This is book 5 in the Jubilee, Kentucky series as the last brother finds true love amid mystery and murder. Sharon Sala is one of my favorite authors and I adore so many of her series. It's love at first sight when head pastry chef Brendan Pope meets private investigator Harley Banks at Serenity Inn for her latest investigation. But unknown to them both, Harley has a hitman after her, courtesy of the wrong-doer she put behind bars on her last case. The FBI gets involved to clean up the loose ends so Harley can continue the investigation at the inn. But after nearly losing her, Brendan will stop at nothing to make sure Harley is safe and the criminals get their comeuppance.

Another great book from Sharon Sala. She knows how to write romance. This one has some suspense and intrigue in the mix. This is Bendan Pope's story. It's part of a series, but can definitely be read as a stand alone.

This book is another 5-stars in the continuing saga of the Pope family. Sharon Sala does not fail to deliver a heart-warming story filled with family, love and enough suspense to keep you entertained and quickly flipping pages! Well defined characters and a close knit family community make this a great book!

The best for last! I love the romance-suspense series set in Jubilee, KY. The youngest and last of the Pope brothers has fallen and fallen fast. The new auditor/ PI for the hotel he is a Chef for may need some help or protection. It seems as her last job had some loose ends and now her life is in danger. The manager of the hotel as a precaution told her she could count on Brendan, but Harley didn’t expect the sparks to ignite when she reached out to him.
Love the way the author has a few plot lines going and as always ties them up into a wonderful story. Well done! #BadSeed #JubileeKentucky

Bad Seed by Sharon Sala. Multiple storylines revolving around the residents of Julibee and Pope Mountain. Brandon and Harley work together to solve a cold case from Harley's past and current threats to the Popes. Two “bad seeds” are rightly killed or punished. Revisiting old friends from previous books in the series is a bonus. Vintage romantic suspense by Ms Sala that is heartwarming, adventurous and filled with love of family.

Thank you to Ms Sala, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I was given this book to read by Net Galley. Sharon Sala does it again, another hit! This book is part of her Jubilee series. Romance, humor and suspense, plus you can get updated on the family from the mountain. Everyone stands alone but better together. A must read!

Bad Seed is Sharon Sala’s fifth and final book in her Jubilee romantic suspense series. It should absolutely be read after Left Behind, Heartbeat, and Last Rites; the first book, Don’t Back Down, isn’t required to understand the story. This book is a must-read for all fans of Sharon Sala and romantic suspense.

Shirley Wallace and her four adult sons return to her childhood home on Pope Mountain in Jubilee, Kentucky, after her abusive husband is convicted for murdering two store employees in their Arkansas town. Shirley inherited her late mother’s house and they all legally change their last name to her maiden name, Pope, to further disassociate themselves from scandal. All of them lost their jobs in Arkansas due to her husband’s misdeeds and must start over. The youngest son, Brendan, is 27 years old and works as the head pastry chef at the Serenity Inn.

Brendan Pope is happy with his career but he years to find his special lady and settle down like his older brothers have. He immediately connects with private investigator Harley Banks when she comes to the Serenity Inn for her latest assignment. It’s a well-known job hazard that Harley makes enemies of the people who she puts behind bars. Now she has a hitman from her last case who is pursuing her, prompting the FBI to get involved. While Harley continues her investigation at the inn, Brendan is determined to ensure Harley is safe and the criminals get what they deserve.

Like all of the Jubilee stories, Bad Seed shows romantic, parental ,and family love. The reader feels the love between Shirley and her four sons, and within the much larger Pope/Cauley/Glass families. Harley is on her own, but the large Pope family embraces her and Brendan goes to extraordinary lengths to keep her safe. The subplot involving the legend of the ancestral Brendan Pope adds a nice historical element.

