a safe place to hide out from the demons hounding her.
What she doesn't know.... is the people who have offered her sanctuary are also the ones who made it so she could run in the first place. She won't know whether to thank them or if she's in a more dangerous situation than she was before.
I hate saying "I love reading about a woman who has to run from an abuser." But... I DO love a story about a woman who needs a safe haven and finds it. Not only with a hot hunk of a dangerous cowboy but also with his family. It's a weird niche, I know, but there are surprisingly a few of these. Haha!
Rumor is very timid and she has survived a LOT, King and his family seem to have all the answers and provide everything she could ever need. It was so beautiful to watch her start to trust and start to feel attraction for King. He definitely awakens some parts of her she didn't even know she possessed.
Of course, there is a secret hanging over their interactions. A secret everyone seems to be in on but her.. this isn't just a normal family operation, it's a Family, with the capital F. As things heat up and boil over for Rumor and King we know the cost is going to come due eventually.
I do feel like the pacing was a bit off for this book. I knew it was going to be a duet, so I wasn't upset with where we dropped the cliffhanger but I feel like there were a few spots of dead air that could have been cut and then this maybe could have been one volume? I don't know.. I just always struggle with if a duet is needed or not.
Either way, I liked this and I will be reading part 2 as soon as possible.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: torture, domestic violence, death
Rumor is stuck in a really horrible situation at the beginning of this story. She has nowhere else to turn when King throws her a lifeline and brings her to the family ranch. She doesn't want to impose but she is quickly won over and given a safe place to hide out from the demons hounding her.
What she doesn't know.... is the people who have offered her sanctuary are also the ones who made it so she could run in the first place. She won't know whether to thank them or if she's in a more dangerous situation than she was before.
I hate saying "I love reading about a woman who has to run from an abuser." But... I DO love a story about a woman who needs a safe haven and finds it. Not only with a hot hunk of a dangerous cowboy but also with his family. It's a weird niche, I know, but there are surprisingly a few of these. Haha!
Rumor is very timid and she has survived a LOT, King and his family seem to have all the answers and provide everything she could ever need. It was so beautiful to watch her start to trust and start to feel attraction for King. He definitely awakens some parts of her she didn't even know she possessed.
Of course, there is a secret hanging over their interactions. A secret everyone seems to be in on but her.. this isn't just a normal family operation, it's a Family, with the capital F. As things heat up and boil over for Rumor and King we know the cost is going to come due eventually.
I do feel like the pacing was a bit off for this book. I knew it was going to be a duet, so I wasn't upset with where we dropped the cliffhanger but I feel like there were a few spots of dead air that could have been cut and then this maybe could have been one volume? I don't know.. I just always struggle with if a duet is needed or not.
Either way, I liked this and I will be reading part 2 as soon as possible.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: torture, domestic violence, death
May 2, 2024
“I was a very stupid woman. Possibly the stupidest female to ever walk the earth.”
That’s all you need to know about this book. I hated it so much but I kept hanging on to see if h would miraculously pull her head out her ass but it did not happen.
After running away from being abused by her husband, this idiot h gets into a car with a total stranger (because he’s hot) and lets him take her to his family ranch or whatever. Then she finds out he likes whipping women and has a master kink (which because they’re in the south honestly just feels racist to me) and freaks out because of her past history of abuse. Oh that means she would never fuck him right?! Wrong, about two pages later she’s sleeping with him. Then she finds out he’s been lying to her this whole time (about being in the cowboy mafia or whatever) and THEN she hears him whipping another woman AFTER he’s already slept with h and claims to have feelings for her. His excuse is that he didn’t fuck the OW he just whipped her because he needed RELEASE while his cousin fucked her... Then this stupid idiot h decides to stay with him anyways. She was seriously dumb, and the fact that she knew it made me DNF at 97 percent. Extremely weak h with absolutely no backbone whatsoever. There was not a single likable thing about her or H.
