Up In Smoke: A King Series Novel

Omg. TM Frazier hits another one out of the park. I LOVE this series and all these characters. I loved Smoke but I was thrilled by the appearances of King Bear and of course my favorite foul mouthed preppy.

I have followed the entire series since day one and I can honestly say this book is right up there on the top. I can not even pick which book out of this series is my favorite because she knocked every frackin book outta the park. I read this in a day! I neglected the basic necessities of life for myself and my family to finish this and I don't regret one second!

I’ve been waiting for what seems like forever to read! Another amazing job Mrs. Frazier, I love Smoke and Frankie and then having a little Preppy, King, Bear, and Rage was just icing on the cake! Can’t wait for Nines book.

This is the newest addition to The King series and this says it can be read as a standalone, which it can, but I strongly recommend starting with book one titled King and going from there since this entire series is freaking amazing!! This is by far one of my personal favorite series ever and I literally just can't get enough of this incredibly talented author's work! This is Smoke's story and he's one bad dude in the best way possible. He's not really one of the crew since he is a total loner, but to his surprise he belongs much more than he ever realized. Frankie is an enigma herself, which in my mind makes her perfect for Smoke and they both have been loners from birth. To me there's nothing more perfect than a heartwarming story about two loners who find their place in this strange world, and in each other. Throw in some much appreciated appearances from a few of our personal favorite characters and some maiming and killing and this is about as perfect as you can get. Why should you read this you ask? Because pancakes. That's why. I highly recommend this entire series to anyone to read and I literally can't wait for the next book! I reviewed this for Reviews from the Heart.

4.5 stars...maybe small spoilers

This book was everything I was expecting from the author. It was rough. It was gritty. It was glorious. Made me feel gamut of emotions throughout. From horror, anger, sadness, revulsion, and then joy. There were times I was spitting mad, and other times I just wanted to cry. For them both. Their circumstances, it made me want to beat my chest at the unfairness of it all. But one thing I knew for sure. The author always delivers in her writing. Even when she obliterates my heart, damn near every freaking time. She always managed to put the broken pieces back together in the end. That's one thing I can always expect from her. And this story was no exception.

I have to say I absolutely loved Frankie's character. The girl got fire and spirit. She was strong, defiant, smart, brave, and possessed a core of steel. The way she challenged Smoke made me proud and crackled with glee. She's definitely a fighter. I love their battles, the passion and raw intensity of their connection. It was both beautiful and volatile. You can see how much Smoke was captivated with Frankie yet still conflicted. He lived for vengeance for so long. It tore him up inside to desire the daughter of his enemy. Yet, despite his brutality, he never truly harmed her and crossed that line from which there is no return. But not to say I wasn't furious at Smoke at times. For all the pain and emotional torture he inflicted on Frankie. Intentional or otherwise.

Only a couple of things mar the sheer perfection of this story. I didn't like Smoke bringing the random woman home to screw in front of Frankie. And then afterwards, pulling Frankie to cuddle with him. It was just cruel and like Frankie I felt a bit betrayed and hurt. Because despite her being his tool for revenge, it was still kind of effed up. I mean, they were already getting somewhat intimate, just felt like a slap to the face. I get why he did it, but it still turned my stomach. At least it was brief and never happened again. Though I wished Frankie had given him a punch instead of melting in his arms later. Because let me tell you, Smoke turned out to be a VERY possessive and jealous man. Especially when Nine and Duke are around Frankie. Should have given him a little taste of his own medicine. Just ticked me off that even after that, she ended giving him her virginity.

The other thing is that poor Frankie, the innocent in all this had to endured so much for naught. She NEVER deserved it in the first place. I was expecting her to be a tiny bit angry at Smoke. For some of the misery he put her through with the kidnapping and being his prisoner. Especially when the truth was revealed and how he got it all wrong. About EVERYTHING. Sucks that she had to pay the price for someone else's manipulation and greed.

