Review - Finley by Ella Frank

Title: Finley

Series: Sunset Cove #1

Author: Ella Frank

Release Date: March 21, 2016

It's time to come home, Finn. 

It’s been seven years since Daniel Finley left his hometown in Florida for the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s city life. 

Since then, he’s worked hard for his position at the prestigious law firm Leighton & Associates, even when it’s caused distance and isolation from his family and friends. But that’s all about to change. 

On his thirtieth birthday, he receives the one thing he never dared hope for. Something that was promised to him years earlier—a note. One simple sentence from the man he’s never been able to forget. 

Six words will forever change the course of their lives. 

Brantley Hayes has it all. Or so he thinks. When he first made the decision to take a job down in Florida, his family thought he was crazy. But, after years of living in the quiet beach town, he finally feels a sense of community. He’s surrounded himself with friends who are like family, has a job he loves, and owns a spectacular beachfront property that is his sanctuary. 

Yet he still feels unfulfilled, as if a piece of the puzzle is missing, and he knows exactly which piece it is. On an impulse, he follows through with a promise he made years earlier. A promise to call home the one he sent away. 

Nothing is as simple as it seems. 

After years of separation, the former lovers are reunited, but Brantley wasn’t expecting to encounter the high walls now guarding Daniel’s heart. 

Daniel may not be the same person he was when he left, but he knows that the first step to healing is the note in his hand.

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AMAZON US / AMAZON UK

"Was it worth it?" 

The hurt and the simmering tension that settled in my belly, as I watched Daniel Finley and Brantley Hayes attempt to reconcile the past, and find a way to the future... Was it worth it? 

"Every last second." 

Truer words, my friends. TRUER WORDS. I took my time with this book, wanting to savor the feeling of reading a book penned by one of my favorite authors—an author who is expert at finding my feels and delivering a swift (and strangely welcome) punch to them. And when I finally finished Finley, well, what else is there to say but... 

I LOVED this book. Scream from the rooftops, recommend to strangers in the streets of my more-churches-than-people town, offer to buy it for any and everyone who shows the slightest bit of interest; that's how much I adored Finley. 

This wasn't dramatic, over the top angst. And it wasn't slow and thick drama. It was a perfectly paced story, with all the things I want in my books—some hope, a little hurt, a smattering of humor and HIM. Or, more accurately, THEM. Brantley and Finn. Two made-for-each-other men, who had control and hunger and arrogance and regret on lock, and were looking for second chance. 

Oh, how I ACHED. Frowned. Burned up. And smiled. These characters were just so...perfect. I wish I had better words. Smarter ones, but I'm still a little awed (and my thesaurus is downstairs), so forgive me. And trust me when I tell you that Finn is the ultimate combination of handsome, cocky lawyer and hesitant to risk his still-broken heart once again, while Brantley is the ideal mix of preppy, sexy Professor and sorry for the mistakes and assumptions that lead to Finn's departure from their relationship so long ago. 

A departure, a relationship, which is expertly woven into this story, making the past and present collide in this supernova of a book. Then come together in a BOOM moment that got me—and will get you—in the center of your chest. 

But it's okay, I promise. With a sweet and funny little assist from some much loved men, Ella Frank brings everything together in a way that makes it easy to forgive and forget the roller coaster of emotions she takes you on, and say that, yes, it was worth it. 

Every. Last. Second. 

~ Review by Beth

“It’s time to come home, Finn.”

Six words. Six short words that have so much meaning behind them. Six short words that could change a life—make or break a heart…again.

Daniel “Finn” Finley hasn’t seen Brantley Hayes for seven years. Not since he left for Chicago to go to law school, then work his ass off to hopefully become the next partner in his firm. He’s sacrificed his relationship with friends and family to make this success happen, but after receiving that handwritten note on his thirtieth birthday, all that Daniel has worked for gives way to hope—hope that it’s an opportunity to finally come to a resolution regarding where things ended with Brantley so long ago.

Just how much has changed and how much is the same in both Brantley and Daniel’s heart, body and soul remains to be seen. How much healing really needs to happen for BOTH of them to move forward? How much of themselves are they willing to change to have a second chance at love? 

Oh, my heart! Both Brantley and Daniel are living wonderful, if not lonely, lives. But they’re unfulfilled. When Brantley calls Daniel home, there’s so much anger and so many unanswered questions remaining between them that it’s not really until the very end of this beautiful, heartbreaking, heartwarming book that there’s a resolution. You simply cannot help but root for Daniel and Brantley to heal—and heal together. 

Finley is an amazing story of truth and lies, love and hate, and hope and forgiveness. A story that will stick with you long after you finish reading. 

~ Review by Missy

Ella Frank is the author of the #1 Bestselling Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite contemporary romance, A Desperate Man. Her Exquisite series has been praised as "scorching hot!" and "enticingly sexy!"

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at ellafrank.com and on Facebookat facebook.com/ella.frank.author

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, GenaShowalter, and Carly Philips.

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Review - Isadora by Ella Frank

Title: Isadora

Series: Masters Among Monsters #2

Author: Ella Frank

Release Date: January 12, 2016

A TRAGIC BEGINNING…

Isadora Nikitas understands what it means to be betrayed. That lesson was taught to her in the prime of her life, and when she is offered a chance to exact revenge, she finds it difficult to refuse. 

Instead, she entrusts her survival to a mysterious vampire known only as Diomêdês, a male who wants nothing in return but to watch over her—in every way imaginable. 

Gifted with speed, strength, and immortality, she determines that her life will no longer be governed by the needs and wants of a mere man. She has cowered for the last time, and with her Ancient by her side, she thrives and blossoms into the most formidable female vampire in existence. 

But, once upon a time, like all little girls, Isadora believed in love. She believed it because she once had it. So, when it comes along a second time, she knows that it’s possible—but when you love someone, they become your weakness. Unless, in fact, they become your enemy instead… 

A MYSTERIOUS PAST… 

Fulfilling your life’s prophecy should be empowering. At least, that’s what Elias Fontana always believed. But, as he stands guard over the beautiful vampire he’s taken hostage, his convictions start to crumble. Made to believe by his creators that he and two others have been designed to destroy a dangerous race, he has difficulty connecting his current reality to the woman he once loved. 

A TANGLED TALE TO UNRAVEL… 

When friends become enemies and enemies become lovers, who can you trust in the webs of lies and despair? And, when your life is at stake and blood has been shed, how much are you willing to sacrifice to fulfill your destiny?

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AMAZON US / AMAZON UK

Oh, my god. OMG. Oh. My. God. I don't know what else to say, except those three words over and over and over. I've just now finished the incomparable Isadora, and I am crazy for this book. I binge read the entire thing today, and so many—so very, very many—times, I thought I didn't want it to end. I thought I loved the titular vampire and her passionate, interesting, compelling sire, Diomêdês. I thought that if I could read nothing but these characters ever again, I'd still be a very happy reader. 

That's how much I loved this book. I might be destroyed for all others. And honestly, I have zero fucks to give about that. 

Oh, Isadora. What can I say about this captivating vampire? She is nothing like I’d have imagined, and her passion, her love, her flame was just…gah, I don't have the words. I think my heart broke for her, just as it pounded and soared and swooned for the connection she shared with her sire, and with Elias. The moments between Isadora and those she loves/d were emotional in a way I wasn't expecting, and her conflict over who she loved and what that meant, not just for her but for those around her, got me. Right in the feels. I won't admit to crying, but I will admit to getting damn close. More than once. 

But it's not just about Isadora. No, her book is also a showcase for Diomêdês, an Ancient vampire, and a man I want to call my own. Like his Isadora, I am gone for him—and I have no shame in admitting it. While the scorching Vasilios and his first-sired, Alasdair turned me on in the first Masters Among Monsters book, their cold, cruel natures made loving them not as easy (although I still did. Did I mention no shame?) Diomêdês, on the other hand, was easy to love. Easy to root for. Easy to want to know any-and-every thing about. 

Isadora is the second book in this series, and as such, it picks up where the cliffhanger ending of Alasdair stranded us. It also leaves us with another cliffy moment—one that has me first in line to get my hands on Thanos, because the dynamics between the broken vampire and his Ancient, Eton, has me fascinated, enchanted and intrigued. I love how Ella Frank has taken the traditional sire/vampire relationship with these three and given each one its own twist, its own personality, its own dynamic. Like she did in book one, Ms. Frank has given the age-old vampire story a modern, unique spin and made it her own. And in the process, completely wowed me with it. 

And to think, she did that while still making Isadora the kind of dirty sexy that makes your thighs press together and your face heat. With steamy hot moments between Alasdair, Leo and Vasilios, as well as sexy times spent with Isa and her loves, this book was, for me, a one-way ticket to a cold shower and the store for new stock of batteries. 

Damn. 

Or maybe I should just say what's still cycling through my mind. Oh. My. God. 

~ Review by Beth

Isadora Nikitas is one complex vampire. She’s known love and betrayal, but that doesn’t stop her from loving again. Yes, even vampires feel love if they allow themselves. Isadora has loved three people—including her Ancient, Diomêdês and the man who she now sees as her enemy, Elias Fontana.

Elias’ life prophecy is to destroy the vampires, but as he quickly realizes with his capture of Isadora, there’s a fine line between love and hate. A line both Elias and Isadora are crossing. Because sometimes love is more powerful than anything else.

I’m having difficulty articulating just how much I loved this book. Between the relationship Isadora shares with Diomêdês—a love so pure and trusting—and her love for Elias, Isadora is conflicted. And so is Elias. He’s supposed to be killing her, not loving her! And then there’s Leo, Alasdair and Vasilios. They’re creating a powerful bond, too. I love the interaction between Alasdair and Vasilios, and their shared love and opening of their hearts to Leo. 

Yeah, yeah, vampires don’t have hearts, but damn, they have deeply buried feelings. I love Isadora and Alasdair’s uncertainties in their relationships with their Ancients as Leo and Elias are introduced. Add in Thanos and Eton’s relationship, bringing Paris into the mix, I’m torn as to which one of these amazing vampires is my favorite. 

~ Review by Missy

Ella Frank is the author of the #1 Bestselling Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, A Desperate Man. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author

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Review - Alasdair by Ella Frank

Title: Alasdair

Series: Masters Among Monsters #1

Author: Ella Frank

Release Date: October 13, 2015

A DANGEROUS ALLURE

Bestowed with eternal life by the Ancient Vasilios, Alasdair Kyriakous is one of the most feared and ruthless vampires in existence. His name carries weight across all of the seven continents. 

But he is a mystery to his kind, an anomaly among the self-indulgent. While he enjoys the pleasures of the flesh, he is exceptionally particular in his choice of partners and prides himself on his ironclad self-control.

Yet with one look his control will become a thing of the past, and Alasdair will discover that eternal life doesn’t always last forever…

A DEADLY ATTRACTION

Thrust into a world he could never have imagined, Leo Chapel awakens in his worst nightmare. Taken hostage by the dangerously mesmerizing vampire, Alasdair, Leo must rely on his intelligence to escape before he reveals a secret he isn’t even aware he’s hiding.

A FORBIDDEN DESIRE

Unaware that they’ve been brought together by an outside force and are little more than pawns to a higher power, Alasdair and Leo spend time trying to uncover the other’s secrets, the attraction between them growing stronger all the while. 

But enemies are watching and preparing to act against them. When decisions that will alter lives and destinies have to be made—can a dead, grey heart learn to beat again?

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AMAZON US / AMAZON UK

Whoa. Hot, sexy, dark and dirty vampire? And a M/M read? COUNT ME IN! I loved everything about this book, even the cliffy ending! 

Alasdair Kyriakous is one of the oldest and most dangerous vampires in existence. His name alone grants him privileges and esteem from other vampires, as well as a bit of jealousy and fear. He’s a bit of a mystery to his kind—not one to “settle” for any old feeding. He is extremely particular about whom he chooses to feed from and play with in his bed. And this time he can’t deny his desire for Leo Chapel.

Leo, a mere human, studies ancient artifacts. So tied to his research, he even dreams of ancient times—but his dreams have turned into a nightmare when he finds himself kidnapped by Alasdair. Leo is absolutely drawn to the handsome vampire, but he knows he must somehow use his intelligence to stay alive.

Alasdair and Leo have been brought together by something with a much higher power than even the Ancient’s possess. Something that has marked both of them for death, but together can they figure it out before their enemies strike?

Oh, Alasdair. Mmm. He’s one confused and conflicted vampire. He’s never felt so drawn to a yielding before—he wants to make Leo “his” but he just needs to convince himself and his Ancient, Vasilios that it’s a good idea with all that’s happening. And Leo. The poor guy was just leaving a bar, minding his own business, when he was thrust into Alasdair’s world. Leo is amazingly smart and strong, and not fazed by what’s going on around him—which he can’t believe either.

I love the give and take of their relationship. Their banter, their lust, their fear and understanding of each other, especially their confusion over their feelings—Alasdair, especially, because he thought his cold, grey heart wouldn’t beat again. Sigh. 

Okay, Ms. Frank, I’m rather anxiously waiting for January to get here with Isadora’s story. 

~ Review by Missy

I didn't even bother with the blurb—fuck, or even the title—when given the chance to receive an early copy of Ella Frank’s latest M/M read. I just said yes, based on my love of the author and the genre. And when Alasdair arrived on my kindle, looking fine as hell on the cover, I was more than a little excited… And rightly so.

A much feared, tightly controlled and highly desirable vampire, Alasdair is not one to succumb to his desires or to lack in restraint. Until he encounters Leo Chapel, a man who threatens his self-control and, potentially, his immortality. 

Leo Chapel had no idea a world beyond his own existed, until he awakened the captive of the captivating Alasdair. Nor was he aware of the secret he was hiding, a secret that the vicious vampire wishes to draw from him. 