That’s all you need to know about this book. I hated it so much but I kept hanging on to see if h would miraculously pull her head out her ass but it did not happen.
After running away from being abused by her husband, this idiot h gets into a car with a total stranger (because he’s hot) and lets him take her to his family ranch or whatever. Then she finds out he likes whipping women and has a master kink (which because they’re in the south honestly just feels racist to me) and freaks out because of her past history of abuse. Oh that means she would never fuck him right?! Wrong, about two pages later she’s sleeping with him. Then she finds out he’s been lying to her this whole time (about being in the cowboy mafia or whatever) and THEN she hears him whipping another woman AFTER he’s already slept with h and claims to have feelings for her. His excuse is that he didn’t fuck the OW he just whipped her because he needed RELEASE while his cousin fucked her... Then this stupid idiot h decides to stay with him anyways. She was seriously dumb, and the fact that she knew it made me DNF at 97 percent. Extremely weak h with absolutely no backbone whatsoever. There was not a single likable thing about her or H.
March 19, 2024
Holy smokes, what an amazing start to this new series!! I AM OBSESSED!! I absolutely devoured this book. Abbi is definitely an auto buy author for me and her books just keep getting better and better. I’m already dying for more King and Rumor, I can’t wait for the next book!!
March 20, 2024
This is the first book in the series and OMG it was soooo good! It hooked me immediately and King was 🥵🥵🥵🥵! King and Rumor’s chemistry and tension was fire! Rumor was so brave even though she’d been through it in her past. The side characters were amazing and Maeme was the best!! I can’t wait for the second book and the others she has planned for this group!🖤
May 8, 2024
Meh. Im not feeling this new Georgia branch of the mafia. What do they do all day? They all just wait around and wait for Blaise to tell them what to do? This was missing so much. I don’t feel like I really know either character aside from a handful of things that honestly just made the characters not likable. I don’t like either one of them. I’m not feeling the connection or any chemistry between them. Blah. It was just so bland.
Overall: 2.5
Overall: 2.5
April 2, 2024
King and Rumor captivated me. The circumstances regarding how Rumor ended up with the mafia had hooked me in the beginning. Unfortunately as the story progressed, I began to find it over the top that these heroines in these series are so naïve and sheltered. It takes them so long to figure out what is going on! Now, I do feel bad for everything Rumor had went through and how Maeme was like a found family for Norah. My other issue is Blaise and King's level of manipulation toward Rumor disgusted me. I completely lost respect for Blaise and at that point was not feeling the story anymore. I was also disappointed in Rumor for giving in so easily to stay and somewhat take King back. This really makes women look weak! The book became a huge turnoff, not to say that it wasn't a decent story.
May 3, 2025
Loved it
So, cowboy mafia is apparently a trope I didn’t know I needed in my life.
This was my first read by this author, and I’ll be honest, I had some reservations at first. King gave me some serious initial ick vibes, but as his relationship with Rumor started to shift, those feelings kind of just… poofed. Turns out, seeing a big tough guy fall hard will do that to you.
Yes, King was keeping secrets. Big ones. A lot of them. And at first, it felt like a hard no from me (felt like more manipulation than omission for her safety), but as the story unfolded and the reasons were revealed, it actually started to make sense. I’m glad Rumor got to the truth on her own though, because if that had stayed buried, I would've rage-quit the book. Fortunately, King gets his karma and then some.
The spicy scenes? Definitely spicing. This is a dark romance, so there’s plenty of heat, but also a surprising amount of more. Watching King wrestle with his own softness was a great layer to the tension. He’s very much your classic over-the-top protective alpha (sometimes to a cringey degree), but he won me over in the end.
What surprised me most was how plot-heavy it was...in a good way. The suspense was strong, the pacing stayed tight, and trying to guess how it would all play out kept me locked in.
Also: Cliffy alert. I didn’t know this ended on one, but thank all the book gods I had Book 2 queued up. The series came highly recommended by someone with taste I trust, and now I see why.
