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Mississippi Smoke #8
Hell of a Mess
Lace
Waking up without any memory of who I was in a place with people who didn’t know me would have been terrifying if it hadn’t been for him. The comfort I felt when he was close by pushed other darkness away. Memories slowly fighting to return, haunting images, fear that crawled closer every day until he showed up with a book by my bedside to read to me. I didn’t care what he read, just hearing his deep southern drawl ran off the monsters lurking in the shadows of my mind. Luther Levine was my hero.
Luther
My life was what I’d made it. The one I wanted, and I was real damn happy with it. Until I found a woman with a pair of the prettiest eyes I’d ever seen staring up at me beaten and broken behind a dumpster. For the first time in my life, someone needed me. What was even more shocking was I wanted her to need me. I wasn’t planning on keeping her. She was too young. The age gap too big. But when they came to take her from me, the urge to fight back clawed at my chest. Just when I accepted I couldn’t let her go… we found out who she was. Not because her memory returned. It was her DNA that dropped the bomb on us all. The outcome was one hell of a mess.
Waking up without any memory of who I was in a place with people who didn’t know me would have been terrifying if it hadn’t been for him. The comfort I felt when he was close by pushed other darkness away. Memories slowly fighting to return, haunting images, fear that crawled closer every day until he showed up with a book by my bedside to read to me. I didn’t care what he read, just hearing his deep southern drawl ran off the monsters lurking in the shadows of my mind. Luther Levine was my hero.
Luther
My life was what I’d made it. The one I wanted, and I was real damn happy with it. Until I found a woman with a pair of the prettiest eyes I’d ever seen staring up at me beaten and broken behind a dumpster. For the first time in my life, someone needed me. What was even more shocking was I wanted her to need me. I wasn’t planning on keeping her. She was too young. The age gap too big. But when they came to take her from me, the urge to fight back clawed at my chest. Just when I accepted I couldn’t let her go… we found out who she was. Not because her memory returned. It was her DNA that dropped the bomb on us all. The outcome was one hell of a mess.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2025
89 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Abbi Glines
121 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 100 reviews
October 17, 2025
I’m so surprised at the glowing reviews. I’ve been through a lot of Abbi’s different series. I’m happy for her success with this new southern series but I feel like maybe she’s trying to capitalize on it so much that her books are half done. Hopefully I can explain.
I feel this book started out so promising. It seemed like it was going to be a very interesting story. That seemed to start to change during their first intimate moment which came out of no where. It seems like she has a formula that requires her to add sexy times by a certain point in the book. Then the conclusion of the book seemed incredibly rushed and not fully fleshed out. All this set up and then a rushed ending. What happened to her mom? What about the fiancé and his boyfriend?
Maybe it’s me and I’ve outgrown the author.
I feel this book started out so promising. It seemed like it was going to be a very interesting story. That seemed to start to change during their first intimate moment which came out of no where. It seems like she has a formula that requires her to add sexy times by a certain point in the book. Then the conclusion of the book seemed incredibly rushed and not fully fleshed out. All this set up and then a rushed ending. What happened to her mom? What about the fiancé and his boyfriend?
Maybe it’s me and I’ve outgrown the author.
November 23, 2025
2.5 stars for Luther and Lace.
I love Glines' Southern Mafia world and the Mississippi Mafia branch of the family was almost tied with the Georgia branch series, but after reading 8 books in this series, it is my third fave. Haha, it is also the third series, but there had been buzz about the Lousianna branch getting a series also.
Really all of the stories have some hits and misses with me, especially in the branch and series.
With Luther and Lace, I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. Luther is an older SOB, from the Southern Mafia's older set, but he definitely lends a little bit of a softer side when handling Lace. That was appreciated, but their story wasn't hitting enough cylinders for me to remember vividly. Some reviews I read, called out a lot of inconsistencies with the plot or that is was too rushed in climax to ending. A particular one, called back to Luther, the MMC, being from the older generation of Southern Mafia men and having a grown son (of the new generation), "never tells [Lace] he has a son, is a grandfather," and I thought...
That's my review for now. Sometimes, it's a blur and a possible reread or experience with the story in an audiobook might help up my rating. For now...2 stars and 1/2 star b/c I do love this mafia world. However, it's the lack in plot development for me.
1st fave Southern Mafia branch: Florida Branch, Ocala [original branch and ruling family incl.]
2nd fave Southern Mafia branch: Georgia Branch (The heroes are a touch darker, Thatcher Shephard, of the 2nd oldest family, taking the cake!)
3rd fave Southern Mafia branch: Mississippi Branch (a rag-tag bunch, IMO. Bane Cash and the Cash family being my fave, but for now the Shephard family, -w/Linc Shephard-, has the reins there as well).
Happy Reading ❆🎄
I love Glines' Southern Mafia world and the Mississippi Mafia branch of the family was almost tied with the Georgia branch series, but after reading 8 books in this series, it is my third fave. Haha, it is also the third series, but there had been buzz about the Lousianna branch getting a series also.
Really all of the stories have some hits and misses with me, especially in the branch and series.
With Luther and Lace, I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. Luther is an older SOB, from the Southern Mafia's older set, but he definitely lends a little bit of a softer side when handling Lace. That was appreciated, but their story wasn't hitting enough cylinders for me to remember vividly. Some reviews I read, called out a lot of inconsistencies with the plot or that is was too rushed in climax to ending. A particular one, called back to Luther, the MMC, being from the older generation of Southern Mafia men and having a grown son (of the new generation), "never tells [Lace] he has a son, is a grandfather," and I thought...
That's my review for now. Sometimes, it's a blur and a possible reread or experience with the story in an audiobook might help up my rating. For now...2 stars and 1/2 star b/c I do love this mafia world. However, it's the lack in plot development for me.
1st fave Southern Mafia branch: Florida Branch, Ocala [original branch and ruling family incl.]
2nd fave Southern Mafia branch: Georgia Branch (The heroes are a touch darker, Thatcher Shephard, of the 2nd oldest family, taking the cake!)
3rd fave Southern Mafia branch: Mississippi Branch (a rag-tag bunch, IMO. Bane Cash and the Cash family being my fave, but for now the Shephard family, -w/Linc Shephard-, has the reins there as well).
Happy Reading ❆🎄
October 20, 2025
The only good thing about this book is that the sex was delayed a bit. There was a ridiculous plot of some middle eastern oil kingdom heir who beat her and wanted to marry her as a beard. He was mentioned in the beginning and the end. No point in that whatsoever. The name also didn’t make sense as it combined middle eastern and south Asian names. The heroine got over over 20 years of trauma and abuse in 3 months and lost her virginity on a kitchen counter and was okay with filthy sexy and wanted it but didn’t know what “Daddy” meant. No mention of Kye, and Luther never tells her he has a son, is a grandfather. Utter rubbish and unfinished. Even if there is a book 2, book should still feel finished for a part 1 of a duet. I understand thin plots and escapism, but I’m used better writing from the author than this. I expected more from Abbi Glines in general and as part of this series. Very disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2025
Mrs AG, your writing is slipping off a cliff. You did Luther so dirty. He deserved so much more. Minimal pages but than got TWO books… are you kidding.
October 14, 2025
Loving all of Abbi glines new mafia books but wish some of them didn’t end so abruptly.
October 14, 2025
Ocean Eyes!!
I can’t get enough of this fantastic series. Every story just keeps me coming back for more. These Southern Mafia men are crazy alpha obsessed.
She was a beautiful little wounded bird but the day would come when she could fly again, and I would be happy to let her go.
This is one I’ve been waiting for. My favorite in this series to date.
Lace will grab your heart and keep tugging. This poor girl has been through so much in her life.
Luther is the bad boy personified. With Lace he is a protector she needs.
I was a corrupt, debased outlaw.
I found a peace in the silence that was as foreign to me as the warmth, and I drifted away into a blank bliss, where the monsters were quiet.
I can’t get enough of this fantastic series. Every story just keeps me coming back for more. These Southern Mafia men are crazy alpha obsessed.
She was a beautiful little wounded bird but the day would come when she could fly again, and I would be happy to let her go.
This is one I’ve been waiting for. My favorite in this series to date.
Lace will grab your heart and keep tugging. This poor girl has been through so much in her life.
Luther is the bad boy personified. With Lace he is a protector she needs.
I was a corrupt, debased outlaw.
I found a peace in the silence that was as foreign to me as the warmth, and I drifted away into a blank bliss, where the monsters were quiet.
October 17, 2025
did i read this in a single sitting on my flight from seattle??
maybe
👁️👄👁️
maybe
👁️👄👁️
November 5, 2025
I liked this one! Hell of a Mess stands out from the rest of this series and I think has become my favorite.so far. Can't wait to see what comes next!
October 13, 2025
You would think at how fast these books come out that the quality would go down, but no. Abbi nails every single book perfectly. Each book sucks you in! This one was no different. I've been waiting for Luther and he didn't disappoint. All of these men bring their own personality to the family and his nonchalant self may be my favorite.
October 15, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Luther's story is finally here and I was super excited to see what girl would bring this morally grey, bad boy enforcer of the southern mafia to his knees. Abbi, you got me hooked just like in all your books. I couldn't put it down and read it in about 5 hours. Obsessed just like I am in all your books.
Tropes:
🖤 Southern Mafia Romance
🧁 Age-Gap (13+yrs)
🖤 Morally Grey Hero
🧁 Who Did This To You
🖤 Slow Burn
🧁 Traumatic Past
🖤 Bad Boy/Good Girl
🧁 Praise Kink
🖤 Possessive & Protective
🧁 Lost Memories/Hidden Past
🖤 Pierced 🍆
🧁 Vrgn FMC
To say I've been a fan of Luther since the beginning of the Mississippi Branch series would be putting it lightly. I've loved his character and the push back he gives to Linc. As he says, "Linc may have been sent to run the Mississippi Branch until Bane is ready to take over, but he is not his boss. Linc asked him to come and help out and he did a a friend." Linc is his friend, housemate, but not his boss. He doesn't answer to him.
So, to say that Luther pushes Linc's buttons every chance he gets is putting it mildly. Luther pushes everyone buttons and answers to no one but the main boss in FL. He is quite the character, but don't push his buttons back. Luther is known as an enforcer in the southern mafia. So he des the dirty jobs. and that takes someone who doesn't think like a normal person. Someone that can cut his mind off and not feel guilty.
Locke is also an enforcer and was with Luther when they found a beaten up and scared young women. Locke always seemed to show up afterwards to check on her and flirt a little. Luther couldn't stand it, but boy did this story take a turn out of left field and probably ruined Locke's plans!
Side note, Luther is Kye's father from the original Smoke Series. I think his book was #8 or #9. The title was Burn, and I loved Kye. So naturally I was going to love his father. And like father like son, Luther's peen is pierced too.
On to our female in this book. When found, she was beaten and scared. Luther took her home to help her and find out who done this to her. From the beginning his protectiveness over her was strong. She had a head injury and lost her memories.
Over time we find out her name is Lace, and that she is dealing with a lot of trauma. Even though she didn't have her memories, certain things would cause her to panic. When he truth finally came out about her life, let's just say it's awful and very heartbreaking.
The only person Lace was drawn to was Luther. He seemed to be the only person that could pull her from a panic attack. He could get her to eat and help her nightmares go away by just being there.
When Dr. Burl shows up with the actual truth about who Lace is, well it gets very interesting after that. I didn't see that one coming, and Abbi the me for a loop. Plus, right before she was fixing to be sent back to her father this happened. Bomb dropped and then she wasn't going anywhere. Which she didn't want to, really. She wanted to stay around and with Luther.
The closer these two became, the more we saw Luther become attracted to her in that way. He was always attracted to Lace, but he had this protectiveness over her that made it almost daddy'sh because he would tell her what to do and she'd do it and be happy. He wanted her to make and do these decisions on her own that were basic everyday life ones. Then he got addicted in a way to her listening to him and lighting up every time she did. Plus, Lace loved being praised and called sla good girl, and Luther liked calling her that and praising her.
Things I wish were in this book: I would have liked to seen Kye and his family. Maybe see how he reacted to his dad finding someone, or meeting Lace. I would have liked to of seen it brought up that Luther had a son closer to her age and a grandson, but nothing was ever brought up to Lace about his family.
I would have like to of seen a punishment for Arun.
I would have liked for maybe Lace to have stood up for Luther more. Everyone is quick to put his faults out front and say he shouldn't be allowed near Lace, when he was the only one that she ever showed to helped her. And he done everything to help her out from the beginning. His own mafia people should recognize his good parts, not just the bad person.
The spice was nice once Luther decided to get his hands on Lace. It's just a slow burn book and take him a while to get there. Plus, so much was going on in Lace's life to turn it upside down. Luther's mouth was extra dirty, though. I would have liked to have known where his peen was pierced. It described all of his son's piercings in his, but didn't describe Luther's. I wanted to know 😢
This book is a must-read, especially if you've been following this series. You can't skip over Luther's book. This is a standalone, but helps if you've read past books. I love the Mississippi Branch and can't wait for the other characters to get their books.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Luther's story is finally here and I was super excited to see what girl would bring this morally grey, bad boy enforcer of the southern mafia to his knees. Abbi, you got me hooked just like in all your books. I couldn't put it down and read it in about 5 hours. Obsessed just like I am in all your books.
Tropes:
🖤 Southern Mafia Romance
🧁 Age-Gap (13+yrs)
🖤 Morally Grey Hero
🧁 Who Did This To You
🖤 Slow Burn
🧁 Traumatic Past
🖤 Bad Boy/Good Girl
🧁 Praise Kink
🖤 Possessive & Protective
🧁 Lost Memories/Hidden Past
🖤 Pierced 🍆
🧁 Vrgn FMC
To say I've been a fan of Luther since the beginning of the Mississippi Branch series would be putting it lightly. I've loved his character and the push back he gives to Linc. As he says, "Linc may have been sent to run the Mississippi Branch until Bane is ready to take over, but he is not his boss. Linc asked him to come and help out and he did a a friend." Linc is his friend, housemate, but not his boss. He doesn't answer to him.
So, to say that Luther pushes Linc's buttons every chance he gets is putting it mildly. Luther pushes everyone buttons and answers to no one but the main boss in FL. He is quite the character, but don't push his buttons back. Luther is known as an enforcer in the southern mafia. So he des the dirty jobs. and that takes someone who doesn't think like a normal person. Someone that can cut his mind off and not feel guilty.
Locke is also an enforcer and was with Luther when they found a beaten up and scared young women. Locke always seemed to show up afterwards to check on her and flirt a little. Luther couldn't stand it, but boy did this story take a turn out of left field and probably ruined Locke's plans!
Side note, Luther is Kye's father from the original Smoke Series. I think his book was #8 or #9. The title was Burn, and I loved Kye. So naturally I was going to love his father. And like father like son, Luther's peen is pierced too.
On to our female in this book. When found, she was beaten and scared. Luther took her home to help her and find out who done this to her. From the beginning his protectiveness over her was strong. She had a head injury and lost her memories.
Over time we find out her name is Lace, and that she is dealing with a lot of trauma. Even though she didn't have her memories, certain things would cause her to panic. When he truth finally came out about her life, let's just say it's awful and very heartbreaking.
The only person Lace was drawn to was Luther. He seemed to be the only person that could pull her from a panic attack. He could get her to eat and help her nightmares go away by just being there.
