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Mississippi Smoke #2
Hotter N' Hell
Saylor
Was it a sin to hate the dead?
It was something I had pondered many times over the past ten months. Although it wasn’t why I required medication to sleep at night. I wasn’t truly concerned about the level of darkness that resided in my soul. It was the images of the night I had watched a bullet take down the boy I had loved most of my life. Seeing the life leave his body, the way his eyes had gone void. It haunted me. Even now that I knew he’d betrayed me. That what I thought had been real had all been a lie. Crosby Cash had been in love, alright, just not with me.
Those closest to me, the ones who were supposed to love me, all accused me of being dramatic. Because that made sense. I just loved the panic attacks that robbed me of my ability to breathe. And the passing out from lack of oxygen was the best. Looking in the mirror and not recognizing the girl looking back at me was my favorite.
Perhaps that was the reason I sought solace in the last place anyone would think I’d go. We weren’t religious people. I’d been born into a family of organized crime. The day I walked into the catholic church seeking… forgiveness, closure, something…anything to find the girl I had once been, I hadn’t expected him. The man ordained by God to lead his people to salvation. Well, that man in the sky so many believed in made a grave mistake allowing a man who looked like Jude, or rather Father Jude, to wear that white collar.
I could lie and say I found what I was looking for standing in front of the altar, staring up at the crucifix, but even those with tarnished souls have their limits. I found something alright, but it wasn’t forgiveness. My answer wasn’t going to come from the one they called their Savior but the one they referred to as Father.
Jude
Temptation comes for all of us. I had thought I could overcome whatever Satan placed before me. This life had held little meaning for me after the day I lost the girl I loved. My first and only love. Too young, sweet, and beautiful for this world. But men are often fools. And I would soon learn just how weak I was - when a pair of bright blue eyes stood in my sanctuary staring back at me.
She was lost. Hurting. Seeking comfort.
She was the one temptation I never expected and would never regret.
Hotter N' Hell features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. TW include: religion, death of a loved one, mental health, sexual content, and some violence.
Was it a sin to hate the dead?
It was something I had pondered many times over the past ten months. Although it wasn’t why I required medication to sleep at night. I wasn’t truly concerned about the level of darkness that resided in my soul. It was the images of the night I had watched a bullet take down the boy I had loved most of my life. Seeing the life leave his body, the way his eyes had gone void. It haunted me. Even now that I knew he’d betrayed me. That what I thought had been real had all been a lie. Crosby Cash had been in love, alright, just not with me.
Those closest to me, the ones who were supposed to love me, all accused me of being dramatic. Because that made sense. I just loved the panic attacks that robbed me of my ability to breathe. And the passing out from lack of oxygen was the best. Looking in the mirror and not recognizing the girl looking back at me was my favorite.
Perhaps that was the reason I sought solace in the last place anyone would think I’d go. We weren’t religious people. I’d been born into a family of organized crime. The day I walked into the catholic church seeking… forgiveness, closure, something…anything to find the girl I had once been, I hadn’t expected him. The man ordained by God to lead his people to salvation. Well, that man in the sky so many believed in made a grave mistake allowing a man who looked like Jude, or rather Father Jude, to wear that white collar.
I could lie and say I found what I was looking for standing in front of the altar, staring up at the crucifix, but even those with tarnished souls have their limits. I found something alright, but it wasn’t forgiveness. My answer wasn’t going to come from the one they called their Savior but the one they referred to as Father.
Jude
Temptation comes for all of us. I had thought I could overcome whatever Satan placed before me. This life had held little meaning for me after the day I lost the girl I loved. My first and only love. Too young, sweet, and beautiful for this world. But men are often fools. And I would soon learn just how weak I was - when a pair of bright blue eyes stood in my sanctuary staring back at me.
She was lost. Hurting. Seeking comfort.
She was the one temptation I never expected and would never regret.
Hotter N' Hell features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. TW include: religion, death of a loved one, mental health, sexual content, and some violence.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2024
About the author
Abbi Glines
127 books86.5k 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 142 reviews
November 28, 2024
I think I just found a new favorite Abbi Glines book. I loved it! I’m obsessed with Jude and Saylor, their forbidden relationship was so freaking hot. I couldn’t put it down, and now I’m sad it’s over. This is definitely one I will be rereading, and I can’t wait for the next book of the series!
February 14, 2026
This was a really tough one for me, both to read and to get my thoughts in order on.
13 years of Catholic school has made it extreme hard to get into any priest kink books. I just cannot find them attractive and their characters always feel way too inconsistent to me. I had DNFed this one once already because the H is a priest, a hot, smirking, flirty one at that 🥴🙄. I was super interested in the hs aspect of the story though!! We first met her in book one. She was cheated on by her ex who then died while his affair partner, FMC from book one, was pregnant. Our FMC here was a huge ‘fly on the wall’ in my brain while book one so i really really wanted to read this. It was tough though!! I tried to be okay with it because he really wasn’t a priest because of some higher calling to serve God; he became a priest after losing his HS girlfriend to cancer.
In some ways this really worked for me, in other ways it really didn’t. I loved the dead ex angst but didn’t like the priest stuff. The scene of her looking at his dead ex’s picture on his desk was deliciously angsty!! I loved the angst of the h feeling like he’s only into her sexually, since he’s a virgin, and is now having asexual awakening but also didn’t like that he was virgin—her having to walk him through the BJ dick gagging scene was so cringe lol.
I did really like a lot of the angst in this one though and I really liked the h and her story a lot. The H just didn’t work for me. Soooo idk, a three? Which is good considering I had DNFed once and at another point thought I wouldn’t even rate this one. The fact that I liked anything here is a win.
13 years of Catholic school has made it extreme hard to get into any priest kink books. I just cannot find them attractive and their characters always feel way too inconsistent to me. I had DNFed this one once already because the H is a priest, a hot, smirking, flirty one at that 🥴🙄. I was super interested in the hs aspect of the story though!! We first met her in book one. She was cheated on by her ex who then died while his affair partner, FMC from book one, was pregnant. Our FMC here was a huge ‘fly on the wall’ in my brain while book one so i really really wanted to read this. It was tough though!! I tried to be okay with it because he really wasn’t a priest because of some higher calling to serve God; he became a priest after losing his HS girlfriend to cancer.
In some ways this really worked for me, in other ways it really didn’t. I loved the dead ex angst but didn’t like the priest stuff. The scene of her looking at his dead ex’s picture on his desk was deliciously angsty!! I loved the angst of the h feeling like he’s only into her sexually, since he’s a virgin, and is now having asexual awakening but also didn’t like that he was virgin—her having to walk him through the BJ dick gagging scene was so cringe lol.
I did really like a lot of the angst in this one though and I really liked the h and her story a lot. The H just didn’t work for me. Soooo idk, a three? Which is good considering I had DNFed once and at another point thought I wouldn’t even rate this one. The fact that I liked anything here is a win.
November 27, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
This books title describes it perfectly! The angst, tension, and undeniable need that shown through the characters were hot, hot, hot. Plus, the temptation for Father Jude. I enjoyed this book from page one. We got to see Saylor more in depth than we just heard from in Tore Up.
