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I had one job. Charm the girl, win her trust, and use her to get the information I needed.

The problem with that was that she ended up being more than a pretty face. The more time I spent with her, the less I cared about what I was supposed to be doing.

She had awakened something in me that had a dangerous edge, and only she had the power to sate it.

When the truth comes out, and the threat that she will be taken from me rears its head, I do what I have to in order to keep my sanity.

I take her and run.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2024

128 people are currently reading
375 people want to read

About the author

Abbi Glines

122 books86.4k followers
Abbi 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
Profile Image for Katie.
366 reviews134 followers
September 24, 2024
I can’t get enough of this series, I loved Sebastian and Royal’s story. Sebastian might come off as sweet but he’s just as unhinged as the rest of the men in the family. If you don’t like crazy, stalker, possessive, morally grey men, then this series isn’t for you. If you’re like me and like the MMC a little(or a lot) unhinged, you need to read this series.
805 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2024
Ok

First may I say this is my opinion. You may not agree with it and that's fine. I might not agree with yours either but as someone who has paid for this its my opinion.
Sebastian has been my favorite through out this series. He just was someone I knew was going to get a great book. To me he did not get the book he deserved. It was like we got a watered down version of him. I have read the whole series. A few of the books I've reread some I have not. I guess I was just hoping for an epic read but it just failed for me. I enjoyed it but it just was not for me.
Profile Image for Amberly Hays.
206 reviews20 followers
September 30, 2024
Another great book in this series!!! I was so excited that Sebastian finally got a story and Royal couldn’t be more perfect for him!! Their chemistry was smoking HOT and he was so sweet with a little crazy sprinkled in!! This was a perfect addition to an amazing series and I can’t wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Thalia | NightlyReadandTea.
338 reviews24 followers
September 29, 2024
Smolder is the latest addition to Abbi Glines' Georgia Smoke series. For readers who have been eagerly awaiting Sebastian’s story, it definitely delivers! We first met Sebastian in Ashes, where he endured his share of heartbreak and always seemed to come in second. But everything changes when he meets Royal here. Sebastian is used to women falling all over him, but Royal is different. She’s sassy, stubborn, and incredibly smart. She’s doing what she can to take care of her family, and her resilience draws him in like no one else ever has. Her beauty might be what captures his attention at first, but it’s her intelligence that truly hooks him.

Sebastian channels his inner demon, showing off a more desperate, possessive side as he becomes obsessed with Royal. The chemistry between them is off the charts, and their relationship builds quickly, bringing out some steamy, kink-filled moments that fans of the series will love. Both characters are intense and a little unhinged for each other, which makes their dynamic even more thrilling. The tension ramps up when the Mafia starts to question Royal’s loyalty, leading to some nail-biting twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Along with its scorching romance, Smolder has its fair share of heartwarming moments too—especially involving Royal’s relationship with her Gram. Glines does a fantastic job balancing the emotional and steamy scenes, delivering a fast-paced, gripping read that you’ll fly through in no time.

If you’re looking for a spicy, mafia/MC romance with strong alpha males and fiercely independent heroines, Smolder is the perfect addition to your TBR. Additionally, you can read this as a standalone but you'll get a more well rounded understanding by reading the previous books mentioned!
Profile Image for Alecia (The Staircase Reader).
1,114 reviews76 followers
October 4, 2024
description
Smolder is the sixth book in the Georgia Smoke Series by Abbi Glines. If you love suspense, danger, and dark vibes, Sebastian and Royal’s story may be your next five-star read! The title says it all, Sebastian brings the smolder to this novel! Hot damn, I think I’m in love with a fictional character.

Sebastian had one job to make Royal fall in love with him in order to gain her trust and all of her secrets. What was supposed to be an easy task, wasn’t what he pictured. It’s hard to make a woman with a stubborn streak and an impenetrable wall around her heart fall.

Royal has lived her life being treated like she was less than her own self-worth. If it’s not her drunk father kicking her when she’s down, it’s her ex-boyfriend constantly trying to get back in her good graces. The only true constant is her Grams… and with Grams’ dementia getting worse every day, she feels the only person in her life who has ever given a damn about her, slipping through her fingers.

