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Smoke Show: A Forbidden Age Gap Romance
One chance encounter.
An impulsive road trip.
The love of a lifetime.
When Jackson, a lonely ex-con turned trucker, steals Smokey, a young, battered woman, from the side of the road, he is certain that it's for all the right reasons.
But he isn't prepared to be so captivated by her brokenness, or devastated by the secret she's keeping.
This book is a contemporary, character driven romance told in dual first person point of view.
It contains dark & taboo themes not suitable for everyone. Reader discretion is advised.
An impulsive road trip.
The love of a lifetime.
When Jackson, a lonely ex-con turned trucker, steals Smokey, a young, battered woman, from the side of the road, he is certain that it's for all the right reasons.
But he isn't prepared to be so captivated by her brokenness, or devastated by the secret she's keeping.
This book is a contemporary, character driven romance told in dual first person point of view.
It contains dark & taboo themes not suitable for everyone. Reader discretion is advised.
266 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2025
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 13, 2025
This was a quick, sweet, trauma filled read. Check the trigger warnings, there's some dark stuff in here. I really liked the MMC, Jackson. He has such golden retriever vibes, but is also a bit dark and has a dirty mouth. Smokey has a lot of trauma to deal with and it was nice to watch her journey through the book. The dual POV was great. I did find the pacing to be a bit clumsy in spots, but it didn't detract from the story. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
Thank you to the author for providing an e-arc of this book.
Thank you to the author for providing an e-arc of this book.
October 10, 2025
The backstory of the main characters in this book is sad and full of trauma. And the way their stories end up connecting and repairing each other is beautifully woven.
There were certain aspects that didn't appeal to me, such as the menstrual focus and the way Jackson was explaining it to her was weird. But to also reference a different part of the book, I don't need to yuck someone else's yum. So while that's not for me that just personal preference. I actually thought this book would be spicier! I feel neutral about it, as the amount was actually reflected well for the story and made sense.
The timing within the book could have flowed a little better. We go from three days which hold the core of the entire story to skipping two years and then six months and I feel like their three days should have been longer for it to have had the impact that it did.
Jackson was a beautiful MMC. His strength, beauty, and resilience was nicely balanced by his cinnamon roll kindness and care. His realism was brought even further with his struggles in his reactions and emotions. Showing faults without immediate apology.
Smokeys history was the most complex thing about her. Most of the depth of her character I actually gained from Jackson's POV on guaging her actions. I feel like her thoughts and choices could have gone deeper and really wrenched out our hearts to root for her more. All in all I enjoyed the book and enjoy a HEA, especially in trauma based stories.
Thank you to the author for the arc read
There were certain aspects that didn't appeal to me, such as the menstrual focus and the way Jackson was explaining it to her was weird. But to also reference a different part of the book, I don't need to yuck someone else's yum. So while that's not for me that just personal preference. I actually thought this book would be spicier! I feel neutral about it, as the amount was actually reflected well for the story and made sense.
The timing within the book could have flowed a little better. We go from three days which hold the core of the entire story to skipping two years and then six months and I feel like their three days should have been longer for it to have had the impact that it did.
Jackson was a beautiful MMC. His strength, beauty, and resilience was nicely balanced by his cinnamon roll kindness and care. His realism was brought even further with his struggles in his reactions and emotions. Showing faults without immediate apology.
Smokeys history was the most complex thing about her. Most of the depth of her character I actually gained from Jackson's POV on guaging her actions. I feel like her thoughts and choices could have gone deeper and really wrenched out our hearts to root for her more. All in all I enjoyed the book and enjoy a HEA, especially in trauma based stories.
Thank you to the author for the arc read
October 9, 2025
“I’ll never be sorry I saved you, Little Smoke Show. I’m only sorry you had to suffer so long before I did.”
Ugh. My eyes won't stop leaking. The first part of this book is tragic, sad, heartbreaking, gut wrenching, soul wrecking. The list goes on. My heart shattered into a million pieces reading this. I wanted to hug Smokey and Jackson and just embrace them in the biggest hug ever.
"My life may be shit, but it’s still the only one I’ve ever known."
The second part of the book mended my shattered heart piece by piece and then I finally cried happy tears.
"Her jagged, broken pieces line up so well against mine."
this was so real, and raw. Two completely shattered people and their journey through trauma and healing. I loved this book! I couldn't put it down. The author does a fantastic job with descriptions. I felt like I was there like a fly on the wall just watching the entire thing unfold in real life. This probably isn't for everyone... There is a list of TW at the beginning and tropes that you should go over to see if it's for you. If you decide it is I'd prob grab a couple tissues because you're going to need them.
