What do you think?
Rate this book
Mississippi Smoke #10
Up To No Good
Elsie
My eyes may have opened that morning, but the nightmare had only just begun. Not only had I lost my parents, but I didn’t even get the chance to grieve their deaths. I had to run, go into hiding, or I’d face their same fate. All I had left in this world was my best friend, and although I trusted him completely, I wasn’t sure about the place he had taken me. He swore I’d be safe with his cousins. But being told that these strangers who were going to protect me were also members of the southern mafia didn’t make me feel very safe.
Forge
We didn’t have time for this. My mom’s nephew hadn’t been around in years, yet he was dropping off some girl for us to protect while we were facing my mother’s battle with cancer. While the others in my family thought we should help the girl, I didn’t see how this was our problem. Her dad had been DEA and he should have protected his family better. No one asked my opinion, though, and here she was with those silver eyes shadowed with a heaviness that I understood. Grief. Pain. Loss. The fear that had gripped me from the moment of my mother’s diagnosis.
I’d save her, alright, but the one I was going to have to save her from was me.
My eyes may have opened that morning, but the nightmare had only just begun. Not only had I lost my parents, but I didn’t even get the chance to grieve their deaths. I had to run, go into hiding, or I’d face their same fate. All I had left in this world was my best friend, and although I trusted him completely, I wasn’t sure about the place he had taken me. He swore I’d be safe with his cousins. But being told that these strangers who were going to protect me were also members of the southern mafia didn’t make me feel very safe.
Forge
We didn’t have time for this. My mom’s nephew hadn’t been around in years, yet he was dropping off some girl for us to protect while we were facing my mother’s battle with cancer. While the others in my family thought we should help the girl, I didn’t see how this was our problem. Her dad had been DEA and he should have protected his family better. No one asked my opinion, though, and here she was with those silver eyes shadowed with a heaviness that I understood. Grief. Pain. Loss. The fear that had gripped me from the moment of my mother’s diagnosis.
I’d save her, alright, but the one I was going to have to save her from was me.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2026
112 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Abbi Glines
121 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
February 27, 2026
It is a well-known fact that Abbi is my favorite author.... and her Smokeshow Southern Mafia series has taken alpha men to an entirely different level. I received this as an ARC yesterday and couldn't out it down.
In Up to No Good, we finally get Forge Savelle’s story… and it was EVERYTHING I hoped it would be.
Forge has always carried that dominant, untouchable energy, but watching him unravel in the best way for Elise? Absolutely swoon-worthy. The vulnerability she pulled from him. The softness he only showed her. The way he needed her just as much as she needed him.
That’s what makes Abbi so elite at what she does. She gives us powerful, dangerous men… and then lets us see the fragile places they protect.
Forge finding the woman who makes him feel whole? Chef’s kiss.
The sweetness. The quiet intensity. The emotional depth layered under that alpha exterior. I ate it up.
And can we talk about how every new hero in this series somehow tops the last? I swear she keeps raising the bar.
Now I’m impatiently waiting to get a glimpse of more of them in Hale’s book because if this is the standard… we are not ready
February 27, 2026
Naturally I was hooked pretty much right off the bat. Forge was probably the most sane mafia person I've read. Minus the last few pages. But totally worth it. I loved their connection. Elsie went through alot and they trauma bonded but I loved everything about it.
February 27, 2026
Abbi, It's getting a little repetitive with these guys. The worst was his attitude toward Calvin. A huge turn off to me because she and he needed mental health checks clearly before the story would make sense to me. He was hugely immature and not a bit sexy to me. She has had the most horrible experience and he's a jackass.
March 3, 2026
“I can’t navigate things, what is to come, without you.”
Glines knocked this one out of the zone!
This was a rollercoaster of emotions for me
I am a big, big fan of this series
And I was excited to see who would be able to bring Forge to his knees
And I was not disappointed!
The romance between these two was sweet, dirty, chaotic -
Perfectly presented
I laughed at their antics and interactions.
I cried as if their pain was my own
I got angry (don’t worry, my Kobo survived)
I cursed in complete disbelief, even yelling at my reader
Only to turn the page and sigh, knowing it was going to be okay
Then I cried again, but this time, happy tears
“I'm here with you. You’re not alone.”
Forge has always been a bit of a rule breaker; he lived for the chaos he could create.
Not much he couldnt handle
Well, except for his mom’s illness.
That brought out a darkness he had no experience in battling
He felt lost, alone, and adrift
Until Elsie
“Grief and numbers?”
Elise had just lost her parents in a brutal act of retaliation
Now she was “hiding” with the southern mafia
Her bestie said his family could protect her
Then why did she feel like she had just gone from the frying pan into the fire?
“Your light in the dark world we live”
Thank goodness for smarter older brothers and shackles
It took all that and a bit more to get through to Forge
“I can’t breathe. Without her, it hurts so goddamn bad that I can’t fucking breathe.”
Forge believed he would never tie himself to one female. He just couldn’t understand the obsession his brothers had for their wives
Until the moment she walked away
“Im glad it fit”
OMFG I was laughing so hard at this.
Glines knocked this one out of the zone!
This was a rollercoaster of emotions for me
I am a big, big fan of this series
And I was excited to see who would be able to bring Forge to his knees
And I was not disappointed!
The romance between these two was sweet, dirty, chaotic -
Perfectly presented
I laughed at their antics and interactions.
I cried as if their pain was my own
I got angry (don’t worry, my Kobo survived)
I cursed in complete disbelief, even yelling at my reader
Only to turn the page and sigh, knowing it was going to be okay
Then I cried again, but this time, happy tears
“I'm here with you. You’re not alone.”
Forge has always been a bit of a rule breaker; he lived for the chaos he could create.
Not much he couldnt handle
Well, except for his mom’s illness.
That brought out a darkness he had no experience in battling
He felt lost, alone, and adrift
Until Elsie
“Grief and numbers?”
Elise had just lost her parents in a brutal act of retaliation
Now she was “hiding” with the southern mafia
Her bestie said his family could protect her
Then why did she feel like she had just gone from the frying pan into the fire?
“Your light in the dark world we live”
Thank goodness for smarter older brothers and shackles
It took all that and a bit more to get through to Forge
“I can’t breathe. Without her, it hurts so goddamn bad that I can’t fucking breathe.”
Forge believed he would never tie himself to one female. He just couldn’t understand the obsession his brothers had for their wives
Until the moment she walked away
“Im glad it fit”
OMFG I was laughing so hard at this.
March 11, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Choose a different world and get lost inside its pages".
The joy this book bought me was insane. Where do I even begin. This book focuses on Elsie who has lost both her parents in the hands of the Mafia. She was sent to another mafia to keep her safe. The family members of her best friend Carter. Here she meets Forge. And although it came off as if he didn't want her there, he grew to understand that they are both grieving and found that they understand each more than they care to admit. At first, I'll admit I didn't want Forge to treat my girl Elsie bad since she had been through so much but as soon as Forge fussed over her. He won me over. This book encompasses grief and loss and how it can change you and make you act so differently but having someone to talk it out with can help.
I loved the pace of this book. It made it a consuming read that I just couldn't put down. The characters each with their own personalities made this book so enjoyable. I adored every single one. There was nothing like how forge was there for her during the hard times. He was what I wish everyone had in their life if they were ever in need of a shoulder. He listened and allowed her to choose what to do. Not a lot of people understand or notice how this makes a difference. They bonded over their mothers, and it made my heart flutter. I loved that they had each other through the difficult times. The protectiveness of Forge even when it came to Calvin rewired my brain. That man was in it with her even if he had to fight the world. He was willing to lay it all down for her and it made this book even more special.
"It was the deepest ache. To miss someone, you wouldn't ever see again. To know you would never see them smile, or hear their voice, or feel their arms around you."
"Choose a different world and get lost inside its pages".
