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Georgia Smoke #2
Slay King
“This world I live in isn’t one that builds strong relationships. It rips them apart.”
Perhaps that was true, but nonetheless, I had fallen in love with him anyway. The man who had lied to me, the man I couldn’t trust, the man who would never love me back, yet even knowing all that, I loved him still. His smile could make me forget all the reasons why I shouldn’t. I was so easily blinded by the charm that was King Salazar.
He used it like a weapon, and I was one of the many who fell under his spell. Accepting that I had nowhere else to go and running from the southern mafia was impossible, I gave in to my feelings for him. All the while knowing he would eventually break me in a way that my abusive husband he had killed had not.
While he kept me locked away, safe from the gang bent on finding me, I had to sit back and watch him live out a fake relationship with the next Governor of Georgia’s only daughter. We all know how that story goes. I’d read enough of those tropes in books to prepare myself for the end. When he would fall for her and, I would, once again, be left alone. Shattered beyond repair.
This is the second book in the Slay duet in the Georgia Smoke Series.
Perhaps that was true, but nonetheless, I had fallen in love with him anyway. The man who had lied to me, the man I couldn’t trust, the man who would never love me back, yet even knowing all that, I loved him still. His smile could make me forget all the reasons why I shouldn’t. I was so easily blinded by the charm that was King Salazar.
He used it like a weapon, and I was one of the many who fell under his spell. Accepting that I had nowhere else to go and running from the southern mafia was impossible, I gave in to my feelings for him. All the while knowing he would eventually break me in a way that my abusive husband he had killed had not.
While he kept me locked away, safe from the gang bent on finding me, I had to sit back and watch him live out a fake relationship with the next Governor of Georgia’s only daughter. We all know how that story goes. I’d read enough of those tropes in books to prepare myself for the end. When he would fall for her and, I would, once again, be left alone. Shattered beyond repair.
This is the second book in the Slay duet in the Georgia Smoke Series.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2024
350 people are currently reading
620 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 178 reviews
April 9, 2024
I’m absolutely obsessed with this series. Every book just keeps getting better and better. King is completely unhinged when it comes to Rumor and I ate it up!!! Major touch her and 💀 vibes. If you love a MMC who is crazy obsessed with his woman, then look no further than King Salazar.
April 13, 2024
This duet is the first books of Abbi Glines that I have read. I am intrigued enough to continue with more. As I really like the Cowboy Mafia angle. However, this second half just didn't deliver as strongly for me.
Alright, so we pick up shortly after book 1 and King is in the doghouse. The book stays on edge the whole time as we try to clear up some business with an ex-lover of King's and he gets ordered to do things that get between him and Rumor. The book shows her insecurities about their future especially when she gets some... unexpected news.
Now that a lot of our secrets are out, this book shows the stresses put on King and Rumor's fledgling relationship. In my opinion, King goes absolutely out of his mind over Rumor, in a way that just bothered me. There is an OTT hero, and then there is an irrational jerk... but I'll leave it up to you if you think he goes to far. Personally, it just made me fall a bit out of love with him.
Anyway, the Southern Mafia is alive and well in this book and we see them claim Rumor as their own and also what lengths they will go to to keep her safe.
I will read more of Abbi Glines in the future.
3.5 Stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: threats to a pregnant woman, violence, kidnapping
Alright, so we pick up shortly after book 1 and King is in the doghouse. The book stays on edge the whole time as we try to clear up some business with an ex-lover of King's and he gets ordered to do things that get between him and Rumor. The book shows her insecurities about their future especially when she gets some... unexpected news.
Now that a lot of our secrets are out, this book shows the stresses put on King and Rumor's fledgling relationship. In my opinion, King goes absolutely out of his mind over Rumor, in a way that just bothered me. There is an OTT hero, and then there is an irrational jerk... but I'll leave it up to you if you think he goes to far. Personally, it just made me fall a bit out of love with him.
Anyway, the Southern Mafia is alive and well in this book and we see them claim Rumor as their own and also what lengths they will go to to keep her safe.
I will read more of Abbi Glines in the future.
3.5 Stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: threats to a pregnant woman, violence, kidnapping
April 16, 2024
I binged this in one setting.
You need to read book 1. This is a duet!
Small recap. Rumor's SOB husband is shot. She takes off and runs into King, who takes her back to his home. Well... to his grandmother, who puts Rumor up. Turns out, King was involved with her husband's shooting. They become close. Real close. 😉
In this story, Rumor has found her place. With King. It's very complicated. In this book, Rumor sees more of Kings world.
And golly gee does King get... possessive. I mean really, really possessive! He might be one of the most possessive boyfriends I'd ever seen.
And also Kings world is kinda complicated. Really complicated. Some of his choices aren't his own. And when he's forced into a position he doesn't want to be, it really throws a wrench into his and Rumors relationship.
