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Mississippi Smoke #5
Hell or High Water
Montana
Momma hadn’t been gone from the world for twenty-four hours before the first letter showed up. Blue paper, folded into an origami heart, left where the writer knew I’d find it. Dealing with my grief, I was able to put it out of my mind until the next one came, then the next. Each one more disturbing than the last. Until I woke up to find one beside me.
He’d watched me sleep.
Only desperation could drive me to ask the man who had fertilized my momma’s egg for help. I preferred to forget him and his existence, just like he had us… me. But with Momma gone, I had no one, and I needed a safe place to escape—out of this town and away from the stranger who was stalking me.
To say I was shocked that he turned me down would be a lie. I’d expected as much. He’d left me with no choice but to threaten to expose his sins to the God-fearing people of Mississippi who placed him in office. The nineteen-year-old daughter of a stripper he’d knocked up and deserted would know a lot about his transgressions.
However, the two men he sent to get me weren’t what I’d been expecting, but I didn’t really have much of a choice. It was trust the devil I knew or stay and live in fear of the one I didn’t.
Than
Waking up hung over and naked on the sofa of a friend’s house wasn’t out of character for me. Being woken up and told I was being ordered to babysit the Governor’s accidental offspring was another. It wasn’t fair that I’d been handed this task. Why me? I didn’t want to watch some stripper’s daughter who had decided to blackmail the governor. Why didn’t we have the philandering bastard hand over hush money, and then we could put enough fear in her that she kept her mouth shut?
When I didn’t believe it could get any worse, the stripper’s daughter opened the cheap ass motel room door she had been staying in and knocked the wind out of my chest.
Momma hadn’t been gone from the world for twenty-four hours before the first letter showed up. Blue paper, folded into an origami heart, left where the writer knew I’d find it. Dealing with my grief, I was able to put it out of my mind until the next one came, then the next. Each one more disturbing than the last. Until I woke up to find one beside me.
He’d watched me sleep.
Only desperation could drive me to ask the man who had fertilized my momma’s egg for help. I preferred to forget him and his existence, just like he had us… me. But with Momma gone, I had no one, and I needed a safe place to escape—out of this town and away from the stranger who was stalking me.
To say I was shocked that he turned me down would be a lie. I’d expected as much. He’d left me with no choice but to threaten to expose his sins to the God-fearing people of Mississippi who placed him in office. The nineteen-year-old daughter of a stripper he’d knocked up and deserted would know a lot about his transgressions.
However, the two men he sent to get me weren’t what I’d been expecting, but I didn’t really have much of a choice. It was trust the devil I knew or stay and live in fear of the one I didn’t.
Than
Waking up hung over and naked on the sofa of a friend’s house wasn’t out of character for me. Being woken up and told I was being ordered to babysit the Governor’s accidental offspring was another. It wasn’t fair that I’d been handed this task. Why me? I didn’t want to watch some stripper’s daughter who had decided to blackmail the governor. Why didn’t we have the philandering bastard hand over hush money, and then we could put enough fear in her that she kept her mouth shut?
When I didn’t believe it could get any worse, the stripper’s daughter opened the cheap ass motel room door she had been staying in and knocked the wind out of my chest.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
115 people are currently reading
277 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 118 reviews
April 29, 2025
This was a good addition to the Mississippi smoke series. I’ve been excited about Than getting a book and I ate this one up in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one.
May 1, 2025
Overall, naturally I enjoyed the book. Who isn't obsessed with these boys? Than was different than I thought he would be. For some reason I thought he was just a funny joke around kind of guy but he was more serious. Which isn't a bad thing! Montana wasn't my favorite character but there wasn't anything I'd really disliked about her. And I thought the timeline was super fast. I would have liked to have seen it a bit longer. Overall great addition to the series!
April 29, 2025
Ah Abbi Glines does it again.
This is the fifth book in the Mississippi Smoke series following the Mississippi branch of the southern mafia. This in particular follows Than and Montana.
Than essentially works for Linc as well as at his family distillery. He is tasked by Linc to guard Montana because she is basically threatening the stability of the governor looking the other way of their less than savory activities. Montana has recently lost her mother who was knocked up by said governor prior to him taking office. Montana needs help financially to get to graduation at 19 and threatens to put her paternity. As we get further into her back story, we discover that there is more to her motivation. Like most men in this set up, Than fights all of his feelings for Montana until the fight becomes just too much. And it is just a wonderful fall to watch.
There are twist and turns up until the very end of the book that left me guessing and leaving me shocked. I look forward to seeing them as a couple in future installments.
This is the fifth book in the Mississippi Smoke series following the Mississippi branch of the southern mafia. This in particular follows Than and Montana.
Than essentially works for Linc as well as at his family distillery. He is tasked by Linc to guard Montana because she is basically threatening the stability of the governor looking the other way of their less than savory activities. Montana has recently lost her mother who was knocked up by said governor prior to him taking office. Montana needs help financially to get to graduation at 19 and threatens to put her paternity. As we get further into her back story, we discover that there is more to her motivation. Like most men in this set up, Than fights all of his feelings for Montana until the fight becomes just too much. And it is just a wonderful fall to watch.
There are twist and turns up until the very end of the book that left me guessing and leaving me shocked. I look forward to seeing them as a couple in future installments.
May 3, 2025
The fifth book in the Mississippi Smoke series delivers. And it just keeps getting better. Than may be my favourite and I wasn’t quite sure at the beginning of the book.
Book 5- and the author is sucking you into a world you can’t get enough of. This book is action packed and is a typical Abbi Glines romance - a little angst, a little curious and lots of loveable characters along the way.
Book 5- and the author is sucking you into a world you can’t get enough of. This book is action packed and is a typical Abbi Glines romance - a little angst, a little curious and lots of loveable characters along the way.
May 5, 2025
Obsessed!
Okay... now I need Waylons' story! I loved Than and Montana. They were a serious sexy couple to get to know. I just can't get enough from Glines. Her writing style just sucks readers in. Thank God she doesn't make us wait forever for new work!
Okay... now I need Waylons' story! I loved Than and Montana. They were a serious sexy couple to get to know. I just can't get enough from Glines. Her writing style just sucks readers in. Thank God she doesn't make us wait forever for new work!
May 4, 2025
Fricking love this series - High Heat - Plenty of Action - Suspense - Twists
"The closer I got. the less the beast inside me shook the cage"
This is Than's tale of how a little spitfire of a woman brought him to his knees
Than was assigned babysitting duties to ensure Montana kept her mouth shut and any evidence sealed until they could figure out what to do with her.
What he didnt count on was the strange feeling in his chest every time she was near
"I realized Satan was already here, he had blue eyes, and brown hair"
Montana wasn't looking for anything from her sperm donor
She had plans, and they relied solely on her shoulders
She just needed to be safe until she could set her future into motion
So, making that call and adding that little threat was a necessity.
Falling for the devil himself? That was out of her control
Some of my favorite moments:
"Might get killed over this. But I'd be damned if I was walking away and handing her off to someone else"
Jealousy is such a fiery sidekick
"I stared at the girl in the mirror, wondering what had happened to her"
The chemistry between these two. The back-and-forth banter.
So many times, I wanted to knock some sense into Than. He knew something was not right about the whole setup
"He would never be a regret. He'd be my favorite memory"
I knew Than wasn't letting her go, even if it cost him his family
"Now if you try and leave me, I'll make that ducker from Louisiana look sane"
FINALLY!! took you long enough
"You were scammed by a six"
Love her sass. She gave as good as she got and then some
"It was one last gift to you."
Holy shiitake!! I knew it!!!!
"The closer I got. the less the beast inside me shook the cage"
This is Than's tale of how a little spitfire of a woman brought him to his knees
Than was assigned babysitting duties to ensure Montana kept her mouth shut and any evidence sealed until they could figure out what to do with her.
What he didnt count on was the strange feeling in his chest every time she was near
"I realized Satan was already here, he had blue eyes, and brown hair"
Montana wasn't looking for anything from her sperm donor
She had plans, and they relied solely on her shoulders
She just needed to be safe until she could set her future into motion
So, making that call and adding that little threat was a necessity.
