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Georgia Smoke #3
Sizzling
Briar
Running. It seems that’s all I ever do. I’ve been running since I was fifteen. Some days I wonder if I’ll ever be able to stop. Would I even know how to live a normal life if I could? Doubt it. No reason to waste good time thinking on it either. Sitting around wishing for something never did anyone a favor. If you want it, then you go and get it. By any means necessary. And I was an expert at using my strengths. I’d been born with beauty, and it had been a curse that haunted me until, one day, I grabbed it and used it to my advantage. Don’t judge. You have no idea the demons I’ve fought… and the ones I still do.
Storm
Sure, I was raised to kill when needed and to protect the family. However, my momma also taught me to open doors for women and respect them unless they prove they’re not ladies. It was a damn shame the sweet little piece I’d been unable to get out of my head had never been a lady a day in her life. That gorgeous face and mouthwatering body were real nice wrapping paper to distract men. Briar Landry was a liar, a thief, a cheat, and a very talented gold digger. She disgusted me. The more I was forced to be around her, the more I hated her. I knew the evil inside her and I had enough twisted darkness of my own. Treating her with cruelty, I hadn’t known I possessed, was the only way to keep from letting her pull me inside her web.
Running. It seems that’s all I ever do. I’ve been running since I was fifteen. Some days I wonder if I’ll ever be able to stop. Would I even know how to live a normal life if I could? Doubt it. No reason to waste good time thinking on it either. Sitting around wishing for something never did anyone a favor. If you want it, then you go and get it. By any means necessary. And I was an expert at using my strengths. I’d been born with beauty, and it had been a curse that haunted me until, one day, I grabbed it and used it to my advantage. Don’t judge. You have no idea the demons I’ve fought… and the ones I still do.
Storm
Sure, I was raised to kill when needed and to protect the family. However, my momma also taught me to open doors for women and respect them unless they prove they’re not ladies. It was a damn shame the sweet little piece I’d been unable to get out of my head had never been a lady a day in her life. That gorgeous face and mouthwatering body were real nice wrapping paper to distract men. Briar Landry was a liar, a thief, a cheat, and a very talented gold digger. She disgusted me. The more I was forced to be around her, the more I hated her. I knew the evil inside her and I had enough twisted darkness of my own. Treating her with cruelty, I hadn’t known I possessed, was the only way to keep from letting her pull me inside her web.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2024
281 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Abbi Glines
119 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 140 reviews
May 27, 2024
The ending was super rushed and seemed to come out of nowhere. Almost like the author got bored with the story and just wanted it to end. Storm treats Briar like a gold-digging whore but then all of a sudden, he’s thinking of her as his. It was weird. And everything felt unfinished.
And like many other books by this author (and other romance authors), I don’t understand why a woman is written in a way where she continues to pine and pant after a man who treats her like shit. Or in this case, degrades her and calls her names before and after treating her like a whore. Doesn’t make any sense to me. And unfortunately, that’s just how AG’s heroines are written. Not for me.
And like many other books by this author (and other romance authors), I don’t understand why a woman is written in a way where she continues to pine and pant after a man who treats her like shit. Or in this case, degrades her and calls her names before and after treating her like a whore. Doesn’t make any sense to me. And unfortunately, that’s just how AG’s heroines are written. Not for me.
May 21, 2024
Five huge stars for Sizzling!! These mafia men are completely unhinged and I’m here for it!! I absolutely devoured this book, once I started it I couldn’t put it down. I thought Storm would be the more laid back guy of the group but I was dead wrong. When it comes to Briar, Storm is willing and able to do whatever he needs to get the girl. If you’re looking for your next mafia read, this series is the way to go!!
June 5, 2024
This was my first book by Abbi Glines and where I will give her one more shot because I truly liked her writing and how much SPICE she brings to the page .. I thought that the ending was extremely rushed leaving me with a few questions and wanting more of from our main characters . I would say one of my biggest pet peeves with books is when the ending is so rushed I feel like chapters were missing from my copy .. and that’s how this book left me .
This is book 3 in the Georgia Smoke series and it can be read as a complete stand alone .
This book was given to me for honest review by Wordsmith Publicity .
This is book 3 in the Georgia Smoke series and it can be read as a complete stand alone .
This book was given to me for honest review by Wordsmith Publicity .
May 28, 2024
What!??? Talk about incomplete!
OK, first I gotta say I am a big fan of this author. I devoured her smoke series and jumped right in To the Georgia portion. This book has so much potential it had me hooked from the beginning. I love Briars character. I want more background on Dovie! Storm and Briar didn’t mesh until 80% of the book and then it failed at the end. An attempt to tie things up by placing all blame on.Storm, but it felt rushed and incomplete. While I loved the characters the story lacked direction and was unfinished.
OK, first I gotta say I am a big fan of this author. I devoured her smoke series and jumped right in To the Georgia portion. This book has so much potential it had me hooked from the beginning. I love Briars character. I want more background on Dovie! Storm and Briar didn’t mesh until 80% of the book and then it failed at the end. An attempt to tie things up by placing all blame on.Storm, but it felt rushed and incomplete. While I loved the characters the story lacked direction and was unfinished.
May 23, 2024
Storm morally grey and unhinged!
Part one of Storm and Briar’s duet
2.5 🌶️
4.5 ⭐️
I wasn’t sure where this was going, Abbi totally threw me off with Storm and had me going with the suspense. I thought he was going to be the calm one of the bunch, but he is going to get what he wants!
It’s a slower burn with lots of tension 🌶️
When the spice gets there, it gets THERE!
I just love Maeme in this series, she is seriously the best. She always seems to know what’s going on and is one step ahead.
I’m excited to see where this is headed and what Storm will do next. What is Briar going to think when she finds out just how far he has gone to keep her…
Part one of Storm and Briar’s duet
2.5 🌶️
4.5 ⭐️
I wasn’t sure where this was going, Abbi totally threw me off with Storm and had me going with the suspense. I thought he was going to be the calm one of the bunch, but he is going to get what he wants!
It’s a slower burn with lots of tension 🌶️
When the spice gets there, it gets THERE!
I just love Maeme in this series, she is seriously the best. She always seems to know what’s going on and is one step ahead.
I’m excited to see where this is headed and what Storm will do next. What is Briar going to think when she finds out just how far he has gone to keep her…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2024
10 out of 10 book!!! Abbi knows how to write these bad boys in this series and they’re absolutely bad… in a good way! Storm may be on the darker side but he’s ready and willing to do whatever it takes to get what’s his!! The twist at the end, blew me away and I can’t wait for the continuation of Storm and Briar!!!
May 26, 2024
Holy Crap!!
