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Soren

I am the broken son.

The soulless brother.

I live in a world of power and twisted corruption that toys with life and death. I fear nothing except losing My Little Mouse. She’s my obsession.

She likes to run, and I enjoy the chase. But now there’s a serial killer chasing what’s mine. If they touch her, I’ll make sure they suffer. They have no idea the destruction I'll unleash.

I’ll rip their soul from their body, and then feed their corpse to Allison.

Mors tua vita mea est. Your death, my life.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2022

30 people are currently reading
270 people want to read

About the author

Gail Haris

29 books1,713 followers

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Gail Haris loves blending romance out of life's everyday chaos. Stories filled with humor, steam, and moments of sweetness, along with suspense and twists.

Fueled by coffee and a wild imagination, Gail writes in a variety of genres including romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and new adult/coming of age romance.

Gail enjoys living in a small town in Southeast Missouri, and then taking adventures all over the world with her two fierce princesses and Boo Bear, who is her ultimate real-life book boyfriend.

When she’s not getting into mischief or scheming with her two girls, she’s busy coming up with crazy scenarios for her characters. Hopefully by following her dream, she can be an example to her daughters that their dreams can become a reality.

"Never stop believing in love, dreams, and yourself. And coffee…don’t give up on coffee and books."

Learn more at gailharis.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Nancy.
242 reviews42 followers
October 12, 2022
Thank you @authorashtonbrooks and @authorgailharis for the opportunity to read the arc for the 2nd book in this series ♥️

"Two smoking hot, slightly crazed, alpha males want you. This is what every romance book reading junkie dreams about. You’re living the dream, girl!”

Let me start off by saying that this was completely off the realm of what I usually read but it did not disappoint! It mixed perfectly the romance with the mystery and I gotta say, I still can't tell if I'm for or against the roomies friendship 🤣 And can we talk about the fandom this series has introduced me to? I don't think there's any turning back after this, slow burning to hand holding isn't gonna do it for me anymore 🙈

Read this series if you want:
🔥A steamy why-choose romance.
😈Dark romance.
😏All the suspense.
🖤Dark academy.

I absolutely cannot wait until the next book comes out!!
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
October 12, 2022
Smoke the Enemy by Gail Haris & Ashton Brooks is book Two in The Illicit Brotherhood Series. This is the story of Taylor, Soren and Steffan that started in Pledge Your Loyalty. So, you will need to read that book before starting this one. This series has so much with suspense and hotness from the Alpha leads. Its been a page turning series and I can't wait for more to come.
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,234 reviews613 followers
October 16, 2022
3.5 stars

According to my Goodreads history, I didn’t like the first book in this series but I recently read Aston Brooks’s latest new series, The Bedroom Tour, and since I loved that book, I wanted to give this book a try.
Smoke the Enemy is definitely so much better than the first book. It was violent, intense with so much mystery and suspense. The chemistry is between the characters was really hot too.
I for one, am looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Basak.
762 reviews42 followers
October 20, 2022
The Illicit Brotherhood series is getting even more intriguing and intense in Smoke The Enemy if you can believe it! I was at the edge of my seat every.single.chapter😱. The suspense, the mystery, the horrendous murders, they all add up mixed with secrets upon secrets making this series the best romantic suspense/thriller ever! Trying to figure out who’s behind all the murders kept me glued to my seat and had me hiding incognito in my own house so I won’t be discovered by my fam🤣. Furthermore, I am still reeling from the last scene in the final chapter, and knowing I have to wait a while to see what will happen next is pure t0rture😩 On a highly positive note, the intimate scenes were hot beyond nuclear level. Imagine a ménage a trois with obnoxiously hawt identical twins! Need I say more? 🔥🔥🔥 Definitely a one-click series!
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,416 reviews274 followers
October 10, 2023
This book is mostly all about Soren and Taylor but of course Steffan is still there. And they are still working out the dynamics of their relationship. But with Alex coming back in the picture and being of the founding families kinda puts a wrench in all their plans. But their is also still a killer on the loose. And he's picked up a different kind of sick signature but still hunting the brotherhood and it seems like Taylor. But the sparks between Steffan, Soren, and Taylor are off the charts!! And I am all for it! And I am ready to find all these killers and stalkers and trouble makers!!! 4.5 stars- Tina



This dark romance has suspense, steam, secrets, action, and some hot alphas! This is book 2 of The Illicit Brotherhood and I would definitely recommend reading the 1st book before this. This story for Taylor, Steffan, and Soren started in book one and you get to continue on to see the relationships. I need the next book ASAP because that cliffhanger left me wanting to throw my phone lol.- Jac
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,802 reviews401 followers
October 13, 2022
3.5 stars

Smoke The Enemy by Ashton Brooks and Gail Harris is the second book in the Illicit Brotherhood series. This new adult enemies to lovers college romance was fast paced, action packed, insanely hot and full of twisted characters. It ends with a major cliffhanger that will make you want next book immediately.

Taylor's life has been a mess in college. Her relationship with the Carmichael twins who are in the powerful secret society called Illicit Brotherhood..her abusive ex who has resurfaced and who is also part of the Brotherhood.. The murders happening in campus..she is all over the place. The secrets are getting even more complex here.

This story is an endless line of twists and turns. While I am low grade obsessed with both Soren and Steffan..obviously I love Soren a tiny bit more as he is the dark twin. The unhinged reckless dangerous explosive one. Steffan has his own edgy personality but he is a lot balanced than Soren. He is the president of the Brotherhood and he has a lot of responsibilities. The enemy is targeting them and he is under a lot of pressure. Taylor is a source of solace for both of them. She is very scared and anxious and confused right now. Her heart is messy because her feelings are all over the place. She feels that she may be in mortal danger. The secret society is not for the soft hearts. It is all about violence, conspiracies, power plays and mind games. And everyone is a pawn. The story will keep you on edge as the twists hit one after another. And just when I thought we are closer to the truth, the crazy cliffhanger ending came. It was spicy and fierce.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Margareada_7.
237 reviews13 followers
October 13, 2022
Bloody, sexy & in-freaking-tense, this was everything I wanted!

Smoke The Enemy picks up immediately where Pledge Your Loyalty ended, which had me on the ground! I was already captivated by Taylor and the Carmichael twins but this took it to another level! Every suspense filled page made my jaw drop a little lower until the end sent me completely over the edge with that cliffhanger. Like what in the actual f?! So many twists, absolutely no one is safe and I am dying for what happens next!

Forget alpha males, Steffan and Soren are apex predators. They are the kind of guys wet dreams are made of with their panty melting dirty talk and possessive af nature. Taylor is a lucky girl- I'd happily take a blue tie off her hands. Speaking of blue ties, the spice level was off the charts! Seriously some of the hottest scenes I've read.

This series is illicit in all the best ways!
Profile Image for Amanda Davanzati.
690 reviews25 followers
October 12, 2022
Okay, I need the next book, IMMEDIATELY! I am so invested in this series, it’s crazy, my mind is blown!

These authors know how to write suspense! Smoke The Enemy is a dark suspenseful read that will have you questioning everything. I love seeing these characters try to solve the mysteries happening in their life as well as balancing their personal relationships. It is exciting and thrilling and steamy! The heat between the twins and Taylor! Let me tell you, I like a twin sandwich! It is seriously a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. These authors capture the emotions of the characters wonderful and don’t hold back anything.

I’m definitely loving the way these authors are taking this world! I am so ready for more and can’t wait to dive into more craziness. I fully recommend this book! Definitely start with Pledge Your Loyalty but dive right in!
1,572 reviews27 followers
October 14, 2022
This has become a #WhyChoose book because Taylor wants them both - twins Soren & Steffan.
Identical in looks and opposites in personality but both damn well addictive!!!

They're still surrounded by danger, someone is out to destroy all to do with the Illicit and there are a few suspects! Each time they think they know who is the cause of it all, something else happens and they're back to square one!
It seems there's more than one culprit but are they ever going to find him/them?!?....

A good read, there's a definite connection between Tay and each of the guys, it kept me reading and I'm looking forward to reading more!

It does end with a cliffhanger but a good read!





*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review 3.5/4stars
Profile Image for Summerlynn83_reads.
767 reviews7 followers
October 12, 2022
Well dang, this book brought even more suspense, heat and more questions!
I swear I spent half of this book with my jaw on the floor because I couldn’t believe what was exposed and the other half I was either yelling at my kindle or fanning my face. And I definitely wasn’t expecting to get caught up in my feels but darn if I didn’t do that a time or two as well. This dynamic duo surprised me once again with this hot and steamy rollercoaster ride and has me sitting here already begging for more!
Profile Image for Kristin.
989 reviews
October 13, 2022
Smoke The Enemy picks up where Pledge Your Loyalty left off. These ladies upped their suspense factor in this continuation. I liked that we got more insight to Soren’s personality, and I think I’m figuring out who’s involved in these tragedies. I loved Taylor and Soren’s growing connection. The authors definitely brought the suspense, steamy moments and action in this book. Can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for AmyLynn.
1,000 reviews21 followers
October 13, 2022
This is book #2 in the Illicit Brotherhood series and it continues where Pledge Your Loyalty left off. It's the perfect mix of suspense and romance and has so many twists and turns I wasn't expecting. There is so much heat in this book. I absolutely loved seeing the connection grow between Soren and Taylor. There are so many feels!!! I have some guesses on who the killer may be. But that Cliffy we were left with had me screaming for the next book ASAP!!!
1,243 reviews18 followers
October 9, 2022
Wow such a fantastic book. The authors that co write these books write so well together. Such a rollercoaster ride full of suspense and intensity. I love Taylor, Soren and Steffan's relationship, so much smoking hot chemistry. These authors love to keep you on your toes trying to figure out who the villain is. They want you to believe Alex is the villain but is it truly him. I guess we will have to wait to see. They all had such horrific childhoods that molded them into the people they are whether it be good or bad. Can not wait to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book but definitely start with the first one first.
Profile Image for XxnightxowlxX74.
1,201 reviews8 followers
October 25, 2022
Who is it?…

Soren, Steffan and Taylor are still dealing with a killer. More people die and more get added to the suspects list. This book had lots of action in it but also tons of suspense.
The twins are determined to keep Taylor safe no matter what.
I’m not sure where this series is going but I’m along for the ride!
Definitely need answers about who and why?
Profile Image for Jennifer.
543 reviews22 followers
October 15, 2022
Soren is everything!
Twins
A serial killer
Allison!
Seriously book two is amazing!
If you haven’t read this book, what are you waiting for?
Profile Image for Laura Fabian.
644 reviews54 followers
October 12, 2022
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

⚠️May contain spoilers for the first book in the series⚠️


I can't believe the way Gail Haris & Ashton Brooks overcame EVERYTHING that happened on Pledge Your Loyalty with this book! The plot of The Illicit Brotherhood keeps getting better and better, much more twisted and with many more questions than answers so far, plus I loved reading from Soren's point of view because he's my favorite Carmichael and together with Taylor & Steffan they exceeded all my expectations.

Definitely one of my favorite things was getting to know a lot more about Soren, especially the reason for his behavior, what's behind the hatred he has towards his dad and how important Taylor & Steffan are to him . I love that slight darkness in her character and the obsession he has with Taylor, how he's capable of anything to protect her and tries it every time she is in danger, but best of all was learning the unexpected connection he has with another member of The Illicit, and how that's a big part of who Soren is as a person, a twist that I didn't see coming, and that I was very shocked to discover. I also have to say that I fell in love with him much more because of that tenderness and flirtatiousness that he always reveals with Taylor, the way he annoys Lee and how he makes Steffan suffer a little with his impulsiveness and wishes to be close to his Little Mouse all the time.

Another thing that really surprised me about this book was that even though it's told from Soren & Taylor's points of view, the authors let me in on a LOT MORE about Steffan too - it broke a bit my heart all the pressure he's under with the frat stuff & The Illicit, especially in the later chapters. I LOVED knowing that he is not this perfect golden boy that I read about in Pledge Your Loyalty, that he also fights in his own way against his dad's tyranny and that, like Soren, he is willing to do everything for the two people he loves most in the world.

Taylor is still a sweet, tender and charming girl, but in Smoke The Enemy she showed a much braver, stronger and more determined side, which I hope will continue to grow in the next book because this is my favorite Taylor. Also, I really liked that the growth of her character is even more present in the constant doubts she has about his relationship with Soren & Steffan and the way they live their love, the constant struggle she faces to be herself and separate from the life she had before, and how she tries not to fall back into Alex's manipulations.

Who, without a doubt, gave an amazing twist to the plot of this series, leaving me with many doubts, but also giving me an atmosphere of suspense and mystery that I don't usually enjoy, but that these two authors wrote in the most perfect and captivating way. Also much bloodier because the murders in this book continue, but are now much more specific, violent and cause Soren, Steffan & Taylor to constantly change their minds about their possible suspects, plus Lee, Jose & Kali are characters with a bigger role in the plot and I'm falling in love with all three! I'm dying to know what's going to happen with Lee, if he and Kali had something, or are going to have it, and to know much more about Jose, so I can't wait to read the next book because the ending also surpassed, by far , the one from the first book.

🩸Soren: 5/5
🩸Taylor: 5/5
🩸Steffan: 5/5
🩸Plot: 5/5
🩸Love Story: 5/5
🩸Secondary Characters: 5/5
🩸Universe: 5/5
🩸Cover: 5/5 😍
🌶️: 4/5

🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

⚠️Puede contener spoilers del primer libro en la serie⚠️


No puedo creer la manera en la que Gail Haris & Ashton Brooks superaron TODO lo que pasó en Pledge Your Loyalty con este libro! La trama de The Illicit Brotherhood se sigue poniendo cada vez mejor, mucho más retorcida y con muchas más preguntas que respuestas, por lo menos hasta ahora, además me encantó leer desde el punto de vista de Soren porque es mi Carmichael favorito y junto a Taylor & Steffan superaron todas mis expectativas.

Definitivamente una de mis cosas favoritas fue conocer mucho más de Soren, especialmente el porque de su comportamiento, qué hay detrás del odio que tiene hacia su papá y lo importantes que son para él Taylor & Steffan. Me encanta esa ligera oscuridad que hay en su personaje y la obsesión que tiene con Taylor, como es capaz de cualquier cosa por protegerla y lo intenta cada vez que ella esta en peligro, pero lo mejor de todo fue conocer la conexión inesperada que tiene con otro de los miembros de Illicit, y como eso es un gran parte de como es Soren como persona, un giro que no veía venir, y que me impactó mucho descubrir. También tengo que decir que me enamoré mucho más de él por esa ternura y coquetería que siempre deja ver con Taylor, la manera en la que molesta a Lee y como hace sufrir un poco a Steffan con su impulsividad y deseos de estar cerca de su Little Mouse.

Otra cosa que realmente me sorprendió de este libro fue que, a pesar de que está contado desde los puntos de vista de Soren & Taylor, las autoras me dejaron conocer MUCHO MÁS de Steffan también: me rompió un poco el corazón toda la presión bajo la que está con los asuntos de la fraternidad & The Illicit, especialmente en los últimos capítulos. AMÉ saber que no es este golden boy perfecto que leí en Pledge Your Loyalty, que también lucha a su propia manera contra la tiranía de su papá y que, al igual que Soren, está dispuesto a hacer todo por las dos personas que más ama en el mundo.

Taylor sigue siendo una chica dulce, tierna y encantadora, pero en Smoke The Enemy mostró un lado mucho más valiente, fuerte y decidido, que espero que siga creciendo en el siguiente libro porque ésta es mi Taylor favorita. Además, me gustó mucho que el crecimiento de su personaje esté aún más presente en las dudas constantes que tiene sobre su relación con Soren & Steffan y la manera en la que viven su amor, la lucha constante que enfrenta para ser ella misma y separarse de la vida que tenía antes y como intenta no volver a caer en las manipulaciones de Alex.

Quien, sin lugar a dudas, le dio un giro maravilloso a la trama de esta serie, dejándome muchas dudas, pero también dándome un ambiente de suspenso y misterio que no suelo disfrutar, pero que estas dos autoras escribieron de la manera más perfecta y cautivadora posible. También mucho más sangrienta porque los asesinatos en este libro siguen, pero ahora son mucho más específicos, violentos y hacen que Soren, Steffan & Taylor cambien constantemente de opinión sobre sus posibles sospechosos, además Lee, Jose & Kali son personajes con un papel más grande en la trama y me estoy enamorando mucho de los tres! Me muero por saber qué va a pasar con Lee, si el y Kali tuvieron algo, o van a tenerlo, y por saber mucho más de Jose, así que no puedo esperar a leer el siguiente libro porque el final también superó, y por mucho, el del primer libro.