Falling for the devil himself? That was out of her control
Some of my favorite moments:
"Might get killed over this. But I'd be damned if I was walking away and handing her off to someone else"
Jealousy is such a fiery sidekick
"I stared at the girl in the mirror, wondering what had happened to her"
The chemistry between these two. The back-and-forth banter.
So many times, I wanted to knock some sense into Than. He knew something was not right about the whole setup
"He would never be a regret. He'd be my favorite memory"
I knew Than wasn't letting her go, even if it cost him his family
"Now if you try and leave me, I'll make that ducker from Louisiana look sane"
FINALLY!! took you long enough
"You were scammed by a six"
Love her sass. She gave as good as she got and then some
"It was one last gift to you."
Holy shiitake!! I knew it!!!!
May 3, 2025
Abbi Glines once again delivers a captivating story that seamlessly blends mystery and romance. This time, the spotlight is on Montana, a girl whose life has been anything but ordinary. Born as the secret daughter of a powerful senator and raised by a mother trapped in the world of prostitution, Montana is left to fend for herself when her mother passes away. Desperate for protection but reluctant to claim her father's name—a man she resents—Montana’s journey is one of emotional complexity and strength.
Enter Than, the mysterious and brooding man tasked by her father to watch over her. Their chemistry is undeniable, and as the story unfolds, the layers of secrets, trust, and hidden desires are gradually revealed. What I loved most about this book is how Abbi Glines maintains a balance between intrigue and emotion. Each chapter left me wondering what would happen next, making it impossible to put the book down.
Despite the deep themes, the book is an easy read—perfect for finishing in one sitting. Glines’ writing is detailed enough to draw you in, but never overwhelming or unnecessarily drawn out. Her pacing is just right, making every twist and turn count.
I gave this book a solid five stars. It reignited my love for mafia-themed romance after a long break, and I found it genuinely inspiring. If you're into stories with heartfelt moments, suspense, and steamy romance, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Enter Than, the mysterious and brooding man tasked by her father to watch over her. Their chemistry is undeniable, and as the story unfolds, the layers of secrets, trust, and hidden desires are gradually revealed. What I loved most about this book is how Abbi Glines maintains a balance between intrigue and emotion. Each chapter left me wondering what would happen next, making it impossible to put the book down.
Despite the deep themes, the book is an easy read—perfect for finishing in one sitting. Glines’ writing is detailed enough to draw you in, but never overwhelming or unnecessarily drawn out. Her pacing is just right, making every twist and turn count.
I gave this book a solid five stars. It reignited my love for mafia-themed romance after a long break, and I found it genuinely inspiring. If you're into stories with heartfelt moments, suspense, and steamy romance, this book is definitely worth picking up.
November 16, 2025
I love Glines' Southern Mafia world and the Mississippi Mafia branch of the family is tied with the Georgia branch, as my second fave branch.
Really all of the stories have some hits and misses with me, and some are just what I'd expect. This one was expected.
Basically, you are tied to this veiled "in plain sight," very dangerous mafia world in two ways: by circumstance (and you are in-a-pickle if that circumstance means you stepped in 💩 , which means you get kidnapped or dead); by blood or owning (basically you are born into the family or you are a woman who is owned by one of the men whether you like it or not). Montana, the FMC of this piece, fits both categories. She comes by circumstance and will never leave due to being owned. Shit, Montana catches the eye of two Southern Mafia men, one from the Louisiana branch (Wayon Davidson, who I am intrigued by) and this branch (the Mississippi Smoke branch), where Than becomes obsessed with Montana.
This was an alright edition.
Happy Reading.
Really all of the stories have some hits and misses with me, and some are just what I'd expect. This one was expected.
Basically, you are tied to this veiled "in plain sight," very dangerous mafia world in two ways: by circumstance (and you are in-a-pickle if that circumstance means you stepped in 💩 , which means you get kidnapped or dead); by blood or owning (basically you are born into the family or you are a woman who is owned by one of the men whether you like it or not). Montana, the FMC of this piece, fits both categories. She comes by circumstance and will never leave due to being owned. Shit, Montana catches the eye of two Southern Mafia men, one from the Louisiana branch (Wayon Davidson, who I am intrigued by) and this branch (the Mississippi Smoke branch), where Than becomes obsessed with Montana.
This was an alright edition.
Happy Reading.
May 20, 2025
Abbi Glines delivers yet another emotionally gripping, addictive romance with Hell or High Water. From the first page, I was completely drawn into Montana’s world. She’s the kind of female character you don’t forget—resilient, raw, and unflinchingly fierce. I absolutely loved how she did whatever she had to in order to protect herself, even when it came at a personal cost. Her strength wasn’t just physical; it was emotional, layered, and deeply human.
And then there’s Than... I wanted to hate him. I should’ve hated him. But he was completely unhateable. Abbi always has a way of crafting male leads who feel just the right amount of dangerous and vulnerable, and Than is no exception. He’s rough around the edges but impossible not to fall for.
The chemistry, the tension it’s all there, perfectly balanced with moments of softness and redemption. This book had me torn between rage and swooning, which is exactly how I like it.
If you’re a fan of intense love stories with damaged but determined characters, Hell or High Water will absolutely wreck you in the best way.
And then there’s Than... I wanted to hate him. I should’ve hated him. But he was completely unhateable. Abbi always has a way of crafting male leads who feel just the right amount of dangerous and vulnerable, and Than is no exception. He’s rough around the edges but impossible not to fall for.
The chemistry, the tension it’s all there, perfectly balanced with moments of softness and redemption. This book had me torn between rage and swooning, which is exactly how I like it.
If you’re a fan of intense love stories with damaged but determined characters, Hell or High Water will absolutely wreck you in the best way.
May 4, 2025
Hell or High Water tells the story of Than and Montana. This one definitely stands out from the others. Than was so sweet when it came to consent and making sure Montana was cared for, whether or not he wanted to admit it to himself. Than doesn't have the best start, but I swear he pulls his head out of his butt. And him and Montana were just so cute together. I was prepared for a cliffhanger because there was 30 minutes left in the book and I had no idea how she was going to tie up everything. Thankfully there wasn't a cliffhanger and everything got tied up together. Definitely recommend.
May 6, 2025
Ooops I did it again … waisted my money on a weak Abbi Glines book.
Either Abbi writes the good ones and this one and some others are writing by AI (because she wants some quick money) or vice versa good = AI , weak mediocre ones = Abbi.
mweh …. boring
We should be getting Than’s story in this one but all we got was pages and pages filled with the same cr*p over and over.
Montana is an attention seeking wh*re! she has eyes in her head and looks at herself daily and knows how she looks, but nonetheless all she wants is constantly be praised about her looks and wants to get a high rating from Than etc…
She’s supposed to be 19? hmmm she’s more like a 10 year old pppffff
Either Abbi writes the good ones and this one and some others are writing by AI (because she wants some quick money) or vice versa good = AI , weak mediocre ones = Abbi.
mweh …. boring
We should be getting Than’s story in this one but all we got was pages and pages filled with the same cr*p over and over.
Montana is an attention seeking wh*re! she has eyes in her head and looks at herself daily and knows how she looks, but nonetheless all she wants is constantly be praised about her looks and wants to get a high rating from Than etc…
She’s supposed to be 19? hmmm she’s more like a 10 year old pppffff
May 11, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Heat/Angst: 🔥🔥🔥
This is book 5 in the Mississippi Smoke Series by Abbi Glines. When I tell you that her Southern Mafia Romance series keeps getting better and better, I'm not lying. I didn't think I could love a branch better than the original Smoke Series, which was the Florida branch. But these Mississippi men are giving them a run for their money. This is Than and Montana's book, and you're in for a wild ride!!
Tropes:
- Southern Mafia Romance
- Bodyguard to Governor's Daughter
- Forbidden Romance
- Blackmail
- Twist, Turns & Surprises
- Suspense
- Reformed Playboy
- Stalker
- Unhinged Hero
- Forced Proximity
In the past 4 books of the Mississippi Branch, Than has come across as the funny, curly headed, warm-hearted young man. He always came across as a sweetheart to all the women brought in by the other guys, whether it was a job to do or not. I was looking forward to this loving young man's book, and let me tell you, he was nothing like I thought he'd be.
