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Lauren broke off an engagement with her old boyfriend because she caught him cheating on her. She's ready to move on and have some fun, but she's been too busy to meet anyone new.

Marcus has always been a player, unable to settle down with one girl. No one seems to meet his long list of requirements in a woman.

Marcus and Lauren have known each other for a few years, working for the same company but at different locations. They've always flirted some back and forth, but Lauren had been with Kyle. Now that she's single and they are in the same city for meeting, they spend a few passionate days together, both assuming this is just a fling.

They both eventual realize they want more than a fling, but can they make a long distance relationship work? And when Lauren's old boyfriend comes back to win her affection, can Marcus compete with their history?

76 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2013

3 people are currently reading
625 people want to read

About the author

Scarlett Metal

48 books499 followers
Scarlett lives in the Midwest with her sexy husband, two girls, and three furbabies. She dabbled in writing right after college but it wasn't until she took up blogging about eight years ago that she started writing seriously. After writing a few boring service pieces for some online publications, she went back to her true passion, fiction. When she's not busy writing steamy stories, she can be found with her nose in a book, camping, or geocaching with her family. She loves Diet Coke, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, and 80's hair bands.

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5 stars
74 (24%)
4 stars
109 (36%)
3 stars
85 (28%)
2 stars
17 (5%)
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12 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,864 reviews135 followers
June 20, 2013
Every time I think of this book the worlds sweet and I loved it follow. I can't describe the book. It captivated me from the beginning and I am waiting for the second book (which I heard is going to be full-length). It had the romance I needed in a healthy dose. Finally has a realistic romance for me. It seemed like something you could see in real life. It's a novella so wanting character development is a little out of the question because in 76 pages (in kindle version, 56 in B&N) you can't expect much. When I finished it I thought I had more to read and i wanted to throw my e-reader because I didn't want the story to stop. I wanted to see what will happen next and how Marcus and Lauren will face what is up next.
Profile Image for Christina Lyn.
543 reviews
June 4, 2013
Their story is so intense that knowing I hit the last page I feel sad already. I don't want to wait another 6 months for the second book. *wink. I love their chemistry, they're both easy to be with.

And I just loved both of them.
Profile Image for preppea.
273 reviews91 followers
June 19, 2013
If I had to describe Scarlett Metal’s new book, FINALLY, with just one word, it would be MORE — Lauren and Marcus wanted more out of their weekend fling and I wanted more of their story!

Lauren and Marcus have worked together (albeit long-distance) for several years and despite their instant and mutual attraction they have never hooked up because Lauren was always in a serious relationship. After Lauren catches her fiancé cheating on her, she ends the relationship and is ready for a hot weekend with Marcus. Only as soon as the fling begins, both Marcus and Lauren begin to realize their feelings run much deeper than a short affair.

Honestly I kept thinking maybe there was a novella pre-FINALLY because the reader gets a lot of backstory in regards to how Lauren and Marcus met and what kind of chemistry they had before the start of the book. My issue with a lot of backstory is, if we are going to be told that the two had an instant chemistry and that is why this fling is quickly culminating into stronger feelings – I’d rather experience it myself so that I can get into the characters and into the story. Not to mention, I think the backstory sounded really good – I wanted to feel Lauren and Marcus’ pent up lust from wanting each other but not being able to have each other — and I wouldn’t mind a bit if I saw Lauren catch her fiancé cheating either!

And the sex. The sex scenes were my favorite part – and yet I was left wanting so. much. more. The sex scenes were smoking hot and right when I’d get hot and bothered – they’d climax and it was over. Wait - what? That's it? You guys are done? I was just, we were just... What? The phrase two-pump-chump came to mind. I mean, I get this is a novella but really? I was just getting started! Come on! Don’t leave me hanging!

I think most of my concerns really started and ended with depth – the story and descriptions were there, Lauren and Marcus certainly had the potential — I just wanted MORE! I wanted to hear it, feel it, taste it, experience it for myself. Especially if they are going to fall in love – because I didn’t get to fall in love with them, they were already practically there before I came on board and I was just supposed to take it at face value. But for love I need to believe it, and anything less I just keep thinking – really? He’s willing to… and he’s okay with you... And… really? Why? How? I want MORE!

**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews65 followers
May 29, 2013
Wow just wow I am totally left speechless. This book deserves a rating out of 10 and damn it will still be 12..... The story had my attention from the moment I started and just kept pulling me in for more! I really enjoyed it and damn if I have to tell u but Marcus is one in a million, definitely on the top 5 of book boyfriends. LOL the passion, curious ness and then the way Marcus goes all man cave, possessive over his woman. It started with Lauren being with her high-school sweetheart,which she found out he was banging his secretary while they were engaged. This brought all of the time they were together to an end. She has known Marcus now for over 2 years and always thought he was damn sexy. Now she was single and looking for a little fun. Who better than Marcus. They met through company meetings and became good friends. The first time they touched there was an electric shock going through both of them. After Marcus found out she was single he couldn't keep her from his thoughts..... Which didn't help him very much. He wanted her more and more! After the first night they got together, once wasn't enough and they both wanted more and in the end Marcus moved to Chicago to be with his lady.... Do not miss out on this fanfuckingtastic book. U will be missing out on a lot of great sex scenes and damn if the love wasn't so good.... Makes u wish to be Lauren so be sure to put this on your TBR list
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,115 reviews555 followers
June 9, 2013
A short novella introducing Scarlett Metal, a new-to-me author's debut to her "Windy City" series. We meet Marcus and Lauren and the secondary cast of characters, including an ex-fiance', who doesn't want to remain an ex any longer. While Marcus and Lauren have worked for the same company but in different cities for several years, even flirting through e-mails and at business meetings, they've never taken the relationship any further because one was in a committed relationship. Now an engagement is broken, circumstances have changed, and they are free to explore the chemistry they've felt in the past. When a business meeting puts them both in the same city, they spend several days together -- very closely together. Hot, steamy romance erupts quite quickly. As the story goes, we shall see where it takes them when "Here With Me," the second book is released in August 2013.
Profile Image for Falling In Fall Book Blog.
379 reviews66 followers
June 22, 2013
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. To view the full review, visit http://fallinginfall.blogspot.com

I rated Finally four leaves, because it was an entertaining read. I did feel as though the storyline could have had more depth. I understand Finally is a novella, but I still felt like the storyline and the character backgrounds could have been expanded. With that being said, Finally was a enjoyable, quick read! Lauren and Marcus have sexual tension from the very beginning of the book, which always sets up a fun and flirty story. The two main characters live in different cities but have been co-workers and flirting buddies for quite some time. Throw in a cheating ex-boyfriend who wants a second chance and things get interesting!

XO, LO
Profile Image for Stacy.
99 reviews5 followers
June 3, 2013
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Finally, and let me say this, it was an awesome read!

After breaking off an engagement with Kyle her cheating boyfriend Lauren is ready to move on and have some fun, but she's been too busy to meet anyone new. Until she has a meeting with Marcus who works for the same company in a different State. The chemistry between Lauren & Marcus is definitely HOT HOT HOT!! When they realize that they want to be together Marcus decides to relocate to be closer to Lauren, but will the chemistry be enough or will Kyle come between them?

Looking forward to the next installment of this series!!
Profile Image for Lucinda Claire.
Author 1 book28 followers
May 29, 2013
I was fortunate to have been given an ARC of this book. Finally is a very enjoyable novella. The characters are likable, and I found myself trying to concoct scenarios where they would make their long-distance relationship work. The downside, is that it is just a novella, so you won't get a lot of character development. However, the upside is, the author has a full-length novel with these two due out in Summer 2013!
Profile Image for Raj.
1,514 reviews8 followers
December 9, 2013
It was okay, it was pretty good at first but after they got together, things just kind of got...flat... but it was okay, but not my favorite Scarlett Metal novel.
Profile Image for Derna.
591 reviews290 followers
June 25, 2013
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you have a couple of hours to spare and you are looking for a hot, quick, and a particularly steamy read then Finally a Novella by Scarlett Metal is just what you need.

Lauran and Marcuse have known each other for a few years. The very first time they met there was chemistry and both had feelings for each other, but that was as far as it went as Lauren was engaged. They maintain a relationship as friends with a little flirting thrown in.

Maybe things could change now as Marcus is in town for a meeting, and now that Lauren has dumped her cheating fiancé, they can now act on the feeling that they have for each other and oh boy they do. But what do they want, a quick fling or something more, and what about the long distance issue, could they make it work?

I enjoyed the story, as it was a quick easy read. I liked how it was told from both Lauran and Marcus (swoon) POV. I instantly like both characters, but I would have like a bit more of their personalities. Lauran was independent and ready to have some fun. Marcus was a playboy who was willing to change.

Let me tell you these two are just hot from the moment they get together sparks fly. They have a lot of sex, and I mean a lot of hot sex, but hey I didn’t mind, I loved their passion for each and their chemistry. I really like them as a couple and was rooting for them to find a way to make it work.

