I deal in murder and mayhem.I’m the best at what I do.Frankie Helburn is supposed to be an easy job. A means to flush her father out of hiding.Simple. Except there isn’t anything simple about Frankie or the secrets she’s keeping. She’s stubborn as hell and the sexiest god damn thing I’ve ever seen, sending dark, dirty animalistic desire coursing through my veins. She’s cocaine with legs. I’m a … sexiest god damn thing I’ve ever seen, sending dark, dirty animalistic desire coursing through my veins.
She’s cocaine with legs. I’m a f*cking addict before I’ve even had a taste.
Frankie isn’t mine to keep. But if her father doesn’t show his face, she will be mine.
To KILL.
more
Holy crap. That. Was.Intense! And I loved it! T.M Frazier knows how to capture a reader and deliver a kick ass story. And she writes the best heroines.
“She’s cocaine with legs, and I’m a f***ing addict before I’ve even had a taste. ”
Frankie and Smoke were a perfect pair. Her strength and fight was bad ass . They just complimented each other beyond words.
“You wanted me to choose you, Hellion. Well, this is me…. choosing you. ”
All those twists and turns I didn’t even see coming. Up In Smoke has you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Fantastic read!
A fiery, feisty and fast-paced action packed romance that’ll have you on the edge of your seat…
The King series has been one of my favourites for a while. I just love LOVE Bear (Lawless,#3 & Soulless,#4), however Smoke just did things to me that left me all kinds of confuzzled with myself and conflicted and completely and utterly drooling. He’s that guy that treats you mean to keep you keen…if you get my drift? But, he’s also got one of the most devastating backstories. I didn’t know whether to drool, swoon, scream or cry for the majority of Up In Smoke. This book is definitely a slow-burn in the romance department, however it is actually rather fast-paced not just in the time frame but also with the action. It does lean towards the longer length in terms of romance novels, saying that it is one of those reads that sucks you in and before you know it you’re at the end.
Okay, so plotwise I actually think that this is quite an original story. Yu have the MC hothead crossed with GI Joe who falls for his mark. Putting it like that makes it sound like a straightforward story, but it is anything but. This plot is filled with twists and turns. Nothing is ever really as it seems. I have to say that Ms. Frazier did a great job of making such an intense and sophisticated plot relatively easy to read…with the exception of the darker undertone of the plot. Would I say this is a dark romance? Personally, I don’t think it is. Although there is a dark element to the plot that touches on some sensitive issues, I found that this is more of an action romance. In that it is bloody and at times gory, but it is never in your face offensive and Ms. Frazier is not one for shock value—which I love. I find that many authors push limits in order to shock the reader, but actually in Up In Smoke you never have that almost cringey forced emotion. There were moments where I was a little concerned about how the characters would interact sexually…in terms of consent, but there is NO FOUL PLAY in regards to those matters. This really is such a cleverly written book. Every I is meticulously dotted and every T crossed with precision. Nothing is an after-thought.
I loved seeing the Lawless MC gang make an appearance. Obviously they would…duh. But, I liked that although they play an active roll in the story that the focus is never taken from Smoke and Frankie. They are the stars of this story, and quite rightly so. Also, I loved Zelda. I really wish there had been more of her, it would have been nice to see her in the Epilogue. Rage was on form as per usual, that chick is just amazeballs. LOVE. HER. Smoke is a really deep and tortured character. His life has been anything but rosey—his demons are plenty and potent. Saying that you can sense his benevolence from the off, even when it’s his malevolence running the show. He does start off as a bit of an anti-hero, but as the story unfolds he becomes the hero that we all love to love. His interactions with Frankie at times had me anxious about how far he was going to push her, but it was always on the up. She also retaliated and gave as good as she got. Although he is smart, Frankie is definitely the brains to his brawn. I absolutely loved Frankie. I found her to be a strong, grounded, brave and sassy heroine who stood her ground and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Although she does have an air of innocence about her, she has a great grasp on how the world works and she isn’t living on some fairytale cloud where unicorns drink from mermaid infested waters. Although she controls and hides it well, there are times that her demons give his a run for their money.
All in all I really loved Up In Smoke. The chemistry between the characters was stifling at times and even though this story isn’t sex heavy you have that constant libidinous draw to it. I found the plot development to be verging on flawless and quite frankly I couldn’t put this book down. When I was forced to, I could feel myself itch to get back into it. I lived and breathed this story with it’s characters. I felt a part of the gang. I’m not going to lie, I would’ve like a more in depth Epilogue…it felt a little rushed to me, however that’s probably because I did not want this book to end. I was riveted and completely suckered in from cover to cover.
Up in Smoke by T.M. Frazier is a standalone dark romance in her King series. This is Smoke and Frankie’s story. Told in dual POV, this story is hot, twisted and perfect.
Smoke is a character we met in a spin-off story to this series, All The Rage. Getting a view into his thought process was enlightening and just a tad bit frightening. Frankie is a not-so-innocent bystander stuck in the middle of a revenge mission Smoke is hell-bent on raining down on her father’s head. The fact that she isn’t what she seems, Smoke doesn’t have the whole story, and neither one of them is the actual bad guy leaves these two with growing attraction, spikes of lust, moments of pure hatred, and an overall fabulous story.
Told in dual POV, this is yet another must-read story from a must-read author. Romance on the dark-side, sex and chemistry and tons of danger. A powerful combination. Enjoy!
They don’t call T.M. Frazier the Evil Ginger for nothing!! She can write a great bad guy that’s got a little good in him. And each one is different. Smoke was unexpected for me, because I’m always sure she can’t top the last character in this series. But then she does. These guys are just broken at the beginning of their stories, but then through the love of a, usually equally broken woman, they find a way to love again. I loved Smoke’s story as much, or maybe more, than the others.
I’m such a huge fan of T.M Frazier I loved all of the books I’ve read by her this would be my first story in the king series that I’ve read but it can be a standalone , I’m going to be one clicking the whole series including All the Rage looking forward to meeting the characters that are mentioned in Up in Smoke plus this is my favorite by the author . This had me hooked till the very end and oh my gosh what an ending the story line flowed perfectly it was like a movie in my head with some shockers along the way a lot of action add in some pretty steamy scenes that had me in need of a cold shower you got yourself one hell of a book . I loved Smoke and Frankie they both feel an intense attraction to one another even though it starts as a spark it quickly builds into a inferno that can’t be extinguished . If you need inspiration for the hero look no further then the cover it’s perfect and me being a cover lover just made me super giddy , I liked Smoke from the start even when I was meant to hate him I couldn’t which I’m so happy the author had his point of view cause I might of felt different about Smoke when we’re in his POV we got to see so much more of what he’s feeling and fighting made him one intriguing character .I really loved Frankie it’s usually hard for me to like a heroine were she’s kidnapped but not her she’s strong on the outside even though at times she’s not on the inside she doesn’t let her fear show plus she is so selfless and I found what she did very admirable . If you are new to T.M. Frazier you really need to get all of her books the way she writes just helps you create the story in you’re head clearly . Don’t miss out on Up in Smoke it has to one of my favorite reads this year .
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10 Chemistry=10 steam= 7
romance=5 humor= 4 darkness level= 7 action=7 mystery= 7
enjoyment=10 angst=2 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development= 10 pacing=10
cover= 10 stars= 5
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
T.M. Frazier is in my top 3 all time authors. I have read every word she’s published and would follow her stories anywhere they wanted to go.
I was excited to be getting a glimpse back in to the King series and to Yes learn it was going to be Smoke’s book was even better. A new character to love, a new story line to follow, new chances to get to see some of my favorite TM characters coming back to the pages. Little did I know that Smoke and Frankie’s story would take on a life of it’s own in my head.
The most prevalent thing about Up In Smoke to me is the journey you can tell Tracey (TM) has taken as a writer. The story development is top notch, the character nuisances are intriguing and surprising, the non stop hits that you will take are exciting and gasp worthy. I didn’t know that she could get much better, but she has exceeded all of my expectations and I couldn’t be happier!
Smoke – good lord Smoke. I was intrigued by him in the glimpses of his character we received in earlier books. But to get a full length book, where we get to experience him so intimately. I’m not sure I have the words to convey how exceptional I find him. The back story, which is so well told in this book; is heartbreaking and tear worthy….and I don’t cry at many books! You’re going to go through a run of emotions when reading about how this beautiful man came into who he is and you’ll be thanking TM for taking you there.
Frankie – TM does lots of things well, female characters is starting to top that list as the thing she does best. Her male characters are loved and idolized so much that sometimes, we push the girls/ladies/women to the back. Frankie won’t have any of that. This girl has cojones, like huge cojones. She is smart, brilliant really and her level of self preservation is something that heroines are sorely lacking these days. In a world of dark, violence and unspeakable things; Frankie navigates this world better than most men would be able. She survives no matter what gets thrown at her. She will be the last one standing, don’t ever doubt that. I LOVED her!