The joy this book bought me was insane. Where do I even begin. This book focuses on Elsie who has lost both her parents in the hands of the Mafia. She was sent to another mafia to keep her safe. The family members of her best friend Carter. Here she meets Forge. And although it came off as if he didn't want her there, he grew to understand that they are both grieving and found that they understand each more than they care to admit. At first, I'll admit I didn't want Forge to treat my girl Elsie bad since she had been through so much but as soon as Forge fussed over her. He won me over. This book encompasses grief and loss and how it can change you and make you act so differently but having someone to talk it out with can help.
I loved the pace of this book. It made it a consuming read that I just couldn't put down. The characters each with their own personalities made this book so enjoyable. I adored every single one. There was nothing like how forge was there for her during the hard times. He was what I wish everyone had in their life if they were ever in need of a shoulder. He listened and allowed her to choose what to do. Not a lot of people understand or notice how this makes a difference. They bonded over their mothers, and it made my heart flutter. I loved that they had each other through the difficult times. The protectiveness of Forge even when it came to Calvin rewired my brain. That man was in it with her even if he had to fight the world. He was willing to lay it all down for her and it made this book even more special.
"It was the deepest ache. To miss someone, you wouldn't ever see again. To know you would never see them smile, or hear their voice, or feel their arms around you."
February 28, 2026
Forge couldn’t understand why a cousin they hadn’t seen in years thought it was ok to drop a girl off for protection. They had enough with his mum battling cancer they didn’t need anything else. Then he saw her. He swore there was something between her and Calvin, but Elsie said they’d only been friends nothing more.
Spending more time together Forge realised that they had a lot in common, and realised he wanted to spend more time with her.
Being dropped off to the southern mafia wasn’t in Elsie plans but that’s exactly what her BFF did, only when arriving telling her who exactly his cousins are. Elsie gets it wrong at first thinking Forge isn’t interested, she’s only every really liked Calvin, but he makes it made clear to her that there is no man that wouldn’t be interested in her, including him.
Everyone can see it, Forge is more protective of Elsie, he doesn’t like anyone touching her. He starts to show his feelings that everyone else can see. When Forge realises that he’s actually fallen for Elsie he also realises that his actions might have pushed her away for good and it’s going to take a grand gesture to win her back.
Spending more time together Forge realised that they had a lot in common, and realised he wanted to spend more time with her.
Being dropped off to the southern mafia wasn’t in Elsie plans but that’s exactly what her BFF did, only when arriving telling her who exactly his cousins are. Elsie gets it wrong at first thinking Forge isn’t interested, she’s only every really liked Calvin, but he makes it made clear to her that there is no man that wouldn’t be interested in her, including him.
Everyone can see it, Forge is more protective of Elsie, he doesn’t like anyone touching her. He starts to show his feelings that everyone else can see. When Forge realises that he’s actually fallen for Elsie he also realises that his actions might have pushed her away for good and it’s going to take a grand gesture to win her back.
February 27, 2026
Where or where do I find one of these men you write about Abbi?? I want one! LOVE Forge. Love, love, love him. Elsie and Forge need each other. NEED each other. Trauma bonding. But they just can't get there for all sorts of reasons. Forge the man whore who will never fall in love. Elsie the good girl in love with her best friend Calvin for years for him to never notice her as more than just a friend. Forge who decides maybe he can be friends with Elsie since that is what she needs. But Forge, just like all his brothers, becomes the obsessed, possessive protector. Then goes to far and loses Elsie. Forever? Maybe, maybe not. This was so good. Abbi Glines - Give me Gathe and Locke!! Thank you for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2026
Abbi Glines really knows how to make a 300 page book feel small!! I needed way more of Forge and Elsie 😭😭
March 2, 2026
4.5 Stars!!!
April 1, 2026
This book almost made me so mad! It was a really good read and I really hope we get an update on them in the future.
March 1, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
I have to say that this may be my favorite story out of the Mississippi Branch series, so far. I was here for every emotional moment in this book, and there was plenty, and still became obsessed with Forge and Elsie. You got me hooked Abbi and left me craving for more!
Tropes:
- Southern Mafia Romance
- Man Obsessed
- Touch Her & ☠️
- Alpha Male
- Best Friends Cousin
- New Roommate
- Heroine In Danger
- Under Their Protection
- Bonding Over Grief
- Virgn FMC
- Love Triangle Vibes
- Off-Limits
- Friends with Benefits
- More Than Meets the Eye
This book starts with the prologue of a high school Elsie, who was in love with her best friend and found out he didn't feel the same way. This part may seem a little silly with her young feelings, but every part of this is important to shaping who Elsie is in the rest of the book. Plus, it may feed into parts of the ending.
This book starts with poor Elsie having to cut a vacation ski trip with her friends short due to very tragic circumstances and now she's having to go into hiding. Just like that, she's lost everyone she's ever loved, her family. Now her life is in danger too because the job isn't done.
The only person she has left in the world is her best friend, Calvin. He knows the danger Elsie is in, and the seriousness of the situation. He calls the only people he thinks he can trust with her life, his cousin's, the Savelle's, Oz, Forge and Kash. Also known as part of the southern mafia.
Forge and his brothers have a lot going on in there personal lives. There mom is sick with cancer and it's bad. If you read Kash's book, Hell Of A Christmas, which was the book before this one, then you know about their mom's cancer. That was the start of their journey with it, this is a few months later.
Be prepared for the waterworks. I cried a few times. No, she doesn't pass in this book, but Abbi wrote these parts with such care and emotion that you feel everything Forge is going through. Plus, he feels alone while going through this process. Both his brothers have someone that they turn to and his helping them through it.
Forge is s bachelor, the middle child, the one who is dead set on being single his whole life. The last thing he wants to do right now is babysit some random girl that is friends with his distant cousin. They literally have nothing to do with Calvin and haven't seen him in forever. He didn't think they should be helping him out when they need to be with their mother.
When Forge first meets Elsie, Kash is bringing him home from the bar drunk. Once he sets eyes on Elsie, he thinks there is no way her and Calvin are "just friends." The first thing he notices are her wide gray eyes that look silver. He seemed to be fascinated with their color. I thought that was a little off because his brother, Oz has the same color eyes, gray. So seeing their color shouldn't have been that big of a shock.
Elsie doesn't know what is it about Forge when she first meets him, but she doesn’t want to be around him and is kind of scared of him. She's scared of a lot of things right now, and she's being dumped on strangers she doesn't know to keep her safe and alive. She hasn't been able to grieve yet because everything was a rush to get her there.
Elsie knows what they are, but she feels like a burden. Calvin is literally leaving the next day to go back to his life and start work. She can't have anything that can track her whereabouts. No phone, computer, internet. The only way she can communicate with Calvin is through email on this special server that's private. She had to drop out of her final year of college. She can't even make arrangements for her parents funerals. She pretty much on the dark on everything happening. It seemed like Calvin knew more information on what was going on than she did.
She soon finds out that there's more to Forge than meets the eye. He to is grieving his own mother, even though she still alive. He's not handling anything dealing with his mother well. He thinks he shouldn't be happy as long as his mother is suffering. That he doesn't deserve to feel good about anything. It was hard to read how Forge was struggling alone with his feelings.
Him and Elsie ultimately start to bond over their grieve and her love for numbers. The more he's around her, the more he wants to be that person she can talk to about things and make her smile. He can see the brokenness and pain in her eyes because his reflects the same back. He brings her out of her shell more once he learns her love for number and she helps him with being the bookie during the game nights. She does it quite well too, even Oz was impressed.
The more Forge is around Elsie the more he starts to realize that he wants to be around her. Her room is next to his, and starts to like her quirks and brain and honestly everything about her. He becomes obsessed with her. To be fair in the beginning he started to realize that he could become obsessed with her and tried to stop it. He would not see her says at a time staying gone. But in the end he couldn't stay away.
Elsie realizes she is becoming attached to Forge and is starting to feel things for him that she has never felt for another man before. Which is confusing to her because she has been in love with someone else and has never felt these feelings that she has towards Forge with him.