When Dr. Burl shows up with the actual truth about who Lace is, well it gets very interesting after that. I didn't see that one coming, and Abbi the me for a loop. Plus, right before she was fixing to be sent back to her father this happened. Bomb dropped and then she wasn't going anywhere. Which she didn't want to, really. She wanted to stay around and with Luther.
The closer these two became, the more we saw Luther become attracted to her in that way. He was always attracted to Lace, but he had this protectiveness over her that made it almost daddy'sh because he would tell her what to do and she'd do it and be happy. He wanted her to make and do these decisions on her own that were basic everyday life ones. Then he got addicted in a way to her listening to him and lighting up every time she did. Plus, Lace loved being praised and called sla good girl, and Luther liked calling her that and praising her.
Things I wish were in this book: I would have liked to seen Kye and his family. Maybe see how he reacted to his dad finding someone, or meeting Lace. I would have liked to of seen it brought up that Luther had a son closer to her age and a grandson, but nothing was ever brought up to Lace about his family.
I would have like to of seen a punishment for Arun.
I would have liked for maybe Lace to have stood up for Luther more. Everyone is quick to put his faults out front and say he shouldn't be allowed near Lace, when he was the only one that she ever showed to helped her. And he done everything to help her out from the beginning. His own mafia people should recognize his good parts, not just the bad person.
The spice was nice once Luther decided to get his hands on Lace. It's just a slow burn book and take him a while to get there. Plus, so much was going on in Lace's life to turn it upside down. Luther's mouth was extra dirty, though. I would have liked to have known where his peen was pierced. It described all of his son's piercings in his, but didn't describe Luther's. I wanted to know 😢
This book is a must-read, especially if you've been following this series. You can't skip over Luther's book. This is a standalone, but helps if you've read past books. I love the Mississippi Branch and can't wait for the other characters to get their books.
October 13, 2025
I know author Abbi Glines is writing her fantastic Mafia romances just as fast as she can, and the wait is always worth it, but I was really glad to finally get Luther’s story. There’s just something about him. Yes, he definitely is often a jerk, sarcastic, irreverent, pushing boundaries and breaking rules just because he can, rude, crude, woman after woman after woman . . . never abuses them but also never makes promises for more than one night. His life hasn’t been easy, but that’s how it is for everyone growing up in the Southern Mafia. He’s never felt needed or even wanted, but he’s loyal to the family, a valuable member they can depend on. Even if he’s almost always a pain in the rear. But that something? He relaxes a little when he’s with Linc’s little girl Stevie and her dog Maui; he’s even tender and laughs and smiles on occasion. Can there be more?
Luther’s watched so many other members of the family decide to tie themselves to one woman, to settle down, to have children. He can’t even begin to understand that and is positive that if he tried he wouldn’t be able to do it. Wouldn’t want to. His life is just fine the way it is, thank you. Does what he wants, when he wants, with who he wants. And he ignores that little twinge he sometimes feels watching Linc and the others be happier than he ever thought they could be. Not going to happen to him. Never.
But never say never. Luther and Locke are on the way to do a job for the family when they find a badly beaten, terrified woman hiding behind a dumpster outside a nightclub. And right here in the story is where author Glines starts to do her magic – masterfully combining the violence, brutality, criminal activity with the unexpected, almost unbearably sweet romance. It’s as if Cupid flies over and shoots a couple arrows and the characters are powerless to fight fate. And it’s so much fun to see it all unfold.
When Luther first sees Lace, he just sees a woman in agonizing pain who needs help. The family is understandably cautious about stepping in, interfering, interacting when they don’t know who or what is behind it. But some kind of protectiveness gene kicks in and Luther decides to take her to his and Linc’s home now where she can receive medical treatment and ask questions later. Very un-Luther. And this woman? She hears his voice before she even opens her eyes and her insides start to flutter. And when she sees his face . . . it’s all over. It makes no sense and it could be dangerous for her, but she trusts him, feels safe with him.
Luther’s un-Luther-like behavior continues: he reads to her, makes sure she eats, calls her “Ocean Eyes,” intervenes when he thinks she’s being questioned too harshly. But questions need to be asked. Even though she initially can’t remember who she is, her presence could cause trouble for the family. When her memory returns she wants to leave because she is afraid she’s putting them in danger. And she’s got a big secret; one she’s been keeping most of her life. And that big secret is matched by another big secret, one that when revealed sends the story off in many amazing directions. It is indeed a hell of a mess.
Hell of a Mess is the latest story in author Glines’s Mississippi Smoke Series. She once again in vivid detail describes life in a Mafia family, the acts committed without a second thought as part of the family code, the lack of regret and remorse because those acts are necessary and then Glines balances it out with the other side of life in a Mafia family: the loyalty, dedication, willingness to lay life on the line, and the huge capacity for love. Luther isn’t a “good guy” but to Lace – and to us – he is.
Hell of a Mess drops us right back into the family with all the familiar characters and several new ones. It’s perfectly-paced, edgy, suspenseful, and surprisingly heartwarming. Glines inserts her usual wry humor just when it’s needed, and the steamy stuff – wow. I couldn’t wait for this story and it was everything and more that I hoped for. You need to read it right now, but really, you need to read all of Glines’s Mafia stories because characters pop in and out of them and you won’t want to miss a thing. I received an advance copy of Hell of a Mess. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Luther’s watched so many other members of the family decide to tie themselves to one woman, to settle down, to have children. He can’t even begin to understand that and is positive that if he tried he wouldn’t be able to do it. Wouldn’t want to. His life is just fine the way it is, thank you. Does what he wants, when he wants, with who he wants. And he ignores that little twinge he sometimes feels watching Linc and the others be happier than he ever thought they could be. Not going to happen to him. Never.
But never say never. Luther and Locke are on the way to do a job for the family when they find a badly beaten, terrified woman hiding behind a dumpster outside a nightclub. And right here in the story is where author Glines starts to do her magic – masterfully combining the violence, brutality, criminal activity with the unexpected, almost unbearably sweet romance. It’s as if Cupid flies over and shoots a couple arrows and the characters are powerless to fight fate. And it’s so much fun to see it all unfold.
When Luther first sees Lace, he just sees a woman in agonizing pain who needs help. The family is understandably cautious about stepping in, interfering, interacting when they don’t know who or what is behind it. But some kind of protectiveness gene kicks in and Luther decides to take her to his and Linc’s home now where she can receive medical treatment and ask questions later. Very un-Luther. And this woman? She hears his voice before she even opens her eyes and her insides start to flutter. And when she sees his face . . . it’s all over. It makes no sense and it could be dangerous for her, but she trusts him, feels safe with him.
Luther’s un-Luther-like behavior continues: he reads to her, makes sure she eats, calls her “Ocean Eyes,” intervenes when he thinks she’s being questioned too harshly. But questions need to be asked. Even though she initially can’t remember who she is, her presence could cause trouble for the family. When her memory returns she wants to leave because she is afraid she’s putting them in danger. And she’s got a big secret; one she’s been keeping most of her life. And that big secret is matched by another big secret, one that when revealed sends the story off in many amazing directions. It is indeed a hell of a mess.
Hell of a Mess is the latest story in author Glines’s Mississippi Smoke Series. She once again in vivid detail describes life in a Mafia family, the acts committed without a second thought as part of the family code, the lack of regret and remorse because those acts are necessary and then Glines balances it out with the other side of life in a Mafia family: the loyalty, dedication, willingness to lay life on the line, and the huge capacity for love. Luther isn’t a “good guy” but to Lace – and to us – he is.
Hell of a Mess drops us right back into the family with all the familiar characters and several new ones. It’s perfectly-paced, edgy, suspenseful, and surprisingly heartwarming. Glines inserts her usual wry humor just when it’s needed, and the steamy stuff – wow. I couldn’t wait for this story and it was everything and more that I hoped for. You need to read it right now, but really, you need to read all of Glines’s Mafia stories because characters pop in and out of them and you won’t want to miss a thing. I received an advance copy of Hell of a Mess. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
October 14, 2025
Holy Shnikeys!! WTF?
The twist!!!
I was wondering how this was going to play out?
How was Luther going to keep Lace?
There was no way around this that I could see, when BAM, out of nowhere, one of the absolutely best! And I do mean the best twist ever was revealed.
It was so far out of left field while being plausible and making sense! It wasn't even a stretch of the imagination, but it was a Hell of a Whammy!
Loved it.
“Huh. Well, damn. Look at me. I wasn't so bad at the comforting thing.”
It all started when Luther and the guys were there to collect a debt for the boss, one of his favorite activities; The reminding of the consequences part, not the verbal reminding either. When he stumbled upon a broken and battered Lace.
He wasn't going to leave her there, so he took her home.
And let the drama begin!
We all know Luther is slightly unhinged, loves to play with his prey, and enjoys the game as much as the unaliving.
Think big grizzly in a human skin costume.
What we, or at least I, didnt know is that he has the biggest marshmallow heart with a bit of a caretaker kink
Who knew
And he just found the one person who triggered it, and he was not letting her go.
Watching growly Luther constantly protect Lace, provide her with the reassurance and confidence to try things, to explore, and help her regain her memories - the pièce de résistance of their story
Lace had me going back and forth as to how I felt about her.
She was strong in so many ways and less so in others. I had to remember that she was young and what she had lived through in her few short years. Those experiences shaped who she was and how she responded to events.
But when she stepped up to defend Luther. It was a beautiful sight to behold
There is a pretty big age gap between these two, but it felt natural for their characters.
The intimate moments between them... Hot as Hades, even a couple that were cute (you’ll see)
I quite literally read this in one sitting.
Said it before, but just a reminder: This whole series is a must-read.
Great story lines that captivate. Strong cast of characters that burrow their way into your heart and leave a lasting impression
The twist!!!
I was wondering how this was going to play out?
How was Luther going to keep Lace?
There was no way around this that I could see, when BAM, out of nowhere, one of the absolutely best! And I do mean the best twist ever was revealed.
It was so far out of left field while being plausible and making sense! It wasn't even a stretch of the imagination, but it was a Hell of a Whammy!
Loved it.
“Huh. Well, damn. Look at me. I wasn't so bad at the comforting thing.”
It all started when Luther and the guys were there to collect a debt for the boss, one of his favorite activities; The reminding of the consequences part, not the verbal reminding either. When he stumbled upon a broken and battered Lace.
He wasn't going to leave her there, so he took her home.
And let the drama begin!
We all know Luther is slightly unhinged, loves to play with his prey, and enjoys the game as much as the unaliving.
Think big grizzly in a human skin costume.
What we, or at least I, didnt know is that he has the biggest marshmallow heart with a bit of a caretaker kink
Who knew
And he just found the one person who triggered it, and he was not letting her go.
Watching growly Luther constantly protect Lace, provide her with the reassurance and confidence to try things, to explore, and help her regain her memories - the pièce de résistance of their story
Lace had me going back and forth as to how I felt about her.
She was strong in so many ways and less so in others. I had to remember that she was young and what she had lived through in her few short years. Those experiences shaped who she was and how she responded to events.
But when she stepped up to defend Luther. It was a beautiful sight to behold
There is a pretty big age gap between these two, but it felt natural for their characters.
The intimate moments between them... Hot as Hades, even a couple that were cute (you’ll see)
I quite literally read this in one sitting.
Said it before, but just a reminder: This whole series is a must-read.
Great story lines that captivate. Strong cast of characters that burrow their way into your heart and leave a lasting impression
October 15, 2025
Abbi Glines books are so addictive and I am having a great time with this Southern Mafia series. The stories are enthralling, there’s passion, love, humor, sex, and some gritty stuff just to make it more spicy and dark. However, this book was more of a love story, how a man who was completely against marriage and being tied to only one woman, falls hard for a woman who sees him as a hero.
This story stars Luther, one of the old guys in the group, Linc and Garret’s contemporary, and a grandfather. But that doesn’t take away his sex appeal, and it’s amply shown by how fast Lace gets stuck on him, despite the age gap.
After being badly beaten and dumped behind a dumpster, Luther and Locke rescue her, take her to Luther’s and Linc’s mansion, and have the doctor they have on call attend to her. She spends days in the hospital room they have in the basement, Luther accompanies her every morning, reading to her while drinking his morning coffee. And getting roasted by the guys for it!
I loved how they connected, Lace sees Luther as her savior, and Luther feels a strange compulsion to protect her. In spite of the strange circumstances, there’s trust on both parts, and Luther starts to like her, to like being with her and have conversations. She feels safe with Luther, and in spite of having amnesia from her trauma, she knows this is the first time she gets affection from someone, after her mother died. Once she recovers her memory, she remembers that she only had abuse from her father and he used her for his purposes.
There’s some action, but there’s more love and sex and feelings, and I enjoyed it hugely. I was indifferent to Luther before in the series, but now I think he’s a wonderful person and just right to bring Lace to life. The story has a huge plot twist midway through and it completely blows everything we thought was going to happen. Kudos to the author for making it so fantastic! There’s some angst and some scenes that made me want to cry. So you could say that this book has everything and is a whole experience.
This story stars Luther, one of the old guys in the group, Linc and Garret’s contemporary, and a grandfather. But that doesn’t take away his sex appeal, and it’s amply shown by how fast Lace gets stuck on him, despite the age gap.
After being badly beaten and dumped behind a dumpster, Luther and Locke rescue her, take her to Luther’s and Linc’s mansion, and have the doctor they have on call attend to her. She spends days in the hospital room they have in the basement, Luther accompanies her every morning, reading to her while drinking his morning coffee. And getting roasted by the guys for it!
I loved how they connected, Lace sees Luther as her savior, and Luther feels a strange compulsion to protect her. In spite of the strange circumstances, there’s trust on both parts, and Luther starts to like her, to like being with her and have conversations. She feels safe with Luther, and in spite of having amnesia from her trauma, she knows this is the first time she gets affection from someone, after her mother died. Once she recovers her memory, she remembers that she only had abuse from her father and he used her for his purposes.
There’s some action, but there’s more love and sex and feelings, and I enjoyed it hugely. I was indifferent to Luther before in the series, but now I think he’s a wonderful person and just right to bring Lace to life. The story has a huge plot twist midway through and it completely blows everything we thought was going to happen. Kudos to the author for making it so fantastic! There’s some angst and some scenes that made me want to cry. So you could say that this book has everything and is a whole experience.
October 27, 2025
I’m no stranger to Abbi Glines’ world, and let me tell you, Hell of a Mess did not disappoint! As a long-time fan, I knew I was in for a wild ride, but the intense chemistry and emotional depth between Lace and Luther did not disappoint.
I have loved every single one of Abbi's mafia men and Luther is no different. His protectiveness, possessiveness, and absolute devotion to Lace? Yes, please! Luther has been a fun character since we have been introduced to him at the beginning of the Mississippi Smoke series. Luther is the one you call when the dirty work needs to get done, and it takes someone who can shut off their emotions and do the unthinkable without feeling an ounce of guilt. He’s a character you can’t help but love, even if you’re a little scared of him. Plus he adds the comedic relief to many scenes.
The age-gap dynamic (13+ years between them!) added a layer of tension that I loved. It's the perfect blend of slow burn and high stakes. Add in the Who Did This To You? trope and my heart was in my throat more times than I can count.
