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Frankie #1
Frankie & Al
A Novella in Frankie's Series
Dumped by his boyfriend, Frankie Mason goes out with the girls, gets totally trashed, and ends his night by falling in front of a taxi. He’s rescued by a man with beautiful green eyes who takes care of him until he’s put into an ambulance. Frankie curses himself as he realizes he doesn’t have the man’s phone number. Still in pain a few days later, he is dragged out to a club only to be saved by Green Eyes once more. This time, he isn’t letting the man go.
Unfortunately Frankie has to attend a team-building exercise, nicknamed Womb Weekend, organized by his company. Al is working so he doesn't mind, until he discovers who the team leader is. Al has a lot of explaining to do!
Dumped by his boyfriend, Frankie Mason goes out with the girls, gets totally trashed, and ends his night by falling in front of a taxi. He’s rescued by a man with beautiful green eyes who takes care of him until he’s put into an ambulance. Frankie curses himself as he realizes he doesn’t have the man’s phone number. Still in pain a few days later, he is dragged out to a club only to be saved by Green Eyes once more. This time, he isn’t letting the man go.
Unfortunately Frankie has to attend a team-building exercise, nicknamed Womb Weekend, organized by his company. Al is working so he doesn't mind, until he discovers who the team leader is. Al has a lot of explaining to do!
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2014
15 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Sue Brown
140 books838 followersHot guys, big hearts, Sue's world.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 20, 2014
What can I say about this novella? I'll describe it in three words: Cute, British, rushed.
My first book by Sue Brown and it was a very pleasant experience. This was a fun story with tons of British lingo (Manky being my favorite), and a nice little relationship between the two MCs.
Was it very memorable? Not really.
Did I think that Al was a bit too stalkerish and bossy? A little.
Did the relationship between the guys seem to progress too quickly? Yes, I think so.
Did it seem odd how often Frankie & Al ran into each other? Very.
Did I enjoy the story? For sure.
This is one of those stories that kind of slips away from you as soon as you are done with it. It was sweet and cute, a recommended read, but nothing that left a lasting impression. However, I'll be reading more from this author in the future, to be sure.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
My first book by Sue Brown and it was a very pleasant experience. This was a fun story with tons of British lingo (Manky being my favorite), and a nice little relationship between the two MCs.
Was it very memorable? Not really.
Did I think that Al was a bit too stalkerish and bossy? A little.
Did the relationship between the guys seem to progress too quickly? Yes, I think so.
Did it seem odd how often Frankie & Al ran into each other? Very.
Did I enjoy the story? For sure.
This is one of those stories that kind of slips away from you as soon as you are done with it. It was sweet and cute, a recommended read, but nothing that left a lasting impression. However, I'll be reading more from this author in the future, to be sure.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
March 18, 2014
I loved the blurb for this one, it sounded like a cute, fun little read. And that it was.
Frankie seems to always need rescuing when Al is near. And Al is more than happy to save Frankie and while he's at it, he might as well kiss him.
Now why does no one ever help me out like that? Hmmm...
Anyway, it's a little fast in the relationship department and a lot cute, Frankie is funny and endearing and dare I say clumsy or maybe just unlucky in walking?
And Al is a bit domineering and possessive of Frankie, and Frankie of course, loves it.
So all in all a quick light read, perfect for a little pick-me-up.
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August 9, 2016
2.5 stars
While this story wasn't bad, it had its funny and quirky parts it was just okay for me. Some things just didn't make sense and seemed thrown in. Felt like it was just events that kept happening with Frankie with other characters thrown in instead of a flowing story. Unfortunately, for me it just seemed to be missing something.
While this story wasn't bad, it had its funny and quirky parts it was just okay for me. Some things just didn't make sense and seemed thrown in. Felt like it was just events that kept happening with Frankie with other characters thrown in instead of a flowing story. Unfortunately, for me it just seemed to be missing something.
April 8, 2014
3.5 stars
This was a quick, fun no angst read. Al keeps finding Frankie when he is not at his best. Frankie doesn't remember their first meeting but after the second/third meeting, he isn't going to let the man with the gorgeous green eyes get away again. Funny, sarcastic Frankie is the stand out character here that kept me smiling through the story. Al is a bit overly possessive, but clearly has Frankie's best interests at heart.
This was a quick, fun no angst read. Al keeps finding Frankie when he is not at his best. Frankie doesn't remember their first meeting but after the second/third meeting, he isn't going to let the man with the gorgeous green eyes get away again. Funny, sarcastic Frankie is the stand out character here that kept me smiling through the story. Al is a bit overly possessive, but clearly has Frankie's best interests at heart.
March 30, 2014
Nice, fun little story. I liked Frankie a lot, he totally came to life, contrary to Al, who remained a bit aloof. I couldn't really see Al's 'dominant side'. I felt a bit ambivalent about their falling in love; on the one hand I think it was too fast and I couldn't really see what it was that Frankie fell in love with. On the other hand it bothered me that Al didn't say ILY back.
February 9, 2015
Self proclaimed twink Frankie has sworn off relationships, believing being single and having fun is the best way to live. That is until he's rescued thrice by "Green Eyes" Al.
This was a lot fast in the insta-love, a little rough around the edges, simple and uncomplicated. Entertaining enough.
This was a lot fast in the insta-love, a little rough around the edges, simple and uncomplicated. Entertaining enough.
October 18, 2015
Short, sweet, Brit lit fix.
January 24, 2016
2.5 stars I do not know what the hell I am reading, this book is all over the place and the story line makes no sense what so ever. I have read the other books in the series and this is the only one that has left me so disappointed. I love Sue Brown but I'm not sure she though out the plot well enough when she was writing this one. Since I read the books out of order (Anthony and Leo, Jordan and Rhys then Marchant an Ed) it seems to me that she really didn't need to write a story about Frankie and Al. I know that Frankie is part of Ed's story but she could have made Ed's book longer to introduce Frankie and Al. Not write a short novella about them. I understand how characters come alive in your mind when you are writing but these are not developed enough to stand on their own.
December 31, 2014
This story was exactly what I needed. Light, fun, sexy and easy to read.
I loved Frankie and his perchance for disaster. If he didn't have that quirk, how could Al come to his rescue time and again. Al is strong, possessive and determined and what's hotter than that? Sure, this is total insta-love but that was what I wanted, I wanted the low angst and the instant attraction to all consuming passion and love and that's what I got.
I loved Frankie and his perchance for disaster. If he didn't have that quirk, how could Al come to his rescue time and again. Al is strong, possessive and determined and what's hotter than that? Sure, this is total insta-love but that was what I wanted, I wanted the low angst and the instant attraction to all consuming passion and love and that's what I got.
"Is it always going to be like this?"
"Like what?"
"You making decisions for me?"
"Yes."
"What if I don't like it?"
"But you do like it, don't you?"
"Yeah."
March 1, 2015
I enjoyed this story. Easy to read with nice appealing characters. I related to the corporate components of the story - I'm sure I've worked in an office just like Frankie's and been sent off to similar team-building retreats! The stand out for me was the humour in the story. Frankie was cute and Carol was a blast. I wasn't overly sold on the relationship between Frankie & Al but they were good together, making this a light and fun, easy read.
April 9, 2014
3.5 stars.
I liked the MC's.
I enjoyed the relationship between them.
I laughed a couple of times.
And two of the secondary characters were great.
Frankie and Al was a nice story, a bit shorter than I would have liked and the ending left me hoping there would be even a small follow up. Just to hear those three words from Al too.
I liked the MC's.
I enjoyed the relationship between them.
I laughed a couple of times.
And two of the secondary characters were great.
Frankie and Al was a nice story, a bit shorter than I would have liked and the ending left me hoping there would be even a small follow up. Just to hear those three words from Al too.
March 25, 2014
Nice, cute, cotton candy read. It is a British story but not some much that you have to look up what things mean. Insta-love between a klutz and an overly protective guy.