Tropes:
- Southern Mafia Romance
- Age-Gap (7.5yrs)
- Priest and Sinner
- Bad Girl/Good Boy
- Temptation
- Slow Burn
- Angsty
- Touch Her & ☠️
- Virgin MMC
- Small Town
I'm always a big fan of Abbi Glines, and I have loved her Southern Mafia Romance since she came out with Smokeshow. This Mississippi branch seems to be one filled with angst and show burns. It's not usual for this series, but it puts more drama in the books.
We learned about Saylor from the last book in this series, Tore Up. Which was Bane and Halo's book. She wasn't painted in the best light, but this book puts her story out there. I honestly couldn't say I'd feel any different than he once we learned what was going on.
Saylor is looking for something to bring herself back. She doesn't know who she is anymore and needs that compassion and need from someone that isn't "The Family." Don't get me wrong, those boys love Saylor and will do anything for her, but they don't understand her. They can't provide what she needs.
I can understand that feeling of being let down and not trusting what you've always known. If one person you love can break you, what's to say the rest won't? She wanted that space, needed substance. She wanted to know who she was, without them. They think spoiled princess with no values. She wants to be something more.
What she finds is a hot as sin Priest, and he's the one that sees more. That gives her a chance, a purpose. He understands loss and that emptiness. Saylor brings light back to Father Jude, and he does the same for her.
Jude knows from the beginning she is going to be a temptation he doesn't need, and he should just send her away. Yet, he finds himself unable to. The more these two are around each other, the hotter it gets.
The angst and tension between these two pulled you right along with them. I'm sitting in the edge of my seat like, " Is now the time?" "Is he going to touch her now?" "What are they waiting for???" I was happily following along with this couple and the slowly but delicious building stream between them.
Now, I didn't like the ending. I felt as if this book just wasn't finished. I wanted to know what happened next. How will Saylor's family handle this? Where is Jude going to live? Is this a HEA or just a HFN book. I wanted, no needed to know so much more. No epilogue or anything. Just done. Plus, I think Gathe may love Saylor more than best friend. How will this go between them?
I received this as an ARC for my honest review.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
This books title describes it perfectly! The angst, tension, and undeniable need that shown through the characters were hot, hot, hot. Plus, the temptation for Father Jude. I enjoyed this book from page one. We got to see Saylor more in depth than we just heard from in Tore Up.
Tropes:
- Southern Mafia Romance
- Age-Gap (7.5yrs)
- Priest and Sinner
- Bad Girl/Good Boy
- Temptation
- Slow Burn
- Angsty
- Touch Her & ☠️
- Virgin MMC
- Small Town
I'm always a big fan of Abbi Glines, and I have loved her Southern Mafia Romance since she came out with Smokeshow. This Mississippi branch seems to be one filled with angst and show burns. It's not usual for this series, but it puts more drama in the books.
We learned about Saylor from the last book in this series, Tore Up. Which was Bane and Halo's book. She wasn't painted in the best light, but this book puts her story out there. I honestly couldn't say I'd feel any different than he once we learned what was going on.
Saylor is looking for something to bring herself back. She doesn't know who she is anymore and needs that compassion and need from someone that isn't "The Family." Don't get me wrong, those boys love Saylor and will do anything for her, but they don't understand her. They can't provide what she needs.
I can understand that feeling of being let down and not trusting what you've always known. If one person you love can break you, what's to say the rest won't? She wanted that space, needed substance. She wanted to know who she was, without them. They think spoiled princess with no values. She wants to be something more.
What she finds is a hot as sin Priest, and he's the one that sees more. That gives her a chance, a purpose. He understands loss and that emptiness. Saylor brings light back to Father Jude, and he does the same for her.
Jude knows from the beginning she is going to be a temptation he doesn't need, and he should just send her away. Yet, he finds himself unable to. The more these two are around each other, the hotter it gets.
The angst and tension between these two pulled you right along with them. I'm sitting in the edge of my seat like, " Is now the time?" "Is he going to touch her now?" "What are they waiting for???" I was happily following along with this couple and the slowly but delicious building stream between them.
Now, I didn't like the ending. I felt as if this book just wasn't finished. I wanted to know what happened next. How will Saylor's family handle this? Where is Jude going to live? Is this a HEA or just a HFN book. I wanted, no needed to know so much more. No epilogue or anything. Just done. Plus, I think Gathe may love Saylor more than best friend. How will this go between them?
I received this as an ARC for my honest review.
November 27, 2024
Hotter N' Hell is a sizzling addition to the Mississippi Smoke series, and for fans who’ve followed Saylor’s journey since Tore Up, it’s a much-anticipated exploration of her perspective on Crosby's betrayal.
The chemistry between Saylor and Jude is sizzling from the start, and their relationship unfolds with a tantalizing slow burn. There’s a constant push and pull between temptation and resistance, making their dynamic all the more compelling.
What really shines in Hotter N' Hell is the character development. Saylor is given more depth and vulnerability as we see her dealing with the aftermath of Crosby’s betrayal. Jude and Saylor's relationship feels authentic and layered. Watching them navigate their attraction while grappling with past hurts keeps readers hooked.
However, there is a small drawback. The ending felt a bit abrupt. As much as the romance between Saylor and Jude feels resolved, there’s a desire for a deeper look into what happens next. A glimpse into their future, or perhaps a final moment of reflection on how their relationship has evolved, would have been the perfect way to round out the story. It’s clear that the characters have come a long way, and many readers, myself included, are left wanting just a bit more closure.
That said, Hotter N' Hell is a fantastic read and a great addition to the Southern Mafia series. Abbi Glines has once again delivered an emotional and intense installment that keeps the heart of the series alive. Hopefully, there’s more to come for Saylor and Jude, and perhaps we’ll get a peek into their future in an upcoming book. Until then, fans of the Mississippi Smoke series will undoubtedly enjoy this steamy addition. 4.5 ⭐️
Special thanks to the author for providing an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
The chemistry between Saylor and Jude is sizzling from the start, and their relationship unfolds with a tantalizing slow burn. There’s a constant push and pull between temptation and resistance, making their dynamic all the more compelling.
What really shines in Hotter N' Hell is the character development. Saylor is given more depth and vulnerability as we see her dealing with the aftermath of Crosby’s betrayal. Jude and Saylor's relationship feels authentic and layered. Watching them navigate their attraction while grappling with past hurts keeps readers hooked.
However, there is a small drawback. The ending felt a bit abrupt. As much as the romance between Saylor and Jude feels resolved, there’s a desire for a deeper look into what happens next. A glimpse into their future, or perhaps a final moment of reflection on how their relationship has evolved, would have been the perfect way to round out the story. It’s clear that the characters have come a long way, and many readers, myself included, are left wanting just a bit more closure.