There are SO many layers here:
Traumatic pasts
Bad boy/good girl dynamic (seriously, Luther is everything you'd want in a brooding, possessive hero)
Praise kink that made me swoon and blush
Possessive, protective love (so good I couldn’t stop reading)
Lost memories and a hidden past that made everything feel even more intense.
Plus, you have a virgin FMC thrown into this chaotic mix. Lace’s vulnerability adds so much to the intensity of their connection. Throw in some pierced 🍆 moments, and you have an absolute rollercoaster of emotions.
If you’ve been following this series, you absolutely cannot skip Luther’s book. It’s a standalone, but trust me, it hits even harder if you’ve read the previous books. The Mississippi Branch has quickly become one of my favorite worlds, and now I’m even more excited to see where Abbi Glines takes us next with the rest of these characters!
I have loved every single one of Abbi's mafia men and Luther is no different. His protectiveness, possessiveness, and absolute devotion to Lace? Yes, please! Luther has been a fun character since we have been introduced to him at the beginning of the Mississippi Smoke series. Luther is the one you call when the dirty work needs to get done, and it takes someone who can shut off their emotions and do the unthinkable without feeling an ounce of guilt. He’s a character you can’t help but love, even if you’re a little scared of him. Plus he adds the comedic relief to many scenes.
The age-gap dynamic (13+ years between them!) added a layer of tension that I loved. It's the perfect blend of slow burn and high stakes. Add in the Who Did This To You? trope and my heart was in my throat more times than I can count.
There are SO many layers here:
Traumatic pasts
Bad boy/good girl dynamic (seriously, Luther is everything you'd want in a brooding, possessive hero)
Praise kink that made me swoon and blush
Possessive, protective love (so good I couldn’t stop reading)
Lost memories and a hidden past that made everything feel even more intense.
Plus, you have a virgin FMC thrown into this chaotic mix. Lace’s vulnerability adds so much to the intensity of their connection. Throw in some pierced 🍆 moments, and you have an absolute rollercoaster of emotions.
If you’ve been following this series, you absolutely cannot skip Luther’s book. It’s a standalone, but trust me, it hits even harder if you’ve read the previous books. The Mississippi Branch has quickly become one of my favorite worlds, and now I’m even more excited to see where Abbi Glines takes us next with the rest of these characters!
October 15, 2025
I am voluntarily writing this honest review after reading a free ARC via Wordsmith Publicity and the author. HELL OF A MESS is book 8 in the MISSISSIPPI SMOKE series by Abbi Glines. This is a spin-off contemporary romance series about the Mississippi branch of the Southern Mafia. In this novel Luther Levine found Lace badly beaten outside a high end gentleman’s club, brought her home, and secured medical treatment. That should have been the end of it, but he found that he couldn’t stay away from her for long, feeling an intense compulsion to protect her. She needed him and he found, to his shock, that he wanted her to. When Lace awoke with amnesia, efforts were made to identify her in other ways. Just when Luther began to accept that he didn’t want to let her go, despite a significant age gap, DNA screening dropped a bomb that no one had expected. Needless to say, it was a hell of a mess. I really enjoyed this book, one of the best I’ve read in the series. Lace had lived a horrific life, and Luther made her feel safe. Luther was the typical confirmed bachelor who was convinced that he would never be able to settle down with one woman, but Lace was a game changer for him. There were a number of roadblocks to their relationship which made the HEA all the sweeter. Luther was fond of pushing buttons and I loved the humor that contributed to the otherwise serious circumstances. Despite the trauma she had experienced, I love that Lace gained the confidence and courage to stand up for exactly what she wanted. This is a spicy, open door, first person, dual POV, contemporary mafia romance with tropes including age gap, heroine in danger, morally grey hero, and who did this to you. I recommend this novel for readers who enjoy steamy mafia romance novels with possessive but gentle morally grey’s heroes.
October 19, 2025
Luther was by far my favorite of the “Family”. Before this, it was his son Levi, but Luther completely stole the show.
We’ve gotten bits and pieces of Luther throughout the series. His playboy ways, his refusal to settle down, and his wild side. But when his partner in crime Linc found love with Branden, those wild nights and crazy parties at home came to an end.
Now we get to see Luther surprise himself when he starts enjoying the company of one particular woman. He can’t quite understand why he’s drawn to her, but he just can’t stay away.
Lace’s life has been anything but sunshine and roses. After losing her mom, she was raised by a father who couldn’t stand her. Beaten for eating food and hidden away in a small room, she did what she could to hold on to a little bit of hope.
An encounter with her fiancé leaves her broken and without memory. Thanks to the generosity of the “Family”, she finds herself healing both physically and emotionally. Lace is lost and confused, not knowing who she is, only that she never wants to go back to where she came from.
As her memory returns, the “Family” starts to unravel her story, and no one was expecting the truth of who she really was.
I definitely didn’t see the plot twist coming or predict how things would turn out. At times, I felt torn because it seemed like Lace might have attached herself to Luther because he saved her, but overall I was happy with how their relationship developed.
I loved getting updates on past family members and especially loved hearing that the priest is taking over business for Sailor’s dad.
My only wish which is for all of Abbi’s book is that we had a little more, maybe a longer epilogue or a few extra chapters to wrap.
We’ve gotten bits and pieces of Luther throughout the series. His playboy ways, his refusal to settle down, and his wild side. But when his partner in crime Linc found love with Branden, those wild nights and crazy parties at home came to an end.
Now we get to see Luther surprise himself when he starts enjoying the company of one particular woman. He can’t quite understand why he’s drawn to her, but he just can’t stay away.
Lace’s life has been anything but sunshine and roses. After losing her mom, she was raised by a father who couldn’t stand her. Beaten for eating food and hidden away in a small room, she did what she could to hold on to a little bit of hope.
An encounter with her fiancé leaves her broken and without memory. Thanks to the generosity of the “Family”, she finds herself healing both physically and emotionally. Lace is lost and confused, not knowing who she is, only that she never wants to go back to where she came from.
As her memory returns, the “Family” starts to unravel her story, and no one was expecting the truth of who she really was.
I definitely didn’t see the plot twist coming or predict how things would turn out. At times, I felt torn because it seemed like Lace might have attached herself to Luther because he saved her, but overall I was happy with how their relationship developed.
I loved getting updates on past family members and especially loved hearing that the priest is taking over business for Sailor’s dad.
My only wish which is for all of Abbi’s book is that we had a little more, maybe a longer epilogue or a few extra chapters to wrap.
October 13, 2025
Hell of a Mess is the eighth instalment in the Mississippi Smoke series, and this time, it’s finally Luther Levine’s turn to take the spotlight!
I’ve loved every book from this branch of the family, and while this one can absolutely be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the connections and backstories.
Luther has appeared throughout the series, and I’ve always been drawn to his sharp humour, bold personality, and the way he manages to get under everyone’s skin in the best possible way. He is not a one man woman and never has been, and he cannot understand the strange feelings he gets when he is near the woman he rescues by a dumpster! He has a strange connection with her and despite her injuries he can see she is a delicate woman unlike the type he goes for. He nick names her Ocean Eyes!
Lace, on the other hand, is a character you can’t help but feel for from the very first page, her journey toward love, acceptance, and healing is both emotional and satisfying. It turns out that this southern mafia man was exactly what she needed. The connection is lovely and she does not trust men and from the start she is drawn to this bad boy!
Lace and Luther’s story is another fantastic addition to an already addictive series. I was completely hooked from start to finish and devoured it in one sitting. This remains one of my all-time favourite mafia romance series, and I can’t wait to see what the author delivers next!
I’ve loved every book from this branch of the family, and while this one can absolutely be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the connections and backstories.
Luther has appeared throughout the series, and I’ve always been drawn to his sharp humour, bold personality, and the way he manages to get under everyone’s skin in the best possible way. He is not a one man woman and never has been, and he cannot understand the strange feelings he gets when he is near the woman he rescues by a dumpster! He has a strange connection with her and despite her injuries he can see she is a delicate woman unlike the type he goes for. He nick names her Ocean Eyes!