Talk about turn around!! Obsessed to the point of crazy. Storm definitely went to the dark side in this story.
That wasn’t the kind of woman you got out of your system. She was the kind that took your soul.
“Briar Landry,” is not your average heroine. She’s done a lot of things to survive.
Little siren.
I am chomping at the bit for the next book because what the what!!
Talk about turn around!! Obsessed to the point of crazy. Storm definitely went to the dark side in this story.
That wasn’t the kind of woman you got out of your system. She was the kind that took your soul.
“Briar Landry,” is not your average heroine. She’s done a lot of things to survive.
Little siren.
I am chomping at the bit for the next book because what the what!!
July 17, 2024
The lengths he goes to get her 🥵 it’s very sexy in theory
Side note: How do you pronounce Dovie? Is it like dough-vie or duh-vie?
Side note: How do you pronounce Dovie? Is it like dough-vie or duh-vie?
January 24, 2025
I’m rating this one 3 1/2 stars on my second read. I’ve read quite a few of the Southern Mafia books by Abbi Glines now, and by and large, I’ve loved most of them. Storm’s first book in this series, though-I was struggling to understand EXACTLY at what point the turnaround happened for him, from despising and being completely disgusted with Briar to becoming obsessed with her. And whoa! He really went completely stalker-psycho in a heartbeat, it seemed….👀🤦♀️🙈 From reading King’s books, I had NO idea that Storm (one of the secondary characters there) was capable of this crazy type of behavior over a woman, and I just didn’t get what the THING was that turned him around 180 degrees about Briar🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2024
Sizzling
By Abbi Glines
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/3.5🌶🌶🌶🌶
-Mafia
-Unhinged MMC
-Badass FMC
-Stalking
-Touch her and ☠️
-History of SA (not by MMC)
-Pierced 🍌
This was a fast and furious book one for Storm. Our boy fell HARD. Hard enough he knocked a fucking screw loose because Storm became so unhinged Thatcher was looking like a green flag.
-“I want to kill. Rip off heads. Slice off every fucking dick that’s getting off right now to thoughts of you,” he snarled"
-"I wondered how big of an issue it would be with Blaise if I killed one of his father- in- law’s men."
-"I wasn’t over the men and her past. I fucking hated it. I wanted them all dead."
Briar is a fucking badass, fucking men over is not a crime, it's karma at its finest. Storm judging her morals was so pot meet kettle I swear 😒
-"She had every man in here ready to worship at her feet, and she knew it. She expected it. Bastards had no idea they didn’t have a chance."
-"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, and I’ll cut your dick off. But it wouldn’t come to that. Because he was dead to me."
Storm was living his best 'delulu is the solulu' life.
-“What? The hot one is a human lie detector?” she asked, her eyes shifting to me. “Close enough,” I replied, unable to keep from smiling at the fact that she’d called me the hot one."
-“That’s it, little siren. Lead me to my own fucking destruction.”
-"She had me, and I was going to ruin her for every other man. She’d never want another. She’d belong to me."
Storm's inner monologue had me cracking up, he was truly fucked and in his feels over Briar and had no idea how to handle it.
-“No man drives over ten hours for tomatoes.”
-"Hearing her sexy little cries and moans. MOTHERFUCKER! I closed my eyes tightly, fisting my hands at my sides, and willed myself to think of anything else. Horses, knives, Maeme’s fried chicken…"
-"Yes, I was crossing all kinds of lines, but I really did not give a fuck...But first, I had to stop acting like a psychopath in case she noticed."
IN CASE SHE NOTICED?! 🤣
Speaking of Thatcher earlier, we got so many insights to how his book is going to go I am literally on the edge of my seat with excitement! "Sebastian chuckled. “Not Capri. He’d never go there. She’s not his type.” As soon as this sentence was uttered I KNEW Thatcher was absolutely going to go there. Not his type? 🙄 He was probably avoiding his exact type for a reason. Now, what that reason is, we will have to wait and fucking see but I'm thinking it may have something to do with Wells after some of the things mentioned in this book?
-"She shook her head, then sighed as her shoulders dropped some. “We were friends once. It was a long time ago.”
-"Her eyes seemed to dance with amusement, as if she had some private joke that we weren’t privy to. “He’s not crazy,” she said. “Maybe a little intense at times.” “At times?” Sebastian asked, then let out a laugh. She lifted her shoulders slightly. “Maybe it’s you that doesn’t know him.”
-“When it comes to the Shephard brothers, it’s Thatcher who gets the pussies wet.” “Sure, the fucked- up ones with daddy issues. They’re into psychos.”
We also got some more insight into The Judgement which I've been missing since it's release back in February. Paradise Brew seems like it'll be featured in future Judgement MC books for sure. I cannot explain how fucking stoked I am that Abbi has ventured into MCs 😈💜
Also, my favorite Florida branch boo, Kye, made a brief appearance. Fucking swoon 🥰 All you Huckers will be happy too 😉
Favorite Quote:
"She was my beautiful girl. My own fucking siren. No one and nothing would take her from me. If that meant I was a touch more psycho than Thatcher, then so be it. I was going to burn in hell long before I laid eyes on her. Now, it was just going to be worth it. I’d happily go to hell after I got a lifetime with her."
By Abbi Glines
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/3.5🌶🌶🌶🌶
-Mafia
-Unhinged MMC
-Badass FMC
-Stalking
-Touch her and ☠️
-History of SA (not by MMC)
-Pierced 🍌
This was a fast and furious book one for Storm. Our boy fell HARD. Hard enough he knocked a fucking screw loose because Storm became so unhinged Thatcher was looking like a green flag.
-“I want to kill. Rip off heads. Slice off every fucking dick that’s getting off right now to thoughts of you,” he snarled"
-"I wondered how big of an issue it would be with Blaise if I killed one of his father- in- law’s men."
-"I wasn’t over the men and her past. I fucking hated it. I wanted them all dead."
Briar is a fucking badass, fucking men over is not a crime, it's karma at its finest. Storm judging her morals was so pot meet kettle I swear 😒
-"She had every man in here ready to worship at her feet, and she knew it. She expected it. Bastards had no idea they didn’t have a chance."
-"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, and I’ll cut your dick off. But it wouldn’t come to that. Because he was dead to me."
Storm was living his best 'delulu is the solulu' life.
-“What? The hot one is a human lie detector?” she asked, her eyes shifting to me. “Close enough,” I replied, unable to keep from smiling at the fact that she’d called me the hot one."
-“That’s it, little siren. Lead me to my own fucking destruction.”
-"She had me, and I was going to ruin her for every other man. She’d never want another. She’d belong to me."
Storm's inner monologue had me cracking up, he was truly fucked and in his feels over Briar and had no idea how to handle it.
