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Reckless, dangerous, and out of control; these are the words most often applied to the SHMC’s brother Duracell. Which is why no one can understand what the deal is between him and Blue. Blue is none of those things; if anything he’s quiet, shy, and as mild-mannered as they come. There’s no balance between these two yet they are inexplicably a team. Then Blue gets a single look at Hayley, and it’s all it takes for him to know she’s their third.

Is Hayley the woman for them? A match for Blue sure, but strong enough to withstand the bizarre tempest of Cell’s personality? The two MC brothers have set their sights on the waitress and have been patiently feeling her out. Now it’s time to take the next step and see if she’s indeed able to date the both of them.

She’ll either bring balance to the boys, or Cell’s pull will knock them all off balance sending them crashing, burning them all out before anything can even fully ignite.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2017

117 people are currently reading
194 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Downey

93 books1,138 followers
A.J. Downey is a Pacific Northwest girl living in an East Tennessee world who finds inspiration from her surroundings, through the people she meets, and likely as a byproduct of way too much caffeine. She specializes in real and relatable romance stories featuring that real-life kind of love that everyone craves.

You can find her on Facebook at facebook.com/authorajdowney

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5 stars
324 (46%)
4 stars
200 (28%)
3 stars
122 (17%)
2 stars
34 (4%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for ➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas .
1,172 reviews339 followers
October 13, 2025



This certainly took me by surprise! I didn't anticipate that this story would turn out to be so emotional. I found myself tearing up; I was initially shocked, and then the sadness set in.

The trio of characters—Hayley, Cell, and Blue—were vibrant and dynamic together. However, I felt that Hayley and Blue shared a deeper connection compared to Cell.


Cell... Seriously! What was up with this guy? He felt almost non-human at times, exhibiting such a cold, crude, and brash demeanor. The unfortunate part of this book is that we don’t get to explore his background at all!


Blue is generally quite reserved and often looks to Cell for help. He has a sweet side and can be quite talkative when he feels like it, but he tends to let Cell walk all over him, which contrasts with his tough biker persona.


Then there is Hayley is a reserved girl who tends to keep her thoughts to herself, a behavior shaped by her experiences due to her childhood



There were times when this book really moved me. It’s an excellent read that delves into the lives of three complicated people navigating a challenging relationship, and at times This book it’s truly beautiful.








Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,511 reviews61 followers
May 17, 2017
MMF storyline
I have loved every book in this series. Instant one click for me. This book made me work a bit harder. Hayley, Blue and Cell's story is not always an easy one. There were moments when I was definitely angry with some characters but everything is resolved by the end. Expect tears, serious chemistry, sweetness and if you're like me a dash of anger. Definitely recommend - especially to those who love this series.
Profile Image for Sivutha.
634 reviews79 followers
May 23, 2017
So it's a 3.5 stars for me.

Reasons are:
-I can't relate to the characters
-There were no back stories
-I kind of knew it will end that way

Hayley is quiet girl who kept things to herself due to how she was treated when she was younger.

Cell....we don't get a back story to why he was intense and super scary.

Blue is very quiet and often depends on Cell.

I thought it would between two brothers sharing Hayley but...
Profile Image for Bev.
106 reviews
May 12, 2017
Definitely my least favorite in this series....could not connect with any of the characters and did not even cry when one of the main characters died. I understood the thought process and with a little more development would have given it at least another star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
November 25, 2018
I went into this one not really hot about it. Cell has been a bit of a loose cannon and not very well liked, Blue I was ambivalent about, he was always just there. It didn't help that neither of them would admit to their relationship to the rest of the club.

It was interesting to see Cell and Blue court Haley. Blue did most of the work, the more soft of the men, while Cell was like a bull in a china shop. The thing is that the three of them worked together. I liked that Haley would go out with each of them by themselves and they would spend time as a group. Things were going great for the trio until Haley and her dad started to work nights to figure out why they couldn't keep staff. It was here that they boys walked into a bad situation. Cell did what his go to is, protect his woman, which then lead to him facing jail time. Cell was totally getting the shaft here, I liked that he was going to fight it, despite fighting against a rich white boy.