Elsie has been in love with Calvin her whole life. She knows that Calvin has never felt these same feelings towards her. That's she always just been his best friend. She thought maybe at one time he felt more, but he didn't. Even though she knows Calvin doesn't feel more, and she's gotten over that part, she still thought on the back of her head that they would get their HEA. I mean she's even got her v-card because she thought she'd always lose it to Calvin.
Forge is about to ruin all her thoughts though. He knows that he wants her, but knows he can't have her. She's off-limits and she's the type of girl that is looking for "the one" to lose her v-card too. He will just remain her friend, and if they can add benefits into it without her catching feelings, then he'd be happy about that.
When Forge learns Elsie's feelings and thoughts towards Calvin, he starts feeling jealous. The more he learns about his cousin, the more he can't stand him and wants to replace him with himself for Elsie as her best friend and the man she can do things with.
The more Elsie is around Forge, the more she falls for him. She knows it's wrong and he's already told her it could never be more than friends. That he isn't someone who does relationships or a singular woman. That doesn't seem to stop her heart from feeling all these warm things.
Forge was a man obsessed with Elsie. It was like he couldn't see how he was feeling and acting towards her. He didn't want her to leave him when it was safe for her again. He wanted her in every way you'd want a girlfriend/lover, but denied his feelings all the way until it all exploded in his face and Elsie was gone.
I have to admit, Abbi got me good in the last 3 chapters. I thought we were going to have another Ransom story and this one was going to have a cliffy, but thank God it for all wrapped up. Although, if it had ended with another book coming for them I'd have been invested, that's for sure. I want sure how Forge was going to clean this up and fix it.
Elsie had a hard time seeing both sides of Forge. One as the man she spent all her time with and find to love and the other as this Mafia man that can unalive people.
When Calvin comes to visit and witnesses first hand the relationship between Elsie and Forge, he isn't really happy about how possessive Forge is towards her. Then the next morning when he found out they shared a bed, yeah that didn't go well at all. During those parts, it seemed maybe Calvin did feel something towards Elsie. He sure knew about her inexpensive, and she couldn't figure out how, but she never asked him neither. Calvin seemed to trust Forge with Elsie's life, but not with her body. It got a little weird, for sure, but everything blew up at that time.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
I have to say that this may be my favorite story out of the Mississippi Branch series, so far. I was here for every emotional moment in this book, and there was plenty, and still became obsessed with Forge and Elsie. You got me hooked Abbi and left me craving for more!
Tropes:
- Southern Mafia Romance
- Man Obsessed
- Touch Her & ☠️
- Alpha Male
- Best Friends Cousin
- New Roommate
- Heroine In Danger
- Under Their Protection
- Bonding Over Grief
- Virgn FMC
- Love Triangle Vibes
- Off-Limits
- Friends with Benefits
- More Than Meets the Eye
This book starts with the prologue of a high school Elsie, who was in love with her best friend and found out he didn't feel the same way. This part may seem a little silly with her young feelings, but every part of this is important to shaping who Elsie is in the rest of the book. Plus, it may feed into parts of the ending.
This book starts with poor Elsie having to cut a vacation ski trip with her friends short due to very tragic circumstances and now she's having to go into hiding. Just like that, she's lost everyone she's ever loved, her family. Now her life is in danger too because the job isn't done.
The only person she has left in the world is her best friend, Calvin. He knows the danger Elsie is in, and the seriousness of the situation. He calls the only people he thinks he can trust with her life, his cousin's, the Savelle's, Oz, Forge and Kash. Also known as part of the southern mafia.
Forge and his brothers have a lot going on in there personal lives. There mom is sick with cancer and it's bad. If you read Kash's book, Hell Of A Christmas, which was the book before this one, then you know about their mom's cancer. That was the start of their journey with it, this is a few months later.
Be prepared for the waterworks. I cried a few times. No, she doesn't pass in this book, but Abbi wrote these parts with such care and emotion that you feel everything Forge is going through. Plus, he feels alone while going through this process. Both his brothers have someone that they turn to and his helping them through it.
Forge is s bachelor, the middle child, the one who is dead set on being single his whole life. The last thing he wants to do right now is babysit some random girl that is friends with his distant cousin. They literally have nothing to do with Calvin and haven't seen him in forever. He didn't think they should be helping him out when they need to be with their mother.
When Forge first meets Elsie, Kash is bringing him home from the bar drunk. Once he sets eyes on Elsie, he thinks there is no way her and Calvin are "just friends." The first thing he notices are her wide gray eyes that look silver. He seemed to be fascinated with their color. I thought that was a little off because his brother, Oz has the same color eyes, gray. So seeing their color shouldn't have been that big of a shock.
Elsie doesn't know what is it about Forge when she first meets him, but she doesn’t want to be around him and is kind of scared of him. She's scared of a lot of things right now, and she's being dumped on strangers she doesn't know to keep her safe and alive. She hasn't been able to grieve yet because everything was a rush to get her there.
Elsie knows what they are, but she feels like a burden. Calvin is literally leaving the next day to go back to his life and start work. She can't have anything that can track her whereabouts. No phone, computer, internet. The only way she can communicate with Calvin is through email on this special server that's private. She had to drop out of her final year of college. She can't even make arrangements for her parents funerals. She pretty much on the dark on everything happening. It seemed like Calvin knew more information on what was going on than she did.
She soon finds out that there's more to Forge than meets the eye. He to is grieving his own mother, even though she still alive. He's not handling anything dealing with his mother well. He thinks he shouldn't be happy as long as his mother is suffering. That he doesn't deserve to feel good about anything. It was hard to read how Forge was struggling alone with his feelings.
Him and Elsie ultimately start to bond over their grieve and her love for numbers. The more he's around her, the more he wants to be that person she can talk to about things and make her smile. He can see the brokenness and pain in her eyes because his reflects the same back. He brings her out of her shell more once he learns her love for number and she helps him with being the bookie during the game nights. She does it quite well too, even Oz was impressed.
The more Forge is around Elsie the more he starts to realize that he wants to be around her. Her room is next to his, and starts to like her quirks and brain and honestly everything about her. He becomes obsessed with her. To be fair in the beginning he started to realize that he could become obsessed with her and tried to stop it. He would not see her says at a time staying gone. But in the end he couldn't stay away.
Elsie realizes she is becoming attached to Forge and is starting to feel things for him that she has never felt for another man before. Which is confusing to her because she has been in love with someone else and has never felt these feelings that she has towards Forge with him.
Elsie has been in love with Calvin her whole life. She knows that Calvin has never felt these same feelings towards her. That's she always just been his best friend. She thought maybe at one time he felt more, but he didn't. Even though she knows Calvin doesn't feel more, and she's gotten over that part, she still thought on the back of her head that they would get their HEA. I mean she's even got her v-card because she thought she'd always lose it to Calvin.
Forge is about to ruin all her thoughts though. He knows that he wants her, but knows he can't have her. She's off-limits and she's the type of girl that is looking for "the one" to lose her v-card too. He will just remain her friend, and if they can add benefits into it without her catching feelings, then he'd be happy about that.
When Forge learns Elsie's feelings and thoughts towards Calvin, he starts feeling jealous. The more he learns about his cousin, the more he can't stand him and wants to replace him with himself for Elsie as her best friend and the man she can do things with.
The more Elsie is around Forge, the more she falls for him. She knows it's wrong and he's already told her it could never be more than friends. That he isn't someone who does relationships or a singular woman. That doesn't seem to stop her heart from feeling all these warm things.
Forge was a man obsessed with Elsie. It was like he couldn't see how he was feeling and acting towards her. He didn't want her to leave him when it was safe for her again. He wanted her in every way you'd want a girlfriend/lover, but denied his feelings all the way until it all exploded in his face and Elsie was gone.
I have to admit, Abbi got me good in the last 3 chapters. I thought we were going to have another Ransom story and this one was going to have a cliffy, but thank God it for all wrapped up. Although, if it had ended with another book coming for them I'd have been invested, that's for sure. I want sure how Forge was going to clean this up and fix it.
Elsie had a hard time seeing both sides of Forge. One as the man she spent all her time with and find to love and the other as this Mafia man that can unalive people.
When Calvin comes to visit and witnesses first hand the relationship between Elsie and Forge, he isn't really happy about how possessive Forge is towards her. Then the next morning when he found out they shared a bed, yeah that didn't go well at all. During those parts, it seemed maybe Calvin did feel something towards Elsie. He sure knew about her inexpensive, and she couldn't figure out how, but she never asked him neither. Calvin seemed to trust Forge with Elsie's life, but not with her body. It got a little weird, for sure, but everything blew up at that time.
March 2, 2026
Abbi Glines continues to amaze me! I’m not typically a fan of Mafia romance novels. But Abbi Glines is quickly changing my opinion on the trope and Up To No Good had a helping hand in doing so! Up To No Good is the tenth book in the Mississippi Smoke Series by Abbi Glines. If you are new to this series, you can technically read Up To No Good as a standalone. However, I’m reading the books in this series out of order, and I can see why most recommend to read these novels in order. I wasn’t confused, but I wanted more info on a few couples that came in the books before.
I decided to skip the about the book portion of my review due to not wanting to spoil anyone. I’ve written this portion a few too many times and no matter what I add or discard, I find small spoilers. So let’s dive into my thoughts about this novel.
Having only read one book in this series, Tore Up, I wasn’t too sure what I was signing up for by picking this book up. All I know is I loved the first book and really wanted to read more in the series. No time like the present to pick up the tenth book. Where has the time gone, I had no clue I was this far behind. I was so happy this book was easily read as a standalone. There was absolutely no confusion. I do have to admit I felt an overwhelming surge of FOMO (fear of missing out). I will definitely be going back and reading the rest of the books in this series soon!
Up To No Good is Forge’s story and I absolutely loved this man and his wild and wicked ways. If you love you’re book heroes or anti-heroes to have a possessive streak and an alpha male personality, I think you’ll love this one! Forge had my heart in all sorts of twists and turns throughout this novel. All that he was going through along with, unbeknownst to him, falling in love had me really wanting to hug this man during his emotional rollercoaster of a journey. The more I got to know this character, the more I loved him! I especially loved his intense protective and slight possessive streak when it came to Elsie! Whew, this man fell hard and fast! I loved it!!
And then we have Elsie. I adored Elsie’s soft heart throughout this novel especially given the hand she was dealt. Abbi Glines amped up the emotion with Elsie’s point of views. My heart hurt for all that she went through. I loved the fact that Elsie and Forge happened upon each other when they were both on their own emotional journey. Elsie helped Forge through his and vice versa. But, I have to say, I loved the emotional aspect. However, I think I loved the feisty moments even more. The more Elsie got to know Forge, the more she let her true personality shine through. I couldn’t get enough of these one on one scenes. And that’s all I’m going to say in order to avoid spoilers.
I gave Up To No Good by Abbi Glines a five star rating because I loved everything about this novel! I loved the emotional moments and I loved the spicy moments. I loved the fact that I couldn’t put this one down and literally spent my night marathoning this novel! I haven’t done an up all night read in ages! Abbi Glines brought every single emotion to the pages of this book. My heart and my brain were invested! When I read through the rest of the series, I can imagine it’s going to be hard to top Forge and Elsie’s book in my opinion! We shall see!!
_________
Find me here:
The Staircase Reader
Bookbub
February 28, 2026
The last thing Elsie ever expected was for her parents to be brutally murdered and for her to be in danger. The other last thing Elsie ever expected was to be living with the Mafia to remain safe. This is all unbelievably horrible. All she knows of the Mafia is what she’s read and seen in movies. After a few days up close and personal she thinks, “Maybe the Mafia hadn’t changed much. I just never pictured them having Southern accents or driving trucks.”
Oh yeah, those Southern Mafia boys. They do have accents and they do drive trucks. They’re often rude, crude, coarse, inappropriate, unsentimental, and when not attending to Mafia business not interested in much beyond drinking, gambling and one-night stands. The single ones, anyway, and actually, one-hour stands is probably more accurate. They’re hard men who work hard for the family. They can be brutal, but they can also be adorable.
Forge is the middle Savelle brother. All three of them are devastated by their mother’s cancer diagnosis, but Forge is probably taking it the hardest. Unsentimental as he is and thinking his brothers Oz and Kash are soft and stupid for tying themselves down to one woman, he could really use someone by his side right now, to help him navigate the fear and sadness as he imagines the unimaginable – losing his mother. And he strongly resents Elsie being dropped in their laps; she’s not even family. She’s the friend of their cousin Calvin, someone they don’t even know, Forge’s mother’s sister’s son, a woman who abandoned her husband and son and who never checks on Forge’s mom. But if there’s one thing that’s an unbreakable rule in the Southern Mafia it’s that family takes care of family. Calvin asked for their help and they will provide it, no matter how inconvenient or dangerous.
Elsie is young, beautiful and inexperienced. Living a nearly perfect life prior to this tragedy, the only glitch being that Calvin had her deep in the friend zone when all her hopes and dreams involved him suddenly waking up and realizing they were meant for each other; and whether she realizes it or not, she’s been waiting for him, saving herself for him. This new life with the mafia is unfamiliar, unwelcome, scary. She’s never been around people like this. And the other other last thing Elsie ever expected was to be hit with an attraction to Forge that makes whatever she felt for Calvin feel like child’s play.
Forge and Elsie become close in their grief; it’s not quite the same but loss is loss. And even though Forge swears that to his dying day he’s not going to fall in love, not follow his brothers down that silly path, each moment with Elsie makes him less able to be away from her.
Author Abbi Glines has done it again: married the rude, crude, violent with the sweet, tender and romantic. And thrown in some really delightful spice along the way. The danger in protecting Elsie is real, but so are the emotions that just keep growing and growing. I received an advance copy of Up To No Good. It was just what I was waiting for: exciting, heartbreaking, hopeful, sexy and as always full of all the characters I have come to love. I thoroughly enjoyed it, recommend it without hesitation and can’t wait for the next book to see who falls next, catch up with Forge and Elsie, and just spend more time with this interesting family. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Oh yeah, those Southern Mafia boys. They do have accents and they do drive trucks. They’re often rude, crude, coarse, inappropriate, unsentimental, and when not attending to Mafia business not interested in much beyond drinking, gambling and one-night stands. The single ones, anyway, and actually, one-hour stands is probably more accurate. They’re hard men who work hard for the family. They can be brutal, but they can also be adorable.
Forge is the middle Savelle brother. All three of them are devastated by their mother’s cancer diagnosis, but Forge is probably taking it the hardest. Unsentimental as he is and thinking his brothers Oz and Kash are soft and stupid for tying themselves down to one woman, he could really use someone by his side right now, to help him navigate the fear and sadness as he imagines the unimaginable – losing his mother. And he strongly resents Elsie being dropped in their laps; she’s not even family. She’s the friend of their cousin Calvin, someone they don’t even know, Forge’s mother’s sister’s son, a woman who abandoned her husband and son and who never checks on Forge’s mom. But if there’s one thing that’s an unbreakable rule in the Southern Mafia it’s that family takes care of family. Calvin asked for their help and they will provide it, no matter how inconvenient or dangerous.
Elsie is young, beautiful and inexperienced. Living a nearly perfect life prior to this tragedy, the only glitch being that Calvin had her deep in the friend zone when all her hopes and dreams involved him suddenly waking up and realizing they were meant for each other; and whether she realizes it or not, she’s been waiting for him, saving herself for him. This new life with the mafia is unfamiliar, unwelcome, scary. She’s never been around people like this. And the other other last thing Elsie ever expected was to be hit with an attraction to Forge that makes whatever she felt for Calvin feel like child’s play.
Forge and Elsie become close in their grief; it’s not quite the same but loss is loss. And even though Forge swears that to his dying day he’s not going to fall in love, not follow his brothers down that silly path, each moment with Elsie makes him less able to be away from her.
Author Abbi Glines has done it again: married the rude, crude, violent with the sweet, tender and romantic. And thrown in some really delightful spice along the way. The danger in protecting Elsie is real, but so are the emotions that just keep growing and growing. I received an advance copy of Up To No Good. It was just what I was waiting for: exciting, heartbreaking, hopeful, sexy and as always full of all the characters I have come to love. I thoroughly enjoyed it, recommend it without hesitation and can’t wait for the next book to see who falls next, catch up with Forge and Elsie, and just spend more time with this interesting family. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
March 19, 2026
I swear Abbi Glines replaces my favorite book every single time.
Every time I finish one, I’m convinced this is it, this is the one that can’t be topped. And then the next book comes along and proves me wrong all over again.
The way she writes is what really does it for me. It’s not just storytelling, it’s completely immersive. You don’t just read what’s happening, you feel it. You get pulled so deeply into the characters and their emotions that by the end, it’s almost impossible to let them go.
I’m a hard-hitting mafia reader, but there’s something about her Southern mafia world that just hits differently. These men are intense, complicated, and sometimes infuriating, but that’s exactly what makes them so compelling.
And Forge… he might be one of my favorites. He has that hard, rough exterior, but underneath it is something so much softer, especially when it comes to Elsie. That contrast absolutely got me.
I’ll admit, the virgin trope is typically not one I gravitate toward, but this one has me hooked. Elsie is such a soft, genuine FMC, and the way their relationship develops felt natural and earned. Watching them heal and grow together was one of the strongest parts of the story for me. They truly balance each other in a way that just works.
I found myself still thinking about them long after I finished, which is always the sign of a book that really stuck.
This is book 10 in the Mississippi Smoke series. While it can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend starting from the beginning or at least exploring the interconnected series (Smoke, Judgment, and Georgia Smoke). You’ll get so much more out of the world and the characters that way. That said, if you do jump in here, it still holds up on its own just be aware there are some minor spoilers for previous couples.
At this point, I’m honestly ready for a full series reread because I could stay in this world forever.
Thank you to Abbi Glines and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC.
And yes… this one is my favorite.
At least until the next one.
Every time I finish one, I’m convinced this is it, this is the one that can’t be topped. And then the next book comes along and proves me wrong all over again.
The way she writes is what really does it for me. It’s not just storytelling, it’s completely immersive. You don’t just read what’s happening, you feel it. You get pulled so deeply into the characters and their emotions that by the end, it’s almost impossible to let them go.
I’m a hard-hitting mafia reader, but there’s something about her Southern mafia world that just hits differently. These men are intense, complicated, and sometimes infuriating, but that’s exactly what makes them so compelling.
And Forge… he might be one of my favorites. He has that hard, rough exterior, but underneath it is something so much softer, especially when it comes to Elsie. That contrast absolutely got me.
I’ll admit, the virgin trope is typically not one I gravitate toward, but this one has me hooked. Elsie is such a soft, genuine FMC, and the way their relationship develops felt natural and earned. Watching them heal and grow together was one of the strongest parts of the story for me. They truly balance each other in a way that just works.
I found myself still thinking about them long after I finished, which is always the sign of a book that really stuck.
This is book 10 in the Mississippi Smoke series. While it can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend starting from the beginning or at least exploring the interconnected series (Smoke, Judgment, and Georgia Smoke). You’ll get so much more out of the world and the characters that way. That said, if you do jump in here, it still holds up on its own just be aware there are some minor spoilers for previous couples.
At this point, I’m honestly ready for a full series reread because I could stay in this world forever.
Thank you to Abbi Glines and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC.
And yes… this one is my favorite.
At least until the next one.
March 4, 2026
I'll be honest--a little past 90% I was starting to get a little worried that this was another to be continued in the next book, out in a month, maybe! story--talk about waiting until the literal last minute with that epic grand gesture, Forge! And I'd already read the author's note at the beginning when she talked about the next book, which isn't theirs...seriously, it was that late in the book.
I would have actually have liked to see Forge figure his sh*t out, as much as I loved his gesture (and I did love it!), because the last time Elsie saw him before that was not OK. Yes, his actions were pretty on brand for these heroes, but after what she'd already been through that month? Not OK.
Still, overall I enjoyed this one--it's pretty standard fare from Ms Glines, so if you're a fan it won't disappoint. Elsie is all kinds of sweet and in need of some major TLC (and therapy, let's be honest) after what happened to her family; Forge is the usual Southern Mafia hero, out to get as much no-strings s*x as he can and thinking the past heroes are all crazy for tying themselves down to just one woman. Until he find his woman, of course--then he spends the next 70% of the book in denial of his feelings while being alternately sexy and scary AF; your standard morally dark, dark grey hero from Ms Glines. I do look forward to seeing them again in the next book--it runs at least somewhat concurrent to this one--and finding out what happens with his mother <3
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I would have actually have liked to see Forge figure his sh*t out, as much as I loved his gesture (and I did love it!), because the last time Elsie saw him before that was not OK. Yes, his actions were pretty on brand for these heroes, but after what she'd already been through that month? Not OK.
Still, overall I enjoyed this one--it's pretty standard fare from Ms Glines, so if you're a fan it won't disappoint. Elsie is all kinds of sweet and in need of some major TLC (and therapy, let's be honest) after what happened to her family; Forge is the usual Southern Mafia hero, out to get as much no-strings s*x as he can and thinking the past heroes are all crazy for tying themselves down to just one woman. Until he find his woman, of course--then he spends the next 70% of the book in denial of his feelings while being alternately sexy and scary AF; your standard morally dark, dark grey hero from Ms Glines. I do look forward to seeing them again in the next book--it runs at least somewhat concurrent to this one--and finding out what happens with his mother <3
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 28, 2026
And she's back! Abbi Glines has returned after her writing break and YES!!!!! It started with the surprise December release - Hell of a Christmas and then the announcement of Forge's book, Up To No Good. What a great start. Expect the usual - crazy possession, territorial, unhinged, "touch her and die," alpha men who are absolutely insane when they find love.
Forge Savelle is not coping well with the fact that his mom has liver cancer and is dying.
We didn’t have time for this. My mom’s nephew hadn’t been around in years, yet he was dropping off some girl for us to protect while we were facing my mother’s battle with cancer. While the others in my family thought we should help the girl, I didn’t see how this was our problem.
Surprisingly, there is a bit of a slow burn build-up between Forge and Elsie. Forge is so clueless when it comes to love. He sees his brothers and cousins falling and wants no parts of it. I loved how Forge and Elsie became friends and had many things in common. Of course, Forge sets her straight on how guys think. I was cracking up at Forge's kid-in-a-candy-shop appraisal of Elsie's figure. They really bonded and had great chemistry together. The story has a bit of an abrupt end because Hale Carver’s story is next and will overlap a bit. Can’t wait for Hale Bound!
Abbi's writing flows and pulls you right in. It is like she never took a break! The series is addicting!
Forge Savelle is not coping well with the fact that his mom has liver cancer and is dying.
We didn’t have time for this. My mom’s nephew hadn’t been around in years, yet he was dropping off some girl for us to protect while we were facing my mother’s battle with cancer. While the others in my family thought we should help the girl, I didn’t see how this was our problem.
Surprisingly, there is a bit of a slow burn build-up between Forge and Elsie. Forge is so clueless when it comes to love. He sees his brothers and cousins falling and wants no parts of it. I loved how Forge and Elsie became friends and had many things in common. Of course, Forge sets her straight on how guys think. I was cracking up at Forge's kid-in-a-candy-shop appraisal of Elsie's figure. They really bonded and had great chemistry together. The story has a bit of an abrupt end because Hale Carver’s story is next and will overlap a bit. Can’t wait for Hale Bound!
Abbi's writing flows and pulls you right in. It is like she never took a break! The series is addicting!
February 28, 2026
Forge & Elsie’s blooming love!
I love this series. I seriously LOVE it! And this book was the icing on the cake for me. It’s a story of two people who bond through grief and pain, who understand what loss (or impeding loss) feels like. I think it’s love at first sight from Forges side too, although it takes him some time to realize it. Elsie is Forge’s distant cousin, Calvin’s, best friend. When her parents are brutally murdered he turns into his cousin Oz for help. Calvin is not part of Mafia, but he trusts them to keep Elsie safe more than he does the authorities. To him Elsie is family – for Elsie he is all she has left. So, she does what he suggests. She becomes a guest in Forge’s home. Forge doesn’t understand why they should help her at first – Calvin doesn’t mean too much to him. But he himself faces grief and potential loss – his mother is cancer ridden and he suffers through seeing her struggle. Gradually – and unexpectedly – Elsie and Forge bond through these feelings. They fall – and hard. I loved seeing Forge becoming gradually unhinged – it was both endearing and hilarious (and dangerous for those around him, but, oh well….he,he). I felt for both Elsie and Forge, because grief and loss can eat you from the inside out. Swoon-worthy perfection – that’s what this story was and I devoured it in one sitting. 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this series. I seriously LOVE it! And this book was the icing on the cake for me. It’s a story of two people who bond through grief and pain, who understand what loss (or impeding loss) feels like. I think it’s love at first sight from Forges side too, although it takes him some time to realize it. Elsie is Forge’s distant cousin, Calvin’s, best friend. When her parents are brutally murdered he turns into his cousin Oz for help. Calvin is not part of Mafia, but he trusts them to keep Elsie safe more than he does the authorities. To him Elsie is family – for Elsie he is all she has left. So, she does what he suggests. She becomes a guest in Forge’s home. Forge doesn’t understand why they should help her at first – Calvin doesn’t mean too much to him. But he himself faces grief and potential loss – his mother is cancer ridden and he suffers through seeing her struggle. Gradually – and unexpectedly – Elsie and Forge bond through these feelings. They fall – and hard. I loved seeing Forge becoming gradually unhinged – it was both endearing and hilarious (and dangerous for those around him, but, oh well….he,he). I felt for both Elsie and Forge, because grief and loss can eat you from the inside out. Swoon-worthy perfection – that’s what this story was and I devoured it in one sitting. 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2026
I was completely drawn in from the very first chapter, I didn’t stand a chance. It’s such an incredible read. Whether you’re new to the series or have been following it for years, it delivers every single time. Abbi somehow raises the bar with each book. Absolutely outstanding, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Elsie and Forge completely captured my heart. Elsie turning up at the Mississippi chapter’s door seeking protection was the last thing Forge needed. He’s barely holding it together while dealing with his mum’s health crisis, and doing so in true Forge fashion, meaning not very well, on top of more complicated family drama. Yet from the moment he meets Elsie, he’s undone. She’s not only striking, but she’s also grieving the loss of the two most important people in her life and facing real danger.
Despite her inexperience, Elsie proves she’s far from fragile. The connection between her and Forge builds quickly, especially as they bond over their shared love of numbers. Forge is further evidence that Savelle men and their wicked mouths are impossible to resist, and when they fall, they fall hard.
Forge might just be the most level-headed mafia hero I’ve read… well, until he goes nuclear on his cousin. But honestly? Completely worth it. Elsie endures so much, and while their relationship is born out of shared trauma, their chemistry felt authentic and powerful. I loved every moment of their journey.
Elsie and Forge completely captured my heart. Elsie turning up at the Mississippi chapter’s door seeking protection was the last thing Forge needed. He’s barely holding it together while dealing with his mum’s health crisis, and doing so in true Forge fashion, meaning not very well, on top of more complicated family drama. Yet from the moment he meets Elsie, he’s undone. She’s not only striking, but she’s also grieving the loss of the two most important people in her life and facing real danger.
Despite her inexperience, Elsie proves she’s far from fragile. The connection between her and Forge builds quickly, especially as they bond over their shared love of numbers. Forge is further evidence that Savelle men and their wicked mouths are impossible to resist, and when they fall, they fall hard.
Forge might just be the most level-headed mafia hero I’ve read… well, until he goes nuclear on his cousin. But honestly? Completely worth it. Elsie endures so much, and while their relationship is born out of shared trauma, their chemistry felt authentic and powerful. I loved every moment of their journey.
March 1, 2026
Up To No Good is the tenth story in the Mississippi Smoke series. I have enjoyed so many of these stories and couldn't wait to read Forge's stories. I love how all these stories hook you from the first page and you never guess how the story is going to go.
Forge is saddened with his mother's cancer struggles. His brothers and family are there for him but he is taking it the hardest. He has watched his brothers and family find their significant others and doesn't understand how you can fall in love so fast. Forge enjoys the bachelor life and meeting women.
Elsie is a friend of Forge's cousin, Calvin. She needs protection and Calvin takes her to his family. He knows they are in the mafia and can keep her safe. Elsie is a young and beautiful woman. She has no experience and is somewhat a loner. She had been in love with Calvin for a long time but has remained good friends with him for a long time.
Forge is not a fan of having Elsie come to stay with him and his family but has accepted that she is there for protection. He is attracted to her but decides to be her friend. They have a shared connection over grief and they strongly bond. Forge still swears not to fall in love.
I love how Elsie was such a strong person for what she had been through. I love how she bonded with Forge and how they were able to be there for each other. I look forward to the next story from this very talented author.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Forge is saddened with his mother's cancer struggles. His brothers and family are there for him but he is taking it the hardest. He has watched his brothers and family find their significant others and doesn't understand how you can fall in love so fast. Forge enjoys the bachelor life and meeting women.
Elsie is a friend of Forge's cousin, Calvin. She needs protection and Calvin takes her to his family. He knows they are in the mafia and can keep her safe. Elsie is a young and beautiful woman. She has no experience and is somewhat a loner. She had been in love with Calvin for a long time but has remained good friends with him for a long time.
Forge is not a fan of having Elsie come to stay with him and his family but has accepted that she is there for protection. He is attracted to her but decides to be her friend. They have a shared connection over grief and they strongly bond. Forge still swears not to fall in love.
I love how Elsie was such a strong person for what she had been through. I love how she bonded with Forge and how they were able to be there for each other. I look forward to the next story from this very talented author.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
March 1, 2026
Up To No Good is the 10th book in the Mississippi Smoke series by Abbi Glines. It's Southern Mafia in Mississippi y'all, forced proximity, a found family, friends to lovers with interconnecting characters. The book is definitely a page turner, it's a real slow slow-burn and as the author warned us the ending is abrupt with a few questions that will be answered with the next book. Sign me up...
TW: cancer diagnosis, parents murdered, grief
I would like to Thank Wordsmith Publicity for my ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.
Forge Savelle is the middle child and is having a very difficult time with his Mama being sick and just wants to be left alone. When his brother agrees to helping his cousins best friend out, he doesn't want anything to do with the situation... until he meets her.
Elsie is scared to death and her best friend, the only person she has left in the world, is about to leave her with a family she knows nothing about except that they are mafia who can protect her.
Forge sees her grief and it bonds the both of them together. He's honest that he would love to be friends with benefits but he is determined to be her new best friend.
Elsie is falling again for someone she knows she can't have but is used to hiding her feelings. When it's safe she knows she must leave and start her life all over and leave him behind...but will he let her?
TW: cancer diagnosis, parents murdered, grief
I would like to Thank Wordsmith Publicity for my ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.