-“No man drives over ten hours for tomatoes.”
-"Hearing her sexy little cries and moans. MOTHERFUCKER! I closed my eyes tightly, fisting my hands at my sides, and willed myself to think of anything else. Horses, knives, Maeme’s fried chicken…"
-"Yes, I was crossing all kinds of lines, but I really did not give a fuck...But first, I had to stop acting like a psychopath in case she noticed."
IN CASE SHE NOTICED?! 🤣
Speaking of Thatcher earlier, we got so many insights to how his book is going to go I am literally on the edge of my seat with excitement! "Sebastian chuckled. “Not Capri. He’d never go there. She’s not his type.” As soon as this sentence was uttered I KNEW Thatcher was absolutely going to go there. Not his type? 🙄 He was probably avoiding his exact type for a reason. Now, what that reason is, we will have to wait and fucking see but I'm thinking it may have something to do with Wells after some of the things mentioned in this book?
-"She shook her head, then sighed as her shoulders dropped some. “We were friends once. It was a long time ago.”
-"Her eyes seemed to dance with amusement, as if she had some private joke that we weren’t privy to. “He’s not crazy,” she said. “Maybe a little intense at times.” “At times?” Sebastian asked, then let out a laugh. She lifted her shoulders slightly. “Maybe it’s you that doesn’t know him.”
-“When it comes to the Shephard brothers, it’s Thatcher who gets the pussies wet.” “Sure, the fucked- up ones with daddy issues. They’re into psychos.”
We also got some more insight into The Judgement which I've been missing since it's release back in February. Paradise Brew seems like it'll be featured in future Judgement MC books for sure. I cannot explain how fucking stoked I am that Abbi has ventured into MCs 😈💜
Also, my favorite Florida branch boo, Kye, made a brief appearance. Fucking swoon 🥰 All you Huckers will be happy too 😉
Favorite Quote:
"She was my beautiful girl. My own fucking siren. No one and nothing would take her from me. If that meant I was a touch more psycho than Thatcher, then so be it. I was going to burn in hell long before I laid eyes on her. Now, it was just going to be worth it. I’d happily go to hell after I got a lifetime with her."
May 26, 2024
(Received this book as an ARC for my honest review)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5
This is a true enemies to lovers' book. Abbi wrote another great book that is a 2 part in the Smoke Series. This book is Storm Kingston's and Briar Landry's. I don't know what it is about them Kingston men, but they sure do like having their 🍆 pierced. Not that I minded 😈 Abbi has a way of drawing you in to get books and making you feel everything these characters so. You could feel the hatred and vile coming from these pages, as well as the chemistry that becomes explosive scenes between these two.
When a bot meets a girl that he doesn't trust because of her occupation, yet doesn't account for his own. Pot met kettle in this one. It's like Storm looks down on Briar for what she does. I take hope the next book will explain more of Briar's life and what she goes through to stay on the run. How she fews her own life. But I think Storm is really going to have to get her to come to grips about her true self because I don't take think Briar knows who she really is, or she's her real self yet. I also believe that Storm is going to have to hold on tight to her because once she figures out all he's done to keep her at Maeme's, it's going to get bad and Briar's going to try and run again.
Tropes:
- Southern Mafia
- Singer/Gold Digger
- Obsessed/Possessive
- Enemies to Lovers
- Touch Her & Die
- MINE
- Forced Proximity
- On the Run Heroine
- Pierced 🍆
Storm and Briar's lives keep crossing paths. They come into her life when King is looking to get revenge on anyone who hurt Rumor, and their looking for Briar's dad. Rumor and Briar share a common trauma from the same man. King doesn't trust her, even though Storm's human lie detector is saying she's taking the truth. So, King has Storm keep track of Briar. They cross paths 7 months later when they are going after a man that Briar is seeing. Briar gets injured but thinks the Mafia while handle her date that hurt her.
Storm is told not to worry about Briar's safety after they keep her date alive. All because she isn't family business. Storm can't not warn her that it's time for her to leave town. Storm thinks less of Briar because of her side profession. She's a really talented singer at bars, but is a gold digger on the side for big money. Storm can't stand Briar because of this and always ends up hurting her feelings by putting her down because she's doing what needs to be done.
Storm can't get Briar or of his head. He also can't seem to stay away from her. Storm becomes obsessed with her. He will do anything to keep her safe. When terrible comes to find Briar, Storm learns a secret she's been hiding. Briar will do anything to protect the one person she has in this world and hide her from everyone in her life. Storm is set out on protecting them both just to have Briar. By the time this book ends, you'll realize just how obsessed Storm is.
He doesn't trust Briar but has a plan to make her his. This plan is going to blow up in Storm's face. Because when you learn the truth, the last person Briar should be trusting his Storm. I know that Storm means well because he is in love with Briar. He will do anything to protect her. He's just going about it all wrong. Storm better hold on tight because Briar is a runner, and I have a feeling she's going to try and run again. I can't wait to see what a king will say or do once he learns of Briar and Storm. I know her and a Rumor should get along. Residual with Dovey being in the house. I can't wait for the next book. I need it like yesterday!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5
This is a true enemies to lovers' book. Abbi wrote another great book that is a 2 part in the Smoke Series. This book is Storm Kingston's and Briar Landry's. I don't know what it is about them Kingston men, but they sure do like having their 🍆 pierced. Not that I minded 😈 Abbi has a way of drawing you in to get books and making you feel everything these characters so. You could feel the hatred and vile coming from these pages, as well as the chemistry that becomes explosive scenes between these two.
When a bot meets a girl that he doesn't trust because of her occupation, yet doesn't account for his own. Pot met kettle in this one. It's like Storm looks down on Briar for what she does. I take hope the next book will explain more of Briar's life and what she goes through to stay on the run. How she fews her own life. But I think Storm is really going to have to get her to come to grips about her true self because I don't take think Briar knows who she really is, or she's her real self yet. I also believe that Storm is going to have to hold on tight to her because once she figures out all he's done to keep her at Maeme's, it's going to get bad and Briar's going to try and run again.
Tropes:
- Southern Mafia
- Singer/Gold Digger
- Obsessed/Possessive
- Enemies to Lovers
- Touch Her & Die
- MINE
- Forced Proximity
- On the Run Heroine
- Pierced 🍆
Storm and Briar's lives keep crossing paths. They come into her life when King is looking to get revenge on anyone who hurt Rumor, and their looking for Briar's dad. Rumor and Briar share a common trauma from the same man. King doesn't trust her, even though Storm's human lie detector is saying she's taking the truth. So, King has Storm keep track of Briar. They cross paths 7 months later when they are going after a man that Briar is seeing. Briar gets injured but thinks the Mafia while handle her date that hurt her.