But despite these two things, the story was still phenomenal to me. I was completely enraptured, heart in my throat all through that explosive ending. Frankie was just amazing. Blew me away with her courage and sacrifice. And yes, I did end up forgiving Smoke. How could I not. The man was just SHATTERED when he thought he lost Frankie. Ready to die rather than live in a world without her. He definitely redeemed himself. Proved with words and deeds how much he loved Frankie. And the way he fought for her. He was Magnificent. Ferocious. Pure Savage.

"I'll shed the blood of every effing man who gets in the way of my saving Frankie. There's no one I won't kill. I'll burn the effingng world down for her and bask in the mothereffing flames."

The epilogue I thought was nice. I would have loved to have seen them a few more years down the road instead of months. Marriage, a couple of kids. But it's too soon and they needed time to heal and reconnect. I'm sure we'll revisit these two later in upcoming books. Also nice to see the crew again. Preppy, Rage, Nolan, Bear and King. Nine seems interesting, wouldn't mind to read his story next.

Another “can’t stop” read for me. Every one of TM Frazier’s novels in the King series has captivated me from start to finish. Dominating, powerful, badass men and strong, feisty, intelligent women is the makeup of these characters and I love each new one that gets introduced. Smoke and Frankie’s story was no different and just as amazing.

Every one of the heroes in this series has a way of drawing you in with their dark, dominating and powerful personas. Smoke is another one of those men. His presence in All the Rage may be brief, but he leaves a lasting impression and to finally get to know his story was like getting to the center of a Tootsie Pop...sweet, gooey and TOTALLY worth it. Once you get past that hard candy shell, all your left with is the soft center that just makes your insides happy.

Frankie has a personality just as strong as Smoke. She was feisty, strong, resilient and cunning. She was good match for Smoke and being herself while still portraying a bravery she didn’t fully possess, she was able to get through Smoke hard exterior to the man who was more vulnerable than anyone would suspect.

Gah! This book was such a treat. All the feels, the action, the chemistry and the sexual tension - this book gave me everything I could have wanted and more than I expected with a King Series novel. I can add Frankie and Smoke to my list of favorite characters.

I've been excited for this story ever since Smoke was first introduced to us. There has always been something alluring about him. We've only had glimpses just enough to tease but never enough to fully please.....Until now.
He's always been an enigma, A Dark looming presence. Full of mystery and danger.

Smoke is on a mission he wants revenge and will get it at any cost. He's a bad guy full of anger and utterly ruthless when he needs to be. I loved finally getting to understand him better.
He reminded me of like a lone wolf, he fends for himself and doesn't trust easily.
He's fiercely protective of what matters to him. If you're lucky enough to gain his loyalty then you'd have it for life.

Frankie was the same for me, she's wary of everyone and tries not to draw attention to herself.
It's not enough though because Smoke has her on his radar and there's no escape. He knows exactly who Frankie is.
I just bloody loved Frankie she may be young but she's a tough little cookie she's also clever, courageous and selfless.

T.m Frazier will always be one of my favourite Authors.
Her writing is just phenomenal and I know I'm in for a treat when I start one of her stories. Not only does she deliver Badass Alphas but she gives us Kickass feisty Heroines too.
This book was fantastic and I'm not just blowing Smoke up your A$$ ( See what I did there ) ;)

This book had me gripped from the beginning, I couldn't put it down. Old scores are settled new bonds are forged. it's exhilarating from start to finish. We get to see some familiar faces that had me in stitches and put a huge smile on my face.
Smoke and Frankie will take you on a wild and crazy ride so hold on tight, sit back and enjoy.
It's T.m at her best and why I adore her.

Smoke and Frankie had me within the first few pages, I read this book in a day, could not put it down! The two characters emotional and physical connection will have you so invested in this story.

Frankie’s loneliness, vulnerability along with her sheer determination made my heart ache and pulse beat a million times a minute. Following Frankie’s journey with Smoke made me hate him yet also love him in the same chapter. The author wove such inner turmoil in these two characters you could not help but want them to find love with each other.

Running in the background is Smoke’s revenge centering around Frankie’s dad and what an intricate web of lies we are following. Whilst reading, I did not pick any of the twists and turns which is so typical of the King Series book I have read to date. It was great to see Bear, King, and Preppy again and see their friendship and humor is as strong as ever.

I am going to have to read Rage’s story with Nolan as she was a standout for me. Upon checking I see that Nine has the next story and I am looking forward to that too.

Up in Smoke is dark, it has moments of sheer terror and despair but then we are given beautiful moments that deliver hope for Smoke and Frankie. The two lonely and isolated characters were perfection on the page and the ending just mended my heart.

NOTHING gets my adrenaline pumping more than a gritty, high-stakes tale of diabolical revenge and scorching hot seduction, so when I read the blurb for UP IN SMOKE by T.M. Frazier, my dark inner goddess went BALLISTIC!!

This stand-alone installment in the King series is one utterly sinister, shiver-inducing tale that had me transfixed from the spine-chilling opening to the exhilarating end!! The characters of Frankie and Smoke are beautifully broken and so utterly mesmerizing, the masterfully layered plot unfolds at a breakneck speed, with jaw dropping twists and turns you NEVER SEE COMING, and there’s searing emotional intensity from start to finish!

Brilliantly told via dual POV, we were able to get into the splintered hearts and profoundly damaged psyches of both these MCs, and even though this was my first foray into the thrillingly depraved King world, I found the cameo appearances from the Lawless MC to be an absolute hoot— and a great enhancement to the overarching story.

I had SO MANY visceral feels throughout this dark and twisty roller coaster ride! I gasped for breath. Choked back tears. Wrung my hands together. Clutched my chest. Bit my nails. Fanned myself off. Cringed. Shivered. Sighed. Exalted. Ranted. Raved. ETC., ETC!

Gah…what can I possibly say about Smoke? This ruthless, primally sexy brute is pure QUIVER-INDUCING PERFECTION! With a hard muscled, tatted physique, scruffy beard, stone cold dark eyes and an aura of raw, savage power, “he’s a walking billboard for both terror and lust. A human thunderstorm.” Yet even though this menacing killer gave me the heebie jeebies he made my soul lament too! A profoundly bereft heart lurks beneath that fierce, predatory exterior, but his pain and suffering and RAGING FURY pushes him to the brink. He will stop at NOTHING to see his vengeful mission through to the brutal end!

His plan? Brazenly kidnap Frances Helburn in broad daylight and hold the terrified young woman captive in order to lure her father out of hiding. The soulless man stole everything from Smoke in a gory act of senseless violence and now He. Will. Pay.

As expected, his feisty little prisoner fights back with remarkable gusto but her scrappy attempts to escape his iron clutches are fruitless. Because as far as Smoke is concerned, his mortal enemy’s daughter’s fate is sealed. Her life INCONSEQUENTIAL. She is merely a means to an end, an innocent pawn in a deranged game with fatal consequences, but what he hadn’t counted on was her fire. Her courage. Her cunning. Her stunning grit and determination. Or the fact that this defiant little spitfire would push his every button, arousing dangerous, animalistic desires and giving him a crazy, wild run for his money.

However, unbeknownst to Smoke, Frankie, is working a secret agenda of her own, and will DO ANYTHING to make up for the sins of her father. Even surrender her body and soul to her beautifully brutal captor. But the one thing she can’t do is give Smoke what by wants most. His pound of flesh! And as much as he gets off on taunting and tormenting Frankie, and wants to unleash the full force of his fury on her, to PUNISH her, his confounding feelings for the beguiling little vixen catch him totally off guard. And complicate his plans to the umpteenth degree. He was just supposed to keep her until she’s served her purpose so why then does Smoke want to RAVISH her body, POSSESS her soul, and PROTECT her to his last dying breath?

Eeeek! The combustible relationship that unfolds between this ferocious captor and his pretty little prisoner is WILDLY ADDICTIVE, HEARTWRENCHINGLY COMPLEX and DOOMED from the star. And so utterly intoxicating it gave me goosebumps! While this hypnotically dark tale is not an insta-love Stockholm syndrome tale by ANY MEANS --once their warped relationship morphs from hate to blistering passion, prepare for a BLAZING INFERNO of want and need and red hot lust that threatens to obliterate them both! I fell so hard in love with this tempestuous duo, and hoped against all odds that somehow they would claw their way out of the darkness and bask in each other’s flames!.

But the clock is ticking and as the perilous tension-fraught plot finally reaches a shattering crescendo, it’s anyone’s guess who will survive the fallout!

BOTTOM LINE:
UP IN SMOKE proves yet again what a a mind-blowingly talented storyteller T.M. Frazier is! This exhilarating, action packed, unflinching raw MC romance incinerated my heart and scorched my soul.

An EPIC read!

~5 +++ STARS~

Well, T.M. Frazier has completely rocked my reading world again! She has stolen the top slot for my favorite read of 2018 so far!

Up in Smoke is a part of the King Series, but it can be read as a standalone. Smoke is a walking contradiction, and I didn’t really realize how much until I saw him through Frankie’s eyes. He is dark and violent. He is chaos and murder, yet there is a grace as well. He is someone that you would notice, because of the danger he exudes, yet you would also be drawn to his beauty. This is exactly what draws Frankie in…too bad he wants her dead.

Frankie and Smoke have a great deal in common. They both were children who raised themselves because of absent parents. This has shaped their lives as adults, trusting no one. Both of them also hide behind their tough exteriors. Granted, Smoke backs that up with his actions. Yet, there is a heart beating underneath, but it’s shattered, and Frankie might just be the won to pick up those broken pieces to put him back together.

A relationship between these two should NEVER happen but it does somehow. Their attraction and chemistry is on fire. But, both of them try to fight it…they are enemies. It’s as confusing as h88l to both of them.

“It feels like desire and confusion and lust. It feels like being out of control and adventure and possibilities, and I want it. I want him. And I hate myself for it.” ~Frankie

The electric push and pull between these two was worth it. When they finally give in, WOW!!!! The sex was raw yet beautiful! They weren’t just giving each other their bodies, but they were giving each other their very souls.

“She wants all of me, so I give it to her. All six foot three of barren soul and misguided morals. All of my broken, black heart.” ~Smoke

Not only did Smoke and Frankie keep me reading, it was the story itself. The synopsis nor this review scratches the surface of what surprises are hidden within the pages of this book. I thought I had everything figured out, and Frazier would blow my mind. She just kept the surprises coming.

I’m in complete awe of T.M. Frazier. She amazes me with her writing. She just has an innate ability to draw me into her stories. Her characters are always multi-dimensional, and she reveals their depth the further I get into the book. Reading her words is somewhat like poetry. I always have a gazillion highlights. She is the queen when it comes to writing a dark romance that somehow turns into something of beauty.

***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***

Ever since I read and devoured King over the summer, I have been obsessed with T.M. Frazier's ability to write a dark romance. While I've only read the first three books of this series, I was excited to read Smoke's story and see another bad boy fall in love!

Smoke is out for revenge. His world was taken away from him and he's determined to bring the man who took it all away down. And that begins with taking his daughter. Except she's definitely not what Smoke expected. Stubborn and with a will made of steel, Frankie Helburn has been taking care of herself for a long time and puts up a fight when she finds herself taken by a dangerous, brooding man. Smoke is shocked by the attraction he feels of Frankie, but he needs to remind himself of why he's taken her and needs to break her before she breaks him.

Wow, going into this one I was so intrigued by both Smoke and Frankie. They both had so many secrets and I couldn't wait to discover why each of them were living the way they were. From the moment we met Frankie, it was clear she was such a strong woman who was used to taking care of herself. When Smoke kidnapped her, she felt scared, but she was determined to push Smoke's buttons and find a way to survive. I loved her fight and how hard to pushed herself when it came to surviving.

The romance in this was HOT and it was fun watching Smoke try to fight the rising attraction he had for Frankie the longer he spent time with her. He was such an angry, dangerous man and it was fun watching his tough guy act be threatened. I honestly could not put this book down because I wanted those two to get together so badly. I know that Smoke was hurting and angry, but he really needed an outlet for all of those pent up emotions. And I really loved getting to know his background and see him realize how many people he had in his life who actually had his back.

Like I said, I have only read three books in this series, but it was so fun seeing some of my favorite characters make an appearance in this book. While some things were a little spoiled for the books I skipped over, I still loved seeing the characters all work together and interact with Smoke and Frankie. I am so intrigued by Rage's character now and definitely have to pick up her story! For an intense, action-packed, and steamy romance, you have to pick up Up in Smoke!

Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict. A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

'She’s my victim, and I’m her tormentor.
She’s my prey, and I’m the predator.'

Smoke’s job should have been easy – grab Frankie Helburn and use her to flush out her father so he can finally have his revenge. But Frankie ends up being way more than he bargained for, challenging him at every turn and igniting a desire within him that he’s having a hard time keeping under control. She’s also full of surprises and the secrets she’s keeping may just turn his life upside down. What should have been an easy job is quickly turning into the most complicated. The longer she’s around, the longer he wants to keep her for his own, it’s just too bad that he’s already committed to killing her if her father doesn’t turn up.

'But this man is a walking billboard for both terror and lust. A human thunderstorm.'

It’s so good to be back in the King universe!! This book doesn’t take place in Logan’s Beach but we’re not far from there and don’t worry, all our favs from Logan’s Beach make appearances throughout this one! If you’ve read All the Rage and Preppy’s books then you’ll know who Smoke is. He’s sort of a lone wolf who’s basically a hitman for hire and he’s quite good at what he does, some may say he’s the best, in fact. T.M. Frazier is so amazing at writing these anti-heroes. These guys – King, Bear, Preppy, Smoke – they aren’t good guys, they kill and torture without mercy and definitely live on the wrong side of the law, but somehow she makes you love them anyway. I don’t know how she does it, sure they have tortured pasts, but she doesn’t use that to excuse their bad behavior. They are 100% unapologetic about their lifestyles, but perhaps it’s their motivation and loyalty that will endear them to you. I don’t know, but I do know that I love them all. Smoke was a total badass and I loved seeing him have to deal with Frankie who was no delicate flower. She was actually pretty badass too and a great match for Smoke. The love/hate thing and the sexual tension they had going on was a lot of fun. The danger was exciting and will keep you on the edge of your seat and then the twists and turns and insane action start coming and you won’t be able to put it down!

I thought this story was a great addition to the series! It can definitely be read as a standalone but I think it’s best enjoyed after reading the other books in the series (and those books are awesome, so why would you not want to read them?!). I hope there are more books in this world, perhaps about Nine?? I love this gang and it’s always fun and action-packed whenever we get to visit the boys of Logan’s Beach! If you’re a fan of the King Series, don’t miss this and if you’re a fan of suspenseful, dark, danger-filled romance with a great anti-hero and a feisty heroine, be sure to grab this one!

'I’m desperate to give my body to the man who may very well be the one who takes my life. And right now, I don’t {censored} care. Because in Smoke’s arms, I’ve come alive.'

"I'm Hell on Earth. Brimstone and Fire. Embers and Ashes. I am Smoke"

Now tell me you don't want to read this dark and utterly, dirty, gripping of souls book!! That little quote is just part of the prologue the whole prologue is going to blow you away.......

Although this book can be read as a standalone, for an insight into Smoke and the character Rage. I would recommend reading All the Rage first but definitely isn't a necessity.

I have fallen hard for all the "bad boys" in T.M. Fraziers world. These are not the "bad boys" who are a bit cheeky. We are talking about Bad Men who follow no one's rules but there own. Consequences be damned its there way or no way. They are killer's with dirty mouth's and we freaking love them. First we had King, then Bear, Nolan, Preppy! and now we get to add Smoke to our list.

I have been intrigued by Smoke in the glimpses of his character we received in earlier books. And was jumping for joy when i found out he was getting his own full length book. The back story we get in the beginning, as to why he's looking into Frankie is heartbreaking! You're going to go through a bucket full of emotions while reading about this beautiful hardened soul.

Sarah aka Frankie Helburn isn't who or what she appears to be on the outside. She's working on righting the wrongs of her father, to save as many people as she can. She knows with the work, she is doing it will eventually catch up to her and her time will be up sooner rather than later. The sooner comes in the form of Smoke!

Frankie may come across as a meek and mild girl, but push her and her true colours come out. She is sassy and has a well hidden fire that Smoke definitely knows how to stoke. Here past may have left her a little broken but she's fighting for what she feels is right.

When Smoke takes Frankie emotions run wild, secrets come out, as all is not as it seems. Frankie knows that she should hate Smoke, and in some ways she does. But she’s also drawn to him in a way that doesn’t make sense. He's dark, violent, aggressive and strong, the most dangerous man she’s ever met. And over time as she gets to see more of the real him, she can’t help but start to fall for him.

"You wanna know what the really messed up part is?"

"You're still the most beautiful man i've ever seen."

I truly can't express how much I loved Smoke, Frankie and their story. They may have not been a likely match but they we're perfectly match together. Their situation is far from easy, and there is a lot riding on the decision's they make. With so much standing in their way they will need to learn to trust each other or inevitable destroy each other.

"I'll burn the world down for her and bask in the flames."

Up In Smoke is a intense and fast pace read. If you have had the absolute pleasure in following this series of books with our favourite anti-heroes. You will love that we get to catch up with King, Bear, Preppy, Rage and even Kevin aka Nine. It was like going home and seeing the family. I can't wait to what comes next.

5 Stars from Brianna!

SMOKE IS HERE... I REPEAT SMOKE IS HERE Y'ALL!

T.M. Frazier is so freaking brilliant... one of those unicorn authors you keep locked tight, never forgetting... and a fabulous writer to boot. Her words are mesmerizing, characters addicting, and stories are out of this world amazing.

The King series is so special to me, with a beautifully broken cast that has completely stolen every piece of my heart. And like the last seven books in this series, each new one better than the last... and Up In Smoke was no different. Everything I hoped it would be plus a hell of a lot more... sexy, intense, suspenseful, raw, gritty, captivating, and unforgettable in every single way.

Frankie and Smoke took me on a twisted, complicated journey that had me all in my feelings at that prologue and on the edge of my seat right from the very start until the last page turned. Their story wasn't easy and holy crap I didn't see some of it coming... secrets, twists, revelations, lies, mystery, mayhem... but damn it was so worth it. Frankie and Smoke are life.

While this might be a standalone, don't do that to yourself. Read this series in order. Live this series. Breathe this series. Forget everything and let them devour you. It's not one you want to miss at all. And Smoke? Epic in every single freaking undeniable way.

I highly recommend this book and fantastic series.

________

5 Stars from Renee!

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, murder, grief, secrets, loss, pain, abuse, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first:
King (King, #1)
Tyrant (King #2)
Lawless (King #3)
Soulless (King #4)
All the Rage
Preppy: The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater, Part One (King #5)
Preppy: The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater, Part Two (King #6)
Preppy: The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater, Part Three (King #7)

This is Smoke’s story. Smoke is on a revenge mission. He needs Frankie in order to complete his mission. But she is distracting him from his mission. Can he get his revenge but also get a little playtime at the same time? He needs information but is she willing to give it? What happens to her when he does get it? Can these two figure out what is going on with the mission before one of them breaks the other? What started out as a simple revenge mission is now becoming a weaved web of lies and deceit. Can these two figure it out before one of them ends up dead? Will Smoke ever get the revenge he needs? Some past hurts are forgiven but is it enough for him to accept a family of friends and brothers he never knew he wanted? Or will it all go up in smoke? Will he lose everything, or will he gain everything in the end?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read. I was happy to get a few glimpses of past characters.

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.