In Sharon Sala books, the villains always get what they deserve. Cameron Pope and his large extended family were introduced in Don’t Back Down and serve as minor characters throughout this story. There are multiple sub-plots and lots of characters, but the author writes so clearly that it’s easy for the reader to keep up. Bad Seed contains a sweet romance between loveable characters without descriptive sex or violence; there may have been a couple of curse words uttered by villains. I couldn’t put this story down; it deserves more than 5 stars! I’m sorry that this is the final book in the wonderful Jubilee series.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and SourceBooks-Casablanca for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

BOOK: BAD SEED
AUTHOR: SHARON SALA
PUB DATE: JANUARY 2025
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REVIEW- 2.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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THINGS I LIKED
1. The FMC, Harley and the MMC, Brendan
2. The close-knit family of Pope
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THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. TMI- Too Much Information, too many points of view. It was unnecessary and really annoying. It felt like all of the characters in the book shared their pov. I felt like it took focus away from the MCs
2. The suspense was predictable.
3. The relationship between the MLs was way too fast. They met, fell in love, full stop. It was not engaging at all.
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This book was mot my favorite, it had a lot of elements I didn't like

Sharon Sala has written another wonderful story in the Pope family series. This romantic suspense will keep you turning the pages and you will not want to put it down. Harley is a whiz at finding the problem when she audits companies for their owners and some of those problems are huge and scary! When she comes to Jubilee, Kentucky to audit the Serenity Inn, she and Brendan Pope, the amazing pastry chef at the inn, soon realize they are meant to be together. While Harley is loving getting to know Brendan’s family, there is someone out there who wants to pay Harley back for shutting down their profitable operation. Every Sharon Sala book is a must buy for me and this one was fabulous!

BJ is the youngest of the Pope brothers. He left home to follow a dream. And he's paid his dues on his way to becoming a master pastry chef. Now he's happily back in Jubilee, the head pastry chef at the Serenity Inn. He loves his job, but he's tired of being alone. He wants to find a love like his brothers have found. Then PI Harley Banks walks into the hotel and into his life. Their connection is immediate. When a past case threatens her life, BJ is determined to protect her, no matter what.

I've been looking forward to BJ's story since the Pope brothers were originally introduced in Last Rights. Now it's his turn to get the girl.

The thing I really like about the Jubilee, Kentucky series is the sense of family and of clan. Not only does everyone know everyone else, they all support each other. There is always a sense of camaraderie between the characters. From the first book in the series, returning to Jubilee is like visiting with old friends. Even through the suspenseful parts of the story, the books provide a sense of comfort and coming home.

I also like the strong female characters in each of these stories. The Pope men may be alpha heroes, but they respect the fact that their partners can match them in grit and determination. Harley is a perfect example. She's a woman in a male dominated field, but she's good at her job, her reputation proceeds her and she's respected by those who know of her. BJ may be a pastry chef, but that he still carries the protective Pope mentality. Only he knows enough to recognize that Harley is smart enough to be careful, but she's also tenacious and resolved to finish what she started.

Despite the finality I felt from the epilogue of the story, I'm hoping this won't be the last time Ms. Sala returns to Jubilee.

I really love this series, it's town and mountain folk. All great characters making a very intriguing story.
Harley is new to town as an employee to the Inn, she's so much more than an auditor. Her PI license has her finding crime in the numbers game.
Human trafficking, what a disgusting crime seems to be prevalent across her locations of work.
This is hers and Brandon Pope's story.
Truth doesn't come without danger when solving crimes.
This story is certainly not all dark as love finds a way and I enjoyed the blossoming romance between the main characters.
I highly recommend this series.

The last Pope brother to get his story—this is all about Brenden. I’ve loved watching /reading him grow up and turn into a formidable character. I was wondering who would be paired with him—and Harley was absolutely perfect. And I especially loved the full circle connection to the first book in the series. As always, I highly recommend.

Harley Banks has chosen her own career path that doesn’t meet with her parents’ approval, but she is her own woman. She is a private investigator and CPA who investigates criminal business fraud. Her latest audit ended when she uncovered a vicious trafficking operation. Hoping that she was able to make a difference in the lives of those involved, she has no idea that she has now become a target. Her next audit will be at the Serenity Inn, Jubilee, Kentucky and hopes that this audit will be less dangerous. Meeting Brandon Pope, head pastry chef at the inn, was completely unexpected, but he soon becomes very important to her. Brandon Pope, one of the Pope brothers, is stunned when he first meets Harley. As a flirtation develops between them, he soon realizes that she just may be his forever person. When he learns that she has been threatened, he vows to protect her. The audit at the inn will bring her in contact with the members of the Pope family, their love and history. When she is injured, Brendan takes her to his home until the threat is over. The author weaves the various elements of the story and characters through to a heartwarming end. I just love this series! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

IMHO the best part of a Sharon Sala book is the way she allows you to "feel" the feels. We know exactly what Brendan was thinking when he saw Harley for the first time. We know from the start that he's looking for "the one," that he wants what his brothers and cousin have, his woman, a woman who can live on Hope Mountain, a woman who will be happy with family and friends and doesn't need the trappings of the city.

We know Harley's background. We recognize that indescribable draw she feels when she sees Brendan for the first time.

The author creates strong female characters who are still romantic and looking for love, and male characters who are strong and masculine, but who acknowledge their feelings and aren't afraid to show emotion.

That little twist, Brendan being the victim of a female stalker, that put a different spin on the story, too. I would normally describe Sharon Sala's books as warm and cozy, family oriented, with two people falling in love while solving a mystery. And while that sounds almost formulaic, I love her stories because love conquers all and well, I am just a romantic at heart.

Thanks to Sourcebooks/Casablanca for this galley. All opinions are my own.

Bad Seed is my first book by Sharon Sala and it took over my days. The rich characters, suspenseful story, and romance blended to make this one of my favorite books of 2025! Harley Banks is a P.I./accountant who investigates companies when asked. She's just finished a case in which she found human trafficking taking place where the owner had no idea it was happening. Many in the company were arrested and they saved countless women and children off of a ship that was about to take them to a foreign country. Harley felt great about the work she had done and the owner was beyond grateful. Unfortunately, a couple of the higher ups weren't in the raid and are still out and about. They now know that Harley was the person responsible and they want her "taken care of". Harley is getting on a plane to Chicago and luckily the bad guys don't know her name or anything about her. How long will that last?

Brendan Pope is a pastry chef at the Serenity Inn and is very talented. He worked at several high end restaurants in New York learning from the best and also gained invaluable experience in Europe. Harley's next job is at the Serenity Inn as the owner thinks his new manager is skimming money and ordering food and goods that are way below their standards. Harley is being comped a suite at the hotel, food, and access to all of the spa activities for free. The staff thinks she's there as an accountant to do an audit on the property. The story is that the owner is considering selling so everything has to be checked out. When Brendan and Harley meet, they are both immediately taken with each other. The connection is strong and they both feel it. Will they be able to act on this attraction? Brendan knows why Harley is really there as he's been asked to assist her with anything she might need. Brendan is more than happy to assist Harley with anything, including his wonderful desserts!

Brendan and Harley have no idea that a hitman has been assigned to find Harley and take her out. People are working to find her whereabouts so that the hitman can finish the job. Will the hitman find Harley? Will Brendan be able to protect her? Will Harley be prepared if he shows up? As Harley and Brendan get closer and his family welcomes her with open arms, Harley has never felt so loved. This book has it all and then some! To say I loved this book would be a huge understatement! I couldn't wait to read Bad Seed and thought about the town, the characters, the dangers, and the love story when I couldn't read it. I rate Bad Seed 5 stars with my very highest recommendation. Bad Seed comes out on January 21 and should not be missed. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an advanced copy of Bad Seed in exchange for a fair review. #BadSeed

This is my favorite series by this author and this book was the perfect conclusion. All the characters fans have come to love. Romance that tugs your heart. Just the right dose of suspense and mystery. And above all, so much heart. I'd love to visit Pope mountain. I'm going to miss these characters.

Sharon Sala does a FANTASTIC job of balancing romance with suspense. This book kept me battling the urge to keep reading or jump ahead to find out who the stalker was! This story was an exciting read that I could not figure out, but in a good way!!!

Bad Seed by Sharon Sala, book five in the Jubilee, Kentucky series, is the last tale of the Popes and Pope Mountain. A mystery that is filled with suspense, love, family and unexpected finds in a small Kentucky mountain town, where tight-laced clans abound, and outsiders are looked upon with suspicion

Brendan Pope, the youngest brother, is the head pastry chef at a hotel in Jubilee. He meets accountant and private investigator Harley Banks who’s there to do an audit of the hotel. She recently wrapped up a huge case that had unexpected findings, angering the mastermind behind the crimes. From the moment Brendan and Harley met the attraction between these two lonely people sizzles as the sparks fly. Harley has no idea that trouble followed her to Jubilee nor does she know that Brendan and the rest of the Pope family will be there to support her in any way that she needs.