When Amory Blaine steps into Royal’s life, she has her shield put up. But the more she fights his advances, the more he’s able to break through that wall. Royal is about to learn that there is a lot about Amory she doesn’t know, including his true identity. What would she do if she found out Sebastian is actually a member of the most infamous mafia family in the world….

The more time Sebastian spends with Royal, the more he fears his truth will be exposed…. Oh, Sebastian, don’t you know by now that secrets always have their ways of becoming known!

My Thoughts:

I knew from the very first moment I cracked the first book open within this series that Sebastien would be my absolute favorite dark hero! My assumption rings true! This man brought everything to this story, from the smolder to the kink. I have to give Abbi Glines a round of applause for making this man such a compelling and profound character in this series.

Smolder is, hands down, my favorite book in this series! So let’s get into the characters, starting with Royal. I was enamored by Royal’s mentality. This woman has had every bad thing thrown at her, but at the end of the day she’s still standing on her own two feet. This woman carries her own within this series. I loved witnessing her not so traditional problem solving skills. To say she’s fierce and a warrior would be the understatement of the year. This woman has won her fair share of battles and fought her wars single handedly. So when Sebastian entered her life, my heart felt the connection that she had been craving for so long. She was no longer alone in this world.

And then we have Sebastian. I loved the charm that Sebastian’s character portrayed. I also loved the sinister vibes that lurked beneath the surface. This man had a deadly aire about him, almost like his brother. But where his brother, Thatcher, wore his deadly air like a badge of honor, Sebastian was more comfortable hiding his until the absolute last minute. which, in my mind, makes this man even more dangerous than Thatcher. It’s always the swoony ones you have to watch out for. I have to say, I felt so much anger for what Sebastian and his family were putting Royal through. The manipulation and secrets had me raging during this one. I never needed secrets to be exposed as much as I needed them within this novel.

I predicted the outcome, which is the only reasoning behind why I decided to drop a ½ star on my rating. I needed the suspense to be greater for me to not so easily predict the outcome. I dropped another ½ star on my rating for the simple reason of wanting more scenes with Maeme in them. This woman has shown up in each book within this series. She’s been a huge part of this series, I definitely felt her absence within this novel.

Overall, I LOVED Smolder by Abbi Glines! Royal and Sebastian’s story had me feeling all the feels. From the age gap trope down to the close proximity vibes, this one had everything I was currently looking for in a novel. And let’s not forget about the sexy as sin sexy time scenes. These moments had my Kindle scorching!! WHEW! If you love your romance reads a bit more on the spicy/inferno scale, this one is definitely for you!!

_________

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Profile Image for The_reading_redhead_sc tabitha.
233 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2024
I have been waiting for Sebastian book! It did not disappoint and his FMC was perfect for him!!

Tropes:
Found Family
Touch her and ☠️
Alpha Hero
Mafia Romance

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

Sebastian is on a job where he see’s Royal who is playing pool and essentially hustling them for money. Royal grabs his attention. Come to find out Royal is involved in the job that Sebastian is on. He ends up having to follow to Royal around. The more Sebastian learns about Royal he starts to catch feelings for her.

Royal is the single provider for her family. Her mother left and her father is dead beat and drunk. But Royal has a sweet grandmother that she takes care of. Her grandmother is like her mother. Royal grandmother has dementia. Royal is doing everything she can to provide for her and grandmother.

Sebastian is caught following Royal and he has to come up with a fake like to get to know Royal. As he catches more feelings he knows he going against the family. We know what happens when you go against the family. Go grab smolder today for Sebastian and Royal full story!!

** I want to thank Abbi Glines for giving me the chance to read Smolder as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.****
Profile Image for Angela D.
156 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2024
We are moving along in that Georgia crew with the latest instalment - this time it’s Sebastian’s turn.
In previous books he definitely comes across as the fun loving one who just can’t compete with his crew when it comes to women. Who knew he was so sweet but so obsessive with his girl!
I was afraid we were going to get the same story line recycled through with this crew but the female lead - Royal - I loved her the most out of all the FMC down in Georgia.