Thank you so much A.D. Ryland for my copy of your fantastic book. It wrecked me and I don't think I'll ever forget Smokey and Jackson's story
Ugh. My eyes won't stop leaking. The first part of this book is tragic, sad, heartbreaking, gut wrenching, soul wrecking. The list goes on. My heart shattered into a million pieces reading this. I wanted to hug Smokey and Jackson and just embrace them in the biggest hug ever.
"My life may be shit, but it’s still the only one I’ve ever known."
The second part of the book mended my shattered heart piece by piece and then I finally cried happy tears.
"Her jagged, broken pieces line up so well against mine."
this was so real, and raw. Two completely shattered people and their journey through trauma and healing. I loved this book! I couldn't put it down. The author does a fantastic job with descriptions. I felt like I was there like a fly on the wall just watching the entire thing unfold in real life. This probably isn't for everyone... There is a list of TW at the beginning and tropes that you should go over to see if it's for you. If you decide it is I'd prob grab a couple tissues because you're going to need them.
Thank you so much A.D. Ryland for my copy of your fantastic book. It wrecked me and I don't think I'll ever forget Smokey and Jackson's story
September 17, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
Ughh Smokey and Jackson ❤️ I absolutely adored these two from the start! Smokey is 17 and has only known abuse from someone who should care for her. Jackson is troubled ex con who’s 15 years older who has had his own traumas and has struggled to deal with them for years. One day he sees Smokey, recognises her suffering and decides to save her….by kidnapping her…his heart is in the right place even if his method isn’t legal 🫣
Both characters have suffered a LOT but they save each other and despite their age gap, the chemistry between the two of them was soo good. Their story is sweet and I love how protective and patient Jackson is.
Although I’m so glad Smokey found herself before they got their HEA.
This was the first book I’ve read by A D Ryland and I thought it was well written and I loved the way it flowed and how I got lost in the story so easily! I just couldn’t wait to get home to read some more. I look forward to reading her next release.
Please check the triggers before reading.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Ughh Smokey and Jackson ❤️ I absolutely adored these two from the start! Smokey is 17 and has only known abuse from someone who should care for her. Jackson is troubled ex con who’s 15 years older who has had his own traumas and has struggled to deal with them for years. One day he sees Smokey, recognises her suffering and decides to save her….by kidnapping her…his heart is in the right place even if his method isn’t legal 🫣
Both characters have suffered a LOT but they save each other and despite their age gap, the chemistry between the two of them was soo good. Their story is sweet and I love how protective and patient Jackson is.
Although I’m so glad Smokey found herself before they got their HEA.
This was the first book I’ve read by A D Ryland and I thought it was well written and I loved the way it flowed and how I got lost in the story so easily! I just couldn’t wait to get home to read some more. I look forward to reading her next release.
Please check the triggers before reading.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
September 12, 2025
Please check your triggers before you decide to read this.
A surprising (i even surprised myself) and this is dark for me lol
5 ⭐️
Shes a abused neglected female, he's an ex con ex abused soft teddy bear.
He kidnaps her to protect her. But is it the right thing to do?
It is a VERY detailed graphic novel. So as I said do read your triggers
🌷 cinnamon roll ex-con MMC
🌷 young, insecure, abused FMC
🌷 kidnapping
🌷 strangers to lovers
🌷 MAJOR FORBIDDEN love (15 year age gap)
🌷 road trip
🌷 forced Proximity
🌷 one bed/one shower
🌷 possessiveness "who did this to you"
🌷 trauma bonding
🌷 blood play
🌷 deaths of Family members
🌷 abused referenced (including SA) (not between MCs)
🌷 ref to drug use (not between MCs)
🌷 sucide/ attempted sucide
🌷 mentions of incest
🌷 light stalking
🌷 tattoos
🌷 explicit language & graphic sexual content
A surprising (i even surprised myself) and this is dark for me lol
5 ⭐️
Shes a abused neglected female, he's an ex con ex abused soft teddy bear.
He kidnaps her to protect her. But is it the right thing to do?
It is a VERY detailed graphic novel. So as I said do read your triggers
🌷 cinnamon roll ex-con MMC
🌷 young, insecure, abused FMC
🌷 kidnapping
🌷 strangers to lovers
🌷 MAJOR FORBIDDEN love (15 year age gap)
🌷 road trip
🌷 forced Proximity
🌷 one bed/one shower
🌷 possessiveness "who did this to you"
🌷 trauma bonding
🌷 blood play
🌷 deaths of Family members
🌷 abused referenced (including SA) (not between MCs)
🌷 ref to drug use (not between MCs)
🌷 sucide/ attempted sucide
🌷 mentions of incest
🌷 light stalking
🌷 tattoos
🌷 explicit language & graphic sexual content
September 15, 2025
Okay, I got this as an ARC.
I got this and it surprised me a bit how much I throughly enjoyed this book.
Smokey is a 17 year old who has nothing going for her, she’s abused, and treated like crap by her family and she doesn’t know it yet, but she finds a savior. In Jackson, the loner trucker ex con who has nothing but his truck and the road. Who comes out as a savior and trouble at the same time for Smokey.
These two are HOTT! This book, was a good one, I loved the storyline, the way A.D Ryland writes is gold! The chemistry, they have the trials they’re put through led them both to the road they’re supposed to be on. It’s so good! It’s a must read!
***This is a DARK AGE GAPPED BOOK***
Make sure trigger warnings are read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I got this and it surprised me a bit how much I throughly enjoyed this book.
Smokey is a 17 year old who has nothing going for her, she’s abused, and treated like crap by her family and she doesn’t know it yet, but she finds a savior. In Jackson, the loner trucker ex con who has nothing but his truck and the road. Who comes out as a savior and trouble at the same time for Smokey.
These two are HOTT! This book, was a good one, I loved the storyline, the way A.D Ryland writes is gold! The chemistry, they have the trials they’re put through led them both to the road they’re supposed to be on. It’s so good! It’s a must read!
***This is a DARK AGE GAPPED BOOK***
Make sure trigger warnings are read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 9, 2025
Overall, it's a good book, but there were a few kinks that were too much for me. I have very few triggers, but the tampon scene... Yeah, little too much ick for me.
I also thought that for all the trauma that Smokey went through that 3 days before falling into bed was way too fast. Yes, I understand that she was finally in control, but her overcoming that for of trauma so fast... seems unbelievable .
I enjoyed that Jackson did not push Smokey to do anything she did not want to do. And he tried very hard to make her feel safe, even before he knew her truths.
Overall, I thought this book could have used a bit more filling out. The story was concise and, to the point, had okay spicy scenes. But could have had more expansion of the story. More banner, lead up to plot.
I also thought that for all the trauma that Smokey went through that 3 days before falling into bed was way too fast. Yes, I understand that she was finally in control, but her overcoming that for of trauma so fast... seems unbelievable .
I enjoyed that Jackson did not push Smokey to do anything she did not want to do. And he tried very hard to make her feel safe, even before he knew her truths.
Overall, I thought this book could have used a bit more filling out. The story was concise and, to the point, had okay spicy scenes. But could have had more expansion of the story. More banner, lead up to plot.
September 12, 2025
Smokey and Jackson
The first thing you need to know is, check your trigger warnings as this book has many. This book is considered dark so if you think you cannot handle it, then do not start it.
That being said this was a really good fast book. Jackson is a teddy bear that you will want to love, even if some of the things he does are questionable. Smokey has not had anything easy and I hate it for her but I am glad that things work out in the end. I would recommend if you can handle the trigger warnings you go and check it out.
The first thing you need to know is, check your trigger warnings as this book has many. This book is considered dark so if you think you cannot handle it, then do not start it.
That being said this was a really good fast book. Jackson is a teddy bear that you will want to love, even if some of the things he does are questionable. Smokey has not had anything easy and I hate it for her but I am glad that things work out in the end. I would recommend if you can handle the trigger warnings you go and check it out.
September 12, 2025
Smoke Show is sweet and spicy. The characters are endearing and it's a fast read. Pay attention to the trigger warnings, as the subject matter may not be for everyone. I can't wait to read Ryland's next work.
September 14, 2025
This book had me in a chokehold, what a book🤍
Jackson melted my heart and his&Smokey’s story was beautiful🤍
Jackson melted my heart and his&Smokey’s story was beautiful🤍
October 16, 2025
There's action,drama,spice. What more can one ask for? I flew threw this in no time and it's safe to say, it will definitely leave you wanting more.
I LOVED it!
If you love the age gap trope,i definitely recommend.
I LOVED it!
If you love the age gap trope,i definitely recommend.
October 6, 2025
Check your Trigger Warnings -
I absolutely loved this book! The characters are real and relatable, especially the young girl just wanting to have control in a life where so much was taken from her. The MMC is relatable in his need to atone for something even if his choices aren't the best to make that happen.
I absolutely loved this book! The characters are real and relatable, especially the young girl just wanting to have control in a life where so much was taken from her. The MMC is relatable in his need to atone for something even if his choices aren't the best to make that happen.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews