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Enigma #1
Smoke
Mystery, crime, and grit surrounded his family, often bringing power-hungry enemies right to his doorstep. Never one to back down from any opposition, he often stood victorious. But this new threat is something different and not at all one he is prepared for until an old love comes to save him.
Elijah Lewis aka "Smoke" has to decide what to do with the gift of knowledge he's received. Does he deliver more pain to the people responsible for trying to take him out, or does he take well-meaning advice and get out of this line of work? For people like him, there were only so many places he could go and the top two to jail or to hell.
The Enigma Series is a new crime romance series by Aja. Visit ajathewriter.com to sign up for her newsletter for more updates.
Elijah Lewis aka "Smoke" has to decide what to do with the gift of knowledge he's received. Does he deliver more pain to the people responsible for trying to take him out, or does he take well-meaning advice and get out of this line of work? For people like him, there were only so many places he could go and the top two to jail or to hell.
The Enigma Series is a new crime romance series by Aja. Visit ajathewriter.com to sign up for her newsletter for more updates.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2022
370 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Aja
55 books243 followersWhen it comes to writing passionate Black love that jumps off the page and into readers’ hearts, Aja’s pen is a leader in the game. To date, she’s written and self-published over 30 books that offer an escape into Black love stories that center on sensual, sexy, and erotic experiences. The winner of BRAB's 2020 Beverly Jenkins Author of The Year and 2022 Brenda Jackson Romance of The Year awards uses her life experience and persuasive storytelling talent to construct characters and situations that showcase the best Black love can be and offer. In the pages of her books, you’ll find relatable characters that seduce you with their intense chemistry that Aja seamlessly blends into soul-stirring romances.
The Pittsburgh native is a full-time writer with the mind and patience that allows her to maintain a life of constant study. Life is her biggest teacher. Through self-study and persistent observation of others, Aja finds the human thread that connects us all. That relatability is a recurring tenet of her award-winning books. Time spent reading any of her narratives is underscored by deep feelings of love and connection because love isn’t just her brand; it’s who she is. Black love advocacy is the central theme on every page she writes because Aja believes Black love is shaped and defined by Black people’s many trials and tribulations. Her Black-on-Black characters love the way they do, not because of what they’ve endured, but in spite of it.
Aja doesn’t just write about love; she lives it every day. She’s familiar with the passion, intensity, and sensuality that readers yearn for, and that’s why her books leave a powerful, lasting mark on readers’ minds. To stay updated on the latest reads from her expansive, decorated catalog, join her mailing list:
https://bit.ly/Signup4Aja
The Pittsburgh native is a full-time writer with the mind and patience that allows her to maintain a life of constant study. Life is her biggest teacher. Through self-study and persistent observation of others, Aja finds the human thread that connects us all. That relatability is a recurring tenet of her award-winning books. Time spent reading any of her narratives is underscored by deep feelings of love and connection because love isn’t just her brand; it’s who she is. Black love advocacy is the central theme on every page she writes because Aja believes Black love is shaped and defined by Black people’s many trials and tribulations. Her Black-on-Black characters love the way they do, not because of what they’ve endured, but in spite of it.
Aja doesn’t just write about love; she lives it every day. She’s familiar with the passion, intensity, and sensuality that readers yearn for, and that’s why her books leave a powerful, lasting mark on readers’ minds. To stay updated on the latest reads from her expansive, decorated catalog, join her mailing list:
https://bit.ly/Signup4Aja
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 30, 2023
4/30/2023 - updated for audio
7/19/22 - I saw this on Black Fiction Addiction's social and HAD to read it. Smoke launches Aja’s Enigma series which is a spin-off of her Soulmates series. I haven’t read that (though I really want to now!) and don’t feel like that hindered my enjoyment of Smoke at all.
Dark romantic suspense with older MCs! Along with two of his grown children, Elijah “Smoke” Lewis (60) is running a successful empire. He hasn’t been as fortunate in the romance department. While working to uncover an influx of drugs in his territory, he meets Aaliyah (43) - an undercover reporter investigating the death of her foster sister.
I love the world Aja created here. There’s so much depth and detail, presented in a compelling way. I feel like I know Elijah and was completely smitten despite his dubious moral code. There’s virtually no angst between him & Aaliyah, all of the suspense comes from other people and an unsolved mystery.
While instalove isn’t usually my favorite it totally worked for me here because these two are mature enough to know themselves and what they need from a partner. And they were ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
The secondary characters were just as dynamic. Especially his children, Eli & Sarai. While this book completely covers the arc for Elijah & Aaliyah’s romance to HFN, there’s definitely an ongoing mystery that will weave through the series. I can’t wait for book 2, Maestro.
Narration:
I enjoyed this book when I read it last year and was excited to grab the audio. Winston James and Mari were amazing. What a perfect fit to Aja’s characters and the Enigma world she’s created. Their styles compliment each other and they are terrific at their own character view as well as bringing all the secondary characters to life.
7/2022 - rec from Black Fiction Addiction
7/19/22 - I saw this on Black Fiction Addiction's social and HAD to read it. Smoke launches Aja’s Enigma series which is a spin-off of her Soulmates series. I haven’t read that (though I really want to now!) and don’t feel like that hindered my enjoyment of Smoke at all.
Dark romantic suspense with older MCs! Along with two of his grown children, Elijah “Smoke” Lewis (60) is running a successful empire. He hasn’t been as fortunate in the romance department. While working to uncover an influx of drugs in his territory, he meets Aaliyah (43) - an undercover reporter investigating the death of her foster sister.
I love the world Aja created here. There’s so much depth and detail, presented in a compelling way. I feel like I know Elijah and was completely smitten despite his dubious moral code. There’s virtually no angst between him & Aaliyah, all of the suspense comes from other people and an unsolved mystery.
While instalove isn’t usually my favorite it totally worked for me here because these two are mature enough to know themselves and what they need from a partner. And they were ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
The secondary characters were just as dynamic. Especially his children, Eli & Sarai. While this book completely covers the arc for Elijah & Aaliyah’s romance to HFN, there’s definitely an ongoing mystery that will weave through the series. I can’t wait for book 2, Maestro.
Narration:
I enjoyed this book when I read it last year and was excited to grab the audio. Winston James and Mari were amazing. What a perfect fit to Aja’s characters and the Enigma world she’s created. Their styles compliment each other and they are terrific at their own character view as well as bringing all the secondary characters to life.
7/2022 - rec from Black Fiction Addiction
January 13, 2023
Redemption
At first, I was a little hesitant to read this novel, because I was so angry with Smoke and his introduction to me in the Soulmate series. However, I am so glad I got over my angst with him because his story has now placed itself in my heart, and has become one of my faves by Aja! This is one you’re going to have apart of your soul for awhile!
At first, I was a little hesitant to read this novel, because I was so angry with Smoke and his introduction to me in the Soulmate series. However, I am so glad I got over my angst with him because his story has now placed itself in my heart, and has become one of my faves by Aja! This is one you’re going to have apart of your soul for awhile!
May 18, 2023
I wanted more of Smoke and Aaliyah’s relationship!! It was a slow burn for me but the book was good. Smoke was a smooth operator, and he got kids moving the same way handling his business. Winston James put his foot in this audio. I felt like his name was actually Smoke 🤣
October 22, 2022
Okay Aja! I’ve been waiting for Elijah (Smoke’s) story. I came into this having mixed feelings about Smoke, with the way he treated Nora and left his family. Then to find out he went out and got a whole new family, and raised those kids, had me giving him the 👀! However, Smoke is a complicated man! Forced into that life to help his mother take care of his siblings, hardened him, turning him into THAT man, and there was no turning back! He does have deep regret for how things went down with Nora and his girls. But, being in the position he was in then, he did what he thought was best. But was it, or was he just selfish? Coming home to an empty house was getting old, and he wants someone to share the rest of his life with. Having Nora come to see him after all this time, has him spooked! What does she see? What does she know? Strange things start to pop off at his establishments, and he needs to get to the bottom of it! When on scene of one of the incidents, he is almost run over by Miss Aaliyah. Although he is wondering what the hell she is doing running out of the back door, when the place is full of cops, he is intrigued by her. Fast forward Aaliyah shows up again, where she shouldn’t be and gets caught up in some ish! Elijah takes her in to protect her, and they both wonder why! Their chemistry is hot, and they can’t seem to stay away from the other. Aaliyah is a spit fire! A go-getter, a dog with a bone investigative reporter, who has the need to get her story at any cost! Well, ma’am, you put yourself into quite a mess this time! While in “protective custody” of Smoke, these two get to know each other, and quickly fall. While basking in his newfound love, Elijah gets devastating news about his friend Jimmy. The cause of it all, is Jimmy’s association to him! Now, Smoke has reemerged and ready to paint the town red to avenge his friend! Who is after Smoke? Who hurt Jimmy? Where is the fentanyl coming from and who is responsible? Love the start of this series and can’t wait for Maestro’s story! Great job! 👍👍👍
July 18, 2022
I am stunned
I was expecting a lot of heat with this story; I was not prepared for the extreme amount of bravado and the intensity of the storyline. Smoke is no joke, no one to play with at all. I liked the pacing and the flow of this one. It is a very different type of story, and I loved the idea from page one. The age difference between Elijah and Aaliyah did not bother me. They are both grown, and he isn't
R. Kelleeee! Overall, the story was well developed and held my attention with each step. The mystery component intrigued me the most. Having Zora grace the story assured that Smoke would be okay. Zora has his back, and Aaliyah has everything else covered. I am ready for part two.
I was expecting a lot of heat with this story; I was not prepared for the extreme amount of bravado and the intensity of the storyline. Smoke is no joke, no one to play with at all. I liked the pacing and the flow of this one. It is a very different type of story, and I loved the idea from page one. The age difference between Elijah and Aaliyah did not bother me. They are both grown, and he isn't
R. Kelleeee! Overall, the story was well developed and held my attention with each step. The mystery component intrigued me the most. Having Zora grace the story assured that Smoke would be okay. Zora has his back, and Aaliyah has everything else covered. I am ready for part two.
July 15, 2023
*audiobook* the narrators did a great job with this book. I loved the plot. Smoke & Aaliyah were polar opposites; she chases stories and he makes them. I am eager to read about Smoke’s children. I appreciated the cameo of the ladies from the Soul series.
May 13, 2024
3 stars For me, this was too much on the suspense storyline and not enough romance or relationship development. It felt like they hardly interacted in the first 60% of the book.
July 28, 2022
This story was alright. The pacing was horrible however. The story started off slow. Very slow to the point I was getting bored. At the beginning Smoke and Aaliyah didn't interact a lot. It wasn't until things popped off at the club that they finally started spending time with each other. Things moved with lightening speed from there and that's when the story really started losing me. How have they barely been together a month but are suddenly in love and in the end engaged?? That makes no sense whatsoever. We literally never saw their courtship. Where were the dates, him meeting her mom, her meeting his kids etc etc. The random confession of love when there was absolutely no buildup to it makes no sense. The author didn't do a good job of selling this relationship in my opinion. The only pro I will say is Smoke and Aaliyah did have chemistry. Unfortunately the execution of making them a realistic couple was hastily and sloppily done. Especially since this is a mature romance. Shes 43 and he's 60. They're grown ass adults. Why their relationship was written like they were in their early 20s with the rushed declaration of love in the end, I have no idea.She should've either made this book longer so she could sell them to us and it look authentic or not had such a slow build-up for them to have a proper conversation with each other. I probably won't be reading the next one which will be about Smoke's son. 3.5/5 rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2022
Romantic Suspense!
