J.A. Huss is an excellent world builder and creates compelling characters. Yes, this is a second chance romance, but the sense of disquiet and that something isn't quite right under the perfect facade reminded me of a horror story in the vein of Shirley Jackson's The Lottery or Ira Levin's The Stepford Wives.

I don't know exactly what I was expecting when I started The Rumble and the Glory, but it sure wasn't this. If we take away the romance and the mystery and just settle into the scenery, the whole thing kind of made me feel nostalgic for a place I've never been. It was beautifully described with a lot of complicated dynamics. I found myself so invested in the town (and our extremely likable characters) that every time I pulled my head away to return to the read world, I had to take a moment to reorient. Every detail was thought of, and I appreciated the attention Huss gave it.
So let's add the romance back in. When we have need for a redemption arc, I am a sucker for a heartfelt groveling. I want to feel MY heart be forgiving. I thought that it took a little while to get to the grovel, but once it did, I was sold. Collin was so dedicated to Lowyn. I think I actually enjoyed reading his POV more than Lowyn's just because hearing him be either protective or lovesick over her just melted my heart. The two of them really did seem inevitable, even after so many years.
Then we add the mystery back in, and I just have to gush over the dramatic ending! I loved the "touch her and die" vibes, the "go big or go home" way that Collin takes care of business. And I am SO beyond excited for the books to follow—especially since I saw the next one centers around Rosie and Amon, because Amon was kind of my favorite.
The only reason this isn't getting the full 5 stars is because at times I found the writing to be a bit repetitive, mostly because of the differing POVs. But aside from that, it was so good! I'll definitely be recommending it!

I had no idea what to expect or how much I would love The Rumble and The Glory when I saw the title and the crazy-in-a-good-way cover. Wow, the cover is eye catching and intriguing! The story is equally intriguing and beguiling.

Author J.A. Huss’ scene setting and world-building are amazing! The odd characters, the three rural towns with crazy “rituals”, and the foreshadowing are all consuming. I couldn’t get enough of them. I loved the slow build up with obvious layers and layers of mystery to unravel. The eked-out secrets of the main characters is absolutely addicting.

I loved the main characters Lowyn and Collin. Their chemistry is obvious and the banter is comfortable. I mostly enjoyed the secondary characters, and I anticipate definitively deciding on them as the story arc progresses in the series. While this romantic suspense could be read as a standalone, there are definitely some unanswered questions that I hope will surface in the near future.

This story is filled with deceit, mystery and love…in other words, everything that makes for a compelling read.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! I am a longtime fan of the author and was excited to see what was in store with this new world. It has been stated that this series does not have an end in sight. That confirmed, reading The Rumble and the Glory felt like the first bite of an appetizer leading into a journey of an elaborate multi-course meal meant to blow your mind and definitely have you telling all your friends. I felt a bit tickled at the end because I cannot wait for what is to come. In this first installment, though, there’s a little bit of everything, it seems. Small town vibes, childhood sweethearts, military ops, morally grey characters, found family, suspense, action, politics…the list can go on!

Lowyn and Collin are childhood sweethearts that reunite after twelve years. They become immersed in the sideshow tent revival put on by the Trinity towns, which goes on for many chapters of the book. Hopefully this was done with intent to give us insight on the mysterious innerworkings of the “Revival” as well as introduce us readers to other characters. I think Lowyn and Collin are a great duo, and I loved Lowyn’s independence, work ethic, and ability to resist her former beau’s advances. Seeing Collin’s protectiveness and possessiveness of Lowyn emerge (aka “touch her and d!e”) was so satisfying. We are given a glimpse of his secretive and intriguing military occupation as well.

I would love to learn more in depth the history of the region in which they live and the formation of the towns. There were plenty of twists and turns that had me questioning my theories from beginning to end. I am so pleased with this opening story and will eagerly devour all accompanying books in this series. Five stars!

#RumbleAndTheGlory #JAHuss #NetGalley #SmallTownSecrets #Romance #Suspense #HeFallsFirst #MorallyGrey #FoundFamily #SecondChance #Antihero

Thank you Netgalley for this digital ARC. This book fell a little flat for me. Most of the story, there isn't a lot happening and then the last 25% of the book has a lot happening and a few things go unanswered so it's a good setup for the sequel. I did like the dual POV but for this book to be labeled enemies to lovers, she is mad at him for literally a page.