There were a few thrills, and it's as spicy as book 1. I enjoyed it. It was good to read Rumor get what she deserved.
You need to read book 1. This is a duet!
Small recap. Rumor's SOB husband is shot. She takes off and runs into King, who takes her back to his home. Well... to his grandmother, who puts Rumor up. Turns out, King was involved with her husband's shooting. They become close. Real close. 😉
In this story, Rumor has found her place. With King. It's very complicated. In this book, Rumor sees more of Kings world.
And golly gee does King get... possessive. I mean really, really possessive! He might be one of the most possessive boyfriends I'd ever seen.
And also Kings world is kinda complicated. Really complicated. Some of his choices aren't his own. And when he's forced into a position he doesn't want to be, it really throws a wrench into his and Rumors relationship.
There were a few thrills, and it's as spicy as book 1. I enjoyed it. It was good to read Rumor get what she deserved.
April 10, 2024
4 Stars!
Review to follow...
Review to follow...
April 13, 2024
YES! Slay King is book #2 of the Georgia Smoke series and the continuation/ completion of Rumor & King's story. What a ride! Things get complicated as King is "ordered" to have a fake relationship and engagement with the next Governor of Georgia’s only daughter - Scotlin May.
King is such a crazy alpha! All bets are off when he is triggered! He is so protective of Rumor. I loved his insanity, his sexiness and his possessiveness. Rumor is the sweet, sweet girl that we fell in love with in Slay. She is still a bit vulnerable and insecure, but it just makes her sweeter!
Falling in love with King Salazar was the most reckless, insane, confusing thing I have ever done.
There are so many great one-liners that had me cracking up! And the sexy times are smoking HOT! King had a great solution to keep Rumor there and never allow her to leave him (see chapter 30). The anticipation keeps going and going almost until the end! It was a total binge read. And again, I can't get these books to last more than 2 days!
"NO MAN looks at or touches what is mine."
There are lots of cameos from the Smoke series. The interactions between the cousins and "family" especially Maeme are priceless!
I am LOVING the new Georgia Smoke series! Sexy, fun, possessive alphas and the Southern mafia. What more do you need? Slay King is book #2 in the duet so you must read Slay to enjoy it. This is the beginning of the Georgia Smoke series. I can wait to see who is next!
It looks like Abbi Glines is going to keep us all busy in 2024 as she plans on releasing many more books in this series! I am so excited! They are my go-to for hot & steamy romance! And now the Smoke series is in Kindle Unlimited so that will keep you busy between releases!
#AuthorAbbiGlines #GeorgiaSmoke #Slay #SlayKing #HotAndSteamy #KingAndRumor #SmokeSeries #Romance #Mafia #FriendToLovers #HotAndSteamy
King is such a crazy alpha! All bets are off when he is triggered! He is so protective of Rumor. I loved his insanity, his sexiness and his possessiveness. Rumor is the sweet, sweet girl that we fell in love with in Slay. She is still a bit vulnerable and insecure, but it just makes her sweeter!
Falling in love with King Salazar was the most reckless, insane, confusing thing I have ever done.
There are so many great one-liners that had me cracking up! And the sexy times are smoking HOT! King had a great solution to keep Rumor there and never allow her to leave him (see chapter 30). The anticipation keeps going and going almost until the end! It was a total binge read. And again, I can't get these books to last more than 2 days!
"NO MAN looks at or touches what is mine."
There are lots of cameos from the Smoke series. The interactions between the cousins and "family" especially Maeme are priceless!
I am LOVING the new Georgia Smoke series! Sexy, fun, possessive alphas and the Southern mafia. What more do you need? Slay King is book #2 in the duet so you must read Slay to enjoy it. This is the beginning of the Georgia Smoke series. I can wait to see who is next!
It looks like Abbi Glines is going to keep us all busy in 2024 as she plans on releasing many more books in this series! I am so excited! They are my go-to for hot & steamy romance! And now the Smoke series is in Kindle Unlimited so that will keep you busy between releases!
#AuthorAbbiGlines #GeorgiaSmoke #Slay #SlayKing #HotAndSteamy #KingAndRumor #SmokeSeries #Romance #Mafia #FriendToLovers #HotAndSteamy
May 8, 2024
Ugh, this was disappointing. They were hardly on page together aside from the sex scenes and his ragey scenes. The h was pitiful. Can you do nothing but read?? Try to better your position and life? No. Okie. Whatever. I’m so glad it’s over. My expectations were low after book one so I wasn’t too invested while reading but was just hopeful Abbi was going to turn it around.
Overall: 2.5
Overall: 2.5
June 20, 2024
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Couple: King & Rumor
❋❋❋❋❋
“Jesus, sweets. That was … incredible,” he breathed. He moved to press his lips to my temple. “I think you just ruined me.”