I was excited about this release and the author delivered. I love that this story involves sho nuff grown folks and the drama and suspense were on point. The chemistry between Aaliyah and Elijah was fiery! I appreciate Zora and how she looked out for Elijah with no bitter or malice. My heart ached at the end of the story as that course of action unleashed the beast in Elijah. Those folks are not ready for Smoke! Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I was excited about this release and the author delivered. I love that this story involves sho nuff grown folks and the drama and suspense were on point. The chemistry between Aaliyah and Elijah was fiery! I appreciate Zora and how she looked out for Elijah with no bitter or malice. My heart ached at the end of the story as that course of action unleashed the beast in Elijah. Those folks are not ready for Smoke! Looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 11, 2023
ISmoke was THEE MAN! In this opening of the series, we meet the man who brings the heat as he is contemplating changing seasons. He is fearless, in charge, plays zero games, alpha male. He is getting older. He doesn't want to lose his edge or turn over his empire to children who are not ready. Some things jump off to test his alpha. We are off to a great start. I can't wait for Maestro. This first
installment has everything in it: love, loss, passion and violence.
031023
My second time reading this book. Smoke was 60. That resonates with me. I love that Aliya was portrayed as a regular round the way girl. She was a successful product of the foster care system. I can't wait to see when everybody gets together. I know Eli is about to shut some stuff down in the next book. I don't know what Slick is going to do but I'll be there for it, lol.
installment has everything in it: love, loss, passion and violence.
031023
My second time reading this book. Smoke was 60. That resonates with me. I love that Aliya was portrayed as a regular round the way girl. She was a successful product of the foster care system. I can't wait to see when everybody gets together. I know Eli is about to shut some stuff down in the next book. I don't know what Slick is going to do but I'll be there for it, lol.
July 9, 2023
You know one thing was very clear Smoke was a horny old man. I mean, his varying stages of erection throughout the book must have been critical to the plot because somehow we might have missed, that he still got it. 🤷🏾♀️ Besides not wanting to settle, but lonely, so Aaliyah showed up at the right time. They moved right like straight to I love you and marriage. Did I miss why her sister was killed?
CN: drug overdose, gun violence, foster care, police corruption, infertility
CN: drug overdose, gun violence, foster care, police corruption, infertility
June 16, 2023
OMG I want the rest of this story...in details! Since I am audio only this is my first book by this author and YES. Great intro and buildup...just when I was ready for the relationship to kick it up a notch it did. I still feel like I need more of them. The world building and landscape of this mob/crime family was good tho and kept me occupied but i have to say when it ended I was like HEYYY....what about this-them and that. I thoroughly enjoyed both narrators
Cmon book 2
Cmon book 2
April 17, 2025
no words, definitely not what I was thinking
August 7, 2023
Release the Smoke
Smoke has been the man for a long time. Doing what needed to be done back in the day to establish being the man he was today. He was grown grown, a father of four and a great grandfather, BUT don’t let his age and legacy status fool you. Let him tell it “I’m still fit, my d*** still work…and I’m as sharp as a tack.” Outside of not being able to perform all the extra acrobatics in the bedroom that one young lady wanted that would’ve had him needing a hip replacement, he still had it going on.
What he didn’t have was a loving relationship with a woman. He was lonely and finally ready to do life with somebody. He didn’t have many friends. He was also holding on to the reins of his operations a little too tightly instead of releasing more control to two of his kids. He was putting himself in harmful situations thinking that he had it all under control and trying to prove that he was still that dude. He was carrying around guilt for the women he wronged and didn’t protect as well as his other two daughters who he didn’t have a hand in raising. He chose the life over everything and at this advanced age he is taking an account of his life.
Where there’s smoke there was definitely fire, but once the smoke clears you gotta air it out. Aaliyah was just the catalyst for this to happen for him. She was grown herself and an investigative reporter whose nosiness has her literally falling into Smoke. (I had some questions about her financial situation because the book mentions two different things.) She was independent, brave and honest. She didn’t have a problem with him or his lifestyle. He could be himself. Their each other’s release and opportunity for love.
Smoke has a situation rising that is dangerous and needs to be addressed before somebody starts connecting carefully placed dots leading to him.
Great read!
Smoke has been the man for a long time. Doing what needed to be done back in the day to establish being the man he was today. He was grown grown, a father of four and a great grandfather, BUT don’t let his age and legacy status fool you. Let him tell it “I’m still fit, my d*** still work…and I’m as sharp as a tack.” Outside of not being able to perform all the extra acrobatics in the bedroom that one young lady wanted that would’ve had him needing a hip replacement, he still had it going on.
What he didn’t have was a loving relationship with a woman. He was lonely and finally ready to do life with somebody. He didn’t have many friends. He was also holding on to the reins of his operations a little too tightly instead of releasing more control to two of his kids. He was putting himself in harmful situations thinking that he had it all under control and trying to prove that he was still that dude. He was carrying around guilt for the women he wronged and didn’t protect as well as his other two daughters who he didn’t have a hand in raising. He chose the life over everything and at this advanced age he is taking an account of his life.
Where there’s smoke there was definitely fire, but once the smoke clears you gotta air it out. Aaliyah was just the catalyst for this to happen for him. She was grown herself and an investigative reporter whose nosiness has her literally falling into Smoke. (I had some questions about her financial situation because the book mentions two different things.) She was independent, brave and honest. She didn’t have a problem with him or his lifestyle. He could be himself. Their each other’s release and opportunity for love.
Smoke has a situation rising that is dangerous and needs to be addressed before somebody starts connecting carefully placed dots leading to him.
Great read!
September 17, 2022
Wait what just happened😳
This is my first experience with this writer So I was a little reluctant and wasn’t sure of what to expect. The story line was was interesting and I thought I had figured out what was going to happen and to a point I was righ . Smoke got my attention and reminded me of someone from my past❤️.He and Aliyah seemed to be perfect for one for each other. And then came the twist with something happening to Smokes best friend that I didn’t see coming ,I was hooked and invested at that point to see what would happen next. To my disappointment the story ended in a cliff hanger😔. Meaning it left me with a ton of unanswered questions .🤔
So I’ll just say it’s a good read , writing is good , the plot is good , For me ,when I’m reading a series , it’s almost like bing watching Netflix 😅 I want to go from book 1 to the end especially if each book is going to end with a cliff hanger ,It just seems that it makes the waiting that much longer and perhaps rereading the last book all over again for recall. So if you don’t like cliff hangers, which I am not a fan of , this may not be the book for you. At least not until all the books of the series are completed. ☺️
Ms. Aja, I will come back to this series when at least the next two books are completed. Because I’m definitely looking for answers to my unanswered questions. ❤️
This is my first experience with this writer So I was a little reluctant and wasn’t sure of what to expect. The story line was was interesting and I thought I had figured out what was going to happen and to a point I was righ . Smoke got my attention and reminded me of someone from my past❤️.He and Aliyah seemed to be perfect for one for each other. And then came the twist with something happening to Smokes best friend that I didn’t see coming ,I was hooked and invested at that point to see what would happen next. To my disappointment the story ended in a cliff hanger😔. Meaning it left me with a ton of unanswered questions .🤔
So I’ll just say it’s a good read , writing is good , the plot is good , For me ,when I’m reading a series , it’s almost like bing watching Netflix 😅 I want to go from book 1 to the end especially if each book is going to end with a cliff hanger ,It just seems that it makes the waiting that much longer and perhaps rereading the last book all over again for recall. So if you don’t like cliff hangers, which I am not a fan of , this may not be the book for you. At least not until all the books of the series are completed. ☺️
Ms. Aja, I will come back to this series when at least the next two books are completed. Because I’m definitely looking for answers to my unanswered questions. ❤️
July 25, 2022
Title: Smoke
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Series: The Enigma Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Smoke" by Aja
My Assessment:
The author gives the reader quite a read with 'Smoke' where your attention will be there from the beginning till the end...wanting more. Indeed, the man, Smoke, and his family had a lot going on, and it was good to see how well they handled it. Then with Aaliyah coming into the picture, everything seemed right between these two, even with the age difference. Then, having Zora, Smoke's former wife, come into the picture was quite interesting. Will Smoke be able to listen to what Zora has said to him will be pretty interesting? Because I don't think we want to see what will happen when the beast is unleashed by Smoke[Elijah] due to the death of his friend. But we will have to wait and see what happens next in this series.