Sharon Sala has a gift for entwining multiple characters and storylines while still keeping the main plot the center focus of the book. Somehow she is able to blend and connect all of the characters, provide a back-story and share enough information to know what's going on and where each character is coming from. Ending this series with Brendan's story was an excellent choice since it was a Brendan Pope who founded the town, allowing for this descendent to bring the story full circle. I am so sad to see the end of Jubilee, Kentucky but cannot wait to see what this author writes for us next.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
# NetGalley #SourceBooks-Casablanca

Brendan Pope is the last Pope brother left on the mountain and despairs of ever finding a woman like his brothers did. Little did he know that she’d appear at his place of work. After finishing a truly challenging investigation case PI/accountant investigator,Harley thinks nothing of the change of pace in the small town of Jubilee, Kentucky, but meeting Brendan, the head pastry chef of the hotel she’s investing, is the cherry on top of her sundae. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and the author for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

This is book is a perfect blend of soft and sweet romance with suspense and drama that’s blended beautifully with an amazing cast of characters. It is book 5 in the Jubilee/Pope Mountain series and while I’m sad to see the end of this family of brothers (although, hopefully not the end of this town)I’m happy to say that the author makes this book come full circle from book 1 in a spectacular way. And while part of a series you can easily read this book on its own and enjoy it alone, as the author seamlessly blends enough back story information on the other characters so you won’t be lost ( although I highly recommend reading the others too because the series itself is amazing).

I love the fact that both Brendan and Harley have had their own share of difficulties, but still were strong and intelligent in their own right. Neither leads were wimpy or “fake,” and even though it is an instalove romance their relationship is more than just the bedroom (don’t get me wrong, I love a bit of steaminess, but sometimes I’m more in the mood for some substance). The steam factor is quite low but their chemistry is off the charts. And the bit of intrigue involving the investigations adds just the right amount suspense that’s simple to follow but has you invested in the outcome, right up to the end. The supporting characters also are delightful, adding the levity that’s needed after some dark scenarios. I highly recommend this book, 5 stars.

Bad Seed is the 5th and possibly the last romantic suspense novel in Sharon Sala's Jubilee, Kentucky series. I've read 3 out of the 4 preceding novels, and have enjoyed them all, although it did leave me a bit confused as to who was who in this novel, since I've read quite a number of other books in-between reading this one and the the previous novels in this series, but it didn't really detract from my enjoyment of this novel, which gets 5 stars from this reader. However, I do recommend reading the books in this series in the order of their release.

Ms. Sala is masterful at creating towns and settings you find yourself wanting to move to, and that's certainly true of Jubilee, Kentucky, and the long history of that place and the three families who share ownership of Pope Mountain as well as the land that the town of Jubilee encompasses.

However, this novel doesn't open in Jubilee, it opens as the heroine, Harley Banks, a CPA and private investigator,, concentrating on corporate crime, whose home base is an empty apartment in Chicago. She is just wrapping up one case involving human trafficking, and is now being sent on a new assignment to Jubilee, Kentucky. She is an only child, but one tough cookie, especially after growing up in a dysfunctional, wealthy family, who, for the most part, find her career choice disappointing and beneath her, and remind her of that at almost every opportunity.

Harley's latest case entails using her CPA skills at the Serenity Inn, in Jubilee. Its owner wants an audit in preparation for putting the inn on the market, and also wants her to investigate why, since hiring a a new manager to run the inn, while he is recuperating from a health issue, but who suspects, even from a distance, that something smells fishy to him about the way the new manager is doing things, and the fact that the manager's daughter, Justine, is stalking one of his employees, handsome head chef, Brendan Pope.

It's clear from the beginning that Brendan and Harley are almost instantly attracted to one another, but the action in this unputdownable novel really takes off when we discover that whomever Harley helped nail on her previous case, is killing off anyone who helped the investigation, including Harley, which sends Brendan and his brothers and sister, the latter all involved in law enforcement, into protective mode.

From that point on, the suspense and romance quickly heat up, and they are still trying to find "Mr. Big," who was the one behind the human tracking and the one who ordered the hit on Harley--and it certainly kept me guessing. To tell you more would spoil it for you, so I'll just say that this is another stellar read from Ms. Sala, who rarely, if ever, disappoints, and I highly recommend that you add it to your TBRs

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.