🩸Soren: 5/5
🩸Taylor: 5/5
🩸Steffan: 5/5
🩸Trama: 5/5
🩸Historia de amor: 5/5
🩸Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🩸Universo: 5/5
🩸Portada: 5/5😍
🌶️: 4/5
Profile Image for Ally .
400 reviews30 followers
July 22, 2023
*ARC Review*

This is a dark and twisted secret society/mafiaish college romance and is book two in the series. Like book one (Pledge Your Loyalty), this has a great mystery/suspense element of the story, it definitely keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. Loved how this books delves further into it, while giving you some resolutions, but keeping you guessing on others. The relationship between the three main characters (Stefan, Soren and Taylor) is fascinating and complex and adds such an interesting dynamic to the story, as they each navigate their own relationships with each other, while also trying to survive! If you like forbidden/taboo (MFM with twin brothers) dark romance, would definitely recommend!

(Was glad this book had less snakes in it than the first cause ugh, so creepy).
Profile Image for Christie.
105 reviews55 followers
March 9, 2024
This dark bully/college romance is the second in the illicit brotherhood series. This book follows Soren and Taylor, two college students who have found themselves caught up in a murder on campus. The story follows these two providing lots of spice and suspense that you find yourself needing more. I cannot recommend this book/series enough. Can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you to Ashton Brooks, Gail Haris and team for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Renee.
5,219 reviews73 followers
October 13, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

SOREN
I am the broken son. The soulless brother. I live in a world of power and twisted corruption that toys with life and death. I fear nothing expect losing My Little Mouse. She's my obsession. She likes to run, and I enjoy the chase. But now there's a serial killer chasing what's mine. If they touch her I'll make sure they suffer. They have no idea the destruction I'll unleash. I'll rip their soul from their body, and then feed their corpse to Allison. Mors tau vita mea est. Your death, my life.

I was so excited to get this book in my hands. I devoured and loved Pledge Your Loyalty that Ashton Brooks and Gail Harris wrote together and I just knew that this book would be just as good too. It was amazing and I devoured it. This is a dark romance. You should heed the warnings in the beginning of the book. It might contain triggers for some readers. I read a lot of romantic suspense and dark romance and I am telling y'all now that if you miss this book you are missing something absolutely amazing. This is the second book in the Illicit Brotherhood and I highly suggest you read Pledge Your Loyalty as the plot carries though to this book too.
This is the story of Soren Carmichael and Taylor and Steffan. You are going to fall in love with Soren and we really get to know a lot about him in this book. I don't even know if I know how to review this book and not give something away. This story is twisted and you are going to have even more questions than you do answers reading this book. Reading from Soren's point of view is absolutely amazing. He carries around this deep hatred for his father and his actions are going to be things that you understand so much better. He is also obsessed with Taylor and you will find out exactly why. The man is going to protect her and he is more than capable because there is not a doubt that she is in a lot of danger. There just might be a huge twist you will never see coming in this book. But I loved all the connections in this book so much. You met Steffan in Pledge Your Allegiance and I have to say that I loved getting to know him even better and finding out that he isn't just some spoiled super popular frat boy in this book. I could have spent forever in this book. I am so addicted to this series. After all there is a big who is doing it in the form of a serial killer and again you will think you are figuring things out and then bam. What you think you thought you knew was not right at all. I loved when a book sucks me in and keeps me on the edge of my seat and guessing. You do not want to miss this book. I could go on and on about it but then I might spoil something for you and I would never want to do that. Go. Run. Grab this book and become just as hooked as I am. Ashton Brook and Gail Harris are pure writing magic!!
Profile Image for Midnight.
439 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2025
Trigger Warnings: Murder (graphic), attempted murder (graphic), torture (graphic), pedophilia (mentions guy looked at kid porn), child abuse (kid forced to murder someone, parent hits kid), PTSD, anxiety, panic attack, car accident, stalking, kidnapping, mafia stuff, choking (sexual and otherwise), skinning, feeding people to alligator, I'm sure there's more...this is pretty dark

If the last book was too dark for you, you really shouldn't read this one. It's just as graphic, if not worse.