That said, Hotter N' Hell is a fantastic read and a great addition to the Southern Mafia series. Abbi Glines has once again delivered an emotional and intense installment that keeps the heart of the series alive. Hopefully, there’s more to come for Saylor and Jude, and perhaps we’ll get a peek into their future in an upcoming book. Until then, fans of the Mississippi Smoke series will undoubtedly enjoy this steamy addition. 4.5 ⭐️
Special thanks to the author for providing an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
November 28, 2024
What a redemption arc for Saylor!
I was a little worried when I found out this was her story after being introduced to her in Tore Up. I really wasn’t a fan and wasn’t sure where Abbi was going to go with this one. She grew so much in this story and I really loved it.
The tension between Saylor and Jude was SO good. I loved that so much of Jude’s inner turmoil was present throughout the book- it made a taboo topic seem so real.
This was the first girl member of the family to have a book and I loved the different dynamic. I think this Mississippi series is going to end up being my favorite.
Thank you to Abbi Glines and Wordsmith Publicity for this ARC.
I was a little worried when I found out this was her story after being introduced to her in Tore Up. I really wasn’t a fan and wasn’t sure where Abbi was going to go with this one. She grew so much in this story and I really loved it.
The tension between Saylor and Jude was SO good. I loved that so much of Jude’s inner turmoil was present throughout the book- it made a taboo topic seem so real.
This was the first girl member of the family to have a book and I loved the different dynamic. I think this Mississippi series is going to end up being my favorite.
Thank you to Abbi Glines and Wordsmith Publicity for this ARC.
November 27, 2024
EXCUSE ME. This book was something I didn't know I needed. Holy smokes. I read it in a day and could not put it down. I wasn't sure I would like Saylor. I honestly thought she would be whiney and blah. NOPE. she was probably my favorite female character thus far. And Jude. (Slow hand clap) Who knew he would be that perfect? Not me. I couldn't get enough. I'm praying Gathe is next. He is hilarious.
December 4, 2024
I absolutely devoured this book!! I didn’t know if I even cared about Saylor but did Abbi make me love her… absolutely!! I loved everything about this book and Father Jude is everything you’d want in a MMC. This book was smokin hot and I definitely recommend! This book will live rent free in my head!
December 2, 2024
another winner
This book was a good continuation in the saga. My only complaint is that the last 3 or 4 books have been so rushed at the end. I was hoping this one would be better.
This book was a good continuation in the saga. My only complaint is that the last 3 or 4 books have been so rushed at the end. I was hoping this one would be better.
November 29, 2024
Abbi Glines continues her Southern Mafia series with Hotter N' Hell, book #2 of the Mississippi Smoke series. A follow up, of sorts to Tore Up and what a great addition!
***WARNING*** Possible spoilers ahead:
We first met Saylor after she experienced the death of her long time first love, Crosby. We watched as she broke down and lived up to her nickname "Princess." Panic attacks and dramatic attention seeking gestures quickly followed. But now that some time has passed, she starts to look at herself and wonder what happened to the girl she used to be? What is her purpose? She feels lonely and forgotten while everyone else is moving forward with their lives. She stumbles into a church to seek answers and meets Father Jude. The very hot priest.
Crosby had been my identity for as long as I could remember, and I hadn't realized it. I couldn't move on because I didn't know myself. The girl I had been.
Saylor and Jude's story has a slow burn, until it doesn't. Then...it burns the house down! The course of their relationship pushes all kinds of boundaries! And the heat is scorching hot! There is no shortage of sexy times!
You are the most beautiful sin I've ever committed.
Hotter N' Hell is a great addition to the Mississippi Smoke series. For fans who’ve followed Saylor’s journey since Tore Up, it makes her so much more likeable and even lovable. There are a lot of emotions filling up the pages. This has been an amazing ride.
The Mississippi branch of the Southern Mafia features new families with all new alpha, obsessed, crazy, possessive men. I can't wait to see who will be next!
I have yet to have one of Abbi's new books last more than two days! Abbi Glines is writing for the fans! She is releasing many more books in all of the new series. Many are on KU and more are coming! I am so excited! They are my go-to for spicy, mafia/MC romance!
4.5 stars
#AuthorAbbiGlines #HotterN'Hell #ToreUp #SmokeSeries #GeorgiaSmoke#JudgementSeries #Romance #Mafia #EnemiesToLovers #HotAndSteamy #SouthernMafia #spicy
***WARNING*** Possible spoilers ahead:
We first met Saylor after she experienced the death of her long time first love, Crosby. We watched as she broke down and lived up to her nickname "Princess." Panic attacks and dramatic attention seeking gestures quickly followed. But now that some time has passed, she starts to look at herself and wonder what happened to the girl she used to be? What is her purpose? She feels lonely and forgotten while everyone else is moving forward with their lives. She stumbles into a church to seek answers and meets Father Jude. The very hot priest.
Crosby had been my identity for as long as I could remember, and I hadn't realized it. I couldn't move on because I didn't know myself. The girl I had been.
Saylor and Jude's story has a slow burn, until it doesn't. Then...it burns the house down! The course of their relationship pushes all kinds of boundaries! And the heat is scorching hot! There is no shortage of sexy times!
You are the most beautiful sin I've ever committed.
Hotter N' Hell is a great addition to the Mississippi Smoke series. For fans who’ve followed Saylor’s journey since Tore Up, it makes her so much more likeable and even lovable. There are a lot of emotions filling up the pages. This has been an amazing ride.
The Mississippi branch of the Southern Mafia features new families with all new alpha, obsessed, crazy, possessive men. I can't wait to see who will be next!
I have yet to have one of Abbi's new books last more than two days! Abbi Glines is writing for the fans! She is releasing many more books in all of the new series. Many are on KU and more are coming! I am so excited! They are my go-to for spicy, mafia/MC romance!
4.5 stars
#AuthorAbbiGlines #HotterN'Hell #ToreUp #SmokeSeries #GeorgiaSmoke#JudgementSeries #Romance #Mafia #EnemiesToLovers #HotAndSteamy #SouthernMafia #spicy
November 29, 2024
Hotter 'N Hell is the second book in the Mississippi Smoke series by Abbi Glines. It's a forbidden mafia, small age-gap (7/8 year difference) romance, and it was pure perfection! This one features Saylor (Crosby's ex from the first book in this series), and Father Jude, a catholic priest. This was one of the best books I've read this year! I was totally immersed from beginning to end, and I could barely put it down! I wasn't sure how I would feel about Saylor (from reading the first book), but I really ended up loving her. The whole story was fantastic, and I would highly recommend it with way more than five stars!
December 3, 2024
Alright, I’m off to mass (and maybe confession) after this one. What did I just read—and why did I love it so much?!
This book pulled me in from the start. Knowing Jude’s profession had me wondering how he’d handle things with Saylor, and wow, their chemistry was off the charts. I was practically yelling at them to hurry up and make it happen! 😉
The only downside? The ending felt a bit rushed—I would’ve loved more insight into what came after everything unfolded.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one!
This book pulled me in from the start. Knowing Jude’s profession had me wondering how he’d handle things with Saylor, and wow, their chemistry was off the charts. I was practically yelling at them to hurry up and make it happen! 😉
The only downside? The ending felt a bit rushed—I would’ve loved more insight into what came after everything unfolded.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one!