From the very first words to the EOBS (if you're a true fan of this author, you'll know what this means), The Rumble and the Glory is wonderful. Which seems such a trite word for what JA Huss has created but to be perfectly honest with you, I'm sitting here with a huge smile on my face feeling all kinds of wonderful at what I just read. Never giving us the typical kind of romance (thank goodness!), Huss has launched a whole new world as Lowyn McBride and Collin Creed find their way back to one another in the small West Virginia town of Disciple. I was already intrigued by the name and soon I realized how together with the neighboring towns of Bishop and Revenant that this journey was not going to be as straightforward as I assumed. Knowing what you do when you assume and also knowing that I should never question the wicked big brain of JA Huss, what followed were the beginnings of one incredible experience and one I can't wait to continue.

The second chance for Lowyn and Collin opens up in a really adorable way as these two find themselves as bedmates when they hadn't laid eyes on each other in 12 long years. Let me just clarify, as the author does as well in her EOBS, that Huss doesn't do adorable. That is just not her thing. But there is a charm to this story overall that had me hook, line and sinker right from the start. What begins from that surprise morning in Lowyn's house is a unique road to being back together for good. We get glimpses of this interesting town both grew up in and the Revival that is put on every weekend from Easter until Christmas. I was very intrigued by his notion that an entire community would follow a script and dress like it was the 1920s for visiting tourists. The other two components of this trinity, the previously mentioned Bishop and Revenant also play their parts and at times I was as baffled as Collin was, even though he grew up as the town's preacher's son before everything in his life went sideways.

Although the romance between Collin and Lowyn takes center stage and is the stepping stone to all that happens within the pages of this book, much is revealed at a perfect pace as to why the former Marine is back and what his plans are for an abandoned lot that offers up plenty of space for not only he and his team but as we find out towards the end, will be a beautiful rehabilitation camp of sorts for those who need it most. Again, as an aside, that revelation warmed my heart. But it's the behind-the-scenes action involving Mayor Jim Bob, the man who rules Disciple and the long-held secrets and lies that he has carefully maneuvered that really crank up the emotions. My jaw dropped more than once as much was revealed that even though explained much that has occurred for Collin, in particular, it still rattled everyone now privy to the truth, including the love of his life, Lowyn.

But I have to say that Lowyn is one of the best heroines Huss has ever created. She rolls with the punches, almost too literally at one point, with the grace and humility of a queen. Her talent for antique picking is unmatched and her adoration for those she cares for most, including her odd birthplace, is something to admire. Collin often questioned how he could have left her behind all those years ago and I'm here to say that yeah, the man was a damn fool! The woman is a marvel and a keeper, no question about it.

As usual, there are plenty of twists and turns within this storyline and without giving anything away because you should always go into a Huss book blind IMO, let me just say for the record that for the first book in a new series, The Rumble and The Glory is one heck of a way to begin this new adventure. It was just such an enjoyable read full of great characters and a subtle wit that kept things light when everything was beginning to go belly up. Even those who can't be categorized as being a 'stand-up' person, added the right touch.

I am very intrigued by what will follow in the next book and am always thrilled when a JA Huss book hits my Kindle. This one is very special in that it feels a bit less complicated yet is wildly intricate just the same. Yes, that is Huss's superpower: to lure you in with easy and then very cleverly disguises it as a bit harder magnificently.

The Rumble and the Glory is sure to be at the top of many a list for the best of 2024 and I happily give this brilliant book a huge 5++ stars!

I can say I’ve never really read a book quite like The Rumble and the Glory and I very much enjoyed it. It was honestly a wild ride from the whole Revival, to the small towns, to Lowyn and Collin’s history and relationship. I kind of wish there was more from Lowyn and Collin, more development with their relationship because I felt like it was skipped a bit but I adored them anyway.

I cannot wait to see what is next.

Thank you Netgalley and JA Huss for the arc for my honest review.

This book has a backstory unlike anything else I have ever read. The Revival, the three towns, the Security compound etc, have the potential to keep the sequels and stories going for a long, long time. Interesting characters, all morally questionable, have equal measure of light and dark. The romance is steamy but not over the top.

The cover art, skull with flowers in the eyesockets, doesn't look like other romance books currently out there, but it is stunning and matches the vibe of the story. The floral artwork illustration to highlight the breaks within the chapters is charming, I hope it ends up in the printed copy. It feels retro or vintage, is that a nod to Lowyn?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

the mystery and overall secrets in this book had me on the EDGE OF MY SEAT! I was gripped trying to figure everything out for myself, and yet I know there is still going to be more to be revealed in the next books but this one was so satisfying in the way everything was revealed! the plot was gripping, and I’m not usually a fan of second chance but this one served it so well, I do wish there was a bit more grovelling but overall I loved how it all played out, the author really knows how to write two characters still in love with each other but cautious about it! the setting for this book was set up so beautifully it was so easy to imagine why the author was describing! as for lowyn, I loved her character so much, she went through a lot in the years that passed yet came out on top and refused to only let the town run everything about her, she was fierce but in a shyer way and I loved that! as for collin, I also loved him as a character, he was so intriguing with all the mystery about where he had been but I also love how devoted he is to lowyn! overall, a really good book and I’m super excited for the next one!

Well of course this is a good book it is written by JA Huss. She has a way with words and describing people and city and the whole story she can tell. This book is about two people that have a second chance. He leaves for his reason and she doesn't understand why. Comes back 12 years later for reason of his own by can't get away from what he left behind. And there is a lot of secrets, so there is twist and turns in this one.
Loved it can't wait until the next

This was a confusing book and yet it roped me in. It has lots of plot twists. Imaginative. Characters were intriguing but I found it unbelievable that she would let him back in life so quickly.

Wow!! I loved everything about this book. From the cover - totally awesome, to the storyline - completely addictive, and mostly - the characters - intriguing and definitely one of a kind. Add on the fact that it’s small town, second chance romance and it has the best anti hero, and it’s a win win for me - all my favourite tropes and more wrapped up in this one novel. Collin Creed might be an anti hero, but he’s very much Lowyn McBride’s forever hero, because when he left town 12 years earlier, he took her heart with him. But he’s back, and he’s not going to make the same mistake twice, he knows Lowyn is the only one for him, and he’s willing to do anything to get her back. Lots of secrets are being dredged up throughout this story, and I love that no one seems to be able to keep most of said secrets. I say most, because I feel like there are more to come out in future stories (because we are going to get more, the author said so, and I’m trusting her on this, because I definitely need more from these trinity towns, which to be honest, are a bit of a cult). Fantastic characters, a few of the chapters had me laughing to myself, there are definitely some fun characters throughout. So much going on in this story, I couldn’t get enough of it. Action, romance, suspense, and a good few twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Finally, the dogs, I loved Mercy, she was her own anti hero. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

I found The Rumble and the Glory's cover and premise intriguing, but the execution fell flat for me. I enjoyed the small-town mystery in both the revival and the Trinity cities, as well as the second chance love story between the town sweetheart and the town bad boy. However, I felt that trying to combine these storylines left parts of the story hanging or made the plotlines feel rushed.

Additionally, I found the town's reception to Collin to be extreme. The build-up to his past as a killer led me to expect a more intense storyline, but the end result felt flat.

I enjoyed the love story and how Collin and Lowyn's relationship unfolded. It was incredibly sweet, showing the magnetism of two people and how easily things can snap back together after time apart. However, the third act twist felt unearned.

I think that was my issue with the book as a whole. The twists felt unearned. There were a lot of them and there were very few clues or set ups to create a satisfying twist. Also everything was so vague. I still don't know the actual reasoning behind some of the resolutions.

Overall, I would give this book a 3. There are redeeming qualities to it, but I don't think i was invested enough to continue the series.

Thank you to JA Huss and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Twelve years ago, when he was just eighteen and dreaming of a future with his high school sweetheart, Collin Creed learned something about himself. Something so disturbing he left Disciple to join the Marines and didn't once look back. But all that came to a screeching halt with the congressional hearings, forcing Collin to return home and rebuild his black-ops empire brick by brick.

JA Huss is a new writer to me, but after reading this, I will be checking out more books.

The world-building was wonderful, and the mystery was intriguing, although it never really materialized as anything overly interesting... yet, as this is the start of a new series.
I liked the characters being built in the town of Trinity, particularly Lowyn and Collin, but the other characters felt rounded enough to be real too.

I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book

This book is, in true JA Huss form, excellent. Her writing skill and story telling ability is what has always drawn me to her books, and her ability to capture and hold my attention is what keeps me reading her work.