❋❋❋❋❋
I'll just start by saying Maeme for the win, she was definitely my favorite in this duet. I'm glad I finished King and Rumors story, it was a bit better than the first book. I'm not sure what Abbi puts in these books but once you start you don't want to stop. I was still left hoping for more, especially from King. For me I was still missing a real connection with them besides sex, and needed character growth. In the end they got an HEA that worked for them. I would love to see if Sebastian will get a book.
Couple: King & Rumor
❋❋❋❋❋
“Jesus, sweets. That was … incredible,” he breathed. He moved to press his lips to my temple. “I think you just ruined me.”
❋❋❋❋❋
I'll just start by saying Maeme for the win, she was definitely my favorite in this duet. I'm glad I finished King and Rumors story, it was a bit better than the first book. I'm not sure what Abbi puts in these books but once you start you don't want to stop. I was still left hoping for more, especially from King. For me I was still missing a real connection with them besides sex, and needed character growth. In the end they got an HEA that worked for them. I would love to see if Sebastian will get a book.
April 10, 2024
King and Rumor 🖤
This was the perfect ending to this duet!! King embodies the touch her and 💀 vibe and I’m so here for it! I didn’t think I could love King more but I totally do! Rumor is a very strong FMC and her life has been an uphill battle but she preserved! Their chemistry was making me melt and swoon! All hail Abbi Glines she nailed it!!🖤
This was the perfect ending to this duet!! King embodies the touch her and 💀 vibe and I’m so here for it! I didn’t think I could love King more but I totally do! Rumor is a very strong FMC and her life has been an uphill battle but she preserved! Their chemistry was making me melt and swoon! All hail Abbi Glines she nailed it!!🖤
November 25, 2024
Loved!!! But I think it must be me because it’s another duet IMO could have been 1 book.
May 3, 2025
Loved it (rounded up)
This book picks up exactly where book 1 leaves off and King is paying for his lies to Rumor. She's making him suffer (rightfully so) and he's trying.
This book we really get to see Rumor shine and come into her own. She's feeling more like herself and is able to start taking charge more. She's not as meek and broken as she was in book 1 and it was so good to see.
King is forced to do some stuff that wouldn't have been his first choice and they both have to play nice and play along. They are tested in more ways than one in this part. King goes a little more OTT (if possible) and while I didn't like everything he did/the ways he acted sometimes, Rumor apparently did and it's not my place to judge her actions lol
I like how this tied everything up and moved us on to the next one at the same time. I'll definitely keep going and have 3 & 4 all queued up and ready to go!
This book picks up exactly where book 1 leaves off and King is paying for his lies to Rumor. She's making him suffer (rightfully so) and he's trying.
This book we really get to see Rumor shine and come into her own. She's feeling more like herself and is able to start taking charge more. She's not as meek and broken as she was in book 1 and it was so good to see.
King is forced to do some stuff that wouldn't have been his first choice and they both have to play nice and play along. They are tested in more ways than one in this part. King goes a little more OTT (if possible) and while I didn't like everything he did/the ways he acted sometimes, Rumor apparently did and it's not my place to judge her actions lol
I like how this tied everything up and moved us on to the next one at the same time. I'll definitely keep going and have 3 & 4 all queued up and ready to go!
April 17, 2024
So done with this series. Same plot in every book. Uber sleazy MMC with equally sleazy friends and a very weak MFC with zero backbone. This particular duet, which should have only been one book, was especially ick.
May 10, 2024
Wasn’t wild about the MCs in the first book and they didn’t much improve in book 2. I was still sitting at around a 3 star until I got to the “proposal”. 🥴😵💫🤯🤣🤣🤣💀
No.
No.
May 28, 2024
It felt as if Abbi Glines lost sight of what she wanted with these characters. The first book had a decent pacing until the last few chapters. If anything that was a prelude to this Story.
She rushed this book. Storylines were not flushed out. Characters were amped up and not explained. I have a hard time believing a 35 year old man who was born and raised in a mafia family behaves this irrational.
It is difficult to swallow how quick Rumor changes from an abused victim who is scared being around any man. To a secret pregnant girlfriend that is okay being alone around multiple men. The time frame of all this is 6-8 weeks. Not to mention these are the same men who murdered her husband and lied to her.
And! The build up to a showdown that was glossed over with a couple pages and then to the rescue… what the hell?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2026
Plot: 3.5/5 - Spice: 3/5 ————> I mean, okay… This goes quickly. Boom, boom, boom. One thing after another. King is in a surprise engagement to a beautiful woman he’s had a relationship with before. She’s a family friend who is currently being stalked. so they have a fake engagement going on. Rumor, who is actually pregnant (😑) gets kidnapped by a rival family who is out for her ex husbands money they think they’re owed. King gets shot. The family comes to the rescue. The engagement is broken off and they all live HEA.
