What do you think?
Mississippi Smoke #11
Hale Bound
Bay
My life was predictable and safe. Everything I had I’d fought for alone. I was proud of what I’d survived and did all I could to give back. But that was all snatched from me in the blink of an eye. One mistake and I was taken.
Hale
No one undermines us and gets away with it. The family always finds out and lives are ended. My job had been simple. Track the rat and find out who he was working for. Somehow that had led to her. The pale, raven haired, beauty whose life on the outside appeared boring. But she had secrets and they made her a target. Our target.
My life was predictable and safe. Everything I had I’d fought for alone. I was proud of what I’d survived and did all I could to give back. But that was all snatched from me in the blink of an eye. One mistake and I was taken.
Hale
No one undermines us and gets away with it. The family always finds out and lives are ended. My job had been simple. Track the rat and find out who he was working for. Somehow that had led to her. The pale, raven haired, beauty whose life on the outside appeared boring. But she had secrets and they made her a target. Our target.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2026
About the author
Abbi Glines
125 books86.5k followersAbbi Glines is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Smoke, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, Field Party and Existence series. She never cooks unless baking during the Christmas holiday counts. She believes in ghosts and has a habit of asking people if their house is haunted before she goes in it. She drinks afternoon tea because she wants to be British but she now lives in New England and that's as close as it is going to get. When asked how many books she has written she has to stop and count on her fingers. When she’s not locked away writing, she is reading, watching Netflix and all the introverted stuff.
You can connect with Abbi online in several different ways. She uses social media to procrastinate.
You can connect with Abbi online in several different ways. She uses social media to procrastinate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 29, 2026
I loved getting to read the beginning of Hale and Bay’s story. I was so excited to meet the woman who would tame Hale Carver’s restless heart, and Bay is both everything and nothing that I expected. She’s strong-willed and stubborn, but she is also soft and has a heart of pure gold. Hale wants to protect her and keep her safe. He finds himself obsessing over her, and when he thinks he’s been fooled, he vows to get to the bottom of it… Not realizing that more time spent together will leave him even more entwined with the object his obsession. I can't wait for the next part of their story!
September 30, 2026
Author Abbi Glines has done it to me again: written a book that I start reading thinking I’ll read a couple of chapters, take 2 or 3 days to finish, and then drop everything I had planned and read straight through. And I can’t figure out how she makes these crude, cruel, bossy, angry, violent, impatient men who treat women as possessions to be owned, controlled and discarded, who are criminals, part of the Mafia, so fascinating and appealing. But she does it, each and every time. Maybe because they can be self-deprecating, can still laugh at themselves and realize when they’re being ridiculous over a woman, or maybe because they become so lost in a woman that they would literally do anything, or allow anything to be done to them to protect that woman. Whatever it is Glines does, it works.
Hale Carver has been a bit of a peripheral character until now, widower who had been married to a woman he didn’t love enough, father to Ransom, Opal and Than, owner of the family whiskey distillery. Nice house in Madison Mississippi, faithful dog, loves his children and their significant others. He’s 50 years old, not a crusty old man – still lean, strong and handsome with piercing green eyes - but he’s sure set in his ways. And part of the Mississippi Mafia, loyal and never hesitating to do whatever they require.
Hale even surprises himself when he develops what can only be called an obsession for Bay Fox, the first-class flight attendant 16 years his junior he meets while on a Mafia family business trip. It’s not for-one-night-obsessed but more of a weird, protective feeling he can’t explain, hasn’t ever really experienced before except maybe with his children. He wants to make sure she gets home safely, gets rid of the guy hanging around her apartment, wants to take her to dinner. It’s weird but kind of sweet. Bay is tentative and wary at first, but he does seem nice in a dangerous, edgy way.
But then he gets information that makes him believe she’s been playing him, withholding information, lying about who and what she knew, has connections she denied. So instead of that tasty taco dinner he had planned he forces her onto the family’s jet back to Madison and subjects her to interrogation. Not sure where a possible relationship can go from there.
Bay Fox’s life isn’t on the trajectory she wanted, but she’s doing okay. Has worked her way up to flight attendant for first class, makes just enough to pay her bills, volunteers at After the Bell, a place for kids at risk to go after school, to get homework help, to have a meal, to have someone just notice them. Bay was abandoned by her birth mother as an infant, and the nurse who lovingly adopted her died when she was three, leaving her to be raised by a cruel, hateful grandmother who resented her. Her time at After the Bell is her way of helping those kids feel wanted. She had begun a successful marketing career but unwittingly got involved with a married man, whose wife made sure her career and reputation were destroyed. Today just surviving another day feels like a victory. Which is maybe why the attention and care she initially got from Hale felt like a good thing. Until that dangerous edge came front and center and was frightening, not appealing any more.
Hale Bound is fast-paced, exciting, full of the usual Mafia family business and dark, dangerous nights. It’s also filled with romance and tenderness that ebbs and flows with a feeling of doom and hopelessness just around the corner. If Bay was truly not involved in any of the business Hale is dealing with, can they go right back to Taco Tuesday? Not quite in the same way, certainly, since she now knows who he is and what he does. Would she want to be part of that life? And more importantly, does Hale want her to be? Does he think at his core he’s a good man or a bad man, and should a bad man be with a woman like Bay; would it be right?
I received an advance copy of Hale Bound from Wordsmith Publicity. Drew me right in, kept my attention until the last page and has me eagerly awaiting the next book in this compelling series. I recommend you read it and catch up with everything else Abbi Glines has written while waiting for whatever is next. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Hale Carver has been a bit of a peripheral character until now, widower who had been married to a woman he didn’t love enough, father to Ransom, Opal and Than, owner of the family whiskey distillery. Nice house in Madison Mississippi, faithful dog, loves his children and their significant others. He’s 50 years old, not a crusty old man – still lean, strong and handsome with piercing green eyes - but he’s sure set in his ways. And part of the Mississippi Mafia, loyal and never hesitating to do whatever they require.
Hale even surprises himself when he develops what can only be called an obsession for Bay Fox, the first-class flight attendant 16 years his junior he meets while on a Mafia family business trip. It’s not for-one-night-obsessed but more of a weird, protective feeling he can’t explain, hasn’t ever really experienced before except maybe with his children. He wants to make sure she gets home safely, gets rid of the guy hanging around her apartment, wants to take her to dinner. It’s weird but kind of sweet. Bay is tentative and wary at first, but he does seem nice in a dangerous, edgy way.
But then he gets information that makes him believe she’s been playing him, withholding information, lying about who and what she knew, has connections she denied. So instead of that tasty taco dinner he had planned he forces her onto the family’s jet back to Madison and subjects her to interrogation. Not sure where a possible relationship can go from there.