Storm is told not to worry about Briar's safety after they keep her date alive. All because she isn't family business. Storm can't not warn her that it's time for her to leave town. Storm thinks less of Briar because of her side profession. She's a really talented singer at bars, but is a gold digger on the side for big money. Storm can't stand Briar because of this and always ends up hurting her feelings by putting her down because she's doing what needs to be done.
Storm can't get Briar or of his head. He also can't seem to stay away from her. Storm becomes obsessed with her. He will do anything to keep her safe. When terrible comes to find Briar, Storm learns a secret she's been hiding. Briar will do anything to protect the one person she has in this world and hide her from everyone in her life. Storm is set out on protecting them both just to have Briar. By the time this book ends, you'll realize just how obsessed Storm is.
He doesn't trust Briar but has a plan to make her his. This plan is going to blow up in Storm's face. Because when you learn the truth, the last person Briar should be trusting his Storm. I know that Storm means well because he is in love with Briar. He will do anything to protect her. He's just going about it all wrong. Storm better hold on tight because Briar is a runner, and I have a feeling she's going to try and run again. I can't wait to see what a king will say or do once he learns of Briar and Storm. I know her and a Rumor should get along. Residual with Dovey being in the house. I can't wait for the next book. I need it like yesterday!
April 20, 2025
Storm goes from disdain to obsession--
I've gone on a Southern Mafia SMOKE binge
Briar is a woman that comes under the Southern Mafia radar because she deals with high profile men who pay highly for her time, as sugar daddies...or not..., depending on how much time she has to give them. These men travel in the same circles as the Southern Mafia and sometimes they owe debts. Oh, and besides the men, Briar's father, a horrible man, is also wanted by the Southern Mafia because he is responsible for past abuse of a woman who is now a mafia wife (Rumor, wife to King Salazar, Slay King).
So yeah, Briar is all kinds of fucked, especially since she has a precious secret she will do anything to keep hidden and she herself has done bad things for revenge, putting her on par, at least on some levels with these men, from the Southern mafia, who have her on watch, stalking her moves. One man in particular is Storm Kingston, a mafia man who turns Briar on, but one man who makes it no secret that he hates her for how she uses her beauty, as a gold digger, as a temptation for all men.
Readers who go down the Smoke rabbit whole, will have learned about Storm Kingston from previous books and the elaborate family trees. The Kingston family is the third oldest/important Southern mafia family and Storm's cousin Huck Kingston (Smoke Bomb) is the second-hand of the Southern Mafia boss, Blaise Hughes. So Storm, a big deal, but ensconced in the Georgia mafia branch, rather than its Floridian headquarters.
Storm sees Briar and sucks his breath at not only her unbelievable beauty but her fighter personality. He and the men of his family, blood or not, do extensive research on those who come under their radar, whether they need to be dispensed with or kept an eye on. Briar is a woman that he comes to know as extremely capable, resilient and talented. That is...without using her other sexual talents. He knows she is hiding something, and so he deems her a liar. He knows she uses men like it's nothing and though, in his world, this is nothing new, it sticks in his craw that she does it. He can't seem to stop his vitriol for her..."activities."
Nope. Storm won't "get over it." This dude's vitriol and vigil of Briar turns into a truer obsession than any of his predecessors (his father, etc. and his fellow mafia bros, in their previous books), and I mean, this man makes the men in the previous books look almost sane (well, except for the morally grey mafia hero in this Georgia branch whose book comes after Storm's, Thatcher Shepard in Demons and Legions).
But back to Storm, the quiet one, the one in the family who appears level-headed, with some more apparent morals, who does a 180, as he manipulates Briar's life in ways that had me thinking...
And I was happy to ride this dimension of the rabbit hole with Storm, because once he gets Briar to where all she does and all she is, depends on HIM, I just knew when the shit hit the fan, my enjoyment factor would hinge upon how Briar dealt with the truth about whom she has fallen for.
Briar showed moments of being a bit of a badass, but her better trait was her heart, how she loved those she took care of, those who took her in, and how she loves Storm.
Swoon. Oh and the smut of these books, too. Double Swoon.
Happy Reading.
I've gone on a Southern Mafia SMOKE binge
Briar is a woman that comes under the Southern Mafia radar because she deals with high profile men who pay highly for her time, as sugar daddies...or not..., depending on how much time she has to give them. These men travel in the same circles as the Southern Mafia and sometimes they owe debts. Oh, and besides the men, Briar's father, a horrible man, is also wanted by the Southern Mafia because he is responsible for past abuse of a woman who is now a mafia wife (Rumor, wife to King Salazar, Slay King).
So yeah, Briar is all kinds of fucked, especially since she has a precious secret she will do anything to keep hidden and she herself has done bad things for revenge, putting her on par, at least on some levels with these men, from the Southern mafia, who have her on watch, stalking her moves. One man in particular is Storm Kingston, a mafia man who turns Briar on, but one man who makes it no secret that he hates her for how she uses her beauty, as a gold digger, as a temptation for all men.
Readers who go down the Smoke rabbit whole, will have learned about Storm Kingston from previous books and the elaborate family trees. The Kingston family is the third oldest/important Southern mafia family and Storm's cousin Huck Kingston (Smoke Bomb) is the second-hand of the Southern Mafia boss, Blaise Hughes. So Storm, a big deal, but ensconced in the Georgia mafia branch, rather than its Floridian headquarters.
Storm sees Briar and sucks his breath at not only her unbelievable beauty but her fighter personality. He and the men of his family, blood or not, do extensive research on those who come under their radar, whether they need to be dispensed with or kept an eye on. Briar is a woman that he comes to know as extremely capable, resilient and talented. That is...without using her other sexual talents. He knows she is hiding something, and so he deems her a liar. He knows she uses men like it's nothing and though, in his world, this is nothing new, it sticks in his craw that she does it. He can't seem to stop his vitriol for her..."activities."
Nope. Storm won't "get over it." This dude's vitriol and vigil of Briar turns into a truer obsession than any of his predecessors (his father, etc. and his fellow mafia bros, in their previous books), and I mean, this man makes the men in the previous books look almost sane (well, except for the morally grey mafia hero in this Georgia branch whose book comes after Storm's, Thatcher Shepard in Demons and Legions).
But back to Storm, the quiet one, the one in the family who appears level-headed, with some more apparent morals, who does a 180, as he manipulates Briar's life in ways that had me thinking...
And I was happy to ride this dimension of the rabbit hole with Storm, because once he gets Briar to where all she does and all she is, depends on HIM, I just knew when the shit hit the fan, my enjoyment factor would hinge upon how Briar dealt with the truth about whom she has fallen for.