I'll start with Montana. She is 19 years old and her mother just passed away. Her mom was a stripper/prostitute, and before she passed, she wanted Montana to contact her father for help. Considering the man never married her mom, she resisted, not wanting to reach out to the mystery man, her father.
All Montana wants to do is graduate high school. She is apparently smart as hell and has a scholarship to college. She just needs to make it graduation, but she doesn't know if she can get there while trying to pay off her mother's medical bills.
After selling their home to pay off those medical bills, she now crashes on a friend's couch. There is only one problem. Montana has a stalker that is leaving her blue heart-shaped notes that are getting pretty creepy. One day, when she wakes up, Montana notices a blue note on the pillow beside her.
After figuring out the stalker watched her sleep, she no longer feels safe and reaches out to the father that's never been there for help. After telling him that she just needs a place to stay until graduation and expenses until then, she'll never bother him again.
There is one issue with this plan. The mystery man father happens to be the governor that's married. The governor overlooks the Mississippi branch of the Southern Mafia business as long as they help clean up the messes he gets into. Trust when I say he is a shady and messy man.
He reaches out to the mafia to have them make sure this young lady doesn't cause any problems for him. Linc Shepherd, the head of the Mississippi Branch, sends Than to pretty much babysit Montana. You can't tell Linc no, even if Than doesn't want to do this job.
Than is to stay at a cabin on Linc's property for the next few months to make sure Montana doesn't cause any problems. If he can find something to pretty much blackmail Montana for, then he can send her back to her old life to become like her mother.
I have to say that I was really shocked that Than wanted to do this to Montana. After everything Halo went through in book 1 and Than being there for her, even though she was an outsider, I had high hopes for Than being that sweet guy again.
He wasn't sweet or nice to Montana. He was crude and rude to her. They just wanted her gone so things could go back to normal for the governor overlooking their work. Than wanted her to go be like her mother when not knowing anything about Montana. Yet Than was such a playboy and got around a lot with his housemates.
There was an instant attraction, and their chemistry was off the charts hot. I enjoyed their banter and Than being thrown for a loop when he started to see who Montana really was. She was this smart mouthed, feisty, and intelligent lady wrapped up in her innocence. Than can't get over how she dresses because she is mouth-watering gorgeous.
There is so much more to this story than just between these two. The twist and turns in this book are amazing, and it's delivered with suspense and a smooth plot. The steamy scenes are spicy, and it's such an easy read. This book delivers such a bang, and it's drawn out like some books are. Every twist and turn counts, and there is a coincidental connection you won't see coming.
I devoured this book in 1 sitting and couldn't put it down. I didn't like Than in the beginning of this, but he got his head out of his butt and finally got there. I almost thought it was going to end in a cliffhanger, but she tied it up beautifully in the last 30 minutes. Abbi always writes the best books, and I'm never disappointed. You won't suspect how this book wraps up!!
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Heat/Angst: 🔥🔥🔥
This is book 5 in the Mississippi Smoke Series by Abbi Glines. When I tell you that her Southern Mafia Romance series keeps getting better and better, I'm not lying. I didn't think I could love a branch better than the original Smoke Series, which was the Florida branch. But these Mississippi men are giving them a run for their money. This is Than and Montana's book, and you're in for a wild ride!!
Tropes:
- Southern Mafia Romance
- Bodyguard to Governor's Daughter
- Forbidden Romance
- Blackmail
- Twist, Turns & Surprises
- Suspense
- Reformed Playboy
- Stalker
- Unhinged Hero
- Forced Proximity
In the past 4 books of the Mississippi Branch, Than has come across as the funny, curly headed, warm-hearted young man. He always came across as a sweetheart to all the women brought in by the other guys, whether it was a job to do or not. I was looking forward to this loving young man's book, and let me tell you, he was nothing like I thought he'd be.
I'll start with Montana. She is 19 years old and her mother just passed away. Her mom was a stripper/prostitute, and before she passed, she wanted Montana to contact her father for help. Considering the man never married her mom, she resisted, not wanting to reach out to the mystery man, her father.
All Montana wants to do is graduate high school. She is apparently smart as hell and has a scholarship to college. She just needs to make it graduation, but she doesn't know if she can get there while trying to pay off her mother's medical bills.
After selling their home to pay off those medical bills, she now crashes on a friend's couch. There is only one problem. Montana has a stalker that is leaving her blue heart-shaped notes that are getting pretty creepy. One day, when she wakes up, Montana notices a blue note on the pillow beside her.
After figuring out the stalker watched her sleep, she no longer feels safe and reaches out to the father that's never been there for help. After telling him that she just needs a place to stay until graduation and expenses until then, she'll never bother him again.
There is one issue with this plan. The mystery man father happens to be the governor that's married. The governor overlooks the Mississippi branch of the Southern Mafia business as long as they help clean up the messes he gets into. Trust when I say he is a shady and messy man.
He reaches out to the mafia to have them make sure this young lady doesn't cause any problems for him. Linc Shepherd, the head of the Mississippi Branch, sends Than to pretty much babysit Montana. You can't tell Linc no, even if Than doesn't want to do this job.
Than is to stay at a cabin on Linc's property for the next few months to make sure Montana doesn't cause any problems. If he can find something to pretty much blackmail Montana for, then he can send her back to her old life to become like her mother.
I have to say that I was really shocked that Than wanted to do this to Montana. After everything Halo went through in book 1 and Than being there for her, even though she was an outsider, I had high hopes for Than being that sweet guy again.
He wasn't sweet or nice to Montana. He was crude and rude to her. They just wanted her gone so things could go back to normal for the governor overlooking their work. Than wanted her to go be like her mother when not knowing anything about Montana. Yet Than was such a playboy and got around a lot with his housemates.
There was an instant attraction, and their chemistry was off the charts hot. I enjoyed their banter and Than being thrown for a loop when he started to see who Montana really was. She was this smart mouthed, feisty, and intelligent lady wrapped up in her innocence. Than can't get over how she dresses because she is mouth-watering gorgeous.
There is so much more to this story than just between these two. The twist and turns in this book are amazing, and it's delivered with suspense and a smooth plot. The steamy scenes are spicy, and it's such an easy read. This book delivers such a bang, and it's drawn out like some books are. Every twist and turn counts, and there is a coincidental connection you won't see coming.
I devoured this book in 1 sitting and couldn't put it down. I didn't like Than in the beginning of this, but he got his head out of his butt and finally got there. I almost thought it was going to end in a cliffhanger, but she tied it up beautifully in the last 30 minutes. Abbi always writes the best books, and I'm never disappointed. You won't suspect how this book wraps up!!
April 30, 2025
Abbi Glines is a best-selling author for a reason. Her books are gripping, exciting and addictive. Hell or High Water is Book 5 in her Mississippi Smoke Series. It has all the usual elements that keep pulling me back to her books: non-stop action, danger, unexpected twists and turns, humor, love and heat – and a peek into the inner workings of the Southern Mafia. I eagerly awaited this book and then I devoured it.
Hell or High Water is Than Carver’s story, and it’s a good one with many pieces you won’t expect. Than is one of the young men who are part of the Mississippi branch of the mafia “family.” His own family became part of the Mississippi branch years ago, and he’s pledged his loyalty. He spends his time – when he’s not indulging his every desire with his rowdy housemates – between working at the Carver Whiskey family business and doing whatever Mississippi branch leader Linc Shephard tells him to do. Linc’s request – read demand; there is no refusing – is unexpected and unpleasant. Babysit a teenager? Really? He pushes back, but Linc is the boss and like I said, there is no refusing.
This teenager is 19-year-old Montana Carrigan. Her mother just died and she’s on her own. Not sure how she’s going to be able to graduate from high school while supporting herself and paying off her mother’s medical bills. Before she died her mother insisted she contact her father – the man who was never much in her life and never married her mother because he was already married – for help, but Montana resists. She sells the house, crashes on a friend’s couch temporarily and plans to get a job. She’s received a scholarship to college and believes with careful planning and hard work she’ll be okay. Good plan until someone starts leaving her little blue notes folded up like hearts. Cute and sweet, right? Not so much, because it’s creepy and stalkerish. When her admirer breaks into her friend’s house and leaves a note while she’s sleeping, Montana realizes it’s time to contact her father; she can’t put her friend in danger and if she leaves the anonymous note writer won’t know where she is.
And this is how she winds up with Than Carver – handsome, heart-stopping, incredibly crude and rude man – watching her 24/7 in a cabin on Linc’s property. Turns out Montana’s mother’s mystery man is the now Governor of Louisiana, who overlooks a lot of what the Mississippi branch gets up to in exchange for doing whatever he asks, including cleaning up after his many messes. This mess started long ago but could sink his career regardless. What Governor Baskin wants, Governor Baskin gets. And he doesn’t want this daughter of his to cause trouble. What Montana wants: a place to stay and expenses until she finishes high school, just a couple of months. Then she’ll disappear, go to college and never contact Baskin. Naturally nobody trusts her, hence the constant oversight. And Than’s vow that come hell or high water he’ll find something to prove she has bad intentions and force her away. Then he can go back to his old, almost perfect life.
Except – as one thing leads to another and another, his life starts to change big-time. Did I mention she is as mouth-watering gorgeous as he is heart-stopping handsome? Plus she’s feisty and smart-mouthed even if he is tearing her apart with his rudeness. And the way she dresses? Well, his mind is full of all kinds of thoughts he doesn’t want to have, shouldn’t have, but the more time they spend together the more he starts to feel sorry for her, to think all she wants is that two months. Not good for Than – he can’t get involved with her, there is no future even if that was what she wanted, and the biggest no-no: he absolutely cannot go again Linc’s orders.
We know where this is going, don’t we? Author Glines takes us on a wild ride to get there. The action is non-stop, the plot is so smooth and just keeps rolling along, all the supporting characters are as fascinating and likeable or irritating as ever, and a steady stream of surprises, including a coincidental connection you’ll never see coming add more depth to the story. And as always, Glines gives us the perfect blend of sweet romance and scorching steam and the violent, gritty danger that is part of being in the family.
I received an advance copy of Hell or High Water. I couldn’t stop turning pages and recommend it without hesitation. I don’t know what talented author Abbi Glines has for us next, but I can’t wait and will be first in line. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Hell or High Water is Than Carver’s story, and it’s a good one with many pieces you won’t expect. Than is one of the young men who are part of the Mississippi branch of the mafia “family.” His own family became part of the Mississippi branch years ago, and he’s pledged his loyalty. He spends his time – when he’s not indulging his every desire with his rowdy housemates – between working at the Carver Whiskey family business and doing whatever Mississippi branch leader Linc Shephard tells him to do. Linc’s request – read demand; there is no refusing – is unexpected and unpleasant. Babysit a teenager? Really? He pushes back, but Linc is the boss and like I said, there is no refusing.
This teenager is 19-year-old Montana Carrigan. Her mother just died and she’s on her own. Not sure how she’s going to be able to graduate from high school while supporting herself and paying off her mother’s medical bills. Before she died her mother insisted she contact her father – the man who was never much in her life and never married her mother because he was already married – for help, but Montana resists. She sells the house, crashes on a friend’s couch temporarily and plans to get a job. She’s received a scholarship to college and believes with careful planning and hard work she’ll be okay. Good plan until someone starts leaving her little blue notes folded up like hearts. Cute and sweet, right? Not so much, because it’s creepy and stalkerish. When her admirer breaks into her friend’s house and leaves a note while she’s sleeping, Montana realizes it’s time to contact her father; she can’t put her friend in danger and if she leaves the anonymous note writer won’t know where she is.
And this is how she winds up with Than Carver – handsome, heart-stopping, incredibly crude and rude man – watching her 24/7 in a cabin on Linc’s property. Turns out Montana’s mother’s mystery man is the now Governor of Louisiana, who overlooks a lot of what the Mississippi branch gets up to in exchange for doing whatever he asks, including cleaning up after his many messes. This mess started long ago but could sink his career regardless. What Governor Baskin wants, Governor Baskin gets. And he doesn’t want this daughter of his to cause trouble. What Montana wants: a place to stay and expenses until she finishes high school, just a couple of months. Then she’ll disappear, go to college and never contact Baskin. Naturally nobody trusts her, hence the constant oversight. And Than’s vow that come hell or high water he’ll find something to prove she has bad intentions and force her away. Then he can go back to his old, almost perfect life.
Except – as one thing leads to another and another, his life starts to change big-time. Did I mention she is as mouth-watering gorgeous as he is heart-stopping handsome? Plus she’s feisty and smart-mouthed even if he is tearing her apart with his rudeness. And the way she dresses? Well, his mind is full of all kinds of thoughts he doesn’t want to have, shouldn’t have, but the more time they spend together the more he starts to feel sorry for her, to think all she wants is that two months. Not good for Than – he can’t get involved with her, there is no future even if that was what she wanted, and the biggest no-no: he absolutely cannot go again Linc’s orders.
We know where this is going, don’t we? Author Glines takes us on a wild ride to get there. The action is non-stop, the plot is so smooth and just keeps rolling along, all the supporting characters are as fascinating and likeable or irritating as ever, and a steady stream of surprises, including a coincidental connection you’ll never see coming add more depth to the story. And as always, Glines gives us the perfect blend of sweet romance and scorching steam and the violent, gritty danger that is part of being in the family.
I received an advance copy of Hell or High Water. I couldn’t stop turning pages and recommend it without hesitation. I don’t know what talented author Abbi Glines has for us next, but I can’t wait and will be first in line. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
October 3, 2025
Okay so first things first… I love Abbi Glines 🥰📚 She’s easily one of my favorite authors because her books are so addicting. Every time I pick one up, I literally cannot put it down—it’s like I blink and I’m already halfway through. Hell or High Water was no exception. The pacing was quick, it dove straight into the story without dragging things out, and it kept me entertained from the very first chapter.
Montana was such a great main character 💕 She’s this shy “good girl” who has been through so much—no family, living alone, and then having to deal with creepy stalker notes being sent to her 😳 I really felt for her. It made me want to wrap her in a blanket and protect her at all costs. Then we have Than… and let me just say, his whole “idgaf” vibe was perfection 😏🔥 He’s strong, broody, and exactly the type of MMC that pulls me in. Their chemistry was instant, even though they tried to fight it. From the moment Than opened that door and saw Montana, you could just feel the attraction humming between them.
And then there’s Ronan 👀 Than’s brother who totally stole some of the spotlight for me. He has that “I’m never settling down” energy, but I can feel Abbi setting him up for a future story where he falls hard. I’ll be waiting 👏 And omg, I previously loved Linc in his own book but… wow. He was such a jerk in this one 😂 Still, it fit his bossy, controlling vibe, so I wasn’t too shocked.
The romance itself had me hooked but also a little frustrated 🙃 Miscommunication was KING in this book. Than and Montana clearly wanted each other (like… bad), but they just couldn’t get out of their own way sometimes. The spice was chef’s kiss 💋—especially that first morning scene when they wake up together 😍🔥 Ugh, Abbi always nails the spice! But honestly, I wanted more (I will always want more when it comes to Abbi’s steam).
As for the plot twists… WHOA. Finding out someone in the family was behind the stalking? 😱 That totally caught me off guard. But at the same time, the reasoning was so weird—like bro, you can’t send creepy threatening letters describing what you want to do to her and then try to play it off like “oh I just wanted her to fall in love with me.” 🚩🚩🚩 Nope, didn’t buy that excuse. It gave me the ick.
My only real complaint was the ending. 🥲 It felt too rushed. I wanted more time seeing Montana and Than actually happy together after everything they went through. We got the heat, the drama, the suspense, but I wanted more softness at the end—more couple moments that showed they were solid. It just wrapped up too quickly for me, which is why I landed at 3 stars instead of higher.
But overall… I still 100% recommend this book to Abbi fans 💕✨ She’s one of my go-to authors and always will be. Her writing is fast-paced, easy to fall into, and gives me exactly what I need when I’m craving a spicy, dramatic romance. Even if this wasn’t my favorite of hers, I’m so ready for the next book because I know she’ll deliver! 🙌
Montana was such a great main character 💕 She’s this shy “good girl” who has been through so much—no family, living alone, and then having to deal with creepy stalker notes being sent to her 😳 I really felt for her. It made me want to wrap her in a blanket and protect her at all costs. Then we have Than… and let me just say, his whole “idgaf” vibe was perfection 😏🔥 He’s strong, broody, and exactly the type of MMC that pulls me in. Their chemistry was instant, even though they tried to fight it. From the moment Than opened that door and saw Montana, you could just feel the attraction humming between them.