Setting the scene is also one of the things I enjoy most about TM’s work. Her descriptive language has captured my attention since King book 1 and only gets better each book she writes. If you’ve read Bear and Thia’s story (Lawless and Soulless), you know what I’m talking about here. In those books, the descriptions were so effective, I felt as if I was standing in the orchard groves smelling the rotting fruit of the land. Up in Smoke takes you to some dark places and you will literally feel as if you are there with the characters. Smelling the mold and death, seeing the dust in the streaming light and feeling each and every breathe they take. The slow burn and push/pull between Smoke and Frankie is equally as torturous as it is rewarding, and boy is it rewarding. We’re talking EPIC scenes of tension here.
I have so much love for this book. I absorbed every word and will carry it with me for a long long time. Bear is and will always be my forever favorite. BUT I think Up in Smoke is TM Frazier’s best work to date.
Get yourself some whiskey (Bear and Smoke’s choice of drink) and a good place to curl up with Smoke and Frankie and buckle up….it’s not a smooth ride. And you’ll be thankful for every bump, scrape and bruise.
Holy SMOKES!!!
The wait is finally over and we have Smoke. Thank you Ms. Frazier for finally giving me the story I have been eagerly waiting for after Rage and Preppy.
And with the typical Frazier style, the story is raw, gritty, realistic and fantastic with characters that just jump out of the pages. The story kept me at the edge of my seat with anticipation on what will happen next, and the revelations just blew me away.
[image error]
I also got to meet my fav King, Bear, Prep, Nine and of course Rage, which were added bonuses.
If you are a Frazier fan, then definitely pick up this book to continue the journey of this fantastic writer.
Smoke is introduced in the book All the Rage, but I confess that at that time I did not pay much attention to him.
Smoke does not take prisoners, he’s good at killing.
But when he had someone important in his life brutally murdered, he needs to find out the whereabouts of the killer, one of the greatest hackers in history, and for that, Smoke goes after Frankie Helburn aka Sarah Jackson, killer’s daughter.
Frankie was a high school student whose father was working in the basement all the time and she was desperately trying to go unnoticed by her classmates.
Duke, a schoolmate and deliver groceries boy, was the only person who had any access to her.
When one afternoon Frankie is arrested by the police during class, she knows that her future was destined for something very bad.
It has become worse.
She had a week to tell him the real whereabouts of her father or she would be murdered, but not before she suffered enough.
While in captivity with Smoke, she tries to create a connection with him, based on a book she had read.
But Frankie did not expect to find that underneath all those muscles, tattoos, and moodiness, there was a man who could turn heaven and hell… for her.
Electrifying Awesome. Mysterious.
It has the presence of characters from previous books, but can be read separately.
5 stars
Like a lot of other people Smoke grabbed my attention in All The Rage and I couldn’t wait to get his story. And what a story it is! I should point out that Up In Smoke can be read as a stand-alone and even though I highly recommend you read the rest of the King series (at some point) it’s not needed to read Smokes story.
Smoke is a loner. He’s dark, dangerous, doesn’t have a conscience and is out for revenge. Smoke was so much more than I was expecting. Finding out about his past tells you a lot about the real Smoke and it will make your heart break and help you understand the man he is today. When his hunt for revenge leads him to Frankie, more of the real Smoke starts coming out and I couldn’t help but love him (even when he was been a prick).
Frankie…what can I say about Frankie? Even when her back’s against the wall she still doesn’t go down without a fight. She’s smart, sassy and determined to survive and I adored her. She’s a brilliant character and definitely capable of getting under Smokes skin.
I’ve read all of TM Frazier’s books and this one is definitely up there with my favourites. With a talent of been able to describe a scene so vividly that it feels like you’re there with the characters, not to mention the way the characters that seem to come to life, this author had me completely engrossed in this book. Full of twists, suspense, old friends, sexual chemistry and revenge, this book was absolutely perfect in every way.
Frankie Helburn is hiding and trying to right the wrongs of a father who lied to her. Smoke lost everything and is set on revenge. He’s cold, calculating, dark and dangerous. She’s smarter than he thinks with a little bit of sass and determination to live. What starts out as a way for Smoke to exact that revenge turns into something completely different. The story is suspenseful and keeps your attention. The writing is quick and smart with some unexpected twists. Both Smoke and Frankie have their flaws but redemptive souls. Their connection is hot. A few characters from previous books in the series make appearances. Up in Smoke is an exciting read.