This was my first book by Scarlett Metal, and I enjoyed it. She knows how to write a romantic story with lots of hot steamy sex scenes, and I was only sad that it was only a Novella as it left me wanting more. I’m looking forward to the next one in the Windy City series so that I can get to read more about Lauran and Marcus.

Finally, gets 4 stars from me.

He kissed my forehead gently and I couldn’t help but wonder, “what if?” What if he lived by me and we dated? Could we have more than hot sex? ~ Lauren

‘I didn’t want her to think I was using her for just a piece of ass. She was so much more that that to me. Her sexiness was not only on the outside, but on the inside as well. To me she was the whole package, but this was all new territory for me. I wanted to make sure I did this right and not mess it up.’ ~ Marcus
Profile Image for Dani Morales.
Author 9 books24 followers
June 8, 2013
OMG I'm telling you Scarlett Metal knows how to write one damn steamy book. I've been reading so much this past week that I decided I was going to take a mini vacation on the reading front. Well, today was a hell of a day and so I decided to put on a face mask and grab a short book to read. I'm looking through my kindle and see Finally pop up.

SCORE! Totally forgot I had it and immediately dived it and LOVE LOVE LOVED it. The chemistry Lauren and Marcus has is being sizzling and had me slightly jealous and wishing I had that with someone. It's deeper that sexual attraction, though they do have some hot sex. Seriously the sex is banging, pun intended, you're definitely going to need a cold shower after!

One of the reasons I like reading Scarlett's books is because its real. It's like you are the fly in the room as the story plays out. It's so real that the tension is think in the air around you and when Lauren and Marcus talk about each other you see and feel that connection they have. Especially when they doubt how the other feels about the other. It's amazing to see Marcus go from his party boy image to truly caring about Lauren. It's not just a fling for him, nor is it for Lauren, but seeing them come to that realization is awesome and awe inspiring.

The thing that holds them both back is that they don't live in the same city... is that going to stop them from falling for each other? Will Marcus walk away from Lauren? Will Lauren finally use her voice and speak up? Check it out to see what happens! Oh and be prepared because this is only the beginning of Lauren and Marcus's story... there's more to come for them and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Maureen Mayer.
Author 8 books369 followers
June 2, 2013
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

"Lauren broke off an engagement with her old boyfriend because she caught him cheating on her. She's ready to move on and have some fun, but she's been too busy to meet anyone new."

Lauren and Marcus work for the same company, but different locations. They had always flirted back and forth, but with Lauren's fiancee Kyle in the picture, they were never able to act on those feelings. A business meeting finally brings them together, and perfect timing now that Lauren is single. It was only supposed to be a weekend fling while Marcus was in town, but once their feelings for each other become apparent, they wonder how they could make things work while Lauren lives in Chicago and Marcus lives in Denver.

I was immediately pulled in by the chemistry between Lauren and Marcus. The passion between them is so fierce and it makes you wonder what the hell they were waiting for. Of course Kyle was in the picture before so that put up a road block, but dear lord, Lauren and Marcus are so hot together!

The only issue I had with the book was character development. I feel like I didn't really get a good feel on their individual personalities, other than how sex-craved they were for one another. Other than that, I thought this was a wonderful novella, and I would give this book 4 and 1/2 stars! I look forward to the next book, Here With Me!
Profile Image for Jane Barron.
173 reviews8 followers
June 26, 2013
**** EROTICA BOOK CLUB REVIEW ****

FINALLY (Windy city, #1)

By Scarlett Metal

Lauren and Marcus have lusted after each other for a few years, Marcus has always been a player and Lauren was in a relationship but has just ended it because she caught her fiancé Kyle cheating.

When Marcus and Lauren are together for a work meeting they get to spend a few days together. Then Kyle comes back on the scene asking for forgiveness.

This is a sweet sexy read that I enjoyed reading but it is quite short and I would love to read more about them.

Well written with plenty of sex scenes that will have you swooning over Marcus. It is easy to get wrapped up in the sexual chemistry that they feel for each other.

Really looking forward to reading the next book in this series I just hate the waiting.

Thanks to Scarlett Metal for allowing me to read and review this ARC copy.




Profile Image for Melanie Smith.
42 reviews41 followers
June 8, 2013
I was one of the lucky ones and was able to read the ARC ahead of time. I was shocked at how real this story could be. It is about a girl, Lauren, who recently got out of an engagement because her fiancé cheated on her and a business associate, Marcus, who has been corresponding with her over the last several years but have never seen each other outside of work functions until now. Now that Lauren is single, and Marcus is coming in town for a few days for a presentation and then staying a few extra days to spend with her, they have the opportunity to see what can happen outside of work as singles. When they do get to explore each other, fireworks go off and they don’t stop! This was a hot and fast relationship that was building for a few years and finally came together. I can’t wait for the next installment to see where their relationship takes them and if they live happily ever after! It was a short great must read!!!
Profile Image for Lourdes Santin.
188 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2013
I was given a ARC copy by this fabulous author... Great and excellent book you can't miss!

This story got me from the very beginning; Scarlett had a way to write these romantic, erotic and sexy stories that got waiting for more…
This book was given to me as an ARC and I’m very grateful to her for the opportunity ‘cause I have to tell you reviews are not my thing but all I can say is that I love Marcus and Lauren…. And would give anything for a man that look at me after the first time we had sex and think to himself:

“ I took her hand and stood up from the couch. She turned and walked down the
hall. I watched her walk in front of me, barefoot and in my shirt. My woman in
my shirt. How was I going to leave her in a few days?”
Highly recommend these books and the next to come as all the others stories Scarlett have for all of us… Enjoy!
Profile Image for Fran.
74 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2013
The story of Marcus and Lauren, two business people living in different cities, her in Chicago and him in Denver. While they have know n each other for a couple of years through business, they haven't pursued each other because of Lauren's relationship with Kyle. Now her ex because of cheating, Lauren is free to act on her feelings for Marcus.

I liked this story very much. Even though I think I would have liked to see the characters developed more, the quick story was good! Scarlett Metal takes these two characters and creates a story full of flirtation, lust, sex and love. She is descriptive and keeps you turning the pages wanting more.

Looking forward to the continuing story of Marcus and Lauren in the next book! Will definitely be purchasing that one to see where these two go in their story!
Profile Image for April Merriman.
111 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2013
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Timing is a considerable variable in all relationships. What happens when you meet the other half that makes you whole but the timing couldn't be worse. This is how Lauren finds herself when she meets Marcus. They clicked from the very beginning but due to Lauren being engaged things just stood still. Now they are going to be reunited and things are different. Lauren is single but will the timing be right? Marcus has had feeling for her since they met but never tried to come between Lauren and her fiancée. Now after lots of time flirting though email they will meet face to face with the chance to see what will become. Sparks fly, and their chemistry is off the chart! Scarlett is a master at writing hot, steamy, sex scenes. I was sad this was just a novella, but look forward to the full length novel to come soon!
Profile Image for Tabitha Willbanks.
515 reviews30 followers
June 3, 2013
I was lucky enough to be a beta read of this book and I was given an ARC once it was finished.
Lauren and Marcus have worked together and had a mutual attraction to each other for years, but there were obstacles that always got in the way. Lauren was engaged and lives in Chicago while Marcus lives in Denver. Neither one of them really wanted to get involved, even after Lauren's engagement ends because of the distance. Well when Marcus comes to Chicago for meeting, neither one of them can deny the attraction anymore. Let me tell you the sparks ignite!! Marcus and Lauren burn up the kindle screen, but there is also a sweetness to the story as well.
This is a short and sweet novella that sticks with you. I can't wait for the next Windy City installment :)
Profile Image for Beckey.
1,466 reviews115 followers
June 23, 2013
Co-workers/Friends for the last two years, both work for the same company but in different district offices, Marcus in Denver and Lauren in the Chicago branch.

Marcus is in town for some company meetings and plans on staying for an extra couple of days to do some sightseeing with Lauren...



Interesting and enjoyable story to read. As you read this story you can see the author has done some growth with her approach to writing (I read one other book by this author and you can see the difference when you read that book and this one.)

See my full review at

http://www.welovekink.com/finally-win...
Profile Image for Debs.
326 reviews18 followers
June 6, 2013
ARC was provided via The Book Enthusiast.

I enjoyed this novella and am happy that there is a full featured book on the way. I think maybe since it was a novella I wasn't able to completely fall in love with the characters, even though they were very likable. I loved the way the story started off and it made me wonder if Marcus would drop his playboy ways and chose Lauren. The first love scene in the book was a little too long for my liking since I tend to get bored reading only about sex. One of my favorite characters in the book was actually Amanda who was Lauren's best friend and she made sure to always have Lauren's back.


Profile Image for Lynetta Halat.
Author 13 books653 followers
June 5, 2013
Her characters and her story lines...Wow! She wows me! It takes true talent to be able to engage a reader in a novella, and Scarlett most definitely has it! I loved Lauren pretty much from the get go, and I fell head over heels for Marcus. The manner in which the author weaves their past into the current events makes this read believable. You totally get why they have fallen for each other and why the time is now right for them. So this goes without saying because, hello, it's Scarlett Metal, but the love scenes are HOT and sexy. My only criticism is that she left me wanting more...which we all know is really praise!
Profile Image for LaGina.
2,051 reviews41 followers
March 15, 2015
When I first looked at the title to this story I was like hmmm. But I gave it a try anyway and boy am I glad I did!! I loved how you got Laurens POV as well as Marcus' POV. I like knowing what is going on in the mind of my new book friends. This book doing the "one more page" song and dance. I am so wanting to know what happens in the next book.
Profile Image for Kristen Herek.
13 reviews
June 11, 2013
I was able to get an ARC copy of this book and I absolutely LOVED it! These characters/co-workers have been attracted to each other for years and finally they are able to act on their feelings. An amazing love story that leaves you wanting more.
Profile Image for J.
3,104 reviews50 followers
June 22, 2013
This is a short novella but definitely a good story, nice characters you care about and some pretty hot scenes. All things you find in a good novella and this is an enjoyable one. Apparently there will be a follow up story or two also, although this one ends satisfactorily for me.
Profile Image for Danak.
195 reviews
June 10, 2013
for a novella, I totally connected with Lauren and Marcus. super hot and sexy read. looking forward to the sequel!
Profile Image for Erica.
288 reviews16 followers
June 9, 2013
Go to my blog for my full review on my tour date! 6-9-2013
Profile Image for Bookjunkie_Anne.
1,206 reviews
June 25, 2013
Surely most of us heard the saying "Everything Will Fall Into Place In God's Time..." And for Marcus and Lauren, it's now---now since everything seems to be making sense... Making sense because now, Lauren had already broken-up w/ her cheating douchebag ex-fiancee' Kyle and is now fabulously single; and Marcus kinda seems to be contemplating on having a serious relationship... The two met about 2years ago and felt an instant connection...a magnetic pull... And eversince that fateful day, they weren't the same people anymore... It was very palpable that both are utterly drawn to each other but rather chose to restrain themselves since Lauren was in a serious relationship and Marcus wasn't really ready but now...Now is a whole lotta different story... now, they're both un-attached and free to date whomever... whenever.

After years of bottling-up their hidden desire & resisting the pull they have on each other, FINALLY, when an opportunity came a-knockin' for Marcus to attend a meeting/presentation in Chicago, he immediately grabbed it... Lauren was also ecstatic that Marcus is coming over and is extending his stay a couple of days for sight-seeing and such... FINALLY, they will be able to explore these intense feelings... And so they did.

They are such a cute couple! Like any new relationships, they just wanna spend as much time together as possible... Talking about anything and everything... (Sigh) I kinda miss those myself... I especially love how Marcus is being so candid and honest about the way he feels towards Lauren... His sooooo alpha... The way he gets jealous whenever he sees other men ogling his girlfriend, the way he wants to keep her safe and just wants to be around her... But what really struck me was when he made the grand gesture of moving to Chicago himself, instead of asking Lauren to move to wherever he was. I mean, how many guys would do that for their girls? Not many I'm pretty sure! So Lauren is one very lucky gal... I know the exchange of "I love You"s didn't take place...but in this case, actions speaks louder than words... And Marcus' move to Chicago alone, is an indication that what he feels for Lauren is indeed deeper... and what about Kyle? Well, to tell you the truth I don't give a fuck what he does as long as he stops pestering Lauren... And yes, I have issues with lying, cheating SOB's!

Marcus' & Lauren's courtship was a whirlwind but they've also known each other for years and had this insane magnetic attraction towards each other since the first day... There are things that you just know---you know... call it instinct... I mean look what Lauren got with Kyle?? They've been together forever and in the end all she got is a goddamned broken heart! As long as their feelings are real and sincere, who cares about the time-frame right??

I love the pacing of the story... Its like how we relay the story to our bestfriend...the shorter but concise version of the whole story... I loved how the author captured and aptly described how the characters feel and their thoughts which makes the readers empathize more and understand better.

I loved the story! It was sweet but not sappy, hot but not trashy... I can't wait for the sequel! I'm already excited to read about them living in the same city... Will Kyle continue to pester Lauren? Will Marcus become an overbearing bf? Will Lauren have trust issues?? Sooooo many situations to anticipate!

An ARC of FINALLY was provided by Ms. Scarlett Metal and is the second novella I read from her. The first was, I REMEMBER YOU, which I equally love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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