Forge Savelle is the middle child and is having a very difficult time with his Mama being sick and just wants to be left alone. When his brother agrees to helping his cousins best friend out, he doesn't want anything to do with the situation... until he meets her.
Elsie is scared to death and her best friend, the only person she has left in the world, is about to leave her with a family she knows nothing about except that they are mafia who can protect her.
Forge sees her grief and it bonds the both of them together. He's honest that he would love to be friends with benefits but he is determined to be her new best friend.
Elsie is falling again for someone she knows she can't have but is used to hiding her feelings. When it's safe she knows she must leave and start her life all over and leave him behind...but will he let her?
March 4, 2026
This story delivers that perfect blend of angst, vulnerability, and slow‑burn emotional intimacy that I love reading. It follows two people, Forge and Elsie, who are each carrying their own brand of heartbreak, and the magic is in how they slowly—almost reluctantly—become each other’s safe place. The author captures grief and anxiety with such clarity that you feel it in your chest, but she balances it with moments of warmth, humor, and family reunions that make the heaviness worth it.
What really worked for me is how naturally the relationship unfolds. There’s no insta‑love, no forced drama—just two wounded souls finding unexpected comfort in each other. Watching one character rediscover laughter and the other finally breathe without feeling like the world is collapsing… it’s tender, intimate, and deeply satisfying. And yes, the sexy times are potent, but it never overshadows the emotional times. It enhances it.
The pacing is tight, the tension delicious, and the emotional payoff absolutely worth the ride. My only complaint? I could’ve used a few more pages of pure, indulgent swoon at the end—but that’s just because I wasn’t ready to let them go.
A heartfelt, addictive romance that leaves you warm, delighted, and wanting just one more chapter.
What really worked for me is how naturally the relationship unfolds. There’s no insta‑love, no forced drama—just two wounded souls finding unexpected comfort in each other. Watching one character rediscover laughter and the other finally breathe without feeling like the world is collapsing… it’s tender, intimate, and deeply satisfying. And yes, the sexy times are potent, but it never overshadows the emotional times. It enhances it.
The pacing is tight, the tension delicious, and the emotional payoff absolutely worth the ride. My only complaint? I could’ve used a few more pages of pure, indulgent swoon at the end—but that’s just because I wasn’t ready to let them go.
A heartfelt, addictive romance that leaves you warm, delighted, and wanting just one more chapter.
February 27, 2026
Up To No Good is the 10th book in Abbi Glines’ Mississippi Smoke series, delivering another emotional and entertaining southern mafia romance. This story follows Forge and Elsie as they navigate grief, protection, and an irresistible pull toward each other. Forge, the unattached alpha male, isn’t prepared for how quickly he becomes obsessed with Elsie. I loved the witty banter, the sexual tension, and the intricate dynamics of the family business. The worldbuilding was rich, and every character felt compelling, with the mafia twist giving a fresh spin to the “found family” theme. Even with the prologue explanation, the sudden ending left me emotional and full of questions—I’m already eager for the next series! 😂
Seriously, where do you find men like Forge, Abbi?? I need one! I adore him. Forge and Elsie are perfect for each other—they need each other. Their trauma bond is intense, yet they’re held back for so many reasons. Forge, once a man-whore who swore he’d never fall in love, starts by offering friendship to Elsie because that’s what she needs—but soon becomes the obsessive, possessive protector. And then… he goes too far, risking losing Elsie forever.
Seriously, where do you find men like Forge, Abbi?? I need one! I adore him. Forge and Elsie are perfect for each other—they need each other. Their trauma bond is intense, yet they’re held back for so many reasons. Forge, once a man-whore who swore he’d never fall in love, starts by offering friendship to Elsie because that’s what she needs—but soon becomes the obsessive, possessive protector. And then… he goes too far, risking losing Elsie forever.
March 4, 2026
When both of Elsie’s parents get murdered she needs to go and hide. Her best friend and secret crush places her with his family, because no one can keep her safer than the mafia. Forge is not happy to be playing babysitter for his cousin’s best friend because his family is struggling with their own issues. But the moment he lays eyes on Elsie he can’t stay away. But he doesn't do relationships. Friends. They can be friends. At least that’s what they tell themselves.
Up To No Good is book 10 in the Mississippi Smoke series by Abbi Glines. It’s a standalone in this interconnected series. I only read one other book of this series so far and I can confidently say that you can read them in any order you like. 😅
I really like the books by Abbi Glines because she writes the perfect mafia romances. And Up To No Good is another one of those perfect mafia romances. You have those dark, dangerous and extremely possessive guys that are the cliché mafia playboys and incredible strong women keeping up with those guys. I loved Forge because despite being a mafia playboy he’s vulnerable, funny, charming and oh so possessive and I LOVED IT. 😍 Elsie is amazing and I loved her strength and how she finds herself during those dark times. There isn’t a lot of suspense in this book in form of mafia business. But there is still quite some suspense regarding the love story that made me read this book in less than 24 hours. I will definitely read the other books of this series.
Up To No Good is book 10 in the Mississippi Smoke series by Abbi Glines. It’s a standalone in this interconnected series. I only read one other book of this series so far and I can confidently say that you can read them in any order you like. 😅
I really like the books by Abbi Glines because she writes the perfect mafia romances. And Up To No Good is another one of those perfect mafia romances. You have those dark, dangerous and extremely possessive guys that are the cliché mafia playboys and incredible strong women keeping up with those guys. I loved Forge because despite being a mafia playboy he’s vulnerable, funny, charming and oh so possessive and I LOVED IT. 😍 Elsie is amazing and I loved her strength and how she finds herself during those dark times. There isn’t a lot of suspense in this book in form of mafia business. But there is still quite some suspense regarding the love story that made me read this book in less than 24 hours. I will definitely read the other books of this series.
March 4, 2026
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story of Elsie and Forge. Forge is surprised when a cousin he had not seen in years drops off a woman who needs protection. After all his mom has some medical issues that are taking up a lot of their time. He is stressed and now was just not the time. But the first time he sees Elise, he is attracted to her. But he thinks that she and Calvin have had to have been in some sort of relationship. These two soon discover that they have a lot in common. Elise is adjusting and knows exactly who these guys are. She knows, or thinks she knows, that Forge is not interested in her. But she sure is him. However, things are about to begin changing between them. But Clavin has also said that he is interested. I loved that Forge has this jealous streak in him a mile long. I did not see that one coming. I really loved Elise and was rooting for these two the entire time. You will not be able to lay this book down. I could go on and on about it but don't want to give anything away. Of course, there is action and suspense. Now run and get this book. You won't regret it.
This is the story of Elsie and Forge. Forge is surprised when a cousin he had not seen in years drops off a woman who needs protection. After all his mom has some medical issues that are taking up a lot of their time. He is stressed and now was just not the time. But the first time he sees Elise, he is attracted to her. But he thinks that she and Calvin have had to have been in some sort of relationship. These two soon discover that they have a lot in common. Elise is adjusting and knows exactly who these guys are. She knows, or thinks she knows, that Forge is not interested in her. But she sure is him. However, things are about to begin changing between them. But Clavin has also said that he is interested. I loved that Forge has this jealous streak in him a mile long. I did not see that one coming. I really loved Elise and was rooting for these two the entire time. You will not be able to lay this book down. I could go on and on about it but don't want to give anything away. Of course, there is action and suspense. Now run and get this book. You won't regret it.
March 9, 2026
Elsie's world is turned upside down when she has to live with her cousin's family after her parents are murdered.
Forge is annoyed that they have an unexpected guest. To make matters worse, it's his cousin's best friend. This is frustrating for Forge because his mom's sister hasn't bothered to visit, even with the recent cancer diagnosis his mother received.
Forge may despise Elsie at first, but nothing will deny the burning connection they have. Elsie doesn't expect to fall for Forge, especially considering the circumstances, but surprise, surprise, when it ends up being Forge who is the one she leans on for support.