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Series: The Enigma Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Smoke" by Aja
My Assessment:
The author gives the reader quite a read with 'Smoke' where your attention will be there from the beginning till the end...wanting more. Indeed, the man, Smoke, and his family had a lot going on, and it was good to see how well they handled it. Then with Aaliyah coming into the picture, everything seemed right between these two, even with the age difference. Then, having Zora, Smoke's former wife, come into the picture was quite interesting. Will Smoke be able to listen to what Zora has said to him will be pretty interesting? Because I don't think we want to see what will happen when the beast is unleashed by Smoke[Elijah] due to the death of his friend. But we will have to wait and see what happens next in this series.
July 23, 2022
Smoke…or…Elijah…or…BOTH!! 🔥🔥🔥
Aja, my Aja!! You have definitely raised the bar on this first book in your Enigma Series!! Whew!! 🔥🔥
I absolutely loved this book!! And Ms. Aaliyah was exactly what he needed! When everything is “working” right, the emotions and feelings are real, then age becomes nothing but a number!! For real!! And then, there’s Zora!! Listen, if you haven’t had a chance to enjoy the Soul Ties Series, I highly suggest you do so!! Then you would understand who and what Zora is to Smoke!!
I was riveted from Page 1 until the end!! This was sooo good!! I’m happily anticipating Book 2 and Maestro’s story! Aja, all I can say to you is Kudos!! Job Well Done!! 💜💜💜
Aja, my Aja!! You have definitely raised the bar on this first book in your Enigma Series!! Whew!! 🔥🔥
I absolutely loved this book!! And Ms. Aaliyah was exactly what he needed! When everything is “working” right, the emotions and feelings are real, then age becomes nothing but a number!! For real!! And then, there’s Zora!! Listen, if you haven’t had a chance to enjoy the Soul Ties Series, I highly suggest you do so!! Then you would understand who and what Zora is to Smoke!!
I was riveted from Page 1 until the end!! This was sooo good!! I’m happily anticipating Book 2 and Maestro’s story! Aja, all I can say to you is Kudos!! Job Well Done!! 💜💜💜
August 12, 2022
A New Experience
Aka has come out swinging her prolific words. Smoke is a new adventure for her. From previous works of her's you were always mesmerized and taken to a place that left you wanting more!!! I've experienced her erotica and romance series to now be introduced to her GRIT!!!! I was not sure what to expect per say but knew whatever she penned it was going to grab you and drag you along!!! And she did not disappoint!!!!! Excitement and suspense are on the rise. This story was well written to the point that you will be reading it over and over again. I did🤗🤗!!! Thank you Aja for continuing to stretch yourself and sharing your AMAZING GIFT with your avid followers that LOVE YOU!!!!!❤❤❤❤
Aka has come out swinging her prolific words. Smoke is a new adventure for her. From previous works of her's you were always mesmerized and taken to a place that left you wanting more!!! I've experienced her erotica and romance series to now be introduced to her GRIT!!!! I was not sure what to expect per say but knew whatever she penned it was going to grab you and drag you along!!! And she did not disappoint!!!!! Excitement and suspense are on the rise. This story was well written to the point that you will be reading it over and over again. I did🤗🤗!!! Thank you Aja for continuing to stretch yourself and sharing your AMAZING GIFT with your avid followers that LOVE YOU!!!!!❤❤❤❤
July 17, 2022
Wow! What can I say about Smoke! Aja had me pulled in from the very beginning to the ending of this book! Smoke kept me on the edge of my seat! Aaliyah I just love her! Smoke had that grown older man swag that I just love! I enjoyed the drama and the mystery in Smoke. Of course, as always Aja brings out my emotions and some parts of the book made me tear up. The chemistry between Aaliyah and Smoke was so smoking hot! I love how Aja built the sexual tension between them. It was good seeing Zora again as well as Zoe! I cannot wait to see where Aja takes this series! Aja take a bow because Smoke is amazing!
July 20, 2022
It's All.In Your Eyes!!
Well!Well!Well! What have we gotten ourselves into! The writer has given us some grown folks kinda love this some sexy stuff right here. This was not only all the action,mystery and drama that you want but it was so so sexy. The leading man ,you can just hear a deep baritone and see someone standing tall.and sure of themselves. This was good storytelling, and refreshing because we don't get childish drama and all the issues that follow.It was.also.fun and funny to read and hear some the words a parent lays on a child.You are so going to hate that this story ends but we will.get to.revisit this family again.
