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Broken Chains MC #2
Backfire
The last thing Smokey should let himself want is this man, but he can't seem to stay away...
Every time Smokey stares at the President patch on his cut, he feels like an imposter. After all, that was not the life he was supposed to lead. In his former club, he did what they asked, when they asked, and that was enough for him. But thirty years later and the fate of the Broken Chains resting on his shoulders, all eyes were on him.
Smokey had enough to deal with after the VP of Satan's Souls got carted off to prison on his watch, but now there's a dead man in an alley with a cut bearing the name of The Cobras. And Smokey knows they're not prepared to handle the consequences if the Cobras' President thinks they're responsible.
However, the dead man isn't the worst part: The only witness is a civilian.
Eliah Burns was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it seems like fate really has it in for Smokey, because Eliah is also the one man he's been avoiding. Eliah has been in Smokey's periphery for years, his little brother's favorite professor-and he's also the one-night stand Smokey hasn't been able to forget.
Now Eliah's in Smokey's home, hiding from the men who want him dead, and Smokey's trying to keep his heart from tripping and falling for a man he shouldn't want while learning who is trying to set his club up to start a full on war.
Broken Chains MC is a Motorcycle Club Romance series with dubious morality, mild violence, and happily ever afters.
Every time Smokey stares at the President patch on his cut, he feels like an imposter. After all, that was not the life he was supposed to lead. In his former club, he did what they asked, when they asked, and that was enough for him. But thirty years later and the fate of the Broken Chains resting on his shoulders, all eyes were on him.
Smokey had enough to deal with after the VP of Satan's Souls got carted off to prison on his watch, but now there's a dead man in an alley with a cut bearing the name of The Cobras. And Smokey knows they're not prepared to handle the consequences if the Cobras' President thinks they're responsible.
However, the dead man isn't the worst part: The only witness is a civilian.
Eliah Burns was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it seems like fate really has it in for Smokey, because Eliah is also the one man he's been avoiding. Eliah has been in Smokey's periphery for years, his little brother's favorite professor-and he's also the one-night stand Smokey hasn't been able to forget.
Now Eliah's in Smokey's home, hiding from the men who want him dead, and Smokey's trying to keep his heart from tripping and falling for a man he shouldn't want while learning who is trying to set his club up to start a full on war.
Broken Chains MC is a Motorcycle Club Romance series with dubious morality, mild violence, and happily ever afters.
278 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2021
153 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
142 books1,397 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 10, 2021
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3.5 🌟
So I'm giving this the same rating I gave to the first book, even though I'm starting to get pissed by the author's pattern for romances.
Let's starts taking about the story first. We get Smokey as main along Eliah, who was mentioned during book one but didn't appear yet. Eliah was Rory's university professor and he met Smokey under not the best of circumstances but they lusted for each other all the same. In the end poor Eliah ended witnessing something he shouldn't have and ends into the mess of the Broken Chains in order to keep alive.
Things end up related to Smokey's old MC and I'm not getting into details not to spoil, but we discover a little bit more about the lie Smokey's dad told them that resulted in an innocent kid being hurt as Gunnar told us during book one. We get more insight into that incident and also meet a new antagonist, Hydra, that's a real creep.
I like how every story is intertwined. How little by little all the characters start getting their stories going on. It was obvious Kicks and Jude would be the next mains, but I can't wait to read Rory's story (I thought he maybe would have something with Nate, having into account their backstory, but with Hawk's request at the end I started thinking maybe he and Rory could have something? It's still too early to tell, but I can't wait to discover it).
The action is pretty good. Hydra is a nice villain and there's always something going on. I like how things aren't completely over as that gives the series a continuity feeling that I enjoy.
Romance... Good but also bad. I have to repeat what I said about the first book and sadly, it looks like it's something I will say about ever book by this author, ir st least this series: I don't understand why the characters try to keep apart. It doesn't make any sense.
I could understand it at first, when Smokey and Eliah first meet and hookup. I understand that Smokey doesn't want to involve someone like him with his world, but once Eliah is in deep shit and targeted, it stops making sense. As with Gunnar and Logan, when they are in the Wolfe House together, obviously wanting each other and already involved in biker issues, I don't see what them going on and off adds to the story. Nothing, that's it.
And it pisses me off to see that the author will keep using this petter to develop the romances. I have read more bikers romances and there's more ways to add challenges for the romances that making the characters stubborn about not being able to be together when we all know they can.
And using this once it's ok, why not? But all the times, book after book... Well, no thank. I hope Jude and Kicks ain't like this even though the third book's blurb promises just that.
Let's wait and see.
3.5 🌟
So I'm giving this the same rating I gave to the first book, even though I'm starting to get pissed by the author's pattern for romances.
Let's starts taking about the story first. We get Smokey as main along Eliah, who was mentioned during book one but didn't appear yet. Eliah was Rory's university professor and he met Smokey under not the best of circumstances but they lusted for each other all the same. In the end poor Eliah ended witnessing something he shouldn't have and ends into the mess of the Broken Chains in order to keep alive.
Things end up related to Smokey's old MC and I'm not getting into details not to spoil, but we discover a little bit more about the lie Smokey's dad told them that resulted in an innocent kid being hurt as Gunnar told us during book one. We get more insight into that incident and also meet a new antagonist, Hydra, that's a real creep.
I like how every story is intertwined. How little by little all the characters start getting their stories going on. It was obvious Kicks and Jude would be the next mains, but I can't wait to read Rory's story (I thought he maybe would have something with Nate, having into account their backstory, but with Hawk's request at the end I started thinking maybe he and Rory could have something? It's still too early to tell, but I can't wait to discover it).
The action is pretty good. Hydra is a nice villain and there's always something going on. I like how things aren't completely over as that gives the series a continuity feeling that I enjoy.
Romance... Good but also bad. I have to repeat what I said about the first book and sadly, it looks like it's something I will say about ever book by this author, ir st least this series: I don't understand why the characters try to keep apart. It doesn't make any sense.
I could understand it at first, when Smokey and Eliah first meet and hookup. I understand that Smokey doesn't want to involve someone like him with his world, but once Eliah is in deep shit and targeted, it stops making sense. As with Gunnar and Logan, when they are in the Wolfe House together, obviously wanting each other and already involved in biker issues, I don't see what them going on and off adds to the story. Nothing, that's it.
And it pisses me off to see that the author will keep using this petter to develop the romances. I have read more bikers romances and there's more ways to add challenges for the romances that making the characters stubborn about not being able to be together when we all know they can.
And using this once it's ok, why not? But all the times, book after book... Well, no thank. I hope Jude and Kicks ain't like this even though the third book's blurb promises just that.
Let's wait and see.
February 18, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Backfire is the second book in E.M. Lindsey’s Broken Chains motocycle club series. The story starts off with a little bit of a timeline overlap with Tidal Wave, as we see Eliah and Smokey first meeting and hooking up about a year before the main events of this story. This sets the stage nicely for the men to reconnect here when Eliah witnesses the murder. While the relationship between the men is all covered in this book, there are some bigger picture series elements carrying over in terms of the pressures Smokey is facing, and so I think reading the first book is helpful, though not necessarily essential.
This is sort of an opposites attract story in that we have a mild mannered, British transplant, history professor in Eliah, paired with a hardened biker with a rough past in Smokey. And without question, Eliah is out of his element here as he encounters the world of motorcycle clubs for the first time and needs Smokey’s help and protection.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Backfire is the second book in E.M. Lindsey’s Broken Chains motocycle club series. The story starts off with a little bit of a timeline overlap with Tidal Wave, as we see Eliah and Smokey first meeting and hooking up about a year before the main events of this story. This sets the stage nicely for the men to reconnect here when Eliah witnesses the murder. While the relationship between the men is all covered in this book, there are some bigger picture series elements carrying over in terms of the pressures Smokey is facing, and so I think reading the first book is helpful, though not necessarily essential.
This is sort of an opposites attract story in that we have a mild mannered, British transplant, history professor in Eliah, paired with a hardened biker with a rough past in Smokey. And without question, Eliah is out of his element here as he encounters the world of motorcycle clubs for the first time and needs Smokey’s help and protection.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
February 19, 2021
3.5 stars
This is really hard for me to rate. I think Lindsey is one of the absolute best writers around, their writing style just completely works for me. And while I’m not really one for MC romances, I’m totally digging this one. There’s a good amount of action, the morally gray characters are intriguing and not complete alphaholes, and the love interests are unexpected and lovely. As always, Lindsey writes so many different differently-abled characters in such amazing and respectful ways. My one issue with this one is I just didn’t really feel the romance. I loved both main characters so much, but I honestly wouldn’t have felt sad if they ended up with different people. The chemistry just wasn’t there for me personally. Will I continue the series? Most definitely. I’m looking forward to so many of these characters stories and can’t wait to see where it goes next.
This is really hard for me to rate. I think Lindsey is one of the absolute best writers around, their writing style just completely works for me. And while I’m not really one for MC romances, I’m totally digging this one. There’s a good amount of action, the morally gray characters are intriguing and not complete alphaholes, and the love interests are unexpected and lovely. As always, Lindsey writes so many different differently-abled characters in such amazing and respectful ways. My one issue with this one is I just didn’t really feel the romance. I loved both main characters so much, but I honestly wouldn’t have felt sad if they ended up with different people. The chemistry just wasn’t there for me personally. Will I continue the series? Most definitely. I’m looking forward to so many of these characters stories and can’t wait to see where it goes next.
February 17, 2021
I loved, loved, loved Smokey and Eliah. Their meeting was hysterical
Eliah has a sassy smarty mouth.
What do you get when you put together a hot headed, very protective brother/MC President and a Professor? You get one heck of a ride. This book made me feel like I was in the club myself and in on the action with them.
I am left waiting for so much more. I want the next book, the next hunt. I want it all. I’ll just sit here patiently waiting because these brothers have one heck of a reason to be on a war path.
Eliah has a sassy smarty mouth.