And this is where the book went off the rails, Cell needing a ride to clear his head and things went wrong, so very wrong, him driving too fast, drivers not seeing him on his motorcycle, it was a perfect storm for an accident, one that was catastrophic. I was shocked that the author killed the character, probably shouldn't have been due to other things she has done in previous books.

The aftermath of Cell's death was brutal. Blue went off the rails, unusual for him, Haley needed his calm presence. The club heartbroken and there for Haley. I liked how many of the club members and their old ladies talked to Blue and finally go through to him. Blue's groveling to get back into Haley's good graces was needed as was Haley's acceptance of Blue being back.

I loved how this one ended, loved that both Blue and Haley were happy, that red hair showed up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shaly.
1,198 reviews
November 16, 2018
Well this definitely wasn’t what I was expecting. I wasn’t expecting for this read to end up being so sad. I actually teared up because at first I was shocked, then just sad...

All three characters, Hayley, Cell and Blue were colorful and quite something together, though I saw Hayley and Blue having so much more in common than Cell.

Hayley was very sweet, way to forgiving but also able to understand the actions of both Cell and Blue when they messed up. Good qualities to have when you want or need a relationship to work. Would I be as forgiving? NOPE! That’s just me though..

Blue, also very sweet. Quite a chatterbox when he wanted to be but kind of a doormat when it came to Cell, which was at odds with his biker personality.

Cell..OMG! What was up with this dude! I swear it’s like at times he wasn’t even human, he was just so cold, crude and crass. The messed up part of this book is that we never get to know his background!

Overall it was a good read, very sad but also happy...
Profile Image for Daniela.
1,185 reviews
August 6, 2017
As my rating states I really liked it but at the same time I had difficulties with it. Firstly, I would have liked to have had more background about Cell. I tried really hard but I just couldn't like him very much. I especially didn't like the way he treated Blue and at times Hayley. Bottom line he just wasn't a very likable character. With that said it doesn't mean I liked what happened with him but it was inevitable and he thought so too. As many have stated and I agree - this wasn't an MC story but a love story. I love Blue - there was just something so pure and vulnerable about him. He and Hayley are perfect together. Two tortured lost souls making magic!
Profile Image for Crystal.
569 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2018
I love this series

The Sacred Brotherhood gets better and better. Downey has a way of bringing a range of emotions from her readers. Her characters are vibrant, vivid, demanding of attention and soulful. They can make you laugh and make you cry. They are always real.

My only issue with this story was the lack of information. To be specific, Cell's backstory. Blue tells a little about himself but you don't get anything about Cell. So, when Hayley is trying to explain about loving both men it is difficult to understand even for her because she doesn't understand his apathy and cruelty. But, as we learn, Blue folded the paper (Origami) but the words were all Cell.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,321 reviews21 followers
October 2, 2017
Between Brothers

Omg tears and runny nose and just ugly cried! I had a hard time even liking Cell, but once you get past everything and that once scene....I cried so hard. Poor Blue did some bad things too and I hated that. Overall this was a good book just make sure you have tissues.
Profile Image for LuDena .
2,412 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2021
Blue & Cell spoilers

I would have given the story 5 stars except there is cheating and Cell dies so the happy ending was very muted for me . I was totally surprised by the cheating and Cells death. I usually love ménage à trois relationships but am totally disappointed in this book .
Profile Image for Hendrix Fan 4ever.
2,549 reviews7 followers
December 8, 2021
LOVED IT!

I honestly did not know if I would enjoy this story in the series as much as the others, not because of the threesome, but because of the heartbreak!😥 I actually "fell" a little bit for Cell, lol but Ms Downey Is such a talented writer, she made it all okay in the end! look forward to the next one in the series
20 reviews
May 10, 2017
No words

In a book coma. Excellent read couldn't put it down. If you want emotions and your breath to catch and your heart to stutter read this book. Just be prepared. That's all I have to say
Profile Image for Jangler.
1,006 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2019
Loved this book

I thought this was a really good read. The characterisation was excellent as was the storyline.
I will definitely put it in my favourites and enjoy reading it again.
Profile Image for Melody Green.
338 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2021
Life is Sacred

Well I am liking this series very much and then I get to this one and I think my heart was just ripped out of chest!!! I can’t spoil so all I can say is Cell!!!!!!!!!!!!
76 reviews
May 10, 2017
Blue and Duracell

