Book Review: Bad Seed Jubilee, Kentucky (Book 5) by Sharon Sala

Everyone has a story, but some carry secrets buried deep. Bad Seed is an emotional, fast-paced finale to Sharon Sala’s unforgettable Jubilee series.

Bad Seed by Sharon Sala

Series: Jubilee, Kentucky (Book 5)
Release Date: May 21, 2024

Genre: Romantic Suspense / Contemporary Romance

Format: ARC provided by NetGalley

Bad Seed by Sharon Sala is a gripping romantic suspense and the final book in the Jubilee, Kentucky series. This emotional finale brings closure to the Pope family's story, with Brendan stepping into the spotlight alongside Harley Banks. With danger, heart, and healing at its core, Bad Seed delivers a powerful end to a beloved small-town saga.

My Review

I’m heartbroken this series is ending—yet so satisfied by how it concludes. Sharon Sala once again crafts a story that blends suspense, heart, and hope in a way only she can. In Bad Seed, we finally see Brendan Pope—Jubilee’s talented chef and quiet protector—step into the spotlight. He’s a character we’ve seen in the background, steady and reliable, but here we truly get to understand the depth of his loyalty and the quiet strength behind his calm demeanor.

Then there’s Harley Banks—resourceful, brave, and undercover. She’s on a mission that runs deeper than anyone in Jubilee realizes, and the risks she takes put her directly in harm’s way. What I loved most about Harley is her inner strength. She's been through trauma and still keeps moving forward. Her connection with Brendan is slow-burning, honest, and emotionally satisfying.

This book is more than a romance—it’s about resilience, uncovering truth, and healing from the shadows of the past. Sala does an exceptional job building suspense while also giving readers space to feel. The balance of adrenaline and emotional intimacy kept me hooked from start to finish.

Returning to Jubilee one last time brought so much closure, and seeing familiar faces gave this final installment a sense of homecoming. Sala’s storytelling is heartfelt and grounded, and this ending was everything I hoped for—and more. It’s a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest moments, love and community can light the way forward.

What makes Bad Seed truly gripping isn’t just the mystery—it's the characters at the heart of it.
Harley Banks isn’t your average investigator; she’s sharp, fearless, and already battle-tested from a recent high-stakes takedown. There's a quiet strength to her, but also a vulnerability that slips through when she least expects it. Despite the danger surrounding her, she doesn’t back down—making her one of the most compelling heroines in the series.

Brendan Pope, meanwhile, is all heart. A masterful pastry chef with a protective streak a mile wide, he's more than a romantic lead—he’s the emotional anchor Harley didn’t know she needed. Their connection is immediate, electric, and laced with trust built over croissants, quiet glances, and the kind of banter that only true chemistry can produce.

As their investigation at the Serenity Inn unfolds, so does their bond—and it’s tested at every turn. The tension is delicious, the romance is fast but earned, and Sala doesn’t let you catch your breath for long. Just when you think you know where it’s headed, she flips the page with a twist or a threat you didn’t see coming.

This final installment doesn't just wrap up a series—it deepens it. Readers who’ve followed the Pope family will appreciate the way Bad Seed weaves old threads into a satisfying new design. It’s a book about trust, second chances, and standing your ground—even when the past comes back swinging.

Favorite Quote

“Sometimes the person you’ve been running from is the only one strong enough to stand by your side.”

About the Series

The Jubilee, Kentucky series is a deeply emotional collection of small-town stories centered on love, trauma, and healing. While each book has its own standalone story, the emotional arcs are richer when read in order. With Bad Seed, Sharon Sala brings it all home.

Join the Conversation

Can she have the man of her dreams and the life she's always wanted?

Bad Seed delivers not just danger and suspense—but a fast-burning romance between a guarded private investigator and a cinnamon-hearted pastry chef who’s willing to risk everything to keep her safe. You’ll be hooked from the first scene.

Have you read Bad Seed or any of the Jubilee, Kentucky series? Who was your favorite couple? Let’s chat in the comments below!

Want to know more?
You can find Bad Seed on Goodreads or check out my full review there too:

Find the Book on Goodreads
Read My Review on Goodreads

Jubilee, Kentucky Series

If you’re new to the series or reading out of order, here’s how I recommend diving in:

Don’t Back Down – Introduces the Pope family and sets the tone for the series.

Last Rites – A must-read to understand key family dynamics and long-standing emotional rifts.

Heartbeat – Deepens the emotional arc of the Pope brothers with a poignant look at grief, brotherhood, and love.

Left Behind – A quiet, reflective story about resilience and the power of starting over.

Bad Seed – (Current Review) Unraveling the family's darkest secrets while redefining what legacy means in Jubilee.

Which Jubilee story resonated with you most? FBL ♥ would love to hear in the comments!

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