Forced together by attraction—and outside interference—Leo and Alasdair attempt to learn all they can about the other in the hopes of saving their own lives. But when the forces that brought them together make their move, the two men have to decide who lives…and who dies. 

Let's get this out of the way first: this may be a paranormal romance—a genre that is often either loved or hated, with little in-between—but it is also one hell of a good story. I used to read a lot of PNR but have greatly slowed down in recent times, so it was nice to dip my toes back into the pond with one of my favorite authors. And because I've not been reading as much in this genre, I can say with honesty (and glee) that Alasdair felt very different and very fresh. 

This story was, no doubt about it, a roller coaster. The electricity in all its forms—be it lust, anger or a combination— between Leo and Alasdair was intense; the eroticism of it, despite the occasional gory glimpses, was oh, so perfect. And the ending was…whoa, fuck me sideways, is it January yet? The cliffhanger-y finish left me a little frustrated, for sure, but also desperate for Isadora’s release, because I. Have. Questions. 

I loved the interesting, deep world Ms. Frank has woven here. The imagery was wonderful, the universe she created rich with classic vampirisms, and yet, still unique with her own personal flair on these famous fictional creatures. I'm so excited about this new series, because even the most vicious of characters have layers I want to penetrate, and history I want to uncover. And so, I ask, is it January yet? 

~ Review by Beth

Ella Frank is the author of the #1 Bestselling Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, A Desperate Man. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author

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Review - A Desperate Man: Volume Three by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Title: A Desperate Man: Volume Three

Series: A Desperate Man #3

Author: Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Release Date: September 13, 2015

Sex. Addiction. Lies.

One night changed everything.

With the sins that stand between Evan and Reagan, can a relationship emerge from a past that is so broken?

Or will the weight of their deceptions crush any hope of redemption?

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AMAZON US / AMAZON UK

Reagan and Evan are back! And after the last cliff hanger, I wasn’t so sure they would survive the fall! This is the last part in the series and was a really good conclusion to the story! 

This is a hard review to write because I love their story, but I almost felt like part three was anti-climactic. I loved that they finally come to terms with _____ (hint: how part two ended), but there was so much it seems that was skimmed over or left out. 

There is not as much heat in this book as there was in the last two, but there is healing and growth that occurs that couldn’t have happened if they were all over each other at every turn. However, I think scenes that are there are enough to set panties on fire! 

~ Review by Devlynn

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE A DESPERATE MAN SERIES

#1 A DESPERATE MAN: VOLUME ONE

AMAZON US / AMAZON UK

Evan is a sex addict, might as well just get that out in the open now. He can also be called a manwhore, a kinky fucker, and a whole lot of fun. 

He has some…interesting is a good word…things he does to relieve himself of the pressure building up in his nether region. He will do just about anything to chase the high of orgasm, and when I say anything, I mean it. There are some things he does in this book that I never would have thought about but I am missing the dangly bits between my legs, so that may be part of it. 

And when Evan’s one-night-of-pure-pleasure girls turns out to be his new boss, the sexual tension is off the charts. Reagan is a no nonsense, bull by the horns, man by the balls kind of woman. But can she keep brushing off the attraction she feels?

Honestly, this book was really good. It had elements of kink, friendship, a bit of deception, and a whole lot of heat. It was a quick read, and I recommend it to anyone with an open mind and a supply of batteries. 

~ Review by Devlynn

#2 A DESPERATE MAN: VOLUME TWO

AMAZON US / AMAZON UK

This part is from Reagan’s point of view. We learn a lot about her, her wants, and her love of control in all things. 

I did NOT expect the twist thrown in and was shocked (in a good way) by the flashbacks. And just when you think you have it figured out, you run into a brick wall face first while lust and hormones are shoved in your face. 

I enjoyed this one even more than part one, but only because you get more of the picture being painted by the authors and you can start to see the bigger picture. That does not mean we won’t get blindsided in part three, because the way the first two parts have gone, I am sure we will! 

I am running to the store now to stock up on batteries before part three comes out! 

~ Review by Devlynn

BUY THE BOX SET

A DESPERATE MAN: THE COMPLETE SERIES

AMAZON US / AMAZON UK

Ella Frank is the author of the #1 Bestselling Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, A Desperate Man. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author

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You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her 'quiet time.' Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.

Flash Point is her debut solo novel, and she is the co-author of the erotic serial, A Desperate Man, with Ella Frank. The latter has scarred her conservative southern family for life, bless their hearts. 

If you'd like to get in touch with her, she's easy to find - just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that's dominated her cell phone for ten years.

Her next novel, LICKED, will release in the fall of 2015.

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