This is smut, not romance. There's tons of sex but not a whole lot of relationship or love going on, in case that's what you were after.

This is still a "why choose" romance since she's having sex with the two brothers (yes at the same time). But there is a dream in there where many dudes are involved so it was a reverse harem there for a second.

This one has a lot more F-up moments than the last one did. There were a couple of times when I really wanted to B-slap the FMC. She's literally terrified of her ex, Alex, and yet when he starts licking blood off her face, she asks him to cut her. What the actual H? She constantly says she needs to get stronger and that no one is going to take advantage of her anymore, and yet she's constantly the victim. She does stand up for herself and succeeds twice in the book, so I'll give her that. Again, though, the guys were my favorite characters. This one is from Soren and Taylor's point of view this time, so that was fun.

The story is pretty much the same as last time. College life is chaos for the bible thumper because murder is happening all around her and she doesn't seem to notice. Luckily, there are some breaks for her to go on, so she finally has a mental breakdown about it. Her ex is now in the picture and trying to convince her he's the good guy. Her two guys are constantly in and out of the picture due to their work with the fraternity. She keeps saying she's going to figure out who the murderer is and it never occurs to her it might be ____. Sigh. Her parents are trying to convince her to date the psychopath while the boys' dad is calling them useless and threatening to kill Taylor. Good times.

The sex scenes in this one were much more graphic and risque than the last one. There was oral, regular, anal, all the num nums. They mentioned blood play but there isn't any in here.

I'm still not sure why this and the first book couldn't have been combined to make one solid book, but whatever. I'm looking forward to the next one since this one didn't give us any answers.
Profile Image for Christy Davisson.
778 reviews18 followers
October 13, 2022
Mysterious Happenings, Secret Society, Twists & Turns, and So Much More! This is the Perfect book to get Lost In from the Start!

Oh where to start with this book! Firstly these two authors can write a steamy, dark suspenseful romance like no other. It's was captivating and suspenseful with a ton of twists and turns to an epic cliffhanger that will have you screaming for more!! Omg I was pulled in and didn't want to stop once I started this one, so make sure you are free once you start, because you definitely won't want to stop or adult with this one. I loved the angst and the suspense mixed with all the spicy goodness to make this second book in the series unputdownable! Check the TW on this one if you have any sensitivity.

Oh those Carmichael twins are the best and I was loving the POV of Soren this time around. I craved his brand of hot alpha, slightly crazied possessiveness he brings. He is one that you will definitely want more of as the story progresses. You see why he is the way he is and his obsession with his "little mouse" and how he loves and fights for both his brother and Taylor. His darkness is one I loved but the tender side was pure perfection!

Taylor has had some serious character growth in this book. She's starting to have more of her own voice and letting herself move to the darker side when she's with Soren. I loved seeing her letting herself stand up to them all a bit more and trying to get answers only to find more questions along the way.

I had the extreme pleasure of reading this book early and it did not disappoint at all! All I can say is if you want a book that brings all the feels and a mystery of who done it vibes this is it. This series is absolutely perfect and I can't wait for more of it! Suspense, Spice, and Twists that has your mind working overtime to process everything you are reading. Just do yourself a favor and ONE CLICK THIS SERIES RIGHT NOW! Hands down one of my favorites I have read so far! I need the next book ASAP!
Profile Image for Denise Hoover.
823 reviews
October 14, 2022
Are you ready for dark and steamy? Because this has all you need and more in book two of the Illicit Brotherhood series.

Please take heed to the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, because this is not for the faint of heart.

Speaking of hearts, mine is still beating so fast! I need more of this series! We get answers from the last book, but we also add more questions from this book. What’s going to happen next? Where will the story take us? That’s what I kept asking myself. And as I thought it’d go one way, it went way opposite. True Gail & Ashton fashion.