Bay Fox’s life isn’t on the trajectory she wanted, but she’s doing okay. Has worked her way up to flight attendant for first class, makes just enough to pay her bills, volunteers at After the Bell, a place for kids at risk to go after school, to get homework help, to have a meal, to have someone just notice them. Bay was abandoned by her birth mother as an infant, and the nurse who lovingly adopted her died when she was three, leaving her to be raised by a cruel, hateful grandmother who resented her. Her time at After the Bell is her way of helping those kids feel wanted. She had begun a successful marketing career but unwittingly got involved with a married man, whose wife made sure her career and reputation were destroyed. Today just surviving another day feels like a victory. Which is maybe why the attention and care she initially got from Hale felt like a good thing. Until that dangerous edge came front and center and was frightening, not appealing any more.
Hale Bound is fast-paced, exciting, full of the usual Mafia family business and dark, dangerous nights. It’s also filled with romance and tenderness that ebbs and flows with a feeling of doom and hopelessness just around the corner. If Bay was truly not involved in any of the business Hale is dealing with, can they go right back to Taco Tuesday? Not quite in the same way, certainly, since she now knows who he is and what he does. Would she want to be part of that life? And more importantly, does Hale want her to be? Does he think at his core he’s a good man or a bad man, and should a bad man be with a woman like Bay; would it be right?
I received an advance copy of Hale Bound from Wordsmith Publicity. Drew me right in, kept my attention until the last page and has me eagerly awaiting the next book in this compelling series. I recommend you read it and catch up with everything else Abbi Glines has written while waiting for whatever is next. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
October 2, 2026
Someone is trying to set up the family and Hale has been assigned the job of figuring out who is behind it
Turns out a bit more complicated than just finding out who is pulling the strings
This was on the tamer side for Gline, but it did not disappoint!
Hale and Bay’s story has all the banter and chemistry you’d expect.
Their story, IMO, focuses heavily on them and how their relationship develops
How blind Hale is to all the signs that his heart is involved
The other stuff going on is more of background noise, which really worked here.
You still have the suspense, the crimson, the family interactions, but their relationship takes center stage
“The bizarre world I had been forced into was just getting weirder”
Bay was just living her life when an unfortunate set of events placed her dead center in Hale’s sight
Believing she had dared to try to pull one over on him, he brought her in for questioning.
No one makes a fool of him.
“Sleep? With my leg draped over him, rubbing against his erection? Sure. No problem. That would be easy.”
I so enjoyed Bay. She is feisty. She is very grounded. Her inner dialogues had me laughing.
As for her attraction to her sexy, grumpy abductor, it has to be Stockholm syndrome.
Right?
“I’d been shot, had a hole through my shoulder, and she was making me happy about it. Was there a problem with that?”
She’s not an obsession! She is just better than those nurses who normally tend to him.
Everyone can see it but him, lol.
“The sorry I abducted you wrongfully, fucked you, then sent you packing apology.”
So this is a “To be continued” story. I knew Hale would think he was doing the right thing by sending her home. She’s too innocent, too sweet for his world.
He thinks that by giving her the life she might once have had, she will be okay, that he didnt hurt her.
(insert eye roll here)
I also know that the possessive gene in his family line is very, very strong.
“I was going back to the life I’d made for myself, the one where I belonged to no one. I had no family. I just existed.”
I think there may be a whole lot more to her background than we know. Also, I am soooo looking forward to Hale meeting up with Blay’s grandma. IYKYK 😈
Turns out a bit more complicated than just finding out who is pulling the strings
This was on the tamer side for Gline, but it did not disappoint!
Hale and Bay’s story has all the banter and chemistry you’d expect.
Their story, IMO, focuses heavily on them and how their relationship develops
How blind Hale is to all the signs that his heart is involved
The other stuff going on is more of background noise, which really worked here.
You still have the suspense, the crimson, the family interactions, but their relationship takes center stage
“The bizarre world I had been forced into was just getting weirder”
Bay was just living her life when an unfortunate set of events placed her dead center in Hale’s sight
Believing she had dared to try to pull one over on him, he brought her in for questioning.
No one makes a fool of him.
“Sleep? With my leg draped over him, rubbing against his erection? Sure. No problem. That would be easy.”
I so enjoyed Bay. She is feisty. She is very grounded. Her inner dialogues had me laughing.
As for her attraction to her sexy, grumpy abductor, it has to be Stockholm syndrome.
Right?
“I’d been shot, had a hole through my shoulder, and she was making me happy about it. Was there a problem with that?”
She’s not an obsession! She is just better than those nurses who normally tend to him.
Everyone can see it but him, lol.
“The sorry I abducted you wrongfully, fucked you, then sent you packing apology.”
So this is a “To be continued” story. I knew Hale would think he was doing the right thing by sending her home. She’s too innocent, too sweet for his world.
He thinks that by giving her the life she might once have had, she will be okay, that he didnt hurt her.
(insert eye roll here)
I also know that the possessive gene in his family line is very, very strong.
“I was going back to the life I’d made for myself, the one where I belonged to no one. I had no family. I just existed.”
I think there may be a whole lot more to her background than we know. Also, I am soooo looking forward to Hale meeting up with Blay’s grandma. IYKYK 😈
September 29, 2026
Hale and Bay’s time to shine!
It was time for Hale Carver to find his match! I couldn’t wait to put my hands on this story and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I literally inhaled this book in one sitting and I smiled like the Cheshire Cat so much! This is a story about love later in life, an age-gap that didn’t feel like one at all. Hale is Ransom and Than’s father. A widower for a long time who admits that was not the best husband to his wife. While doing work for the Family, trying to find out who is after them, he finds himself in a flight to DC, following his target and meets flight assistant Bay to whom his target seems (faulty) familiar with. Finding their connection is his first priority. The more he follows her the more captivated he seems to become, even if he doesn’t recognize exactly what is going on and hiding under the pretense of needing to follow her because of his target. When a series of coincidences lead to Bay’s abduction by Hale and her bringing to Mississippi and his house, that’s where the true attraction can’t be contained. Bay is a sweet, quite innocent despite her past pain, betrayal and sorrowful childhood, 34-year-old woman. Hale can’t seem to stay away even if he tries to underplay it – even in his head. I loved seeing him gradually turning into the same Mafia psycho his sons became when they met the love of their lives. And I found it even more hilarious that he doesn’t seem to recognize the signs, despite being mature enough to know better; he is fifty after all – giving her the nickname “Snow” should have been his first hint. I can’t wait to see how everything will pan out between them in the next book where the story will be completed, because both Hale and Bay will have a lot of decisions to make and I am now invested in their future HEA! 5 stars unquestionably from me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was time for Hale Carver to find his match! I couldn’t wait to put my hands on this story and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I literally inhaled this book in one sitting and I smiled like the Cheshire Cat so much! This is a story about love later in life, an age-gap that didn’t feel like one at all. Hale is Ransom and Than’s father. A widower for a long time who admits that was not the best husband to his wife. While doing work for the Family, trying to find out who is after them, he finds himself in a flight to DC, following his target and meets flight assistant Bay to whom his target seems (faulty) familiar with. Finding their connection is his first priority. The more he follows her the more captivated he seems to become, even if he doesn’t recognize exactly what is going on and hiding under the pretense of needing to follow her because of his target. When a series of coincidences lead to Bay’s abduction by Hale and her bringing to Mississippi and his house, that’s where the true attraction can’t be contained. Bay is a sweet, quite innocent despite her past pain, betrayal and sorrowful childhood, 34-year-old woman. Hale can’t seem to stay away even if he tries to underplay it – even in his head. I loved seeing him gradually turning into the same Mafia psycho his sons became when they met the love of their lives. And I found it even more hilarious that he doesn’t seem to recognize the signs, despite being mature enough to know better; he is fifty after all – giving her the nickname “Snow” should have been his first hint. I can’t wait to see how everything will pan out between them in the next book where the story will be completed, because both Hale and Bay will have a lot of decisions to make and I am now invested in their future HEA! 5 stars unquestionably from me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2026
Loved it!
🖤 Age Gap: 16 Years
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Morally Gray MMC
🖤 Obsessive MMC
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Protective MMC
🖤 Suspense
🖤 Later-in-Life Romance
This series is just so freaking good. I love it so much, and finding out Daddy Hale was finally getting his own story had me ridiculously excited. After getting a glimpse of him in Ransom story, I had absolutely no idea what kind of woman could possibly tame Hale Carver.
Enter Bay Fox.
Bay is everything and then some. She’s strong-willed and stubborn, but she also has this softness and genuinely good heart that made me adore her. Hale, meanwhile, is discovering that apparently he is not immune to the same brand of romantic insanity his sons have already suffered from.
And I loved every second of it.
Watching this man become completely fascinated by Bay while simultaneously trying to convince himself that he is absolutely not fascinated by Bay was fantastic. The obsession. The protectiveness. The possessiveness. The complete inability to leave well enough alone. Daddy Hale has officially entered the chat, and honestly, he fits right in with his sons.
Also, the fact that he calls her Snow White in various forms? I was obsessed. Sir. You are fifty years old. Surely you recognize what is happening to you.
Abbi Glines has once again managed to make a morally gray, dangerous Mafia man completely irresistible, and I still don't know how she does it. These men can be ruthless, controlling, violent, and highly questionable human beings, and then they fall for a woman and suddenly they're willing to burn down the entire world to protect her. Somehow, it works every damn time.
I also loved that this is a later-in-life romance. Hale is older, established, and very set in his ways, while Bay brings a completely different energy into his life. Their age gap never felt like the focus, and their chemistry absolutely delivered.
This book completely pulled me in, and I inhaled it. The tension, forced proximity, suspense, and Hale's increasingly obvious obsession with Bay had me hooked from beginning to end.
And then THAT ENDING.
Excuse me??? Thankfully we only have to wait about a month for the conclusion of these two.
Thank you, Abbi, and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC.
🖤 Age Gap: 16 Years
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Morally Gray MMC
🖤 Obsessive MMC
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Protective MMC
🖤 Suspense
🖤 Later-in-Life Romance
This series is just so freaking good. I love it so much, and finding out Daddy Hale was finally getting his own story had me ridiculously excited. After getting a glimpse of him in Ransom story, I had absolutely no idea what kind of woman could possibly tame Hale Carver.
Enter Bay Fox.
Bay is everything and then some. She’s strong-willed and stubborn, but she also has this softness and genuinely good heart that made me adore her. Hale, meanwhile, is discovering that apparently he is not immune to the same brand of romantic insanity his sons have already suffered from.
And I loved every second of it.
Watching this man become completely fascinated by Bay while simultaneously trying to convince himself that he is absolutely not fascinated by Bay was fantastic. The obsession. The protectiveness. The possessiveness. The complete inability to leave well enough alone. Daddy Hale has officially entered the chat, and honestly, he fits right in with his sons.
Also, the fact that he calls her Snow White in various forms? I was obsessed. Sir. You are fifty years old. Surely you recognize what is happening to you.
Abbi Glines has once again managed to make a morally gray, dangerous Mafia man completely irresistible, and I still don't know how she does it. These men can be ruthless, controlling, violent, and highly questionable human beings, and then they fall for a woman and suddenly they're willing to burn down the entire world to protect her. Somehow, it works every damn time.
I also loved that this is a later-in-life romance. Hale is older, established, and very set in his ways, while Bay brings a completely different energy into his life. Their age gap never felt like the focus, and their chemistry absolutely delivered.
This book completely pulled me in, and I inhaled it. The tension, forced proximity, suspense, and Hale's increasingly obvious obsession with Bay had me hooked from beginning to end.
And then THAT ENDING.
Excuse me??? Thankfully we only have to wait about a month for the conclusion of these two.
Thank you, Abbi, and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC.
September 30, 2026
Hale Bound is the next installment of the Mississippi Branch, Southern Mafia series featuring Hale Carver. We’ve already read Ransom and Than’s stories and well… the apples are falling right next to the trees. Daddy Hale was a lot to unpack. His wife died when the kids were young and he has lived the very detached single life. Women flowed like booze. He loves owning Carver’s Distillery and being a part of the family business. He was looking forward to the day when his kids would take over the business. A family situation has him keeping an eye on a “rat.”
"My job had been simple. Track the rat and find out who he was working for.”
Bay lived a simple life and liked order and predictability. Hale mistakes an interaction she has with the “rat” and takes matters into his own hands.
Both Hale and Bay have many issues. Hale Bound is a very slow burn. Abbi did a fast one and gave us a cliff. Which I hadn’t realized until almost the end. But I am not worried. We will soon have our conclusion in Hale Broke.
Hale was starting to get his crazy on at the end of Hale Bound and I am sure things will be even crazier in Hale Broke. Hale Bound is an age-gap, southern mafia, romance novel that will keep you turning the pages. I read it in one sitting.
Looking forward to Hale & Bay’s conclusion is Hale Broke!
"My job had been simple. Track the rat and find out who he was working for.”
Bay lived a simple life and liked order and predictability. Hale mistakes an interaction she has with the “rat” and takes matters into his own hands.
Both Hale and Bay have many issues. Hale Bound is a very slow burn. Abbi did a fast one and gave us a cliff. Which I hadn’t realized until almost the end. But I am not worried. We will soon have our conclusion in Hale Broke.
Hale was starting to get his crazy on at the end of Hale Bound and I am sure things will be even crazier in Hale Broke. Hale Bound is an age-gap, southern mafia, romance novel that will keep you turning the pages. I read it in one sitting.
Looking forward to Hale & Bay’s conclusion is Hale Broke!