Briar showed moments of being a bit of a badass, but her better trait was her heart, how she loved those she took care of, those who took her in, and how she loves Storm.
Swoon. Oh and the smut of these books, too. Double Swoon.
Happy Reading.
May 24, 2024
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
This is the first book by this author that I have had the pleasure to read, and I was hooked from the beginning. It is a standalone. However, I feel I would have benefited from reading prior books.
The two lead characters Storm and Briar, are at loggerheads for much of the story. They can’t help but throw insults at each other. Storms were especially nasty, but there is an underlying reason for that. 😉 Briar is such a strong person; her determination is impressive, and her loyalty and support to Dovie are admirable. Storm is not so bad once he settles down and realises a thing or two.
There sure is a good dollop of drama and action that creates an exciting element. The banter between Storm and Briar was often quite fun as they tried to one-up each other.
Not wanting to give too much away, I will say the twist at the end I didn’t predict, and it completely took me by surprise, which was fabulous.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
This is the first book by this author that I have had the pleasure to read, and I was hooked from the beginning. It is a standalone. However, I feel I would have benefited from reading prior books.
The two lead characters Storm and Briar, are at loggerheads for much of the story. They can’t help but throw insults at each other. Storms were especially nasty, but there is an underlying reason for that. 😉 Briar is such a strong person; her determination is impressive, and her loyalty and support to Dovie are admirable. Storm is not so bad once he settles down and realises a thing or two.
There sure is a good dollop of drama and action that creates an exciting element. The banter between Storm and Briar was often quite fun as they tried to one-up each other.
Not wanting to give too much away, I will say the twist at the end I didn’t predict, and it completely took me by surprise, which was fabulous.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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May 30, 2024
Obsessed with this series! Storm and Briar meet while King is avenging the love of his life, and while Briar is truthful with them, Storm immediately doesn’t like her because of how she lives her life. This story is definitely a reminder that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover. Briar is a gold-digger in order to get money to keep her somewhat stepsister hidden after saving her from her father’s abuse. Knowing that her mother will keep them apart just for the fun of things, she is adamant to keep her safe until she’s of legal age and will do anything and everything to do so. As Briar and Storm keep interacting, his dislike of her and how she lives her life is very clear, however he is still attracted to her and keeps doing small things to keep them connected and involved in each other’s lives. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was after Briar, as she had quite a list of who could be after her, however the ending of this book was slightly rushed in a sense that it gave us the answers that I was shocked and didn’t see coming, and makes me wonder and hope that we have a continuation of their story so we can see what comes of this couple as well as Briar’s sister.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 23, 2024
I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
This is the first book by this author that I have had the pleasure to read, and I was hooked from the beginning. It is a standalone. However, I feel I would have benefited from reading prior books.
The two lead characters Storm and Briar, are at loggerheads for much of the story. They can’t help but throw insults at each other. Storms were especially nasty, but there is an underlying reason for that. 😉 Briar is such a strong person; her determination is impressive, and her loyalty and support to Dovie are admirable. Storm is not so bad once he settles down and realises a thing or two.
There sure is a good dollop of drama and action that creates an exciting element. The banter between Storm and Briar was often quite fun as they tried to one-up each other.
Not wanting to give too much away, I will say the twist at the end I didn’t predict, and it completely took me by surprise, which was fabulous.
May 27, 2024
3.5 stars… although I enjoyed this book, I can’t say I loved the ending. In my opinion It felt a bit rushed and storm did a complete 180 out of nowhere!! One minute he couldn’t stand briar and the next he loved her 🤷♀️. The ending hasn’t left me dying for the next read (although I’ll definitely read it) the ending just left me a bit disappointed which sucks!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2024
Great addition to the series
An enjoyable Sunday morning read. A great addition to the Southern Mafia world. Really liked Briar and the lovely Dovie but the jury is still out on Storm. Fingers crossed that Briar gives him hell in the next book. Looking forward to the release of Storm in June 2024
An enjoyable Sunday morning read. A great addition to the Southern Mafia world. Really liked Briar and the lovely Dovie but the jury is still out on Storm. Fingers crossed that Briar gives him hell in the next book. Looking forward to the release of Storm in June 2024
June 3, 2024
Wow...I thought King was unhinged-Storm is on a whole other level. Makes me wonder what Thatcher is going to be like! The second part of this book will be interesting to see how Briar reconciles everything that Storm will eventually disclose (no spoilers).
May 29, 2024
3.5 Stars
June 12, 2024
4.5 stars, can’t wait for part two 🤗
January 19, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
October 9, 2025
I’m more unusual heroine for this author. She’s not in touch, she’s not virgin, she uses her body to get by. A little bit more interesting.
August 9, 2024
Well my goodness
You write some of the best guys. Storm is psychotic, alpha...and perfect. The mouth on this man !!!! I could not stop reading this book. Dying to see where him and Briar take this. Oh..shes a great character too. Hah but STORM!!! (Slow clap)
You write some of the best guys. Storm is psychotic, alpha...and perfect. The mouth on this man !!!! I could not stop reading this book. Dying to see where him and Briar take this. Oh..shes a great character too. Hah but STORM!!! (Slow clap)
June 12, 2024
So I’ve read everything by this author and when I say everything I mean I’ve read the sea breeze series everything 😂 and I don’t really know how I feel about this story or the past few books she has written.
Like the longing, the character building, everything is there but it always seems to be rushed when you get to 70% of the books and don’t get my started on how the female main character always forgives so easily, especially after all the shit she’s been put through!! She’s supposed to be this strong, independent, ‘he won’t ever hurt me again’ type of girl and next minute, he’s like sorry I can’t live without you and she’s like I love you too. 🙄
Please give me grovelling longer than a chapter 😭😭
I do have high hopes for the coming books though because from the bits and pieces about some characters you know their story is going to be good … hopefully! 🤞🥹
Like the longing, the character building, everything is there but it always seems to be rushed when you get to 70% of the books and don’t get my started on how the female main character always forgives so easily, especially after all the shit she’s been put through!! She’s supposed to be this strong, independent, ‘he won’t ever hurt me again’ type of girl and next minute, he’s like sorry I can’t live without you and she’s like I love you too. 🙄
Please give me grovelling longer than a chapter 😭😭
I do have high hopes for the coming books though because from the bits and pieces about some characters you know their story is going to be good … hopefully! 🤞🥹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2024
4 STARS
Look, I don't know what Abbi puts into these books, but they are the best form of book crack that I devour in one giddy sitting. And you know what the funny thing is? I could sit here and probably nitpick at plenty of things, and maybe if it was written by anyone else, I would. But when Abbi writes it, it just works.