Taylor is trying to navigate this new college life between Alex, Soren, and Steffan. Does the infamous blue tie that Alex gave Taylor mean she’s his forever? Or is there a way for her to choose a brother and get their tie instead? She doesn’t want Alex, but there’s some pull to him. Steffan is sweet, Soren is salty. Choosing is hard.

Then there are the murders that keep happening - but they’re off campus now. Who is this Angel Maker? Soren thinks he knows, so does Steffan, but then as always tables turn and they’re questioning themselves all over again. There’s so many moving parts between the brotherhood, the fraternity, and friendships, i questioned each and every character if they were altruistic or not. I’ve got my eye on them all!

I loved the suspense, definitely loved the steamy scenes, and I loved the mystery of it all - that I can’t predict what happens next. I hope we don’t have to wait long to see if Allison is full or not. ;)
Profile Image for Dark and Angsty.
111 reviews13 followers
October 15, 2022
3.75/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶

Smoke The Enemy by Ashton Brooks and Gail Harris is the second book in the Illicit Brotherhood series. This is a dark, new adult college romance that is fast paced, full of suspense and secrets, with no lack of spice. The characters are as twisted as they are hot. How can you go wrong when you have two dangerous alpha twins that won’t make you choose? This book ends on a cliffhanger that will have you wanting book three immediately. In this book, there are a lot of questions that surround a killer targeting people on campus, the Illicit Brotherhood society, and the mystery behind who is stalking Taylor (besides Soren).

I need to start by saying that I came into this story without knowing there was a book one. That being said, I got thrown right into the action, suspense, and romance. With the way the authors wrote Smoke the Enemy, I did not find myself getting lost and trying to figure out what was going on. That ending, though, had me on the edge of my seat and dying to know what happens next. I will be going back to the book 1, Pledge Your Loyalty, because I want to see how Taylor the Carmichael twins, relationship got to where it is, and maybe i’ll have more of an understanding of the mystery that is her ex, Alex.

I could not get enough of the Soren, Steffan, and Taylor. Since I fully don't know much about Alex, I selfishly hope he joins her group of guys, but considering Sorens involvement with Alex’s past I don't know if it is possible. I will definitely be reading book 3 as soon as it is out.
907 reviews13 followers
October 13, 2022
I didn't think this book could be more intense then the first book but I would be wrong! This was dark, raw, and gritty while also being quite emotional. This one starts right where Pledge Your Loyalty ended. Poor Taylor is being terrorized by a killer and her feelings for two brothers. I really liked her in this book, way more than in the first book. She really came into her own and wasn't afraid to stand up for herself. We get a little more insight into the Illicit Brotherhood and the roles expected of Steffan and Soren. While the first book was a little more Steffan based this one was more Soren based and I loved that because he is my favorite. He's so broken and misconceived. I loved getting to see more into his background as to what made him this way. His point of view chapters were my favorite.
This was a thrill ride right from the beginning all the way to the end. It was a real edge of your seat kind of story because who was going to be the next victim? So many questions and a crazy ending have me begging for more! I can't wait for the next book!! I would definitely recommend this one!
Profile Image for Miranda.
437 reviews6 followers
October 16, 2022
4.5 Stars

I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book where I’ve felt completely conflicted on how I, as the reader, should feel.
I shouldn’t be turned on by these twisted events, but yet I am. Why am I?
This had me questioning my choices in books as this isn’t my typical sub-genre. But it may have just opened me up to darker books.

Taylor’s thoughts are a little random at times but that’s just who she is so it’s to be expected.

Illicit Brotherhood leaders, Soren and Steffen are made for Taylor, but an old ex has walked into the picture throwing a wrench in their plans for their Little Mouse.
Even her protectors can’t keep her safe from the killer stalking in the shadows, let alone the ex who strikes fear in our heroine.

Is someone Taylor knows the serial killer?

Will the killer meet their fate in the jaws of Allison?

Skeletons come out of the closet with Book 2. It keeps you intrigued while making you wrack your brain on who the true killer is.

This starts where Book 1 leaves off, highly recommend to read the first before you pick this up. If you don’t mind questioning your own choices and what is right from wrong, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Nanasbookreviews.
1,827 reviews53 followers
October 15, 2022
Smoke the Enemy by Ashton Brooks and Gail Haris is a dark college romance. It's the second book from the Illicit Brotherhood series.

If you haven't read the first book then I suggest you do it right away otherwise this won't make any sense.

The story continues from the scene where Taylor sees her ex-boyfriend Alex and she runs away. She has so many questions, the brothers don't give any answers and the murderer continues killing people outside of campus too. The danger is getting closer to Taylor which drives her into the twins' arms. Will Soren and Steffan save her or will they send her straight to the Angel Maker?

This book gets hotter and darker as it progresses. The mystery is still a big part of the story. We get a few answers but we have lots more to learn. The relationship between the Carmichael twins and Taylor gets more heated. It seems that their Little Mouse has joined the dark side along with them. I can't wait to see what happens next...

I will rate this with 4 stars.
Profile Image for Melissa (honeybee.reads).
1,423 reviews44 followers
October 25, 2022
First off I want to thank @authorashtonbrooks, @gailharrisauthor & @candikanepr for my free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

This series is seriously my life right now. I am so in love and invested in these 3 it's unreal. They are so hot, and blend perfectly together. The second installment in the series definitely doesn't give you one moment to breathe. It's non stop action packed with the darkness I love and once again the steamy scenes are oufff….😏 

Taylor has grown so much and is discovering herself, I am here for it all. The twins what to say, you just can't help and get more attached to them as the story moves on. 

You definitely need to read book one in order to enjoy this second one, since you'll have all the backstory. I loved all the secrets, lies, mystery, darkness, steam, banter, everything about this series is PERFECT ! Once more Harris and Brooks leave you with a major cliffhanger while we wait for book three. 

If you're a want a steamy why-choose, dark romance, suspenseful, twisty, dark academy you need this series! 
Profile Image for Kylie Taylor.
718 reviews23 followers
October 12, 2022
“I’m in love with the villains. That’s why I’m here.”

I received a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review. This is book 2 in The Illicit Brotherhood. This is a dark romance, secret society, college setting. I absolutely love these tropes, and loved this so much. This story hooked me to the very last page , and the cliff hanger at the end…. Im invested and need more stat. There was so much suspense in this book, it was hard to stop and pause at the end of a chapter. I wasn’t expecting these two possessive, alpha MMC to have such a caring side to them, it just added to the allure of this story. There were so many twists and turns, I can’t even anticipate what could possibly be next or how all my questions will be answered. There are many possible triggers in this book, so be sure to check the trigger warning at the beginning of this book. Definitely recommend this series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1,571 reviews11 followers
October 13, 2022
This book is full of intense suspense that will keep you guessing who is unaliving people around Taylor. What a fantastic series so many twists and dark and gritty turns that keep your mind thinking. Soren is the dark twin that was sent away and now back to claim what is his Taylor. I love how intense he is with her but then knows how to show his love for her and be tender and caring. Steffan tries to keep his distance to protect her and to follow the rules of the Illicit Brotherhood. Taylor is finally coming out of her shell and becoming the women she was meant to be, and the twins are helping her along the way. These three are meant for each other in every way. There are still so many questions and secrets that need to come out and who keeps leaving those boxes on Taylors bed. I can't wait to find out because there are some people that just make you question their intensions. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Shyla S.
390 reviews
Read
October 16, 2022
Smoke The Enemy by Ashton Brooks and Gail Harris is the second book in the Illicit Brotherhood series. I devoured book 1 (Pledge Your Loyalty) and could. not . wait for the second book. Fair warning - this is fast paced, action packed with smoking HOT but twisted alpha males. AND it has some big twists and does end in a helluva cliffhanger!

𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = Soren & Steffan Carmichael and Taylor
𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = YES!
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = NO = must read book 1 prior
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Dark Romance ♥ college ♥ Secret Society/Mafia ♥ Enemies to Lovers ♥ Dual POVs ♥ WhyChoose/Reverse Harem ♥ Suspense ♥
𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧(𝙨): Language ♥ Graphic Sexual Content ♥ Murder ♥ Violence ♥ Alligator named Allison
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Smoke The Enemy picks up where book 1 ends... Taylor building her relationship with the Carmichael twins. The boys are under pressure with a threat to the Brotherhood, the Illicit.
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