I’m obsessed with this series and to me it reads like I’m watching a show and I can’t get enough!
Profile Image for Michelle Quintana.
1,872 reviews7 followers
October 2, 2024
Better than expected

From all of the other books with Sebastian, I had always pictured him as being romantic. His behavior towards Royal wasn't what I was expecting. The chemistry between Sebastian and Royal was off the charts but I also liked the drama involving her dad and with Blaise. I was hoping they would get two books but with the way it ended, everything seemed to be wrapped up. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
547 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2024
Cutter then the previous ones. H was nice to the h, and he came clean early on..he was the softy in the story.
Their reconciliation was a bit weird, the start up of it... love the big brother 💙 ❤️. He is the reason it is a 4
326 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2024
idk why these books r like crack to me ,, maybe because i read too many of them when i was 13 and it permanently altered my brain development
Profile Image for Stephanie.
889 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2024
Smolder is the newest addition to the Georgia Smoke series. Fans of Abbi Glines finally get Sebastian's story!

We were introduced Sebastian in Wilder's story - Ashes. He has had his share of heartbreak and coming in second place. Royal takes him by surprise. He is used to women falling all over him. Royal is so much more. She is sassy, stubborn, and so intelligent. She is trying to take care of her family the only way she knows how. Her beauty has enchanted Sebastian and then her brains, well, that has him hooked!

Sebastian channels his inner "Demon" that brings out a bit of his desperate, possessive, crazy side. He is in awe of Royal as he discovers that she is not who he thought she was. The chemistry is hot between Sebatian and Royal and they have so many shared interests. And the "kinks" are back again!!! So much fun! I also loved Royal's Gram. There were many fun and touching moments with her.

Smolder has no cliff and is filled with territorial alpha males and sassy, stubborn females. You will fly through Sebastian and Royal's story. I have yet to have one of Abbi's new books last more than two days! The Smoke, Georgia Smoke and Judgement series are standalone interconnected series that you will devour!

Fans of the series will LOVE the scene in Blaise's office as Blaise, Gage, Thatcher & Huck have a bit of a standoff. It was priceless!

Abbi Glines is writing for the fans! She is releasing many more books in all of the new series. Many are on KU and coming to Kindle Unlimited! I am so excited! They are my go-to for spicy, mafia/MC romance!

4.5 stars

#AuthorAbbiGlines #GeorgiaSmoke #Smolder #Sizzling #Storm #Demons #SebastianAndRoyal #SmokeSeries #JudgementSeries #Romance #Mafia #EnemiesToLovers #HotAndSteamy
#SouthernMafia #spicy
Profile Image for Nicoletta Tompros.
255 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2026
I truly cannot get enough of this series, and Sebastian and Royal’s story might be one of my favorites yet. Sebastian may look like the sweet one of the family, but don’t be fooled he’s just as unhinged, obsessive, and morally grey as the rest of them. If crazy, stalker-ish, possessive MMCs aren’t your thing, this series won’t be for you. But if you’re like me and prefer your men a little (or a lot) unhinged… you need to read this.

Sebastian fully channels his inner demon in this book. The moment he becomes fixated on Royal, his desperation and possessiveness come out in full force and honestly? I loved every second of it. Their chemistry is off the charts, their relationship moves fast, and the tension between them explodes into steamy, kink-filled moments that fans of the series will eat up. They’re intense, chaotic, and a little unhinged for each other, which makes their dynamic so addictive.

The story kicks off with Sebastian on a job when he spots Royal hustling men at a pool table. She immediately grabs his attention, and things escalate quickly when he realizes she’s connected to the job he’s on. From there, Sebastian ends up following Royal, learning more about her life, and against his better judgment catching very real feelings.