Seriously, lightening speed. Lots of good spice. But the question lingering in my mind is will he be able to get his needs satisfied from her? i mean he did have to go whip that other woman once in book 1?
Seriously, lightening speed. Lots of good spice. But the question lingering in my mind is will he be able to get his needs satisfied from her? i mean he did have to go whip that other woman once in book 1?
December 15, 2025
1⭐️
כבר בסוף הספר הקודם התעצבנתי שרומור מתקפלת מול קינג, ועכשיו זה ממש החמיר.
אני באמת לא מצליחה לאהוב את הגבר הזה. הוא מורח אותה, אומר לה שהם לא צריכים לשים תווית על הקשר שלהם, דורש ממנה לא לגעת בשום גבר אחר ובמקביל הוא בעצמו לא עומד במה שהוא דורש ��מנה!!!! והיא כל פעם חסרת עמוד שדרה לידו ולא יודעת לעמוד על שלה, מילה אחת ממנו והיא אומרת אמן לכל מה שהוא רוצה. מתסכל אותי.
היה שלב שרומור אומרת לקינג שהיא בכלל לא מכירה אותו, ותכלס זה מה שעבר לי בראש כל הספר הקודם. הוא כן חולק מעט פרטים על עצמו כדי לרצות אותה, אבל השיחה נחתמת בזה שהוא מתחנן שתיתן לו לגעת בה כי הוא מתגעגע להיות איתה. קשה לי שכל הפוקוס אצלו זה הנראות שלה ולקבל אלייה גישה חופשית. ובכללי, יותר. מדי. סמאט. מוגזםםםםם
יותר מזה, יש לו את כל הסממנים של גבר אלים ורעיל.
אני יודעת שהוא לא ירים עלייה יד, אבל הוא מכתיב לה מה ללבוש, שתלטן באופן כללי ומאד מאד אינטנסיבי, כל פעם שהיא מנסה לעמוד על שלה הוא מתנהג במניפולטיביות וגורם לה לשנות את דעתה. היא חלשה וחסרת ביטחון באופן כללי וזה רק מעצים כמה שההתנהגות שלו בלתי נסבלת ולא מה שהייתי מאחלת למישהי שסבלה מבעל מכה ולא יודעת מה זה עצמאות.
היה פה אפס צמיחה של דמויות, האופי היה ונשאר מאד שטחי, אם בספר הראשון הייתי אדישה אז פה כבר הייתי מתוסכלת מכמה שהכתיבה לא טובה. כמות הפעמים שקינג אומר ״מה ששייך לי״, וואו. אפילו לא מי, *מה*. דואט שאם הייתם אומרים לי לנחש הייתי אומרת שנכתב ב2015 בתחילת הז׳אנר כשעוד עפנו על גברים בבונים ולא הבנו איך עושים את זה מתוחכם.
כבר בסוף הספר הקודם התעצבנתי שרומור מתקפלת מול קינג, ועכשיו זה ממש החמיר.
אני באמת לא מצליחה לאהוב את הגבר הזה. הוא מורח אותה, אומר לה שהם לא צריכים לשים תווית על הקשר שלהם, דורש ממנה לא לגעת בשום גבר אחר ובמקביל הוא בעצמו לא עומד במה שהוא דורש ��מנה!!!! והיא כל פעם חסרת עמוד שדרה לידו ולא יודעת לעמוד על שלה, מילה אחת ממנו והיא אומרת אמן לכל מה שהוא רוצה. מתסכל אותי.
היה שלב שרומור אומרת לקינג שהיא בכלל לא מכירה אותו, ותכלס זה מה שעבר לי בראש כל הספר הקודם. הוא כן חולק מעט פרטים על עצמו כדי לרצות אותה, אבל השיחה נחתמת בזה שהוא מתחנן שתיתן לו לגעת בה כי הוא מתגעגע להיות איתה. קשה לי שכל הפוקוס אצלו זה הנראות שלה ולקבל אלייה גישה חופשית. ובכללי, יותר. מדי. סמאט. מוגזםםםםם
יותר מזה, יש לו את כל הסממנים של גבר אלים ורעיל.
אני יודעת שהוא לא ירים עלייה יד, אבל הוא מכתיב לה מה ללבוש, שתלטן באופן כללי ומאד מאד אינטנסיבי, כל פעם שהיא מנסה לעמוד על שלה הוא מתנהג במניפולטיביות וגורם לה לשנות את דעתה. היא חלשה וחסרת ביטחון באופן כללי וזה רק מעצים כמה שההתנהגות שלו בלתי נסבלת ולא מה שהייתי מאחלת למישהי שסבלה מבעל מכה ולא יודעת מה זה עצמאות.
היה פה אפס צמיחה של דמויות, האופי היה ונשאר מאד שטחי, אם בספר הראשון הייתי אדישה אז פה כבר הייתי מתוסכלת מכמה שהכתיבה לא טובה. כמות הפעמים שקינג אומר ״מה ששייך לי״, וואו. אפילו לא מי, *מה*. דואט שאם הייתם אומרים לי לנחש הייתי אומרת שנכתב ב2015 בתחילת הז׳אנר כשעוד עפנו על גברים בבונים ולא הבנו איך עושים את זה מתוחכם.
May 26, 2024
5 : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5 : 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV : Dual
I absolutely devoured this. These southern mafia cowboys just may be the end of me. I can only hope that one of them comes to save me in return 😉😛
PLEASE check trigger warnings.
If you like / Tropes :
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Touch her and 💀
🖤 Dirty Talk
🖤 Kinks
🖤 Southern Mafia Cowboy
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Unexpected Pregnancy
🖤 Twists and Turns
🖤 🥵
3.5 : 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV : Dual
I absolutely devoured this. These southern mafia cowboys just may be the end of me. I can only hope that one of them comes to save me in return 😉😛
PLEASE check trigger warnings.
If you like / Tropes :
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Touch her and 💀
🖤 Dirty Talk
🖤 Kinks
🖤 Southern Mafia Cowboy
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Unexpected Pregnancy
🖤 Twists and Turns
🖤 🥵
April 14, 2024
Book 2 in the Georgia Chapter - what a ride!!!
This book kept me on my toes, made me lose sleep and was a great conclusion to Rumor and King’s story. But I NEED MORE!!!!!
The author has created a world I don’t know if I ever want to leave. I spent a good amount of time reviewing the family trees she provides at the beginning of the book and we truly are in for a ride with what is to come!!!
This book kept me on my toes, made me lose sleep and was a great conclusion to Rumor and King’s story. But I NEED MORE!!!!!
The author has created a world I don’t know if I ever want to leave. I spent a good amount of time reviewing the family trees she provides at the beginning of the book and we truly are in for a ride with what is to come!!!
April 18, 2024
What a great story! I am absolutely loving this series !! Can't wait for the next book 😍
May 6, 2024
4.5⭐️
June 28, 2024
This was the worst book I’ve read this year
July 24, 2024
3.75 ⭐️ obviously had to immediately finish the next book in this series. it picked up exactly where the first one ended. could have easily just been made into one book.
July 29, 2024
The conclusion to Rumor and King ends in a HEA but it felt a little rushed to me. While I liked how it played out for the most part, everything happened very fast. I really like all the characters in this series so far and am looking forward to reading more.
November 25, 2024
I am so thankful this book ended up on KU today! I needed to know how the story ended for Rumor and King. Boy did it not disappoint. I hated the fact that poor Rumor had some serious emotion beating in this book but she got her HEA in the end.
This is also a case of accidental pregnancy done extremely well. I love this series so much.
This is also a case of accidental pregnancy done extremely well. I love this series so much.
August 30, 2025
3.75 stars, overall
I've gone on a Southern Mafia SMOKE binge
King and Rumor's story is the first two books of this series. In this book, King has decided that Rumor is his, unequivocally, and he is determined that nothing will ever hurt Rumor again.
Rumor has grown a bit more confidence, and she is elated about being with King, in a type of passion she has never known. However, she starts to see that a lot of King and his world is a smokescreen: something dangerous and sinister lies beneath. Not only does she have to contend with the fact that King is lying to her but that connection to her MIA husband keeps her in danger and in need of protection.
Yet when Rumor is given a chance to be protected further from her husband's misdeeds, plus be protected and spirited away from King, himself, she has to make a decision: ride or die with this man who has shown her a passion, a love, a life and family unimaginable; or tuck tail and run to safety and away from men, away from the risk of being hurt again.
Rumor chooses wisely and I am glad she didn't do that after-the-fact, if you know what I mean.
Off to read ALL that is the Southern Mafia, by Abbi Glines (even the stories of characters that are not so enticing).
Happy Reading.
I've gone on a Southern Mafia SMOKE binge
King and Rumor's story is the first two books of this series. In this book, King has decided that Rumor is his, unequivocally, and he is determined that nothing will ever hurt Rumor again.
Rumor has grown a bit more confidence, and she is elated about being with King, in a type of passion she has never known. However, she starts to see that a lot of King and his world is a smokescreen: something dangerous and sinister lies beneath. Not only does she have to contend with the fact that King is lying to her but that connection to her MIA husband keeps her in danger and in need of protection.
Yet when Rumor is given a chance to be protected further from her husband's misdeeds, plus be protected and spirited away from King, himself, she has to make a decision: ride or die with this man who has shown her a passion, a love, a life and family unimaginable; or tuck tail and run to safety and away from men, away from the risk of being hurt again.
Rumor chooses wisely and I am glad she didn't do that after-the-fact, if you know what I mean.