What do you get when you put together a hot headed, very protective brother/MC President and a Professor? You get one heck of a ride. This book made me feel like I was in the club myself and in on the action with them.
I am left waiting for so much more. I want the next book, the next hunt. I want it all. I’ll just sit here patiently waiting because these brothers have one heck of a reason to be on a war path.
June 13, 2021
Very enjoyable listen. I loved how different the MC's were... lived completely separate lives. One in a biker club and the other a college professor. The sweetness between them was compelling and I was into their story from start to finish!
February 18, 2021
Every book of E.M. Lindsey’s just gets better and better. Smokey and Eliah had one amazing ride together! Their chemistry is ablaze and their connection is so intense and deep that you just can’t not feel it. I loved the forbidden aspect brought on Smokey being a protective big brother and Eliah being his brother’s professor. But these two guys belong together and they can’t escape the pull that keeps drawing them into each other’s orbit. Eliah is wonderfully suited to Smokey, and I thought it was perfect the way their love and trust slowly unfolds. If the beautiful and emotionally powerful romance isn’t enough, there is also exceptional writing and pacing. The suspense is perfectly intertwined with the overarching storyline for the Broken Chains MC; you can feel the undercurrents of tension and danger lurking in their peripheral. That’s not to say that Backfire doesn’t have its own drama, because it definitely does. Some of it’s resolved in the end, but there is just so much more that we can see ahead for them down the road!
Want to read
July 26, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/26/2021)! 🎁
December 30, 2022
Second Read: I would say this book went up a notch or 2 for me on the 2nd read to 4.25-4.5 stars.
Im not sure if having previously read the story, I was more accepting. I'm just not sure. But I know I did like it more.
First Read : I'm conflicted with stars its more than 3 but not a 4 star.
MM.
Eliah and Smokey.
I'm not sure what I feel about this book and series. I didn't Love them, I didn't Loathe them and I'm not sure if I Liked them. But I'm stuck on knowing, these guys stories.
My emotions are in a jumble and I'm not sure what exactly was right with the book/series and what was exactly wrong with it. It just is what it is.
It was Ok, It was Good, but not Great. It was Enjoyable, but it wasn't.
I am in two different minds when it comes to this series.
A lot left undone, unsaid and heck of a lot unsorted.
I'm going to read bk 3, when it is released, which will be Jude story Eliah brother. Bk 3 like bk 2 , part of it is taking place at the same time of this book (Backfire).
Don't know if I am hooked or addicted on the series or whether I just need to know if they all come out the side winning and with the Love they have found. I need to know If they come out Stronger than they have ever been. I am hoping so with all that these Guys have endured, they deserve some happiness.
My thinking only I don't presume to know....I'm thinking bk 4? possibly might be Nate and Rory. There is something between those two, could just be friendship....BUT!!!..... who knows. Wait and see, I guess .
Im not sure if having previously read the story, I was more accepting. I'm just not sure. But I know I did like it more.
First Read : I'm conflicted with stars its more than 3 but not a 4 star.
MM.
Eliah and Smokey.
I'm not sure what I feel about this book and series. I didn't Love them, I didn't Loathe them and I'm not sure if I Liked them. But I'm stuck on knowing, these guys stories.
My emotions are in a jumble and I'm not sure what exactly was right with the book/series and what was exactly wrong with it. It just is what it is.
It was Ok, It was Good, but not Great. It was Enjoyable, but it wasn't.
I am in two different minds when it comes to this series.
A lot left undone, unsaid and heck of a lot unsorted.
I'm going to read bk 3, when it is released, which will be Jude story Eliah brother. Bk 3 like bk 2 , part of it is taking place at the same time of this book (Backfire).
Don't know if I am hooked or addicted on the series or whether I just need to know if they all come out the side winning and with the Love they have found. I need to know If they come out Stronger than they have ever been. I am hoping so with all that these Guys have endured, they deserve some happiness.
My thinking only I don't presume to know....I'm thinking bk 4? possibly might be Nate and Rory. There is something between those two, could just be friendship....BUT!!!..... who knows. Wait and see, I guess .
May 19, 2021
Expanded story arc
This volume sets up events that will extend into the next book, maybe more. This will be a fairly dark series with tragic backstories for most of the characters and related violent confrontations. Various disabilities make characters more interesting alongside unusual occupations for their love interests. Intriguing narrative that can still feel like hard work to read at times but the author makes it worthwhile.
This volume sets up events that will extend into the next book, maybe more. This will be a fairly dark series with tragic backstories for most of the characters and related violent confrontations. Various disabilities make characters more interesting alongside unusual occupations for their love interests. Intriguing narrative that can still feel like hard work to read at times but the author makes it worthwhile.
April 16, 2023
Series: Broken Chains MC #2
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
This book starts during the events of the previous book, and then jumps almost a year into the future. While Smokey is at the conference for his brother Rory, he has a one night stand with Eliah Burns, one of Rory’s professors. A year later, Smokey rescues him from a murder done by a rival MC.