Oh my God! Cried loads through this :( but am so so glad was still a happy ending. Tissues needed for sure
Profile Image for Dawnetta.
114 reviews
May 10, 2017
Wow

Wow. It took a twist I was not expecting, caused teary eyes and some chuckles. Great job! Was an great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Hayley Wakenshaw.
94 reviews16 followers
May 11, 2017
This book gutted me In a way I didn't see coming! We got a lovely little closure at the end though.
Profile Image for donna.
110 reviews29 followers
August 29, 2017
This book killed me. It's a very good book about three different and complicated people in a complicated relationship and it's beautiful.
9 reviews
May 17, 2018
I cried!

Ok, this book got me straight in the feels! I straight up cried like a baby. Outstanding storyline. My favorite of the series.
Profile Image for Jana.
878 reviews
July 25, 2018
You broke me ... this story is haunting me and does not let go ... amazing ...
Profile Image for Mina.
11 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2022
THE BOOK TURNED HORRIBLE. A serious MCD (Main Character Death) trigger warning is needed in the description. I can't understand why the author would do this. Ruined the series for me.
Profile Image for Melanie.
728 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2017
Ok so first off, I was so looking forward to this book. I have loved Blue’s character since we first met him. I know he was silent, but I think it was how he was with Dani that really got me liking him. Then to see the weird little interactions with Cell got me to thinking there was going to be some deep and intense, complicated thing between them, but I feel that while Cell must have had some sort of feelings for Blue; he was with him after all, he basically treated Blue like a controlled spouse.

Moving on from that, when Hayley entered the equation, I just didn’t understand how she felt the way she did about Cell. We weren’t shown how he had redeemed himself after that mess that was their first night together. It jumped a few months, so we didn’t get to see it. I did love all we got to see between Blue and Hayley though, and how they seemed to bring each other out of their shells. This was a relationship I could definitely get on board with. Then a huge, enormous, MASSIVE spanner was thrown in the works.

I can’t really say anything plot wise as I think it would probably be a spoiler, so I will leave it there. Did I like Hayley? Yes. Did I like getting to know Blue finally? Yes, until the thing… after the thing, not so much. I really didn’t like how Blue reacted. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, I’m not saying it doesn’t make for good drama, but for me personally, it tainted my perspective of Blue. Not “my” Blue. I was honestly more upset about that, than I was about the thing that happened. Did I like Hayley, Blue and Cell as a relationship? Not really no. It felt very uncomfortable for the most part, and I guess in my mind I just expected more. Did I enjoy Between Brothers? Overall yes I did, but it made me feel weird. Like my whole understanding of these men has been proven, that really, I didn’t know a thing about them. And “my” Blue. I just feel, idk, I can’t even put into words, but I don’t think I’ll look at him the same way again and that saddens me.

Anyway, I’m glad I read it, no matter how uncomfortable it made me but it wasn’t what I expected. I give Between Brothers 4 stars and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Kris Pittman.
Author 3 books27 followers
April 15, 2021
Some spoilery content in review. Caution.

There was a lot I didn't like about this story but it had nothing to do with the writing. A.J. Downey is fantastic at her craft. This was the first one I really had to force myself into finishing... and I've read, I think, 14 or 15 books from this world in a row now (which is UNHEARD OF for me).

Spoilers ahead.

I was excited about this story because I've always liked Blue since he showed up. Now, while I didn't like Cell, I had kind of hoped we'd pull a Reaver here were he was actually likeable (even loveable) under all that crazy. That was not the case though. I found absolutely nothing redeemable about Cell. In fact, he remained toxic throughout. His "relationship" with Blue was toxic and rape more than not. He lied and deceived Hayley to get what he wanted; p*ssy. I had been so excited for a m/m/f relationship and this was not what I wanted. Lol.

