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Tell Me You Love Me
From International Bestselling author, and real-life fighter, comes a brand-new MMA series that will leave readers obsessed!
Alana Page was mine. And then she wasn’t.
We promised forever. But ten years ago, she ditched town without so much as a goodbye text.
Now she’s back… with a kid in tow who was born just 7 months after she left.
It’s no secret I’m just a fighter. I wasn’t particularly gifted in school, and the only reason I graduated at all was because of Alana’s tutoring efforts. But it doesn’t take an academic genius to realize the math ain’t mathing.
Maybe marrying the town’s broke, abused, token troublemaker wasn’t a part of her plans back then.
But I’ll be damned if she gets to slide into town now and not answer for the hearts she broke or the kid who looks a hell of a lot like someone I know.
Tap gloves, Alana.
It’s time for round two to begin.
TELL ME YOU LOVE ME is a complete standalone, spicy, second-chance romance with twists that will leave you breathless. (And no cliffhanger.) Jump in today and revisit Emilia's magical world inside an MMA gym.
Alana Page was mine. And then she wasn’t.
We promised forever. But ten years ago, she ditched town without so much as a goodbye text.
Now she’s back… with a kid in tow who was born just 7 months after she left.
It’s no secret I’m just a fighter. I wasn’t particularly gifted in school, and the only reason I graduated at all was because of Alana’s tutoring efforts. But it doesn’t take an academic genius to realize the math ain’t mathing.
Maybe marrying the town’s broke, abused, token troublemaker wasn’t a part of her plans back then.
But I’ll be damned if she gets to slide into town now and not answer for the hearts she broke or the kid who looks a hell of a lot like someone I know.
Tap gloves, Alana.
It’s time for round two to begin.
TELL ME YOU LOVE ME is a complete standalone, spicy, second-chance romance with twists that will leave you breathless. (And no cliffhanger.) Jump in today and revisit Emilia's magical world inside an MMA gym.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2025
About the author
Emilia Finn
114 books1,615 followersEmilia Finn is an Amazon Top 20 bestselling, Australia-based author with more than 55 books written and published to date.
She's a mom, a coffee addict, a collector of quirky coffee mugs, and before she had kids, she was a real-life full-contact fighter.
Her experience on the fight circuits helped her pen her first ever book—Finding Home—featuring a world champion MMA fighter Bobby Kincaid, and his leading lady and equal in every way, Kit Reilly. What was only supposed to be a once off experience instead turned into a career for Emilia, a thriving empire, and a daily grind she never wants to be rescued from.
Join Emilia's mailing list for exclusive material and new release alerts.
Website➜ https://www.emiliafinn.com
She's a mom, a coffee addict, a collector of quirky coffee mugs, and before she had kids, she was a real-life full-contact fighter.
Her experience on the fight circuits helped her pen her first ever book—Finding Home—featuring a world champion MMA fighter Bobby Kincaid, and his leading lady and equal in every way, Kit Reilly. What was only supposed to be a once off experience instead turned into a career for Emilia, a thriving empire, and a daily grind she never wants to be rescued from.
Join Emilia's mailing list for exclusive material and new release alerts.
Website➜ https://www.emiliafinn.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
June 9, 2025
Took too long
The boomtown forever to reveal the big secret and then the end felt crazily rushed. Sad cause I enjoyed the writing but the whole plot was meh
The boomtown forever to reveal the big secret and then the end felt crazily rushed. Sad cause I enjoyed the writing but the whole plot was meh
May 29, 2025
I spent a large amount of time thinking I knew what was happening but I was so wrong! I didn’t see THAT being the reason.. What a great read! you will laugh cry and swoon with this one!
Check triggers warns though peeps
Check triggers warns though peeps
November 17, 2025
It was good but lacked background
I loved this book but we were not given background on a lot of stuff. I wanted to know the dynamic relationship between A and her husband Colin, we just knew he married her and they got a divorce but she never slept with him for 10 years! why did they get married, who is he? was he her best friend and married her so she can have health insurance? we knew nothing and it was kind of needed! Then the ending was rushed, we go from a horrible scene to happy ever after right away, what happened in between, what happened to Tommy’s father? A lot of it was very vague and although I loved the character and story line I do not know how it got as many stars as it did.
I loved this book but we were not given background on a lot of stuff. I wanted to know the dynamic relationship between A and her husband Colin, we just knew he married her and they got a divorce but she never slept with him for 10 years! why did they get married, who is he? was he her best friend and married her so she can have health insurance? we knew nothing and it was kind of needed! Then the ending was rushed, we go from a horrible scene to happy ever after right away, what happened in between, what happened to Tommy’s father? A lot of it was very vague and although I loved the character and story line I do not know how it got as many stars as it did.
August 27, 2025
Spoilers.
Woke up in the middle of the night to write this.
This book. I hated it sooooo much. So much sadness and angst. Her mother so emotionally abusive. His dad so physically abusive. The whole book sad, sad, sad.
The ending. The mom dies, no resolution. The sons beat the dad up almost unto death. (This is ok? We are supposed to cheer?) Then one chapter where they get together and it all will work out. What? Really?
I hated this book.
Well written…..yes.
I need to go find something to read that is at least somewhat uplifting. Grrrrrr
This author goes on my “do not read list”
Woke up in the middle of the night to write this.
This book. I hated it sooooo much. So much sadness and angst. Her mother so emotionally abusive. His dad so physically abusive. The whole book sad, sad, sad.
The ending. The mom dies, no resolution. The sons beat the dad up almost unto death. (This is ok? We are supposed to cheer?) Then one chapter where they get together and it all will work out. What? Really?
I hated this book.
Well written…..yes.
I need to go find something to read that is at least somewhat uplifting. Grrrrrr
This author goes on my “do not read list”
June 19, 2025
Hmm 🤔
This just didn't vibe right and it lacked a storyline. The book's eluded to premise of why Alana left town and a broken hearted Tommy 10 years earlier isn't revealed till about the 95% mark. Alana's woe is me rhetoric just went on and on. We were promised another gym full of fighters and the octagon but blink and you miss it. Bobby still reigns 👑
This just didn't vibe right and it lacked a storyline. The book's eluded to premise of why Alana left town and a broken hearted Tommy 10 years earlier isn't revealed till about the 95% mark. Alana's woe is me rhetoric just went on and on. We were promised another gym full of fighters and the octagon but blink and you miss it. Bobby still reigns 👑
January 28, 2026
3.75 stars
So much angsty drama in this one. I enjoyed the story, but didn't like the fact that everything was resolved, the big secret came to light, and the MCs got together all at once.
So much angsty drama in this one. I enjoyed the story, but didn't like the fact that everything was resolved, the big secret came to light, and the MCs got together all at once.
December 5, 2025
3.5⭐️ if only there were 50 more pages and a not rushed ending.
July 14, 2025
amazing
Such a beautifully written story with so many highs and lows.
The brutal incident that had Alana fleeing her small country town and the brothers she loved as a teenager had me almost in tears.
Having an autistic child myself, it was heartwarming to read a book that had characters that represent the spectrum. The detail in these aspects were utterly perfect.
Alana returns to her small town to support her ailing mother and has to face the past she left behind.
I was completely mesmerised by the storyline, I consumed this book in one sitting and will definitely read Chris and Fox’s book next.
Such a beautifully written story with so many highs and lows.
The brutal incident that had Alana fleeing her small country town and the brothers she loved as a teenager had me almost in tears.
Having an autistic child myself, it was heartwarming to read a book that had characters that represent the spectrum. The detail in these aspects were utterly perfect.
Alana returns to her small town to support her ailing mother and has to face the past she left behind.
I was completely mesmerised by the storyline, I consumed this book in one sitting and will definitely read Chris and Fox’s book next.
August 24, 2025
I put off reading Alana and Tommy's story until this weekend. When I say Emilia ripped out my heart and pummeled it and then put it back like nothing happened, she really did. It's like she saw my struggles with my own mom and put it on paper. I can't stop crying like an idiot, but I floved this book so hard. Cannot wait to read Christian's story.
Thank you Emilia.
Thank you Emilia.
June 9, 2025
Awesome read!
Oh my gosh! Every time I think I’ve found my favorite Emilia Finn book boyfriend/ couple…. Emilia ups the ante! Love, love, love!!!!
Oh my gosh! Every time I think I’ve found my favorite Emilia Finn book boyfriend/ couple…. Emilia ups the ante! Love, love, love!!!!
January 6, 2026
This story was fantastic. Just wished everything happened a little sooner than it did.
June 12, 2025
Almost couldn’t finish
June 30, 2025
When I tell you that I devoured this book, I mean I picked it up at 3pm and finished at midnight! I was hooked from page 1.
Tommy and Alana.... man, your story is emotional and tragic and worth telling. I knew what was coming but was unprepared at the same time. Alana is the best mom even though she came from an honestly terrible one. Tommy overcame all odds and made something amazing out of his life. I cant wait to see more snippets of them in the rest of the series!
Fun fact: Franky is the absolute best part of this story 🩶
The mental health awareness and autism awareness in this book is fantastic.
Tommy and Alana.... man, your story is emotional and tragic and worth telling. I knew what was coming but was unprepared at the same time. Alana is the best mom even though she came from an honestly terrible one. Tommy overcame all odds and made something amazing out of his life. I cant wait to see more snippets of them in the rest of the series!
Fun fact: Franky is the absolute best part of this story 🩶
The mental health awareness and autism awareness in this book is fantastic.
June 7, 2025
What an amazing beginning to a new series. I love the Rolling and Checkmate crew especially Kane Bishop but I am so excited to keep reading and enjoy these new characters. Tommy and Alana’s story will keep you turning the pages as you share their heartbreak and then happiness when they get their happy ending. Can’t wait for the next installment. Amazing!!
February 9, 2026
DNF at 46%, which was a real shame because there was really great autism representation for a child and an adult. But didn’t feel any chemistry between the characters and it seemed like it was the same plot point/discussion over and over again, with no progression
April 22, 2026
Dissapointing
Let me start by saying I have read a lot of books by this author and enjoyed majority of them. This book however irritated me beyond belief. I frankly should have gone with my first instinct of DNFing it as soon as she described her son’s Autism as a superpower. As a parent of a child with ASD it grinds my gears when people say that. Sadly i decided to ignore that so I had the pleasure of reading one of the most frustrating stories I’ve ever read. SPOILERS ahead!!!!
Okay let’s start with the Autism aspect of the story. Franklin falls into a very small percentage of people with Autism (like 1%) which alone isn’t the problem. The problem is that Hollywood version of ASD is the ONLY version people tend to write about. It is so rare to see the side of autism that is not the “super smart” person who is just a little quirky. Where is the version that’s 16 and still doesn’t speak? The version that still wets the bed or has aggressive meltdowns? The version that isn’t going to win a noble prize? The version most of us live with every day? There is hardly any representation of that reality and it isn’t fair. Also the chances just because both Chris and Franky have autism and are related doesn’t mean they would be exactly alike. That is actually really unlikely.
Next… the fact that the entire book was Alan refusing to tell anyone what happened but she wrote a book about it was ridiculous! She went back to a town where she knew people were going to ask questions and spent the entire book acting like they had no right to ask those questions.
I have so many unanswered questions. I figured out immediately that the father is who assaulted her but I assumed her and Tommy never did the deed because why else would she assume Franky was his dads? Then I realize they absolutely did the deed a ton of times and probably even that night being as though it was prom. Why is it never said how exactly she knows Franky isn’t Tommy’s kid? They literally never confirm that. Like why on earth would he assume Franky was his brothers and not his?
The end of the book is everyone finding out about the assault and Tommy and Chris going to find their father but then it just fades to black! WHAT HAPPENED! Did they off him? Did he got to jail? Did they just beat him up which gives him the chance to come back later? Why on earth would Tommy leave his drunk, passed out girlfriend ALONE in a house with his alcoholic abusive father?! Even if the man wasn’t home when they got home he still had access to the house. The assault seemed unnecessary to me. Her having the baby of boyfriend father made no sense to me. This boy was her soulmate the love of her life and she doesn’t decide to terminate or adopt out that baby is wild to me.
The last three pages made me dislike this book more than I initially would have. There was no justice. No resolution. No discussion of what happened. I didn’t want a graphic picture (I hate when books do that) but some type of closure would have been nice. Why the heck wouldn’t she has gotten plan B?? Who was Colin to her that she married him as soon as she got to New York? We just gloss right over that.
Bottom line this book gave me a headache and I wish I never read it.
Let me start by saying I have read a lot of books by this author and enjoyed majority of them. This book however irritated me beyond belief. I frankly should have gone with my first instinct of DNFing it as soon as she described her son’s Autism as a superpower. As a parent of a child with ASD it grinds my gears when people say that. Sadly i decided to ignore that so I had the pleasure of reading one of the most frustrating stories I’ve ever read. SPOILERS ahead!!!!
Okay let’s start with the Autism aspect of the story. Franklin falls into a very small percentage of people with Autism (like 1%) which alone isn’t the problem. The problem is that Hollywood version of ASD is the ONLY version people tend to write about. It is so rare to see the side of autism that is not the “super smart” person who is just a little quirky. Where is the version that’s 16 and still doesn’t speak? The version that still wets the bed or has aggressive meltdowns? The version that isn’t going to win a noble prize? The version most of us live with every day? There is hardly any representation of that reality and it isn’t fair. Also the chances just because both Chris and Franky have autism and are related doesn’t mean they would be exactly alike. That is actually really unlikely.
Next… the fact that the entire book was Alan refusing to tell anyone what happened but she wrote a book about it was ridiculous! She went back to a town where she knew people were going to ask questions and spent the entire book acting like they had no right to ask those questions.
I have so many unanswered questions. I figured out immediately that the father is who assaulted her but I assumed her and Tommy never did the deed because why else would she assume Franky was his dads? Then I realize they absolutely did the deed a ton of times and probably even that night being as though it was prom. Why is it never said how exactly she knows Franky isn’t Tommy’s kid? They literally never confirm that. Like why on earth would he assume Franky was his brothers and not his?
The end of the book is everyone finding out about the assault and Tommy and Chris going to find their father but then it just fades to black! WHAT HAPPENED! Did they off him? Did he got to jail? Did they just beat him up which gives him the chance to come back later? Why on earth would Tommy leave his drunk, passed out girlfriend ALONE in a house with his alcoholic abusive father?! Even if the man wasn’t home when they got home he still had access to the house. The assault seemed unnecessary to me. Her having the baby of boyfriend father made no sense to me. This boy was her soulmate the love of her life and she doesn’t decide to terminate or adopt out that baby is wild to me.
The last three pages made me dislike this book more than I initially would have. There was no justice. No resolution. No discussion of what happened. I didn’t want a graphic picture (I hate when books do that) but some type of closure would have been nice. Why the heck wouldn’t she has gotten plan B?? Who was Colin to her that she married him as soon as she got to New York? We just gloss right over that.
Bottom line this book gave me a headache and I wish I never read it.
July 16, 2025
What a wild but fantastic ride this entire book and story was! Emilia, there were so many moments while reading where I wanted to find you on Instagram and ask you, "what the heck!", but also when I wanted to virtually high-five you for the absolute humor throughout!
I would label this one as an emotional, suspenseful romantic comedy. It was heartfelt and covered extremely sensitive topics. At no point throughout the story did I feel I was able to determine what happened next!
Alana is returning to a her small-hometown for the first time after fleeing to New York for a new and different life after a tragic, traumatizing and a mostly secret experience to assist her estranged (read: abusive) mother, but she's coming back with much more than she left with... kind of.
Naturally, when you flee in the night and "disappear" for 10 years to start a new a removed life from those that knew and loved you, especially in small town America, you are for sure not coming in and landing quietly!
This book has a little bit for every reader; forbidden love, found family, secret children, emotional story, genuine friendship, and a love that is so deep it can see past the mess of life (in many directions!) and this had some phenomenal representation of ASD (but take this with a grain of salt, it was moreso that actions and care were written and not glossed over but genuinely presented here).
I will also note that Emilia Finn had a great moment in discussing the likelihood of close-minded behavior in comparison between rural and urban environments, that I felt she navigated gracefully while acknowledging the issue but continuing to work toward how it is resolved.
I am very much so looking forward to Alana's best friend Fox's story with Tommy's brother, Christian book two of Love and War,Crazy in Love!Crazy In Love
May 10, 2026
4.25⭐️. I loved this book. Is it perfect, no. But is it a great read where you root for both the MMC and the FMC because they’re both incredible, yes!
I love how confident Tommy and Lana were in their love even at a young age and after 10 years of questions and heart break, they still KNEW what they had was the real once in a lifetime kind of love.