Smokey and Eliah’s story was another slow building, emotional, and action packed one. While I did enjoy their story, I felt that their romance was a bit lacking. These two spend the majority of the book making no promises to each other and expecting to part after Eliah is safe. I think because of this, I wasn’t feeling the relationship as much until the end of the book when they actually start opening up to each other and discussing their feelings.
My other complaint was that Smokey was extremely overprotective of his brother and takes things a little far at times. I didn’t love his first meeting with Eliah at the beginning of the book. It was intrusive and over the top. He also never apologizes for his actions, which isn’t cool.
Overall, I enjoyed this book even with the few issues I had. A lot happens to the Broken Chains in this book and they are dealing with even more enemies now, but I am interested in seeing how they deal with them all in future books.
Trigger Warnings: Eliah was hit by a car when he was a teenager; ableism; torture referenced; gun violence; PTSD; anxiety; panic attacks; violence; death of a sibling mentioned; house fire;
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
This book starts during the events of the previous book, and then jumps almost a year into the future. While Smokey is at the conference for his brother Rory, he has a one night stand with Eliah Burns, one of Rory’s professors. A year later, Smokey rescues him from a murder done by a rival MC.
Smokey and Eliah’s story was another slow building, emotional, and action packed one. While I did enjoy their story, I felt that their romance was a bit lacking. These two spend the majority of the book making no promises to each other and expecting to part after Eliah is safe. I think because of this, I wasn’t feeling the relationship as much until the end of the book when they actually start opening up to each other and discussing their feelings.
My other complaint was that Smokey was extremely overprotective of his brother and takes things a little far at times. I didn’t love his first meeting with Eliah at the beginning of the book. It was intrusive and over the top. He also never apologizes for his actions, which isn’t cool.
Overall, I enjoyed this book even with the few issues I had. A lot happens to the Broken Chains in this book and they are dealing with even more enemies now, but I am interested in seeing how they deal with them all in future books.
Trigger Warnings: Eliah was hit by a car when he was a teenager; ableism; torture referenced; gun violence; PTSD; anxiety; panic attacks; violence; death of a sibling mentioned; house fire;
September 9, 2022
3.5 stars - I’m enjoying the developing story arc and how it’s intertwined between the books with a bit of an overlap in the timeline, but without too many unnecessary flashbacks. I like that the characters are older and genuinely seem to act and look their ages - both over 40, one with physical disabilities. And it’s nice to see the supporting characters and the couple from book 1. I really wanted to like this more but I just wasn’t really feeling the chemistry between the couple or felt swept away by the authors writing. Still a decent story though.
June 24, 2021
Okay, so I'm late to the party, so to speak, and haven't listened to book 1 (which I hope to remedy soon), and while it shouldn't be read as a standalone, I wasn't too lost.
There's a continuing arc that started in book 1 and will continue in the next installment(s), so be advised that there'll be some issues that won't be resolved in this book. There's violence and mentions of past events that might be triggering, so proceed with care.
I really liked Eliah and how resilient he was. And I liked Smokey/Aaron, too, even if there were some times where I wanted to slap some sense into him. They were great together, despite being an unlikely pair, so I hope we get to see more of them in the next books in the series.
Backfire was entertaining, fast-paced, and engaging and even if the romance took a backseat to everything else happening, I was still invested in Eliah and Aaron getting their HEA.
Logan Anare is a new-to-me narrator and I really liked his style and the way he brought the story to life. My favorite was Smokey, although his Eliah wasn't that far behind.
Recommendable!
There's a continuing arc that started in book 1 and will continue in the next installment(s), so be advised that there'll be some issues that won't be resolved in this book. There's violence and mentions of past events that might be triggering, so proceed with care.
I really liked Eliah and how resilient he was. And I liked Smokey/Aaron, too, even if there were some times where I wanted to slap some sense into him. They were great together, despite being an unlikely pair, so I hope we get to see more of them in the next books in the series.
Backfire was entertaining, fast-paced, and engaging and even if the romance took a backseat to everything else happening, I was still invested in Eliah and Aaron getting their HEA.
Logan Anare is a new-to-me narrator and I really liked his style and the way he brought the story to life. My favorite was Smokey, although his Eliah wasn't that far behind.
Recommendable!
August 15, 2021
Oh, we’re starting to get a smoother rhythm this time. I particularly love that these are not newbies. No, no most of the characters in this series are grown ass men of a certain age. Yahoooo! I’m not a fan of motorcycle gangs but I really like this clan.
November 3, 2021
I'm glad I stuck with this series. I'll be continuing on for sure.
October 8, 2025
Having just started book 3, I like how the stories all partially overlap without rehashing it all entirely or giving unnecessary flashbacks from a different POV.
Going back to the first time they met a year ago, we follow Smokey as he struggles with his role as President after the fallout of book 1. This had some really nice character work; Smokey denies himself a lot of things, mainly comfort and touch, and throughout the story, he slowly changes his perspective on what he is allowed to want.
With both protagonists being above 40 and one with chronic pain who uses a cane due to a past injury, they also have different priorities and interests which is a nice change to what I usually read.
The plot was also stronger this time round.
Going back to the first time they met a year ago, we follow Smokey as he struggles with his role as President after the fallout of book 1. This had some really nice character work; Smokey denies himself a lot of things, mainly comfort and touch, and throughout the story, he slowly changes his perspective on what he is allowed to want.
With both protagonists being above 40 and one with chronic pain who uses a cane due to a past injury, they also have different priorities and interests which is a nice change to what I usually read.
The plot was also stronger this time round.
October 14, 2021
Pure escapism
I was intrigued by Smokey from the first book and he lives up to my expectations. An unlikely romance, perhaps, between a president of a biker gang and a college professor but it totally works. Or E.M. Lindsey makes it work. And motorcycle club romances are pure escapism for me because I find them a bit over the top in addition to moments of violence here and there.
I was intrigued by Smokey from the first book and he lives up to my expectations. An unlikely romance, perhaps, between a president of a biker gang and a college professor but it totally works. Or E.M. Lindsey makes it work. And motorcycle club romances are pure escapism for me because I find them a bit over the top in addition to moments of violence here and there.
April 22, 2021
This was a nice book and I enjoyed the characters but i'm deeply disappointed that it got explicitly mentioned two times that one of the main characters had a sword cane and yet he never got to use it.
February 21, 2021
It was ok
It feels very unfinished and it’s seems to be a Happy For Now. It was ok but it didn’t leave me feeling satisfied with the story.
It feels very unfinished and it’s seems to be a Happy For Now. It was ok but it didn’t leave me feeling satisfied with the story.
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December 29, 2021FREE today (July 28, 2021) on Amazon.
August 15, 2021
DNF. Supposedly "badass" guy and professor were exceptionally boring.
June 22, 2021
*4.5*
I loved the first book of this series and have been looking forward to Smoky's story.
He's different to how I thought he'd be with a lot more self doubt and a strong feeling of not being enough to lead the Broken Chains. He ends up protecting his brother's ex professor, Eliah, after he witnesses a murder and it brings around a ghost from Smoky's past that made him the man he is today.
Both Eliah and Smoky are in constant pain but very different kinds. Eliah's is physical, from an accident he was in as a teenager, and Smoky's is mental and emotional, he doesn't feel worthy of those he leads or his younger brother. They make such an unlikely match but there is a spark there from the moment Smoky storms into Eliah's home making wild accusations. When he spots the younger man after scaring off those who have just committed murder in an alleyway, Smoky knows that he will protect him even when he can't have him. There's attraction and heat between them, both knowing how to be careful yet fierce enough. Eliah's life changes in a moment but he knows instinctively that he can trust Smokey to keep him safe, especially after he takes a bullet for him. Things become more complicated after information unfolds leading to the person searching for Eliah and how Smokey knows him.
There is a strong story line here involving the Broken Chains, pieces from Smokey's past as well as a developing something between Smokey and Eliah. It had my attention from start to finish with brothers arguing, trust having been lost in the MC's captain, such different people having a strong attraction and the occasional bullet flying around to keep it interesting. I'm very interested in who will be getting their story next with several possibilities hinted at here.
Overall a great story from E.M. Lindsey and a gritty plot that shows the darker and more emotional side of being a member of the club, or others before it.
I loved the first book of this series and have been looking forward to Smoky's story.
He's different to how I thought he'd be with a lot more self doubt and a strong feeling of not being enough to lead the Broken Chains. He ends up protecting his brother's ex professor, Eliah, after he witnesses a murder and it brings around a ghost from Smoky's past that made him the man he is today.
Both Eliah and Smoky are in constant pain but very different kinds. Eliah's is physical, from an accident he was in as a teenager, and Smoky's is mental and emotional, he doesn't feel worthy of those he leads or his younger brother. They make such an unlikely match but there is a spark there from the moment Smoky storms into Eliah's home making wild accusations. When he spots the younger man after scaring off those who have just committed murder in an alleyway, Smoky knows that he will protect him even when he can't have him. There's attraction and heat between them, both knowing how to be careful yet fierce enough. Eliah's life changes in a moment but he knows instinctively that he can trust Smokey to keep him safe, especially after he takes a bullet for him. Things become more complicated after information unfolds leading to the person searching for Eliah and how Smokey knows him.
There is a strong story line here involving the Broken Chains, pieces from Smokey's past as well as a developing something between Smokey and Eliah. It had my attention from start to finish with brothers arguing, trust having been lost in the MC's captain, such different people having a strong attraction and the occasional bullet flying around to keep it interesting. I'm very interested in who will be getting their story next with several possibilities hinted at here.
Overall a great story from E.M. Lindsey and a gritty plot that shows the darker and more emotional side of being a member of the club, or others before it.
December 6, 2021
4.5 stars
Sometimes when you read a book, you have to acknowledge that a huge element doesn’t make sense to you, accept it, and move on with enjoying the story. Smokey’s massive dose of imposter syndrome as the President of his MC was that element for me in this otherwise fantastic book. I’d get it a bit more if he’d inherited the title of an established club, but Smokey founded the Broken Chains after running away from his previous life with his younger brother Rory. Perhaps it’s because I have no context for this culture beyond this book series, but I don’t quite understand why he’d then go on to reinstall himself into the life. So, I just have to accept it and move on. Because everything else about this was absolutely fantastic.
One element I particularly enjoyed about this book is the main characters’ ages. No youngsters in their twenties here—Smokey is into his fifties, and I’m pretty sure Eliah is into his forties. Both men wear the weight of their years for different reasons and life experiences, but that doesn’t mitigate any of the heat in their encounters. Elements of this romance involve the “opposites attract” trope, except that Smokey and Eliah have more in common at their cores than they do differences in their lifestyles.
Though their connection develops because Eliah is forced into Smokey’s world, Eliah more than holds his own once he gets there. This book is where the overarching plot of this series kicks off, dealing with ghosts from Smokey’s past, and I’m more than invested in the larger picture. This book does not end in a cliffhanger (unless you count the details revealed for another potential romantic pairing), but I know Smokey and Eliah are in it together for the long haul no matter what the villain tries to throw at them next.
Sometimes when you read a book, you have to acknowledge that a huge element doesn’t make sense to you, accept it, and move on with enjoying the story. Smokey’s massive dose of imposter syndrome as the President of his MC was that element for me in this otherwise fantastic book. I’d get it a bit more if he’d inherited the title of an established club, but Smokey founded the Broken Chains after running away from his previous life with his younger brother Rory. Perhaps it’s because I have no context for this culture beyond this book series, but I don’t quite understand why he’d then go on to reinstall himself into the life. So, I just have to accept it and move on. Because everything else about this was absolutely fantastic.
One element I particularly enjoyed about this book is the main characters’ ages. No youngsters in their twenties here—Smokey is into his fifties, and I’m pretty sure Eliah is into his forties. Both men wear the weight of their years for different reasons and life experiences, but that doesn’t mitigate any of the heat in their encounters. Elements of this romance involve the “opposites attract” trope, except that Smokey and Eliah have more in common at their cores than they do differences in their lifestyles.
Though their connection develops because Eliah is forced into Smokey’s world, Eliah more than holds his own once he gets there. This book is where the overarching plot of this series kicks off, dealing with ghosts from Smokey’s past, and I’m more than invested in the larger picture. This book does not end in a cliffhanger (unless you count the details revealed for another potential romantic pairing), but I know Smokey and Eliah are in it together for the long haul no matter what the villain tries to throw at them next.
June 16, 2021
Backfire is the second book in the Broken Chains MC, a contemporary romance with dark and gritty themes and plot elements. This book could be read as a standalone, but this book would make more sense if the first book in the series is read prior. There is violence, blood, and everything else you would expect from outlaw motorcycle members.
Smokey is the leader of the Broken Chain MC and the last thing he needs is to become involved with his younger brother’s college professor. But when Eliah’s life is on the line, Smokey will do whatever it takes to keep the other man safe. This premise sets the book up for a lot of angsty, forbidden-love moments, and some intense and dramatic internal character musings. In short, both of these characters have A LOT of baggage and they continue to trip over this emotional baggage as they stumble their way into a solid relationship with each other. At times it can be frustrating, but the passionate and steamy intimate moments make it worth it. The series plot really starts to heat up, and we learn more about Hydra, Smokey’s enemy from his previous life. I really enjoyed the climax of the action and how Eliah took on danger despite the odds.
The audiobook was narrated by Logan Anare who did a great job. Logan voiced Smokey perfectly and I really enjoyed his smooth narration that made listening to the audiobook really enjoyable.
Smokey is the leader of the Broken Chain MC and the last thing he needs is to become involved with his younger brother’s college professor. But when Eliah’s life is on the line, Smokey will do whatever it takes to keep the other man safe. This premise sets the book up for a lot of angsty, forbidden-love moments, and some intense and dramatic internal character musings. In short, both of these characters have A LOT of baggage and they continue to trip over this emotional baggage as they stumble their way into a solid relationship with each other. At times it can be frustrating, but the passionate and steamy intimate moments make it worth it. The series plot really starts to heat up, and we learn more about Hydra, Smokey’s enemy from his previous life. I really enjoyed the climax of the action and how Eliah took on danger despite the odds.
The audiobook was narrated by Logan Anare who did a great job. Logan voiced Smokey perfectly and I really enjoyed his smooth narration that made listening to the audiobook really enjoyable.
October 13, 2022
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I’m a sucker for a tortured soul. A Smokey is definitely that. Haunted by his past with the Motorcycle Club he grew up in, he’s tried to be something different for Club he’s created, the Broken Chains. Something better.
Now part of his past has shown up to torture him. Not only are the people he cares about in danger, but so is a Professor who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now he has to protect them all while trying not to fall for the very tempting man, Eliah, who is equal parts brave and stubborn. They are opposites, and their lives are very different, but somewhere in there is love and safety.
Backfire gives you everything it promises. Action, suspense, and beautifully flawed characters. MCs live by their own rules, but it doesn’t mean you won’t fall in love with them. These men looking for a family to matter to.
Logan Anare was the narrator for the audiobook. It was my first one of his. I kinda wish it had two narrators (that’s generally my preference), he does a solid job are capturing both the story and the characters.
I’m a sucker for a tortured soul. A Smokey is definitely that. Haunted by his past with the Motorcycle Club he grew up in, he’s tried to be something different for Club he’s created, the Broken Chains. Something better.
Now part of his past has shown up to torture him. Not only are the people he cares about in danger, but so is a Professor who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now he has to protect them all while trying not to fall for the very tempting man, Eliah, who is equal parts brave and stubborn. They are opposites, and their lives are very different, but somewhere in there is love and safety.
Backfire gives you everything it promises. Action, suspense, and beautifully flawed characters. MCs live by their own rules, but it doesn’t mean you won’t fall in love with them. These men looking for a family to matter to.
Logan Anare was the narrator for the audiobook. It was my first one of his. I kinda wish it had two narrators (that’s generally my preference), he does a solid job are capturing both the story and the characters.
June 24, 2021
The Biker and the Professor (an audio review)
I enjoyed the first book in this new series and so happily nabbed the second one. Have to say I’m glad I did. I love damaged heroes and Smokey definitely falls into that category. He’ll do anything for his younger brother including challenging doddering old professors who take advantage of young men. Except Eliah isn’t a doddering old man. No, he’s a damn attractive younger man who catches Smokey’s attention. Things get hot, but the men decide the relationship shouldn’t veer in that direction. Back to distance. Until Eliah’s life is threatened. Then Smokey’s all in.
Eliah was injured as a teenager, and although he’s independent, he’s also not in fighting shape. His mind is his weapon of choice, and the threats to his life have to be taken seriously. When push comes to shove, though, he’ll protect those he loves. Loving the head of motorcycle club isn’t easy, but then he’s never taken the easy path, so why start now? The men were meant to be together. An there is another book in the series and I’m looking forward to it.
I mentioned Logan Anare in my last review and I’ll do it again. He’s a new narrator to me and I enjoyed his performance tremendously. Can’t wait for the next book.
I enjoyed the first book in this new series and so happily nabbed the second one. Have to say I’m glad I did. I love damaged heroes and Smokey definitely falls into that category. He’ll do anything for his younger brother including challenging doddering old professors who take advantage of young men. Except Eliah isn’t a doddering old man. No, he’s a damn attractive younger man who catches Smokey’s attention. Things get hot, but the men decide the relationship shouldn’t veer in that direction. Back to distance. Until Eliah’s life is threatened. Then Smokey’s all in.
Eliah was injured as a teenager, and although he’s independent, he’s also not in fighting shape. His mind is his weapon of choice, and the threats to his life have to be taken seriously. When push comes to shove, though, he’ll protect those he loves. Loving the head of motorcycle club isn’t easy, but then he’s never taken the easy path, so why start now? The men were meant to be together. An there is another book in the series and I’m looking forward to it.
I mentioned Logan Anare in my last review and I’ll do it again. He’s a new narrator to me and I enjoyed his performance tremendously. Can’t wait for the next book.
February 18, 2021
Beautiful and moving
I almost don't have any words. Every time I think EM Lindsey has peaked, the next book is always better.
Backfire works perfectly as an extension of the series' running plotline about the trials faced by the Broken Chains MC; you can feel the tension creeping up slowly and constantly, and whilst some is dispelled at the climax of this story, it's still there, humming beneath the surface, waiting to continue into the next book.
Smokey is like a stray dog who has only know violence: desperate for kindness but so gun shy that kindness feels like a sort of violence in itself. Eliah has a perfectly fine life, a safe life; it is what it is, and what it isn't, is a life of violence or dubious morality.
These two men see each other so clearly, and it's beautiful to watch them move into each other's orbit and get stuck there, like magnets. Smokey especially seems unable to see himself as worthy of love and the way Eliah just kinda lets him be, in a way that slowly coaxes out his trust and love is really special.
I had to stop myself from highlighting every third paragraph, because each sentence is perfectly balanced and aching with meaning; no word is misplaced or ill-fitting, and nothing feels forced, the words flowing and bending with the plot so harmoniously.
You need to read book 1 of the Broken Chains series to really make the most of this book, and please take care if you're triggered by violence or discussions of past abuse.
I received an ARC and have chosen to leave an honest review.
I almost don't have any words. Every time I think EM Lindsey has peaked, the next book is always better.
Backfire works perfectly as an extension of the series' running plotline about the trials faced by the Broken Chains MC; you can feel the tension creeping up slowly and constantly, and whilst some is dispelled at the climax of this story, it's still there, humming beneath the surface, waiting to continue into the next book.
Smokey is like a stray dog who has only know violence: desperate for kindness but so gun shy that kindness feels like a sort of violence in itself. Eliah has a perfectly fine life, a safe life; it is what it is, and what it isn't, is a life of violence or dubious morality.
These two men see each other so clearly, and it's beautiful to watch them move into each other's orbit and get stuck there, like magnets. Smokey especially seems unable to see himself as worthy of love and the way Eliah just kinda lets him be, in a way that slowly coaxes out his trust and love is really special.