Off to read ALL that is the Southern Mafia, by Abbi Glines (even the stories of characters that are not so enticing).
Happy Reading.
April 22, 2024
Did not like the female character she was a complete walk over author missed an opportunity here imo!
April 15, 2024
***4 ½ stars***
Slay King by Abbi Glines is the second book in the Georgia Smoke series, but be warned… this book is not a standalone but a continuation of the first book in this series (Slay). To get the best of this world, and the best of King and Rumor’s story, I highly recommend you go and read Slay before diving into Slay King.
In My Own Words:
Rumor never thought she’d see the day when she would give love another try. After all, the first time she gave her heart away, things didn’t end up in her favor. But here she stands dying to confess her love for the man who had a helping hand in saving her from her brutal husband. But things aren’t rainbows and sunrises for Rumor when she realizes King’s job in the family will always come first.
Love was a nonexistent feature for King…. Until he met Rumor. Now, he’ll do everything in his power to keep her as his own. Love is a nonexistent feature, what he feels for Rumor goes way deeper than love. But when the family business calls, he has to answer… even if the task at hand has the potential to break what he is building with Rumor.
My Thoughts:
I didn’t think it was possible to fall for a fictional couple, but here I go, falling head over heels for Rumor and King’s love story. Abbi Glines stole my heart from the very first page in the first book of Rumor and King’s story, and even through all the craziness, there wasn’t a single moment when I thought these two would crumble. It’s definitely going to be hard to top this couple in this series.
Let’s start with Rumor. I loved the vulnerability she brought to this danger-ridden novel. I also loved how her characters seemed to humble King’s characters. She was the sunshine to his cloudy skies. Throughout this novel, we get a glimpse of that vulnerability of not knowing where she stands in King’s life. My heart broke over and over and over for her and her lack of self-esteem in these moments.
And then we have King. I loved his alphamale vibes. This man would move mountains just to see to it that Rumor feels safe and protected. When his family decided to meddle in his happiness for the sake of family business I felt a strong urge to reach in my kindle and give these men my two cents.
There was never a moment in this duet when I didn’t love these two! And, in all honesty, I can’t think of a single moment where I wasn’t on the edge of my seat in anticipation for what’s to come. When I finished Slay King, there was a moment where I felt a little let down. And herein lies why I dropped a ½ star rating on my review. I wanted to see King in his extreme element. There is talks about past women and past extra-curricular activities inside the sexy-as-sin scheme of things. Talks of rope and tying people up. And I kind of wanted to see King in his element. An hour ago this was a four star rating for me, and then I thought long and hard, I understand why King didn’t take it that far with Rumor. She is a victim of domestic abuse. So that would have probably put fear in her heart…. BUT, I still wanted that moment with King in his ultimate sexual element…
Overall, I loved everything about King and Rumor’s duet. I loved the chemistry, the connection (both physical and emotional) and I loved King’s devotion to Rumor. These two are going to be hard to top, but I have faith Abbi Glines will make the next book even better!! I can’t wait for more from the Georgia Smoke Series!
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The Staircase Reader
Bookbub
April 14, 2024
4 STARS
Lately, it takes me days to finish a book because my attention span is that of a squirrel on the best of days. But when it comes to Abbi Gaines books? I'm not capable of not devouring them in one sitting. I don't know what the woman laces her books with, but they're absolute book crack. BOOK CRACK I tell you. And Slay King was no exception.
This is the conclusion to King and Rumor's story and the start of a brand new spinoff from the Smoke series. There's new characters introduced with some favorites from the Smoke series who make cameos. While I prefer my heroines a bit more on the ball busting variety, I couldn't help but love Rumor and her quiet strength. The woman is a survivor and I loved watching her put her broken pieces together. While I wanted her to make King work for it more, she wasn't a pushover and she spoke her mind. But of course his sexual magnetism was impossible for her to resist.
If you like uber alphas who are slightly psychotic, irrationally possessive and fiercely protective with a splash of dirty talk, you would love King. I do wish we got to see a bit more of his kinks play out in this book, but considering Rumor's past, it also made sense that he tame that part of himself down for her.
While the ending felt a little abrupt it was immensely satisfying all the same. I binge read this in one sitting and enjoyed it from cover to cover. I can't wait for my next hit of this addictive new series.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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Love is weak,” I said, taking another step toward her. “It fades.” She looked stricken. Reaching up, I cupped her face in my hand. “So, it’s a fucking good thing that you possess my soul, sweets. You’re under my skin, in my blood, locked so damn deep inside of me that I could never let you go.”
Lately, it takes me days to finish a book because my attention span is that of a squirrel on the best of days. But when it comes to Abbi Gaines books? I'm not capable of not devouring them in one sitting. I don't know what the woman laces her books with, but they're absolute book crack. BOOK CRACK I tell you. And Slay King was no exception.
