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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.
Title: 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.
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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.
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. 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.
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.
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Jubilee, Kentucky Series
- 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.
- Left Behind – A quiet, reflective story about resilience and the power of starting over.
- Bad Seed – Current review.
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