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Where there is SMOKE: Where it all began at the MC. Opposites don't just attract, they ignite. Ready to burn?
Not yet published
Expected 16 Feb 26Before a fence enclosed and divided, we go back further...
Back when Edward 'Smoke' Weir arrived at the clubhouse of the Ponderosa Pistons
Around the same time, a gorgeous, young lady arrived in town looking for work.
She has a banging body and megawatt smile.
Everyone in the bar loves her. But what about her other occupation...
Where there is SMOKE is the story of Ed and Cally Rae.
How one sweet young church-going redhead snagged the MC's most eligible bachelor.
How did she do it?
How did he allow this to happen.? You just know it's going to be a wild ride...
Find out in Book 3, the prequel set almost 5 years earlier.
Back when Edward 'Smoke' Weir arrived at the clubhouse of the Ponderosa Pistons
Around the same time, a gorgeous, young lady arrived in town looking for work.
She has a banging body and megawatt smile.
Everyone in the bar loves her. But what about her other occupation...
Where there is SMOKE is the story of Ed and Cally Rae.
How one sweet young church-going redhead snagged the MC's most eligible bachelor.
How did she do it?
How did he allow this to happen.? You just know it's going to be a wild ride...
Find out in Book 3, the prequel set almost 5 years earlier.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 16, 2026
4 people want to read
About the author
Elle J. Brae
3 books7 followersElle J. Brae is a writer of gritty, dark and detailed stories that pack an emotional gut punch while also delivering your spicy HEAs.
Nothing is ordinary or as you might expect. There is more to what meets the eye, or page, in many of the characters, settings and logical outcomes.
She wrote for herself for years, often crafting characters based loosely on family members, colleagues and people she encountered while travelling extensively.
A series of devastating and debilitating health prognoses hit her household n 2024. Elle decided then to publish her works and seize every opportunity. Leave nothing in the tank - this is not a drill. This is real life, and it's precious.
Nothing is ordinary or as you might expect. There is more to what meets the eye, or page, in many of the characters, settings and logical outcomes.
She wrote for herself for years, often crafting characters based loosely on family members, colleagues and people she encountered while travelling extensively.
A series of devastating and debilitating health prognoses hit her household n 2024. Elle decided then to publish her works and seize every opportunity. Leave nothing in the tank - this is not a drill. This is real life, and it's precious.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Rating: ★★★★½
ARC Read
Where There Is Smoke by Elle J. Brae is a gritty, slow-burn contemporary New Adult romance that blends power dynamics, kink exploration, and dark undertones rooted in control, belief systems, and survival. Set years before the events of the main series, this prequel peels back the layers on Edward “Smoke” Weir and Cally Rae, revealing how two seemingly incompatible people collide and combust.
From the moment Smoke arrives at the Ponderosa Pistons MC clubhouse, his presence commands attention. He’s dominant, self-assured, and grounded in a world built on hierarchy and control. Cally Rae enters from the opposite end of the spectrum; sweet, church-going, and outwardly innocent, with a warmth that disarms everyone around her. What makes this story so compelling is the contrast between who Cally appears to be and the complex, shadowed truths that slowly surface as the story unfolds.
The romance is a true slow burn, steeped in tension and restraint. The boss-and-employee dynamic adds an extra layer of power imbalance, while the dominant/submissive elements are explored with intention rather than shock value. Elle J. Brae takes her time unpacking consent, curiosity, and the emotional vulnerability that comes with discovering desire; especially when that desire clashes with deeply ingrained beliefs and past conditioning.
One of the strongest aspects of Where There Is Smoke is how it handles darker themes, particularly the influence of extreme religious views and cult-like control. These elements are woven into the story in a way that adds emotional weight and context, rather than existing purely for darkness. They inform Cally’s choices, her fears, and the internal conflict that makes her journey feel raw and authentic.
The spice level is high, easily a 4/5 for me but it never overshadows the story. Instead, the kink exploration feels like an extension of character development, reinforcing trust, power exchange, and emotional connection. This isn’t fast or careless; it’s deliberate, intense, and earned.