This is the conclusion to King and Rumor's story and the start of a brand new spinoff from the Smoke series. There's new characters introduced with some favorites from the Smoke series who make cameos. While I prefer my heroines a bit more on the ball busting variety, I couldn't help but love Rumor and her quiet strength. The woman is a survivor and I loved watching her put her broken pieces together. While I wanted her to make King work for it more, she wasn't a pushover and she spoke her mind. But of course his sexual magnetism was impossible for her to resist.
If you like uber alphas who are slightly psychotic, irrationally possessive and fiercely protective with a splash of dirty talk, you would love King. I do wish we got to see a bit more of his kinks play out in this book, but considering Rumor's past, it also made sense that he tame that part of himself down for her.
While the ending felt a little abrupt it was immensely satisfying all the same. I binge read this in one sitting and enjoyed it from cover to cover. I can't wait for my next hit of this addictive new series.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
April 15, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the second book in this duet within the Georgia Smoke Series. You will need to read Slay first of you are going to be lost. Plus that book is really good and you do not want to miss it. If you are like me you closed Slay going NO NO NO.....now is the moment you have been waiting for since then. This book picks up right where that one left off with new boundaries between King and Rumor. I loved them in the first book and I loved them even more in the second on. I loved that Rumor found herself in this book and it certainly keeps you on your toes. As you know Rumor is being kept safe by the entire Mafia family that they all belong to. Maeme is back and she is as fierce as ever. Gosh I just love that woman. We all need a Maeme in our lives. I also hope she is in every book in this series that follows the Georgia Smoke Series. I was a little jealous of her library though. I would so love to see it if it was real. And I certainly loved Rumor's love for books and reading. King is on assignment in this book but is also taking very seriously his keeping Rumor save and trying to figure out what all these feelings are rolling around inside of him. The man does believe in love. It fades he says. But now his job is going to affect Rumor even more and she has a few surprises in store too. I loved the growth in King. I don't think that man can do much wrong in my book. I fell so hard for him in this one that it wasn't even funny. He is still the same hot head that will mess you up for touching what is his. Like I said Rumor discovered more of herself in this book and I loved that. Watching her not be so afraid anymore, of never letting anyone threaten her again. She knows that if she has survived what she has already survived with her husband then she can survive anything. The one thing I would have loved to have seen at the end of this book was what Rumor ended up doing. Did she just hang out for the rest of her life? Did she find a college and a career she loves? I am so hoping that we see King and rumor in the books that will follow this one. I am hooked on this series and can't wait for more.
This is the second book in this duet within the Georgia Smoke Series. You will need to read Slay first of you are going to be lost. Plus that book is really good and you do not want to miss it. If you are like me you closed Slay going NO NO NO.....now is the moment you have been waiting for since then. This book picks up right where that one left off with new boundaries between King and Rumor. I loved them in the first book and I loved them even more in the second on. I loved that Rumor found herself in this book and it certainly keeps you on your toes. As you know Rumor is being kept safe by the entire Mafia family that they all belong to. Maeme is back and she is as fierce as ever. Gosh I just love that woman. We all need a Maeme in our lives. I also hope she is in every book in this series that follows the Georgia Smoke Series. I was a little jealous of her library though. I would so love to see it if it was real. And I certainly loved Rumor's love for books and reading. King is on assignment in this book but is also taking very seriously his keeping Rumor save and trying to figure out what all these feelings are rolling around inside of him. The man does believe in love. It fades he says. But now his job is going to affect Rumor even more and she has a few surprises in store too. I loved the growth in King. I don't think that man can do much wrong in my book. I fell so hard for him in this one that it wasn't even funny. He is still the same hot head that will mess you up for touching what is his. Like I said Rumor discovered more of herself in this book and I loved that. Watching her not be so afraid anymore, of never letting anyone threaten her again. She knows that if she has survived what she has already survived with her husband then she can survive anything. The one thing I would have loved to have seen at the end of this book was what Rumor ended up doing. Did she just hang out for the rest of her life? Did she find a college and a career she loves? I am so hoping that we see King and rumor in the books that will follow this one. I am hooked on this series and can't wait for more.