November 29, 2024
Dimples!!
This was absolutely not what I thought was going to be. We never saw Saylor in the last book and now I know why. She was way more complex than I ever imagined.
Jude was a different kind of male character than we are used to by this author. In the end it worked for me.
“It’s a longing that devours my spirit, my beliefs. It delves into every pore, eradicating everything else until there’s just you.”
This was absolutely not what I thought was going to be. We never saw Saylor in the last book and now I know why. She was way more complex than I ever imagined.
Jude was a different kind of male character than we are used to by this author. In the end it worked for me.
“It’s a longing that devours my spirit, my beliefs. It delves into every pore, eradicating everything else until there’s just you.”
February 3, 2026
WTF?!?! Worst ending ever!
I loved Tore up so I was excited about this book. Then I learn that a priest was the MMC, I was beyond excited.
This had so much promise in the beginning but turned out a mess. The MMF fought over his vows for the entire book and the FMC internally whined.
The only positive was the filthy dirty talk by the MMC during the spicy scenes. It was so freaking hot but regardless, this was bad.
I loved Tore up so I was excited about this book. Then I learn that a priest was the MMC, I was beyond excited.
This had so much promise in the beginning but turned out a mess. The MMF fought over his vows for the entire book and the FMC internally whined.
The only positive was the filthy dirty talk by the MMC during the spicy scenes. It was so freaking hot but regardless, this was bad.
December 8, 2024
Saylor
I didn't think I'd like Saylor, but she was completely different than I was expecting. She wasn't the dramatic, selfish princess that she was described as in Bane and Halo's story.
And I definitely wasn't expecting to like Jude at all.. but Glines worked her magic and had me invested in both of these characters.
Another great installment in this series.
I didn't think I'd like Saylor, but she was completely different than I was expecting. She wasn't the dramatic, selfish princess that she was described as in Bane and Halo's story.
And I definitely wasn't expecting to like Jude at all.. but Glines worked her magic and had me invested in both of these characters.
Another great installment in this series.
February 13, 2025
great book but needs more of a closing of events
The story was great and kept me intrigued but at the end there was no after to see what happened or where they lived or what he is doing for a job. The end is very unsatisfying.
The story was great and kept me intrigued but at the end there was no after to see what happened or where they lived or what he is doing for a job. The end is very unsatisfying.
January 4, 2026
Great couple and more of this group. There were a few things that I felt were too simple and not addressed enough that could have made it stronger. The small surprise could have been bigger and the end was too fast.
I did however really get into it and enjoyed the back and forth of this couple
I did however really get into it and enjoyed the back and forth of this couple
August 5, 2026
I enjoyed this book so much. I wish there was an epilogue but Abbi Glines rarely does this. It's taboo where the hero is a priest and the heroine is a mafia princess with overprotective "family!" It was so much fun to read!
November 28, 2024
Was it a sin to hate the dead? Was it? Hotter N’ Hell hits you with that question right at the start, and it doesn’t get any easier as the story unspools.
Saylor Rice is a mess. Only twenty-one years old and has already been through some of the toughest experiences life can throw at you. Watching the man she’d thought was the love of her life be shot to death before her eyes was devastating. They’d been together since her early teens, he was going to be her husband, the father of her children someday. She’d devoted her life to him, molded herself into what he wanted, let her own goals and dreams fade away. Who was she now and how could she go on without him? Sounds pretty bad, doesn’t it? Well, that’s not the worst of it. While she’s still in the midst of depression and anxiety and therapy and being medicated, a woman shows up pregnant with his child. A woman he was planning to leave his current life for. Now Saylor knows who she is: she’s nothing. She gave up what she used to be for him, and what she was with him was fake, a lie, a betrayal because he never loved her like she loved him. Her family thinks she’s overreacting, just needs time, just needs to get over it but they don’t realize she’s no longer grieving the loss of her true love – she hates him and all those memories now. What she’s grieving is the loss of herself, the self she gave away, buried, ignored for him. She ends up in a church, not because it’s a familiar place for her to seek comfort; it’s not. She ends up in church because it’s her last hope, her last grasp at finding herself and starting the tortuous process of living again.
Jude is a priest. A young, very handsome, very hot priest. But that’s not important. Or it shouldn’t be. This is his calling. The love of his life, that one perfect woman, died and he turned his back on love and opened his arms to the church. She was so young when she died, they had so many plans for the future that he couldn’t face the possibility of another loss that large. Better to close himself off, serve God, serve his community. But when he finds Jude sitting alone in the church an instant attraction flares into life, roars actually. He knows he should send her away because these feelings and desires are overpowering and so dangerous for him to have, but helping others is his job, and he sees the pain and sadness and hopelessness in her and cannot turn away.
On the surface, Hotter N’ Hell seems like that same old simple and straightforward story: priests and sex, a man in a position of authority who can’t – or won’t – control his urges. Who took a vow of celibacy, but that only counts when it’s convenient. Except Jude doesn’t exactly seem like that. For what it’s worth, his feelings for Saylor seem genuine, but he’s still a priest who plans to remain a priest. So where does that leave her? She’s a Southern Mafia princess, with all the baggage and complications and danger that come with that, and sure she’s used her looks and clothes to flirt, but she’s really inexperienced except for one man and in over her head. Revamping the church clothes ministry and establishing a food ministry have started her on the path of returning to the strong, capable young woman she once was. A secret affair with the handsome young priest can’t lead to anything good.
But there is so much more to the story. Saylor is young in years but clever, talented, generous with a good heart, finding strength and purpose. And Jude? He’s not the weak, selfish man he initially appears to be. His own loss and subsequent decision to join the priesthood came at an early age; there’s a lot more to that story than we know at first.
Hotter N’ Hell is riveting, and as secrets are exposed, facts revealed it becomes impossible to put down. People with unyielding ulterior motives, natural disaster, cruel acts, misunderstandings, betrayals, the heavy hand of the mafia for revenge and retribution all make for a fascinating, intricate, suspenseful story that tugs at your heart, makes you angry and sad and just keeps you turning those pages until you know if these two are meant to be. Abbi Glines is a new-to-me author but I will be checking out her backlist now. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it without hesitation. I received an advance copy of Hotter N’ Hell. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Saylor Rice is a mess. Only twenty-one years old and has already been through some of the toughest experiences life can throw at you. Watching the man she’d thought was the love of her life be shot to death before her eyes was devastating. They’d been together since her early teens, he was going to be her husband, the father of her children someday. She’d devoted her life to him, molded herself into what he wanted, let her own goals and dreams fade away. Who was she now and how could she go on without him? Sounds pretty bad, doesn’t it? Well, that’s not the worst of it. While she’s still in the midst of depression and anxiety and therapy and being medicated, a woman shows up pregnant with his child. A woman he was planning to leave his current life for. Now Saylor knows who she is: she’s nothing. She gave up what she used to be for him, and what she was with him was fake, a lie, a betrayal because he never loved her like she loved him. Her family thinks she’s overreacting, just needs time, just needs to get over it but they don’t realize she’s no longer grieving the loss of her true love – she hates him and all those memories now. What she’s grieving is the loss of herself, the self she gave away, buried, ignored for him. She ends up in a church, not because it’s a familiar place for her to seek comfort; it’s not. She ends up in church because it’s her last hope, her last grasp at finding herself and starting the tortuous process of living again.