I had to stop myself from highlighting every third paragraph, because each sentence is perfectly balanced and aching with meaning; no word is misplaced or ill-fitting, and nothing feels forced, the words flowing and bending with the plot so harmoniously.
You need to read book 1 of the Broken Chains series to really make the most of this book, and please take care if you're triggered by violence or discussions of past abuse.
I received an ARC and have chosen to leave an honest review.
February 20, 2021
More great characters (and violence)
I care about the members of the broken chains. I want to see them find happiness — though happiness has a lot of qualifiers in their world.
Smokey & Eliah are the first characters with the “I am immediately drawn to you, and that is why I am trying to stay away” that felt legitimate. Both could see that the right thing to to would to never see each other. But fate has other plans. Their story is a strong one. And I do want to know what happens with Rorey, Nate, Kicks, Jude, Hawke...
I don’t exactly understand why these men want to be in an MC. All of these men have darkness in their past, so they don’t feel like they belong on the “right” side of the law...but they also don’t want to act like their precious MCs. Once all these old vendettas are dealt with, what is the Broken Chains mission? They all seem like nice guys. What is their income?
I care about the members of the broken chains. I want to see them find happiness — though happiness has a lot of qualifiers in their world.
Smokey & Eliah are the first characters with the “I am immediately drawn to you, and that is why I am trying to stay away” that felt legitimate. Both could see that the right thing to to would to never see each other. But fate has other plans. Their story is a strong one. And I do want to know what happens with Rorey, Nate, Kicks, Jude, Hawke...
I don’t exactly understand why these men want to be in an MC. All of these men have darkness in their past, so they don’t feel like they belong on the “right” side of the law...but they also don’t want to act like their precious MCs. Once all these old vendettas are dealt with, what is the Broken Chains mission? They all seem like nice guys. What is their income?
February 20, 2021
A great addition to the series
Knowing Smokey was a tortured soul, unhappy with his previous life working under his father, he knows he doesn't want to be the same Prez for Broken Chains. He has a lot to think about; his brother Rory and how it went down with Gunner and Logan. Just to say, you really should read Tidal Wave before this one to gain insight into what has happened and why Smokey feels as he does.
This isn't your usual MC book, Smokey wants his brothers but not the violence that usually comes with a club, it's a sanctuary for the damaged members and prospects, as you'll see throughout this story. Eliah broke down his defences one by one and was a good match for him, not backing down when things got difficult.
I loved their interactions and the way they were drawn to each other even if they were from different walks of life.
I am truly excited for the next one in the series and can't wait to read it
Knowing Smokey was a tortured soul, unhappy with his previous life working under his father, he knows he doesn't want to be the same Prez for Broken Chains. He has a lot to think about; his brother Rory and how it went down with Gunner and Logan. Just to say, you really should read Tidal Wave before this one to gain insight into what has happened and why Smokey feels as he does.
This isn't your usual MC book, Smokey wants his brothers but not the violence that usually comes with a club, it's a sanctuary for the damaged members and prospects, as you'll see throughout this story. Eliah broke down his defences one by one and was a good match for him, not backing down when things got difficult.
I loved their interactions and the way they were drawn to each other even if they were from different walks of life.
I am truly excited for the next one in the series and can't wait to read it
June 19, 2021
Smokey is really trying to leave his more violent past behind him but it's hard when your past comes right back up and bites you in the a**. Not only is a dead man in an alley from a rival gang a problem trying to be pinned on his club, but the only civilian eyewitness is one of his biggest weaknesses, Eliah. Now he has to keep Eliah safe while trying to keep his hands and heart off Eliah. Not easy when Eliah wants Smokey just as much. It's a twisted tale as not only these 2 but the other club members and Eliah's brother try to stay safe and eliminate the enemy. Quite a journey for Smokey and Eliah with an HEA for them but still a lot unresolved that makes me anxious for the next one in the series. The narrator did a good job with the characters and the story. I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this audio book.
February 21, 2021
Realistic
I'm loving this series and looking forward to reading all the stories. I hope their are stories for the rabbi and kick? Nate and Rory? And I hope gunner and Logan gets married as well as professor and Aaron. I just love of all these characters have flaws, and are people that we know, or just people that we see going about our daily lives and you wonder what there stories are. I'm just glad someone was able to break away from the norm of the perfect functioning guy, to a guy that isn't so perfect but can find love even without being perfect. Because realistically? Perfection on the outside doesn't mean perfection on the inside. So thanks for stepping away from the (norm) and giving us a dose of reality!
I'm loving this series and looking forward to reading all the stories. I hope their are stories for the rabbi and kick? Nate and Rory? And I hope gunner and Logan gets married as well as professor and Aaron. I just love of all these characters have flaws, and are people that we know, or just people that we see going about our daily lives and you wonder what there stories are. I'm just glad someone was able to break away from the norm of the perfect functioning guy, to a guy that isn't so perfect but can find love even without being perfect. Because realistically? Perfection on the outside doesn't mean perfection on the inside. So thanks for stepping away from the (norm) and giving us a dose of reality!
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