And then there’s Ronan 👀 Than’s brother who totally stole some of the spotlight for me. He has that “I’m never settling down” energy, but I can feel Abbi setting him up for a future story where he falls hard. I’ll be waiting 👏 And omg, I previously loved Linc in his own book but… wow. He was such a jerk in this one 😂 Still, it fit his bossy, controlling vibe, so I wasn’t too shocked.
The romance itself had me hooked but also a little frustrated 🙃 Miscommunication was KING in this book. Than and Montana clearly wanted each other (like… bad), but they just couldn’t get out of their own way sometimes. The spice was chef’s kiss 💋—especially that first morning scene when they wake up together 😍🔥 Ugh, Abbi always nails the spice! But honestly, I wanted more (I will always want more when it comes to Abbi’s steam).
As for the plot twists… WHOA. Finding out someone in the family was behind the stalking? 😱 That totally caught me off guard. But at the same time, the reasoning was so weird—like bro, you can’t send creepy threatening letters describing what you want to do to her and then try to play it off like “oh I just wanted her to fall in love with me.” 🚩🚩🚩 Nope, didn’t buy that excuse. It gave me the ick.
My only real complaint was the ending. 🥲 It felt too rushed. I wanted more time seeing Montana and Than actually happy together after everything they went through. We got the heat, the drama, the suspense, but I wanted more softness at the end—more couple moments that showed they were solid. It just wrapped up too quickly for me, which is why I landed at 3 stars instead of higher.
But overall… I still 100% recommend this book to Abbi fans 💕✨ She’s one of my go-to authors and always will be. Her writing is fast-paced, easy to fall into, and gives me exactly what I need when I’m craving a spicy, dramatic romance. Even if this wasn’t my favorite of hers, I’m so ready for the next book because I know she’ll deliver! 🙌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
Abbi Glines did it again, another great story to enjoy! I don’t know where she gets her ideas, but this one was so yummy. As usual, a virginal, gorgeous and sexy young woman is brought to the ever mentioned cottage in Linc’s ranch, located towards the back of the land. Than is assigned to act as bodyguard/chauffeur, very much against his wishes. He protests and whines, and it’s so cute, coming from a guy who just the night before had an orgy with three women and two other friends.
And of course, Montana is beautiful but is not aware of her power, she’s innocent and nice, just a scared young woman being victimized by a stalker. She needed help, approached her sperm donor sad excuse of a father, he refused, so she blackmailed him.
it’s laughable that Than is elected for the job because Linc finds him the smart one among the young guys in his charge. He’s instructed not to fall for her charms, and then he proceeds to fall like a sack of bricks. It’s entertaining and enchanting to read how at first it feels like guns fired, enemy at large, then the sizzles of attraction, the shouldn’t/wouldn’t/couldn’t dance of a forbidden relation. I loved how passionate Than is about his feelings and thoughts, how hard he fought to defend Montana against everyone.
The suspense aspect was very intriguing, it certainly kept me passing the pages, desperate to find out. Meanwhile, we are entertained with the yummy sexy times, the relentless falling of love for Than who was completely against relations, enjoying his life of carousing with females, in groups and sharing around. I loved Than from Bane and Halo’s story, Tore Up, because he was so loyal to his friend Crosby and defended Halo when everyone was against her. So even if he’s a player, I still like him and knew he would do the right thing always.
Another entertaining story, another page-turner. Now I’m left wondering, who’s next?
And of course, Montana is beautiful but is not aware of her power, she’s innocent and nice, just a scared young woman being victimized by a stalker. She needed help, approached her sperm donor sad excuse of a father, he refused, so she blackmailed him.
it’s laughable that Than is elected for the job because Linc finds him the smart one among the young guys in his charge. He’s instructed not to fall for her charms, and then he proceeds to fall like a sack of bricks. It’s entertaining and enchanting to read how at first it feels like guns fired, enemy at large, then the sizzles of attraction, the shouldn’t/wouldn’t/couldn’t dance of a forbidden relation. I loved how passionate Than is about his feelings and thoughts, how hard he fought to defend Montana against everyone.
The suspense aspect was very intriguing, it certainly kept me passing the pages, desperate to find out. Meanwhile, we are entertained with the yummy sexy times, the relentless falling of love for Than who was completely against relations, enjoying his life of carousing with females, in groups and sharing around. I loved Than from Bane and Halo’s story, Tore Up, because he was so loyal to his friend Crosby and defended Halo when everyone was against her. So even if he’s a player, I still like him and knew he would do the right thing always.
Another entertaining story, another page-turner. Now I’m left wondering, who’s next?
September 17, 2025
Momma hadn’t been gone from the world for twenty-four hours before the first letter showed up. Blue paper, folded into an origami heart, left where the writer knew I’d find it. Dealing with my grief, I was able to put it out of my mind until the next one came, then the next. Each one more disturbing than the last. Until I woke up to find one beside me.
He’d watched me sleep.
Only desperation could drive me to ask the man who had fertilized my momma’s egg for help. I preferred to forget him and his existence, just like he had us… me. But with Momma gone, I had no one, and I needed a safe place to escape—out of this town and away from the stranger who was stalking me.
To say I was shocked that he turned me down would be a lie. I’d expected as much. He’d left me with no choice but to threaten to expose his sins to the God-fearing people of Mississippi who placed him in office. The nineteen-year-old daughter of a stripper he’d knocked up and deserted would know a lot about his transgressions.
However, the two men he sent to get me weren’t what I’d been expecting, but I didn’t really have much of a choice. It was trust the devil I knew or stay and live in fear of the one I didn’t.
Than
Waking up hung over and naked on the sofa of a friend’s house wasn’t out of character for me. Being woken up and told I was being ordered to babysit the Governor’s accidental offspring was another. It wasn’t fair that I’d been handed this task. Why me? I didn’t want to watch some stripper’s daughter who had decided to blackmail the governor. Why didn’t we have the philandering bastard hand over hush money, and then we could put enough fear in her that she kept her mouth shut?
When I didn’t believe it could get any worse, the stripper’s daughter opened the cheap ass motel room door she had been staying in and knocked the wind out of my chest.
He’d watched me sleep.
Only desperation could drive me to ask the man who had fertilized my momma’s egg for help. I preferred to forget him and his existence, just like he had us… me. But with Momma gone, I had no one, and I needed a safe place to escape—out of this town and away from the stranger who was stalking me.
To say I was shocked that he turned me down would be a lie. I’d expected as much. He’d left me with no choice but to threaten to expose his sins to the God-fearing people of Mississippi who placed him in office. The nineteen-year-old daughter of a stripper he’d knocked up and deserted would know a lot about his transgressions.
However, the two men he sent to get me weren’t what I’d been expecting, but I didn’t really have much of a choice. It was trust the devil I knew or stay and live in fear of the one I didn’t.
Than
Waking up hung over and naked on the sofa of a friend’s house wasn’t out of character for me. Being woken up and told I was being ordered to babysit the Governor’s accidental offspring was another. It wasn’t fair that I’d been handed this task. Why me? I didn’t want to watch some stripper’s daughter who had decided to blackmail the governor. Why didn’t we have the philandering bastard hand over hush money, and then we could put enough fear in her that she kept her mouth shut?
When I didn’t believe it could get any worse, the stripper’s daughter opened the cheap ass motel room door she had been staying in and knocked the wind out of my chest.
April 30, 2025
A Hell of a Ride!
