I totally read this for the cover - i went in totally blind because of that since the cover is AMAZING!

The Rumble and the Glory is a second chance romance set in a small Appalachian town with a lot of secrets. This is a romance mixed with so much mystery and morally gray characters that truly keep you on the edge of your seat.

I liked the side characters just as much as the MCs. There’s definitely a lot going on, but it was a good wild ride! I was a little confused at certain parts - but it was written in the way that you were finding things out when Collin was finding out, so it made sense!

As some who lives in Appalachia I was intrigued by the location of the book. The characters were good I just personally struggled to get into the story. It got a little confusing for me in places. I had to push my way through.

THE RUMBLE AND THE GLORY Sacred Trinity Book 1 by J.A. Huss
This is the start of a new series that J.A. Huss is creating. She is an excellent wordsmith and she has the ability to suck the reader into the story. Colin Creed and Lowyn McBride were high school sweethearts. After an incident, Creed left town and joined the military. Twelve years later, he is back in town and setting up a place where he and his team can set up a security business. Lowyn is still in love with Creed. This story has mystery, danger, intrigue, lies, a second chance romance, and a small town with plenty of dark secrets. I don’t like to give to much away in a review, I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. It’s definitely a good read.
I listened to the audio version and CJ Mission and Jill Redfield narrated. They did a good job with it. This is a 5 star story.

Outstanding! This was some great world building and it wasn't even a fantasy novel. The backstory that had to be created for these towns was deep and I don't think we've even scratched the surface yet. I believe there is much more to come and I can't wait for it.

Loweyn and Collin were high school sweethearts - - destined to be together forever until one fateful night when everything changed. Now they are reunited and it's not all easy and lovely. They have huge hurdles to overcome and major trust issues. But yet they do so love can overcome all....

Let's just say there is so much going on in this book that it can make your head spin - - but in a good way. It's clever and inventive and I loved each word. The history of the individual cities of the trinity and how they all fit together has me intrigued.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

The Rumble and the Glory is a second chance romance set in a small Appalachian town with a lot of secrets. I liked the premise. Collin and Lowyn were high school sweethearts, but everything changed when Collin killed a home intruder. It was all in self-defense, but it destroyed him, as it would ruin most 18 year olds, and he dipped out of town to join the Marines, leaving Lowyn confused and heartbroken. Twelve years later, Lowyn has a very successful antiques business and Collin is returning to town with some buddies to start a private security company. The two cross paths again and sparks start to fly immediately, despite the fact that Lowyn is hesitant to put herself in a position to get hurt again and Collin does not feel worthy of her love.
The start was really good. I was rooting for them. They're both likable characters and I was ready to watch them fall back in love. The problem I came up against was the setting. The book takes place in a trio of small towns that are basically tourist traps that play their roles in the narrative they've put together, all centering on the Revival, an old revival tent style church set up that's basically live theater. It's also for sure so very badly a cult. It started to get way too weird for me. It was uncomfortable watching what the Revival was doing to Collin, and it was setting it up to be the main mystery of the story. I also disliked how casual Lowyn was about Collin's discomfort. The whole thing got very weird.

Loved the relationship between Llowyn and Collin, but the story was incredibly confusing to me. The three towns, the relationship between them and so many characters. The writing was good so might try another book from this author though

Best friends to loves to suddenly gone. Thats what happened to Lowyn and now many years later he is back. But Collin is a killer and him being back sets off a lot of people in this small town. Though he doesn’t care he is here to do a job and win back Lowyn hopefully. Though some in this town have other things in mind.

well i read this for the cover - i went in totally blind because the cover is GORGEOUS. & boy is the cover the perfect fit for the story! 🌸

This is a romance mixed with so much mystery and morally gray characters that truly keep you on the edge of your seat. I felt a little confused about certain aspects of what was going on - but i also felt like it was written in a way that you were finding things out when Collin was finding them out so when it clicked IT CLICKED.

I liked the side characters just as much as the MCs. There’s definitely a lot going on, but it was a good time.

Small town with LOTS of secrets and mystery, friends to “enemies” to lovers (it isn’t really a true enemy, but it falls under that category), morally grey characters, second chance romance.

I would like to thank Netgalley and JA Huss for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own..