April 10, 2014
Frankie is accident-prone, plus he’s been dumped by his boyfriend with a text and has had too much to drink. Naturally, at his lowest point, that’s when he meets the perfect man. And that’s just the start of the story.
Most of the story, Frankie’s physically broken, his hip making his life hard. That, plus the dick at the office and the mandatory work weekend, and he’s in living hell. The only plus side is Al, the man with the green eyes who keeps saving him time and again. Both men, as the whole story, are realistic, the kind you just wanna hug.
In fact, characterization is where the story shines. Frankie’s friends and coworkers, like Jonno and Charlotte, are fun, smart, and so entertaining you turn the pages for them as much as for the romance. Dialogue reads true, with casual shoot-the-breeze and the all-powerful emotional stuff of forever-kind-of-love. These men aren’t afraid to love rough and show their vulnerabilities when sad.
There’s a lot happening here, and yet it felt at times as though nothing is happening at all. A working weekend while wounded. That’s basically the gist of it. And yet, Ms. Brown imbues every nuance with a kind of amiable glow in praise of everyday life and finding love in the most surprising places. It’s sweet and captivating in the truest sense of literature. There are laughs, tears, growls, happy moans. All that jazz.
As is, I have nothing negative to say about this book. It’s well written, it’s realistic, engaging, sexy and sad, and riveting even if the men are just sitting on a couch in front of the TV watching Law & Order. Highly recommended.
Most of the story, Frankie’s physically broken, his hip making his life hard. That, plus the dick at the office and the mandatory work weekend, and he’s in living hell. The only plus side is Al, the man with the green eyes who keeps saving him time and again. Both men, as the whole story, are realistic, the kind you just wanna hug.
In fact, characterization is where the story shines. Frankie’s friends and coworkers, like Jonno and Charlotte, are fun, smart, and so entertaining you turn the pages for them as much as for the romance. Dialogue reads true, with casual shoot-the-breeze and the all-powerful emotional stuff of forever-kind-of-love. These men aren’t afraid to love rough and show their vulnerabilities when sad.
There’s a lot happening here, and yet it felt at times as though nothing is happening at all. A working weekend while wounded. That’s basically the gist of it. And yet, Ms. Brown imbues every nuance with a kind of amiable glow in praise of everyday life and finding love in the most surprising places. It’s sweet and captivating in the truest sense of literature. There are laughs, tears, growls, happy moans. All that jazz.
As is, I have nothing negative to say about this book. It’s well written, it’s realistic, engaging, sexy and sad, and riveting even if the men are just sitting on a couch in front of the TV watching Law & Order. Highly recommended.
March 22, 2014
Frankie initially is very funny and adorkable. Even though he's been treated badly he picks himself back up and keeps going.
His interactions with both work mate Charlotte and later on, Carol are just as much as fun as when he jokes around with bff, Johnno. The girls hold their own.
Al is introduced strangely, but his stalkery, domineering ways are balanced with his care for his mother and protectiveness of Frankie, so I was happy that he found and fell for Frankie even if it was quick and dirty.
Frankie's fall informs the rest of the narrative. He is stuck literally and emotionally while he sorts through what Al means to him.
The tone moves from humourous, gently mocking to sadness, allowing Frankie to be the strong one for Al.
Well written and satisfying.
His interactions with both work mate Charlotte and later on, Carol are just as much as fun as when he jokes around with bff, Johnno. The girls hold their own.
Al is introduced strangely, but his stalkery, domineering ways are balanced with his care for his mother and protectiveness of Frankie, so I was happy that he found and fell for Frankie even if it was quick and dirty.
Frankie's fall informs the rest of the narrative. He is stuck literally and emotionally while he sorts through what Al means to him.
The tone moves from humourous, gently mocking to sadness, allowing Frankie to be the strong one for Al.
Well written and satisfying.
March 28, 2014
One of the things I enjoy in Sue Brown books are the characters and Frankie and Al are both highly loveable men. Frankie, the twenty-nine year old ‘twink’ and Al a team player, working for a team building/ motivational skills company who feels the need to dominate and care for Frankie from the outset. However, there is no real back story to either of these characters. This story is very much about the now, an interlude in these men’s lives, which leads them to find each other and what may be, a lasting relationship.