Wow! I always think that this series can’t get any better, but Abbi Glines is here to prove me wrong. Every time. I can’t begin to describe how much I loved Montana and Than. Montana comes to Mississippi when her mother dies. Her father, who has basically abandoned them both, is the Governor there. She “blackmails” him, threatening to expose who she is in order for him to provide her a place to live and finish with high school. In reality, she just tries to get away from a stalker. She was just forced to choose the lesser of two evils. Linc appoints Than as her babysitter, as the Governor is of use to them for the time being. Than starts as an aggressive, not-so-pleasant to be around “babysitter”, as he hates taking over this task, but he soon finds out Montana is not who any of them think she is. I loved how down-to-earth Montana is and it was a blast following Than to his inevitable fall. He is there from day one, it just takes time for him to admit it. There were times I wanted to knock some sense into him, but I can’t deny how amazing he gets to be by the end. His protectiveness is heartwarming. Montana is exactly what he needs. So, what happens when Linc and the others discover the real reason she came to Mississippi? Will they protect her from the stalker or hand her over as a way to eliminate the threat they think she posses? And can Than really interfere, as he is definitely not the one who calls the shots in the Family? I was turning the pages like a maniac to find out! A 5-star read in my opinion I couldn’t put down – and one I think I’ll come back to time and time again!
Wow! I always think that this series can’t get any better, but Abbi Glines is here to prove me wrong. Every time. I can’t begin to describe how much I loved Montana and Than. Montana comes to Mississippi when her mother dies. Her father, who has basically abandoned them both, is the Governor there. She “blackmails” him, threatening to expose who she is in order for him to provide her a place to live and finish with high school. In reality, she just tries to get away from a stalker. She was just forced to choose the lesser of two evils. Linc appoints Than as her babysitter, as the Governor is of use to them for the time being. Than starts as an aggressive, not-so-pleasant to be around “babysitter”, as he hates taking over this task, but he soon finds out Montana is not who any of them think she is. I loved how down-to-earth Montana is and it was a blast following Than to his inevitable fall. He is there from day one, it just takes time for him to admit it. There were times I wanted to knock some sense into him, but I can’t deny how amazing he gets to be by the end. His protectiveness is heartwarming. Montana is exactly what he needs. So, what happens when Linc and the others discover the real reason she came to Mississippi? Will they protect her from the stalker or hand her over as a way to eliminate the threat they think she posses? And can Than really interfere, as he is definitely not the one who calls the shots in the Family? I was turning the pages like a maniac to find out! A 5-star read in my opinion I couldn’t put down – and one I think I’ll come back to time and time again!
May 7, 2025
Another work from the pen of my favorite author, Abbi Glines.
Montana's mom died of lung cancer. Since she had to sell all of her possessions due to hospital debts, she slept on her mom's friend's couch until she woke up to find a letter from a stalker next to her, so she decided she had to get out of town. She called the only person she had left in the whole world. She called her father, who never wanted anything to do with her. Knowing that only out of the goodness of her heart could she help, she had no choice but to blackmail her sperm donor. She told him that if he didn't help her stay somewhere until graduation, she would tell the press that she was his secret daughter (her father was a governor). He told her to stay at the motel and that he would come get her. However, two strange men appeared in the hotel room. It was none other than Linc and Than. Linc told her that they were friends of her father and that they would take her to safety. Linc would take her to a cabin on his property so that he could not reveal that she was the governor's daughter. Than becomes her bodyguard. The two initially act like they hate each other, but is that really the case?
I enjoyed the whole book immensely. At times I was belly laughing. There was a twist in the book that I really wasn't expecting. I had no idea who the mysterious stalker actually was until the last few moments.
I'm looking forward to the next books in this series.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Montana's mom died of lung cancer. Since she had to sell all of her possessions due to hospital debts, she slept on her mom's friend's couch until she woke up to find a letter from a stalker next to her, so she decided she had to get out of town. She called the only person she had left in the whole world. She called her father, who never wanted anything to do with her. Knowing that only out of the goodness of her heart could she help, she had no choice but to blackmail her sperm donor. She told him that if he didn't help her stay somewhere until graduation, she would tell the press that she was his secret daughter (her father was a governor). He told her to stay at the motel and that he would come get her. However, two strange men appeared in the hotel room. It was none other than Linc and Than. Linc told her that they were friends of her father and that they would take her to safety. Linc would take her to a cabin on his property so that he could not reveal that she was the governor's daughter. Than becomes her bodyguard. The two initially act like they hate each other, but is that really the case?
I enjoyed the whole book immensely. At times I was belly laughing. There was a twist in the book that I really wasn't expecting. I had no idea who the mysterious stalker actually was until the last few moments.
I'm looking forward to the next books in this series.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
May 21, 2025
Book five in this mafia romance series brings the heat, the heartbreak, and the kind of tension that keeps you flipping pages. After Montana loses her mom to cancer, things go downhill fast she’s grieving, homeless, and being stalked. With no one left to turn to, she calls the last person she ever thought she’d need: her father, the Governor. When he refuses to help, she threatens to expose him and instead of doing the right thing, he sends in two mafia men to “deal with it.” One of them is Than.
Than doesn’t want anything to do with her. Babysitting the daughter of a stripper who blackmailed the Governor? Not his idea of a good time. But the second Montana opens that motel room door, everything shifts. She’s not what he expected she’s tougher, smarter, and more vulnerable than he was ready for. Forced to stay in a small cabin together, the slow burn between them turns into full-on edging. The kind where you’re dying for them to just kiss already. And when they finally give in? Yeah… totally worth it. I’m not gonna lie there were times I wanted to punch Than. Like, sir, get it together. But he fell so hard for Montana, and that made it all better.
I’ve been waiting for Than’s story since book one, and it did not let me down. He was frustrating and broody, but watching him fall for Montana was everything. And Montana? She’s strong, resilient, and real. Her mom may have been a stripper, but she raised Montana to be better to do the opposite, to chase a different life. This book had me rooting for them both from the start, and by the end, I was all in.
Than doesn’t want anything to do with her. Babysitting the daughter of a stripper who blackmailed the Governor? Not his idea of a good time. But the second Montana opens that motel room door, everything shifts. She’s not what he expected she’s tougher, smarter, and more vulnerable than he was ready for. Forced to stay in a small cabin together, the slow burn between them turns into full-on edging. The kind where you’re dying for them to just kiss already. And when they finally give in? Yeah… totally worth it. I’m not gonna lie there were times I wanted to punch Than. Like, sir, get it together. But he fell so hard for Montana, and that made it all better.
I’ve been waiting for Than’s story since book one, and it did not let me down. He was frustrating and broody, but watching him fall for Montana was everything. And Montana? She’s strong, resilient, and real. Her mom may have been a stripper, but she raised Montana to be better to do the opposite, to chase a different life. This book had me rooting for them both from the start, and by the end, I was all in.
April 30, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the fifth book in the Mississippi Smoke Series. It is the story of Than and Montana. I was so excited to have Than's book in my hands. You are going to absolutely devour this one. If you haven't started this series, then you are missing out on some amazing book. Montana is a girl who is desperate since she lost her mom. The only parent she has ever known. But she has a father and that father is the governor. She needs financial help to make to it graduation and threatens to put her paternity out there for the world to see. The governor is not about to let that happen. Than works for Linc and well as his family distillery. You know what these guys do if you have been reading this sires. They are after all the Mississippi Branch of the Southern Mafia. But now that the governor who usually looks the other way when it comes to some of the things these guys do is being threatened, Linc is the one assigned to watch her. However, as you read this book you are going to witness him falling for her along with discovering more of Montana's backstory. This book is filled with twists and turns that will have you one the edge of your seat. I have to say that the end of this book just might leave you with your book hanging open. I loved every second. You do not want to miss this book.
This is the fifth book in the Mississippi Smoke Series. It is the story of Than and Montana. I was so excited to have Than's book in my hands. You are going to absolutely devour this one. If you haven't started this series, then you are missing out on some amazing book. Montana is a girl who is desperate since she lost her mom. The only parent she has ever known. But she has a father and that father is the governor. She needs financial help to make to it graduation and threatens to put her paternity out there for the world to see. The governor is not about to let that happen. Than works for Linc and well as his family distillery. You know what these guys do if you have been reading this sires. They are after all the Mississippi Branch of the Southern Mafia. But now that the governor who usually looks the other way when it comes to some of the things these guys do is being threatened, Linc is the one assigned to watch her. However, as you read this book you are going to witness him falling for her along with discovering more of Montana's backstory. This book is filled with twists and turns that will have you one the edge of your seat. I have to say that the end of this book just might leave you with your book hanging open. I loved every second. You do not want to miss this book.