I left this book with a few questions still left unanswered…why did she marry Colin? What happened to Greg? The dad after Tommy beat him down? Did he go to prison? Why did she still allow her book to be published after her agent went through without her? How could her mom act like it was her fault for what happened to her?! The grandma and the mom didn’t seem like the same person.
With all that…I still loved this book! I read it in a day while my husband drove. Then a late night wrap up of I’m at 80%…I can finish tonight. Lol.
23%
“The fact you know so much about me is concerning. I know nothing of your life.” “I know everything because I fucking loved you, even when you stopped loving me.”
35%
“Not everyone gets closure,” he growls. “Sometimes, there is none. There’s just a trip down the yellow brick road, and when you get to the end, you fucking die. Again.”
57%
“I want to own him! Because he owns me. I want to have what I used to have, and feel how I used to feel, and be adored the way only he knew how to adore me. I want the life we planned for us, and I want Franky to be there, too. I wish I’d married Tommy, not Colin, and I wish he was the father of my child. I want to rock on a rocking chair and drink lemonade on the porch with Chris when the sun goes down. I want the plans we made. But they were stolen from me, too.”
64%
“We’re standing right here, Lana. You’re still love, and I’m still war. And even though it feels like you’re trying to flip that, like you think it’s a badge of honor and a way to break us, I’m still saying it’ll work out. You be war if you need to. I’ll be love. The pieces are still there. They still fit.”
I love how confident Tommy and Lana were in their love even at a young age and after 10 years of questions and heart break, they still KNEW what they had was the real once in a lifetime kind of love.
I left this book with a few questions still left unanswered…why did she marry Colin? What happened to Greg? The dad after Tommy beat him down? Did he go to prison? Why did she still allow her book to be published after her agent went through without her? How could her mom act like it was her fault for what happened to her?! The grandma and the mom didn’t seem like the same person.
With all that…I still loved this book! I read it in a day while my husband drove. Then a late night wrap up of I’m at 80%…I can finish tonight. Lol.
23%
“The fact you know so much about me is concerning. I know nothing of your life.” “I know everything because I fucking loved you, even when you stopped loving me.”
35%
“Not everyone gets closure,” he growls. “Sometimes, there is none. There’s just a trip down the yellow brick road, and when you get to the end, you fucking die. Again.”
57%
“I want to own him! Because he owns me. I want to have what I used to have, and feel how I used to feel, and be adored the way only he knew how to adore me. I want the life we planned for us, and I want Franky to be there, too. I wish I’d married Tommy, not Colin, and I wish he was the father of my child. I want to rock on a rocking chair and drink lemonade on the porch with Chris when the sun goes down. I want the plans we made. But they were stolen from me, too.”
64%
“We’re standing right here, Lana. You’re still love, and I’m still war. And even though it feels like you’re trying to flip that, like you think it’s a badge of honor and a way to break us, I’m still saying it’ll work out. You be war if you need to. I’ll be love. The pieces are still there. They still fit.”
May 24, 2025
5⭐️ 3.5🌶️
This book stole my heart and destroyed me in the best way. I mean emotionally gutted, could not stop reading, tore me to shreds and put me back together. The plot and characters were so well written, they left a lasting impression long after I finish reading. It was honestly just that good. Only Emilia can write a book where I laugh, cry, borderline freak out and also get a protective MMC who is relentless in getting back the woman he loves.
I fell hard and fast for Alana + Tommy and even harder for her son Franky. The book starts in present day but gives you enough background to know that Alana was the good girl and Tommy the troublemaker who had a rough childhood. The connection and history between the characters was deep… until Alana up and ghosts Tommy.
10 years later and Tommy’s a pro MMA fighter, when Alana, all grown up and writing romance novels, rolls back into town to see her sick mother… with a 9.5 yr old kid in tow (YUP!!). Ideally, Alana would be able to avoid the boy whose heart she broke but never stopped loving… but hahah yea that’s not happening in that teeny tiny town. Now that’s she’s back, Tommy is determined not to let her get away again… but a lot can happen in 10 years and damn does Alana have secrets. I’m talking SECRETS!!!!
I devoured this. The feels, the banter, the spice and suspense all hit perfectly. The only thing I wanted more of was the Colin story…BUT maybe that will be a prequel 🤞
This is book 1 in a new MMA series and can be a complete standalone, written in dual first person POV. I would skip the TW if possible as it might contain a spoiler.
Tropes:
Small Town
Second Chance
EMOTIONAL
Good Girl x Bad Boy
Pro MMA Fight MMC
Author FMC
Single Mom
Angsty
Thank you Emilia for the ARC. I cannot wait for book 2!!!
This book stole my heart and destroyed me in the best way. I mean emotionally gutted, could not stop reading, tore me to shreds and put me back together. The plot and characters were so well written, they left a lasting impression long after I finish reading. It was honestly just that good. Only Emilia can write a book where I laugh, cry, borderline freak out and also get a protective MMC who is relentless in getting back the woman he loves.
I fell hard and fast for Alana + Tommy and even harder for her son Franky. The book starts in present day but gives you enough background to know that Alana was the good girl and Tommy the troublemaker who had a rough childhood. The connection and history between the characters was deep… until Alana up and ghosts Tommy.
10 years later and Tommy’s a pro MMA fighter, when Alana, all grown up and writing romance novels, rolls back into town to see her sick mother… with a 9.5 yr old kid in tow (YUP!!). Ideally, Alana would be able to avoid the boy whose heart she broke but never stopped loving… but hahah yea that’s not happening in that teeny tiny town. Now that’s she’s back, Tommy is determined not to let her get away again… but a lot can happen in 10 years and damn does Alana have secrets. I’m talking SECRETS!!!!
I devoured this. The feels, the banter, the spice and suspense all hit perfectly. The only thing I wanted more of was the Colin story…BUT maybe that will be a prequel 🤞
This is book 1 in a new MMA series and can be a complete standalone, written in dual first person POV. I would skip the TW if possible as it might contain a spoiler.
Tropes:
Small Town
Second Chance
EMOTIONAL
Good Girl x Bad Boy
Pro MMA Fight MMC
Author FMC
Single Mom
Angsty
Thank you Emilia for the ARC. I cannot wait for book 2!!!
May 25, 2025
𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐞 is the first book in the new Love and War series by Emilia Finn, featuring a heart-wrenching, yet beautiful second chance romance for Alana and Tommy. They were the good girl and the damaged bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. She broke his young heart when she vanished without a word 10 years ago. Now he’s a successful professional fighter, shocked when she returns to town with her adorable 9.5 year-old son in tow. Tommy wants her back, no matter what, but Alana’s secrets run deep and have the power to shatter hearts all over again!
Returning to a gym setting created by Emilia Finn was the ultimate lure for me, and what a reward it was! Even with the fighting taking a backseat, Tommy and Alana captivated me with their soul-deep connection, raw and gritty emotions, undeniable chemistry, and everlasting love. The plot twists will blow your mind, break your heart, and inspire you at the same time, as you witness amazing strength and fortitude in these characters as they respond to the gut punches life has thrown at them. Tommy was strong, hot, and determined, and he had me hook, line, and sinker. But, he wasn’t the only one…😉 Prepare to have your heart stolen by Franky, Alana’s son, who shined bright with all his neurodiverse perfection. I loved the way he perceived the world and let his favorite people into his circle. He became the glue of the family, making each character even more compelling based on their bond with him.🥰 Tommy’s brother Chris was one of those surprises… so unique, loving, and interesting! There was just so much to love! Yes, there was horrifically painful stuff that made me cry, but I also laughed, blushed, swooned, and enjoyed some Easter Eggs from another series I love! I can’t wait to see how Chris’ story unfolds next!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶️
Returning to a gym setting created by Emilia Finn was the ultimate lure for me, and what a reward it was! Even with the fighting taking a backseat, Tommy and Alana captivated me with their soul-deep connection, raw and gritty emotions, undeniable chemistry, and everlasting love. The plot twists will blow your mind, break your heart, and inspire you at the same time, as you witness amazing strength and fortitude in these characters as they respond to the gut punches life has thrown at them. Tommy was strong, hot, and determined, and he had me hook, line, and sinker. But, he wasn’t the only one…😉 Prepare to have your heart stolen by Franky, Alana’s son, who shined bright with all his neurodiverse perfection. I loved the way he perceived the world and let his favorite people into his circle. He became the glue of the family, making each character even more compelling based on their bond with him.🥰 Tommy’s brother Chris was one of those surprises… so unique, loving, and interesting! There was just so much to love! Yes, there was horrifically painful stuff that made me cry, but I also laughed, blushed, swooned, and enjoyed some Easter Eggs from another series I love! I can’t wait to see how Chris’ story unfolds next!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶️
May 27, 2025
Emilia Finn delivers a knockout emotional experience in Tell Me You Love Me, a second-chance romance that combines raw passion, heartache, and the power of unconditional love.
TMYLM is the story of Alana, a resilient author, and Tommy, a fierce MMA fighter — two lovers whose fiery connection once lit up the world before it all came crashing down. Now, years later, fate gives them another shot. What follows is a deeply angsty, emotional journey from lovers to enemies… and back to lovers.
Finn excels at pulling readers into the emotional trenches. She doesn’t shy away from the pain of heartbreak, loss, or the complicated terrain of forgiveness. The story pulses with intensity from the raw vulnerability both characters face as they confront the past.
Motherhood is a central, tender thread that adds even more depth to Alana’s journey. Her strength as a mother is portrayed with authenticity and grace, highlighting the sacrifices, fears, and unyielding love that comes with the role. It’s this layer — combined with Tommy’s tenacity to win back the life he lost — that truly elevates the story beyond a typical romance.
Tell Me You Love Me will break your heart and lovingly piece it back together. It’s a story of enduring love, redemption, and the belief that some bonds are unbreakable, even when life threatens to tear them apart. This is a must-read for fans of angsty, small town romance, emotionally charged reunions, and stories that show love in all its messy, beautiful glory. It is easily one of the best stories I've read this year.
TMYLM is the story of Alana, a resilient author, and Tommy, a fierce MMA fighter — two lovers whose fiery connection once lit up the world before it all came crashing down. Now, years later, fate gives them another shot. What follows is a deeply angsty, emotional journey from lovers to enemies… and back to lovers.
Finn excels at pulling readers into the emotional trenches. She doesn’t shy away from the pain of heartbreak, loss, or the complicated terrain of forgiveness. The story pulses with intensity from the raw vulnerability both characters face as they confront the past.
Motherhood is a central, tender thread that adds even more depth to Alana’s journey. Her strength as a mother is portrayed with authenticity and grace, highlighting the sacrifices, fears, and unyielding love that comes with the role. It’s this layer — combined with Tommy’s tenacity to win back the life he lost — that truly elevates the story beyond a typical romance.
Tell Me You Love Me will break your heart and lovingly piece it back together. It’s a story of enduring love, redemption, and the belief that some bonds are unbreakable, even when life threatens to tear them apart. This is a must-read for fans of angsty, small town romance, emotionally charged reunions, and stories that show love in all its messy, beautiful glory. It is easily one of the best stories I've read this year.
June 6, 2025
Tell Me You Love Me is book one in the Love & War series and is the story of Alana and Tommy. This is a spicy, second chance romance with twists and turns that will leave you breathless.
This book is a great introduction in this new series and it a heartwrenching story that will break your heart and then put it back together with Tommy and Alana's enduring story of love and devotion. Childhood sweethearts that were torn apart by a devastating secret, Alana disappears without a goodbye. Ten years later she returns with a nine year old son and a secret. Looking for a place to start over, Alana returns to her hometown but convinces herself she will be able to avoid the boy she used to love but small towns don't work that way. Tommy wants answers as to why Alana left town and broke his heart and he makes his frustration and anger apparent to Alana. Through their pain and anguish, Tommy admits that Alana was always meant to be his and he will fight to make Alana remember the love they shared and the future they could have.
Tommy's protectiveness, vulnerability and the depth of the long held feelings he has for Alana made him a character I will not forget. Alana has a strength and resilience that was inspiring to read and her fierce love for her son and the way she is willing to fight for him is everything.
I absolutely adored this story and the feelings and emotions it had me in speaks volumes. Such a fantastic start to a new series with a cast full of amazing characters to build this world around.
This book is a great introduction in this new series and it a heartwrenching story that will break your heart and then put it back together with Tommy and Alana's enduring story of love and devotion. Childhood sweethearts that were torn apart by a devastating secret, Alana disappears without a goodbye. Ten years later she returns with a nine year old son and a secret. Looking for a place to start over, Alana returns to her hometown but convinces herself she will be able to avoid the boy she used to love but small towns don't work that way. Tommy wants answers as to why Alana left town and broke his heart and he makes his frustration and anger apparent to Alana. Through their pain and anguish, Tommy admits that Alana was always meant to be his and he will fight to make Alana remember the love they shared and the future they could have.
Tommy's protectiveness, vulnerability and the depth of the long held feelings he has for Alana made him a character I will not forget. Alana has a strength and resilience that was inspiring to read and her fierce love for her son and the way she is willing to fight for him is everything.
I absolutely adored this story and the feelings and emotions it had me in speaks volumes. Such a fantastic start to a new series with a cast full of amazing characters to build this world around.
March 19, 2026
Really good story just a couple issues
Overall the story was great. Characters were solid and enjoyed the son so much! I didn’t like finding out she was a blonde half way through. She didn’t read like a Barbie doll and her mom has black hair. This author clearly knows nothing about genetics because the strength of black hair jeans way outweighs a blonde gene. So statistically speaking, her being blonde haired and blue eyed with a pale skin black haired mother is almost 0. It’s very clear that the author just wants dried to wrap out Barbie dolls, and she didn’t even read like that personality type at all. Sadly, it looks like we’re gonna get another Barbie doll in the series with the younger friend or all of her sister the fighter. She’s a terrible character. She’s not even a likable person at all. So I guess I’ll read that one and give it the necessary rating. The only other thing that I didn’t like about this was that her not telling them was really silly. Because she could’ve said a lot of things close to the truth without naming a name that would’ve given them peace and I know that thinking about other people’s state of mind when you’ve been through traumatic event is difficult but if she really did, love Tommy and Chris. She could’ve come up with something. And not even over the years she was gone when they ran into each other and they were begging for answers. She could’ve said something traumatic happened and I needed to leave this town and that’s the best I can give you. So she did really owe them more than she gave them.
Overall the story was great. Characters were solid and enjoyed the son so much! I didn’t like finding out she was a blonde half way through. She didn’t read like a Barbie doll and her mom has black hair. This author clearly knows nothing about genetics because the strength of black hair jeans way outweighs a blonde gene. So statistically speaking, her being blonde haired and blue eyed with a pale skin black haired mother is almost 0. It’s very clear that the author just wants dried to wrap out Barbie dolls, and she didn’t even read like that personality type at all. Sadly, it looks like we’re gonna get another Barbie doll in the series with the younger friend or all of her sister the fighter. She’s a terrible character. She’s not even a likable person at all. So I guess I’ll read that one and give it the necessary rating. The only other thing that I didn’t like about this was that her not telling them was really silly. Because she could’ve said a lot of things close to the truth without naming a name that would’ve given them peace and I know that thinking about other people’s state of mind when you’ve been through traumatic event is difficult but if she really did, love Tommy and Chris. She could’ve come up with something. And not even over the years she was gone when they ran into each other and they were begging for answers. She could’ve said something traumatic happened and I needed to leave this town and that’s the best I can give you. So she did really owe them more than she gave them.
June 8, 2025
Once-in-a lifetime kind of love
Ummm… wow. Not very eloquent but this book left me kind of speechless. Tommy freakin’ Watkins just took the top book boyfriend spot from all of Emilia Finn’s books. (Sorry Kane but I think he shoved you right out of the way.) I was so thrilled when I heard that Emilia Finn was taking us back to the gym and I wasn’t disappointed. This one had me hooked from the start. I absolutely ate it up. In fact, I probably need to do a re-read to make sure that I didn’t miss anything because I read it so fast. I’m going to be honest; this is a tough read at times. (Make sure that you check those content warnings.) And even though I had the storyline mostly worked out, it was quite emotional to boot. And the characters? Gah! I loved them. You already know how I feel about Tommy even though he could be a tad on the aggressive side at times. My heart freaking hurt for Alana and I cheered for her so hard. I just wanted to hug Franky and Chris even though they would hate it. This book brought 4.5 stars of magic to my life. I’d take off .5 star for the things previously mentioned, unanswered questions (mostly surrounding Colin), and a slightly rushed ending. I would’ve loved more story and I’ll definitely grab Chris’ book when the time comes to check back in with these characters. This book and these characters burrowed into my heart and claimed a top spot for my 2025 reads.
Ummm… wow. Not very eloquent but this book left me kind of speechless. Tommy freakin’ Watkins just took the top book boyfriend spot from all of Emilia Finn’s books. (Sorry Kane but I think he shoved you right out of the way.) I was so thrilled when I heard that Emilia Finn was taking us back to the gym and I wasn’t disappointed. This one had me hooked from the start. I absolutely ate it up. In fact, I probably need to do a re-read to make sure that I didn’t miss anything because I read it so fast. I’m going to be honest; this is a tough read at times. (Make sure that you check those content warnings.) And even though I had the storyline mostly worked out, it was quite emotional to boot. And the characters? Gah! I loved them. You already know how I feel about Tommy even though he could be a tad on the aggressive side at times. My heart freaking hurt for Alana and I cheered for her so hard. I just wanted to hug Franky and Chris even though they would hate it. This book brought 4.5 stars of magic to my life. I’d take off .5 star for the things previously mentioned, unanswered questions (mostly surrounding Colin), and a slightly rushed ending. I would’ve loved more story and I’ll definitely grab Chris’ book when the time comes to check back in with these characters. This book and these characters burrowed into my heart and claimed a top spot for my 2025 reads.
April 6, 2026
“Alana Page is his mother. Alana Page is your mother?” Maniacal laughter takes me over, the sound entirely unhinged and not at all funny, rolling along my tongue and out to poison the air we breathe. “Alana Page is inside that house right now?”
:::::
This was particularly good. There is a bit of a hole that irked me- but the overall novel was very engaging.
We needed the background and story- even the smallest details would have helped when it came to Colin.
For the secret event- damn. I was wrong 2 times in my original thinking and once I figured it out it was well… (no spoilers) ….
These characters were fab. Loved the autistic rep.
Franky was a great kiddo.
Dialogue was great.
Very pleased with the pacing and overall feel.
It felt mature and grounded.
A few things I would have liked to have seen differently would be spoilers- so we will skip over that.
With a few small tweaks- this could have been a 5 star read.
————-
He was always stocky. Solidly built, even when he was young and hungry. But now he has his own money, a training regime, dietary plans, and though it’s only an assumption, I doubt he’s living with a tyrannical abuser who kicks the shit out of him simply for existing. The boy he used to be grew into a man swollen in all the right places. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
:::::
This was particularly good. There is a bit of a hole that irked me- but the overall novel was very engaging.
We needed the background and story- even the smallest details would have helped when it came to Colin.
For the secret event- damn. I was wrong 2 times in my original thinking and once I figured it out it was well… (no spoilers) ….
These characters were fab. Loved the autistic rep.
Franky was a great kiddo.
Dialogue was great.
Very pleased with the pacing and overall feel.
It felt mature and grounded.
A few things I would have liked to have seen differently would be spoilers- so we will skip over that.
With a few small tweaks- this could have been a 5 star read.
————-
He was always stocky. Solidly built, even when he was young and hungry. But now he has his own money, a training regime, dietary plans, and though it’s only an assumption, I doubt he’s living with a tyrannical abuser who kicks the shit out of him simply for existing. The boy he used to be grew into a man swollen in all the right places. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
June 7, 2025
Tommy and Alana's story is a masterpiece of emotional writing.
From a teenage love full of fire and declarations of forever, an overnight event separates them. Tommy is left heartbroken and angry, not able to move on emotionally and Alana is living a life of pain for a love she selflessly gave up, for a love of a different kind. Her son.
When Alana moves back home, several years later, she knows she will have to face the man who she never stopped loving, without being able to tell him her demons.
The hunger, the desire for truth from Tommy versus Alana’s fierce need to protect everyone but herself burns through the pages.
Emilia Finn captures the rawness of not just the main characters feelings, but how it encompasses those close to them too.
Woven throughout this story is the love of friends, lovers, parents and youth. Yet the devastating effects of the loss or abuse of that love are shown too.
The longing for time lost, yet the recognition that they wouldn't necessarily be the people they are today without it, is so poignant and the tentative rekindling of bonds, the building of new one's, provides so much depth and hope.
A joy to read from start to finish, I cried, I laughed, I empathised and as a reader I fractured and rebuilt along with them.
From a teenage love full of fire and declarations of forever, an overnight event separates them. Tommy is left heartbroken and angry, not able to move on emotionally and Alana is living a life of pain for a love she selflessly gave up, for a love of a different kind. Her son.
When Alana moves back home, several years later, she knows she will have to face the man who she never stopped loving, without being able to tell him her demons.
The hunger, the desire for truth from Tommy versus Alana’s fierce need to protect everyone but herself burns through the pages.
Emilia Finn captures the rawness of not just the main characters feelings, but how it encompasses those close to them too.
Woven throughout this story is the love of friends, lovers, parents and youth. Yet the devastating effects of the loss or abuse of that love are shown too.
The longing for time lost, yet the recognition that they wouldn't necessarily be the people they are today without it, is so poignant and the tentative rekindling of bonds, the building of new one's, provides so much depth and hope.
A joy to read from start to finish, I cried, I laughed, I empathised and as a reader I fractured and rebuilt along with them.
June 8, 2025
We are in a new gym, a new town (one with a name 😌), and a new set of characters who love just as hard as the OG Rollers. I didn’t put this book down, I loved the angst and the second chance romance. Please check the trigger warnings, while this is not a dark romance it does touch on some heavy topics.
Alana Page left town 10 years ago with a secret to protect the only man she’s ever loved. Tommy Watkins has never recovered from Alana’s unknown disappearance and has used those ten years fighting professionally as an MMA fighter and build up the gym he owns with his twin brother, Christian.
Alana is forced to move back with her mom because her mother is sick and her marriage was no longer working out for them. So she takes her 9 year old son, Franky, and they move back to Plainsville.
While this book had Emilia’s usual easy to love characters, Alana’s mom, Betsie, was unlikeable and as someone who understands that kind of trauma of living with a mother like that, that was not the closure I was expecting. And when we find out what happened all those years ago and what told Alana before she left was heartbreaking.
The end was not what I was expecting and although the story was really good I wished we had more.
Alana Page left town 10 years ago with a secret to protect the only man she’s ever loved. Tommy Watkins has never recovered from Alana’s unknown disappearance and has used those ten years fighting professionally as an MMA fighter and build up the gym he owns with his twin brother, Christian.
Alana is forced to move back with her mom because her mother is sick and her marriage was no longer working out for them. So she takes her 9 year old son, Franky, and they move back to Plainsville.
While this book had Emilia’s usual easy to love characters, Alana’s mom, Betsie, was unlikeable and as someone who understands that kind of trauma of living with a mother like that, that was not the closure I was expecting. And when we find out what happened all those years ago and what told Alana before she left was heartbreaking.
The end was not what I was expecting and although the story was really good I wished we had more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2025
Alana and Tommy
Another great book by EF. I found this to be a very nice read and an intriguing story. EF has a great ability to portray a wonderful story. I love Tommy as the MMC. I was not a huge fan of Alana. The story was great, but there were parts that brought it down for me because it contains some of my most annoying tropes.
➡️ prolong secrets and avoidance. It took till about 93% of the story to find out the big secret.
➡️ Alana was not very nice to Tommy and he never did a single thing wrong. She’s the one who left didn’t tell anyone goodbye or why she was leaving. She repeatedly would get physical with him and then follow that up by saying it was a mistake and it’s not gonna happen again. That leading someone on is very annoying.
➡️ avoiding the elephant in the room. It was obvious that Alana’s son came from a certain family. No one addressed the similarities or asked any questions until the end of the book after the secret was revealed.
➡️ it took until the end of the book to find out about the secret, then they were finally together as a couple and bam The book is over.
➡️ the story never addresses Alana’s marriage. Was it a marriage of convenience? Did he just marry her to help her?
Overall, the story was a great read.
Another great book by EF. I found this to be a very nice read and an intriguing story. EF has a great ability to portray a wonderful story. I love Tommy as the MMC. I was not a huge fan of Alana. The story was great, but there were parts that brought it down for me because it contains some of my most annoying tropes.
➡️ prolong secrets and avoidance. It took till about 93% of the story to find out the big secret.
➡️ Alana was not very nice to Tommy and he never did a single thing wrong. She’s the one who left didn’t tell anyone goodbye or why she was leaving. She repeatedly would get physical with him and then follow that up by saying it was a mistake and it’s not gonna happen again. That leading someone on is very annoying.
➡️ avoiding the elephant in the room. It was obvious that Alana’s son came from a certain family. No one addressed the similarities or asked any questions until the end of the book after the secret was revealed.
➡️ it took until the end of the book to find out about the secret, then they were finally together as a couple and bam The book is over.
➡️ the story never addresses Alana’s marriage. Was it a marriage of convenience? Did he just marry her to help her?
Overall, the story was a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
This is a very its-me-not-the-book rating.
The Heros dad raped MC and got her pregnant, thats the secret. It wasn't the brother, it was the dad. She should have just stayed gone. Or gotten an abortion. Cause now Hero is gonna be stepfather to his half brother Frankie, and his half brother is gonna be uncle-brother to whatever sibling his mom now pops out with Tommy (Hero).
I get it, ladies choice--but why you would keep the child of rape by the father of the man you love is beyond me and very disgusting to me. im not into Once Upon A Time level geneology trees. Sorry, but procreating with the woman who gave birth to your brother is disgusting to me. She chose to go through with the pregnancy, raise the child AND keep it all a secret (which felt like playing martyr bc it was "for Chris and Tommy's sake" cause she knew they'd go nuts. Worlds smallest violin, lady). 1000/10 not here for it. If I was our Hero, I'd hurl. She didn't have a choice in the father touching her, but she DID have a choice in keeping the baby, running away like a coward causing hurt and confusion, coming back for a toxic family member which renders the whole point of running and staying away moot so like why did you even bother?? and lying for as long as possible.
If it's disgusting to you, as well, skip this book and leave it for all the other readers who don't mind.
The Heros dad raped MC and got her pregnant, thats the secret. It wasn't the brother, it was the dad. She should have just stayed gone. Or gotten an abortion. Cause now Hero is gonna be stepfather to his half brother Frankie, and his half brother is gonna be uncle-brother to whatever sibling his mom now pops out with Tommy (Hero).
I get it, ladies choice--but why you would keep the child of rape by the father of the man you love is beyond me and very disgusting to me. im not into Once Upon A Time level geneology trees. Sorry, but procreating with the woman who gave birth to your brother is disgusting to me. She chose to go through with the pregnancy, raise the child AND keep it all a secret (which felt like playing martyr bc it was "for Chris and Tommy's sake" cause she knew they'd go nuts. Worlds smallest violin, lady). 1000/10 not here for it. If I was our Hero, I'd hurl. She didn't have a choice in the father touching her, but she DID have a choice in keeping the baby, running away like a coward causing hurt and confusion, coming back for a toxic family member which renders the whole point of running and staying away moot so like why did you even bother?? and lying for as long as possible.
If it's disgusting to you, as well, skip this book and leave it for all the other readers who don't mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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