Royal is such a strong FMC. She’s the sole provider for her family after her mother leaves and her father proves useless, and her entire world revolves around caring for her grandmother, who is suffering from dementia. Her bond with her Gram is incredibly emotional and grounding, adding so much heart to the story. Watching Royal fight to survive and protect the only family she has made her impossible not to root for.

While the romance is scorching, Smolder also delivers genuinely tender moments especially through Royal and her grandmother that balance the chaos perfectly. The Mafia tension ramps up as questions about Royal’s loyalty surface, leading to nail-biting twists that kept me glued to the pages. The pacing is fast, the emotions hit hard, and the story is impossible to put down.

If you’re looking for a spicy mafia/MC romance with obsessive alpha men, fiercely independent heroines, found family, and a healthy dose of “touch her and die” energy, Smolder deserves a spot on your TBR. It can be read as a standalone, but you’ll get a much richer experience if you read the previous books in the series.

Tropes & vibes:
🔥 Found Family
🔥 Touch Her and ☠️
🔥 Alpha Hero
🔥 Mafia Romance

Unhinged. Emotional. Addictive. Exactly the way I like my books. 😮‍💨📚
Profile Image for Erin Under_Covers_Smut_Lover.
396 reviews39 followers
September 27, 2024
(Received as an ARC for my honest review)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Rating: 🌶🌶🌶

The sweet, caring mafia guy turned unhinged and obsessed when he meets his match. Abbi Glines Smoke series has been one of my favorite series ever. Now that she is onto the Georgia Branch, these bad boys take their obsessions to the next level. Hot cowboys whose family is The Family, yes please.

Tropes;
- Southern Mafia Romance
- Cowboy
- Rich Boy/Poor Girl
- Age-Gap (8.5yrs)
- Obsessed MMC
- Hustler FMC
- Unhinged
- Touch Her & Die
- Kidnapping
- Stalking
- Forced Proximity

Sebastian has always been made out as the sweet, caring male of the Georgia Branch Southern Mafia. You've seen him in other books as this guy who will do whatever to help a female in need, as well as his family. He's rich and a flirt.

This book painted him in a while new light once he met Royal as part of a job. If course Royal had no clue she was being liked at by the Mafia. She hustles to take care of her grams that has dementia and her drunken excuse for a father.

Sebastian tries to tell himself that she is being watched for something bad and is a liar. He knew she was a hustler because that's how they first met. The more he's around her and the more he learns about her, the more he becomes slightly obsessed. He reminded me more of his brother, Thatcher.

Sebastian will do anything to keep Royal safe. Even if they means going against the family. He's becomes too close to Royal, and his family knows it. They want to pull him from his assignment and replace him with someone else in the family. To bad Sebastian is not letting that happen. She's his, even if he had to kidnap her to prove his point.

This book is all kinds of unhinged goodness. Both these main characters are a little crazy for each other. They get to close to fast, and when the Boss test Royal's loyalty,... well, let's just say that doesn't go as planned.

Abbi Glines is one of my favorite authors when it comes to spicy scenes. Either authors have it, or they don't, and Abbi kills those scenes every time. I do wish there would have been a scene when Royal comes to the stables for Sebastian near the end. I would have loved to have seen that reconnecting.
Profile Image for SherrecePQ Tanner.
380 reviews9 followers
September 30, 2024
Trying to find words to describe a perfectly/unperfect, unhinged coupling as Sebastian and Royal is not easy. This is my first book of Abbi's I have ever read, and had the honour of receiving an ARC to read and review. This is book 6 in the Georgia Smoke Series, and is an interconnected standalone. Obviously I read this as a standalone, with no context about the other characters, but, found it easy to understand. I am, of course, now curious about the other players, so let's just say my TBR list has grown longer.

Royal is our FMC. Strong is not enough of a word to describe her, as she is the backbone of the family, which consists of her Gram, who has dementia and was the woman she saw as her mother, and her useless, alcoholic father. Royal does what she needs to survive, so there is side hustles and writing college assignments to help ends meet.