There is one thing I absolutely HATE and that is cheating. Which happened in spades here. Mostly Cell but when Blue did it... I just couldn't reinvest myself after that. I didn't much like Hayley but that was too much. And to take him back because of a baby... blegh. Everything we try to teach our daughters not to fall into.
Profile Image for Mika.
5 reviews
May 10, 2017
I started this book when I got home from work and had dinner about 10:30pm and not it after 2 in the morning and I've just finished it. I absolutely couldn't put it down and I have to leave for work in 2 hours since I also work early mornings. I gave the book a rating of 4 but I am not sure if I should have given it a 1. Let me tell you this book took me down a emotional rollercoaster which I suppose is the point of a good story but I am absolutely devastated by the turn of events that this book took. Although I find this to be a great story, I feel as though I was robbed of the opportunity to fully see Cell's character evolve into more that he was. I wanted the author to explore those subtle changes that cell made as his relationship with Blue and Haley developed further. I fully get that he was never going to be the hero that we wanted him to be especially after some of the questionable things that he has done however why did he have to did. I was really starting to like him no matter how rough around the edges he seemed, but it seemed to me this sorry was never really about cell any way it was always about Blue and Hayley's journey.
Profile Image for Cyd.
81 reviews
January 15, 2023
A Bitter HEA

It’s hard to review this without spoilers. I have an inexplicable love for MMF, especially MC, even if I’ve yet to read one that for me, gets it right. And I can’t even say what “getting it right” means, because I’m a cis-het 1 on the Kinsey scale, but I do love to read it.
This was one of the more disturbing MMF books I’ve read thus far, because it feels like the author has a real disdain for Cell and his relationships with Blue and Hayley and wants us to have that too, even when he’s being redeemed. So, fine. It worked. I don’t like Cell, not at all. When he’s awful, he’s SO awful and the author’s attempts at glossing over it with his issues just don’t work, because she doesn’t bother allowing us to work to understand Cell’s deep rooted self-loathing, which exists even in those most intimate moments with Blue. After all this time, Cell won’t even kiss Blue? It’s troubling.
So the author gives us the only “HEA” possible, the only one we can really abide without Cell’s self-awakening. It’s a bitter pill.
Profile Image for Rea Dowd.
22 reviews
May 14, 2017
Bloody brilliant!!

I have spent that past four days whizzing through this series and I have loved every second of it! I adored this story and as with all your books think its fabulous! This is the first review I am writing for one of your books not because I don't think you're other books are worth it, its just that I'm not confident with my words, that being said I felt the need to let you know that this wonderful story took me away from the rubbish reality that is my life if only just for a few hours but for that I am grateful so I just knew that I had to say something as its not every story that can draw you in so you to forget real life for a short while but this story did, in fact the whole series did and if that isn't a sign for an amazing book then I don't know what is. So on that note I'd like to thank you and hope that you keep writing these wonderful stories as you clearly have a gift and I totally want more. Pretty please!!
2,814 reviews57 followers
May 16, 2017
Holy Cheese on a Cracker!!! I didn't see that coming!! What, might you ask. You will have to read Between Brothers to find out--so good, so much tension, so much frustration, so much love, so much everything...

As a Sacred Brotherhood addict I have been curious about Blue and Cell's relationship for many many pages. Is it a Friendship? Is it sexual? Are they gay? Are they in love? Have they shared a woman in the past? Why doesn't' Blue talk? What does Cell have on Blue? Why is Hayley so important to Blue?

I was dying to know the details. Between Brothers gave me a deeper understanding of both of the guys. But it wasn't sweet. This story gutted me. This story ripped out my heart. I soon realized that Blue didn't need words. His ability for compassionate and understanding overflows.

This is my warning--get ready for an emotional overload, get ready to be gutted. For me, this HEA was one of the best I have read in a very long time.
Profile Image for Janet Gambino.
466 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2019
Blue Hayley and Cell

Blue and Duracell were not only brothers but best friends, but they felt they were missing something in their little circle.
Hayley is a waitress at a local diner and Blue is fascinated with her.
WOW...just wow. This is not a MC story but more of a love story, I had a hard time at beginning getting into this book. I even went on a group social media page to ask other opinions on wether to keep reading or not...They told me keep going. So glad I did. This story was beautiful and yet sad. Blue is soft shy and quiet to Cell's loud hard brashness. I was a little lost at why we didn't get any background into cell, why he was as harsh as he was.
Nice little plot twist that i could see one coming but didn't expect that one..
I really liked this story and i love this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews

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