May 2, 2025
Than and his mouth. I will keep saying it these Mississippi men just keep hitting different. Than and Montana were everything I wanted.
Tropes:
Virgin FMC
Southern Mafia
Morally Grey MC
Touch her and ☠️
Stalker
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Montana mom passed away due to cancer. Montana is staying with family friends until she wakes to strange letter and decides she needs to get out of town. Montana calls the person she has left in the world. She calls her dad who has never wanting nothing to do with her. When she calls him he tells her to stay at the motel and he will come to her. When two men show up at her hotel room. It is no other than Linc and Than. Linc tells her that are friends of her father’s and they are taking her somewhere safe. Linc takes her to cabin on his property to keep her safe but kept her from giving away secrets on her father. Than is tasked with being her body guard. They both act like they hate each other but do they really?
The ride that Abbi takes use on it crazy. There is huge twist that will have your head spinning and just saying what just happened. I promise you will not regret running grabbing this book.
*** I want to thank Abbi Glines and Wordsmith publicity for giving me the chance to read Hell or High Water as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.****
Tropes:
Virgin FMC
Southern Mafia
Morally Grey MC
Touch her and ☠️
Stalker
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Montana mom passed away due to cancer. Montana is staying with family friends until she wakes to strange letter and decides she needs to get out of town. Montana calls the person she has left in the world. She calls her dad who has never wanting nothing to do with her. When she calls him he tells her to stay at the motel and he will come to her. When two men show up at her hotel room. It is no other than Linc and Than. Linc tells her that are friends of her father’s and they are taking her somewhere safe. Linc takes her to cabin on his property to keep her safe but kept her from giving away secrets on her father. Than is tasked with being her body guard. They both act like they hate each other but do they really?
The ride that Abbi takes use on it crazy. There is huge twist that will have your head spinning and just saying what just happened. I promise you will not regret running grabbing this book.
*** I want to thank Abbi Glines and Wordsmith publicity for giving me the chance to read Hell or High Water as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.****
May 3, 2025
Well this should come with a very big warning for all women who have extreme hot flushes (like I do) because Than will ensure you literally combust (and throw out those slippery when wet signs). Book 5 in Mississippi Smoke Series with Than and Montana is delicious, and I ate up Every.Single.Word.
Montana is 19, and her Momma has died, leaving Montana as she tries to deal with the grief, blue origami heart notes start appearing. But when one appears right beside the couch she is sleeping on, Montana does not feel safe, so does the one thing she never wanted to do....reach out to the Sperm Donor who impregnated and abandoned her Mum and essentially blackmail him. All Montana wants is to finish high school, get her diploma and move forward with her life plans.
Cue Than, as Than has been tasked to babysit the Governors Daughter (said Sperm Donor)because he is the least likely to have his wicked way with her. But, when he sees Montana, he knows he needs to make her hate him.....But, with that forced proximity and the others sniffing around, well it is not long before lines become blurred. There is some truly beautiful spicy moments that are some of the best I have read, especially between a Virgin FMC and a Playboy like Than, and this is when the temperature rises and those signs take on a whole new meaning. Is one of my favourites.
Montana is 19, and her Momma has died, leaving Montana as she tries to deal with the grief, blue origami heart notes start appearing. But when one appears right beside the couch she is sleeping on, Montana does not feel safe, so does the one thing she never wanted to do....reach out to the Sperm Donor who impregnated and abandoned her Mum and essentially blackmail him. All Montana wants is to finish high school, get her diploma and move forward with her life plans.
Cue Than, as Than has been tasked to babysit the Governors Daughter (said Sperm Donor)because he is the least likely to have his wicked way with her. But, when he sees Montana, he knows he needs to make her hate him.....But, with that forced proximity and the others sniffing around, well it is not long before lines become blurred. There is some truly beautiful spicy moments that are some of the best I have read, especially between a Virgin FMC and a Playboy like Than, and this is when the temperature rises and those signs take on a whole new meaning. Is one of my favourites.
May 3, 2025
I haven't read any of the previous books but I do love Abbi and her books so I'll definitely be reading the other guys and their stories!
This is the 5th book in this Mississippi Smoke Series following the Mississippi Mafia. Than and Montana what can I say!!! I really did like these two!!!
Than works for Linc as well working for his family at their distillery. Linc tasks him to guard Montana because she is threatening the governor and his ability to get away with less than savory activities!!! Montana really does go through it at the beginning of this by losing her mother so when Montana wants to find her father.....yes you guessed it....it's said governor!! Montana wants to help get herself together financially as the hospital bills for her mother ate through her money. So she hunts down the governor and demands money to help her graduate!!! What happens when her intentions turn out to be a lot more?
Than....urgh what a man!!! while he tries to fight his feelings for Montana the fight just becomes too much for him and boy does he fall and fall hard!!! There are twists and turns a plenty that keep you on the edge of your seat right at the very end and boy did my head spin a whole 360 lol. The ending left me gooped, gagged and shook!!! I'm looking forward to more from this series and I'll definitely be going back and reading the others!!!
This is the 5th book in this Mississippi Smoke Series following the Mississippi Mafia. Than and Montana what can I say!!! I really did like these two!!!
Than works for Linc as well working for his family at their distillery. Linc tasks him to guard Montana because she is threatening the governor and his ability to get away with less than savory activities!!! Montana really does go through it at the beginning of this by losing her mother so when Montana wants to find her father.....yes you guessed it....it's said governor!! Montana wants to help get herself together financially as the hospital bills for her mother ate through her money. So she hunts down the governor and demands money to help her graduate!!! What happens when her intentions turn out to be a lot more?
Than....urgh what a man!!! while he tries to fight his feelings for Montana the fight just becomes too much for him and boy does he fall and fall hard!!! There are twists and turns a plenty that keep you on the edge of your seat right at the very end and boy did my head spin a whole 360 lol. The ending left me gooped, gagged and shook!!! I'm looking forward to more from this series and I'll definitely be going back and reading the others!!!
May 2, 2025
Hell or High Water is the fifth book in the Mississippi Smoke series and features Than. And oh, my! The Smoke series is so addicting! These southern boys will make you smile and melt your panties off! And sometimes you want to just punch them!
Than is your typical "man-ho" having no serious relationship and a wake of broken hearts everywhere. I loved Montana. She was young and innocent but had many life experiences as the daughter of a stripper. And there are little nuggets here and there about other characters... Than was a self-proclaimed bachelor with no desire to have a serious relationship. I loved the mysterious twist that was thrown in. I must say I thought I knew the answer and was happy that I was wrong! I can't wait to see how the introduction to a new family member will flesh out!!
And can we talk about the last few sentences of the book!!!! Gah!!!! Abbi Glines is pumping out the Southern Mafia books with no end in sight! I am loving it! I can't wait to see who is next!!!!
4.5 stars
#AuthorAbbiGlines #Outlaw #HellOrHighWater #Oh,HellNo #HotterN'Hell #ToreUp #ThanAndMontana #SmokeSeries #GeorgiaSmoke#JudgementSeries #Romance #Mafia #SlowBurn #HotAndSteamy #SouthernMafia #spicy
Than is your typical "man-ho" having no serious relationship and a wake of broken hearts everywhere. I loved Montana. She was young and innocent but had many life experiences as the daughter of a stripper. And there are little nuggets here and there about other characters... Than was a self-proclaimed bachelor with no desire to have a serious relationship. I loved the mysterious twist that was thrown in. I must say I thought I knew the answer and was happy that I was wrong! I can't wait to see how the introduction to a new family member will flesh out!!
And can we talk about the last few sentences of the book!!!! Gah!!!! Abbi Glines is pumping out the Southern Mafia books with no end in sight! I am loving it! I can't wait to see who is next!!!!
4.5 stars
#AuthorAbbiGlines #Outlaw #HellOrHighWater #Oh,HellNo #HotterN'Hell #ToreUp #ThanAndMontana #SmokeSeries #GeorgiaSmoke#JudgementSeries #Romance #Mafia #SlowBurn #HotAndSteamy #SouthernMafia #spicy
May 1, 2025
Montana had no other option than to ask her father who never wanted her for help. There was no way she was telling him about her stalker though, she just wanted somewhere to stay and finish school so she could go to college, she only needed help for two months.