Lowyn and Collin, and all of the other characters in this book, will capture your interest from the very beginning and draw you into their lives. The Trinity of towns is intriguing and the Revival storyline they all live for months out of every year makes makes the reading interesting to say the least.. I am always anxious to see where JA Huss goes with her storylines, and I am never disappointed. This has twists and turns you won’t expect or see coming, so hang onto your hat. If you’ve read JA Huss before, you know. If you haven’t, you should. Easily one of the best authors I have ever read.

And… do not miss the EOBS at the end of the book!!

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I’ve read several books by this author before but didn’t really know what to expect in this brand new series even after reading the description of the Trinity towns but let me tell you it did NOT disappoint! It was easy to get into the story immediately, you learned about the super weird towns and the main characters back story in bits as the story rolled along in constant action rather than spending a third of the book building an explanation in the main characters perspectives. The main characters had been separated by a traumatic incident 12 years earlier so they had to sort through that but then continued to learn more about this strange Trinity of towns at the same time. I cannot wait for the next installment and to see where it leads with Colin’s business and family and of course the known plot lines as well. It sounds like there’s the potential for this to be a decent length series, so buckle up!! This will not be boring!

JA Huss has a very unique and exciting way with romantic suspense. The Rumble and the Glory is the prime example. It's a mind bending mix of sexy, suspenseful and heartaching. This whole setting of the Trinity - the three small towns in Western Virginia bound by an eccentric way of life- is spectacular. It's a tale of secrets and twists with beautiful execution of a very complex plot.Lowyn and Colin's second chance love story managed to thrive and revive in middle of the organised chaos. If you have read JA Huss, you would know that there is a method to her plot madness. And it's just a beginning though Colin and Lowyn have a happily ever after...for now.


I felt like I was transported to a whole new world. Disciple with the classic religious cult but that's more like a business. Revenant with the sinful debauchery of bikers..again a set up for outsiders. Bishop with the old age world life that's again a play. This is like a carnival across three towns. And Colin Creed is back with his ex military friends to set up his new security business at the fringe of Disciple. Lowyn has come a long way since Colin broke her heart and enlisted to military after the murder he committed to save her and his sister...but the truth is she is still in love with her. Colin will win her trust back but is anything real in the Trinity?

A lot of things are happening here and I didn't try to make sense of everything as I knew it's beginning of a new world and the puzzle pieces have just started forming. I loved the vibes of this book so much. The concept of these interconnected towns playing a role in a bigger scheme of business where only few top people know all the secrets...just exciting and intriguing. The author described everything in details so it's like everything playing like a movie. Colin Creed is a man of many shades. His father was the preacher running the Revival..and then he committed the murder that just changed the course of so many lives. His military life is full of drama and dangers too. His friends are his life but coming back to the town brought back old feelings. Against his choice, he had to play a part in the Revival but the good thing is..it brought him close to Lowyn. She is such a badass. Took care of her sister after losing her mother while in college. Battled with a broken heart. Built up her antique business empire. Colin coming back was like a jolt to her system. But they have a special connection. Colin is almost an antihero to the world and he had a wicked reputation for his top secret missions but he showed a tender side with Lowyn. Protective and possessive too. You may feel that the Trinity and it's facets are taking up a lot of space but I feel Colin and Lowyn are entwined with the whole business in a such a way that it was necessary. That last few chapters were explosive and kept me turning pages and I cannot wait for more! They faced a lot together. The mind games. The power plays. The heartbreak. The redemption. The healing. But the mystery of The Trinity is far from over.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

Ehhhh. I really didn't enjoy this book. And i don't care about the characters or the 'mystery' of the towns to finish this book. I am at 75% but i can NOT take it anymore.
It started out great and the mystery going on here was..... a bit intriguing but not enough to keep me hooked for the next book in the series 😭
I just couldn't understand this collin guy or the whole world building. It felt boring to me. I wasn't curious about it at all.
Now. trust me- i tried, really tried to get into this book but i can nottttt.

The characters felt flat. My guy colin was either confused or thinking about the girl (i forgot her name 💀) or thinking that he likes his friend but he is an a-hole. It was getting repetitive. Same with my girlie. She was thinking about him and about how she shouldn't think of him. and how organised she is. and the fcking circus or act or whatever the thing this weird town did.

So sorry. But i would like to appreciate the cover of the book and the chapter headings... they are sooooo pretty!!!!!!


Thank you to netgallery and the publisher for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review <3

Such a fantastically written story, full of twists and turns. The world-building is superb, and you won't be able to resist falling in love with Lowyn and Collin.