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Smokey Forrester was drowning when it came to being a single Dad. Dealing with the murder of his wife, and helping his two sons get past the trauma of watching it happen, is almost too much for him. Add in the laundry, cleaning the house, balanced meals and keeping his kids bathed and presentable, and even Smokey realizes that maybe he's not juggling it all very well.
Martha is running from the violence of her marriage, and she has her two sons with her. Not only does she need to be a strong Mom for them, but she also needs to make money and find a home to raise them in. What she isn't looking for is another entanglement.
When Smokey and Martha meet, neither has any idea that they are the answer to the other person's dreams. In their years together, they become each other's safe haven, comfort zone and trusted confidant. The relationship between Smokey and Martha is one that their kids and others around them aspire to.
But most of those people don't realize the dark times that the family went through together, the traumatic event that they all survived together and the secret that they have kept hidden for all these years.
Get to know the Forrester brothers when they were young, and watch them grow up through Martha and Smokey's memories as the couple prepares to celebrate their 25th anniversary.

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2019

433 people are currently reading
152 people want to read

About the author

Cee Bowerman

96 books1,202 followers

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5 stars
1,775 (74%)
4 stars
455 (19%)
3 stars
130 (5%)
2 stars
17 (<1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
Profile Image for Emily.
5,866 reviews547 followers
February 18, 2020
Martha is running from a violent marriage with her two boys. She found a place where she is working and money is coming in but unfortunately for the time being she is living in her car with the boys.

Smokey Forrester is looking to expand his businesses and has just acquired a diner. He didn't expect to meet Martha or her boys. As a single dad himself he sees the love she gives her boys and he also sees the structure which he is not doing as well with for his own boys around the same age as hers. When he gets to know Martha, he knows he wants her in his life and he is aware she is gun shy where he is concerned. Can the growly biker prove to Martha that he deserves her trust and if she can give him a chance he can make all her dreams come true?

One of my favorites from the series. I really enjoyed this one. You are introduced to both characters in book 1 and through out series but being able to read their story and how it began was wonderful. Had a few surprises in the story. Great read. A series worth picking up.
Profile Image for Alex(Books-In-A-Storm).
2,571 reviews66 followers
April 3, 2022
I loved this one! The past and the present together all in one book.
I just loved the beginning of Smoky and Martha's love story.
It was amazing and it answered some questions that I had from the first few books.
Can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
1,389 reviews62 followers
September 13, 2020
Flashbacks

I don’t normally like it when a series jumps back in time because it interrupts the flow of the story, but this was handled extremely well.

The book covers the meeting of Smokey and Martha and their four boys, a story that had been told, in previous books, from the point of view of the boys, but never from that of the adults. The story starts in 1973 in a diner and works forward to the current timeline, where Smokey and Martha are celebrating their 25th anniversary.

The story isn’t completely mired in 1973, as it works it’s way forward with stories from important times in the family’s history. I always liked Smokey and Martha and this book made me like them even more. They were kind and loving parents who would protect their children at all costs. The stories also revealed important facts about their children as most of the key events in their lives also included their kids. Those stories were revealing about the current generation of Texas Kings and I really enjoyed that aspect. It explains why the four boys were so incredibly close despite starting as two families.

So despite not being a fan of interrupting the flow of a story, in this case I’ll compliment the author and enjoy the next book knowing more about the history of the Texas Kings MC.
467 reviews7 followers
March 31, 2020
This is how you quarantine!!! Right here.

Virus? What virus? I’m in a happy land all my own. This is a happy freaking place. I never anticipated I would get Smokey and Martha’s full story. They have been the patriarch and Matriarch throughout the Texas Kings series. Kale is where I began my Cee Bowerman adventure. Best reading adventure in a while. She’s a very talented, gifted writer. I like the range of techniques she uses to tell a story. I always feel entrenched. The story becomes a part of my life. I have never loved a couple as much as I did Kale and Terra? And I feel like I owe it all to Smokey and Martha- yet none of these people are real. They feel real. I totally want Martha to pat me on the cheek and tell me I’m her good girl. Read the series to find out why. Worth the ride. Thank you so much to the author.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
November 27, 2021
Despite getting a lot of Smokey and Martha's story in previous books, this one was fun to read. Things were in much more detail. I liked how we started with how they met and moved forward with the present set in, the planning of the big party and them just living their lives. Some things really shocked me, like how all the boys stood together and did what they had to to save Martha, to standing together again later when they saw a girl in trouble. Sometimes it was the quiet family moments that were the best, like when Smokey and Martha came clean to everyone. Nothing seems to phase this group, they have a great base of love and know they can all depend on each other. The party with the last dance was a great way to end this one.
Profile Image for Amanda Adams.
484 reviews66 followers
August 24, 2021
I wish I could describe how Ms. Bowerman makes me feel when I read her books. Every time I finish I say to myself It can’t get better than this…and the next book blows me away. I do believe she has made me shed at least one tear in each of her books. They just feel so real and it’s issues we either have been through ourselves or we know someone who has been through it. I can’t wait to see what’s to come. This story revolves around the mom and dad of the series Smokey and Martha. All I can say is I hope to have a love like that when I’m old and grey. 🥰🥰
Profile Image for Gale Albright.
2,934 reviews19 followers
January 4, 2021
This story of Smokey and Martha was so incredibly beautiful. Martha needed Smokey and he needed her just as much. However those 4 boys and little Jenna were truly the winners in that relationship. This author knocked it out of the park with this book! Amazing.
490 reviews
December 11, 2019
Boring installment

I just knew when I saw it announced that Smokey and Martha was getting a book I most likely wouldn’t like it, and sure enough I don’t. It hops back and forth constantly between the present and over the past 25 years they’ve been together.
You learn more about Martha. However, what happened to the fierce and tough Martha the previous books made her out like?! She didn’t even take out her ex or anyone else, others do that. She had no bad a scenes or actions. And the one time she made a comment to two of her boys years ago they acted like it was a real blow, but it wasn’t at all.
There wasn’t really any action in this book besides the ex popping up. Otherwise it was very boring. It made Martha go from hard core in previous book assumptions to a pansy.
We learn that Kale really got screwed over with his jail situation.
And it turns out Clem and Daughtry already know who they end up with as it was shown them going to dance with the girls at the end of this book at their anniversary party. So this is disappointing also. There’s too many kids and way too much of the girls/guys interconnected at this point. I’d like to see some fresh heroines come into play.
I adored book one in this series and I truly appreciate a safe no cheating MC, but where did the spark go? The action? Bring in some new heroines that are worth more than just being a baby factory.
Profile Image for lisa jung.
5,415 reviews44 followers
December 7, 2019
Smokey

This is the beginning of the couple everyone loves from Texas Kings. As they remember the last and celebrate 25years to get her as a family and club. A great book and can't wait for the next book release.
Profile Image for farmwifetwo.
530 reviews17 followers
May 20, 2023
One of the problems with rereading a series is you find all the mistakes. She has a number of mistakes throughout the series, typos, wrong person but this one has a doozy. Luke is a member and returning from the military. Eli is the prospect. Not the other way around. It's not a typo, it's mentioned more than once.
Profile Image for Daniela.
1,185 reviews
December 25, 2022
Finally we get the full story and what a story it is. It helps to understand why the boys are the way they are. Smokey and Martha have a relationship to look up to and to aspire to.
Profile Image for Ramona.
311 reviews58 followers
March 1, 2024
Re-Read 2023

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I just love this family, specially the boys.
Profile Image for Raven61.
1,135 reviews8 followers
April 8, 2022
Secrets are revealed! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!

I do NOT consider it to be a STAND-ALONE read. Cee Bowerman authors multiple series set within Rojo, Texas and they are intertwined. There is a correct reading order and it can be found on her website (ceebowermanbooks.com). These really do need to be read in that order for maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers as there are multiple reoccurring characters, details that cannot be adequately recapped within the scope of another story that contributes to the story universe (world building), with past and concurrent timelines and overarching themes.

** There are some scenes that will be a trigger for sensitive readers. I have included examples below. Also, if you have not read the previous story in this series, the following may contain SPOILERS **

Another great story in Rojo, Texas! There are quite a few twists in this story that I didn’t see coming, which is unusual for me and I loved it! There are also a few secrets from the past that are finally revealed, with one even being done in semi-public. Sorry that is all you are getting, but it is good I promise.

This story features some more detail about Smokey and Martha’s love story. Think you know them based upon what you have read in the previous stories? I thought I had a pretty good feel, but turns out I was wrong, in the very best way possible. The story switches between various points in the past and the present, and it includes their 25th anniversary party. There are some heartbreaking moments and some that show why they are the couple that so many of their friends and family want to emulate.

One last note before I wrap this part up for readers not sure about the genre … the MC genre contains several different branches from sweet to outlaw to one percenters. While the Texas Knights MC is in the middle imo, the Texas Kings MC is more of the outlaw variety. Both focus on love, brotherhood, families and support, but the Texas Kings also bring vengeance to the table.

⛔️ The interwoven SERIES contains references to, or scenes detailing, subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some, including, but not limited to: adult language; derogatory terms; mental health challenges; steamy adult intimate scenes with dominance, submission, (play) spanking for pleasure, restraints, “bottom” play, breath play, sensory deprivation, voyeurism, exhibitionism, etc.; violence such as kidnapping, abduction, murder, death, torture, assault, fighting, betrayal, coercion, blackmail, rape, attempted rape, stalking, threats, subterfuge, money laundering, cheating, prostitution, human trafficking, mafia / cartels, arson, drug use, drug addiction, drug manufacturing, drug distribution, as well as the mental, physical and sexual abuse of females and/or children, polygamy, etc.

** Caution: The series contains scenes with reference to, or detailed graphic violence against females and children that fit into the storyline, but may be a trigger for some **

There are a few grammatical issues in the story. Listed below are examples of errors I found within the SERIES: incorrect word choice (piece iso peace), incorrect word tense (one iso ones), typos (big[1] iso big, abou iso about, att iso at) punctuation errors (extra periods, commas, extra spaces, missed quotation marks, missed capitalization at beginning of sentence), missed words and extra inserted / repetitive words.

I highlighted a few of the issues I found in this story specifically and uploaded these to Goodreads.com for anyone interested. I am mentioning these issues for readers such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow.
326 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2019
BOOK OF THE WEEK FOR ME
BOOK REVIEW Texas Kings Book 6
SMOKEY by Cee Bowerman
Put a fork in me I am done,
Cee Bowerman you have cemented yourself in my find of the year.
From the very beginning with The Texas Knights coming into the Texas Kings, your gift at story telling is PHENOMENAL.
I am in love with this entire series long may it flourish
======================================

Break Down of the book and ratings
The Plot ::: 5/5
The Main Characters ::: 5/5
The Supporting cast :::: 5/5
The Feels :::: 5/5
The Angst :::: 5/5
How hot it is :::: 4/5
Writing Style :::: 4/5
World Building :::: 5/5
Originality :::: 4/5
Ending :::: 5/5
Book Cover :::: Boring
Series :::: Texas Kings MC
Format :::: Kindle eBook
Would I read more from the author? :::: ABSO-FRIGGING-LUTELY
Would I recommend this book? :::: Yes

I bought this at 11 o’clock last night read until 2 this morning, and resumed when I arose and now just finished it. WHAT A BOOK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I knew Martha’s and Smokey’s book was gonna be a game changer and boy was I right. I have cried, shouted walked away and just sat quietly deep in thought.
The younger KALE had me sobbing and give me a whole new appreciation for not just him but all the boys, The connection between Bird, Clem, Kale, Daughtry is real from the very first time. The scenes with Kale had me sobbing but when the brothers jumped in to help him as well, I howled. Bird telling Kale he can squeeze him cos he can take it made me so proud as a mom and it’s fictional. The epic puking scene ( laugh out loud ) the dread of any mother lol
Sonny ( who if I am honest didn’t much like in his own story Loved Brenda though ) has made me re-think my entire stance on him and if possible understand him better. Lout who I adore and the whole back story off how they became who they are with such a tight knit group was heart breaking but also in a way very very heroic. I will have to go back once I have done this and re-read the entire series again. I won’t go into the plot too much because honestly in my opinion anyone who puts up a review with just a snippet of the plot is wrong,
This is Martha and Smokey’s story and I have loved them since the series began now I worship them. I want to be adopted or part of this family, it is true the meaning running right through this entire series, Family is blood but it is also a lot more complex, family is someone who is there through thick and thin, through the good times and the bad. A parents love when given is unconditional regardless.
I have given this book 6 stars it still has a few little mistakes and I DO NOT CARE. This is my book of the WEEK. Just read it for yourself. Thank you Cee Bowerman for a fabulous read. Can’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
367 reviews21 followers
December 20, 2019
I went out of order when I was reading this series and skipped book 5. Not deliberately, just my brain was mush for a second and then by the time I had it figured out I was already committed to this book hahah

So it threw me through a loop reading about a "Lazarus" I kept thinking who tf is that? Then when I FINALLY realised my mistake, I clicked on that Laz was actually Lout lmfao anyways aside from that everything about this book was great!

Thank the heavens for KU, I have been so addicted to these the past few days and I have enjoyed every book thus far. I'm a little sad this is it for the Texas Kings for now but I will be moving over to Texas Knights so I'm excited for that too.

Now for the book itself....I loved Smokey and Martha even though Martha was a little rough around the edges and seemed a little cold in the other books, I absolutely LOVED her in this. Bowerman really explored Martha's softer side and I am here for it. I loved watching her character development! From a fragile battered wife to the kickass, will-punch-your-throat-momma-bear. I never thought I would love Martha but now I can see why her boys and Smokey are enamored, absolutely loved her!

I adored Smokey from day dot and just reading about his love and complete devotion to Martha from the start did it for me. I can definitely see where the Forrester boy's adopted their fierce loyalty and protection from. Total alpha and so yum!

The plot was enjoyable, I LOVED the flashbacks and seeing all the boys as kids then teens. I fell in love with Kale and Bird all over again. This has made me so excited and keen for Jenna, Clem's and Daughtry's books. I am eagerly awaiting for any news at this point. Hell I'm even excited about the other sub characters like Hank and Tucker. Story-line was captivating and Bowerman has definitely earned her status as one of my one click buyers

Anyways, just a brief overview on my thoughts about this author. I'm so glad I decided to take a chance on this series, and I cant wait for more books to come. 10/10 recommend.
Profile Image for Brandi.
161 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2021
I’m starting to get really frustrated with the continuity of this series. When you start a series you expect that it takes place about the same time as the release unless they tell you differently. Into the books I noticed things that didn’t add up, references that were way too early for the time frames, movies, songs, etc. now with this book it’s really obvious. The Main guys are all about 31 when we start but they mention Taking it hard when Elvis died in 1977, going to see Grease on a first date 1978. Stevie Ray Vaughan dying 1990.Then later they talk about texting being new (1995-1998-ish) P!NK being referenced could only happen after 2000. Witches of Eastwick in high school 1987. It doesn’t work when does this take place?!?!?? My best guess is maybe 2005-ish? Sam & Zeke are younger than Bird and Kale but Tuck is supposed to be 5 years older than them but he says he’s 31, then Sam calls Tuck baby brother?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
30 reviews
December 5, 2019
Beautiful love

This book moved from past to present to tell the story of Smokey and Martha. Loved that it was a story that made you cry just a little (the good kind) and want the type of love shown in Cee’s books. That family is those you love whether they have your blood or not. The MC is not the center story. Almost gave a 5 star because as soon as I return the KU copy I will be buying it as I just bought all her other books this morning after reading them this week on KU. I was happy to find Smokey available this morning when I finished Lout. I’ve found a new author that has become a favorite this week. I think I will change it to a 5 star, because I can’t find anything I disliked in this story.
Profile Image for SUSAN STORM .
393 reviews13 followers
November 25, 2021
❤️‍🔥BLESSED & BATTLED COUPLE❤️‍🔥 “UNITED SOULMATES”

Fabulous SERIES 💟

Hands down one of the best couples💕💞💕
Through heartbreak 💔, comes the best blessings either could find . Journeys are often rocky . But when you find that Beach 🏖 it’s oh so Smoothly SWEET .. warmth through your toes.
Martha & Smokey will win your heart . Make you smile , laugh . The journey with their boys such a trial & tribulations path . Full of love ❤️ & support. These guys grow up with so much respect for women !! The desire to have what their mom & dad have.
Story of Fate & Faith

ADORE THIS BOOK !! Their Love & SPUNK

HIS “ WOMAN “
Her “MAN “

Funny when they call each other that !!
You will chuckle 🤭

~Bibliophile Susan

#Booksugargetkissed 💋 💋 💋
912 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2025
One of my all time favourite books

Romance? Check ✔
Danger? Check ✔
Compassion? Check ✔
Passion? Check ✔
Laughter? Check ✔
Smokey and Martha are just wonderful and their story runs the whole gamut of feelings from fear to fun with an abiding love illuminating their path for others to follow.
Texas Kings MC is one of my favourite series and Smokey and Martha are the bedrock of the series. Love them to bits.
No plot spoilers, there is a fair bit of swearing and some violence and a few sex scenes.
I have had the series for quite some time and really I have no idea why I have not left feedback before now, consider that remedied!
I have no problem recommending the series but would advise reading from the beginning to obtain the best reading experience.
Profile Image for Mimirureviewbooks.
2,198 reviews
December 9, 2019
Smokey is book 6in the Texas Kings MC series by the amazing and talented author Cee Bowerman. This book needs more than 5 stars. OMG, what a wonderful and special story!I’ve found a new author that has become my favorite very quickly. Miss. Bowerman did an outstanding job writing Smokey and Martha's journey to a lovely and intense romance. This book is A MUST READ! Loved that the author takes us from past to present to tell the story of this charming characters we begin to love from the previous books. You'll need tissues for sure once you start reading, book is so awesome, could not put it down. No Spoilers, Can't wait for the next one!
59 reviews
December 5, 2019
This needs more than 5 stars

OMG I just didnt want this book to end. The love story of Smokey and Martha was beautiful. It was hot, loving, amazing. I cried, laughed, cheered throughout the book. Cee just kept the words flowing from page 1 till the end. I cant beleive how amazing this author is. She takes you on a wonderful journey and allows you to actually believe everything she writes like you are there in the story with them all. Again TAKE A BOW CEE YOU DESERVE IT.

PLEASE READ THIS WHOLE SERIES YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED.....
2,894 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2019
Beyond beautiful

I screamed for joy when I realized this one was about Smokey and Martha. I was almost afraid to start reading it because my expectations were so high in order to give these characters the justice they needed. This one exceeded my expectations. I sit with tears in my eyes it was so good. I laughed out loud, I got so tense during a fight scene-my dog whimpered and licked the hand holding my iPad, I cried for sadness and for happiness. Beautiful story, wonderful series, amazing writer. Enjoy
Profile Image for Angela.
3,375 reviews33 followers
January 26, 2020
A definite must read story!

This was an amazing story about the past and present, the good and bad times, and everything in between. It's filled with friends, family, and more love than most could ever hope to have. A beautiful story about unconditional love, and what true family is all about. It's certainly not a story to be missed!
I hope to see more from this series soon, and can't wait for Jenna, Clem and Daughtry's stories!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and fantastic author.
15 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2020
The BESTEST EVER (yes I know had grammer)

I've started reading your books with this series. This book was just a pure pleasure to read. I laughed and cried, I felt like part.of.the family in this series. It pulled.on my head strings it's how all families should be in good and bad times. This is probably in my top five favorite box I've ever read. Thank you please keep.writing. I will.always be a fan you have as gift please keep using it to enlighten us. Truly a Beautiful book....👀💜💓💕💗💖💝💞
JJ
Profile Image for Rebecca Bistel.
1,009 reviews4 followers
March 29, 2021
Origin Story at its finest

I didn't know how much I would like reading about Smokey and Martha because I figured we knew them pretty well already. I almost skipped over this book for that reason. I am so glad that I decided to read this book. Smokey and Martha are what hold this group together and I am glad to have some questions answered. I absolutely loved this book.

*I still had an issue with names being mixed up. I feel like this is a mistake that should not continuously happen
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
April 13, 2022
Great story!!

This is the sixth book in this phenomenal series and is Smokey. and Martha 's story. This story flits between the past and present giving a background to when they first meet and how their relationship has grown from strength to strength over the years. This is a beautifully written emotionally charged story which has emotions, humour, suspense, family, friendships, and love which all leads to a poignant and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
1,210 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2024
Good Read

Smokey and Martha have been the pillar behind the characters in this series and it was amazing for me to read their origin story alongside their anniversary celebration. I loved the story of this book, it worked really well jumping back and forward and I liked how everything linked together. I think this book shows exactly what family should be, and it’s not just the people who are related by blood, but also some of the people that come into our lives too. I can’t recommend this book enough.
Profile Image for Stacey Goble.
183 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2019
An amazing love story

I think words fail me as to how amazing this book is. This is Smokey and Martha's story and wow.. what a story it is. I cannot put into words how touching and beautiful their love is. This book jumped between the past and the present giving you a full total story of pretty much everyone who makes an appearance in the previous books. Cee Bowerman has really outdone herself this time. This book is s must read.
231 reviews
December 5, 2019
Favorite so far

Absolutely loved it. I am normally not a fan of flashbacks and “original couples” but this was excellent. Had good spacing and time lines and I absolutely loved loved loved the story and the little history stories. Thought it was great and this author has come a long way in writing and storytelling it is phenomenal. Cannot wait til the next. Always leaves me wanting more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews

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