Jude is a priest. A young, very handsome, very hot priest. But that’s not important. Or it shouldn’t be. This is his calling. The love of his life, that one perfect woman, died and he turned his back on love and opened his arms to the church. She was so young when she died, they had so many plans for the future that he couldn’t face the possibility of another loss that large. Better to close himself off, serve God, serve his community. But when he finds Jude sitting alone in the church an instant attraction flares into life, roars actually. He knows he should send her away because these feelings and desires are overpowering and so dangerous for him to have, but helping others is his job, and he sees the pain and sadness and hopelessness in her and cannot turn away.
On the surface, Hotter N’ Hell seems like that same old simple and straightforward story: priests and sex, a man in a position of authority who can’t – or won’t – control his urges. Who took a vow of celibacy, but that only counts when it’s convenient. Except Jude doesn’t exactly seem like that. For what it’s worth, his feelings for Saylor seem genuine, but he’s still a priest who plans to remain a priest. So where does that leave her? She’s a Southern Mafia princess, with all the baggage and complications and danger that come with that, and sure she’s used her looks and clothes to flirt, but she’s really inexperienced except for one man and in over her head. Revamping the church clothes ministry and establishing a food ministry have started her on the path of returning to the strong, capable young woman she once was. A secret affair with the handsome young priest can’t lead to anything good.
But there is so much more to the story. Saylor is young in years but clever, talented, generous with a good heart, finding strength and purpose. And Jude? He’s not the weak, selfish man he initially appears to be. His own loss and subsequent decision to join the priesthood came at an early age; there’s a lot more to that story than we know at first.
Hotter N’ Hell is riveting, and as secrets are exposed, facts revealed it becomes impossible to put down. People with unyielding ulterior motives, natural disaster, cruel acts, misunderstandings, betrayals, the heavy hand of the mafia for revenge and retribution all make for a fascinating, intricate, suspenseful story that tugs at your heart, makes you angry and sad and just keeps you turning those pages until you know if these two are meant to be. Abbi Glines is a new-to-me author but I will be checking out her backlist now. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it without hesitation. I received an advance copy of Hotter N’ Hell. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
December 1, 2024
4 STARS
Truth be told, the way that Saylor was described in Tore Up, I wasn't exactly sure about having her book and story. Interestingly enough, while Saylor herself didn't feature in that book, you get a lot of secondhand impressions and the impression is one of a spoiled mafia princess. But when I saw the blurb to this book, I knew I would tolerate a spoiled mafia princess for a forbidden romance.
I love a forbidden romance, and it just doesn't get more forbidden than a mafia princess and a priest. But let me just tell you, I loved how Abbi wrote her story and finding out that her not being featured as a character but only getting her story from others in the first book was very much on purpose. Because Saylor is definitely not at all what she seems. Yes, she's a mafia princess, but she's far from spoiled. She's also a woman nursing a broken heart after losing her fiancé not only to death, but also to another woman. Once she only found out about after his death. And now she finds herself spiraling in anger and resentment, desperately seeking purpose and finding it inside the walls of a church.
Father Jude is not a man who is easily tempted. He's dedicated himself to his church and his vows due to his own tragic past. But the more he gets to know Saylor, the harder it is to resist the growing chemistry between them.
This was a slow burn that was full of emotion, tension, and all the forbidden vibes. Though Jude does go from 0 to 60 in the span of one forbidden look, I didn't mind it. Give me a dirty talker and I'll forget all the improbabilities. Admittedly, while I love how protective Saylor's friends and family are, I did hate them for what they pulled at the end. I just didn't understand the extreme reaction. But I also loved seeing Jude's strength and love of Saylor shine through in those moments.
If you're looking for a quick and steamy forbidden romance that has all the feels, definitely give this one a shot..
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
The hunger in his eyes went beyond lust. It was desperate, uncontrolled, and so intense that everywhere his gaze touched me, it felt like an electric current..
Truth be told, the way that Saylor was described in Tore Up, I wasn't exactly sure about having her book and story. Interestingly enough, while Saylor herself didn't feature in that book, you get a lot of secondhand impressions and the impression is one of a spoiled mafia princess. But when I saw the blurb to this book, I knew I would tolerate a spoiled mafia princess for a forbidden romance.
I love a forbidden romance, and it just doesn't get more forbidden than a mafia princess and a priest. But let me just tell you, I loved how Abbi wrote her story and finding out that her not being featured as a character but only getting her story from others in the first book was very much on purpose. Because Saylor is definitely not at all what she seems. Yes, she's a mafia princess, but she's far from spoiled. She's also a woman nursing a broken heart after losing her fiancé not only to death, but also to another woman. Once she only found out about after his death. And now she finds herself spiraling in anger and resentment, desperately seeking purpose and finding it inside the walls of a church.
Father Jude is not a man who is easily tempted. He's dedicated himself to his church and his vows due to his own tragic past. But the more he gets to know Saylor, the harder it is to resist the growing chemistry between them.
This was a slow burn that was full of emotion, tension, and all the forbidden vibes. Though Jude does go from 0 to 60 in the span of one forbidden look, I didn't mind it. Give me a dirty talker and I'll forget all the improbabilities. Admittedly, while I love how protective Saylor's friends and family are, I did hate them for what they pulled at the end. I just didn't understand the extreme reaction. But I also loved seeing Jude's strength and love of Saylor shine through in those moments.
If you're looking for a quick and steamy forbidden romance that has all the feels, definitely give this one a shot..
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
November 30, 2024
In Tore Up, we learn about Saylor, Crosby’s long-time girlfriend, and how Crosby cheated on her with Halo. That was Halo’s story, and it was a doozy of angsty tears and heartbreak. We get the impression that Saylor is a self-centered drama queen but in this book, Abbi Glines does a 180-turn and changes our mind, completely. In a brilliant move, we get this mafia princess falling in love with a priest and we get wowed by this delicious forbidden story.
This is not the first priest falling in love story I’ve read, I love the humanity of it, a man giving in to his natural urges to mate with the woman he loves, the turmoil of guilt, of broken vows, but ultimately the correct stance that man is not borne to live a celibate life, but to love and be loved, to have a companion. I’m Catholic, and I truly believe it’s not natural for a man to live celibate all his life.
I loved this story, I loved learning about a girl who moved aside all her organizational talents in favor of being the woman Crosby wanted. When the betrayal happens, she needed to find herself, and in doing so, she found true love, not the friends kind of love she had with Crosby.
This was such a wonderful story in so many aspects. Finding your true north, finding true love, being generous and giving in that love relation, and the self-realization of what makes her happy and fulfilled. I ended up loving Saylor and feeling compassion for her, because she went through trauma and betrayal before finding love. I loved how Than and Gathe protect and defend her, although I was furious with them at some point. Loved how Halo was so friendly and open when they meet, loved seeing Bane being such a devoted husband. This Southern Mafia series continues to surprise me, delight me, keeps me addicted, and feverishly waiting for the next one. Now I wonder: how will Abbi Glines going to surpass the epic story of Halo and Saylor? I can’t wait to find out!
This is not the first priest falling in love story I’ve read, I love the humanity of it, a man giving in to his natural urges to mate with the woman he loves, the turmoil of guilt, of broken vows, but ultimately the correct stance that man is not borne to live a celibate life, but to love and be loved, to have a companion. I’m Catholic, and I truly believe it’s not natural for a man to live celibate all his life.
I loved this story, I loved learning about a girl who moved aside all her organizational talents in favor of being the woman Crosby wanted. When the betrayal happens, she needed to find herself, and in doing so, she found true love, not the friends kind of love she had with Crosby.
This was such a wonderful story in so many aspects. Finding your true north, finding true love, being generous and giving in that love relation, and the self-realization of what makes her happy and fulfilled. I ended up loving Saylor and feeling compassion for her, because she went through trauma and betrayal before finding love. I loved how Than and Gathe protect and defend her, although I was furious with them at some point. Loved how Halo was so friendly and open when they meet, loved seeing Bane being such a devoted husband. This Southern Mafia series continues to surprise me, delight me, keeps me addicted, and feverishly waiting for the next one. Now I wonder: how will Abbi Glines going to surpass the epic story of Halo and Saylor? I can’t wait to find out!
March 24, 2026
A mafia princess… and a priest. Yeah, I was immediately hooked.
EXCUSE ME??? What did I just read.
This book was something I didn’t even know I needed… and I devoured it in one day. I could not put it down.
Going into this, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Saylor. I honestly thought she might be a little whiny or surface-level… I was SO wrong. She ended up being one of my favorite female characters in this series. She’s complex, strong, and finding her way back to herself in a way that felt so real.
And Jude… slow clap.
Because WHAT. I did not expect him to be that perfect. He’s not your typical MMC, and honestly that’s what made him stand out so much. There’s so much more depth to him than you first expect, and once you see it, you can’t get enough.
“It’s a longing that devours my spirit… until there’s just you.”
On the surface, this story gives you that forbidden, temptation-filled dynamic priest and sinner, right and wrong, lines that shouldn’t be crossed. But it’s so much more than that.
Saylor is a Southern mafia princess with layers of responsibility, danger, and vulnerability. Watching her step into her strength again through her work, her growth, and her heart was one of my favorite parts of this book.
And Jude? He’s not what you think. His past, his choices, and the reasons behind them add so much emotional weight to the story.
This book is angsty, emotional, and completely addictive. Between the secrets, betrayals, tension, and everything trying to pull them apart, I was locked in until the very last page.
Also… can we talk about Gathe?? I need his book immediately.
Tropes you’ll love:
Southern mafia romance
Age gap
Priest x sinner
Bad girl x good boy
Temptation
Slow burn
Angst
Protective MMC
Small town vibes
Unexpected, emotional, and impossible to put down.
EXCUSE ME??? What did I just read.
This book was something I didn’t even know I needed… and I devoured it in one day. I could not put it down.
Going into this, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Saylor. I honestly thought she might be a little whiny or surface-level… I was SO wrong. She ended up being one of my favorite female characters in this series. She’s complex, strong, and finding her way back to herself in a way that felt so real.
And Jude… slow clap.
Because WHAT. I did not expect him to be that perfect. He’s not your typical MMC, and honestly that’s what made him stand out so much. There’s so much more depth to him than you first expect, and once you see it, you can’t get enough.
“It’s a longing that devours my spirit… until there’s just you.”
On the surface, this story gives you that forbidden, temptation-filled dynamic priest and sinner, right and wrong, lines that shouldn’t be crossed. But it’s so much more than that.
Saylor is a Southern mafia princess with layers of responsibility, danger, and vulnerability. Watching her step into her strength again through her work, her growth, and her heart was one of my favorite parts of this book.
And Jude? He’s not what you think. His past, his choices, and the reasons behind them add so much emotional weight to the story.
This book is angsty, emotional, and completely addictive. Between the secrets, betrayals, tension, and everything trying to pull them apart, I was locked in until the very last page.
Also… can we talk about Gathe?? I need his book immediately.
Tropes you’ll love:
Southern mafia romance
Age gap
Priest x sinner
Bad girl x good boy
Temptation
Slow burn
Angst
Protective MMC
Small town vibes
Unexpected, emotional, and impossible to put down.
November 29, 2024
I didn’t know how bad I wanted or needed Saylor’s storm till this book. Please note you do need to read Tore up before this book. We meet Saylor in tore up and get glimpse of her. But this is her story and we learn her back story.
Tropes:
Southern Mafia Romance
Age Gap
Bad girl/ Good boy
Forbidden love
Touch her & ☠️
Virgin MMC
Small town
Angsty
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Saylor is trying to get life after losing her one true love or the boy she thought was her true love. Saylor is having a hard time finding herself after everything that has happened. Saylor decides to try a local support group at a near by Catholic Church. Saylor is not sure how she feels about the support group. Saylor has a conversation with her mom and decides she wants to give back to the community. She goes back and volunteers at a local community that provides clothes for those in need.
Jude took a vowel to serve the Lord and the community. Jude meets Saylor when she shows up to his church. Jude is immediately attracted to her and knows he shouldn’t be checking her out. He invites Saylor to the grief group the church has. Jude can’t help but feel an attraction to Saylor. There is just something about her and he can’t get her out of his head. When Saylor starts volunteering at one of churches local outreach. Jude keeps finding reasons to seek her out to see her.
This was my first book that involved a priest and man it did not disappoint. I think that the Mississippi branch might become my favorite. Tore up and hotter n hell were a wild ride and I love it so much. Go read Hotter n hell today.
** I want to thank Abbi Glines for giving me the chance to read Hotter N Hell as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.***
Tropes:
Southern Mafia Romance
Age Gap
Bad girl/ Good boy
Forbidden love
Touch her & ☠️
Virgin MMC
Small town
Angsty
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Saylor is trying to get life after losing her one true love or the boy she thought was her true love. Saylor is having a hard time finding herself after everything that has happened. Saylor decides to try a local support group at a near by Catholic Church. Saylor is not sure how she feels about the support group. Saylor has a conversation with her mom and decides she wants to give back to the community. She goes back and volunteers at a local community that provides clothes for those in need.
Jude took a vowel to serve the Lord and the community. Jude meets Saylor when she shows up to his church. Jude is immediately attracted to her and knows he shouldn’t be checking her out. He invites Saylor to the grief group the church has. Jude can’t help but feel an attraction to Saylor. There is just something about her and he can’t get her out of his head. When Saylor starts volunteering at one of churches local outreach. Jude keeps finding reasons to seek her out to see her.
This was my first book that involved a priest and man it did not disappoint. I think that the Mississippi branch might become my favorite. Tore up and hotter n hell were a wild ride and I love it so much. Go read Hotter n hell today.
** I want to thank Abbi Glines for giving me the chance to read Hotter N Hell as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.***
November 30, 2024
Hotter ‘N Hell is the most recent release by Abbi Glines and the second book in the Mississippi Smoke mafia romance series. A year after the death of her boyfriend, who had been cheating on her with Halo from Tore Up, Sawyer Rice had been unable to find any closure from the loss and the betrayal. She went to the local Catholic Church for answers, but instead of answers, she found Father Jude. She returned to attend a grief and loss support group, wanting to spend more time in his company. While Sawyer didn’t find religion, she found something that helped her to heal and find closure. Jude had fallen in love very young, and when she died, he was certain that he would never feel that way again. Convinced by her family that their daughter would have wanted it, Jude had joined the priesthood to honor her memory. But Jude didn’t realize that the heart can heal and find love again, and after he met Sawyer, he found himself doubting whether he had a true calling. But the parents of his lost love had paid his seminary fees, and he felt an obligation to keep his commitment to their daughter’s memory. This is a really intense story combining grief and loss, the mafia, taboo/forbidden romance, and the journey to find oneself into a spicy novel that makes a big impression. Although her reason for involving herself in the Catholic Church had nothing to do with religion, Sawyer’s decision to seek answers there led her on a journey of self discovery and I loved the person she discovered within herself. I felt so much for Jude, a good man who was so young when he was manipulated into a career path to please others. The adults around him should have counseled him against making such drastic choices when he was lost and grieving. He felt a great deal of conflict between his own desires and disappointing the people who had led him down that path. If you enjoy taboo/forbidden, mafia romance then I suggest giving this book a try. It is a spicy, emotionally charged, and compelling story.
I would like to thank Wordsmith Publicity for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I would like to thank Wordsmith Publicity for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 2, 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 the Mississippi Smoke Series. If you have not read the first book, then I would highly recommend that book to you. You will know some of the characters in this book right off the bat. Plus it is really good and I loved reading Tore Up.
This is the story of Saylor and Jude. We met Saylor in the first of Tore Up and she is mentioned in that book several times. You get her back story and now we are getting her full story. She watched the boy she loved her entire life taken from her one fateful night. Now she is ready to move on and doing her best to do it. However, she still holds a lot of hate in her heart, and really isn't sure who she is anymore. She needs to figure out who she is and hanging out with the family isn't the way she wants to do that. After all her ex's brother just married the mother of his child. Jude is a Priest who also knows loss. He watch the girl he loved fight cancer and lose the battle. This is what drove him into the priesthood. From the moment Saylor walks into his church, he is drawn to her and knows that she is going to be a temptation. This book will have you on the edge a lot of the time while reading it waiting for the moment, and you know what moment I am talking about. This book is filled with angst and oh so very good. I could not lay it down. You do not want to miss this book.
This is the second book in the Mississippi Smoke Series. If you have not read the first book, then I would highly recommend that book to you. You will know some of the characters in this book right off the bat. Plus it is really good and I loved reading Tore Up.
This is the story of Saylor and Jude. We met Saylor in the first of Tore Up and she is mentioned in that book several times. You get her back story and now we are getting her full story. She watched the boy she loved her entire life taken from her one fateful night. Now she is ready to move on and doing her best to do it. However, she still holds a lot of hate in her heart, and really isn't sure who she is anymore. She needs to figure out who she is and hanging out with the family isn't the way she wants to do that. After all her ex's brother just married the mother of his child. Jude is a Priest who also knows loss. He watch the girl he loved fight cancer and lose the battle. This is what drove him into the priesthood. From the moment Saylor walks into his church, he is drawn to her and knows that she is going to be a temptation. This book will have you on the edge a lot of the time while reading it waiting for the moment, and you know what moment I am talking about. This book is filled with angst and oh so very good. I could not lay it down. You do not want to miss this book.
December 3, 2024
Well, I think after reading that, if I wasn't already going to hell because of the books I read, this one ensured first class passage.
Saylor is considered the "princess" of this southern mafia family, having a father that was the 'don' of this chapter. But Saylor is far from spoilt, and definitely not wanting the smothering life she has. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend is executed in front of her, and she discovers that he had planned to leave her for the woman he had been sleeping with, and the baby she was carrying.
Father Jude is the priest at the local Catholic Church, becoming so as a promise to the girl who died, the love of his young life. He never expected the temptation that appeared in his church in the form of Saylor. He could see she was hurting, she needed him. But, he also needed her.
Saylor is the sunshine on those grey days that Jude cannot deny, and what she brings with her and does for the church parishioners, those less fortunate and the town is a surprise to all. Saylor craves purpose in her life, a life that is more than being in a gilded family cage. And, Jude knows he should not take a bite of Eve's apple, but one bite and the man of the cloth starts to unravel. Saylor and Jude's connection literally was hotter than hell, and the forbidden fruit showed Jude what he had missed, and he needed. Who doesn't love a dirty talking priest?
Saylor is considered the "princess" of this southern mafia family, having a father that was the 'don' of this chapter. But Saylor is far from spoilt, and definitely not wanting the smothering life she has. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend is executed in front of her, and she discovers that he had planned to leave her for the woman he had been sleeping with, and the baby she was carrying.
Father Jude is the priest at the local Catholic Church, becoming so as a promise to the girl who died, the love of his young life. He never expected the temptation that appeared in his church in the form of Saylor. He could see she was hurting, she needed him. But, he also needed her.
Saylor is the sunshine on those grey days that Jude cannot deny, and what she brings with her and does for the church parishioners, those less fortunate and the town is a surprise to all. Saylor craves purpose in her life, a life that is more than being in a gilded family cage. And, Jude knows he should not take a bite of Eve's apple, but one bite and the man of the cloth starts to unravel. Saylor and Jude's connection literally was hotter than hell, and the forbidden fruit showed Jude what he had missed, and he needed. Who doesn't love a dirty talking priest?
December 2, 2024
Hotter N’ Hell
Mississippi Smoke #2
Abbi Glines
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where do I begin…. This was my first Abbi Glines book. It was not what I was expecting. I normally avoid books where the main character is part of the church. But this was done in a way that it was dirty but in a good way.
Saylor, my heart broke for her. I could totally relate to her and the feeling of being lost and not having an identity. Having everything she knows ripped from her can definitely leave some unresolved issues. She had an amazing growth as a character with lessons learned.
Jude, at times I wanted to slap him, especially when it came to Sibby. His decisions show how teenagers can be influenced during tragedies. He learns that they don’t have to defy who you are. Man I was not ready for dominant and dirty Father Jude.
Their story shows how first love can influence, consume and define you if you let it. Some times it takes the right person to open your eyes. There were some plot twists that I didn’t see coming that shocked me. I will definitely be picking up other books with the family in them. I do have a couple of questions: does she continue changing the closet, does Jude join the family, does Crow find happiness and what happens to Sibby. I would really like to see her reaction to the outcome.
Mississippi Smoke #2
Abbi Glines
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where do I begin…. This was my first Abbi Glines book. It was not what I was expecting. I normally avoid books where the main character is part of the church. But this was done in a way that it was dirty but in a good way.
