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Shattered trust, twisted games, and ugly truths…

A female initiate is unheard of at Hawthorne Hall, but after forcing the brotherhood's hand, they had no choice but to let me stay. My plan should have been simple: Find out what happened to my cousin and best friend in the world, Will.

Nothing is as it seems.

This brotherhood is steeped in tradition and built on loyalty, but the deeper I dig, the more I see fissures in their supposedly tight-knit group. With the evidence I've found, every move I make seems more dangerous than the last. I no longer know who to trust.

Cannon. Archer. Kingston.

I don't want to believe they're guilty or that they could have harmed Will. There's only one way to find out—immerse myself in their world and keep my mouth shut. And hope they don't break my heart along the way.

The games continue… but who is being played?

Cannon is book two in the Brothers of Hawthorne Hall trilogy, centering around three men and one woman. Intended for mature listeners.

10 pages, Audible Audio

Published September 12, 2023

819 people are currently reading
1736 people want to read

About the author

Leila James

32 books1,068 followers

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5 stars
2,413 (47%)
4 stars
1,768 (35%)
3 stars
704 (13%)
2 stars
136 (2%)
1 star
29 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 404 reviews
Profile Image for Shauna Mairéad.
Author 12 books303 followers
October 16, 2022
Leila’s best work to date!!!

This series keeps getting better and better. Sublime character development with an epic plot line full of twists and turns. The Brothers of Hawthorne Hall is a MUST READ series.

And DON’T get me started on the cliffhanger! Evil, evil woman. 😈
Profile Image for Lori Rivera.
207 reviews31 followers
November 21, 2022
Book: Cannon (Book 2 of The Brothers of Hawthorne House series)
Author: Leila James

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️

What an amazing second book! This one kept me going and going!!! I couldn’t get enough of all the boys. I loved the character development of all three guys! Kingston, Archer and Cannon!

So much angst and back story to keep you reeling throughout. And the spice… holy hades… the spice was *chef’s kiss* delicious! The turn of events and twists of the characters! I cannot wait for the final boom to come out now!!!

I have to admit… the scenes in here, spicy and not… were very ingenious and oh so different! Kept me on my toes and constantly guessing throughout! If you haven’t read book 1, “Kingston” yet - read that first and then “Cannon”. But I’m warning you… the cliffhanger on this one - UGGHHHH!!!

I NEED BOOK 3 NOW LEILA JAMES!!! NOW‼️
Profile Image for Fiona.
615 reviews18 followers
November 12, 2022
Wow! This gets all the stars! The tension, heat and intrigue in this series has me enthralled. At times, I was even nervous to continue reading as I anticipated what was coming next. Caught up in the developing relationships between Kingston, Archer, Cannon, and Elliott. Captured by the friction in Hawthorne Hall; the traditions, the players, the games they play, and the need to see how everything plays out. I don’t think I’ve read a book that I couldn’t put down, but simultaneously didn’t want to continue reading, dreading what was coming next. Definite must TBR! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for The.Roaming.Reader.
248 reviews11 followers
November 11, 2022
Could. Not. Stop. Reading. Leila has me reading her books like an addict... Just one more page, one more chapter. Responsibilities? All out the window until this book was done. Who needs to work or eat or feed children, not me! 😂 Literally a non-stop page turner, for one reason or another I just could not put it down. The way she puts words together draws the most incredible pictures and infuses your soul with these characters feelings and emotions. What a book, dying until Archer can bless us with the completion!
Profile Image for Teresa A.
216 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2022
Holy spunk bunkers Batman!

Cannon’s book was supposed to answer questions but now I have MORE! I mean we learn more about each character, but there is still lots we don’t know. And of course that cliffy, knew it was coming because this author is the queen of cliffys but this was not what I was expecting.

If you’re looking for spice, this book has it in spades, along with mystery, angst and more twists and turns. Every detail is meticulously thought out, laid out in a way to suck you in and sometimes throw you for a loop.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Profile Image for nikki.
770 reviews703 followers
August 18, 2023
2.5⭐️
Bleh. This was disappointing. Am I still going to read the last book? Probably, yeah. Honest to god, I missed half the shit in this book because I pretty much skimmed it lol.
Profile Image for Lunarbookwyrm aka Phoebe.
586 reviews227 followers
November 20, 2022
Last we left the book Elliot's trust was broken among the boys, but they just keep redeeming themselves in this book. And poor cannon we finally get more of him in this book. It takes a lot for him to get out of his shell and be comfortable with Elliot.

If we are looking for the redemption arc it would be this book, guys. The boys and Elliot have been developing their feelings and fixing their trust issues towards each other. And we have omg a new development within their relationship and lord almighty! It keeps getting hotter and hotter. from MFMM and MF we now have MM?! okay, I am loving it.

NGL my fave part was the masquerade part. :>

I am really intrigued with the other halls now tbh. Will we get their story too?

Spice Level 5/5 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Rating 5/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Profile Image for Stephanie Hutchison.
537 reviews8 followers
November 3, 2023
Leila James has blown my mind. Again. I am having a hard time finding words after finishing Cannon. Note – if you haven’t read Kingston you need to read it first as this is book two of a trilogy.

Now. The continued character development of these characters is amazing. Just about the time you think you have personalities and side characters figured out, you find out that you have no clue at all. (Stop worrying Archer).

This book is a roller coaster ride that will take you right to the edge and leave you hanging on waiting for the drop you know is coming. And then you will hang there while waiting for book three.

I cannot wait for the conclusion of this series. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered.
Profile Image for j a y • d e p r a v e d - .dammnitjay..
721 reviews29 followers
November 11, 2022
Another 5 star book by Leila James! I LOVED Kingston but Cannon has come to reign and take his spot. This series just keeps getting better and better. The dynamic is ever evolving as well. It was written in such a way that it was easy to devour - I am always all for the why chose, bully spicy books!

Now with that being said .... THAT CLIFFHANGER!!!!
WHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYY

BUT!! It just means we will get our answers when Archer hits the scene.


To wrap it up ; Absolute schmexy on a stick with a solid helping oh drool and chef kisses! The boys of Hawthorne have my heart!
Profile Image for The Book Hangover.
285 reviews20 followers
November 9, 2022
As with the first book I have been anxiously awaiting Cannons story. It is the second in the Boys of Hawthorn Hall series and is a spicy, why choose, bully romance that has a fantastic storyline that continues on from Kingston. The spice is amazing and as it's why choose there are steamy scenes with a mix of couplings including MF, MM and MFMM. Although I loved all the guys, Cannon was my fave in the first book and getting this glimpse into his life has just made me love him even more. I thought I would get answers to questions from the first book but its just given me more questions and then the cliffhanger uurrgghh I need Archers book now!
Profile Image for Darcy’s Good Opinion.
507 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ Steam: 4/5. Strong Language: 3/5. Characters: 5/5. Plot: 4.5

Triggers: Mental Health, Bu!!ying, V!olence, A$$ault

Cannon is the second book in the Brothers of Hawthorne Hall series. You must read book one, Kingston, to fully enjoy this novel. This story ends on a significant ends on a cliffhanger. It’s so good though, you won’t want to miss it.

Our story picks up right where Kingston left off. Elliot is left reeling. She’s just shared what she thought was an emotional connection with Kingston, Cannon, and Archer but makes a discovery that has her questioning everything she thinks she knows about them. She walks a fine line between predator and prey throughout this series. Her instincts seem spot on but when she feels most secure, she’s thrown for an even bigger loop.

Kingston, the stalwart leader, Archer, the charismatic nurturer, and Cannon, the quiet & intense, protector all come to feel more for Elliot than they had ever anticipated. In doing so, they become closer as a brotherhood. Much, much closer. Forces from both within and without seek to drive a wedge between them and rip Elliot from their grasp. The guys are fiercely loyal and defend their girl with everything have.

This book is a wonderful addition to the series. A pure delight of dark deliciousness.
Profile Image for RavenRose.
131 reviews149 followers
November 20, 2022
MUST READ!!! Absolutely LOVED this book!! The story picks up right where Kingston leaves off. I could not put this book down! There’s a good level of spice but also a great storyline. I highly recommend this series and can not wait for the next book!!
Profile Image for Kim Newman.
26 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2022
I have no words... was better that'll the 1st book... I can't wait for Archers book... the suspense is awesome the spice in on point!! Leila has done it again .. you need to run and get the series .. warning it's not complete yet but you won't regret it
Profile Image for Lammie.
735 reviews38 followers
March 17, 2023
OMG!! This book was so good. Getting into Cannon’s story, the unexpected steam between a couple of the boys, and that cliffhanger 😯 We’re going to finally have some answers about what happened to Will.

Profile Image for Brandi Exline.
123 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2022
Leila has done it again. Dare I say I like Cannon more than Kingston. Leila writes some of the best bully romances that I have read. Now I'm just waiting not so patiently for Archer.
Profile Image for Only.ever.books.
1,470 reviews25 followers
November 12, 2022
🖤Cannon🖤

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Feelings: ❤️ 5/5  🔥 5/5  


Love this series to the moon and back


The games are not over, and while there are a few obstacles along the way and questions are waiting for answers, Elliot has a task to fulfill.

While recovering from her concussion, she has time to investigate her original goal. But after an event, whose output is very different then expected, things get in new directions. Lines are getting blurred, new feelings are caught.


I feel like I have so much to say. And I don’t know where to start.


When the next game starts Elliot is determined to prove herself, but can she really put her enemies at bay?

Kingston, Cannon and Archer don’t have eyes and ears enough to protect her. And when everything seems to be going in the right direction, an ally turns her down, and a not so unexpected incident is suddenly there.


“You are ours. No one touches you without our permission.”


In this book I felt a lot closer to the three guys and of course Elliot, too. I can’t deny, I have a favorite one, but that’s for me alone to know. 

Every single one of them has his way to make him special for me. May it be the way with words, or the way to take care or the will to protect.

As for the group dynamic: I saw something coming, but THAT I didn’t expect. My suspect was a different one. But then the author did a good job when I couldn’t see this coming. But to be clear, I liked it very much.


“...since I obviously have a one-track mind, and she’s my sole focus…”


We get to know Cannon a lot better in this book and become a real job look in his mind and thoughts. And the man behind this cool and silent exterior is a fascinating and caring one. I can’t fathom the missing piece. Who knows more than they admit? Who lies? Who hides something? What is the big secret behind Will’s missing? Can’t really really not wait to find out. 
Profile Image for Andrea M.
709 reviews23 followers
November 21, 2022
must read

I was literally counting down the days until I got to read Cannon because I connected with his character the most in the previous story.

This book starts off right where it left off and continues in the same past faced motion that left me devouring this read in a day.

Elliott understood that she would get a lot of flack for joining but I don’t think she was expecting that much push back or abuse from her peers. Her journey continues as she continues her search for her cousin and little discoveries has her questioning everything.

I love as the story progresses, we get so much so much character development. While we get more details about Cannon, we learn more about Kingston and Archer. Everyone about their relationship is just so natural and you see how they start to adapt themselves to what Elliott needs as well.

Also she brings the spice in this book😮‍💨 After what goes down in this book.. my mind is racing with what she can cook up in Archer.

While some gets answered, new questions are made and that cliffhanger.. oh man that cliffhanger.. I need book 3 asap.

There are some triggers so please check the warnings prior to starting this series.
Profile Image for Samantha Lynn.
779 reviews47 followers
November 21, 2022
Cannon is the hero everyone needs. This book just had me hooked from the first page to the very last word. And I am not ready for the series to end with only 3 books. The ways that Elliott and Cannon push each other to be better had me feeling so many emotions especially when Cannon does speak to her. Leila does an amazing job of introducing some twists to the plot that has me on the edge of my seat. And the added bonus of Archer and Kingston developing more.. yes yes please!! I can’t wait to see what happens in the third and final book!!
Profile Image for Natalie Parker.
Author 15 books310 followers
November 18, 2022
It's no secret that Cannon is my favorite of the Hawthorne Guys so I was excited to delve into his story.
The pace was perfect as to finding out more of the backstory as well as seeing relationships progress and unfold.
Cannon comes off as big and tough but there were points of this story where Leila illustrated his tender side so beautifully. There were moments and connections that I found wholly original, and he's still the guy I'm rooting for!
Profile Image for Stacey.
186 reviews22 followers
September 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Jesus 🥵🥵

If I thought I loved ‘Kingston’ then I love this one even more.

Kingston and Archer… IYKYK 🥵

Elliot is still on the hunt for her cousins killer and she won’t stop until she finds the truth.

The twists and turns in this book are amazing and I devoured this book.

I highly recommend this series. Can’t wait for Archer’s book next 😁
Profile Image for Carrie Lansberry.
150 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2022
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! I didn't think the series could get better after Kingston but Leila James proved me wrong! All the steam and Cannon was already swoon worthy but now even more so after this book! Evil thing the cliffhanger but so worth it!
Profile Image for Talklessreadmore .
96 reviews11 followers
November 21, 2022
Such a great followup from the first, totally had me hooked and now I can't wait for Archer, like I needed him yesterday. But this book was amazing, I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Joanna.
1,064 reviews11 followers
March 26, 2023
3,5 ✨

I don't know what happened here. . . but here we are.

Since I really loved the first book of the series (I almost read it in one sitting) I was expecting so much from the rest of the books so maybe it's my own fault. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed this book just not as much as the first one or as I was expecting.

I still enjoyed the whole secrecy and also the development of each relationship but the problem for me it was that sometimes there were a few things that were only filler 🤷‍♀️

▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: dark romance, reverse harem, revenge, college, roommates, LGBT
▬ 𝐭𝐰: self harm, abuse, disability
Profile Image for Harleen.
62 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2022

I WAS WAITING FOR THIS BOOK! AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Cannon picks up right where we left off in Kingston and ahhh it was everything I needed! The mystery and spice was just amazing! I loved the character development (Cannon definitely has my heart now aha). I always enjoy James’ writing and this book is no exception! From start to finish this book is a well-written, suspenseful, spicy page turner that will have you on the edge… of your seat. 100% recommend!
Profile Image for Brittni W.
121 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2023
Some of the writing is really repetitive and kind of unrealistic of college aged boys. But the MM and MMFM scenes were wildly hot and made the book worth it
Profile Image for Read By Cassie.
445 reviews11 followers
November 10, 2022
Exceptional book! After the ending in Kingston, I was ready for Cannon and needed to know how Elliot was going to deal with what she found out.

I loved this book so much and loved how much we got to learn about Cannon. He is my favorite character and I just absolutely love everything about him. Loved all of his moments with Elliot. I also grew to love the other guys even more in this book too and loved seeing how their relationship with Elliot developed even more.

The writing in this book is exceptional and keeps you on the edge of your seat as you wait in anticipation for what is going to happen next. There were many hot scenes and then the ending, wow! I cannot wait for Archer because I so need to know what is going on and who the person in the end was.

This is an incredible book and series and I absolutely recommend that everyone reads it.
Profile Image for Jen.
394 reviews16 followers
November 8, 2022
Holy heck if I didn't already Love Cannon from Book 1 boy of boy would I love him now. Cannon is everything omgee I love this man so much. This man will knock dudes heads together to defend you. Gahh swoon! This is series is definitely one of my top favorites for why choose romances for 2022. I cannot get enough of these guys and Elliot again she is an utter Bad@ss she doesn't take sh!t from anyone. This book has it all plot, love, laughs and the spice holy heck this book knocked it out of the water. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Displaying 1 - 30 of 404 reviews

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