Lace, on the other hand, is a character you can’t help but feel for from the very first page, her journey toward love, acceptance, and healing is both emotional and satisfying. It turns out that this southern mafia man was exactly what she needed. The connection is lovely and she does not trust men and from the start she is drawn to this bad boy!
Lace and Luther’s story is another fantastic addition to an already addictive series. I was completely hooked from start to finish and devoured it in one sitting. This remains one of my all-time favourite mafia romance series, and I can’t wait to see what the author delivers next!
October 13, 2025
Hell of a Mess is another outstanding story in the Mississippi Smoke series. I absolutely am loving this series and this type of story. When I read a story from this author I know that I'm going to get a great one that is filled with romance and suspense. This story was the same but I think with each story they are getting better and better. I could not wait to read Luther's story.
Luther is an amazing character. We have seen him throughout the series. He makes no apologies for being who he is and I love that about him. When he sees a woman who has been attacked lying near a dumpster at a club, he is alarmed and immediately wants to help her. He has no idea who hurt her but he is angry. Against his own rules he takes her to his house and has the family doctor check her out. She has been hurt bad and now has amnesia. Luther feels overprotective of her and doesn't understand his feelings for her. He tells himself he is too old for her but that doesn't stop how he tries to help her.
As Lace slowly tries to get her memories back, Luther is there for her. He encourages her and is patient with her. I love how the family welcomes Lace and is there for her. They are all great people and take care of each other.
I loved the twist in this story. I absolutely didn't see it coming but love how it worked out so great to make the story even more wonderful. I can't wait for the next story. Highly recommended.
Reasons you will love this story:
* Protective MMC
* Found family
* Age gap
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Luther is an amazing character. We have seen him throughout the series. He makes no apologies for being who he is and I love that about him. When he sees a woman who has been attacked lying near a dumpster at a club, he is alarmed and immediately wants to help her. He has no idea who hurt her but he is angry. Against his own rules he takes her to his house and has the family doctor check her out. She has been hurt bad and now has amnesia. Luther feels overprotective of her and doesn't understand his feelings for her. He tells himself he is too old for her but that doesn't stop how he tries to help her.
As Lace slowly tries to get her memories back, Luther is there for her. He encourages her and is patient with her. I love how the family welcomes Lace and is there for her. They are all great people and take care of each other.
I loved the twist in this story. I absolutely didn't see it coming but love how it worked out so great to make the story even more wonderful. I can't wait for the next story. Highly recommended.
Reasons you will love this story:
* Protective MMC
* Found family
* Age gap
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
October 13, 2025
Luther & Lace shine!
I have no words….Really…Another masterpiece in the series! I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved this story! It was not an easy one; Lace had one hell of a childhood – and adulthood – till fate brought her to Luther and the rest of our beloved Mafia guys. Who would have thought that Mafia would be her salvation? Luther and a few of our guys found a severely beaten Lace outside an upscale gentlemen club. They help her, nurse her to health, but she has no memory. During her recovery, a bomb is dropped about who she really is. Complications arise regarding everything – but the most complicated thing is Luther. He finds himself in a role he’ve never dreamt he would ever find himself – the one of the Knight in shining armor; or more accurately, of a dark, deprived but protective and possessive one. The absolute way he fell head over heels for Lace was heart-warming and hilarious (in my eyes, at least). He is in denial in the better part of the book – his actions contradict his thoughts and he can’t pinpoint what is happening to him. I loved how Lace, despite everything, tries to rebuilt herself, albeit reluctantly. She is a strong woman – stronger than anyone would give her credit for. And Luther is there for it. Plus…age is just a number. They are perfect for each other! I loved seeing every single one of our guys and I am intrigued for the rest of their stories. I also can’t wait to learn more about Thaddeus and the rest of that Mafia branch! 5 stars, hands down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have no words….Really…Another masterpiece in the series! I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved this story! It was not an easy one; Lace had one hell of a childhood – and adulthood – till fate brought her to Luther and the rest of our beloved Mafia guys. Who would have thought that Mafia would be her salvation? Luther and a few of our guys found a severely beaten Lace outside an upscale gentlemen club. They help her, nurse her to health, but she has no memory. During her recovery, a bomb is dropped about who she really is. Complications arise regarding everything – but the most complicated thing is Luther. He finds himself in a role he’ve never dreamt he would ever find himself – the one of the Knight in shining armor; or more accurately, of a dark, deprived but protective and possessive one. The absolute way he fell head over heels for Lace was heart-warming and hilarious (in my eyes, at least). He is in denial in the better part of the book – his actions contradict his thoughts and he can’t pinpoint what is happening to him. I loved how Lace, despite everything, tries to rebuilt herself, albeit reluctantly. She is a strong woman – stronger than anyone would give her credit for. And Luther is there for it. Plus…age is just a number. They are perfect for each other! I loved seeing every single one of our guys and I am intrigued for the rest of their stories. I also can’t wait to learn more about Thaddeus and the rest of that Mafia branch! 5 stars, hands down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2025
Hell of a Mess by Abbi Glines was indeed a hell of a mess! It was the best mess, though. I have been looking forward to Luther's book, but I didn't realize how much I would love him, nor did I expect him to be THAT man... Erm, excuse me, sir! I think I'm in love with yet another Mafia man. What does that say about me?! Good thing, I don't care. As soon as I finished this book, I thought, "Should I start it again?" Truthfully, yes, I should have. It was late, so I didn't, but I may give it another read in the next couple of days. I'm telling you, October has been an excellent month for me and my precious ARCs. Abbi, I love you, so thanks for this excellent book! Also, congratulations on your release, ma'am.
Mr. Luther Levine is one hot fictional man (yes, I'm throwing in 'fictional' because I have to remember he's not real... Boo!). Oh my gosh, and Ms. Lace... I wasn't expecting that. Hell, I wasn't expecting HER. Lace was magnificent, and one of the best storylines I've read in this series. I am thrilled for everyone to have the opportunity to experience these two. I love them so much, and Abbi did yet another outstanding job. Gosh, I miss them so much. I really think I need to go reread it. Hmm, what a terrific idea. I loved Luther and I loved Lace, and they are meant to be. Read their story and fall in love with them, just as I did. Xoxo
Mr. Luther Levine is one hot fictional man (yes, I'm throwing in 'fictional' because I have to remember he's not real... Boo!). Oh my gosh, and Ms. Lace... I wasn't expecting that. Hell, I wasn't expecting HER. Lace was magnificent, and one of the best storylines I've read in this series. I am thrilled for everyone to have the opportunity to experience these two. I love them so much, and Abbi did yet another outstanding job. Gosh, I miss them so much. I really think I need to go reread it. Hmm, what a terrific idea. I loved Luther and I loved Lace, and they are meant to be. Read their story and fall in love with them, just as I did. Xoxo
October 13, 2025
𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬 is the 8th book in the Mississippi Smoke series by Abbi Glines, featuring an emotional age-gap, Southern mafia romance for Luther and Lace. He finds her beaten and broken behind a dumpster in a state of amnesia, not prepared for the impact she would have on him, and the rest of the “family” as well. Luther is a unique take on the morally gray hero, an older man weighed down by his past deeds, hellbent on spending the rest of his days bouncing between hookups. That is, until the beautiful young woman with “Ocean Eyes” burrows her way under his skin and into his soul. His need to protect and care for her took precedent over everything else, and I loved that progression in him! While the chemistry sparked hot, the pace was a necessary slow burn, in deference to Lace’s traumatic past. However, once they give in, look out! The heat is on!!😍🔥 My favorite thing about this book was the originality of the storyline and the great plot twists! These Southern mafia men don’t shy away from a challenge, especially when a woman has been harmed. The action, suspense, banter, and camaraderie were fantastic. I hope there’s more to come from this world!