October 2, 2026
DADDY HALE?! Southern Mafia + age gap + morally gray AND touch her & die?! You already know I was SEATED. 😮💨🔥
Bay has built herself a quiet, predictable life until one mistake completely shatters it and suddenly puts a target on her back. Then Hale a fixer in a VERY dangerous world is hunting down a rat when his mission unexpectedly leads him straight to her. 👀
And let me tell you… this man was SO wrong about Bay at first. 😂 But watching him slowly realize there was so much more to her than he assumed?! YES.
Hale is complicated, dangerous, protective and morally gray in all the ways I love. And once that obsessed/protective side started coming out?! DADDY HALE HAS ARRIVED. 😮💨 The way this man falls FIRST while trying to convince himself he can keep his distance from her… good freaking luck. 😂 And Bay?! I loved her. She gets thrown into this dangerous world she never asked to be part of, yet she holds her own and continuously surprises Hale.
The forced proximity, suspense, age gap and tension between these two had me HOOKED but the ending!!!! Now I have to wait a WHOLE MONTH for Hale Broke?! Absolutely not. I NEED BOOK TWO NOW.
🔥 Southern Mafia 🖤 Age Gap 🔥 Forced Proximity 🖤 Morally Gray Hero 🔥 Touch Her & Die 🖤 Obsessed MMC 🔥 He Falls First
Daddy Hale, I will see you in book two because I NEED to know where this story goes. 👀🔥
Bay has built herself a quiet, predictable life until one mistake completely shatters it and suddenly puts a target on her back. Then Hale a fixer in a VERY dangerous world is hunting down a rat when his mission unexpectedly leads him straight to her. 👀
And let me tell you… this man was SO wrong about Bay at first. 😂 But watching him slowly realize there was so much more to her than he assumed?! YES.
Hale is complicated, dangerous, protective and morally gray in all the ways I love. And once that obsessed/protective side started coming out?! DADDY HALE HAS ARRIVED. 😮💨 The way this man falls FIRST while trying to convince himself he can keep his distance from her… good freaking luck. 😂 And Bay?! I loved her. She gets thrown into this dangerous world she never asked to be part of, yet she holds her own and continuously surprises Hale.
The forced proximity, suspense, age gap and tension between these two had me HOOKED but the ending!!!! Now I have to wait a WHOLE MONTH for Hale Broke?! Absolutely not. I NEED BOOK TWO NOW.
🔥 Southern Mafia 🖤 Age Gap 🔥 Forced Proximity 🖤 Morally Gray Hero 🔥 Touch Her & Die 🖤 Obsessed MMC 🔥 He Falls First
Daddy Hale, I will see you in book two because I NEED to know where this story goes. 👀🔥
September 30, 2026
He smirked. “You didn’t even get my ass. A man can’t have a dirty ass.”
Bay and Hale omg Hale is daddy (but literally he has 3 kids.) Bay is a flight attendant and is slightly mixed up in some trouble (but like not really if they would just listen smh men.) Hale is a red flag man stalking tendencies and of course he’s not even sorry. (Good) Hale basically kidnaps our Snow White (Bays nickname) and she honestly she handles it pretty well all things considered. I love Slash and Bay I love that she makes this Doberman fall instantly in love with her and it ticks Hale off. I absolutely can’t wait to see more of Hale & Bay because of the way we ended with Hale being morally gray Prince Charming. That tree scene and the last bed scene I do love a Abbi Glines spicy moment.
September 30, 2026
Hale Bound is book 11 in the Mississippi Smoke series where we follow a group of southern mafia men and the women who capture their hearts. This is the start of Hale and Bay's story and once again this author had me hooked from the first page and I finished it in one sitting. This age gap mafia romance is filled with dangerous men, intense chemistry, drama and characters that you will fall in love with. I love Hale and how he has always been there for his family, however I must say I'm not sure I would forgive him quite as quick for some of his actions as Bay did:) Bay is a girl you just want to see get her happy ending but we will just have to see what happens in the next part of their story that releases soon!!!
September 29, 2026
Why do you do this to us!!!
It’s been quite a while since the last book in this series. I’ve missed it so much and I’m super glad to be back.
Hale Carver gets his time in the limelight this go around. Like all the others he can be a real jerk,
Men who looked like him did not have to stalk a woman. Women likely stalked him.
Bay just can’t catch a break. Until the truth comes out she is a prisoner of the Mississippi Southern Mafia and Hale is her jailer.
In the process obsession takes over.
This is not a story that has a HEA. So be warned. Hopefully the next half will come next month. I can’t wait!!
It’s been quite a while since the last book in this series. I’ve missed it so much and I’m super glad to be back.
Hale Carver gets his time in the limelight this go around. Like all the others he can be a real jerk,
Men who looked like him did not have to stalk a woman. Women likely stalked him.
Bay just can’t catch a break. Until the truth comes out she is a prisoner of the Mississippi Southern Mafia and Hale is her jailer.
In the process obsession takes over.
This is not a story that has a HEA. So be warned. Hopefully the next half will come next month. I can’t wait!!
September 29, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down! We are back in Mississippi with daddy Hale as our leading man! I wasn’t sure how this storyline was going to go - we meet both main characters who seem to having nothing to link them, until a little innocent stalking shows they actually do.
The author continues building a world of some of our favourite mafia men and their badass partners - Hale and Bay are no different. I enjoyed a little taste of the distillery owner and I’m pretty excited to get a second part to their story because thankfully, their story is not complete. Bring on October!
The author continues building a world of some of our favourite mafia men and their badass partners - Hale and Bay are no different. I enjoyed a little taste of the distillery owner and I’m pretty excited to get a second part to their story because thankfully, their story is not complete. Bring on October!
September 30, 2026
Gah I've been waiting for his story! I will say I was a little disappointed that there wasnt much happening in this book. But then I got to the end and saw that there was book 2 coming and I was fine. Hes just a big ol teddy bear for Bay! She seemed to sweet and innocent for her age but still perfect for him.
October 1, 2026
4.5 Stars!
October 4, 2026
When I reached the end and realized this book ended on a cliffhanger, I was actually relieved. There was no way this addictive, delicious story could end yet. It still needed more time to simmer.
Hale is a gorgeous, sexy, fifty-year-old man (thank you for the silver fox, Abbi Glines!), and I knew he couldn't fall without a little more resistance. His life is completely settled. His children are grown and independent, his company is thriving under the leadership of his sons, Ransom and Than, and he enjoys his work in the Southern Mafia under Linc's direction. Everything is exactly as it should be. Then along comes Bay and turns his perfectly ordered world upside down.
Bay is thirty-four and carrying the scars of a bad experience from years ago. To feel safe, she has built herself a carefully scheduled, predictable life. Hale takes her to emotional heights she never imagined, and while she's clearly falling for him, she still doesn't feel entirely secure. Then there is the small matter of his criminal activities, which understandably make her more than a little uneasy.