🤠 Southern mafia
🤠 Cowboy vibes
🤠 Small town
🤠 Forced proximity
🤠 Sleeping with the Enemy trope
🤠 Hurt/comfort
🤠 Touch her and die
So, cowboy mafia is apparently a trope I didn’t know I needed in my life.
This was my first read by this author, and I’ll be honest, I had some reservations at first. King gave me some serious initial ick vibes, but as his relationship with Rumor started to shift, those feelings kind of just… poofed. Turns out, seeing a big tough guy fall hard will do that to you.
Yes, King was keeping secrets. Big ones. A lot of them. And at first, it felt like a hard no from me (felt like more manipulation than omission for her safety), but as the story unfolded and the reasons were revealed, it actually started to make sense. I’m glad Rumor got to the truth on her own though, because if that had stayed buried, I would've rage-quit the book. Fortunately, King gets his karma and then some.
The spicy scenes? Definitely spicing. This is a dark romance, so there’s plenty of heat, but also a surprising amount of more. Watching King wrestle with his own softness was a great layer to the tension. He’s very much your classic over-the-top protective alpha (sometimes to a cringey degree), but he won me over in the end.
What surprised me most was how plot-heavy it was...in a good way. The suspense was strong, the pacing stayed tight, and trying to guess how it would all play out kept me locked in.
Also: Cliffy alert. I didn’t know this ended on one, but thank all the book gods I had Book 2 queued up. The series came highly recommended by someone with taste I trust, and now I see why.
🤠 Southern mafia
🤠 Cowboy vibes
🤠 Small town
🤠 Forced proximity
🤠 Sleeping with the Enemy trope
🤠 Hurt/comfort
🤠 Touch her and die
April 17, 2024
2 ⭐️⭐️Stars! Meh 🫤
May 24, 2024
I just have one question - who packs heels when they're running for their life?!
Abbi's books have become a hit or miss lately and this one is more of a miss - the writing was somewhat naïve and simple. But the sex scenes were fire! Totally worth the time waste!
****POSSIBLY SPOILERS****
The characters are both kind of ... well ... on the dumber side - one moment he can't get enough of the girl (who's a total bimbo, btw) and the next, he needs to get a 'release' by spanking another chick. Like, Rumor is literally traumatized because her husband knocked her around but it's ok for King (who's developing tender feelings for her) to smack other women when he's too wound up?!?!?! Couldn't he think of a less traumatic (for his girl) way to get his negative energy out if he's so hung up on her?! Somehow, this part makes the whole relationship ridiculous.
I wasn't a fan of the 'To Be Continued' ending but I'm hell curious how Abbi is going to pull this victim-kinker shtick out without making either of them look totally stupid. I'd rather the dude change than the girl but somehow can't see it happening with his obvious addiction to spanking and her soft spine ...
Abbi's books have become a hit or miss lately and this one is more of a miss - the writing was somewhat naïve and simple. But the sex scenes were fire! Totally worth the time waste!
****POSSIBLY SPOILERS****
The characters are both kind of ... well ... on the dumber side - one moment he can't get enough of the girl (who's a total bimbo, btw) and the next, he needs to get a 'release' by spanking another chick. Like, Rumor is literally traumatized because her husband knocked her around but it's ok for King (who's developing tender feelings for her) to smack other women when he's too wound up?!?!?! Couldn't he think of a less traumatic (for his girl) way to get his negative energy out if he's so hung up on her?! Somehow, this part makes the whole relationship ridiculous.
I wasn't a fan of the 'To Be Continued' ending but I'm hell curious how Abbi is going to pull this victim-kinker shtick out without making either of them look totally stupid. I'd rather the dude change than the girl but somehow can't see it happening with his obvious addiction to spanking and her soft spine ...
March 25, 2024
Slay by Abbi Glines is the first book in the Georgia Smoke Series, a spinoff from her Smoke Series. If you loved the Smoke Series, I can guarantee you’ll love the start to her Georgia Smoke Series!!
This novel is the first novel in Rumor and King’s romance. Be warned, this novel does depict domestic violence and spousal abuse. If this is a major trigger for you, I highly recommend you skip the first chapter which is the prologue of this book. It details a strong abuse situation that may be very sensitive to some readers.
Rumor is finally free from the clutches of her narcissistic husband’s iron fist, when a group of men rain hellfire down on him. But how long will she be able to run before he catches up to her….
King’s job is simple: find a way to make the woman trust him enough to get her back to the ‘compound’. But under no circumstance is he allowed to let things cross an intimate line. The job seems simple enough, until he sees Rumor’s swollen face. The fear etched in her eyes is enough cause to have him turn his truck around and kill the sorry excuse for a man that did this to him. But that task will have to wait until a later date.
Now that Rumor is under the protection of the Southern Mafia, the rules for King aren’t as easy to follow. But what Rumor is about to find out for herself, King isn’t the sweet charismatic man that came to her rescue. There’s an underlying darkness that lives just beneath his surface…. And that’s where I’m going to end this portion of my review!
My Thoughts:
Abbi Glines knows her way around writing a suspenseful tale filled with mystery and dark vibes! There wasn’t a moment where I wasn’t sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what’s lurking around the corner. Rumor and King’s story is a wild ride!
Let’s start with King. I loved the darkness that surrounded this man, even through the moments when he acted as the charismatic man, I could still feel that darkness rumbling inside of him. One thing I wish for, throughout this novel, was to see that darkness come out every once and awhile. I understand some material may be too much. But, I would have liked to see some fifty shades flavor thrown in the mix.
And then we have Rumor. My heart broke for this woman and all she had been through. I literally felt this sudden urge to jump into my kindle and protect this woman at all costs. Her fragile fawn characteristics had me loving her character, but another reason why I had to give this star a four star rating is due to the fact that I wanted to see her grow more into a strong woman. I wanted to see that fear leave her eyes and in its place I wanted to see determination and redemption.
I’m going to end this review by saying I loved Rumor and King’s relationship. I loved how the alpha persona came out of King everytime his focus shifted to Rumor. I loved how gently he was with her, and how gruff he was with everyone else. I loved their chemistry and their connection. Honestly, I’m on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what’s to come for them! I can’t wait for Slay King, the second book in the Georgia Smoke Series!! I need answers and I need them now!
_________
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March 27, 2024
Monsters could come in pretty packages. I knew that only too well.
Just when you think the Southern Mafia couldn’t get any better they introduce a a whole new branch and boom I’m hooked.
“King Salazar.” Is as charming and handsome as they come. He’s also born and bred mafia.
“Rumor,” married the wrong man. When the chance comes she runs. Right into there trap.
I’d never believed in angels until now.
Secrets, lies and deception make this story edge of your seat spectacular. We are hanging at the end but the second half is not too far off. Thank goodness!!
Just when you think the Southern Mafia couldn’t get any better they introduce a a whole new branch and boom I’m hooked.
“King Salazar.” Is as charming and handsome as they come. He’s also born and bred mafia.
“Rumor,” married the wrong man. When the chance comes she runs. Right into there trap.
I’d never believed in angels until now.
Secrets, lies and deception make this story edge of your seat spectacular. We are hanging at the end but the second half is not too far off. Thank goodness!!
March 30, 2024
4 Stars ⭐️
March 20, 2024
No one does Southern Mafia better!
Abbi Glines mafia world just gets bigger and better with this one. There are some new characters but we still get to spend some time with some old friends too.
Rumor’s life is full of abusive words and broken bones, until one night when it abruptly changes, and she’s given the opportunity to escape, and that’s exactly what she does. But it’s not as easy to run as she hopes, and thankfully she is saved by a handsome stranger who brings her home to a whole new world that she is a critical part of, even though she is totally unaware of that.
With her usual twists and turns Abbi has given us a story to keep us on the edge of our seats, and this is just the beginning. The conclusion is coming soon, so don’t worry, we won’t have to wait too long to see what Rumor & King’s future looks like.