The Rumble and the Glory is the first book in a new series by JA Huss, The Sacred Trinity. This series is about three twins in West Virginia which raised themselves from poverty by developing themselves into tourist attractions and every member of these towns earns a share of the profits, which reach into the millions. Bishop is similar to Colonial Williamsburg, Revenant offers an experience of sin filled with tattooed bikers and dive bars, and Disciple runs a tent revival show. Collin Creed had left Disciple, his family, and his girlfriend twelve years before, enlisting in the Marines after learning something disturbing about himself. After participating in congressional hearings, he and three friends had returned to Disciple to purchase an old mining camp that would be transformed into a new security company. Lowyn McBride’s heart had broken when Collin abandoned the future they had planned, but she picked herself up and made a future for herself as an antique dealer. When Collin returned to town, they both had to face their past. In doing so, they unraveled some buried secrets, solved a few mysteries and uncovered more. First of all, I had no idea what this title meant, and I love it. This is shaping up to be a series not to miss! I have never read this author before, but there is no doubt that I’m a new devotee. This was an incredibly well written and plotted book, perfectly paced and highly intriguing. There was romance and spice, but it was so much more. The author has devised a fascinating world with tons of mystery and suspense, entrancing characters, and so much potential. I absolutely cannot wait for more! This is a second chance contemporary romantic suspense, which I definitely recommend for readers who enjoy this genre. It is well worth it, and available through Kindle Unlimited.

"The Rumble and the Glory" by JA Huss is a thrilling and intense read that dives deep into the shadows of a small-town romance with secrets galore. Collin Creed and Lowyn McBride's story is a captivating blend of second-chance romance and dark intrigue. After a twelve-year separation, Collin returns to his hometown in West Virginia, and the chemistry between him and Lowyn is as explosive as ever. Huss does a fantastic job of creating a setting that’s both atmospheric and gritty, where the town’s seemingly idyllic surface hides a web of deceit and hidden truths. I was absolutely hooked by the morally grey characters and their complex relationships. Collin’s return brings a whirlwind of emotions, with anger, desire, and unresolved feelings simmering beneath the surface. The themes of found family, redemption, and the clash between good and bad make this book more than just a romance—it’s a compelling exploration of human flaws and secrets. If you’re a fan of intense, cinematic romances with a side of mystery and suspense, "The Rumble and the Glory" is a must-read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Lowyn and Collin have been separated for 12 years. Collin left to join the military after a tragedy occurs leaving Lowyn broken hearted. Now he’s returned to their small town in West Virginia best known for the tent revival it runs from Easter to Christmas and features everything you can imagine involved in a tent revival that is anything but normal behind the scenes. Though he didn’t come back for Lowyn, he can’t stay away from her either. The Rumble and the Glory is a second chance romance steeped in mystery and twists and turns. You won’t know until the end what is truly going on in this small town. I loved the relationship between Lowyn and Collin. They’re true sweethearts, separated and meant for a second chance. There is lots of lighthearted banter, plenty of spice, and fun side characters who join Lowyn and Collin as they try to figure out what exactly is happening in this little town.

Do I have some thoughts for one of my insta buy authors?! Why, yes. Yes I do. Thank you for asking.

Let’s start with our MMC…Collin, our hero, vanished twelve years ago without so much as a "goodbye" to his high school sweetheart, Lowyn. Fast forward to today, and he's back. Yep, just like that. And I am ALL IN for Lowyn. She's a boss lady, running her own business, and suddenly, boom—here comes Mr. "I-left-you-with-a-shattered-heart" trying to waltz back into her life.

Now, if you're anything like me, you live for those groveling moments. And let me tell you, Collin does not disappoint. He’s the kind of "morally gray" that had me thinking, "Honey, you’re more like morally taupe." But alas, maybe I've just read too many dark romances…

The story is told from both Lowyn and Collin’s perspectives, which I absolutely loved. Dual POVs are my jam—they give you all the feels and let you peek into the heads of both characters. And let’s talk world-building. These ‘Trinity’ towns of Disciple, Bishop, and Revenant? Oh my goodness. They’re steeped in this creepy, Bible-thumping vibe, where every year they put on a grand Revival play that runs from Easter to Christmas. Sounds harmless, right? Think again. Secrets are lurking in every shadow, and Collin’s about to unearth some dark truths.

The chemistry between Collin and Lowyn is electric. Their rekindled romance is the perfect mix of sweet and steamy. And those intimate scenes? Passionate but tasteful—perfectly balanced without going overboard.

But, friends, I do have one teeny-tiny gripe. The dialogue. The constant name-dropping at the end of sentences was a bit much. "I love you, Collin." "I missed you, Lowyn." We get it, you know each other’s names!

And oh, the supporting cast! A kaleidoscope of colorful characters—from Collin’s former Marine buddies to Lowyn’s sister Bryn and bestie Clover, plus a whole town’s worth of quirky folks like Mayor Jim-Bob and town gossip Rosie. It's like a small-town soap opera with a dark, twisty edge.

This book is a wild ride of secrets, lies, and redemption. It's got everything: dark drama, compelling romance, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. Big thanks to NetGalley and JA Huss for the ARC. My thoughts are my own, and this review is straight from my book-loving heart.

Until next time, happy reading! 💕📚

Lowyn has lived her whole life in Disciple. Through adversity she has risen to become a very successful business owner and an important part of the community. The one person she never wants to see again returns to town and upends her quiet existence. Collin left town to join the military and planned to stay away forever. Now he and his friends have returned and bought a compound a few miles outside of Disciple. The two of them will clash but once they get it out of their systems will they be able to rediscover the love they once had?

This book did not go the direction I thought it would when I started it. The author sprinkles hints and clues throughout the book so the ending isn’t jarring so much as surprising. I’m not going to give away details because it is worth the journey. Following her mother’s death, Lowyn takes steps up to raise her sister. After years of hard work, Lowyn is a successful “picker” and reseller. The author rolls out the details of Lowyn’s business a little at a time and it is a major part of the story. I thought this part of the book was well done. She has purchased Collin’s childhood home and is slowly remodeling it. It is a major part of the story so I’ll leave it at that. The reason Collin left town abruptly after high school was understandable and I could see how it led to everything that happened in his life afterward. Again, the author chooses to slowly roll out details instead of just dumping it all at once. It felt very natural because in real life people know bits and pieces and don’t always want to know the perspective of other people. I like that Collin and his friends have purchased the compound, called Edge, and what they are planning to do there. I think this is a good start to a series of books about the other men and

This book is set in a small town the is a tourist destination because it holds a tent revival 9 months out of the year. The town is part of a trio of towns designed to attract visitors. There are lots of secrets in the small town that people keep because the money is good. Trust me when I say that it is not where your mind will take you at first. The author added a creative twist. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Oh boy, have you ever picked up a book and just know you’ve started the beginning of a new journey? Well, I have no doubt The Rumble and the Glory just kicked off a new series addiction for me!

What I liked about the book:
1. JA Huss was able to lull me into a false sense of security and cozy vibes and then *BAM!* hit me with a ton of secrets and mystery. The book’s pace is very small-town feels for the first 70% or so, with the exception of you know there are a few, what you assume, are little secrets here and there. Something feels eerie, but not enough to make you question a WHOLE lot. However, once you get to that 70% mark, a fuse is lit and you’re just waiting for the explosion.

I can’t go into detail without spoiling things, so I’ll just say this: the story ends with a lot of loose ends and mysteries, perfect for the start of a small-town, mystery series!

2. The town of Disciple and its people are charming and friendly and definitely give off the everyone-here-is-family vibes, while also giving off the we-might-be-a-cult vibes. Very similar to what I would imagine working on a Rob Zombie film feels like.

I adored Rosie, the town busybody and Lowyn’s friend/employee; I secretly kinda hope she ends up with Amon after where she moves at the end of the story, the fact that she has a kid and he wants to settle down at some point, and because they both have an attitude of not caring what others think about them. Sidenote: does her kid being named “Cross” mean something 🧐

I am not sure how I feel about Jim Bob. He is definitely slimy in an all-knowing way, but he also seems to be one of the only ones that knows EVERYTHING, and I feel that will continue for the benefit of the MCs as the books progress. I feel, ultimately, he will be a “good guy” but just morally grey. We’ll see…

Although we didn’t get to see much of her, I kinda love Ester! She is no-nonsense town clerk who works a lot with Jim Bob and is Rosie’s aunt, and she knows just as much as Jim Bob does, if not more. Seriously, who is Rosie’s baby daddy and why is that kid named “Cross”? Why do I feel Ester knows too???

I’m also interested in learning more about the other men at the compound, and I have a feeling each of them will get a story (or at least I hope so!). I’m hoping we get a little bit more unhinged information from each love interest of these guys, starting with, hopefully, Amon and Rosie in the next book! Please Please Please!

While not a resident of any of the trinity towns, Sassy was a fun character and a humorous side quest with her dog snatching plans. I’m not sure if we’ll see more of her, but I kinda hope we do with where she ends up in the story.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention (such a good girl!) Mercy, Collin’s partner/doggo who may have flunked out of cadaver school but is one smart cookie!

3. I loved, as JA Huss put it in the author’s notes, that Collin Creed “grew a little in this book, but only a little.” I loved watching the small, yet important, amount of growth he did take in coming to terms with what happened twelve years ago, however, his character definitely has a long way to go before he is really drop-dead leading man material. I love that Huss has assured us “Colling Creed is about to level up.”

4. The book had a small amount of cozy spice which was nice, but I am hoping for a bit more as the series continues!

Thank you to NetGalley and JA Huss for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

This twisty, turny, dark second chance romance STOLE MY SOUL! This is one of the best books I’ve read in awhile. I’m a sucker for morally grey and this was IT!

THE RUMBLE AND THE GLORY by JA Huss is the first instalment in JA Huss’ contemporary, adult SACRED TRINITY erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on three small towns in the hills of West Virginia-Disciple, Bishop and Revenant. This is thirty year olds, former US Marine, Black Ops agent and security specialist Collin Creed, and antiques dealer Lowyn McBride’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lowyn and Collin) THE RUMBLE AND THE GLORY focuses on the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Twelve years earlier Lowyn’s life imploded when the man that she loved killed an intruder who was intent on kidnapping someone he loved. Fast forward to present day, Collin Creed, a former US Marine and Black Ops Agent returns to Disciple, West Virginia where the town has remained the same, with secrets deeper and darker than he could have ever imagined. Setting up a new security business called Edge, along with his former Marine buddies Amon, Ryan Desoto, and Nash Skinner, Collin is about to be thrown to wolves when the yearly Revival festival points a finger directly at our story line hero. Coming face to face with the woman whose heart he destroyed, Collin knows Lowyn is his past, his present and his inevitable future but the town of Disciple is refusing to give up its’ secrets. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Collin and Lowyn, and the potential fall-out as the past continues to demand reparations for the sins of our hero.

The world building is complicated and detailed. The ‘Trinity’ towns of Disciple, Bishop and Revenant are predicated and built upon religion and the Bible, and every year a ‘Revival’ is held from Easter to Christmas, featuring all of the townsfolk in acting roles, and this year’s ‘play’ focuses on the return of the prodigal son but Disciple continues to keep its’ secrets buried, and Collin is about to discover the depth to which our heroine is under their control…but …a cross has four points, and darkness is surrounding the Trinity towns.

The relationship between Collin and Lowyn is one of second chances; a rekindling romance that was destroyed when Collin enlisted, without looking back. Lowyn had struggle in the years since Collin’s betrayal but Lowyn never stopped loving the man who owned her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of coloful, questionable and interesting secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Collin’s former Marines and business partners: Amon, Ryan and Nash; Lowyn’s sister and chef Bryn McBride; Lowyn’s childhood best friend Clover Bradley, as well as Mayor Jim-Bob Baptist, town gossip Rosie Harlow, town clerk Ester, and a large assortment of townies, and Collin’s former commander General Forbe. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE RUMBLE AND THE GLORY is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is twisted, dark, dramatic and thought provoking; the romance is compelling; the characters are sassy, spirited and determined.



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This book was certainly dark but such a creative and fun ride. I had no idea what was going to happen next and I enjoyed every moment of this twisty book.

I did not finish this book, at 70%

While I could get on board with the romance, the world building and town description made absolutely no sense to me. I read things multiple times and they still confused me.

This story just wasn't for me.

4.5 ⭐️/5
2.0 🌶️/5

If you love small town romances with mysteries to unravel and characters who are not the wholesome townsfolk they appear to be, this book is for you. The cover grabbed my attention, the book description pulled me in, and the story captured my imagination right off the bat. I had such a good time reading The Rumble and Glory from JA Huss and recommend this wholeheartedly.

We get:
▪️Dual POV
▪️2nd chance romance of high school sweethearts
▪️Confronting your past
▪️Dirty talker 🔥
▪️Mysteries with onion-like layers
▪️Start of new multi book series

Collin left his high school sweetheart Lowyn without a word 12 years prior and I’m rooting for Lowyn from the start. She’s a successful small business owner, and she immediately has to work through the return of “the one” who broke her heart. Of course I needed Collin to grovel and make up for his wrongs, and I was not disappointed.

Collin is supposedly morally gray, but I must have read too many dark romance books where his level of gray is perfect to me. About 50% into the story when things were going so well I was getting nervous as to what was to come. And the last part of the book proved to be an amazing payoff.

Thank you to NetGalley and JA Huss for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.

This story is so unique! I have only read a few of Huss's books before and this one sounded so different and it did not disappoint. Oh and that cover!
Absolutely love this cover art, its definitely deceiving for a romance read. Do yourself a favor and go in blind!