This story was delicious. It's the classic setup: man kidnaps woman, falls for her but struggles with it, while she finds herself falling for him and wondering if it's Stockholm syndrome. She calls herself crazy for lusting after her kidnapper, and honestly, it was all wildly entertaining. I loved being inside both of their heads as they tried to make sense of what they were feeling.
What I especially loved was how focused the story remained on Hale and Bay, with just enough involvement from Hale's children to enrich the story without overshadowing it. I loved Slash, the supposedly guard dog, who melted like wax for Bay, and disgruntled Hale. It was sweet, sexy, and surprisingly tender, without getting pulled too deeply into the darker, more violent side of this world. It felt like a refreshing interlude among the grittier installments in the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed the slower pace and the sweeter romance.
Now bring me the next book!
Hale is a gorgeous, sexy, fifty-year-old man (thank you for the silver fox, Abbi Glines!), and I knew he couldn't fall without a little more resistance. His life is completely settled. His children are grown and independent, his company is thriving under the leadership of his sons, Ransom and Than, and he enjoys his work in the Southern Mafia under Linc's direction. Everything is exactly as it should be. Then along comes Bay and turns his perfectly ordered world upside down.
Bay is thirty-four and carrying the scars of a bad experience from years ago. To feel safe, she has built herself a carefully scheduled, predictable life. Hale takes her to emotional heights she never imagined, and while she's clearly falling for him, she still doesn't feel entirely secure. Then there is the small matter of his criminal activities, which understandably make her more than a little uneasy.
This story was delicious. It's the classic setup: man kidnaps woman, falls for her but struggles with it, while she finds herself falling for him and wondering if it's Stockholm syndrome. She calls herself crazy for lusting after her kidnapper, and honestly, it was all wildly entertaining. I loved being inside both of their heads as they tried to make sense of what they were feeling.
What I especially loved was how focused the story remained on Hale and Bay, with just enough involvement from Hale's children to enrich the story without overshadowing it. I loved Slash, the supposedly guard dog, who melted like wax for Bay, and disgruntled Hale. It was sweet, sexy, and surprisingly tender, without getting pulled too deeply into the darker, more violent side of this world. It felt like a refreshing interlude among the grittier installments in the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed the slower pace and the sweeter romance.
Now bring me the next book!
September 30, 2026
Bay’s life is predictable but safe. She’s worked hard to get where she is after life dealt her some bad cards. But then she meets Hale. Hale is trying to figure out who wants to see his family fall. While following one trail Bay gets on his radar and Hale can’t look away. She’s younger, she lives in a different city, yet he’s fascinated by her. Until he thinks that she’s part of the conspiracy against his family. It’s time to take her to his hometown to meet the head of the family. And with that he’s turning both their lives upside down.
Hale Bound is book 11 of the Mississippi Smoke series by Abbi Glines. While I don’t think you need to read the books prior to this one you should know that it ends with a cliffhanger and Bay and Hale’s story will continue in the next book. For me personally I think I should have read the other books in this series prior to this one but only because there were a lot of characters and it was hard for me to figure out who is who. 😅
I’ve already read some of the books in this series but not all of them and what I’ve read so far I really liked. And I really enjoyed Hale Bound. Do I prefer books that don’t end with a cliffhanger? Yes I do. And did I know that this one would end with a cliffhanger? No, I didn’t. But honestly that did not influence my opinion on this book one bit. I like those mafia romances by Abbi Glines. The male characters are always those big, bad, dark mafia guys but always with a heart of gold and a marshmallow-center and I love that. I’ve been fascinated by Hale from the beginning. There is instant attraction between Bay and Hale but it’s kinda a slow instant attract – if that make sense. 😂I liked the build up of their relationship. It’s definitely an unconventional kind of relationship but still beautiful. The story is full of suspense and twists and turns I did not see coming. The ending surprised me but I think only because I thought this book would be a standalone but it still made me want to read the next book to see where this goes.
Hale Bound is book 11 of the Mississippi Smoke series by Abbi Glines. While I don’t think you need to read the books prior to this one you should know that it ends with a cliffhanger and Bay and Hale’s story will continue in the next book. For me personally I think I should have read the other books in this series prior to this one but only because there were a lot of characters and it was hard for me to figure out who is who. 😅
I’ve already read some of the books in this series but not all of them and what I’ve read so far I really liked. And I really enjoyed Hale Bound. Do I prefer books that don’t end with a cliffhanger? Yes I do. And did I know that this one would end with a cliffhanger? No, I didn’t. But honestly that did not influence my opinion on this book one bit. I like those mafia romances by Abbi Glines. The male characters are always those big, bad, dark mafia guys but always with a heart of gold and a marshmallow-center and I love that. I’ve been fascinated by Hale from the beginning. There is instant attraction between Bay and Hale but it’s kinda a slow instant attract – if that make sense. 😂I liked the build up of their relationship. It’s definitely an unconventional kind of relationship but still beautiful. The story is full of suspense and twists and turns I did not see coming. The ending surprised me but I think only because I thought this book would be a standalone but it still made me want to read the next book to see where this goes.
October 2, 2026
Better With Age! Hale Bound is the 11th book of the Mississippi Smoke, Southern Mafia series by Abbi Glines. This book was tame compared to others in the series and it also has a cliffhanger, but you also get a 16 year Age Gap, Enemies to lovers, Forced Proximity, A Slow Burn and Interconnecting Characters. The Book will conclude with Hale Broke. A Great Southern Mafia series that I highly recommend for the Hat, Boots & Swagger...Darlin'!
I would like to Thank Wordsmith Publicity and Abbi Glines for my ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.
Hale Carver is a Widower, owns Carver Whiskey Distillery, has 3 children and at 50 years old is ready to hand more of the family business to his sons. He's loyal to the Mississippi Mafia in Madison and when a traitor is trying to burn the family down he flies to Washington DC to find the culprit and encounters an Flight Attendant that he soon becomes obsessed with.
Bay Fox, 34, Senior First Class Flight Attendant, doesn't really like people but keeps her head down and does her job. When not flying she volunteers with After the Bell, an after school program for at risk kids and keeps to a solitary routine. She's leary of older men for a good reason but when the man from seat 2B keeps showing up, she's intrigued.
Hale is surprised by the feelings he's having over this sweet young woman so, when he receives info that incriminates her to being in cahoots with the traitor, he becomes furious that she has played him, kidnaps her, and takes her to Madison, Mississippi for questioning.
Bay's just wants to go home and the friendly, considerate man has now showed his true colors by humiliating her. She now knows who and what he is, but loves his dog Slasher. Just when Hale redeems himself and Bay falls into his arms, he sends her back home. Is it the end of their story?
I would like to Thank Wordsmith Publicity and Abbi Glines for my ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.
Hale Carver is a Widower, owns Carver Whiskey Distillery, has 3 children and at 50 years old is ready to hand more of the family business to his sons. He's loyal to the Mississippi Mafia in Madison and when a traitor is trying to burn the family down he flies to Washington DC to find the culprit and encounters an Flight Attendant that he soon becomes obsessed with.