Sebastian is our MMC. Clearly not has unhinged as his oldest brother (now that story intrigues me), but he has been tasked with the job of "wooing" Royal to get information. Underneath the cover of the family's horse breeding business, is a mafia "family" and they have reason to believe that there is some dodgy business going down, pointing directly at Royal's boyfriend. Sebastian, though, is infatuated to know everything about Royal, so stalking her is his obsession.

And.....when the smolder becomes an actual bush fire when the spice hits, nothing can dampen that down. They both struggle with feelings, previous hurt, and loyalty to family, so this is set to test them both, but their connection is undeniable. I loved the complexities of these two, Sebastian for all his morally grey traits and the biggest red flags was everything Royal didn't know she deserved (and he proved it to her ALOT) and the two of them together....perfection. Loved this book.
Profile Image for Luisa Rivas.
2,213 reviews37 followers
September 29, 2024
Once again, Abbi Glines brings us another addictive story. This time, a little different, which I loved. Sebastian, Thatcher’s younger brother, much saner than him, falls for a hustler, in such a powerful and compulsive way, that even Thatcher recognized himself in his little brother!

Sebastian is given the task of seducing Royal, a young woman whose ex-boyfriend was involved in drug trafficking. The Southern Mafia wanted this drug ring out of the way, so Sebastian, the nice guy, is sent to get information out of Royal, but ends up being beguiled with this surprising young woman. She runs different hustles to support her Grams who has dementia, and her father is no help but rather a hindrance, an abusive alcoholic. All Sebastian sees in her is an enterprising and caring young woman, he admires her and wants to keep her.

The story evolved differently and very complicated with lies and deceits, and I really didn’t know how the author was going to unravel the web of lies, but she did so and brilliantly. The lies were told, and then the truth came out, but also the strong feelings and the inherent trust that Sebastian evokes in anyone dealing with him. He was as insanely in love as Thatcher was, but he incites a feeling of trust and safety that Royal couldn’t resist.

I loved seeing Sebastian falling madly in love and getting obsessed, loved seeing Thatcher being the protective big brother, loved Royal. She was super intelligent and used her intelligence to support her Grams. Again, another highly entertaining and addictive story. I can’t wait for more from Abbi Glines!
Profile Image for Luisa Turner.
148 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2024
Ok I know Sebastian and Thatcher are brothers, but seriously, who knew our boy had it in him! That little bit of crazy was all I needed to forgive Abbi for making us wait for Thatchers book two.
Seriously though, Sebastian is known for his level head and charm. To see him throw caution to the wind and go up against the boss himself for the woman he loves… my boy deserves everything and more.
Possessive, protective, and caring, he really falls hard for Royal.
Royal is a hustler… I love her ingenuity and creativeness when it comes to getting by and taking care of the little family she has left. Her home life is less than ideal and yet she fights for it because shes loyal to her family. Even her POS father ges a bit of her love and loyalty despite everything he puts her through. She’s independent, stubborn and hard working. But most of all I love that she keeps Sebastian on his toes. Yes she’s attracted to him and falling hard for him, but she makes that boy work for her.
Abbi really put us on a journey of trust with this book. I honestly was wandering how he was going to be forgiven by Royal for some of his lies but Abbi came through and gave them a HEA. Not before giving us a little heartbreak might I add. (No thank you very much)
A great read, the characters had great chemistry, the spicy scenes were spicing, and the possessive love was giving 🤌🏼. I love this world you have created Abbi, and I’m dying to see what you do with the Mississippi branch of this family next..
Profile Image for Fancy Jenn.
172 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2024
Smolder is the latest installment of the Georgia Smoke Series. This series is so good I recently went back and started the whole Southern Mafia world again!
Royal is another one of Abbi Glines' strong, determined, crafty but slightly beat down heroines. She is does what she needs to do to support her grandmother, herself and her good for nothing father.
Sebastian Shephard had one job. Get close to Royal to see what she knew. Use his charms to get information out of her. He was most DEFINITELY NOT supposed to fall for her! The first time he saw her, she was hustling some guys in a pool game. She was mesmerizing. While he did use his charms to get closer to her, he also used his money to help her where he could, he just couldn't use his real name.
"I just don't have time in my life for a stalker. Even one that looks like you and drives a car like this."
Royal knew he was out of her league and she had been burned by guys like him before. She didn't trust it. She was hanging on by a thread and didn't have time for distractions. Amory/Sebastian was irresistible however.
When Royal learned who Sebastian really was and what his intentions were could she still trust him?
What would happen when Blaise Hughes realized that Sebastian had gone AWOL and defied him? People did not defy The Boss.
Even when things fall apart, Sebastian will put her first and watch out for her, even when his heart is broken and his life is on the line. But could they have a future? Join the Georgia Mafia and find out.
3,460 reviews73 followers
October 1, 2024
Smolder ( Georgia Smoke Series Book 6 ) perfection just absolute perfection
Have you ever come across a book or a series that just hooked you in a way no other has for a very long time ?from the second you picked up the very first book you found ourself not only falling completely in love with each character / couple but each love story as well and the emotions you felt while reading were all over the place - one minute your speeches, the next your yelling outta pure frustration, then bam your heart is breaking and your sobbing like a baby then bam your smiling, laughing and rooting so freaking hard
It’s Kinda like being on the craziest ride at the amusement park !!! you know rhat feeling you get in your stomach from being excited and nervous at the same time - the anticipation of whats to come next ? Well this is that series for me . Like I’ve said I’ve genuinely adored every couples story . That.being said Smolder just might be my favorite so far . Not sure what it was exactly but I adored Sebastian and Royal together so so much. Maybe it’s just that I have a thing for morally Grey heroes who are the perfect blend of possessive, protective, unhinged and sweet and that fits Sebastian to a tee . When he gets together with royal , all bets are off , the chemistry they share is insanely hot , and their story is so emotional and beautifully written. To be completely honest no words can do it enough justice . So Jump in and experience the wild ride that it is
Profile Image for Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan).
1,483 reviews31 followers
September 25, 2024
𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 is the 6th book in the Georgia Smoke series by Abbi Glines, featuring a spicy mafia romance with cowboy vibes for Sebastian and Royal. She has information his family needs, but she just might be the game changer that he never expected. This was the first book I’ve read in this this series, and I was totally entranced by Sebastian’s possessive streak and Royal’s selfless nature. Royal’s situation with her Gram was really well represented and touched me on a personal level, and also brought out the softer side of Sebastian. Sebastian and Royal together were absolute fire!!🔥🥵🔥The suspenseful plot was riveting with mafia drama, dark action, secrets, and lies. Being new to the series, I loved the dynamic between Sebastion and his “family,” giving me plenty of context, while still leaving me longing for time to read the other books right away.😅 The world building was strong, and its clear that it extends far beyond this series, but I was able to enjoy this book without the extra knowledge, although I’m sure that it would enhance the experience. All I know is, I wasn’t ready for it to end. I wanted a glimpse into their future.😂

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

#Smolder #AbbiGlines #GeorgiaSmokeSeries #MafiaRomance #possessivehero #ForcedProximity #cowboyromance
Profile Image for Renee.
5,286 reviews76 followers
October 10, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the story of Sebastian and Royal. If you have not read any books in the Georgia Smoke series, you are really missing some amazing stories. This is the sixth book and it just keeps getting better and better. It is one of those series that you do not want to miss.
Sebastian is a guy who has really been though some heartbreak that leaves his feeling like he is second best all the time. He is a man who is used to women falling at his feet. But when he meets Royal everything changes. She is a strong woman who is smart and sassy and doesn't bend to his will or fall at his feet. She is doing all she can to take care of her family. I loved how we got to watch his attraction for her grow. It is not a instant love book. I loved that while she is a beauty, he is more attracted to her brain than anything. But as his obsession grow the darkness in him begins to come out more and more. However, she is equally as obsessed with I'm and at times they all have a side of them them comes out. I fell for these characters as they fall for each other. I really loved reading this book. I for one hope this series never ends. I am going to cry when it actually does.
Profile Image for Rose.
751 reviews48 followers
November 2, 2024
I was enjoying this one until the ending. 🙃 Their chemistry just totally fizzled out for me and the fact that both of them chose not to confront the other during the end drama did nothing for their relationship building and intimacy development. Neither one of them would have ever done anything to rectify the situation. Thatcher had to step in. Yay, that’s what I want. Big brother coming in to save the day. So romantic! Blah. Why would the reader feel it when the MCs don’t? 🤦🏻‍♀️ The whole last 15% was a total miss for me.

I really liked a few in the series so I’m bummed that the last two books were such misses for me. Hoping the next spin off series is better but all the tropes in each book are starting to run together. You can see where she is getting ideas for the next book from the previous book. This one had a lot of influence from Storms book. The books are all getting too close and repetitive.

The plot wrap up with the senator and the hs ex was lackluster and disappointing too. I wanted some action and excitement there and instead we get a few lines just telling us how it worked out. This was the whole catalyst of everything and from the way beginning was going it seemed like it was going to really fun and dramatic but nope, all that fell flat.

Overall: 1.5
918 reviews20 followers
November 23, 2024
If you like a mafia romance with a morally grey, possessive, stalker hero, then Smolder, book 6 of 7 in the Georgia Smoke series by Abbi Glines, is probably one that should be added to your TBR. This contemporary romance novel tells the love story of Royal and Sebastian. Royal was Sebastian’s new “mark.” The more Sebastian learned about her the more obsessed he became.

What to expect:
🖤Mafia Romance
🖤They both love to read
🖤​​​​​​​He's been watching her
🖤Man Obsessed
🖤Morally Grey Hero
🖤Protective Hero

This book was very on brand for this author’s mafia books. They definitely fit the definition of dark romance, books that do not fall under the description of healthy relationships. They are a guilty pleasure, but definitely not what we would wish for our daughters. The chemistry between Royal and Sebastian is definitely hot and the spice moderate. This was a pretty quick read, and was full of lots of sass and banter. I had fun reading this story and think that readers who enjoy dark, mafia romance will too. I give this book 3.5 rounded to 4⭐️ on Goodreads and retail sites.

I would like to thank Wordsmith Publicity for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for SlashReads.
563 reviews2 followers
September 28, 2024
Smolder
By Abbi Glines

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/3🌶🌶🌶
-Mafia
-Possesive MMC
-Strong FMC
-Stalking
-Strong family ties

Sebastian has been rejected and left for other members of the family in the past; when it seems he may have finally found the one, he has to decide how far he is willing to go.

Royal has learned to do what has to be done from a young age. She's always been alone. She has to decide what she is willing to do for her family.

"In the darkness of our world, when you found your light, you didn’t fucking let it go."

Who knew that sweet, book-loving Sebastian had so much in common with his brother Thatch? Didn't see that one coming but I am here for it! It also just reaffirms my need for a second book for Thatcher. There is more to that man and they could never make me dislike him.

16 books in with an additional 2 for crossover opportunities, Abbi has created a wide and rich world when she delved into Southern Mafia. Florida was one hell of a drug. We met the Devil down in Georgia. Can't wait to see what awaits us in the next Family branch!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for April.
41 reviews
September 29, 2024
"Smolder" by Abbi Glines is a gripping southern mafia romance that combines passion, suspense, and family drama. Set in the intriguing world of the Georgia branch, this novel delivers a perfect blend of heat and heart.

Sebastian and Royal's story is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with intense chemistry and delicious tension. Sebastian's possessiveness is both thrilling and endearing, while Royal shines as a strong, determined heroine. Their relationship faces numerous obstacles, including trust issues and family loyalties, which adds depth to their love story.

Glines' writing style is engaging and immersive, pulling readers deep into the world of southern mafia romance. Her ability to weave intricate plot lines with heartfelt moments is on full display in "Smolder." While some of Sebastian's early decisions may raise eyebrows, his character growth throughout the novel is ultimately satisfying.