Than couldn’t believe he was babysitting a blackmailing princess. One look and Than knew that he was in trouble he couldn’t go against Linc’s orders but the more time he spent with her the more he thought something wasn’t right. There was nothing incriminating on her phone or anywhere.
Montana couldn’t believe they made men like that but she didn’t want to think about it, she knew what they all thought about her with her mother being a stripper. Everything was going well until she got another message. A message that sent everyone into alert, Linc moved his family, more guards. Montana started to wonder just who exactly was babysitting her.
Linc couldn’t stop he knew there was more to Montana’s story and when someone breached their security he was right, all he knew was he had to protect her, but he was told she was something he couldn’t have.
Than couldn’t believe he was babysitting a blackmailing princess. One look and Than knew that he was in trouble he couldn’t go against Linc’s orders but the more time he spent with her the more he thought something wasn’t right. There was nothing incriminating on her phone or anywhere.
Montana couldn’t believe they made men like that but she didn’t want to think about it, she knew what they all thought about her with her mother being a stripper. Everything was going well until she got another message. A message that sent everyone into alert, Linc moved his family, more guards. Montana started to wonder just who exactly was babysitting her.
Linc couldn’t stop he knew there was more to Montana’s story and when someone breached their security he was right, all he knew was he had to protect her, but he was told she was something he couldn’t have.
May 2, 2025
I loved Than and Montana's story. Montana is raised by her mom, who dies too early, leaving Montana all alone in the world. She then finds someone stalking her and leaving her notes next to her. She is scared for herself and her friends with whom she's staying. She does the only thing she can and contacts her sperm donor father, Baskin, who hasn't been in her life. She needs to move but also finish her final year of high school. He sends Linc and Than to collect and protect her. Than takes a dislike to having to look after Baskin's offspring. She is taken to stay in a cabin on Linc's property, loving it and it's a place all to herself. She is rudely disrupted from that thought when she finds that Than, who hates her for some reason, will keep company inside, even if she has a sofa for him to sleep on. Abbi keeps you turning the pages with all the backward and forward banter and love/hate relationship between the two. Plus a twist that you don't see coming.
I received an arc in exchange for my voluntary, honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a steamy mafia love/hate romance, you will love this book.
I received an arc in exchange for my voluntary, honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a steamy mafia love/hate romance, you will love this book.
May 5, 2025
I fell in love with another Mississippi man here. Montana is like nothing I could have expected. She’s strong and has her mind made up, and given the choice she never would have turned to her father for help. Now that she has, she needs to make it as quick and painless as possible. This is another favor for the governor, and Linc is determined to have Than stay with her. He needs someone who’s smart and who has a good head on his shoulders. The lure of the beautiful young Montana may be too much for even Than though. First he goes overboard being harsh to push her away, but if he isn’t mean to her, he just may give in to their desires… Montana isn’t even aware of the power she holds over him. If Than is going to protect her and keep her safe, he needs to keep his head. The intrigue of the stalker story was great. I was dying to watch that play out. Having previous main characters pop onto the page always makes me smile as well. This was a very satisfying story that left me happy and eager to know who the next southern man to fall will be… I am going to stay on board for all of these alpha, possessive men who go 100% in when they fall for their women.
May 9, 2025
4.25 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I received and ARC and this is my honest review. Thank you to Abbi and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to read and review.
I loved Than and Montana's story! Montana has been through a lot and ends up with the Mississippi family while trying to protect herself after her mother's death. While Than doesn't like her at first and thinks she doesn't have the best intentions being there, he quickly comes to realize she isn't the person he originally thought she was, but is actually a kind and intelligent person who is doing her best with the hand she was dealt. He tries to stay away from her, but their friendship soon turns into more. Even though Than may have been in a bit of denial, he fell hard for Montana and I love how protective he was of her. He was willing to risk a lot to protect her and wanted what was best for her and her safety.
I was really surprised by who was leaving the notes for Montana and was not expecting it at all! I won't say any more to avoid spoilers, but I like that it wasn't predictable!
I'm looking forward to more books in the Mississippi smoke series! I can't wait to get Ransom and Gathe's books!
I received and ARC and this is my honest review. Thank you to Abbi and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to read and review.
I loved Than and Montana's story! Montana has been through a lot and ends up with the Mississippi family while trying to protect herself after her mother's death. While Than doesn't like her at first and thinks she doesn't have the best intentions being there, he quickly comes to realize she isn't the person he originally thought she was, but is actually a kind and intelligent person who is doing her best with the hand she was dealt. He tries to stay away from her, but their friendship soon turns into more. Even though Than may have been in a bit of denial, he fell hard for Montana and I love how protective he was of her. He was willing to risk a lot to protect her and wanted what was best for her and her safety.
I was really surprised by who was leaving the notes for Montana and was not expecting it at all! I won't say any more to avoid spoilers, but I like that it wasn't predictable!
I'm looking forward to more books in the Mississippi smoke series! I can't wait to get Ransom and Gathe's books!
May 9, 2025
OMG Abbi!! Ok listen, this series has evoked so many emotions from me. But I think this is the first time dropped the phone and said “OH CRAP, WHAT??!!” I did not see that little plot twist coming! And now I’m intrigued and hoping it’s just the beginning of yet another amazing chapter of this world.
Than and Montana were all the things and more. The chemistry, their back story, the undeniable want we come to expect from an Abbi Glines story.
I’ve had a soft spot for Than since the first book in the Mississippi series. Watching him fall hard was so satisfying. They all think they can walk away until a switch clicks and boom! They are obsessed and hooked before they know what hit them.
Montana for her part was one of my favorite FMC. She doesn’t realize the effect she has on people. She’s too busy surviving. I love her fake it till she makes it attitude. I strive for that level of perceived confidence. Girl out her making things happen without realizing that she is changing people’s lives with a simple smile and hello.
All and all a perfect story and hopefully an intriguing start to another branch of the family. 😉
Than and Montana were all the things and more. The chemistry, their back story, the undeniable want we come to expect from an Abbi Glines story.
I’ve had a soft spot for Than since the first book in the Mississippi series. Watching him fall hard was so satisfying. They all think they can walk away until a switch clicks and boom! They are obsessed and hooked before they know what hit them.
Montana for her part was one of my favorite FMC. She doesn’t realize the effect she has on people. She’s too busy surviving. I love her fake it till she makes it attitude. I strive for that level of perceived confidence. Girl out her making things happen without realizing that she is changing people’s lives with a simple smile and hello.
All and all a perfect story and hopefully an intriguing start to another branch of the family. 😉
April 30, 2025
The fifth instalment in Abbi Glines’ Mississippi Smoke series Hell or High Water is the explosive, diving deep into the steamy and suspenseful Southern mafia world with Than and Montana’s story.
Montana is misunderstood because of who her mother and father are, but she is forced to reach out for help and this is where the family step in, initially to protect her father and the asset he is to the family.
Than’s character absolutely delivered. Watching him get humbled by the fierce young woman he's assigned to protect was brilliant. Their chemistry was electric, the romance raw and gritty, and the stalker-fueled suspense kept me hooked from start to finish (I read in one session as I could not put it down!)
Even amid the dark, dangerous setting, the story masterfully weaves in moments of levity, I loved the scene with Bane and Halo’s baby and the condoms! The banter with the guys is fabulous. These mafia men are addictive on the page.
I received an ARC for free and this is my honest opinion.
Montana is misunderstood because of who her mother and father are, but she is forced to reach out for help and this is where the family step in, initially to protect her father and the asset he is to the family.
Than’s character absolutely delivered. Watching him get humbled by the fierce young woman he's assigned to protect was brilliant. Their chemistry was electric, the romance raw and gritty, and the stalker-fueled suspense kept me hooked from start to finish (I read in one session as I could not put it down!)
Even amid the dark, dangerous setting, the story masterfully weaves in moments of levity, I loved the scene with Bane and Halo’s baby and the condoms! The banter with the guys is fabulous. These mafia men are addictive on the page.
I received an ARC for free and this is my honest opinion.
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