I received an advanced review copy, and my opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
I received an advanced review copy, and my opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
October 13, 2025
When I say, the prologue alone will take your breath away, and the emotions felt off of those pages are overwhelming....trust me. This series, has blown me away with the raw, gritty nature of the writing, the exceptionally delicious but extremely morally grey men, and the women, OMG amazingly strong against some shitty odds. And, Lace is no exception. The twist in this story had my jaw dropping, and the topics addressed, well, as always, check those trigger warnings.
Luther had been on the periphery throughout, and I have always wanted more, and he was absolutely perfection. He did things.....IYKYK. He isn't a good man, woman are there for relief and no feelings are exchanged. He doesn't want just one woman, he ain't got time for affairs of the heart and clingy women, but there is something about 'Ocean Eyes' Lace that unlocks a part of Luther that even he didn't know existed. Lace has only known darkness, control, manipulation and abuse, her life is not her own, so when Luther appears he shines thru her darkness in a way she is never known.
The sensitivity around several issues for Lace that Luther shows her, was exceptional, and I was so so sad to see the book end. I could have kept reading about them. Abbi, this may be my favourite of this series.
Luther had been on the periphery throughout, and I have always wanted more, and he was absolutely perfection. He did things.....IYKYK. He isn't a good man, woman are there for relief and no feelings are exchanged. He doesn't want just one woman, he ain't got time for affairs of the heart and clingy women, but there is something about 'Ocean Eyes' Lace that unlocks a part of Luther that even he didn't know existed. Lace has only known darkness, control, manipulation and abuse, her life is not her own, so when Luther appears he shines thru her darkness in a way she is never known.
The sensitivity around several issues for Lace that Luther shows her, was exceptional, and I was so so sad to see the book end. I could have kept reading about them. Abbi, this may be my favourite of this series.
January 1, 2026
i don’t enjoy age-gap romances, honestly, i can even say i dislike them. this one especially has a nearly 25-year age gap, which is usually way too much for me. and yet… with luther, it didn’t bother me at all. i barely even noticed it.
i actually started liking luther back in OUTLAW, and this book only confirmed it. he is extremely funny and genuinely interesting, the perfect kind of bad boy. that mix is what completely won me over.
one thing i truly appreciated in this book was lace needing to be saved. i loved the way luther did just that , and even more how he took care of her. seeing someone who is cold, unbothered, unhinged, arrogant, and selfish turn into her protector was incredible, and beautiful.
the plot twist was another highlight. i loved the memory-loss storyline; it was exactly what i felt was missing from the mississippi series. it added emotion, and something fresh.
lace has suffered enough, and seeing her finally having a new family meant a lot to me. she deserved that peace. and the fact that she managed to make luther vulnerable? that’s absolutely insane, in the best way.
you can expect laughter from this book, and you will definitely fall for luther, even if you don’t want to. trust me, it’s inevitable.
i actually started liking luther back in OUTLAW, and this book only confirmed it. he is extremely funny and genuinely interesting, the perfect kind of bad boy. that mix is what completely won me over.
one thing i truly appreciated in this book was lace needing to be saved. i loved the way luther did just that , and even more how he took care of her. seeing someone who is cold, unbothered, unhinged, arrogant, and selfish turn into her protector was incredible, and beautiful.
the plot twist was another highlight. i loved the memory-loss storyline; it was exactly what i felt was missing from the mississippi series. it added emotion, and something fresh.
lace has suffered enough, and seeing her finally having a new family meant a lot to me. she deserved that peace. and the fact that she managed to make luther vulnerable? that’s absolutely insane, in the best way.
you can expect laughter from this book, and you will definitely fall for luther, even if you don’t want to. trust me, it’s inevitable.
October 13, 2025
10 Stars For Luther
Who knew Luther was such a…sweetheart? (I mean for Lace) I love these two! There is a bit of suspense in this story! Like what will happen, will Lace get her memory, can they find who did this? Is Lace in danger from the person who did it? Obviously she is not because she has Luther. (Side note Link and his girls!) (Second side note Stevie and her BFF!!!! Screams) Morally gray is probably an understatement for Luther, maybe like morally red. But who doesn’t love a good he would die for her and burn down the world for her, unalive for her book!! Also the twist that comes OMG! Like what Abbi!! Sorry no spoilers you will just have to read it and be shookith like the rest of us!
Age Gap
Morally Red (read above statement) MMC
Sunshine MFC
Found family
Who did this
Good Girl
As I said 10 Stars for Luther
🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The spice is chef’s kiss! Like my kinda spice!!! Like I don’t want to give anything away but you find out very quickly the dynamics!!
Love Abbi and her crazy mind for creating this series. I don’t know where it comes from but keep it up!✍🏻👏
Who knew Luther was such a…sweetheart? (I mean for Lace) I love these two! There is a bit of suspense in this story! Like what will happen, will Lace get her memory, can they find who did this? Is Lace in danger from the person who did it? Obviously she is not because she has Luther. (Side note Link and his girls!) (Second side note Stevie and her BFF!!!! Screams) Morally gray is probably an understatement for Luther, maybe like morally red. But who doesn’t love a good he would die for her and burn down the world for her, unalive for her book!! Also the twist that comes OMG! Like what Abbi!! Sorry no spoilers you will just have to read it and be shookith like the rest of us!
Age Gap
Morally Red (read above statement) MMC
Sunshine MFC
Found family
Who did this
Good Girl
As I said 10 Stars for Luther
🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The spice is chef’s kiss! Like my kinda spice!!! Like I don’t want to give anything away but you find out very quickly the dynamics!!
Love Abbi and her crazy mind for creating this series. I don’t know where it comes from but keep it up!✍🏻👏
October 13, 2025
Lace had always done what her father said, even if it meant her getting hurt. She didn’t think anything of being forced to go see her fiancé, until she woke up beaten and with no memories at all.
The only thing that calmed her was the voice of a man that she felt comforted by.
Luther knew one thing there was no way he was leaving the woman they found beaten there, he was taking her home, he knew they couldn’t do a background check she was unconscious, but when she woke up, she had no memory.
Luther knew that Lace seems to be only trusting of him, something he’d never really had but he’d been warned to stay away from her. As Lace start to regain her memory it’s harder and harder to stay away from her.
When they checked her DNA they hadn’t been able to find out who she was, with her memories back it didn’t seem to be an issue anymore. Doc had done their own DNA tests on top and the new shocked everyone.
Luther was the only one that could see when Lace was panicking and talk her down, the more time he spent with her the harder it was to stay away from her and he didn’t want to anymore.
The only thing that calmed her was the voice of a man that she felt comforted by.
Luther knew one thing there was no way he was leaving the woman they found beaten there, he was taking her home, he knew they couldn’t do a background check she was unconscious, but when she woke up, she had no memory.
Luther knew that Lace seems to be only trusting of him, something he’d never really had but he’d been warned to stay away from her. As Lace start to regain her memory it’s harder and harder to stay away from her.
When they checked her DNA they hadn’t been able to find out who she was, with her memories back it didn’t seem to be an issue anymore. Doc had done their own DNA tests on top and the new shocked everyone.
Luther was the only one that could see when Lace was panicking and talk her down, the more time he spent with her the harder it was to stay away from her and he didn’t want to anymore.
October 13, 2025
**ARC REVIEW**
Hell of a Mess is book eight in the Mississippi Smoke series and my first read by Abbi Glines—but it worked perfectly as a standalone. I genuinely enjoyed this book! From start to finish, it had me laughing, tearing up, and completely hooked.
The story begins when Luther finds Lace beaten and unconscious behind a dumpster, with no memory of who she is. He takes her in and helps her recover. From that moment, their journey becomes a gripping mix of action, suspense, and emotional depth.