This is a story where there is no angst concerning the relationship, although Al does have a terminally ill Mother, which provides a sad backdrop. The story is sweet and funny,
The story is set in England, and the people speak recognisably in English as spoken now. I admire Sue Brown for taking a small dig at the way UK English is often written,
The humour comes through the lovely characters at his employment and the course Frankie goes on. This is a lovely easy read with the gentle, slightly sarcastic, humour that Sue Brown does so well. Frankie and Al will leave you with a smile on your face and probably wanting a bad occasion just so you can use the phrase,
Full review on www.prismbookalliance.com
I received an ARC for an honest review
This is a story where there is no angst concerning the relationship, although Al does have a terminally ill Mother, which provides a sad backdrop. The story is sweet and funny,
Frankie’s mum said it was obvious he was gay from the moment he came out of the womb. According to her description,
Frankie flounced out to a song from the radio. Frankie thought that being born to Kylie must have been prophetic.
The story is set in England, and the people speak recognisably in English as spoken now. I admire Sue Brown for taking a small dig at the way UK English is often written,
Jonno snorted. “You don’t half talk bollocks, mate.” ”At least I don’t talk like a reject from Eastenders.”
“Touche.” …”More food?”
The humour comes through the lovely characters at his employment and the course Frankie goes on. This is a lovely easy read with the gentle, slightly sarcastic, humour that Sue Brown does so well. Frankie and Al will leave you with a smile on your face and probably wanting a bad occasion just so you can use the phrase,
…sucked huge fucking lime-green donkey balls.
Full review on www.prismbookalliance.com
I received an ARC for an honest review
November 3, 2016
I could not connect with the story at all. Some of the dialogue was amusing but most of it felt un-funny. Then there were turns with the storyline that didn't make sense to me. Like what was the deal with Al hooking up with Jonny and some third guy the night he first "rescued" Frankie and the big confession about it? It felt anticlimatic and led me astray of the romance part of the story. Overall there were many inconsistences in Frankie & Al.
The writing felt loose and had some sort of forced lightness in it. The happy go lucky message combined with the dark clowds from Frankies accident and Al's terminally ill mum didn't mesh together at all. I did trust how the pain was descriped, it felt real.
Sue Brown is one of my favorite authors but this was not a hit with me. 2 stars.
The writing felt loose and had some sort of forced lightness in it. The happy go lucky message combined with the dark clowds from Frankies accident and Al's terminally ill mum didn't mesh together at all. I did trust how the pain was descriped, it felt real.
Sue Brown is one of my favorite authors but this was not a hit with me. 2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2015
***Audiobook review***
http://bikebookreviews.blogspot.com.b...
This book is sweet and funny!! I had a great time listening to it.
When Frank was hit by a car, “Mister Green eyes” was the one to rescue him until the ambulance arrives… what could have being a tragic scene was so funny, because Frank was in the sidewalk, hurting, and all he could think was that he wanted “Green eyes” to take him home… lol
Watching Frankie and Al meet again was priceless, since they keep meeting by accident all the time and Al keep saving him!
When Frankie realized Al was working on the weekend event organized by his company, he was lost, especially because Al was not shy in showing he wanted to know Frankie better.
http://bikebookreviews.blogspot.com.b...
This book is sweet and funny!! I had a great time listening to it.
When Frank was hit by a car, “Mister Green eyes” was the one to rescue him until the ambulance arrives… what could have being a tragic scene was so funny, because Frank was in the sidewalk, hurting, and all he could think was that he wanted “Green eyes” to take him home… lol
Watching Frankie and Al meet again was priceless, since they keep meeting by accident all the time and Al keep saving him!
When Frankie realized Al was working on the weekend event organized by his company, he was lost, especially because Al was not shy in showing he wanted to know Frankie better.
March 28, 2014
This is another lovely read from Sue Brown. Frankie leapt off the page. His interactions with with work colleagues and his best friend in particular.
Very cute and very British which made me like it more.
Very cute and very British which made me like it more.
December 3, 2016
I don't know why I thought I'd read this before, but whether I did or didn't doesn't matter. It was fun and I enjoyed it.
Al was a sweetheart, and I love how he shut Frankie up. And as for Frankie, I especially enjoyed he. He was a real hoot!
Al was a sweetheart, and I love how he shut Frankie up. And as for Frankie, I especially enjoyed he. He was a real hoot!
April 7, 2014
Review later!
March 23, 2014
4.5 stars...
September 6, 2014
2.5 Stars
July 6, 2016
first read November 2014. re-read as I now have the rest of the series.
3.5 stars rounded up
fluff but cute fluff
3.5 stars rounded up
fluff but cute fluff
December 31, 2019
3,5*
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
May 15, 2021
A sweet hurt/comfort with a mystery man
This book was a really sweet story about a slightly jaded "getting too old to be a twink", Frankie, who has three interactions with a mystery green-eyed man that he can't stop thinking about. Once the two officially meet it's a lot of snarky banter and push-n-pull as these two men navigate the beginnings of a relationship over a team building weekend that they both end up at. While the plot wasn't overly deep, the snarky humor and many British colloquialisms made this an enjoyable, easy read that I'm happy to have found. I'd definitely like to see a sequel because I'm kind of dying to know how their relationship pans out. The supporting characters were funny and engaging and perfect for the whole feel-good vibe of the book. I really enjoy Sue Brown's books and I'll definitely be checking out the rest of this series.
This book was a really sweet story about a slightly jaded "getting too old to be a twink", Frankie, who has three interactions with a mystery green-eyed man that he can't stop thinking about. Once the two officially meet it's a lot of snarky banter and push-n-pull as these two men navigate the beginnings of a relationship over a team building weekend that they both end up at. While the plot wasn't overly deep, the snarky humor and many British colloquialisms made this an enjoyable, easy read that I'm happy to have found. I'd definitely like to see a sequel because I'm kind of dying to know how their relationship pans out. The supporting characters were funny and engaging and perfect for the whole feel-good vibe of the book. I really enjoy Sue Brown's books and I'll definitely be checking out the rest of this series.
July 24, 2022
I had a hard time deciding if liked Frankie or not, he was such a prima Donna, while Al was a total sweetheart. But the powers that be wore me down and I have grudgingly admit that Frankie was ok. From then on it only got better. Oh, he's still a prima Donna but cute with it. The whole work exercise, or whatever it's called, was hilarious, I was chuckling all the way through it. I learned one thing, Al is a very VERY patient man! A truly enjoyable, fun read.
June 2, 2021
A wonderful story
Sue Brown weaves a lovely story here, about 2 men who meet unexpectedly, both times when Al comes to the rescue of Frankie. I loved the humour, the snark and the descriptions of the side characters- just completely real and down to earth, but with love woven through it
Sue Brown weaves a lovely story here, about 2 men who meet unexpectedly, both times when Al comes to the rescue of Frankie. I loved the humour, the snark and the descriptions of the side characters- just completely real and down to earth, but with love woven through it
March 18, 2023
Rescuing Frankie?
It seems that every time Frankie meet the Green-Eyed Stranger it was when he needed to be rescued. The last thing Al expected was to meet the man of his dreams, his soulmate. Each meeting brought the closer together and they realized they were meant to be. Good Book!😄😄
It seems that every time Frankie meet the Green-Eyed Stranger it was when he needed to be rescued. The last thing Al expected was to meet the man of his dreams, his soulmate. Each meeting brought the closer together and they realized they were meant to be. Good Book!😄😄
September 16, 2017
This was a sweet, easy, funny story. Frankie is a occasionally a grumpy bitch, but Al is a good foil for him. The D/s dynamics seemed to come out of nowhere, but considering the length of the book, it never quite developed anyway. Overall a fun book, but not one I really connected strongly with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews