REVIEW: HardBall by CD Reiss

Release Date: March 29th 

Genre: Contemporary/Sports Romance

 

Praise for HARDBALL:

“Dash Wallace is a dirty talking, sexy professional baseball player who falls hard for the girl next door, but beware... your heart will take a beating as you watch him struggle with sticking to all he's ever known at the risk of losing the best thing that ever happened to him. Hardball is one of those books that will suck you in and won't let you go until you devour every last, juicy bite.” — Sawyer Bennett, NY Times Bestselling Author
“Fiery hot and enticingly realistic, CD Reiss's captivating writing, complex characters and explosive love scenes make Hard Ball an irresistible modern day romance.” — Katy Evans, NY Times Bestselling Author

Synopsis

Perfect ass. 
Perfect arms. 
Perfect swagger. 

They call Dash Wallace the Diamond King. He’s the hottest commodity in baseball and in the bedroom. When he runs the bases, every woman’s eyes are glued to his stunning body and a smile that puts the night lights to shame. I’m no queen. I’m a regular girl with a regular job. I just watch him on TV and from the bleachers, season after season. 

Girls like me grab a guy like that one in a million times. My number just came up, and he is as spectacular in bed as he is on the field. But there’s not a woman in the world who can distract Dash Wallace from the game. Not for a moment. Not even me. 

Until the night I do. And everything changes. 

----- Hardball is a SMOKING HOT, SEXY romance with a touch of angst and a ton of heart from CD Reiss. It's a fun, witty, full-length standalone meant for the over-eighteen crowd.

Hardball Links:

AMAZON | NOOK | iBOOKS | GOOGLE

Meet Dash Wallace | Goodreads

Review

RATING:

Oh, CD, how I’ve missed your writing, don’t ask me how. I know, I know, re-read, but you know what I mean… that’s the first feeling I got shortly after I started reading this. The next feeling, as I read more pages, I’m plowing thru the words faster than I want. I blink and my Kindle location has gone up a quarter of a percent, wut? I guess what I’m trying to say is that is how Christine’s words affect me. I gobble em up like crazy.

Dash is a star in the baseball world. Vivian is a “lowly” librarian. Their paths are unlikely to cross but it did the day Vivian chaperoned kids from her school to meet some baseball players. From one very quick interaction, their fate was sealed.

Vivian is a simple gal with a simple life. She’s got her books, the kids, her dad and her friends. Dash, with all his fame, is just as simple, in a way. He stays away from the limelight, he has his processes, he plays ball. Ok, that’s probably oversimplifying things, but at core, I think they really are. But what is definitely not simple are their emotions and interaction. There is so much depth and complexity. Dash has a condition and in order for him to function successfully, things have to happen a certain way. That’s just his reality. And Vivian eventually understood that. Vivian has her own needs and for her to be into that relationship successfully, things have to happen a certain way. And Dash eventually understood that.

The connection between these two and their interaction, I feel like I can’t even describe it properly, to give it justice. That’s CD’s magic working right there. Their conversations, including their texting, are witty, sharp, funny, poetic, and emotional all at once. Their love for books definitely played into that, which also makes for intelligent and insightful exchanges. Quoting Shakespeare, folks, Shakespeare! And with Dash’ dirty mouth, it goes without saying that the smexy times between these two are just too delish and divine for words. *fans self*

Both Dash and Vivian are such strong characters in their own rights. I couldn’t have asked for a better depiction of Vivian’s dad. The mention of familiar characters alone brought a smile to my face. That epilogue in and of itself is the stuff of romance and worthy of all the stars I can give. And the city itself came alive in my head once again. CD really owns LA like she means it. It never fails to make me miss a city that I called home at some point in my past.

Once again, CD’s lyrical and smart writing wove its magical fingers and wrapped itself around my brain, giving me another story that will be embedded in memory. Thank you.

About the Author:

CD Reiss is a USA Today bestseller. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets. Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels. She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping that cord of wood. If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

Connect With Christine:

Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads | Instagram | Website

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

 *And I own a copy as well

COVER REVEAL: Devil's Kiss by Ella Frank

Title: Devil's Kiss (Sunset Cove Series #2)

Author: Ella Frank

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

Release Date: MAY 24, 2016

Cover Designer: Jay Aheer of Simply Defined Art

Front Cover Photographer: Eric Battershell of Eric Battershell Photography

Back Cover Photographer: Wander Aguiar of Wander Aguiar Photography

Cover Model: Jason Dickson

Cover Model: Ryan VanDyke

 

Blurb

What do you do when the one you least expect to matter… Ends up mattering the most?

Derek Pearson likes to think he’s an easygoing guy. Uncomplicated, upfront, and unapologetic with what he wants. His what you see is what you get attitude is on prominent display for anyone who cares to look, and his foul mouth is right there to back it up should you miss the point.

However, what you see isn’t always what you get, and only a select few have ever glimpsed the real man under the brash exterior. Among them? Professor Jordan Devaney. Complicated, high-maintenance, and vibrant, he’s Derek’s opposite in every way. From the moment they saw each other, a love-hate relationship began.

But what happens when one person wants more?
 

Finley (Sunset Cove Series #1) 

  AMAZON US | AMAZON Universal 

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.

    

About Ella Frank

Ella Frank is the author of the #1 Bestselling Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust. 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 Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

Connect with Ella Frank

Ella Frank’s Newsletter | Website | Twitter | Facebook

FB Street Team | Instagram | Email

 

Books by Ella Frank

 

Sunset Cove Series

Finley #1

Temptation Series

Try

Take

Trust

The Exquisite Series

Exquisite

Entice

Edible

Masters Among Monsters

Alasdair

Isadora

Standalones

Blind Obsession

Veiled Innocence

 

Can I just say how excited I am for this?!?

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

RELEASE BLITZ: HardBall by CD Reiss

Release Date: March 29th Genre: Contemporary/Sports Romance

 

Praise for HARDBALL:

“Dash Wallace is a dirty talking, sexy professional baseball player who falls hard for the girl next door, but beware... your heart will take a beating as you watch him struggle with sticking to all he's ever known at the risk of losing the best thing that ever happened to him. Hardball is one of those books that will suck you in and won't let you go until you devour every last, juicy bite.” — Sawyer Bennett, NY Times Bestselling Author

“Fiery hot and enticingly realistic, CD Reiss's captivating writing, complex characters and explosive love scenes make Hard Ball an irresistible modern day romance.” — Katy Evans, NY Times Bestselling Author

Synopsis:

Perfect ass. Perfect arms. Perfect swagger. They call Dash Wallace the Diamond King. He’s the hottest commodity in baseball and in the bedroom. When he runs the bases, every woman’s eyes are glued to his stunning body and a smile that puts the night lights to shame. I’m no queen. I’m a regular girl with a regular job. I just watch him on TV and from the bleachers, season after season. Girls like me grab a guy like that one in a million times. My number just came up, and he is as spectacular in bed as he is on the field. But there’s not a woman in the world who can distract Dash Wallace from the game. Not for a moment. Not even me. Until the night I do. And everything changes. ----- Hardball is a SMOKING HOT, SEXY romance with a touch of angst and a ton of heart from CD Reiss. It's a fun, witty, full-length standalone meant for the over-eighteen crowd.

Hardball Links:

AMAZON | NOOK | iBOOKS | GOOGLE

Meet Dash Wallace | Goodreads

 

About the Author:

CD Reiss is a USA Today bestseller. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets. Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels. She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping that cord of wood. If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

Connect With Christine:

Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads | Instagram | Website

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

 

RELEASE BLITZ: This is Love, Baby by K Webster

This is Love, Baby by K. Webster 

War & Peace #2 

Publication Date: March 29, 2016 

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Dark Romance 

Purchase: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

THIS IS BOOK TWO IN SERIES. PLEASE READ THIS IS WAR, BABY FIRST. My War was over and I had lost. My captor reminded me I was nothing more than his pawn. His strategy never changed…it was always me. But what he didn’t know was that LOVE always wins. In my War, I’d found not only peace but LOVE as well. I’d been through a battlefield with my War and LOVE was what brought us to the other side. Our LOVE was beautiful and pure. Undying. My captor thinks he has won this war. That I will LOVE him. What he doesn’t know is this time, I’m the one with a strategy. I’m always thinking several moves ahead of him, my War taught me that. I will outsmart him and find peace again. This is a war I will win. My LOVE will conquer all.
  Warning: This is Love, Baby is a dark romance. Strong sexual themes and violence which could trigger emotional distress are found in this story. Terrible, terrible things happen to our poor heroine, so you’ve been properly warned. This story is NOT for everyone.

Purchase: Amazon | Amazon UK | Kobo | iBooks | Goodreads

My life had a plan. Until he invaded it and stole it all away. My captor took me and I became a pawn. His strategy changed and he sent me away to WAR, because money is everything in this world. In my WAR, though, I found peace. I couldn’t help but find love where I least expected it, with a man who lived a battle every day of his life …all inside his head. But then my captor came back for me. Yet, this time, battle lines had been drawn and I was protected. So we thought. Even though my WAR was raging, my captor would fight to the death. The good guys always win, right? Not always. All’s fair in love and WAR, right? Not this time.

K Webster

 K Webster is the author of dozens romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her husband of twelve years and two adorable children, she’s active on social media connecting with her readers. Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen.
You can easily find K Webster on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads!
Website: www.authorkwebster.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bllgoP

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

BLOG TOUR: Filthy Marcellos: The Complete Collection by Bethany-Kris

FILTHY MARCELLOS: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION by Bethany-Kris 

Filthy Marcellos, #0.5-3 

Publication Date: February 8, 2016 

Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Mafia

Purchase (#FREE with #KINDLEUNLIMITED): Amazon

Synopsis 

Filthy Marcellos: La Cosa Nostra is not just a choice of regime and routine, it’s a culture. Born as mafia royalty, the Marcello brothers were raised ingrained with the beliefs and rules of what it meant to be a Mafioso prince. It is for life. Their status is considered a given right. They will always be these people. They will always be Marcellos.

Family first. God second. From bosses and sons, to husbands and lovers. Made men, fathers, and killers. Life is a chess board in Cosa Nostra and these men are the kings. You can’t be a Marcello if you’re not filthy. The Complete Collection features the short novel Antony, and the three full length novels Lucian, Giovanni, and Dante. It also includes the 20k prequel to the Legacy series, featuring the Filthy Marcellos next generation.

FILTHY MARCELLOS PLAYLIST

Review

RATING, Overall:

I read the stories within back-to-back, without break, and i just wanna say, what a ride! The story of the Marcello clan, from Antony's rise to power to each of his sons making his mark in the world of the Cosa Nostra.

It really is like reading a saga. It's got passion, violence, love, action, values and redemption. While each book was not a total winner, which I will go thru in more details later, I love the overall impact it left on me, and made me glad I requested for this. For a first Bethany read, it was definitely a winner. Seeing this romance, Bethany gave me a sizzling one. For a mob romance, I got exactly what I was hoping for. She gave me these men who live outside the law who love the women in their lives with all they have, understand the meaning of family, are violent in their thoughts and actions where warranted, do right by their women and their people when called for, and adhere to certain moral codes that felt appropriate in the most ironic way. In short, the perfect antiheroes. Sigh... Then the women who love these men with as much passion, understand the life that these men lead, and equally strong in their own rights. Women whose decisions might seem questionable to the outside world but somehow understandable at the same time. Sigh...

Antony:

The prequel to the series. The patriarch of the clan. As a capo, he's got fire in his belly. Along the way, met the boss' daughter, Cecilia, and fell in love. From a capo, he moved on to be the boss. And so began the legacy of the Filthy Marcellos.

Antony is ruthless and very ambitious. But he also looks after the people he love. And Cecelia is the perfect woman to stand next to him, the perfect matriarch.

Lucian: 

This is my most fave of all.

Lucian is a made guy, he's got everything he needs and wants. A brief glance of Jordyn was all it took for her to embed herself in his psyche. He has his own demons to slay brought on by childhood experiences. Jordyn is living her nightmare courtesy of her mother. She found her refuge in Lucian. And in turn, Lucian, found his kindred spirit in her.

Given what Jordyn has gone thru, there was an understated strength to her and I love how feisty she got when it involved Lucian. I love how Lucian took care of Jordyn and gave her exactly what she needed. I love the honesty between them. And while it started as insta-attraction, nothing felt contrived.

Giovanni: 

Probably my least fave of all, unfortunately.

Gio, the youngest of the Marcello, had his hard-partyin' ways all this time until he met Kim one night. That one night was just supposed to be just one night. But I suppose fate has other things in mind because he met her again. Kim felt the same. And she was spoken for, how about that! But I suppose the heart wants what the heart wants.

I had a slight difficulty relating to these 2. Not that they're bad characters. But I didn't fully understand their motivations. It all felt like first world problems, albeit within the context of the mob world. 

Regardless though, somehow Bethany sold me their chemistry and I actually thought they have the hottest. How about that!

Dante:

Next to Lucian's story, this is the closest next fave.

Dante is the oldest of the Marcello sons. There are expectations laid on him, a lot of pressure on him, being the next successor to the Marcello legacy. Because of a childhood incident, Dante knew what he can and can't offer. In came Cat, who is pretty much his female counterpart, total badass of a chick!

I love how their relationship evolved, from a business partnership to friendship to a sizzlin' union. I love how they got each other. I love the lack of guile between them. 

Cat has her own dilemma to deal with, which somehow tied in nicely with what she and Dante are faced with, so for it to work nicely in the end, I couldn't have thought of a better ending.

The epilogue was perfect! Not just for both Dante and Cat, but for the entire Marcello clan.

I tell ya, these Marcello men! Heart!

Legacy:

And a glimpse into the next generation of the Marcellos, 2 sons and 2 daughters. Each with their own challenges. Each with their own very strong personalities, even the quiet one, yes. I am looking forward to reading them and getting more immersed in their world.

FILTHY TEASERS

#ANTONY

#LUCIAN

#GIOVANNI

#DANTE

ABOUT BETHANY-KRIS

Bethany-Kris is a Canadian author, lover of much, and mother to three young sons, one cat, and two dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a hubby calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something … when she can find the time.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Mailing List

GIVEAWAY

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Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

BLOG TOUR: Finley by Ella Frank

Title: Finley

Author: Ella Frank

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: March 22, 2016

PURCHASE HERE: Amazon

 

Blurb

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.

   

Finley by Ella Frank

Copyright © 2016 Ella Frank

Excerpt

BRANTLEY KEPT A discreet eye on the final student to leave for the morning as Mr. Finley strode down the stairs to the front of the classroom. They were three weeks into the semester and he was ashamed to admit that, with every day that passed, his fascination with the young man grew. At first, he’d tried to convince himself that it was purely academic. The kid was smart. He’d aced all the weekly quizzes, and Brantley was more than aware of the way he watched him lecture with keen, intelligent eyes that never strayed from him. Oh, he was fascinated, all right, but he made sure to tell himself at the end of every class that it had nothing to do with the mischievous grin Daniel would flash at his friends or the easygoing laugh that would bubble up out of him at any given moment. But he knew he was lying. Daniel was quite possibly the happiest person he’d ever met, and his joy of life lit up the room and everyone in it. Including him. When Daniel stopped in front of him and dropped his paper on the desk, Brantley acknowledged him with a glance before returning his gaze back to the notes he was going over. “Any big plans this weekend, Professor?” The question had been so unexpected that he didn’t think to catch himself before he replied, “Nothing too big. Just going out with some friends. You?” Daniel smiled at him as he shoved his arms through the loops of his backpack, and Brantley couldn’t help but look at his shirt as it stretched across his broad chest. “I’m going to hit the beach. Such great waves right now.” “Ahh, you like to surf. That explains it.” When the side of Daniel’s mouth crooked up, the effect was charming as hell. The kid was a knockout. “Explains what?” Annoyed that he’d made such a stupid slipup, he looked back at the papers in front of him, hoping Daniel would get the message and leave. No such luck. “Explains what?” he asked again. Brantley sighed and rested his arms on the desk as he studied Daniel’s inviting face. “It explains your hair.” “My—oh,” he said, touching the ends of it. “Do you like it?” Stunned by the direct question, he sat back in his chair and fought the smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Do I like your hair?” “Yeah.” “Does it matter?” Jesus, f*ck. Stop it. Stop flirting with him. But it was too late. Daniel put his hands on the desk and leaned forward, Brantley toed the ground, shoving his chair back. “It could…” “No. No, it couldn’t,” he said as he got to his feet, shaking his head. Daniel straightened and tucked his thumbs into the straps of his backpack, no doubt to taunt him. His eyes were too knowing for someone his age, and when they held his longer than was acceptable, Brantley’s heart skipped a couple of beats. “Was there something else, Mr. Finley?” “You said you were going out with friends this weekend…” Sh!t, did I? “Yes, that’s right.” As Daniel ran his thumb down the left strap of his bag, he admonished himself for noticing every little move he made. He needed to get a f*cking hold of himself. “Are any of them more than a friend?” If he hadn’t been watching Daniel quite so closely, he wouldn’t have believed the words that had just come out of his mouth. But he had been. So he did. “I don’t believe that’s any of your business. You better hurry or you’ll miss your next class.” Satisfied that he’d firmly dismissed Daniel, he sat down and made a show of focusing on the books lining his desk and didn’t dare look and see if he had left this time or not. He wasn’t sure what he’d do if he was still standing there. He reached up to adjust his tie, which suddenly felt a little too tight around his neck, and with each passing second that he was consciously not checking to see if he was alone, he swore that it was getting tighter. “Professor Hayes?” His head snapped up at his name, and when Daniel had his attention, he continued. “Are you gay?” Brantley’s eyes widened, and he wondered how his mouth hadn’t fallen open at the blunt question. Instead, he went with, “Excuse me?” “I asked if you were—” “I heard what you said. But I don’t see how that is any business of yours, either. You should think before you speak, Mr. Finley. I’m your teacher, and it’s time for you to leave. This conversation is over.” He flipped open one of the books on his desk and shook his head. He couldn’t believe the audacity of the kid—or the fact that he was so damn forthright. As he sat there, grinding his teeth in an effort not to look at his student—who was still standing in front of his desk—a bead of sweat ran down his collar and he cursed the fact that his nerves were getting the better of him. “I only asked because, well, I am too. And I thought it would be nice to have someone to talk to.” Well, hell. He couldn’t fault him for that. The only problem was…talking wasn’t what sprang to mind when he was around Daniel Finley. He clasped his hands on the desk and stared into the anxious face peering down at him. Daniel was worrying his lower lip with his teeth, and he suddenly looked very much the young man he was. “Are you?” he asked again, and there was no way he could deny that hesitant curiosity. “Yes, Daniel. I am.” As his words drifted between them, Daniel’s mouth slipped into a smile. “Oh.” Brantley laughed at that. He wasn’t sure what Daniel was thinking right then. He’d thought for sure with the way he’d been looking at him earlier that, if he’d admitted this, he would be fending off—or at least putting up a good show of fending off—an unwanted pass. But, instead, Daniel appeared thoughtful. “Does that bother you?” Daniel adamantly shook his head. “No.” “Are you sure?” he pressed, and the look that entered Daniel’s eyes then was so hot that he thought he may overheat. “Yes. I'm very sure.” Oh, f*ck. Okay. Where the hell did the nervous guy disappear to? One minute, Daniel was endearingly awkward, and the next, he was looking at him like he wanted to strip him out of his clothes and—“Stop right there,” he said, and he wasn’t sure if he was telling himself that or the contradiction eyeing him with newfound knowledge. “Whatever you're thinking, stop thinking it.” “Why?” Yep, he was f*cked. That wasn’t a word he generally used, but in this case, he was well and truly f*cked. He should’ve just stuck to the run-along-now speech. “Because I'm your teacher.” “This isn’t high school. I’m an adult.” He sighed. “That may be true. But I’m your professor and this conversation is inappropriate.” “How? I just asked if you were gay and you said yes. I don't see what the problem is.” When Daniel aimed a mischievous grin at him, Brantley knew he was very aware of what the problem was. “Out,” he said, pointing to the door. “Time to leave, Mr. Finley.” This time, he made sure to watch Daniel so he knew he was actually leaving. He walked to the door, but at the last minute, he turned around to look back at him. Not willing to back down and show weakness, Brantley kept his eyes on his student as Daniel ran his tongue along his lower lip. “You should call me Finn. Everyone else does.” Christ. The kid was going to drive him to an early grave, but damn if he didn’t laugh at his audacity. “Out,” he said again, and this time Daniel pushed out the door and disappeared into the hall.

   

Review

RATING:

This was me BEFORE:

SQUEEEE, I'm so excited to start this!!!

This was me AFTER:

DANG, that was more emotional than I anticipated!

Let me start by saying that it was Ella who popped my m/m cherry with Try (pun intended, I suppose). Sadly, I haven’t finished that series, which I need to rectify soon…

Finn and Brant reconnected after 7 years of being out of each other’s lives. What happens after is familiar yet new at the same time for both of them. Old feelings and hurt have to be acknowledged if there’s a chance for them to move forward. And even then, can they really move forward? Decisions had to be made.

Brantley made the decision he did because he really thought it was the best for Finn. And it really was best for Finn, but sometimes wrong actions made for the right reasons still felt wrong, at least as far as Finn was concerned. Finn, out of hurt, just chose to stay away for a long time when maybe he didn’t need to. Both of them paying for that one crucial act, they had to learn to see past that. Luckily, their feelings for each other were stronger than all their wrong decisions put together.

Brant had remained consistent about his feelings for Finn. But he also had to grapple with the different Finn who showed up 7 years later. Finn had a lot of feelings to sort. But he also had to grapple with the same Brant he thought he was ready to walk away from, rather than the other way around like the first time, and it turns out, he couldn’t. As they tried to move forward, they tried to build on what they had and reconcile that with what they have to work with.

I love both of them equally. Brant had his insecurities to the age difference, albeit paltry in my mind. He really understood Finn and was always willing to give what Finn needed. I love the young Finn, the tenacity in the way he pursued Brantley in a very endearing manner. I love the older Finn that turn into this dirty-talkin’ alpha. I love how the dynamics switched fluidly between them based on what each other needed. I love the way they read each other, like they’re truly meant for each other.

While I didn’t fully understand the length of time it took Brantley to beckon Finn home, I suppose it was what it was. As unclear as Brant’s motives were, I suppose Finn had to experience what he had to experience.
This was more emotional than I anticipated. So much so that it caught me off guard. Towards the end, before I knew it, my eyes were welling up. The pain on both sides was so palpable that it lingered in me much longer than I thought it would. More than the pains though, just as palpable were the connection and the passion between them. That I felt right from the start. Oooh boy… sweet lawhd!!!

Seeing Tate and Logan at the end further reminded me how I need to finish their story asap. And the bits about Brent’s and Finn’s friends, I’m thinking Ella will have their stories down the road. Yay, a lot of things to look forward to!

About the Author

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

Connect with Ella Frank

Ella Frank’s Newsletter | Website | Twitter | Facebook | FB Street Team | Instagram | Email

 

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~Leftie

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