If you're a fan of steamy romances with a side of danger and complex family dynamics, "Smolder" is a must-read. It's a page-turner that showcases why Abbi Glines is a master of the genre and will leave you craving more from this captivating series.
Profile Image for Jeanine Levy.
289 reviews6 followers
October 1, 2024
Sebastian is so unexpected!

Royal is just trying to survive with what she's been given in life. She just wants to keep her Grams safe, and in her home, her dad is the only parent she has, even if he's a  mean drunk.

Sebastian is the nice Shephard brother.  He's the one the one that plays it nice with everyone.  He doesn't defy orders.

When their paths cross, Sebastian is enthralled by Royal.  Royal sees another man with money, and she's had that experience.  Sebastian’s job is to see her connection with someone on the family's radar. He forgets the job and just needs to be near her. She feels something with him, but in her life, trust is hard.

When secrets come out, he does the only play he can think of and borrows a play from Thatcher.  Can they get past everything stacked against them.

Sebastian is a complete surprise.  We get a different,  darker side of him, and I am absolutely loving it! He shows this darkness so similar to Thatcher, and then we see his romantic book loving side too.Royal is absolutely perfect for this book loving mafia guy.  She gets him the way no other does. He protects her the way even her father never has.

This Georgia branch series just keeps getting better,  Sebastian will not disappoint. 

5⭐️ 4🌶
64 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2024
Smolder by Abbi Glines is yet another stellar addition to the Georgia Smoke series! In this installment, we dive into the intense story of Sebastian and Royal. Fans of the Southern Mafia series will also be delighted to see familiar faces make an appearance.

From their very first encounter, Sebastian is drawn to Royal—not just for her beauty, but for her intelligence and resourcefulness. What begins as a mission for him to extract information from Royal quickly turns into an obsession. The chemistry between them is electric.

“There was no beauty in my life until you. I set out to charm you, and instead, I ended up being completely enchanted.”

Sebastian's journey with his inner demons is as compelling as it is steamy. I especially loved seeing the brotherly bond between Thatcher and Sebastian, with Thatcher always having his back and adding an extra layer to the storyline.

If you're a fan of spicy mafia romances with dominant alpha males and strong women who bring them to their knees, I highly recommend this book and the entire series. Special thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of Smolder. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Lauren Curley.
576 reviews11 followers
September 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
🌶🌶 - Spice level

Sebastian and Royal

Sebastian meets Royal at bat, where she is hustling the pool table for some earnings to keep her family supported. She's always been a hustler, even selling papers for university classes she is attending, but not enrolled in. Sebastian is a part of a Southern Mafia of Cowboy billionaire families trying to protect their territory. Royal is a suspected girlfriend of an enemy. Sebastian is taken by her and has to stalker her for details she may have.

These two are like kindred spirits. She fights to keep a roof over her head, and he fights for his family to keep control of a territory. They both steam up the sheets once Sebastian pursues her for more under a lie. The smeggsy is scorching between the two, with him able to make her 💦 when his dominant tendencies come out to play. This can be read as a stand-alone, but I'm definitely intrigued to see read the other books in this series.

Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: September 29, 2024
Profile Image for Sarah (eat_sleep_read21).
331 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2024
Smolder by Abbi Glines was phenomenal, as always! I have been looking forward to reading Sebastian's book since I was introduced to him in Ashes. He was mysterious, but mysteriously sweet for someone who is the Mafia. I was not disappointed whatsoever, and I'm a little sad that it's over. However, I know I will get to see him again. Congratulations on your release, Abbi, and thank you for giving me this masterpiece!

I've already gotten to know Mr. Sebastian Shepherd, but I have not gotten the pleasure of knowing Miss Royal Shelton until now. Royal was an absolute delight, and I loved her. I don't know what it was about her, but she was so different but similar than the other women in this series. Everything just felt right about her, and obviously, Sebastian noticed it, too. Also, can we take a moment to appreciate big brother Thatcher and big brother Blaise?! Gah, I fell a little more in love with both of them after that particular scene. You'll know soon enough!

Smolder by Abbi Glines releases September 29th!
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