If you like steamy southern gentlemen, with a dash of humor and a decent amount of blood then this is definitely the book for you. Go grab this book and hang on!!
Abbi Glines mafia world just gets bigger and better with this one. There are some new characters but we still get to spend some time with some old friends too.
Rumor’s life is full of abusive words and broken bones, until one night when it abruptly changes, and she’s given the opportunity to escape, and that’s exactly what she does. But it’s not as easy to run as she hopes, and thankfully she is saved by a handsome stranger who brings her home to a whole new world that she is a critical part of, even though she is totally unaware of that.
With her usual twists and turns Abbi has given us a story to keep us on the edge of our seats, and this is just the beginning. The conclusion is coming soon, so don’t worry, we won’t have to wait too long to see what Rumor & King’s future looks like.
If you like steamy southern gentlemen, with a dash of humor and a decent amount of blood then this is definitely the book for you. Go grab this book and hang on!!
December 12, 2024
1.5 Stars, Cliffhanger Ending & Trigger Warning: Physical abuse. This is the 1st installment of the new Georgia Smoke Series. A brother series to AG’s Smoke books. It contains significantly less profanity than her other works; but, it just didn’t gel for me. The characters seemed underdeveloped and the story was rather repetitive. I also had a hard time believing that a woman who had been physically abused by her husband would be ok with being spanked in the bedroom.
April 1, 2024
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶. 5
I can always get lost in an Abbi Glines book. She knows how to write a great book boyfriend. Especially with her Smoke Series, the southern mafia boys. OMG, does she not only know how to make you feel as if you were there. She also has a way of making your heart flutter. I can always count on her making me wish I was also wrapped up in the world of bad boys doing bad things that are oh so good!
Tropes:
- Southern Mafia
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- Next Book Boyfriend
- Kink Praising
- Reformed Playboy
- Bad Boy/Good Girl
Rumor has been through so much her whole life. From living in foster care and being mistreated by the men who took her in. To now living with a husband who beats her daily. She has such low self-esteem, and it's heartbreaking to read what all she's been through. When her husband wrongs the southern mafia and the shoot him in the kitchen. Rumor runs, leaving him bleeding out on the floor.
King is part of the Georgia branch of the southern mafia. He had been sent to watch Rumor and her her to come back with him to their Ranch. It takes a lot to get her to trust him, but once he earns it, he doesn't want to do anything to break it. When Rumor is thinking about running, Blaise orders King to sleep with her to make her stay. Sleeping with Rumor is not the problem. It's that he doesn't think love exists. He doesn't want to ruin the trust Rumor has with him. Even if he's lying to her.
King is a dominate and likes to tie up and spank women for pleasure. This in itself freaks Rumor out. She thinks he hurts women and has to be explained to how that works. She knows she can never give King that after everything she's been through. King would rather die than hurt her. But can King do vanilla for Rumor?
When Blaise comes to explain everything to Rumor, and give her the option to leave and come to Ocala with him. Will she go once she finds out that King has lied to her this entire time? Or will she stay with him?
I love that we get to see characters from the original Smoke Series. You get to see Blaise in all his boss glory. This is the first book in this 2 book story. I wouldn't say it left on a cliffhanger, but it leaves you wondering what will happen. I wonder if a pregnancy will happen for reasons of not knowing when she got her last depo shot, but I don't know, really. I really hope King can win Rumor over. Even if people are so after her. I bet the next book will be exciting, and I can't wait to see what Abbi will write to make it exciting. She always makes her books exciting, and I often find myself holding my breath to see what happens next.
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶. 5
I can always get lost in an Abbi Glines book. She knows how to write a great book boyfriend. Especially with her Smoke Series, the southern mafia boys. OMG, does she not only know how to make you feel as if you were there. She also has a way of making your heart flutter. I can always count on her making me wish I was also wrapped up in the world of bad boys doing bad things that are oh so good!
Tropes:
- Southern Mafia
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- Next Book Boyfriend
- Kink Praising
- Reformed Playboy
- Bad Boy/Good Girl
Rumor has been through so much her whole life. From living in foster care and being mistreated by the men who took her in. To now living with a husband who beats her daily. She has such low self-esteem, and it's heartbreaking to read what all she's been through. When her husband wrongs the southern mafia and the shoot him in the kitchen. Rumor runs, leaving him bleeding out on the floor.
King is part of the Georgia branch of the southern mafia. He had been sent to watch Rumor and her her to come back with him to their Ranch. It takes a lot to get her to trust him, but once he earns it, he doesn't want to do anything to break it. When Rumor is thinking about running, Blaise orders King to sleep with her to make her stay. Sleeping with Rumor is not the problem. It's that he doesn't think love exists. He doesn't want to ruin the trust Rumor has with him. Even if he's lying to her.
King is a dominate and likes to tie up and spank women for pleasure. This in itself freaks Rumor out. She thinks he hurts women and has to be explained to how that works. She knows she can never give King that after everything she's been through. King would rather die than hurt her. But can King do vanilla for Rumor?
When Blaise comes to explain everything to Rumor, and give her the option to leave and come to Ocala with him. Will she go once she finds out that King has lied to her this entire time? Or will she stay with him?
I love that we get to see characters from the original Smoke Series. You get to see Blaise in all his boss glory. This is the first book in this 2 book story. I wouldn't say it left on a cliffhanger, but it leaves you wondering what will happen. I wonder if a pregnancy will happen for reasons of not knowing when she got her last depo shot, but I don't know, really. I really hope King can win Rumor over. Even if people are so after her. I bet the next book will be exciting, and I can't wait to see what Abbi will write to make it exciting. She always makes her books exciting, and I often find myself holding my breath to see what happens next.
March 20, 2024
Well this is how you introduce a new Mafia chapter! Holy Moses it was hot, this is a dark read with off the clock chemistry and King is only kinky!
Rumor is an abused wife, who has the chance to run when she thinks her husband has been killed. He controlled her in every way, even down to the food she was allowed to eat. When she runs she is black and blue.
King is sent to capture her and it takes some persuasion on his part as she is skittish with men! He is beautiful and cocky and woman normally fall at his kinky feet! Eventually she agrees to get in his truck to head to the bus station, but he then persuades her to go to his grandmothers house for food. This is the start of his lies and his guilt towards deceiving her. He thinks she can never be the woman for him as she is forbidden fruit for all the mafia crew, and is far too vanilla for him, his role is just to keep her safe for now.
When they get to his grandmothers house she is shocked by the size of it and is introduced to his Maeme and she immediately mothers Rumor, something her life has always been absent of, and then introduces her to the 'family'. Little does she know that they are all in the Mafia and Blaise is the boss!
The family look out for each other no matter what. The banter was great and the story was a roll-coaster of emotions, the perfect mix.
The cliffhanger was perfect, Rumor having to chose, I loved that Blaise had a big part to play, let's hope she keep King on his toes in the sequel.
I’m excited to see where Rumor and King go in Slay King.
I read this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Rumor is an abused wife, who has the chance to run when she thinks her husband has been killed. He controlled her in every way, even down to the food she was allowed to eat. When she runs she is black and blue.
King is sent to capture her and it takes some persuasion on his part as she is skittish with men! He is beautiful and cocky and woman normally fall at his kinky feet! Eventually she agrees to get in his truck to head to the bus station, but he then persuades her to go to his grandmothers house for food. This is the start of his lies and his guilt towards deceiving her. He thinks she can never be the woman for him as she is forbidden fruit for all the mafia crew, and is far too vanilla for him, his role is just to keep her safe for now.
When they get to his grandmothers house she is shocked by the size of it and is introduced to his Maeme and she immediately mothers Rumor, something her life has always been absent of, and then introduces her to the 'family'. Little does she know that they are all in the Mafia and Blaise is the boss!
The family look out for each other no matter what. The banter was great and the story was a roll-coaster of emotions, the perfect mix.
The cliffhanger was perfect, Rumor having to chose, I loved that Blaise had a big part to play, let's hope she keep King on his toes in the sequel.
I’m excited to see where Rumor and King go in Slay King.
I read this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 29, 2024
GOLD. This books was everything I have read others by Abbi but this one is definitely my favorite give her all the stars for this. I didn’t read that this was a duet when I signed up and let me tell you I was so mad at the end. I wanted my hea and Abbi took it away from me. Ok first please read trigger warning because this story is a little heavy. Now lets get to the good stuff Rumor our FMC hasn't had an easy life and is now trying to do better and protect those who have helped her however she is clueless to the world around her. I loved her as a mc she was resilient and I enjoyed looking at things from her eyes for the first time. Maam…King this man although I don’t agree with his tactics you cant help but want him to be everything. He was possessive in a sexy way, protective, domineering and so damn gentle all in one 🫠. He is a great MMC. The twist in the book (left my mouth open) amazing. Everything in this boos from the beginning middle and ending had me hooked it flowed nicely and had you wanting to know more. Call me sweets any day I cant wait for book 2. Definitely a book I need to make a trophy.
January 15, 2026
Plot: 4/5 • Smut: 2.5/5 —————> Mafia meets cowboys. Rumor is on the run from her abusive husband after he’s been shot. She’s beaten and bruised and winds up taking a ride from a “nice” guy she meets at a stop. Little does she know he knows exactly who she is and she’s his job.
King and his very extended family take in Rumor. She eventually winds up in a cottage on the family property. She keeps trying to convince herself she needs to go, but King and everyone convinces her to stay. They want her to stay because she’s part of a bigger picture. Kings given ultimatum. Which he fulfills by getting Rumor to feel safe and attached to him. Only for it all to literally be ripped away when the truth comes out.
This ends on a cliffy where she has to make a decision. King wants her to stay since he’s grown so attached, and Rumor is broken and torn.
There are so many names circling around here. I forgot who is related to whom at certain points. Who is a cousin and who is just a business family friend? I got lost a couple of times. I’ll keep going on to book 2. ✌🏼
King and his very extended family take in Rumor. She eventually winds up in a cottage on the family property. She keeps trying to convince herself she needs to go, but King and everyone convinces her to stay. They want her to stay because she’s part of a bigger picture. Kings given ultimatum. Which he fulfills by getting Rumor to feel safe and attached to him. Only for it all to literally be ripped away when the truth comes out.
This ends on a cliffy where she has to make a decision. King wants her to stay since he’s grown so attached, and Rumor is broken and torn.
There are so many names circling around here. I forgot who is related to whom at certain points. Who is a cousin and who is just a business family friend? I got lost a couple of times. I’ll keep going on to book 2. ✌🏼
November 23, 2024
There is so much to say and think about King Salazar and Rumor. You can’t help but truly feel for Rumor throughout the entire book seeing not only the physical damage that her husband caused her in the beginning of the book, but also the additional trauma that he left her with. King is deliciously unhinged, possessive and protective over Rumor from the moment he puts eyes on her. There is a lot of the story that develops and revealing secrets so there is a lot that I don’t want to say so as not to ruin anything. But I will say that the slow burn is so worth it. The mouth on King is unbelievably worth it! But naturally it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. So I am patiently waiting for “Slay King” to be added to KU so I can figure out how this story ends because I need to see if they get their HEA
March 27, 2024
estaba entre 1.5 y 2 pq no quería ser muy dura pero es que la decepcion que sentí fue un montón, tuve una buena lectura involucrando a cowboys hace unos días y fue totalmente random y espontánea, es decir, encontré un libro x con una portada interesante, leí dos renglones de su sinopsis y dije A VER QUE ONDA, me re gusto y me hizo pasar todos los estados de ánimo.
