Smashed

Honey Valley #1

by Ren Booth

My life just imploded in the most spectacular way possible.

It was a beautiful wedding with the perfect dress and the perfect man... Until I caught him cheating on me in the reception hall. With a broken heart and shattered dreams, I ran straight to my childhood home in Honey Valley, swearing off men for good.

But then my two best friends insist I need to get back on my feet and out into the world, so they drag me to a bar in town where they say I can start working on healing myself. It seems that alcohol and a smash room are their way of kickstarting that journey for me.

Upon arrival, Silas Watson, one of the brothers who owns Lumberjax gets us all checked in, but the way he’s looking at me makes me think he might actually be checking me out. With his mountainous frame and the way he seems to drink in my curves, he's hard to ignore.

Even though the sparks begin to fly almost instantly, I'm cautious, still bearing the weight of betrayal, while Silas harbors doubts about love’s very existence. Yet, the more time we spend together amongst the shards of broken glass and splintered plastic, I find fragments of myself starting to heal, hinting that perhaps not all is lost.

But with our pasts looming large and our fears front and center, can Silas and I build something lasting, or will our shattered pieces never quite fit together?

Honey Lumberjax is a series of standalone sweet and steamy instalove novellas with no cheating and a HEA guaranteed!

Genres: Novella, Contemporary

69 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2024

About the author

Ren Booth writes steamy, instalove stories featuring over the top heroes who are a little rough around the edges and the curvy ladies who make them melt. She doesn't write cliffhangers or cheaters and a happily-ever-after is always guaranteed. Ren lives deep in the Appalachian Mountains with her hubby, a couple of kids, and her fur babies. When she's not reading or writing, you can usually find her making memories with her loved ones.

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Honey Valley Lumberjax series each can be read as a standalone with a sexy and the one who captures his attention in the best way. Mari is sweet thinking she married her dream man, but they had been married a whole 24 hours before she caught him cheating on her their wedding was still going on and the hurt, the betrayal she felt is something she is struggling to deal with it all. So, one evening her girls take her out reluctantly but that one night out is exactly what she needed her life changed. Silas sexy as all get out lumberjack out at the bar not just any bar an axe throwing/ drinking/ dancing kind of bar, the moment the little beauty walks in his heart beats a little faster, and he wants to get to know he. The magnetic pull can’t be ignored between them and the more she tells herself she is trying to get over the betrayal the stronger the pull between them grow neither can go without being with/around the other but where are they headed, will she give love another chance (hopefully her ex. get what he deserves), will he convince her to take a chance on him, and can they find something more like their own HEA?

[Cathaleen Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this new series

Mari finally let her friends to convince her to go for the evening after the horror her wedding day turned out to be. She never dreamed she would meet anyone like Silas. And she couldn’t seem to stay away even though everything was up in the air.

Silas enjoyed working the Lumberjax. Life was good until it was turned upside down the moment, he saw her. Damaged and hurting he just wanted to make it all better. He knew he couldn’t let her go.

Can they overcome her past and find each other? Silas and Mari are a heartwarming sexy story. I loved these characters and the introduction to the series. I can’t wait for the other brothers and the possibilities they bring.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mari was going through a major heart break. Her friends took her out for a good time.
Silas was in charge of the business he owned with his siblings when she walked in. He couldn't stop thinking about her. He watched her have fun in the smash room, destroying thing. After she was done, Silas watched her while she was getting a drink but when she went outside he followed her to just talk and get to know her.
One thing led to another and the next day she came back for a drink and to see Silas again. They just couldn't seem to stay away from each other. Silas seemed to mend her broken heart, which she forgot about rather quickly since Silas took her breathe away.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Silas and Mari’s story. It was a beautiful wedding with the perfect dress and the perfect man... Until she catches him cheating on her in the reception hall. With a broken heart and shattered dreams, she runs straight to her childhood home in Honey Valley, swearing off men for good.

But when her two best friends insist she get back on her feet and out into the world, they drag her to a bar in town. It seems that alcohol and a smash room are their way of kickstarting that journey.

Upon arrival, Silas Watson, one of the brothers who owns Lumberjax gets them checked in, but the way he’s looking at her, he might actually be checking her out. They have hot chemistry. And it was a very entertaining read. Am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smashed is Book 1 of the Honey Valley: Lumberjax series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, curvy girl gets her mountain man romance. Mari is a curvy girl who just two weeks ago found her fiancé cheating on her at her own wedding. Silas is a hunky mountain man and restaurant-club owner. When Mari's girlfriends take her to Lumberjax, the club Silas runs with his family, they are instantly drawn together. Can she let love in so soon? Can Silas show her he's all in? Their chemistry was hot 🔥 hot 🔥 hot 🔥 and we got an amazing HEA after a little angst. I loved Silas so much. He was so good for Mari and totally drool-worthy! I can't wait for the rest of the series!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Smashed: A Mountain Man Curvy Girl Instalove Novella Book 1 of Honey Valley: Lumberjax. Mari is trying to rebuild her life after her fiancé cheated. Meeting Silas was a surprise she wasn’t sure she was ready for but he didn’t give her a choice. He had never been in love. Fore but now he knows it’s because he didn’t have Mari. Together they will forge a new path but what happens when her ex tries to come crawling back? I love this storyline and the characters. Everything happens for a reason. I would definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait for more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucy Chesna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the Honey Valley Lumberjax series, and each book can be read as a standalone. Mari is trying to rebuild her life after her fiancé cheated on their wedding day. Meeting Silas again was a surprise, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to rekindle again with him, but he didn’t give her a choice. He had never been in love, and he won't make the mistake again to let Mari go. Unfortunately, the ex comes back but she knows what she wants and its Silas. They both forge a path to discovering and build that forever that have longed for a long time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mari is reeling from the mother of all betrayals on her wedding day. Reluctantly on a night out with her friends she comes face to face with the hottest man she has ever seen. However, given the beating that her confidence has taken, it takes some persuasion from him that he is interested in her.

Silas has closed his heart off following a betrayal of his own and doesn't believe in love. Or so he thought until he meets Mari then all bets are off.

A great, fast paced story between two likeable, damaged individuals with plenty of passion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KY Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smashed is part of the Honey Valley Lumberjacks Series by Ren Booth.

Mari has just experienced the ultimate betrayal. Immediately after her wedding, she caught her husband cheating. She is now trying to recover from that ordeal with her girlfriends who have convinced her to go out with them. When she walks into the bar/smash club/ax throwing establishment, she meets Silas, and they have an instant connection.

Although she feels the timing could not be worse, and he didn't believe love actually exists, these two can't deny their feelings.

This is an OTT story with lots of chemistry, steamy scenes, and even a bit of revenge. There are more books to come with the other characters as well.

ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review.

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silas and his siblings own Lumberjax a unique bar. He had doubts that true love exists until she walks in.
Mari is hurt. She has a broken heart and is in pain from the betrayal. She is drawn to Silas but feels like it’s too soon to look at a relationship again.
Silas is so understanding and makes Mari feel special. He treats her the way she should have always been treated.
Can Mari see past her hurt and move on or is the timing off?
Such a sweet read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main couple's chemistry is there right from the start. Silas is a true alpha male and makes his intentions known by the 2nd day. He was sweet, protective, and possessive; which is the trifecta of a perfect man.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this new series. I have read every book Ren Booth has written. I loved the characters in this one. Mari was hurt badly by her ex. When she meets Silas they have a instant chemistry. A page turner and looking forward to more, Janie and Sean.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the connection and chemistry in this, the way they were honest with each other and how they supported one another too. I am looking forward to seeing more of them together and what will happen next in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little petty revenge, but along the way finding what true love really means. Great characterization of Silas’s wink that just draws in the attention of Mari. Enjoyed this short novella of healing your heart, letting go of the pain and finding a true partner in passion and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Mari/Marianna and Silas. The story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, previous heartbreaks, doubts and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a short hot, steamy, insta-love novella. Silas and Mariana meet when her friends take her to a bar called Lumberjax. It's an instant attraction and moves quickly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adored this story

This story was perfect. I loved it so much. Their instant connection even though she was coming out of heartbreak. Soulmates. When you know you know. Silas was so sweet and kind. So sexy and all man. Loved it all. Sweet lover story.

[Nicole M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love an instalove mountain man. I mean, who doesn't want to be caught up in a fast paced love story with a posessive burly man 🥵?! This was a fast read, but packed with passion, heat and moments that will make you audibly react 🤣!

[christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

ugh so good! i love her books so much

[Marissa Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a 3.75. I enjoyed it and the plot. It was a quick easy read and personally loved everything about it. I think the end was a little rushed but other than that it was a sweet romance.

[Autumn Penna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty cute, ngl. I enjoy a good possessive book and this was short and sweet

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG

This is a good and great short read that will keep you turning the page. Loved it! Don't hesitate and take a looksy!

[Kalexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was a fun, sweet, and hot Instalove story. Completely enjoyable.

[Zondra.Hallyahoo.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Karen Worrells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella about Mari meeting Silas after a horrible end to her previous relationship. Silas thought there wasn't true love for him until he meets Mari.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

MMC/FMC- Silas and Mari
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Sub Genre- Mountain Man Romance
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋 They do the things and use the P word whilst naming the parts.
Series? Y
Safety? There’s no S.A. and the main characters do not cheat. However, cheating by a secondary character is discussed.
Triggers- language, explicit erotic content
Tropes- BBW, Instalove
What I liked- the Instalove is everything in this book. Gotta love the Instalove! And when they serve up the Karma together, it’s totally hot and incredibly satisfying. Speaking of heat, the book is so hot that it makes me question my life choices.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Escapist Romantic · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️