Well!Well!Well! What have we gotten ourselves into! The writer has given us some grown folks kinda love this some sexy stuff right here. This was not only all the action,mystery and drama that you want but it was so so sexy. The leading man ,you can just hear a deep baritone and see someone standing tall.and sure of themselves. This was good storytelling, and refreshing because we don't get childish drama and all the issues that follow.It was.also.fun and funny to read and hear some the words a parent lays on a child.You are so going to hate that this story ends but we will.get to.revisit this family again.
September 18, 2022
Where there's Smoke...
Yeah..he can get it. Love a black man that can be hard and still be vulnerable. Totally forgot he was of a certain age but it really doesn't matter.
Big ups (do the young people still say that?) To Aja!!
People are dying from drug overdoses all around Smokes' businesses and no one seems to know whose behind it.
While investigating the problem and the death of her foster sister, Aaliyah stumbles into the arms of Smoke and the danger that she writes about becomes her reality.
The chemistry between Smoke and Aaliyah along with the appearance of Zora, has me anticipating the next book.
Yeah..he can get it. Love a black man that can be hard and still be vulnerable. Totally forgot he was of a certain age but it really doesn't matter.
Big ups (do the young people still say that?) To Aja!!
People are dying from drug overdoses all around Smokes' businesses and no one seems to know whose behind it.
While investigating the problem and the death of her foster sister, Aaliyah stumbles into the arms of Smoke and the danger that she writes about becomes her reality.
The chemistry between Smoke and Aaliyah along with the appearance of Zora, has me anticipating the next book.
September 13, 2025
Grown Man Right Here…
I love the maturity of a grown man. I was pulled into Elijah’s world where power, family, and danger collide and just when shyt got real, Smoke the man, the enigma makes his appearance. I enjoyed the balance of raw crime drama with a hot azz love story but this is no fairytale, it’s dark, gritty, and dangerous! Smoke runs the streets heavy and Aaliyah steps in with fire of her own and together they spark a real and undeniable chemistry that is worth protecting and saving. It’s dangerous, erotic, thrilling and suspenseful making it a good read I really enjoyed.
I love the maturity of a grown man. I was pulled into Elijah’s world where power, family, and danger collide and just when shyt got real, Smoke the man, the enigma makes his appearance. I enjoyed the balance of raw crime drama with a hot azz love story but this is no fairytale, it’s dark, gritty, and dangerous! Smoke runs the streets heavy and Aaliyah steps in with fire of her own and together they spark a real and undeniable chemistry that is worth protecting and saving. It’s dangerous, erotic, thrilling and suspenseful making it a good read I really enjoyed.
February 27, 2023
Too Soon ⁉️…
It’s too soon to formulate an opinion about “Smoke: The Enigma Series”. However I rated the book as a standalone until book two (in this series) is released. Meanwhile, there’s lots of unanswered questions: what was Beast hiding from Smoke?; why was Shayla killed and her body discarded?; Who killed Jimmy & why? Is Aaliyah work undercover? Does she genuinely love Elijah? This rapid relationship between Elijah (persona) & Aaliyah was a surprise. She doesn’t know anything this same man as Smoke.🤦🏾♀️🤨
It’s too soon to formulate an opinion about “Smoke: The Enigma Series”. However I rated the book as a standalone until book two (in this series) is released. Meanwhile, there’s lots of unanswered questions: what was Beast hiding from Smoke?; why was Shayla killed and her body discarded?; Who killed Jimmy & why? Is Aaliyah work undercover? Does she genuinely love Elijah? This rapid relationship between Elijah (persona) & Aaliyah was a surprise. She doesn’t know anything this same man as Smoke.🤦🏾♀️🤨
August 14, 2024
Where there is Smoke, there is fire. This book was really good. I enjoyed seeing Nora again, I love her growth. She was woman enough to help a brother out a little, but she was all about hers; her husband and her family. I liked that we got Elijah's back story and we even saw his growth. I liked Aliyah and though they moved fast, it felt right. Now those kids of of his are a different story. Maybe that's me being salty about how he did his first two kids, but the jury is still out on this second set...