Saylor, my heart broke for her. I could totally relate to her and the feeling of being lost and not having an identity. Having everything she knows ripped from her can definitely leave some unresolved issues. She had an amazing growth as a character with lessons learned.
Jude, at times I wanted to slap him, especially when it came to Sibby. His decisions show how teenagers can be influenced during tragedies. He learns that they don’t have to defy who you are. Man I was not ready for dominant and dirty Father Jude.
Their story shows how first love can influence, consume and define you if you let it. Some times it takes the right person to open your eyes. There were some plot twists that I didn’t see coming that shocked me. I will definitely be picking up other books with the family in them. I do have a couple of questions: does she continue changing the closet, does Jude join the family, does Crow find happiness and what happens to Sibby. I would really like to see her reaction to the outcome.
Read
June 11, 2026this is the second book in this series of mafia books and I am absolutely loving these books I am devouring each and everyone they're so so good. this one felt a little naughtier than most I guess because he was a priest. and this one is sailor's story now you don't need to read these in order but it helps if you start with the first one because even though you really don't meet sailor in the first book a whole lot she plays a part in it and it really does play into the whole picture or story. so Sailors trying to find herself in this story and really she does she finds herself quite well it just so happens she crosses path with this priest who plays a big part in her helping her find her way. And then the story goes from there I'm not going to tell you anymore because I don't want to ruin it but I will tell you it is hotter than hell No pun intended. this was an easy listen these two narrators did a phenomenal job honestly they are playing this Mafia romance so well they did the first book and now they did this one and I love them Lucas's voice for a mafia guy is perfect and Amy's voice it has just been perfect also for the female characters I like I said they both did a phenomenal job of this performance and bringing this story to life I'm so excited that I can now just go right into the third book.
November 27, 2024
𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 '𝐍 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥 is the second book in the Mississippi Smoke series by Abbi Glines, featuring a forbidden, mafia romance for Saylor and Jude. Suffering from PTSD from witnessing a murder and being so unlucky in love, Saylor decides to seek answers in a church. She found more than she bargained for in Father Jude. I was actually surprised by how much I came to love Saylor, who had such a big heart for helping others. My heart truly felt for her as she went on her emotional journey. Jude had baggage of his own, but I have mixed feelings about how he allowed his past to continue to control his life. I don’t want to say too much. I loved all the parts with the family… the banter, the action, the “all for one, and one for all” vibe. There was one friendship in particular that Saylor made that I really enjoyed watching unfold! With Jude being who he was, I felt a little like I was going on the naughty list for reading this one, because it was extra 𝒉𝒐𝒕!!🥵😅 The dramatic plot twists were great, but I did feel like the resolution at the end was a little abrupt. What can I say? I am an epilogue girl at heart, and love a little glimpse of the couple in the future. With the way Gathe and Than acted in this book, I’m looking forward to their stories as well!!👏🏻
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
#hotternhell #MississippiSmoke #AbbiGlines #MafiaRomance #darkromance #forbiddenromance #emotionalreads #steamyreads
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
#hotternhell #MississippiSmoke #AbbiGlines #MafiaRomance #darkromance #forbiddenromance #emotionalreads #steamyreads
December 3, 2024
“while she cried on my shoulder about how she’s unlovable and she wants to be someone’s goddamn Halo’”
Parts of this book put a crack in my chest but this line right here shattered me wide open.. like I was sobbing.
Saylor is so many of us.. feeling like we are not enough and willing to accept the bare minimum just to be with someone we love.
This book did a whole dance on my heart. From the naughty premise of having a priest as the MMC to having a mafia princess who was describe as a spoiled rich girl in one book, only to realize that I connected with her on more levels than I care to admit.
Saylor had some of the best character growth I’ve seen in a long while, and I can’t get over it. To watch her go from someone who lost herself for the love of a boy only to realize she needed to be herself to have the love of a man. Not just any man, but a man willing to make the biggest sacrifice to be with her.
I’m telling you, Abbi, every book you write in this series gets better and better! I’m holding my breath to see what you throw at me next!
For my book friends, the chemistry is off the charts, the spice is spicing 🥵, Father Jude got a MOUTH, and my southern mafia boys show up for one of their own. I’m here for every minute of this!!!
Parts of this book put a crack in my chest but this line right here shattered me wide open.. like I was sobbing.
Saylor is so many of us.. feeling like we are not enough and willing to accept the bare minimum just to be with someone we love.
This book did a whole dance on my heart. From the naughty premise of having a priest as the MMC to having a mafia princess who was describe as a spoiled rich girl in one book, only to realize that I connected with her on more levels than I care to admit.
Saylor had some of the best character growth I’ve seen in a long while, and I can’t get over it. To watch her go from someone who lost herself for the love of a boy only to realize she needed to be herself to have the love of a man. Not just any man, but a man willing to make the biggest sacrifice to be with her.
I’m telling you, Abbi, every book you write in this series gets better and better! I’m holding my breath to see what you throw at me next!
For my book friends, the chemistry is off the charts, the spice is spicing 🥵, Father Jude got a MOUTH, and my southern mafia boys show up for one of their own. I’m here for every minute of this!!!
December 7, 2024
5-stars
I love Abbi Glines's writing and this book was a chef's kiss to all my favorite tropes. This book has action, suspense, some taboo, a whole lotta angst, and the best spice to top it off. The storyline of this book was original and page-turning. If you liked Sierra Simone's Priest then this book is for you. I loved the forbidden love story between Father Jude and Saylor. The angst and push and pull they both went through in this book were nail-biting and addicting. I couldn't put this book down until I reached the end. My heart broke for both characters, and loved the journey they took to get what they wanted.
Saylor was amazing, and I loved her growth and self-worth she had throughout this book. She was strong, brokenhearted, and determined. I wanted to reach in and hug her a few times. Jude was a man of the cloth and was loyal to his calling. I loved his filthy mouth and his dominant side the most. Their chemistry was undeniable and epic. They both went through their own H E double hockey sticks to get what they wanted. This book and the whole Southern Mafia world Abbi Glines has created is dark and exciting.-By Brooke
I love Abbi Glines's writing and this book was a chef's kiss to all my favorite tropes. This book has action, suspense, some taboo, a whole lotta angst, and the best spice to top it off. The storyline of this book was original and page-turning. If you liked Sierra Simone's Priest then this book is for you. I loved the forbidden love story between Father Jude and Saylor. The angst and push and pull they both went through in this book were nail-biting and addicting. I couldn't put this book down until I reached the end. My heart broke for both characters, and loved the journey they took to get what they wanted.
Saylor was amazing, and I loved her growth and self-worth she had throughout this book. She was strong, brokenhearted, and determined. I wanted to reach in and hug her a few times. Jude was a man of the cloth and was loyal to his calling. I loved his filthy mouth and his dominant side the most. Their chemistry was undeniable and epic. They both went through their own H E double hockey sticks to get what they wanted. This book and the whole Southern Mafia world Abbi Glines has created is dark and exciting.-By Brooke
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