This is the next couple's story in Abby's Smoke series spinoff, Georgia smoke. And if you want to appreciate the story that much more, I highly recommend reading in order, because many characters are introduced early on and their story arc continues until their book. Such is the case of Briar, who we learned about in Slay King. Briar is a bit different from the other heroines that Abbi has written in these two series, because she's self assured. She's gorgeous and she knows it, and she uses it to survive. It was a refreshing change of pace to read. Having said that, while she puts up a good fight, sort of, she is still not able to resist the chemistry and attraction to Storm even when she should.
Storm thinks Briar is a gold-digger and takes every opportunity to judge her loudly for it. But even that judgement doesn't lessen his attraction and pull to her. It's also ironic that a man firmly rooted in the opposite side of the law would judge anyone, but here were are. As hard as he tries to fight the pull, he's irrevocably drawn to the beauty and it doesn't take long for their sizzling chemistry to finally implode.
What's funny is that I would usually want to junk punch someone like Storm, but his hot and cold attitude just worked for me here. I would also want to judge how easy Briar gives into their pull no matter how crappy Storm treats here, but here were are. I just couldn't seem to care because it just worked. Don't ask me how or why, but I enjoyed the heck out of their dynamic. I could also nit pick into Storm's sudden about face when it comes to Briar, but I couldn't even bat an eye lash at it.
It was just one of those perfect, shut off your brain and enjoy sort of reads and I loved the heck out of it for it. It's not a standalone and their conclusion will be with the next book, but it also doesn't leave you on a painful cliffhanger. It ends at a satisfying point where you want the next book but you also get just enough of a good ending to be able to tolerate the short wait until the next installment.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, and I’ll cut your dick off.
Look, I don't know what Abbi puts into these books, but they are the best form of book crack that I devour in one giddy sitting. And you know what the funny thing is? I could sit here and probably nitpick at plenty of things, and maybe if it was written by anyone else, I would. But when Abbi writes it, it just works.
This is the next couple's story in Abby's Smoke series spinoff, Georgia smoke. And if you want to appreciate the story that much more, I highly recommend reading in order, because many characters are introduced early on and their story arc continues until their book. Such is the case of Briar, who we learned about in Slay King. Briar is a bit different from the other heroines that Abbi has written in these two series, because she's self assured. She's gorgeous and she knows it, and she uses it to survive. It was a refreshing change of pace to read. Having said that, while she puts up a good fight, sort of, she is still not able to resist the chemistry and attraction to Storm even when she should.
Storm thinks Briar is a gold-digger and takes every opportunity to judge her loudly for it. But even that judgement doesn't lessen his attraction and pull to her. It's also ironic that a man firmly rooted in the opposite side of the law would judge anyone, but here were are. As hard as he tries to fight the pull, he's irrevocably drawn to the beauty and it doesn't take long for their sizzling chemistry to finally implode.
What's funny is that I would usually want to junk punch someone like Storm, but his hot and cold attitude just worked for me here. I would also want to judge how easy Briar gives into their pull no matter how crappy Storm treats here, but here were are. I just couldn't seem to care because it just worked. Don't ask me how or why, but I enjoyed the heck out of their dynamic. I could also nit pick into Storm's sudden about face when it comes to Briar, but I couldn't even bat an eye lash at it.
It was just one of those perfect, shut off your brain and enjoy sort of reads and I loved the heck out of it for it. It's not a standalone and their conclusion will be with the next book, but it also doesn't leave you on a painful cliffhanger. It ends at a satisfying point where you want the next book but you also get just enough of a good ending to be able to tolerate the short wait until the next installment.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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May 27, 2024
Abbi Glines does it again with "Sizzling," the third installment in the Georgia Smoke Series. This book is a masterclass in the enemies-to-lovers trope, filled with angst, intense chemistry, and unforgettable characters.
From the moment you meet Briar Landry, you know she's a fighter. Running from her past and using her beauty as a shield, Briar is a complex character who defies easy categorization. Her journey is raw and compelling, making you root for her even when she's making questionable choices. Glines excels at writing characters who are flawed yet deeply human, and Briar is no exception.
Storm Kingston, on the other hand, is a fascinating mix of Southern charm and ruthless determination. Raised to protect his family at all costs, Storm's initial disdain for Briar is palpable. He sees her as a liar and a cheat, someone unworthy of his respect. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that his feelings for her are far more complicated. His struggle between wanting to protect her and his growing obsession with her adds a layer of psychological depth to his character.
The chemistry between Briar and Storm is electric, and Glines does a fantastic job of building tension between them. Their interactions are charged with both animosity and undeniable attraction, making their eventual coming together explosive and satisfying. This isn't just a love story; it's a tale of two damaged souls finding solace in each other despite their many differences.
One of the standout elements of "Sizzling" is how it delves into the characters' backstories, particularly Briar's. Her secrets are slowly unraveled, adding layers of suspense and intrigue. Storm's evolution from a man who despises Briar to someone who would do anything to protect her is both believable and emotionally resonant.
Glines' writing is sharp and evocative, drawing you into the seedy world of the Southern mafia while also exploring themes of redemption, trust, and self-discovery. The pacing is brisk, keeping you on the edge of your seat, and the plot twists are both surprising and satisfying.
However, the book isn't without its flaws. Some readers might find Storm's behavior towards Briar problematic at times, as his methods of protecting her can border on possessive and overbearing. Yet, this complexity also adds to the dark allure of the story, making their relationship feel all the more real and tumultuous.
Overall, "Sizzling" is a gripping, emotionally charged read that will leave you eager for the next installment in the series. If you love stories with intense romance, flawed yet compelling characters, and plenty of suspense, this book is definitely for you. Abbi Glines has crafted a tale that stays with you long after the last page, making it a worthy addition to the Georgia Smoke Series.
From the moment you meet Briar Landry, you know she's a fighter. Running from her past and using her beauty as a shield, Briar is a complex character who defies easy categorization. Her journey is raw and compelling, making you root for her even when she's making questionable choices. Glines excels at writing characters who are flawed yet deeply human, and Briar is no exception.
Storm Kingston, on the other hand, is a fascinating mix of Southern charm and ruthless determination. Raised to protect his family at all costs, Storm's initial disdain for Briar is palpable. He sees her as a liar and a cheat, someone unworthy of his respect. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that his feelings for her are far more complicated. His struggle between wanting to protect her and his growing obsession with her adds a layer of psychological depth to his character.
The chemistry between Briar and Storm is electric, and Glines does a fantastic job of building tension between them. Their interactions are charged with both animosity and undeniable attraction, making their eventual coming together explosive and satisfying. This isn't just a love story; it's a tale of two damaged souls finding solace in each other despite their many differences.