Elsie and Forge build a connection through chemistry and a mutual understanding of parent loss. Forge's mom is alive, but cancer is slowly killing her. As Forge is struggling with his mother's prognosis, Elsie is trying to cope with the sudden and traumatic loss of her parents.
I really hope there will be a sequel for Forge and Elsie! I didn't think I was going to love Forge and Elsie's story as much as I did! The Savelle brothers definitely become obsessed when they fall in love!
Forge is annoyed that they have an unexpected guest. To make matters worse, it's his cousin's best friend. This is frustrating for Forge because his mom's sister hasn't bothered to visit, even with the recent cancer diagnosis his mother received.
Forge may despise Elsie at first, but nothing will deny the burning connection they have. Elsie doesn't expect to fall for Forge, especially considering the circumstances, but surprise, surprise, when it ends up being Forge who is the one she leans on for support.
Elsie and Forge build a connection through chemistry and a mutual understanding of parent loss. Forge's mom is alive, but cancer is slowly killing her. As Forge is struggling with his mother's prognosis, Elsie is trying to cope with the sudden and traumatic loss of her parents.
I really hope there will be a sequel for Forge and Elsie! I didn't think I was going to love Forge and Elsie's story as much as I did! The Savelle brothers definitely become obsessed when they fall in love!
March 14, 2026
Loved it
Okay, I love Abbi so much, and the Georgia/Mississippi Smoke series are so amazing. I haven’t read all of them yet, but I’ve read quite a few. So far, Forge and Elsie aren’t my favorite couple, but that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book.
I still loved the story. Elsie’s relationship with Carter felt so genuine and true to life. It reminded me of the kind of friendship I had with a childhood best friend, and it’s a great reminder that sometimes people are simply meant to stay friends.
After Elsie’s life shatters and changes overnight, Carter sends her to his cousin’s compound for protection. She can never return to her old life and has to figure out how to navigate that loss and grief on her own.
Forge, however, is grieving in his own way too. Watching the two of them slowly help each other heal and find some sense of normal again was incredibly satisfying and beautiful. It was easily my favorite part of the book and of their relationship. Their push and pull (and the grand gestures) were exactly what I wanted them to be.
The one thing that isn’t my favorite is that Elsie is a virgin at her age. I know a lot of readers enjoy that trope, so it’s definitely a personal preference and didn’t affect my rating of the book.
I did feel like the story ended a little too soon. I wanted just a bit more from them both as individuals and as a couple, but Abbi has yet to leave me truly unsatisfied.
Thank you, Abbi and Wordsmith for the ARC.
Okay, I love Abbi so much, and the Georgia/Mississippi Smoke series are so amazing. I haven’t read all of them yet, but I’ve read quite a few. So far, Forge and Elsie aren’t my favorite couple, but that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book.
I still loved the story. Elsie’s relationship with Carter felt so genuine and true to life. It reminded me of the kind of friendship I had with a childhood best friend, and it’s a great reminder that sometimes people are simply meant to stay friends.
After Elsie’s life shatters and changes overnight, Carter sends her to his cousin’s compound for protection. She can never return to her old life and has to figure out how to navigate that loss and grief on her own.
Forge, however, is grieving in his own way too. Watching the two of them slowly help each other heal and find some sense of normal again was incredibly satisfying and beautiful. It was easily my favorite part of the book and of their relationship. Their push and pull (and the grand gestures) were exactly what I wanted them to be.
The one thing that isn’t my favorite is that Elsie is a virgin at her age. I know a lot of readers enjoy that trope, so it’s definitely a personal preference and didn’t affect my rating of the book.
I did feel like the story ended a little too soon. I wanted just a bit more from them both as individuals and as a couple, but Abbi has yet to leave me truly unsatisfied.
Thank you, Abbi and Wordsmith for the ARC.
February 28, 2026
Up To No Good by Abbi Glines was so freaking good! I cannot get enough of the Southern Mafia books, and I truly don't know what I'm going to do when it's all over. Hopefully, we continue on forever. Is that too much to ask?! Abbi's books are so easy to read. They're quick, entertaining, and right up my alley. I'm from the south, so it's so fun to imagine what goes on in states near me. Also, who doesn't love a good cowboy book? I know I do. Congratulations and amazing job, Abbi!
Forge and Elsie were two beautifully broken people whom I'll never forget. I know how hard grief can be, and my heart just absolutely broke for them. Their story is magnificent and will always live in my heart. I know that things most likely won't end well for the Savelle family, but I sure hope a miracle happens. I love stepping foot back into Mississippi and getting to hang out with some of my favorite guys. I am super curious to see who else gets a book. I can't wait for Daddy Hale Carver to get one. I just know he's going to be a wild ride! 😉
Forge and Elsie were two beautifully broken people whom I'll never forget. I know how hard grief can be, and my heart just absolutely broke for them. Their story is magnificent and will always live in my heart. I know that things most likely won't end well for the Savelle family, but I sure hope a miracle happens. I love stepping foot back into Mississippi and getting to hang out with some of my favorite guys. I am super curious to see who else gets a book. I can't wait for Daddy Hale Carver to get one. I just know he's going to be a wild ride! 😉
March 1, 2026
This is the 10th book in this phenomenal series, and this is Elisie and Forge’s story.
After Elsie’s parents’ death, she does not have a chance to grieve, before her best friend takes her to his cousins for protection. Forge is one of Calvin’s cousins, and he is dealing with a lot in his family, with his ill mom. With Elsie in his home, she brings out feelings Forge has kept hidden, and she brings out his possessive and protective instincts, but they complement each other perfectly.
No spoilers: this is a must read you will not be disappointed!
This is a well written emotional roller coaster story, which has family, friendships, loss, grief, danger, suspense, intrigue, challenges, tension, trauma, obsession, vulnerability, touch her and die vibes, trust, loyalty, healing, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.
After Elsie’s parents’ death, she does not have a chance to grieve, before her best friend takes her to his cousins for protection. Forge is one of Calvin’s cousins, and he is dealing with a lot in his family, with his ill mom. With Elsie in his home, she brings out feelings Forge has kept hidden, and she brings out his possessive and protective instincts, but they complement each other perfectly.
No spoilers: this is a must read you will not be disappointed!
This is a well written emotional roller coaster story, which has family, friendships, loss, grief, danger, suspense, intrigue, challenges, tension, trauma, obsession, vulnerability, touch her and die vibes, trust, loyalty, healing, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.
March 15, 2026
I always go into Abby’s books with high expectations because she’s one of my favorite authors, and her stories rarely disappoint me. Unfortunately, this one didn’t resonate with me as much as I had hoped.
The biggest issue for me was Elsie. Abby is known for writing strong, bold, and unforgettable heroines, but Elsie felt a little underwhelming in comparison. She lacked the strength and presence I’ve come to expect from Abby’s female leads, and at times she came across as a bit too ordinary to truly stand out. Because of that, I found it harder to fully connect with her character.
The chemistry between Elsie and Forge also didn’t feel as explosive or captivating as the couples in Abby’s previous books. Their relationship had its moments, but it never quite reached the level of intensity I was hoping for.
I also felt that the ending was somewhat rushed. I’m used to Abby not including an epilogue, but in this case the story still felt slightly unfinished, as if it needed just a bit more time to properly wrap everything up.
The biggest issue for me was Elsie. Abby is known for writing strong, bold, and unforgettable heroines, but Elsie felt a little underwhelming in comparison. She lacked the strength and presence I’ve come to expect from Abby’s female leads, and at times she came across as a bit too ordinary to truly stand out. Because of that, I found it harder to fully connect with her character.
The chemistry between Elsie and Forge also didn’t feel as explosive or captivating as the couples in Abby’s previous books. Their relationship had its moments, but it never quite reached the level of intensity I was hoping for.
I also felt that the ending was somewhat rushed. I’m used to Abby not including an epilogue, but in this case the story still felt slightly unfinished, as if it needed just a bit more time to properly wrap everything up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews