Exton is a forced proximity, fish out of water, stand-alone contemporary romance about a protective hero and the tattoo artist that pushes his limits.
The thing about being a plain Jane is it’s easy to be overlooked. Even tatted, tall, and rocking turquoise hair, I never stand out.
Except to Exton Ranger.
The quiet, broody, watchful man and I had one amazing night together—one night when I realized I could not only trust him, but easily bare my soul to him.
Come to find out, he knows me better than I understand, is hellbent on protecting me, and plans to take me home to make sure I’m safe.
Home … most people have one. Safety. Security. Family.
But not me.
Safety was escaping my mom. Security was changing my name. And family?
That’s not a concept I can grasp.
But this ranch and the people on it are the best I’ve ever experienced.
When my past catches up with me, threatening the Rangers and the future I long for, I’m stuck sacrificing myself to save it all …
… And Exton’s expertise and his protective nature are my only hope to survive.
Hadley believes strongly in the healing power of salsa, is fully and unapologetically addicted to coffee, and feels it’s her duty to keep the book world financially viable by bingeing great stories that are wonderfully told. She also loves adverbs.
Hadley loves to cook, dance, and have conversations with the figments of her imagination.
I had almost forgotten how good it is to get a story where there is plenty of Bossy, Demanding and Controlling in my hero, without worrying that my eyes will roll out of my head. I think in this case it's because Exton is Thoughtful, Considerate and Caring as well as those other traits. It also has A LOT to do with the fact that Willa doesn't mind a wee bit of the BDC, as long as it mostly stays in the bedroom AND she gets plenty of the TCC.
For a short...ish story, this one packed quite a punch. The characters were interesting, the storyline kept me captivated, and the love story, while pretty quick, definitely had me believing in their happily ever after. The highlight though, Exton has an awesome family. I loved the dynamics and the way they show their love and support to each other.
Once I started Exton, I found it really, really hard to stop. I was even doing the sneaky ... read a few pages while my coffee was making ... in between real-life chores. Best part is, there are more where this one came from. Sign me up and take my money, Hadley Finn, I desperately need more of The Ranger.
If you're looking for a fast-paced, fairly short story that packs a punch, you definitely can't go wrong with, Exton. I already have book two preordered, because I can't wait to see how Braxton will deal with his wee bit of an issue.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
These characters got my attention right away and I enjoyed all of them, the main couple and the side characters. Well maybe minus one. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what's going to come next from the Ranger family!
The story was intriguing and I did enjoy it but I can't say I loved it. It was just missing something to keep me truly captivated, especially near the end when things seemed to move way too fast. It felt like important information was missing and was skimmed over just to get to the HEA.
4.5 Stars rounded up. Exton is an FBI agent who is back in Austin for his Mothers funeral. He Is a human lie detector. He meetsWilla and is wowed by her honesty. They fall into Instalust. There’s a mystery in the background and we meet the Ranger family. I’ll read more of this author!
This is basically character intros. He’s an FBI body language expert. She’s a tattoo artist. They meet at a restaurant via a mutual friend. Sparks apparently fly, and by 10%… they’re f’ing against her wall.
Problem One:
I’m TOLD there are sparks. I don’t see nor hear said chemistry. So, the initial hookup is just random, fast, and meaningless.
Problem Two:
“Seriously. Just don’t get me hoity-toity fancy shit, and I’ll be good.”
The author is overselling how “normal” and non-stereotypical the FMC is. It’s the special ❄️ syndrome wrapped in newspaper - ‘I’m so special but in the most normal of ways’ 🙄
Meanwhile, the MMC is selling how f’ing smart he is and bitching about how all the “real” chicks are nonexistent… until he meets her. Lateedooda 🧚♀️ 🦄
Problem Three:
There’s sex talk, but there’s zero real dialogue in the meet and post-sex shit…
We ate delicious, greasy dive-bar burgers and chatted about anything and everything.
So, yet again, I’m being TOLD, not shown, this “special” chemistry.
22%
After the FMC and MMC banging for their meet, this storyline just drifts.Horse rides with family, musing about social media followers, expo on how mom died, a few texts telling me (yet again) how special this all is, etc.
So, basically we have dude meets chick. Dude bangs chick. It’s all so special. Almost a quarter of the book is gone and we have ONE interaction to build this romance and storyline.
Problem:
💭💭💭🔍🔎🔍🔎🔍🔍🔎🔍🔎💭💭💭 <<< That would be me looking for a storyline here. The result….
😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴
DNF at 23% of boring nothingness. Two-week old oatmeal out the fridge has more flavor.
This story was awesome. Fast paced and interesting, I could not predict what was going to happen next. I was floored by the cause of Willa’s issues, enamored with Exton’s take charge attitude, and in love with the entire Ranger family. This is the authors second story, and I was a little unsure she’d top Priestly Sins. Both books were amazing in their own ways, but so very very different. Mrs. Finn’s abilities are what I’d expect from an author with 15-20 books under her belt, not just two. I’ll definitely be a fan for life.
This is my first book by Hadley Finn and it was a great book and worth to read. I differently recommend this book. And I will be looking into Hadley's other books to read too.
Wow! This book was so fantastic. Once I started it I was sucked into it and couldn’t put it down! I just loved the instant connection between Exton and Willa. Exton was Uber alpha and I loved it. Exton’s family sucked me right in. I loved his Dad’s one liners. It was hysterical. This book had it all, Romance, steam, and suspense that kept you guessing. So when is the next book? Soon right?
The minute I started this book, I was drawn in and couldn't stop reading until I was finished. It's been awhile since I've devoured a book in one sitting, but it was easy to do with Hadley Finn's Exton. The story if fast-paced and well-developed. Ms. Finn's characters are realistic and the kind of people you'd like to draw into your inner circle. I loved the family dynamic within Exton's family. His brothers and his sister love to banter with each other and their dad is a riot, especially his safe sex advice. Exton is home from DC, where he works for the FBI as a body-language expert (read human lie detector) for a death in the family. When he meets Willa, a tattoo artist, he unexpectedly finds a woman who doesn't trip his lie detecting gift. She is as intriguing and truthful as she is sexy, but Exton's not looking for a relationship on his visit home. However, when she's a no-show for a second encounter he immediately knows something is off. Willa does't believe in happily ever afters but feels time with Exton is well spent. After her backstory is revealed, the reader understands why Willa is as strong as she is. When her friend, Jackie, blows into town the social influencer takes Willa along for the ride. On one of their stops, Willa meets Exton and her life will never be the same, in so many ways. What follows is a twisted story of betrayal, the past raising its ugly head, suspense, danger, and the realization of an unexpected love. I can't wait to see what Ms. Finn has in store for the rest of the family because this is a delightful introduction into the Rangers series.
Wow, this novel was so good! This author is a new author for me and I loved her new novel. This novel hooked me from the very first page, I did not want to put it down. I loved Willa and Exton. I loved Willa and how strong she was and I loved how Exton took care of her. So good. I love when a novel sucks you in and you can't put it down. This novel had me laughing, brought me to tears and finally left me with a happy heart. I loved it!
Exton was my first book by Ms Finn. It won’t be my last. I had a few friends recommend her to me and when I finally had the chance to read it, I jumped at the chance. I’m so glad I did. This book is full of surprises. Suspenseful, twisty and HOT. It checked all my boxes. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
This author continues to hit it out of the park! As much as I loved her first novel, this one is equally as good. And it’s proof that she can write in more than one genre, or trope, or whatever you want to call it. Exton and Willa are fantastic together, and the fact that they bring the start to a series I can’t wait to see more of while still providing the extreme heat and some danger made me sad to hit the true epilogue.
These two are a somewhat unlikely match, but they’re just perfect. Willa is a tad unorthodox and a lot intriguing, while Exton is burnt out on liars and mooches and totally not expecting to find the perfect woman by by chance. But that’s exactly what happens. And while it may seem fast, sometimes you just KNOW right away that the person or situation or whatever is exactly who or what you need. That is very much the case here and I didn’t feel even a little upset over the connection between Willa and Exton. On top of that, she’s no pushover and isn’t about to let him railroad her into whatever he wants. Nor can Exton manipulate Willa into sharing that which she isn’t ready to share.
Even with the danger and the bit of tension when some truths come out, communication is and remains key with these two. Add in Exton’s hilarious family, a loss that isn’t as distant as we originally thought, and an awful betrayal and I was hooked from start to finish. And now? Well, now I need to know what the what with Braxton, sooner than later. I can’t wait for more of this family!
I loved this book. It is a quick, well-written, fast-paced, read with lots of twists and turn. When you read a lot of books like I do, you get to the point where you can anticipate what is going to happen in a new book/story because they all tend to be the same or similar. Not with this book…Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen the author threw in twists, unexpected turns and surprised me. That is so refreshing and I love it.
The only disappointing thing about this book, for me, was chapters 19 and 20. Why do most authors write female characters that willingly run, not walk, but run into a dangerous situation without telling anyone? It is possible for an author to write a scenario where the heroine is put into a dangerous situation without the heroine willingly doing it to herself. Unfortunately, so far, I have only found about three authors (and I read a LOT of books) who write strong female characters who find themselves in trouble through no fault of their own. Sigh
But, overall I loved the book. It’s a great start to the series and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.
This story grabbed me right from the beginning. Willa is an AWESOME BA! And Exton is steamy, swoony goodness. I just fell in love with both characters & their personalities. I love the way they treat each other from the first time they meet all through the story (even when they get a little gun-shy briefly).
Exton's nickname for Willa is "dragon slayer" and it really fits. She just exudes a sense of self that is refreshing. Idk how to explain it... So you should really just read about her & find out! ; )
Their story is steamy & suspenseful, and may have a cameo from Susan Stoker-land since this is also a part of that world. Great use of a Stoker character!!
Thumbs way up, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. We meet Exton's family & I am excited for each of their HEAs!
This is the first book I have read by Hadley Finn. I assure you it won't be the last. Exton and Willa meet when Willa and her best friend Jackie are at a restaurant that Jackie has agreed to mention in her blog. Exton and his friend happened to be there and they all sat together. Afterwards, one thing led to another and they ended the evening at Willa's apartment. They agreed to talk again soon. What followed is a flurry of texts. They are both attracted to each other. However, neither trusts easily. Exton is an FBI agent who expert in reading body language. Willa is a tattooist. They want to see where things can go between them. Outside forces interfere and Willa ends up in a world of trouble. Will Exton get there in time to save her? Get this book ASAP and find out. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly await the next one.
Wow! Exton and Willa were explosive from the start. They have an instant connection and it just grows from there. With the intense character chemistry, action and excitement, and fantastic secondary characters (The Ranger Family) - I am excited to see what comes next in this series. It is also great to see a new addition to the Susan Stoker world.
first time reader of this author ... will not be the last time. Exton is alpha, Willa is Willa and the two of them work ... great story, loved meeting the Ranger family and I would be surprised if you do not like this book.
Quirky is a good way to describe this book. Exton is an FBI agent and Willa is a tattoo artist. They meet and boom! I really enjoyed this book and pre-ordered the next one.
So, so good. Let me just advise you now. Grab a cold drink when you sit down with this book.
This is the story of Exton and Willa. He is the FBI human lie detector and she is the free spirited tattoo artist. Welcome to a suspenseful, lustfilled book. A chance meeting leads to much much more. I could not put this book down. Great story, great character interactions, awesome antagonist, and the sex scenes. Yesss!!
I am hooked on The Ranger family and thankfully I already have the next book.
Absolutely loved this story. Can't wait to see where this leads. Exton works for the FBI. Willa is a tattoo artist. They meet when she is out with her friend who is visiting. Let the fun begin.
First time reading Hadley Finns books but this author doesn’t disappoint. I’m not a spoiler alert kind of girl so you’ll just have to take my work for it. This book has the perfect amount of suspense/action and romance/steam. I definitely recommend this book as well as this author in general.
What a fantastic beginning to a whole new series. This book was a wild and fun ride. Exton and Willa meet by chance and wow do sparks fly. Then the past for one comes calling with a side of holy cow. I wickedly enjoyed this book. Definitely worth the read.
Was engrossed from the start. Suspense, action, heat, and it constantly kept me on the edge of my seat. Exton is pure alpha and knows what he wants. Willa's ex is nothing but trouble and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. HEA.
Wow! Another great book by Hadley Flynn. I’m a huge Susan Stoker fan and Exton made a great addition to her world. Loved loved Willa Jayne and Exton’s family! I can’t wait to read the next one!
Hadley Finn has struck gold again with Exton!! The suspense is out of this world, it's more like being in a never ending roller coaster ride, and the spicy, sexy times aren't too bad either!! I don't know whether to label this Insta-Lust or Insta-Love, because either way they Exton and Willa don't have the same issues most insta-lust couples do. Theirs are much more far-reaching.
Willa is a tattoo-artist in Austin, and her best friend,Jackie, from NYC is in town because she's some kind of SM Influencer person, and Austin is a fresh new restaurant scene, and the restaurants would like Jackie to do her magic and get them noticed on social media.
Exton is a human lie detector working for the FBI. He is incredibly good at his job, but it makes it harder that normal to meet people - even just friends. People have no idea how much they lie, just in the course of they're daily lives. But when he meets Willa through a friend, and feels like he's opened a bottle of fresh air, he wants to know everything he can as fast as he can.
Unfortunately neither Willa nor Exton know they are getting ready for some wicked surprises. Surprises designed to try and ruin at least Willa's life because people from her past are coming up fast, and her best friend seems to have made some BIG mistakes that no one knows about!
I loved the suspense in Exton, and the side characters from Extons family. His brothers and sister are a riot, and his Daddy is an absolute sweetheart. The way they take Willa into the fold shows that family can come from anywhere, and will do anything they can to protect the ones they love. If you're looking for spice in this romance you will not be disappointed, Willa and Exton are HOT from the very beginning, and Exton demanding that Willa look him in the eyes did it for me EVERY.SINGLE.TIME!!
Five stars for Hadley Finn's newest adventure in Exton, I cannot WAIT to see what is coming up next with Braxton. Her epilogue was ingenious, leaving me panting for the next part in the story!
Exton by Hadley Finn. I actually read the second book (Braxton) in this series first, and came back to read this one. I love the Ranger family. They have the pain of loss and the strength of family to lean on. The characters are real, with imperfections and strong emotions. But they also act like adults, and are open and able to listen to each other and heal.
There are a couple of scenes that are in both books and I enjoyed seeing them from the other point of view :) It gives a sense of timing and fluidity to the series.
I love how Ms Finn builds the connections and passion between Exton and Willa. The relationship develops quickly, but there is definitely a strong connection you can feel immediately. I literally held my breath during several scenes, and although I sensed a twist in the story, still felt the shock and betrayal Willa did.
I am emotionally connected with the Ranger family and look forward to the rest of the siblings’ stories.
4.5 stars. This story is dual POV, well written, and a fast paced, contemporary, steamy romantic suspense featuring a male human lie detector dealing with his mother’s death (Exton) and a female tattoo artist who actively escaped from an abusive stepfather (Willa). I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes that started early in the story and were an integral part of the building relationship. I empathised with the trauma each character brought. I enjoyed Willa’s active strength and the choices she made to ensure that she was safe. I enjoyed Exton’s joy in Willa’s genuineness and his immediate claim for more of her. I enjoyed the way Willa pushed Exton to actively communicate with her and not expect information to flow in one direction. I enjoyed Exton’s active protection when Willa was threatened by outside forces. I enjoyed the balance they found for themselves.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I don't rate/review my books. Of course I love them. :) This couple is no exception. Exton Ranger and Willa Jayne wrote their own story and I just tried to keep up. They are smart, sassy, devoted, and real--the best kinds of heroes. Exton's all-in dedication to Willa and his desire to know her and be known by her is central to this book. Less central, but ever present, is the Ranger family who welcomes her and surrounds her and keeps them both on their toes. Here's to the dragon slayer and the man who doesn't want her to slay them alone!