One of the standout elements of "Sizzling" is how it delves into the characters' backstories, particularly Briar's. Her secrets are slowly unraveled, adding layers of suspense and intrigue. Storm's evolution from a man who despises Briar to someone who would do anything to protect her is both believable and emotionally resonant.
Glines' writing is sharp and evocative, drawing you into the seedy world of the Southern mafia while also exploring themes of redemption, trust, and self-discovery. The pacing is brisk, keeping you on the edge of your seat, and the plot twists are both surprising and satisfying.
However, the book isn't without its flaws. Some readers might find Storm's behavior towards Briar problematic at times, as his methods of protecting her can border on possessive and overbearing. Yet, this complexity also adds to the dark allure of the story, making their relationship feel all the more real and tumultuous.
Overall, "Sizzling" is a gripping, emotionally charged read that will leave you eager for the next installment in the series. If you love stories with intense romance, flawed yet compelling characters, and plenty of suspense, this book is definitely for you. Abbi Glines has crafted a tale that stays with you long after the last page, making it a worthy addition to the Georgia Smoke Series.
June 7, 2024
Sizzling is the third book in Abbi Glines’ Georgia Smoke Series. If you’re looking for a romance a tad bit on the darker side of the spectrum, look no further and pick up this suspense-filled read!
Briar has been on the run for the past four years, living life on the edge of fear is getting a bit old, but she’ll do everything in her power to protect the secret she is carrying along with her. That is, until she makes an enemy with the head of the Georgia branch southern mafia…
Storm doesn’t do attachments, being in the Mafia is dangerous work and all that. So when he meets Briar for the first time, something in him reaches out to her. But Storm being the SOB that he is, denies the claim that his heart is making. He’ll do everything to keep her at arms length.
But when someone is a threat to Briar, Storm comes rushing in to make sure no harm comes to her and the secret she’s been keeping safe. Even if that means going against King’s orders…..
My Thoughts:
Abbi Glines really knows her way around writing a suspenseful romance novel! Everytime I dive into one of her books, I make damn sure to clear my schedule for the next day or so. There were times I was sitting on the edge of my seat for so long, my bum went numb! My heart went crazy with anticipation of what’s coming next.
Briar’s character had me loving the hell out of her independence. This woman was brave and strong. She wasn’t afraid to put her life on the line if it meant protecting the one she holds nearest to her. I couldn’t get enough of this woman’s journey, and I look forward to seeing how her journey wraps up in the next book.
And then we have Storm. Storm was a whirlwind of emotions all wrapped up in a sexy as sin package. This man was a constant back and forth whiplash to my heart. There were times I wanted to reach into my kindle and shake the ever loving hell out of him. But I refrained myself from doing so.
Overall, I really enjoyed Sizzling by Abbi Glines. I loved the suspense, the mystery, the scorching scenes, and the enemies to lovers vibe. I’m excited to see what’s to come with Storm and Briar’s story! I definitely need answers and I need them soon!!
_________
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Briar has been on the run for the past four years, living life on the edge of fear is getting a bit old, but she’ll do everything in her power to protect the secret she is carrying along with her. That is, until she makes an enemy with the head of the Georgia branch southern mafia…
Storm doesn’t do attachments, being in the Mafia is dangerous work and all that. So when he meets Briar for the first time, something in him reaches out to her. But Storm being the SOB that he is, denies the claim that his heart is making. He’ll do everything to keep her at arms length.
But when someone is a threat to Briar, Storm comes rushing in to make sure no harm comes to her and the secret she’s been keeping safe. Even if that means going against King’s orders…..
My Thoughts:
Abbi Glines really knows her way around writing a suspenseful romance novel! Everytime I dive into one of her books, I make damn sure to clear my schedule for the next day or so. There were times I was sitting on the edge of my seat for so long, my bum went numb! My heart went crazy with anticipation of what’s coming next.
Briar’s character had me loving the hell out of her independence. This woman was brave and strong. She wasn’t afraid to put her life on the line if it meant protecting the one she holds nearest to her. I couldn’t get enough of this woman’s journey, and I look forward to seeing how her journey wraps up in the next book.
And then we have Storm. Storm was a whirlwind of emotions all wrapped up in a sexy as sin package. This man was a constant back and forth whiplash to my heart. There were times I wanted to reach into my kindle and shake the ever loving hell out of him. But I refrained myself from doing so.
Overall, I really enjoyed Sizzling by Abbi Glines. I loved the suspense, the mystery, the scorching scenes, and the enemies to lovers vibe. I’m excited to see what’s to come with Storm and Briar’s story! I definitely need answers and I need them soon!!
_________
Find me here:
The Staircase Reader
Bookbub
May 27, 2024
THIS IS NOT A DRILL! The Smoke Series continues with Sizzling! This is Storm's story and oh, what a story! Southern Mafia, alpha men, strong women, horses and MC/bikers. There is a little for everyone! Abbi Glines is an inferno, burning through everything in her wake! Sizzling will take you on an agonizing climb to the top and then free fall all the way down with its slower burn and twists until the end. I can't seem to get these books to last more than 2 days as I fly through them!
Storm Kingston has misjudged Briar Landry and she hasn't corrected him. He is downright mean to her. When he discovers her truth, well, there is no telling how far he will go to have her... Things start to take a different turn as he becomes obsessed with her. Briar is strong and funny. She is dedicated and loyal. There are so many amazing sides to her as she fights to survive. They have an amazing chemistry together. When they are together it is...creative and smoking hot!
"Not everyone can handle your truth, and it's up to you to decide who deserves it and who does not."
But wait!!! Fans of the series will freak out at the little morsel Abbi drops in the middle of the book!!! I believe it is a preview of what's to come with Thatcher!!!!! And let's give a shout out to Maeme!!! LOVE HER! She adds so much to each story that she has a part in! There are a few other crossover characters from the Smoke series that make an appearance as well.
I am LOVING the new Georgia Smoke series! Sizzling ends on a confession of sorts, so look out because there is more of Storm and Briar to come in STORM - June 26th! I can't wait!
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 #Sizzling #HotAndSteamy #StormAndBriar #SmokeSeries #Romance #Mafia #EnemiesToLovers #HotAndSteamy
Storm Kingston has misjudged Briar Landry and she hasn't corrected him. He is downright mean to her. When he discovers her truth, well, there is no telling how far he will go to have her... Things start to take a different turn as he becomes obsessed with her. Briar is strong and funny. She is dedicated and loyal. There are so many amazing sides to her as she fights to survive. They have an amazing chemistry together. When they are together it is...creative and smoking hot!
"Not everyone can handle your truth, and it's up to you to decide who deserves it and who does not."
But wait!!! Fans of the series will freak out at the little morsel Abbi drops in the middle of the book!!! I believe it is a preview of what's to come with Thatcher!!!!! And let's give a shout out to Maeme!!! LOVE HER! She adds so much to each story that she has a part in! There are a few other crossover characters from the Smoke series that make an appearance as well.
I am LOVING the new Georgia Smoke series! Sizzling ends on a confession of sorts, so look out because there is more of Storm and Briar to come in STORM - June 26th! I can't wait!
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 #Sizzling #HotAndSteamy #StormAndBriar #SmokeSeries #Romance #Mafia #EnemiesToLovers #HotAndSteamy
May 26, 2024
𝙎𝙞𝙯𝙯𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙮 𝘼𝙗𝙗𝙞 𝙂𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
4.5/5 (Smokin)
I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the 3rd book in the 𝘎𝘦𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘢 𝘚𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, but can be read as a standalone.
This is my first book by Abbi Glines , and I’m now a fan!! I haven’t read a mafia romance in a while, and I’m glad I picked this one! Storm is my newest book boyfriend 😮💨 I want to go back and read the first two books of this series now!!!
𝙏𝙍𝙊𝙋𝙀𝙎:
- Mafia romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Alpha hero
- Secrets
- Dual pov
- Stalking
- Touch her and 💀
- Spicy
- HEA
𝘉𝘓𝘜𝘙𝘉:
Briar
Running. It seems that’s all I ever do. I’ve been running since I was fifteen. Some days I wonder if I’ll ever be able to stop. Would I even know how to live a normal life if I could? Doubt it. No reason to waste good time thinking on it either. Sitting around wishing for something never did anyone a favor. If you want it, then you go and get it. By any means necessary. And I was an expert at using my strengths. I’d been born with beauty, and it had been a curse that haunted me until, one day, I grabbed it and used it to my advantage. Don’t judge. You have no idea the demons I’ve fought… and the ones I still do.
Storm
Sure, I was raised to kill when needed and to protect the family. However, my momma also taught me to open doors for women and respect them unless they prove they’re not ladies. It was a damn shame the sweet little piece I’d been unable to get out of my head had never been a lady a day in her life. That gorgeous face and mouthwatering body were real nice wrapping paper to distract men. Briar Landry was a liar, a thief, a cheat, and a very talented gold digger. She disgusted me. The more I was forced to be around her, the more I hated her. I knew the evil inside her and I had enough twisted darkness of my own. Treating her with cruelty, I hadn’t known I possessed, was the only way to keep from letting her pull me inside her web.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
4.5/5 (Smokin)
I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the 3rd book in the 𝘎𝘦𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘢 𝘚𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, but can be read as a standalone.
This is my first book by Abbi Glines , and I’m now a fan!! I haven’t read a mafia romance in a while, and I’m glad I picked this one! Storm is my newest book boyfriend 😮💨 I want to go back and read the first two books of this series now!!!
𝙏𝙍𝙊𝙋𝙀𝙎:
- Mafia romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Alpha hero
- Secrets
- Dual pov
- Stalking
- Touch her and 💀
- Spicy
- HEA
𝘉𝘓𝘜𝘙𝘉:
Briar
Running. It seems that’s all I ever do. I’ve been running since I was fifteen. Some days I wonder if I’ll ever be able to stop. Would I even know how to live a normal life if I could? Doubt it. No reason to waste good time thinking on it either. Sitting around wishing for something never did anyone a favor. If you want it, then you go and get it. By any means necessary. And I was an expert at using my strengths. I’d been born with beauty, and it had been a curse that haunted me until, one day, I grabbed it and used it to my advantage. Don’t judge. You have no idea the demons I’ve fought… and the ones I still do.
Storm
Sure, I was raised to kill when needed and to protect the family. However, my momma also taught me to open doors for women and respect them unless they prove they’re not ladies. It was a damn shame the sweet little piece I’d been unable to get out of my head had never been a lady a day in her life. That gorgeous face and mouthwatering body were real nice wrapping paper to distract men. Briar Landry was a liar, a thief, a cheat, and a very talented gold digger. She disgusted me. The more I was forced to be around her, the more I hated her. I knew the evil inside her and I had enough twisted darkness of my own. Treating her with cruelty, I hadn’t known I possessed, was the only way to keep from letting her pull me inside her web.
May 27, 2024
There’s one thing that all the guys in this series have in common: total obsession with their women. Storm falls into this condition when he meets Briar, in a mission to help King find the monsters in his wife Rumor’s past. The difference here is that he also felt scorn for Briar because she’s a gold digger. I think his soul felt a difference because he couldn’t completely hate her, and he fought against this obsession and lost.
Briar is a gold digger but as you read her, you understand that she’s playing with the cards she’s been dealt with. She may seduce rich men out of their money, but there’s a good purpose behind that: protect and provide for a young girl, who was a victim like Briar when she was her age.
There’s darkness but also kindness, because Maeme is present in this story too. Also, Storm acts like a jerk but he’s not unkind, especially when he finds there’s a young girl involved. I could smack him for always thinking worse about Briar’s actions instead of finding out the truth. There’s love and protection from Briar to her charge and also guilt for not being able to provide a better life.
I loved all the jesting Storm got from his friends about his obsession and denials. I especially loved Thatcher’s teasing, I feel we’re getting closer to his book and can’t wait!
There’s not much Mafia gritty stuff, mostly Storm obsessing over Briar, and Briar resisting. The story is a slow burn due to Storm’s denial, but when it finally happens it was scorching. It was entertaining, and it fed the obsession us readers have with this addictive series. The book ends in a cliffhanger and I can’t imagine what will come next, but I’m ready for more Storm and Briar!
Briar is a gold digger but as you read her, you understand that she’s playing with the cards she’s been dealt with. She may seduce rich men out of their money, but there’s a good purpose behind that: protect and provide for a young girl, who was a victim like Briar when she was her age.
There’s darkness but also kindness, because Maeme is present in this story too. Also, Storm acts like a jerk but he’s not unkind, especially when he finds there’s a young girl involved. I could smack him for always thinking worse about Briar’s actions instead of finding out the truth. There’s love and protection from Briar to her charge and also guilt for not being able to provide a better life.
I loved all the jesting Storm got from his friends about his obsession and denials. I especially loved Thatcher’s teasing, I feel we’re getting closer to his book and can’t wait!
There’s not much Mafia gritty stuff, mostly Storm obsessing over Briar, and Briar resisting. The story is a slow burn due to Storm’s denial, but when it finally happens it was scorching. It was entertaining, and it fed the obsession us readers have with this addictive series. The book ends in a cliffhanger and I can’t imagine what will come next, but I’m ready for more Storm and Briar!
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