September 5, 2024
ok, it’s between 4 stars and -2/10 rating wise. i’m feeling psychotically generous right now at 3 am.
king chasen salazar… what a marvellous man you are in the bedroom. outside of it though? i’m just dying to take that glock of yours and show you how it’s done. will send you to hell sooner than you expected. what a stupid man with the dirtiest, filthiest, downright unhinged mouth on the planet. half the shit coming out of his mouth left me speechless. jaw on the floor. and salivating too actually.
honestly, i can’t really make up my mind on slay & slay king. my first reads from abbi, and the writing was very simple which made for easy reads, and the premise was enticing but the execution? a joke. miss rumor (yes the girl’s name is actually rumor. what in the brilliant fuck???) leblanc is quite possibly the most stupidest chick in the universe. i actually wanted to kill myself ten times over. i can’t even formulate the right words for her behavior. i support women’s rights and women’s wrongs but rumor is just downright fucking ditzy and blind to another dimension that i’m not really feeling. like i get being trusting… but there is a thing as too trusting<3 pls learn it asap.
please seek help. and a therapist. immediately!!!!!! i’ll even pay for you gf so you can get an ounce of common sense. because what in the fresh fuck.
aside from that, the sex was just downright insane. debased. unhinged. dirty. like wow wow wow. king salazar can call me good girl any goddamn day of the week. i’m gonna remember these two books for days to come because that man was… was DIRTY. there’s no other word for it.
if i’m going based off of my feelings and the sex that had me blushing mad: 4 stars
the reality however: -2/10 will not read the rest of the books. hate doormat women, please be fucking for real.
king chasen salazar… what a marvellous man you are in the bedroom. outside of it though? i’m just dying to take that glock of yours and show you how it’s done. will send you to hell sooner than you expected. what a stupid man with the dirtiest, filthiest, downright unhinged mouth on the planet. half the shit coming out of his mouth left me speechless. jaw on the floor. and salivating too actually.
honestly, i can’t really make up my mind on slay & slay king. my first reads from abbi, and the writing was very simple which made for easy reads, and the premise was enticing but the execution? a joke. miss rumor (yes the girl’s name is actually rumor. what in the brilliant fuck???) leblanc is quite possibly the most stupidest chick in the universe. i actually wanted to kill myself ten times over. i can’t even formulate the right words for her behavior. i support women’s rights and women’s wrongs but rumor is just downright fucking ditzy and blind to another dimension that i’m not really feeling. like i get being trusting… but there is a thing as too trusting<3 pls learn it asap.
please seek help. and a therapist. immediately!!!!!! i’ll even pay for you gf so you can get an ounce of common sense. because what in the fresh fuck.
aside from that, the sex was just downright insane. debased. unhinged. dirty. like wow wow wow. king salazar can call me good girl any goddamn day of the week. i’m gonna remember these two books for days to come because that man was… was DIRTY. there’s no other word for it.
if i’m going based off of my feelings and the sex that had me blushing mad: 4 stars
the reality however: -2/10 will not read the rest of the books. hate doormat women, please be fucking for real.
April 13, 2024
We continue this addictive series with the continuation of King and Rumor’s story. King is relegated to the couch for lying to Rumor and he’s trying to wile his way into Rumor’s good graces again. Meanwhile, it’s work as usual in this Mafia family and the action never stops!
Blaise makes several appearances, and we appreciate how he’s grown in power and ruthlessness. He’s also shown to be human, as he respects that his men have women they love, same as he adores his wife and son. King refuses to use the word “love” as it has negative connotations for him, but he shows quite clearly he’s obsessed and possessed by Rumor, to the point that the beast inside him wakes up anytime someone touches her or she shows a sliver of skin in her clothes.
I found Rumor to be too meek and found King quite funny in that he’s frequently unhinged, every time he’s away from Rumor and losing control of a situation. And there were many such instances! It was comical to see his mates Storm and Sebastian having to grab him and prevent mayhem from happening. I loved to see Gage again, after a siege, playing with some eyeballs like the psycho we all know and love. And I see Thatcher is another psycho, so looking forward to his story!
Another aspect I love from this story is that, in spite of these guys being so violent and dangerous, family is important to them. They protect those who belong to them, they respect Maeme like she’s everyone’s granny, and jump at the mention of waffles and bacon.
Super sexy, super entertaining, super addictive! There’s a very interesting plot twist towards the end, very surprising! It’s always fun reading this stories!
Blaise makes several appearances, and we appreciate how he’s grown in power and ruthlessness. He’s also shown to be human, as he respects that his men have women they love, same as he adores his wife and son. King refuses to use the word “love” as it has negative connotations for him, but he shows quite clearly he’s obsessed and possessed by Rumor, to the point that the beast inside him wakes up anytime someone touches her or she shows a sliver of skin in her clothes.
I found Rumor to be too meek and found King quite funny in that he’s frequently unhinged, every time he’s away from Rumor and losing control of a situation. And there were many such instances! It was comical to see his mates Storm and Sebastian having to grab him and prevent mayhem from happening. I loved to see Gage again, after a siege, playing with some eyeballs like the psycho we all know and love. And I see Thatcher is another psycho, so looking forward to his story!
Another aspect I love from this story is that, in spite of these guys being so violent and dangerous, family is important to them. They protect those who belong to them, they respect Maeme like she’s everyone’s granny, and jump at the mention of waffles and bacon.
Super sexy, super entertaining, super addictive! There’s a very interesting plot twist towards the end, very surprising! It’s always fun reading this stories!
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