pensé al encontrar este libro que la experiencia iba a ser similar a la anterior pero no, no entendí muchas cosas, se apresuraron en otras, hice el famoso roll eyes ochenta veces mientras leía las escenas de el haciéndose el lindo, no tolero las actitudes infantiles menos cuando el contexto no amerita y los diálogos parece que los escribí yo a los 12 años, no no no, me decepcionó, tenía potencial y no lo supieron explotar fin.
pensé al encontrar este libro que la experiencia iba a ser similar a la anterior pero no, no entendí muchas cosas, se apresuraron en otras, hice el famoso roll eyes ochenta veces mientras leía las escenas de el haciéndose el lindo, no tolero las actitudes infantiles menos cuando el contexto no amerita y los diálogos parece que los escribí yo a los 12 años, no no no, me decepcionó, tenía potencial y no lo supieron explotar fin.
April 4, 2024
Unfortunately, 72% and DNF
To me the characters seemed sort of superficial😅 well, at least I personally couldn't really feel for them, or understand their feelings deep down that well. To my mind, it felt like there wasn't enough work done on their inner personalities and well experiences.
Though somewhat predictable, for several chapters I was curious how Rumor's situation will turn out.
King is...well, probably just not my cup of tea🤷🏼♀️ The spicy worked, though, alright;)
I do wanna Sebastian's book now, though👀
And yes, the combination of colors on the cover though (and not only colors)
To me the characters seemed sort of superficial😅 well, at least I personally couldn't really feel for them, or understand their feelings deep down that well. To my mind, it felt like there wasn't enough work done on their inner personalities and well experiences.
Though somewhat predictable, for several chapters I was curious how Rumor's situation will turn out.
King is...well, probably just not my cup of tea🤷🏼♀️ The spicy worked, though, alright;)
I do wanna Sebastian's book now, though👀
And yes, the combination of colors on the cover though (and not only colors)
March 31, 2024
No one writes a “family” the way Abbi Glines does.
Loved the addition of the teaser with each chapter.
Rumor and King were both seeking something and they found each other.
As with the other branches of the Southern Mafia their weakness and strength came from inside their family. I cannot wait to get the next part of their story in a few weeks!
Loved the addition of the teaser with each chapter.
Rumor and King were both seeking something and they found each other.
As with the other branches of the Southern Mafia their weakness and strength came from inside their family. I cannot wait to get the next part of their story in a few weeks!
March 24, 2024
Another log on the fire!! Not gonna lie, this Southern Mafia trip I’ve been on with the whole Smokeshow series and now this is causing some moisture control situations. Can’t wait for Slay King.
March 30, 2024
The start of another amazing series by the one and only Abbi Glines!!!!! This is going to be one wild ride and I’m 💯 here for it!!!!!
April 3, 2024
3.5 Stars
April 4, 2024
Don't judge me. I've read a bazillion mediocre middle grade books over the last few months, and I needed something for me. :)
April 7, 2024
Blah
I wanted so much with this book. Especially coming off the back of the last Smoke Series. But I found it blah, boring and a book that I kept putting down and forgetting about. I wanted more from King and Rumor. Part of the problem with this book is characters who need to be developed more in my opinion. Rumor was just quiet and never came out of her quiet shell. While the author tried to make this weird aspect with King whipping women sexually- it too came across as odd- and did nothing to develop him as a character. Zero character arc. Boring plot. Won’t be reading any more in this series.
I wanted so much with this book. Especially coming off the back of the last Smoke Series. But I found it blah, boring and a book that I kept putting down and forgetting about. I wanted more from King and Rumor. Part of the problem with this book is characters who need to be developed more in my opinion. Rumor was just quiet and never came out of her quiet shell. While the author tried to make this weird aspect with King whipping women sexually- it too came across as odd- and did nothing to develop him as a character. Zero character arc. Boring plot. Won’t be reading any more in this series.
June 3, 2024
God damn! 🔥🔥🔥
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