Bay Fox, 34, Senior First Class Flight Attendant, doesn't really like people but keeps her head down and does her job. When not flying she volunteers with After the Bell, an after school program for at risk kids and keeps to a solitary routine. She's leary of older men for a good reason but when the man from seat 2B keeps showing up, she's intrigued.
Hale is surprised by the feelings he's having over this sweet young woman so, when he receives info that incriminates her to being in cahoots with the traitor, he becomes furious that she has played him, kidnaps her, and takes her to Madison, Mississippi for questioning.
Bay's just wants to go home and the friendly, considerate man has now showed his true colors by humiliating her. She now knows who and what he is, but loves his dog Slasher. Just when Hale redeems himself and Bay falls into his arms, he sends her back home. Is it the end of their story?
October 1, 2026
Bay wasn’t doing what she wanted, that was taken away from her, but she was doing what she had to, to survive. The flight was normal with all the normal passengers, but there was someone different, someone that everyone noticed. She works at After the Bell trying to help children, so they don’t have the life she did.
Hale watched the woman from the flight and something in him feels protective about her, when he sees her in danger, he acts on instinct to protect her. However, when he finds out there’s a connection that he knows his boss will want to know about, he feels that she was playing him the whole time.
Bay knew she shouldn’t have agreed to Taco’s because there was no Taco’s and finds herself in a world she didn’t know, her past is brought up, and no one believes her. She thinks people will notice that she’s missing but Hale assures her that no one is looking for her it’s been taken care of.
When Hale finds out after her ex is interrogated that she was telling the truth he feels guilt, and the want he had before is back. He wants Bay and he knows there’s something there.
Bay knows something has shifted with Hale, he’s different and he’s hurt he only wants her to look after him. Bay becomes conflicted on whether she actually wants to return to the life she had before. Before she knows it though Hale is no where to be seen and his son returns her home.
*this is book one of Hale and Bay’s story
Hale watched the woman from the flight and something in him feels protective about her, when he sees her in danger, he acts on instinct to protect her. However, when he finds out there’s a connection that he knows his boss will want to know about, he feels that she was playing him the whole time.
Bay knew she shouldn’t have agreed to Taco’s because there was no Taco’s and finds herself in a world she didn’t know, her past is brought up, and no one believes her. She thinks people will notice that she’s missing but Hale assures her that no one is looking for her it’s been taken care of.
When Hale finds out after her ex is interrogated that she was telling the truth he feels guilt, and the want he had before is back. He wants Bay and he knows there’s something there.
Bay knows something has shifted with Hale, he’s different and he’s hurt he only wants her to look after him. Bay becomes conflicted on whether she actually wants to return to the life she had before. Before she knows it though Hale is no where to be seen and his son returns her home.
*this is book one of Hale and Bay’s story
October 1, 2026
Well… Abbi Glines has done it again! I picked this up thinking I’d read a few chapters and ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting. There was absolutely no chance I was putting it down!
I LOVED Hale and Bay. Their slow burn was everything, and I really enjoyed watching Hale become completely obsessed with her. He’s bossy, dangerous, possessive and definitely not your typical romantic hero but somehow Abbi makes these morally questionable Mafia men completely irresistible.
Bay was such a great heroine too. She’s been through so much, but she’s still kind, strong and determined to look after the people around her. I loved that she didn’t just fall at Hale’s feet, she challenged him and made him work for her trust.
There’s plenty of danger, drama, Mafia business and family chaos, but it was the relationship between Hale and Bay that kept me hooked. I loved the tenderness mixed in with all the intensity.
It was also so good to be back in Mississippi and see more of this crazy family. Every time I think I know which character I’m most excited about, Abbi gives me another one to obsess over!
I finished this way too quickly and now I’m left with that horrible feeling of “I need the next book NOW!”
I LOVED Hale and Bay. Their slow burn was everything, and I really enjoyed watching Hale become completely obsessed with her. He’s bossy, dangerous, possessive and definitely not your typical romantic hero but somehow Abbi makes these morally questionable Mafia men completely irresistible.
Bay was such a great heroine too. She’s been through so much, but she’s still kind, strong and determined to look after the people around her. I loved that she didn’t just fall at Hale’s feet, she challenged him and made him work for her trust.
There’s plenty of danger, drama, Mafia business and family chaos, but it was the relationship between Hale and Bay that kept me hooked. I loved the tenderness mixed in with all the intensity.
It was also so good to be back in Mississippi and see more of this crazy family. Every time I think I know which character I’m most excited about, Abbi gives me another one to obsess over!
I finished this way too quickly and now I’m left with that horrible feeling of “I need the next book NOW!”
September 30, 2026
Hale’s story was definitely worth the wait. I absolutely loved this book. I love how we are seeing to many different sides of Hale. Hale and Bay is so good and I am so excited we get more!! I need it!
Please be aware this is 2 part book. It doesn’t end on cliffy or anything crazy. Just getting more of Hale and Bay.
Tropes:
Age gap
Flight attendant FMC
Southern mafia
Moral Grey MMC
Age Gap
Kidnapping
Whiskey Distillery Owner
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Hale is being sent on a job for the family. One of the pollutions that is supposed to be working for the family seems to be going astray. When hale ends up on a flight with Bay he believes that that his subject and Bay are involved but he couldn’t be more wrong.
When Bay had to start over and move she ends up becoming a
Flight attendant thanks to friend. She has built a good life. She volunteers for youth center on her days off. She has made friends and keeps to herself. But when passenger 2b walks into Bay life she doesn’t that everything is about to change for her.
I have been waiting for Hale book and man is book did disappoint. I absolutely love Bay and Hale! They are perfect. I love how we are seeing so many different sides of them. They both kind of like an onion and have to many different layers. I didn’t know how Abby was going to wrap up their story. When I saw we were getting a part I was so excited I can’t wait for the next book!
** I want to thank Abbi Glines and Wordsmith for giving me the chance to read Hale Bound as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.****
Please be aware this is 2 part book. It doesn’t end on cliffy or anything crazy. Just getting more of Hale and Bay.
Tropes:
Age gap
Flight attendant FMC
Southern mafia
Moral Grey MMC
Age Gap
Kidnapping
Whiskey Distillery Owner
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Hale is being sent on a job for the family. One of the pollutions that is supposed to be working for the family seems to be going astray. When hale ends up on a flight with Bay he believes that that his subject and Bay are involved but he couldn’t be more wrong.
When Bay had to start over and move she ends up becoming a
Flight attendant thanks to friend. She has built a good life. She volunteers for youth center on her days off. She has made friends and keeps to herself. But when passenger 2b walks into Bay life she doesn’t that everything is about to change for her.
I have been waiting for Hale book and man is book did disappoint. I absolutely love Bay and Hale! They are perfect. I love how we are seeing so many different sides of them. They both kind of like an onion and have to many different layers. I didn’t know how Abby was going to wrap up their story. When I saw we were getting a part I was so excited I can’t wait for the next book!
** I want to thank Abbi Glines and Wordsmith for giving me the chance to read Hale Bound as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.****
October 3, 2026
Hale Bound is the eleventh story in the Mississippi Smoke series. It is very well-written with amazing characters. I could not wait for Hale's story and I absolutely loved it.
Hale is on an airplane for work. He meets Bay who works as a stewardess on the plane. He is attracted to her but knows he is too old for her. He immediately feels protective over her and can't shake the feeling. When the plane lands he wants to make sure she safely gets home. Bay is skeptical of Hale but is also attracted to him. He wants to take her to dinner. On the way to dinner Hale gets a call from his boss and he starts to believe Bay is involved in something he is working on. He believes she has lied and connived her way to him. She has no idea what is coming when he kidnaps her and takes her on the plane home with him.
I loved the chemistry between Hale and Bay. It was amazing to see him so attracted and protective of someone. He had never had a connection like theirs before. I loved how their age gap story worked so well. I loved the suspense and twists in their story and look forward to the next part.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.
Hale is on an airplane for work. He meets Bay who works as a stewardess on the plane. He is attracted to her but knows he is too old for her. He immediately feels protective over her and can't shake the feeling. When the plane lands he wants to make sure she safely gets home. Bay is skeptical of Hale but is also attracted to him. He wants to take her to dinner. On the way to dinner Hale gets a call from his boss and he starts to believe Bay is involved in something he is working on. He believes she has lied and connived her way to him. She has no idea what is coming when he kidnaps her and takes her on the plane home with him.
I loved the chemistry between Hale and Bay. It was amazing to see him so attracted and protective of someone. He had never had a connection like theirs before. I loved how their age gap story worked so well. I loved the suspense and twists in their story and look forward to the next part.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.
October 3, 2026
OMFG HALE!!! 😭🔥
Abbi Glines really gave me Bay and Hale and then expected me to just casually WAIT for the rest of their story?! Absolutely freaking NOT. 😂
I was hooked on these two from the beginning. Bay has survived so much and built this quiet, predictable life for herself, only for everything to be ripped away in one freaking moment. And then there’s HALE. 🥵
Dangerous. Ruthless. Loyal to his family. Sent to find answers and instead finding Bay, this gorgeous woman who definitely has more secrets than anyone realised.
The tension between these two!!! 🔥 The chemistry!! The danger!! The secrets!! I was inhaling the pages because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
And Hale being all deadly and intimidating while becoming increasingly tangled up in Bay? YES PLEASE. I already know this man is going to have me absolutely feral before their story is finished 😂
This was fast, addictive, suspenseful and left me DESPERATE for more.
I NEED THE REST OF BAY AND HALE’S STORY IMMEDIATELY!!! That ending has me hanging on by a freaking THREAD 😭😂
now I’ll just be over here impatiently waiting because apparently suffering is part of the Mississippi Smoke experience. 🖤🔥
Abbi Glines really gave me Bay and Hale and then expected me to just casually WAIT for the rest of their story?! Absolutely freaking NOT. 😂
I was hooked on these two from the beginning. Bay has survived so much and built this quiet, predictable life for herself, only for everything to be ripped away in one freaking moment. And then there’s HALE. 🥵
Dangerous. Ruthless. Loyal to his family. Sent to find answers and instead finding Bay, this gorgeous woman who definitely has more secrets than anyone realised.
The tension between these two!!! 🔥 The chemistry!! The danger!! The secrets!! I was inhaling the pages because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
And Hale being all deadly and intimidating while becoming increasingly tangled up in Bay? YES PLEASE. I already know this man is going to have me absolutely feral before their story is finished 😂
This was fast, addictive, suspenseful and left me DESPERATE for more.
I NEED THE REST OF BAY AND HALE’S STORY IMMEDIATELY!!! That ending has me hanging on by a freaking THREAD 😭😂
now I’ll just be over here impatiently waiting because apparently suffering is part of the Mississippi Smoke experience. 🖤🔥
October 3, 2026
Hale is the perfect package as he is a devoted father, will do anything for those he cares about but still has a darker side that is irresistible. He has been single since his wife passed away years earlier, but when he meets Bay he is drawn to her in a way he never expected. His first instinct is to protect her until he begins to believe that she is working against him so why have a conversation if he can abduct her instead.
Bay’s difficult and painful upbringing has instilled a need in her to help others who are in the position she used to be in. She has had her challenges personally and professionally but with every setback she picks herself up and moves on. When she meets Hale she can’t deny her feelings for him however being forced to stay with him wasn’t part of the getting to know you phase especially when things come to a head.
At first glance Hale and Bay couldn’t be different from their age gap to their lifestyles but their hearts don’t agree. This is the beginning of their story and combines suspense, family and entertaining interactions that leave us wanting more.
Bay’s difficult and painful upbringing has instilled a need in her to help others who are in the position she used to be in. She has had her challenges personally and professionally but with every setback she picks herself up and moves on. When she meets Hale she can’t deny her feelings for him however being forced to stay with him wasn’t part of the getting to know you phase especially when things come to a head.
At first glance Hale and Bay couldn’t be different from their age gap to their lifestyles but their hearts don’t agree. This is the beginning of their story and combines suspense, family and entertaining interactions that leave us wanting more.
October 7, 2026
Hale Bound by Abbi Glines was phenomenal! I can't get enough of my Southern Mafia boys, and they will live on in my mind forever. Seriously, it's kinda disturbing how much I think about these fictional men and which one I like best that day. I adore every character that Abbi has created. I adore the worlds. I adore EVERYTHING. I certainly adore Abbi. She's awesome. Congratulations on your latest release, and I can't wait to dive back in!
DADDY HALE CARVER! HELLO! My gosh, that man is unstoppable... I now see where Ransom gets it. Like father, like son. I'm not typically into older men, but I would be down for Hale Carver. The same goes for Linc and Luther, too. Maybe I do have a thing. Oh well! I can't wait for part 2 of his story. Bay Fox was great as well! I feel like there's still so much to explore with her, and I am so excited that she's finally getting everything she deserves. I have a feeling she'll get a lot more! I'm so excited for Hale Broke coming in late October. Again, congratulations, Abbi, and phenomenal job!
DADDY HALE CARVER! HELLO! My gosh, that man is unstoppable... I now see where Ransom gets it. Like father, like son. I'm not typically into older men, but I would be down for Hale Carver. The same goes for Linc and Luther, too. Maybe I do have a thing. Oh well! I can't wait for part 2 of his story. Bay Fox was great as well! I feel like there's still so much to explore with her, and I am so excited that she's finally getting everything she deserves. I have a feeling she'll get a lot more! I'm so excited for Hale Broke coming in late October. Again, congratulations, Abbi, and phenomenal job!
October 1, 2026
This series is one of my favourites and Mr Hale CARVER is everything I expected and wanted. He is growly, widower, takes no prisoners, and apart from his children, his family, no one gets close.
But, in doing his work for the Southern Mafia, he finds himself flying commercial and seeing Bay Fox he is captivated, which is dangerous for a man who doesn't allow himself to feel.
Bay is a contradiction herself, and has her own secrets which are going to intersect as Hale finds himself drawn to Bay. He never expected that the reason he is flying commercial and watching Seat 1A would intersect with Bay, whom he finds himself drawn to.
There is so much complexity with both of these characters, but once Bay has served her purpose she goes home. Hale Carver doesn't catch feelings...... Oh My ABBI I cannot wait for their conclusion, I love them and this was everything I hoped for with meeting Hale.
But, in doing his work for the Southern Mafia, he finds himself flying commercial and seeing Bay Fox he is captivated, which is dangerous for a man who doesn't allow himself to feel.
Bay is a contradiction herself, and has her own secrets which are going to intersect as Hale finds himself drawn to Bay. He never expected that the reason he is flying commercial and watching Seat 1A would intersect with Bay, whom he finds himself drawn to.
There is so much complexity with both of these characters, but once Bay has served her purpose she goes home. Hale Carver doesn't catch feelings...... Oh My ABBI I cannot wait for their conclusion, I love them and this was everything I hoped for with meeting Hale.
October 2, 2026
𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 is the 11th book in the Mississippi Smoke series by Abbi Glines, featuring an entertaining and dramatic southern mafia romance for Hale and Bay. If you love dark cowboy romance crossed with mafia, you don’t want to miss this one! Hale plays that age gap theme like a fiddle, oozing those yummy strong, older obsessed hero vibes. Bay is in over her head when her job as a flight attendant puts her in his sights! Tons of drama ensued with questions, angsty tension, action, and an entire “family” of compelling characters that up the ante with banter and intrigue of their own. The spice and emotions between Hale and Bay were just building to an exciting point, when the story took a turn I wasn’t expecting. I need the next story, asap!!!
I received an advanced review copy, and my opinions are entirely my own.
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
I received an advanced review copy, and my opinions are entirely my own.
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
October 5, 2026
If you like reading romance with an age gap with forced proximity and a morally grey hero, then you’ll really enjoy the first book about Hale and Bay!
Bay is just trying to make it day by day in life as a flight attendant when she becomes entangled in a world she wants no part of.
Hale comes across Bay when he is sent on a mission to find out who is leaking information out. Coincidentally she happens to be talking to the man Hale is tracking. Obviously that’s part of her job as a flight attendant but Hale believes there’s more to it.
Hale believes Bay is working alongside the man in question, but when he is forced to keep Bay with him he learns she isn’t who he thinks she is.
Bay grows to like Hale but suddenly she is sent back home with no explanation.
Will Hale be able to stay away from Bay or will he give in to the sexual tension and “foreign” feelings he has for her?
Bay is just trying to make it day by day in life as a flight attendant when she becomes entangled in a world she wants no part of.
Hale comes across Bay when he is sent on a mission to find out who is leaking information out. Coincidentally she happens to be talking to the man Hale is tracking. Obviously that’s part of her job as a flight attendant but Hale believes there’s more to it.
Hale believes Bay is working alongside the man in question, but when he is forced to keep Bay with him he learns she isn’t who he thinks she is.
Bay grows to like Hale but suddenly she is sent back home with no explanation.
Will Hale be able to stay away from Bay or will he give in to the sexual tension and “foreign” feelings he has for her?
October 1, 2026
Abbi Glines can write Southern mafia like nobody’s business. But her Southern zaddies? She’s my queen. 👑
This was such a fast-paced slow burn that had me flipping pages like I had somewhere to be, only to finish and immediately be sad it was over.
Bay and Hale are both very much “I don’t really like people” people… but when it comes to their person? They’d do just about anything. And honestly, that part is pretty damn relatable.
Well… maybe not that relatable, because what Hale does for Bay is… well… even he doesn’t understand.
The chemistry, tension, possessiveness, and slow-burn payoff had me completely hooked. Now I’m just sitting here wanting MORE.
I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Thank you to the author and Wordsmith Publicity for the advanced copy.
This was such a fast-paced slow burn that had me flipping pages like I had somewhere to be, only to finish and immediately be sad it was over.
Bay and Hale are both very much “I don’t really like people” people… but when it comes to their person? They’d do just about anything. And honestly, that part is pretty damn relatable.
Well… maybe not that relatable, because what Hale does for Bay is… well… even he doesn’t understand.
The chemistry, tension, possessiveness, and slow-burn payoff had me completely hooked. Now I’m just sitting here wanting MORE.
I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Thank you to the author and Wordsmith Publicity for the advanced copy.
October 2, 2026
Hale Bound by Abbi Glines was SO good! I absolutely love the Mississippi Smoke series, and once again Abbi had me hooked from the very first page. I finished this one in a single sitting because I simply could not put it down.
The chemistry, tension, drama, and characters were everything I love about this series. Hale and Bay completely pulled me into their story, and I loved every minute of it. Abbi has a way of creating characters that you instantly become invested in, and this book was no exception.
There is just something about this series that keeps me coming back for more. If you love mafia romance, intense chemistry, complicated characters, and a story that completely sucks you in, you definitely need to read the Mississippi Smoke series.
Another fantastic read from Abbi Glines!
The chemistry, tension, drama, and characters were everything I love about this series. Hale and Bay completely pulled me into their story, and I loved every minute of it. Abbi has a way of creating characters that you instantly become invested in, and this book was no exception.
There is just something about this series that keeps me coming back for more. If you love mafia romance, intense chemistry, complicated characters, and a story that completely sucks you in, you definitely need to read the Mississippi Smoke series.
Another fantastic read from Abbi Glines!
September 29, 2026
Holy cow was this a suspenseful read! A well layered, intense suspenseful read. Hale is on a mission…a job and he has no idea what he has gotten himself into. Bay is a flight attendant minding her own business…when her life gets turned upside down. This is a fast paced read that I truly enjoyed. The characters had incredible background stories and truly told a fantastic story. They had fun banter and fun chemistry. As these two got to know each other the story around them kept going. The cliffhanger has me wanting more…I’m so ready to see how this ends. Bring on the next book.
September 30, 2026
Hale Bound is book 11 of Abbi Glines exciting Mississippi Smoke series. This series has the southern mafia men who are a seriously bad group of men who seem to fall hard and fast for the most interesting women. This story is about Hale who is looking for the leak and Bay seems to be the one he is after. These are some really fractured men and the women that fall for them. All i know is that these guys are sexy as sin and could cause an angel to lose her wings and decide to slum it for a while. Enjoy some Hale!
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