March 30, 2025
“The thing a lot of us fail to realize is the past really has to be overcome with forward movement. There is no other way.”
Listen, I think I need more of Mr. Elijah aka Smoke! He was the definition of cool under pressure, & even with that people still knew not to F**K with him!!!! The way Smoke & Aaliyah’s relationship blossomed, 👩🏾🍳 CHEF’S KISS 💋! I loved the way Aaliyah was written as an FMC!
This was a great introduction to the family, but I could use more Smoke & Aaliyah!
Listen, I think I need more of Mr. Elijah aka Smoke! He was the definition of cool under pressure, & even with that people still knew not to F**K with him!!!! The way Smoke & Aaliyah’s relationship blossomed, 👩🏾🍳 CHEF’S KISS 💋! I loved the way Aaliyah was written as an FMC!
This was a great introduction to the family, but I could use more Smoke & Aaliyah!
July 17, 2022
Suspenseful romance
I totally enjoyed this suspenseful romance with mature hero and herione. Smoke (Elijah)brought the heat and his lifestyle brought the drama. Aaliyah was independent and strong willed but she was good for Smoke as she made him see that he still wanted and was deserving of love.
Totally enjoyed this story and looking forward to the next release in this series.
I totally enjoyed this suspenseful romance with mature hero and herione. Smoke (Elijah)brought the heat and his lifestyle brought the drama. Aaliyah was independent and strong willed but she was good for Smoke as she made him see that he still wanted and was deserving of love.
Totally enjoyed this story and looking forward to the next release in this series.
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July 22, 2022Having mixed feelings about this one. I loved that the characters are grown & sexy... although, the story didn't flow well IMO. It took awhile for anything to REALLY happen, like almost end book. When it did, Elijah & Aliyah were in a living together relationship that happened damn near in a week! Elijah was first introduced, then "Smoke" (his street name) but never really seen Smoke in action..maybe in book 2? I am interested in book 2, Maestro, the son of Elijah, seems like a piece of work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2022
Elijah finds the light
Smoke aka Elijah is an OG that is well versed in the life he leads. His past comes to share wisdom and insights about his future. A chance encounter will bring a new opportunity. Aliyah is a reporter who wants a challenge. Her meeting Smoke will bring her face to face with a whole new adventure. Great read with a twist that everyone will want to see what is next.
Smoke aka Elijah is an OG that is well versed in the life he leads. His past comes to share wisdom and insights about his future. A chance encounter will bring a new opportunity. Aliyah is a reporter who wants a challenge. Her meeting Smoke will bring her face to face with a whole new adventure. Great read with a twist that everyone will want to see what is next.
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September 23, 2022Grown man sexy
Elijah and Aaliyah were unexpected. This was a older man younger woman trope. She is an independent woman not looking for "the one" and here comes Elijah and he is feeling the emptiness of his life, without a queen by his side. Did I mention that Smoke is about that life. The characters were likable and sexy. Good plot, perfect setup for the next book. Chemistry, and sex were hot and steamy!!!!! This is a good read!
Elijah and Aaliyah were unexpected. This was a older man younger woman trope. She is an independent woman not looking for "the one" and here comes Elijah and he is feeling the emptiness of his life, without a queen by his side. Did I mention that Smoke is about that life. The characters were likable and sexy. Good plot, perfect setup for the next book. Chemistry, and sex were hot and steamy!!!!! This is a good read!
December 1, 2022
Smoke ain't no jokel
Elijah is trying to retire from his street dealings but when women are dying and being dumped, he had to investigate and bring the Smoke Along the way he meets Aaliyah A investigative reporter who's also investigating the murders especially since her foster sister has fallen victim too! They hit it off and are now a couple! Smoke's kids are in the business too. We will see what happens next! Great read so far!
Elijah is trying to retire from his street dealings but when women are dying and being dumped, he had to investigate and bring the Smoke Along the way he meets Aaliyah A investigative reporter who's also investigating the murders especially since her foster sister has fallen victim too! They hit it off and are now a couple! Smoke's kids are in the business too. We will see what happens next! Great read so far!
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