The chemistry between Luther and Lace was undeniable. Their relationship was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I loved how Lace trusted only him, and how fiercely protective he was of her. Luther’s quiet strength and patience as she struggled to reclaim her identity was incredibly moving.
The banter, the tension, and the slow-burning intensity were all so well done. Despite the age gap and the moral gray areas, their relationship felt sincere and powerful.
If you enjoy intense romances with protective heroes and high-stakes twists, Hell of a Mess is a must-read.
Thank you, Abbi Glines and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Hell of a Mess is book eight in the Mississippi Smoke series and my first read by Abbi Glines—but it worked perfectly as a standalone. I genuinely enjoyed this book! From start to finish, it had me laughing, tearing up, and completely hooked.
The story begins when Luther finds Lace beaten and unconscious behind a dumpster, with no memory of who she is. He takes her in and helps her recover. From that moment, their journey becomes a gripping mix of action, suspense, and emotional depth.
The chemistry between Luther and Lace was undeniable. Their relationship was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I loved how Lace trusted only him, and how fiercely protective he was of her. Luther’s quiet strength and patience as she struggled to reclaim her identity was incredibly moving.
The banter, the tension, and the slow-burning intensity were all so well done. Despite the age gap and the moral gray areas, their relationship felt sincere and powerful.
If you enjoy intense romances with protective heroes and high-stakes twists, Hell of a Mess is a must-read.
Thank you, Abbi Glines and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 18, 2025
At 84% I was a *little* concerned that this was going to end up being a part 1 of 2--no fears, though! It's a complete story <3
Though Luther often put me off with his tendency to refer to any of his fellow Mafia who have fallen in love as being "locked down to one c*nt," I really did enjoy his story in the end. No one deserves an HEA more than Lace (she also needs a whole lot of therapy, and I sincerely hope she'll get that too), and Luther really is the guy who does it for her.
And fortunately, he does get over his "locked down" mentality once he realizes he has actually fallen into feelings for her.
Amnesia plots can be tricky, but I thought Ms Glines did a nice job with it here. I'll admit I was surprised about what they learned about her even before she got her memories back--I absolutely was not expecting that reveal!--and though I'd love to have seen her non-romance relationships develop more fully than we did, I understand why the Luther/Lace one took precedence. (To be clear I don't want less of them, I'm advocating for more book here ;))
Hell of a Mess is the 8th book in the series, and though it will of course give you a better picture overall if you've read all the previous books, Lace and Luther's story's plot stands on its own fairly well and *could* be read as a standalone if you want.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Though Luther often put me off with his tendency to refer to any of his fellow Mafia who have fallen in love as being "locked down to one c*nt," I really did enjoy his story in the end. No one deserves an HEA more than Lace (she also needs a whole lot of therapy, and I sincerely hope she'll get that too), and Luther really is the guy who does it for her.
And fortunately, he does get over his "locked down" mentality once he realizes he has actually fallen into feelings for her.
Amnesia plots can be tricky, but I thought Ms Glines did a nice job with it here. I'll admit I was surprised about what they learned about her even before she got her memories back--I absolutely was not expecting that reveal!--and though I'd love to have seen her non-romance relationships develop more fully than we did, I understand why the Luther/Lace one took precedence. (To be clear I don't want less of them, I'm advocating for more book here ;))
Hell of a Mess is the 8th book in the series, and though it will of course give you a better picture overall if you've read all the previous books, Lace and Luther's story's plot stands on its own fairly well and *could* be read as a standalone if you want.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 26, 2025
I love Luther and have been so eager for his story. There’s always been something about him… Maybe it’s his unwillingness to be tied down since he didn’t see the point. He’s been a loyal and essential part of the Mississippi Branch of The Family, and for the most part, he and Linc co-exist as brothers with a few blips, given he considers Linc his friend and not his temporary boss. When he comes across a battered woman while doing a job, he takes her back home to get her help and get vengeance for her. Nobody expects him to get attached to though. Without her memories, they’re stuck trying to solve the mystery of her past, but when they do come back, reality is more heartbreaking than the condition they found her in. Lace feels safe with Luther, and the two developed a bond. That doesn’t mean they aren’t going to have a battle to be together. There were a few threads left hanging I would have liked to see tied up, and I wish the ending would have been extended a bit because I would have loved to have a bit more time with these two. I’m eager to return to this addictive series regardless because it always leaves me wanting more.
October 27, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story of Lace and Luther. If you have been reading this series then you have been waiting for Luther's story. He is the guy who loves to push all the buttons and only ever answers to one person. He is the enforcer for the Southern Mafia. When he finds a beaten up scared as all get out woman, he has a little competition for Locke. He is a little flirty with her and checks on her often. But in a twist no one sees coming, anything Locke had in mind went out the window. Luther takes Lace home and knows that she is dealing with a lot of trauma. She also has no memories and a tendency to panic. I couldn't wait to find out what her truth was and you will find out. My heart broke for her. Her story coming out makes this book very interesting quickly. I loved these two characters and this story is one that I read in one sitting. I absolutely could not put it down. There is way more that goes on in this story than I can tell you. But I know that you are going to love it and it was a great addition to the Mississippi Smoke Series.
This is the story of Lace and Luther. If you have been reading this series then you have been waiting for Luther's story. He is the guy who loves to push all the buttons and only ever answers to one person. He is the enforcer for the Southern Mafia. When he finds a beaten up scared as all get out woman, he has a little competition for Locke. He is a little flirty with her and checks on her often. But in a twist no one sees coming, anything Locke had in mind went out the window. Luther takes Lace home and knows that she is dealing with a lot of trauma. She also has no memories and a tendency to panic. I couldn't wait to find out what her truth was and you will find out. My heart broke for her. Her story coming out makes this book very interesting quickly. I loved these two characters and this story is one that I read in one sitting. I absolutely could not put it down. There is way more that goes on in this story than I can tell you. But I know that you are going to love it and it was a great addition to the Mississippi Smoke Series.
October 29, 2025
Abbi Glines does it again for me!! I LOVE Luther and Lace! My only complaint is that I need more. I’ll admit, I felt the end rushed. I need resolution and a dead body, because my girl Lace suffered.
The angst Luther felt had me on the edge of my seat. Listening to his internal struggle only made his outward actions so much more angsty and tortured. My guy really wanted what he thought would never be for him.
Lace’s past trauma and internal mental struggles broke my heart. It takes a special person to survive that life and still see the heart of someone like Luther. A perfect match for a man that swore forever was not in the cards and a woman who felt hopelessness was her lot in life.
Their chemistry was off the charts when they finally give in to each other. That kitchen scene was chefs kiss 💁🏻♀️ Luther putting his foot down to be with Lace… 🥵. My man out there suffering in the streets because he misses Lace.. 🫠
Can I request a second book for Luther and Lace please.. oh and an updated book on the Priest, cause what you mean my man is taking over Sailors dads place… I need MORE of that please and thank you… 😊
The angst Luther felt had me on the edge of my seat. Listening to his internal struggle only made his outward actions so much more angsty and tortured. My guy really wanted what he thought would never be for him.
Lace’s past trauma and internal mental struggles broke my heart. It takes a special person to survive that life and still see the heart of someone like Luther. A perfect match for a man that swore forever was not in the cards and a woman who felt hopelessness was her lot in life.
Their chemistry was off the charts when they finally give in to each other. That kitchen scene was chefs kiss 💁🏻♀️ Luther putting his foot down to be with Lace… 🥵. My man out there suffering in the streets because he misses Lace.. 🫠
Can I request a second book for Luther and Lace please.. oh and an updated book on the Priest, cause what you mean my man is taking over Sailors dads place… I need MORE of that please and thank you… 😊
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