Emotionally, the story carries a steady undercurrent of tension and unease, balanced by moments of connection that feel hard-won. Watching Smoke slowly lose control not through force, but through feeling which is deeply satisfying, especially as Cally begins to reclaim agency over her own wants and boundaries.
I would 100% recommend Where There Is Smoke to readers who enjoy slow-burn romance, MC settings, dominant/submissive dynamics, and stories that aren’t afraid to explore kink alongside heavier themes like cult influence, control, and self-discovery. Dark, provocative, and emotionally layered, this prequel adds powerful depth to the series and proves that where there’s smoke… there’s always fire.
ARC Read
Where There Is Smoke by Elle J. Brae is a gritty, slow-burn contemporary New Adult romance that blends power dynamics, kink exploration, and dark undertones rooted in control, belief systems, and survival. Set years before the events of the main series, this prequel peels back the layers on Edward “Smoke” Weir and Cally Rae, revealing how two seemingly incompatible people collide and combust.
From the moment Smoke arrives at the Ponderosa Pistons MC clubhouse, his presence commands attention. He’s dominant, self-assured, and grounded in a world built on hierarchy and control. Cally Rae enters from the opposite end of the spectrum; sweet, church-going, and outwardly innocent, with a warmth that disarms everyone around her. What makes this story so compelling is the contrast between who Cally appears to be and the complex, shadowed truths that slowly surface as the story unfolds.
The romance is a true slow burn, steeped in tension and restraint. The boss-and-employee dynamic adds an extra layer of power imbalance, while the dominant/submissive elements are explored with intention rather than shock value. Elle J. Brae takes her time unpacking consent, curiosity, and the emotional vulnerability that comes with discovering desire; especially when that desire clashes with deeply ingrained beliefs and past conditioning.
One of the strongest aspects of Where There Is Smoke is how it handles darker themes, particularly the influence of extreme religious views and cult-like control. These elements are woven into the story in a way that adds emotional weight and context, rather than existing purely for darkness. They inform Cally’s choices, her fears, and the internal conflict that makes her journey feel raw and authentic.
The spice level is high, easily a 4/5 for me but it never overshadows the story. Instead, the kink exploration feels like an extension of character development, reinforcing trust, power exchange, and emotional connection. This isn’t fast or careless; it’s deliberate, intense, and earned.
Emotionally, the story carries a steady undercurrent of tension and unease, balanced by moments of connection that feel hard-won. Watching Smoke slowly lose control not through force, but through feeling which is deeply satisfying, especially as Cally begins to reclaim agency over her own wants and boundaries.
I would 100% recommend Where There Is Smoke to readers who enjoy slow-burn romance, MC settings, dominant/submissive dynamics, and stories that aren’t afraid to explore kink alongside heavier themes like cult influence, control, and self-discovery. Dark, provocative, and emotionally layered, this prequel adds powerful depth to the series and proves that where there’s smoke… there’s always fire.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book three of the Ponderosa Pistons MC: Montana Chapter puts the spotlight on Cally Rae and Smoke—and wow, it burns in the best way.
At first glance, Smoke thinks Cally Rae is all sweetness and soft edges, someone far too gentle for his rough-around-the-edges world. That illusion doesn’t last long. Beneath her bright smile is a fearless woman with heat, confidence, and a curiosity that turns his assumptions to ash. She’s fiery, outspoken, and completely unafraid to challenge him—and watching her do it is pure fun.
Cally Rae is rebuilding her life after breaking away from a restrictive religious upbringing she never chose, and her path toward freedom is both empowering and emotional. Smoke, a former Marine drifting without purpose, finds himself grounded when he’s put in charge of the club’s bar and eventually collides with her orbit. Their lives couldn’t be more different, yet somehow they lock together effortlessly. He doesn’t try to dull her spark—he protects it, encourages it, and lets her shine exactly as she is.
Their connection crackles with humor, heat, and heart. Expect bold chemistry, an unapologetically spicy dynamic, and plenty of moments that’ll make you laugh, gasp, and fan yourself. There’s kink, an age gap, and all the gritty MC energy you’d hope for, balanced by genuine tenderness and growth.
What makes this installment especially appealing is that it works beautifully as an entry point to the series. With fewer heavy triggers than the earlier books and a setup that eases you into the world, it’s an ideal place to start before circling back. Cally Rae doesn’t just steal Smoke’s heart—she reshapes his world—and the way she does it is unforgettable.
This story hits the sweet spot between scorching romance and feel-good storytelling, and while I’m already eager for the final book, I know I’m going to miss this crew when their ride comes to an end.
At first glance, Smoke thinks Cally Rae is all sweetness and soft edges, someone far too gentle for his rough-around-the-edges world. That illusion doesn’t last long. Beneath her bright smile is a fearless woman with heat, confidence, and a curiosity that turns his assumptions to ash. She’s fiery, outspoken, and completely unafraid to challenge him—and watching her do it is pure fun.
Cally Rae is rebuilding her life after breaking away from a restrictive religious upbringing she never chose, and her path toward freedom is both empowering and emotional. Smoke, a former Marine drifting without purpose, finds himself grounded when he’s put in charge of the club’s bar and eventually collides with her orbit. Their lives couldn’t be more different, yet somehow they lock together effortlessly. He doesn’t try to dull her spark—he protects it, encourages it, and lets her shine exactly as she is.
Their connection crackles with humor, heat, and heart. Expect bold chemistry, an unapologetically spicy dynamic, and plenty of moments that’ll make you laugh, gasp, and fan yourself. There’s kink, an age gap, and all the gritty MC energy you’d hope for, balanced by genuine tenderness and growth.
What makes this installment especially appealing is that it works beautifully as an entry point to the series. With fewer heavy triggers than the earlier books and a setup that eases you into the world, it’s an ideal place to start before circling back. Cally Rae doesn’t just steal Smoke’s heart—she reshapes his world—and the way she does it is unforgettable.
This story hits the sweet spot between scorching romance and feel-good storytelling, and while I’m already eager for the final book, I know I’m going to miss this crew when their ride comes to an end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating
4 💎
3.5 🌶️
Quick Summary
This story had me clenching, because Cally’s bold curiosity into adult content was down right freeing. Smoke’s tough vibe and ability to give Cally what she needs had me swooning. Their ‘are we actually into each other’ moments and that brilliantly electric cell‑ahh scene gave the whole thing a delicious spark I couldn’t resist.
Reading Thoughts
📓The veteran side of this story hits hard as it is soo relatable in the world we live in now.
📓Cally is brave and not afraid to explore what has been denied to her while growing up in a cult. Love that she wants to experience her sexuality
📓Their gradual attraction to each other was a breath of fresh air and then the way they had no idea that feelings were happening
📓Smoke was tough and very dry but had this need for Cally that even surprised him
📓Talk about miscommunication done well. Also loved the cell-ahh scene
Words that linger
🍷“Don’t be late, don’t be lazy, and don’t lie.” - Smoke
🍷I’m still a novice at the art of seduction and might look more like a walrus lounging on sun-warmed rocks than a sexy siren.
🍷I want to serve and submit. I want to beg before I blow. I want it all. All the time.” Cally
🍷Even with their icky little hairs, I still eat them. Oh, today is quite the hairy theme, hey!” - Cally
🍷“You keep sassing me back, honey, I’m gonna shove something thick and hard between those pretty lips. Is that what you want?” - Smoke
🍷“That’s not even that bad. The way you first described it, I thought your whole tit was out there hanging! That’s like a graze. A kiss. A kiss of tit.”
Tropes
🥃MC Club
🥃Ex-military
🥃Kink/BDSM
🥃Age-gap
🥃Boss/employee
4 💎
3.5 🌶️
Quick Summary
This story had me clenching, because Cally’s bold curiosity into adult content was down right freeing. Smoke’s tough vibe and ability to give Cally what she needs had me swooning. Their ‘are we actually into each other’ moments and that brilliantly electric cell‑ahh scene gave the whole thing a delicious spark I couldn’t resist.
Reading Thoughts
📓The veteran side of this story hits hard as it is soo relatable in the world we live in now.
📓Cally is brave and not afraid to explore what has been denied to her while growing up in a cult. Love that she wants to experience her sexuality
📓Their gradual attraction to each other was a breath of fresh air and then the way they had no idea that feelings were happening
📓Smoke was tough and very dry but had this need for Cally that even surprised him
📓Talk about miscommunication done well. Also loved the cell-ahh scene
Words that linger
🍷“Don’t be late, don’t be lazy, and don’t lie.” - Smoke
🍷I’m still a novice at the art of seduction and might look more like a walrus lounging on sun-warmed rocks than a sexy siren.
🍷I want to serve and submit. I want to beg before I blow. I want it all. All the time.” Cally
🍷Even with their icky little hairs, I still eat them. Oh, today is quite the hairy theme, hey!” - Cally
🍷“You keep sassing me back, honey, I’m gonna shove something thick and hard between those pretty lips. Is that what you want?” - Smoke
🍷“That’s not even that bad. The way you first described it, I thought your whole tit was out there hanging! That’s like a graze. A kiss. A kiss of tit.”
Tropes
🥃MC Club
🥃Ex-military
🥃Kink/BDSM
🥃Age-gap
🥃Boss/employee
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a copy of this book as an ARC Reader:
3.75 ✨
3.5/4 🔥
This is a spicy MC book.
We are following Cally-Ray on her journey to independence after leaving the religious group that she was forced into by her parents.
Smoke is ex-marines with a no direction until he meets the President of the Ponderosa Pistons MC. Smoke is pit in charge of the MC's bar and club.
A flame of red hair and desires Cally-Ray and Smoke with his grey eyes and tattoos embrace on a journey of discover together. Will they get there HEA - you will need to read this book when it comes out to find out.
Just know this is the 1st book I have read in this series and I am going to read the other 2 before the next one is out. I would say that this is a standalone interconnected series
3.75 ✨
3.5/4 🔥
This is a spicy MC book.
We are following Cally-Ray on her journey to independence after leaving the religious group that she was forced into by her parents.
Smoke is ex-marines with a no direction until he meets the President of the Ponderosa Pistons MC. Smoke is pit in charge of the MC's bar and club.
A flame of red hair and desires Cally-Ray and Smoke with his grey eyes and tattoos embrace on a journey of discover together. Will they get there HEA - you will need to read this book when it comes out to find out.
Just know this is the 1st book I have read in this series and I am going to read the other 2 before the next one is out. I would say that this is a standalone interconnected series
January 7, 2026
Yesssss! This is one spicy meatball and I am HERE for it.
I absolutely loved learning about Cally Rae and Smoke's relationship. Definitely high on the miscommunication trope, but oh so good. I love how easygoing Cally Rae is even after everything she's been through, and that's exactly what Smoke needs.
𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔.
Such a fantastic read.
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒎𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑵𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔. 𝑨 𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒐 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒄𝒆, 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍.
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 4/5
Storyline: 3/3
Darkness: 0/5
I absolutely loved learning about Cally Rae and Smoke's relationship. Definitely high on the miscommunication trope, but oh so good. I love how easygoing Cally Rae is even after everything she's been through, and that's exactly what Smoke needs.
𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔.
Such a fantastic read.
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒎𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑵𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔. 𝑨 𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒐 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒄𝒆, 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍.
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 4/5
Storyline: 3/3
Darkness: 0/5
January 22, 2026
Ah, Cally Rae and Smoke’s story is finally here! It was just as good as I had hoped and I’m telling you all to start with this book before reading 1 and 2. We have a BDSM, age gap, MC romance with alllll the spice. This book has a few less triggers than the first two books plus it’s the prequel so it’s the best place to start!
Cally Rae is such a spitfire and I love how unapologetic she is about herself. She tames Smoke in the best way possible. Their story is so perfectly written, with just the right amount of spice and romance. Don’t forget all the raunchiness that comes with an MC book too! I can’t wait for the final book but I’m going to miss the Pistons when it’s finally over.
Cally Rae is such a spitfire and I love how unapologetic she is about herself. She tames Smoke in the best way possible. Their story is so perfectly written, with just the right amount of spice and romance. Don’t forget all the raunchiness that comes with an MC book too! I can’t wait for the final book but I’m going to miss the Pistons when it’s finally over.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m “Whelmed” – Cally Rae Jenkins
What a wild ride once again from Elle Brae!!
Honestly, we all need a little Cally and Smoke in our lives. This book had me kicking my heels, laughing out loud, and face-palming in equal measure. Completely unhinged, in the best way.
Cally and Smoke are a beautifully messed-up love story, and it suits them perfectly. The antics, the banter, the fights, the chemistry, the fetishes 🤣 Everything you want from an MC romance, wrapped up in one absolute cracker of a book.
I adore this series and every single character in it.
Huge thanks to Elle for not breaking my heart with this one 😅
Devoured in a day and already desperate for more.
What a wild ride once again from Elle Brae!!
Honestly, we all need a little Cally and Smoke in our lives. This book had me kicking my heels, laughing out loud, and face-palming in equal measure. Completely unhinged, in the best way.
Cally and Smoke are a beautifully messed-up love story, and it suits them perfectly. The antics, the banter, the fights, the chemistry, the fetishes 🤣 Everything you want from an MC romance, wrapped up in one absolute cracker of a book.
I adore this series and every single character in it.
Huge thanks to Elle for not breaking my heart with this one 😅
Devoured in a day and already desperate for more.
January 22, 2026
Early copy …… When Smoke meets Callie Rae, he’s convinced she’s all sunshine and shelter—sweet, innocent, and way too soft for his world. Turns out, he couldn’t be more wrong. Callie Rae flips the script fast, trading wide-eyed charm for a bold, spicy side packed with confidence and kink that leaves Smoke (and the reader) reeling. This book hooks you from the first spark, delivering laugh-out-loud moments, gasp-worthy surprises, and plenty of ahhh along the way. Equal parts funny, filthy-fun, and feel-good, it’s a wild ride you won’t want to put down. 🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🥵🥵
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where There Is Smoke is book 3 in the Ponderosa Pistons MC, Montana Chapter series. This one is Cally Rae and Smoke's story and it's aptly titled because in this one Where There's Smoke, there's absolutely fire and it's found in Cally. She's a little spitfire and gives Smoke a run for his money. Her world is vastly different from his and the way he embraces her quirks is the sweetest thing. They fit seamlessly together and their journey is just as seamless.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Woah, what a ride! I absolutely loved this book, it kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happened next. I don’t think I put this book down until it was finished.
Lovely book filled with unexpected twists and turns and unexpected love!
I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of this book and I can say that I am incredibly blessed to have read this book.
Lovely book filled with unexpected twists and turns and unexpected love!
I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of this book and I can say that I am incredibly blessed to have read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fiery! Hot! Escaping a crazy cult to working at a strip club as her first ever job. The chemistry between Cally and Smoke damn near explodes from the beginning. It seriously is just a fuse waiting to be lit. Once it is, there is no going back to how hot they burn. I couldn't put the book down!
January 29, 2026
Privileged to read an ARC of Where’s There’s Smoke.
Spicy AF 🔥🔥🔥 but with some sweet, funny rom com moments
Spicy AF 🔥🔥🔥 but with some sweet, funny rom com moments
January 29, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ Great Read… ohhh the Spice (fanning my face) *please read the trigger warnings cause it won’t be for everyone! The character development and growth is on point. Love myself a ride or die.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews