Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

A Desperate Man #1

A Desperate Man: Volume 1

Rate this book
Fantasies—we all have them.
For some, it’s their dream job; others want the wedding, the 2.5 kids, the white picket fence.
My fantasies are a bit more...depraved.
Dark and sinful, they have destroyed relationships and my livelihood, yet I still submit to them like a slave.

Sex.
For most, it’s a natural expression of love, caring, or lust.
But there are those of us who can’t stop once we’ve had a taste.
Those of us who don’t want to.
And the shame of that never-ending cycle will eat us alive...

My name is Evan James, and I am a sex addict.


*Note: The Fantasy is the first installment of an erotic serial from Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine. It contains graphic sexual content and is only recommended for mature audiences 18+.*

91 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2014

46 people are currently reading
2011 people want to read

About the author

Ella Frank

89 books8,794 followers
Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite Preslocke series. Her Prime Time series has been praised as “highly entertaining!” and “sexy as hell!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction. Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.​Ella is represented by:

Kimberly Brower
Brower Literary & Management
​kimberly@browerliterary.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
150 (20%)
4 stars
287 (40%)
3 stars
188 (26%)
2 stars
60 (8%)
1 star
32 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for Baba  .
858 reviews4,000 followers
July 10, 2015
1 I-expected-more star. Review posted December 18, 2014

 photo oie_6c1QKZCyeIge_zpsa2rfjcec.gif
 photo oie_Y23ALSaOp5Np_zpsen6qahtf.gif
He knelt beside his
Geez. Desperate, much? *pets*

"Oh, baby, I told you you'd never want me to leave once you got inside."

Evan has a problem. Come to think of it, he’s got several problems. He’s a wannabe playboy whose life has been ruined due to…what exactly? His sex addiction? In this first volume we never learn what happened to him in the past. However, there's a brief mention that We know that he’s tight on money and the only things that remain of his pathetic life are a condo, a nice car and a sex trail through Manhattan. Besides, he seems to have a very big load of daddy issues. As a matter of fact, his father, Without a job and without a cushy financial reserve, his future seems to be doomed. Though when he gets a phone call from Kelman Corporations, his peculiar situation is about to change. Once arrived, he’s surprised to see a few days ago. And when Bill Kelman says:



…his jaw literally drops to the floor.

Baba’s reaction: *headdesk* I was annoyed pretty much from the get-go but the story was practically over for me at 27 %.

By the way, what boyish charm?? I think I missed out on that little detail. It's not a surprise though since I was busy working myself up into a frenzy due to the asshole "hero". *sarcasm*

Based on the blurb, I knew there would be a lot of smexin' which would have been fine by me if it had been great. Though within these 88 pages, what I did get were boring and unerotic sexcapades, trite platitudes (dialogue AND inner monologue), a choleric and miserable douche with an overinflated ego whose dick was a reflection of his pathetic personality. Excuse me, what personality anyway? In that regard, I would have expected so much more. Instead of rooting for the wretched “hero”, I was wishing for his dick to decay and his last few brain cells to wither. And don’t get me started on him revealing that he didn’t like himself that way anymore. Yet at the same time the self-pitying ass was more than ready to state I fucking deserve it (a classy and great fuck, of course). A Desperate Man is in desperate need to redeem himself, but I’m honestly not interested to follow his path to salvation over the course of the next few volumes.

That was a woman who was begging for the slide of his cock down her throat. He almost wondered if he should find someone a bit more challenging, but the insistent throb in his jeans proved that she'd suffice.

"Good morning," she greeted. "Can I help you?"
The bright smile she aimed his way made him think of several ways she could help him, none of which were office appropriate.


"Oh, just gets a bit stiff after a while."
His eyes shifted to the woman lending a hand and thought, Yeah, so's my dick. Will she help me out with that too?

He didn't want a dirty fuck in a back alley; he wanted a high-class affair. Someone who would look good, smell good, and taste even better.
I fucking deserve it.

"What would you like?"
You bent over the bar, legs spread, waiting for me.

At the mention of Ms. Spencer, Evan's cock took notice and he reminded himself…


I’m definitely into erotic romance but I’m not a huge supporter of serialized erotic novellas. I gave A Desperate Man a shot because I enjoyed Ella Frank’s Exquisite series. However, it is very unfortunate that a very huge majority of those little stories have no substance whatsoever, are extremely unoriginal and all the trivial thoughts and dialogue are usually beyond silly. Well, at least I won’t get out of practice of rolling my eyes. In today’s romance world it seems to be common courtesy that (almost) every author feels the urgent necessity to publish a series of novellas. It’s most certainly a good thing for the author’s purse--or a great advertising strategy--but not in favor of a reader’s monthly book budget. Let us assume that this series will contain three or four volumes. It’s easy to do the math: 3 x 2.81 euro = 8.43 euro or 4 x 2.81 euro = 11.24 euro and then once the novellas are published, there’s the very common re-release of the entire package. BTW, the first novella costs $ 3.50.

Bottom line, there is absolutely nothing about The Fantasy (A Desperate Man) that would have made it stand out among the very vast and shallow pond of erotic stories. It's a short story among many others, once read and easily forgotten.
Profile Image for Christy.
4,558 reviews35.9k followers
July 9, 2020
3.5 desperate stars!

 photo fbb153e0-e26d-4394-96fc-6b3606eb046c_zps2e13eff1.jpg
Part of the craving deep inside, the one that insisted he reach out and take. And take. And take. Never satisfied. Thirst never quenched.

I honestly had no clue what this book was about when I picked it up. I didn’t even read the blurb. I read it solely because it was written in part by Ella Frank. A Desperate Man is so different from any other serial I’ve ever read. If you’re tired of reading the same old same old, I recommend you give this one a go!

 photo 3ba57e83-069d-4051-a097-7470b0906d39_zps50a06426.jpg

Evan James is a desperate man. He’s an addict in every sense of the word. His addiction to sex is real. It’s impacted his life in every way. His relationships, his career. He’s broken. He’s damaged. And you get this entire story from his perspective.

Evan has reached that point in his life when nothing really matters anymore. Then he gets a break. For once, someone is willing to give him a shot at getting his career back. He only has to follow one rule.
“I need to know if you can focus and do the work without bringing your personal life to the office. I guess what I’m asking here is... can you keep that snake locked up in your pants?”

Then he see’s her. The only girl he’s been with lately that’s been memorable. The only one he’s had trouble forgetting. Her name is Reagan. And she is one of Evan’s new bosses.

 photo 80e3dafe-50ef-4eee-adf8-692b122188f1_zps050b2dc4.jpg

Reagan isn’t like the girls Evan is usually with. She’s strong, confident in who she is, and feisty. We don’t know a lot about her yet, but I can’t wait to find out more.
Never had he been unable to find some kind of fucking satisfaction. Never had he consistently been drawn to one person the way he seemed drawn to her.


A Desperate Man is a fantastic start to this series. It’s left me intrigued. This is not your typical romance. In fact, it doesn’t start as a romance at all. I have no idea what direction it’s going to take or how things are going to turn out and I love that! The writing is great, I loved being in our damaged man’s head and I cannot wait to find out what happens with Evan next!

 photo 6d160d71-4623-4aeb-83f6-76af50cb91b4_zpsecd45788.jpg

 photo 5edf5586-e123-4b65-aabc-e59743177fba_zpsf705ae1e.jpg

 photo 910f47f1-a1e8-4ce0-8146-30b885de4588_zpsa81557bb.jpg
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,318 reviews13.7k followers
July 15, 2015
4 Stars

If he could live in pussy, he would. It was his weakness, his addiction, the one thing he'd give up anything and everything for. And he nearly had.


I'll be honest, I didn't even bother reading the blurb when I saw the chance to receive an ARC of this book. Ella Frank is a permanent fixture on my auto-buy list. She just seems to have this midas touch and she hasn't let me down yet. Brook Blaine is a new to me author, and together these two are a force to be reckoned with.

Firstly, I have to tell you that this book is nothing like you've ever read before from Ella. Actually, this books is unlike any I've read before. Period.

If you're expecting a romance, this is not it...not yet anyway. The Fantasy introduces the reader to Evan. A broken man whose past and what led to his downfall is shrouded in mystery. A man that's completely lost to his addiction. Told entirely in his POV, it is a no punches pulled, spare no dirty detail, and unapologetic view into Evan's world.

Evan used to have it all; a successful career, money, women...Now he's a shell of a man he ones was, but the one constant in his life remains. Women. Evan is a sex addict. A man that's so deeply entrenched in his addiction, he truly doesn't see a way out of it.

Evan has basically reached the rock bottom, so when salvation comes in the form of a job offer to a financial firm he never would have even considered when he was at the top of his career, he jumps on it...And comes face to face with a temptation unlike any he's experienced before.
She looked like class and sex all neatly wrapped up in one siren-red fuck-me dress.


Here's where things get very interesting. The introduction of Reagan. Reagan is a mystery of her own. You know absolutely nothing about her aside from the fact that she's Evan's boss. Her past is even more mysterious than Evan's. This is no wilting wallflower. The woman is sharp witted, tough, and owns her sexuality like most women do stilettos.
She never took her eyes off him, and he wondered what she saw. A desperate man, most likely. One so deeply entrenched in the depth of his addiction that the only relief he'd been able to find lay with he woman beneath him, covered in his come- she'd become his dirtiest fantasy.

I don't want to give you any more detail than that simply because it's best experienced blind. This is not a long book and is one you can easily read in one sitting. It's more of an introduction of Evan and a look into his world than anything else. It's erotic, it's different, and I can already tell that it's going to be addicting.

ARC courtesy of authors in exchange for an honest review

For more reviews visit
Profile Image for Eliza.
661 reviews848 followers
March 14, 2015


Title: The Fantasy (A Desperate Man #1)
Series: A Desperate Man #1
Author: Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine
Release Date: 16th December, 2014
Rating: 4 "Blondie" Stars
Cliffhanger: -
HEA:



 photo FB79E3AB-0937-4860-972D-9072CEFFA57D_zpsyu3vrp3y.jpg

I've just added Evan James to my list of most intriguing Anti-Heros. At one point he had it all. Handsome, rich, with a successful career. What we are introduced to however, is the Evan almost at rock bottom, dwindling in the aftermath of his excess.

His addiction we discover is sex and there isn't much that stands in his way of him needing to sooth his crave.

Sex.
For most, it’s a natural expression of love, caring, or lust.
But there are those of us who can’t stop once we’ve had a taste.
Those of us who don’t want to.
And the shame of that never-ending cycle will eat us alive...

My name is Evan James, and I am a sex addict.


He has a past which is shrouded in deception and shame, feelings that are relevant to him on a daily basis. In this new chapter of his life he has a chance at a second chance. Although he has a new job, old cravings threaten to affect him once again. This time in the form of his boss Reagan.

But don't go thinking it follows the same formula we're accustomed to, she isn't the kind of Heroine you'd expect to read about in this scenario. She's a firecracker, mysterious in her own right, and may even have bigger balls that Evan.

 photo 24CDA2AF-220E-49CB-824E-4405A4D2FFA2_zpsik330v8n.jpg

I think it's a great introduction and no doubt there is so much more to discover. What I do know is, It's not going to be the usual love story. There won't be any miraculous transformations here. He's done and continues to do some foul sh*t for lack of better wording and as much as I like Reagan, I've got my eye on her too.

Can I say...

ARC kindly Provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank You!

FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:

TwitterFacebookGoogle PlusSmokin Hot Book BlogEmailGoodreadsPinterest


Profile Image for Eda**.
721 reviews435 followers
February 23, 2015

** 4 "thirst never quenched" STARS **

The strongest drug that exists for a human is another human being.

This book is so deliciously unique, I want to get in-between the pages, snuggle close to the cover and stay there for days! THAT'S HOW IT'S DONE AUTHORS! That's how you write something different! That's how you get out of the endless circle of "doormat girl meets alpha male" storylines!

Good job, ladies! Good freakin' job!



Meet Evan James. A man slave to his addiction to sex. Don't get me wrong when I say he is a sex addict, oh no, Evan is not our usual "man-whore". He has a strong obsession to sex...sex with women, sex with men, sex with objects, sex by himself, and he is compulsively on the pursuit of the momentary high it provides. Even though it only ever lasts so long before the nausea and self loathing kicks in...

If he could live in pussy, he would. It was his weakness, his addiction, the one thing he'd give up anything and everything for.

And he nearly had.

Like all the other ones do, Evan's addiction sucked him dry and left him hollow, empty, aimless. Today, he is just the shadow of the man he used to be. The successful and rich businessman with a different beauty on his arm every night, is long gone. What does Evan have left now? His reputation...RUINED. His relationship...RUINED. His career...RUINED. The only constant in his life is the women he gets to lose himself in every night...or day.



When the owner of Kelman Corporations gives him a chance after months of getting rejected on job interviews, he swears to rein it in and "keep the snake locked up in his pants" this time! Life can be a b*tch sometimes though...and Evan is confronted by the biggest temptation of his life: Ms. Reagan Spencer.



He wanted to f*ck her, own her, devour her, if only for the next few minutes.

Meet Reagan Spencer: A very professional business woman at work and a dangerous vixen after work hours. She is mysterious, she is tough, she is confident and she is so damn sexy. She is the last thing Evan needs in his life right now! The more he tries to avoid her, tries to get her out of his mind, the more potent her pull gets.

She was tempting the beast, the one he tried and always failed to hide, and with every word and gesture, she incited the hunger, the ache he felt deep in the pit of his stomach.

Will Evan be able to resist his urges OR will he lose his second and most possibly last chance to put his life back together?

The beauty of this book is the fact that it could make my heart crack for a man who has SEX in his mind 99% OF THE TIME. Evan was a very desperate man, indeed. His struggle, his tragic way of trying to relieve the ache he fells down to his bones, his cries of frustration and self-loathe were all very poignant and touching. I realized I've never thought about sex addiction on this perspective.

He couldn’t decide which pain was worse: the physical agony, the fucked way he’d used and disposed of another human being, or the guilt and humiliation of having to acknowledge who he really was.

OVERALL: A must read. DEFINITELY.

/////////////////
April 14, 2016
"My name is Evan James, and I am a sex addict."


That one sentence says so much. I don't think I've ever read a book about a sex addict, in fact, I know I've never read anything to this extreme.

Evan's life is screwed up (pun intended)...he's lost his job, his money is almost gone and he will do anything, anything to get off...no matter how depraved it is. (I will never look at baggies and vaseline the same!)

The story starts with him going to town with a hot blonde...and he just can't get enough of her. And after she's gone, he won't shower for days because he doesn't want to wash off her scent! (ewww) But then he gets a call for a job interview, so he scrubs (literally) himself clean only to later visit some dive bar and get a bj in a nasty back alley. What the hell??

description

He goes to the interview and of course, his new boss is the aforementioned hot blonde. Now we get some information that Evan was a hot shot financial guy and that his addiction is known so Evan has to walk the straight and narrow. But...he's having a hard time because he can't quit fantasizing about the hot blonde.

And well, he does more than fantasize and I learned something new that I could've lived without knowing. I'm sure the trials and tribulations of a sex addict could be much worse but for a short story, it really cuts to the chase.

There's also some information about Evan's dad and some "non" information about Reagan that made me think there's a correlation.

In the end, Reagan being the sweetie she is, gives Evan a "hand" and helps him out. If this guy didn't have it bad before, he's gonna be worse now.

So this book is hot in a weird, sort of kinky way but there's really no romance at this point. I'm hoping that changes in future books. And since we only got Evan's POV, I'm hoping for a little bit of Reagan's.

This book was different and a bit intense at times. I'm definitely curious about how things will go with Evan and if there is the link I think there might be. Definitely looking forward to the next one and hopefully I won't need any eye bleach. ;)


description

Favorite quotes:

♥ “Well, inexperienced she must be, because no respectable single female wanting to pick up a man would admit to owning two cats.”

He took a long gulp of his drink. “One can never have enough pussy.”

“Damn, I walked right into that one.”

♥ "She was tempting the beast, the one he tried and always failed to hide, and with every word and gesture, she incited the hunger, the ache he felt deep in the pit of his stomach." 


♦ BR w/Melissa!
Profile Image for Katy Loves Romance ❤️.
434 reviews754 followers
September 18, 2015
4 Very Intriguing Stars

 photo AB37AC1E-B36E-4315-AD80-D3A0B28454B8_zpscuz0vkbj.jpg

Well what a sexy Ass number this was, yet I found myself gripped to the pages and invested in Evans problem and above all emotionally involved in why he has this issue in the first place...

Ok ok here we have one sexy Man who is addicted to Sex in a way it's his life, and he's not living fully because he needs his next fix and will do whatever he can to get it. That also means his life has suffered the consequences of his actions, there's only so much you can hide and cover up. If you've read an addicted series you will know THEY WILL DO ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING to get their next fix. This is just Evan but in the most unexpected way.

 photo takingshirtoffgif_zpsdff48081.gif

Evan has worked for a while, yet here he is at last gaining a job in an area he once was perfect in.

Reagan is successful, talented, sexy and is somewhat secretive about who she really is. And Evan can't get enough of her, he can't seem to move past her smell, and he wants to take her...

All I'm going to say here is, this novella held me from the beginning. I giggled at parts, was engrossed into the plot and then enjoyed the sensuality of the characters and what their appetite meant. I will also say I felt slightly sorry for Evan and that meant that I was emotionally involved with him, I enjoyed his possession and lack of self worth. His vulnerability shone through and I'm looking forward to much more of his softer side 'hopefully' in part two!

That. Is. All

ARC Generously gifted via the authors in exchange for an honest review.

For more Reviews and blog posts
Profile Image for Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️.
1,045 reviews1,535 followers
September 12, 2015
4.25 Desperately Addicted Stars!


Well, Evan James, I have one little request....
 photo 0FAC6921-EEBC-47E4-9D19-A46DA22D47F9_zpskhzbcuds.gif
I'll be happy to help you with your little problem.


Evan James is a sex addict. Pretty much no better way to state it. But when his one night with a hot blonde, Reagan Spencer, turns into an addiction to the just thought of her...he's thrown way off his game. Couple that with the fact that his one time liaison is now is boss, keeping it in his pants has never been such an effort.



 photo 08781192-1416-4E50-8062-3ABA2979E9C1_zps0ghhaiur.gif



Obviously this book promises a healthy dose of steam but his inner struggles with resisting Reagan made it all the more intense. Trying his damnedest to find release thru other venues was fruitless and painful... I don't even have a penis and I hurt for him.




Evan and Reagan had a cute dialogue within their attempts to steer clear of each other. Evan never claimed to be an angel but their push and pull banter was comical!


“No need to get defensive. We’re old friends now, right? Oh, you don’t mind if I sit here, do you? Don’t worry. I won’t interfere in your attempt at picking up a girl barely out of high school. If you’re in the mood for a limp body, that one’s a keeper.”

“Just making friendly conversation,” he replied. “A skill you obviously haven’t mastered.”

“If I recall correctly, it wasn’t my conversation skills you wanted me to master.”

“No, your mouth is much more appealing when it’s filled.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Took me long, tortured hours to perfect that skill,” she said with a broad smile.

“I doubt it was torture. You seemed to rather enjoy being on your knees.”


Moving on to Volume 2! If you're in the mood for steamy and a hot tortured (I use that term loosely) hero, A Desperate Man series is shaping up to deliver just that!





Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.


Profile Image for Michelle.
944 reviews218 followers
February 23, 2016
4 Hot and Quick Read Stars!
This was a quick one that I loved!

Evan is addicted to sex. He meets a woman and they have a wild night filled with multiple organisms. Evan doesn't do repeats. But for some reason he can't get the hot as hell blond out of his head. She's ruining everything. He can't get off without thinking about her.

If he could live in pussy, he would. It was his weakness, his addiction, the one thing he’d give up anything and everything for.~Evan

Because of his addiction to sex Evan is jobless. When he goes on an interview he's shocked to see the blond is there and will be his boss.

Goddamn but he lived for this. The tight, wet fit of a mouth around his dick followed by the clenching of a sweet, soaked pussy. There wasn’t any fucking thing better in this world, and he’d never get enough. He wanted to live there. Die there.~Evan

Reagan doesn't do repeats either. But in this quickie you know something is up with her.

I'm off to the next one because I didn't find out shit in this one. lol
Profile Image for MELISSA *Mel Reader*.
1,398 reviews1,506 followers
January 8, 2015
4 Addicted Stars!
(BR with Sharon)

 photo 13ea3c89-22d6-4a1b-8e18-e49c7c4c0ded.jpg

 photo 2da22055-3c9b-4be7-a684-26a664250ac8.jpg

Evan James is a gorgeous single guy living in Manhattan, New York. He is at a low point in his life after losing his job eight months ago. He also has emotional issues and a very advanced not so healthy sexual appetite. He is a playboy who is always fixated on getting laid, but doesn't do repeats.

 photo anewyork.gif

He has a one night stand with a beautiful blonde, and from then on can't get her out of his head. She becomes a growing obsession, and he has an uncontrollable craving for more of her. Evan continues to try to get his life back on track. He unexpectedly crosses paths with this woman who has gotten under his skin. Just a glimpse of her & he feels desperate and out of control. His intense unexplainable need for her is really taking a toll on him, and he's never felt this way about a woman, so he's extremely frustrated with himself, & his lack of control.

 photo 2b52d7d5-0128-4d0e-8683-566a0e18210a.jpg

I found this story to be very unique & in true Ella Frank fashion, hot as hell & had me wanting more! I loved that the sexy Evan James meets his match in Reagan. I can't wait to find out what's in store for these two! :))

 photo 864793b5-f14a-470a-8c20-fbec524a1c39.jpg

-She hunted, stalked, and then consumed. Much like myself, he realized.

-She was tempting the beast, the one he tried and always failed to hide, and with every word and gesture, she incited the hunger, the ache he felt deep in the pit of his stomach.

-Why couldn't he get her the hell out of his head?

-Never has he consistently been drawn to one person the way he seemed drawn to her.

Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,417 followers
December 19, 2014
ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review

[image error]

Ella Frank...that name alone is an instant MUST click for me. When I found out Ms. Frank is going to be co-authoring a book with new author, Brooke Blaine, lets just say that I was so ready to get my hands on this book. Like the title I was desperate and I knew this book was going to be one hot sexy dirty read and these two authors did not disappoint their fans.

#fEB1

First and foremost, if you are expecting a typical romance then I’m sorry to say this book does not have it yet. I don’t know even how to describe this book because this book is unlike any other stories that I have read so far. What makes it different is the hero of the book. And as for the heroine, she’s not your typical wallflower who will be pushed around but instead she is strong, independent and fierce. With two different character personalities, Ms. Frank and Ms. Blaine, will have you addicted and wanting more from these characters.

Addiction: Sex
Patient: Evan James


A Desperate Man revolves on Evan James, who was once successful in the business world but suddenly hit rock bottom. As in, Evan is unemployed, no money and then to top it off he has a major sex addiction. That’s right, he’s a bonafide sex addict. He craves. needs, and wants it. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it, Evan’s addiction consumes his daily life. He is a man lost to his addiction that has monopolized his time and affected his work and life.

So when Evan finally lands a job, the woman whom he had a one night stand happens to be his boss. That one night was where they basically fucked each other’s brains out with endless amounts of orgasms. She was the one woman whom he fantasized when he was masturbating. Now temptation is staring him straight in the eyes and all he can imagine is Reagan Spencer. This forbidden temptation is haunting and effecting his work because he can’t seem to function. He wants and needs Reagan to fulfill his sexual need but she’s his boss. So what is Evan to do?

#DM1

I must applaud Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine because they have me desperate for the next installment. Of course, they had to end the book in one sexy cliffhanger. So if you are looking for a book that is quite different than your normal romance, then I highly suggest you read A Desperate Man.

Ella FrankBrooke Blaine
**Review also posted on Four Chicks Flipping Pages**

[image error]
Profile Image for ~Stéphanie~.
623 reviews362 followers
September 12, 2015
description

A desperate man ketp calling me ever since it was published. I resisted reading it because I didn't want to read a serial without knowing the release date for each instalment. My memory can be shitty like that.

But now with the third part being released on September 13, it was finally the time to get acquainted with Evan James

description

Evan James is a man with an addiction and the easy kind. Nope Evan is addicted to sex!
His life is a complete mess. He has no job and the worst of all he couldn't care less. That's how bad it is for him

”If he could live in pussy, he would. It was his weakness, his addiction, the one thing he’d give up anything and everything for. And he nearly had.”

When he got a job opportunity, he knows he can't mess up. But everything could shatter quickly when he finds out his direct boss Reagan better known as his last fix.

”She was the kind of woman you wanted on your arm at a business function so that, when you looked over at her, you had a goal, and that goal was to get through the night so you could take her home and sink your cock inside her as she lay under you, begging for it.”

Reagan becomes more than his last fix. Evan can't seem to forget about her and the night they had.
She is his new obsession, one he can't really understand but still there.

I clicked immediately with the sphere both Ella Frank&Brooke Blaine set us in. Told from Evan's pov, it's a tortue to see his character struggle so much.

”He hated who he was like this. Hated it yet couldn’t escape. He couldn’t decide which pain was worse: the physical agony, the fucked way he’d used and disposed of another human being, or the guilt and humiliation of having to acknowledge who he really was.”

Because Evan knows it's his last chance to do the right thing. He is an endearing character that I wish I knew better and have a better understanding of what he has to go through.

Reagan is still an enigma at this point. Reagan seems distant yet interested at the same time... Secrets seems dissimulate and the ending just made you want to jump on part 2 to know more.

~ARC provided by authors for an honest review
description

description description
Profile Image for Tink Magoo is bad at reviews.
1,291 reviews251 followers
December 12, 2016

Jeez, this was like a train wreck, neither character was likable and Evan was indeed a very desperate man, so desperate he fucked his mattress. I've read a lot of weird stuff but that was a first for me. Actually, it reminded me of this bloke that used to live near me, everyone seemed to know that he had this weird fetish for putting toilet rolls between the toilet seat and the basin and then 'pleasuring' himself that way. What's that about?!

Anyway, if you're looking for a sexy read this isn't it. If you want to read about an especially fucked up man and a woman that seems to be nothing but a slut, then this is the book for you.

...and yes I will read the next one, just to see what household item he abuses next in his quest to get off.
Profile Image for Alex is The Romance Fox.
1,461 reviews1,242 followers
February 22, 2015
I loved this author's Exquisite Series and Blind Obsession so I was expecting a really good read.....but really...this was a total disappointment.

A sex addict who falls for his boss....blah blah blah!!!!

I know this was a very short read...jeez...I really hate the serialize novellas being offered these days......but in this case, it was a total relief...the shortness of the story that is!!!

And ...what....Evan is WHAT????
 photo images_zps2321566c.jpg
Wait, book 2 is Reagan's (Evan's boss!!) POV.....so we get same story just different person saying and doing the same thing!!!! Really!!!!
 photo cant-wait-to-see-how-this-turns-out-gif_zpsofcwrwrq.gif

My fav books by this author:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Profile Image for Judy.
422 reviews81 followers
September 7, 2015
Evan James is just that.. desperate!

This is the first volume in a new series consisting of three books. Yes, it is short and it leaves you hanging... but HOLY HELL are you left craving more, more, more!!!!
Almost as bad as poor Evan craves sex!



Evan has an addiction. It's made him desperate, crazed and out of control... and Ella and Brooke have done an amazing job making you feel that overwhelming pain and desperation.
It's dirty, naughty and oh so tantalizing.


An awesome and intense beginning to the Desperate Man serial. Can't wait for the next volume!
Profile Image for Lisa.
907 reviews1,253 followers
December 19, 2014
*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

3.5 “desperate” Kisses

There was absolutely no way that that synopsis wouldn’t catch my attention. Plain and simple…I had to read this book. I’m not a huge serial reader, at least not until all of the books are out, but something was telling me I needed to read The Fantasy. And I’m glad I listened.

Evan James…oh my poor, poor Evan…he is in every way an addict. He’s completely ruled by his need for sex…for release…for the high that he gets from it. It controls his thoughts…and it’s simultaneously erotic and sad. I mean, don’t get me wrong…the drive and his need for sex is undeniably hot, but I think it’s the levels that it takes him that took me to a darker place than even I was expecting. Bravo to Ella and Brooke because they really do show the good, the bad and the ugly of sex addiction and Evan is a fascinating study. He’s an attractive, intelligent man that can’t stop fucking. His addiction is serious enough where it’s almost ruined his life and he’s on his last leg…his one last hope to maintain the career and lifestyle that he’s become accustomed to living…and there’s just one blonde obstacle standing in his way…

‘If he could live in pussy, he would. It was his weakness, his addiction, the one thing he’d give up anything and everything for. And he nearly had.’

Reagan Spencer…she’s like Evan’s equal and his opposite all rolled into one. Where Evan is this uncontrolled mess because of his addiction, Reagan is poised and precise…but has her own secrets as well. She’s just as ravenous when it comes to sex…underneath all that business is a vixen that is perfectly matched to Evan’s desires and needs. I don’t want to spoil who Reagan is and how she relates to Evan…I guess it could be a little cliché but it worked for me and I liked it. It added to their relationship, gave it a new dynamic and I enjoyed how it transformed the storyline. Reagan surprised me…I loved how she complimented Evan and yet was his catalyst all in the same breathe…I loved the juxtaposition of the two of them…she was the calm to his chaos…the controlled next to his frenzy…it was captivating to read.



“Okay, okay,” she relented. “I was just trying to lighten the mood.”
“By teasing me? Don’t insinuate anything you don’t plan to follow through on.”
She narrowed her eyes. “I think we both know I don’t have a problem with follow through.”
“I’ve noticed, and so has every other man who’s ever laid eyes on you. It’s hard not to be drawn to someone like you. Femme fatale. That’s what makes you so dangerous.”
A vixen smile spread across Reagan’s lips. “Oh, you have to stop with the compliments today. First, I’m the devil, and now, a femme fatale? I’m starting to think you like me.”
“I don’t like anyone.” He smirked. “At least not for more than a night.”
She let out a loud laugh. “You’re full of shit, Evan James. But I’ll let you keep that cocky exterior up in case anyone tries to see past it.”

There is no way not to read an Ella Frank book and not expect exceptional sex. It’s just not possible. The woman can set a page on fire and The Fantasy was no exception. I mean if you open a book about a sex addict and don’t realize you’re getting erotica, then I don’t know what to say – but this was fantastic erotica. But Ella isn’t the only one who had a hand in The Fantasy…and if this is what I can come to expect from Brooke Blaine…then I’m intrigued. I have read books written by two authors before and sometimes it can sound like two people wrote it and sometimes I can’t tell the difference – in this case…I couldn’t tell the difference. It was seamless and blended very well, which made the reading experience that much more enjoyable.



‘He wondered what she’d do if he touched her now. If he said exactly what he was thinking. Fuck it.
“Maybe that’s what you want,” he said, his voice low and seductive like a vampire compelling its prey. She wasn’t moving, so he took that as a sign to continue. “Maybe you like the idea of me hiking that tight-as-fuck skirt up your legs, bending you over my desk, and shoving inside of you” – he paused and leaned a little closer – “just as I’ve been imagining all day.”’

Like I said earlier, The Fantasy is a serial…meaning, this is only the beginning of Evan’s journey…we’re barely skimming the surface and while I was at times wishing for more, the pacing was very natural. There is a progression there, I could feel it…it’s not a complete story but the build to what was coming at the end and where it will be taken in the next book was very well thought out. Speaking of the end…where we are left, definitely has me wanting more. The entire time I was begging for more progress with Reagan and Evan…which I know is the point…but the development in their…relationship, if you will, was very interesting and I can’t wait to see where Brooke and Ella take it next.

“You’re the fucking problem, because for the last two weeks, I’ve had a fucking erection I can’t seem to get rid of. Day after day, I’ve watched you walk around, making my cock fucking ache to sink inside you again, and you know what? I’ve been on my best behavior. I’ve looked, yeah. I won’t lie. But did I touch? No…I went home and tried to forget. Tried to somehow relieve this craving you’ve built deep inside me, but I think I’ve finally worked it out…” His eyes trailed down her neck, watching her pulse beat rapidly as she lowered her arms to the desk to steady herself. “It’s you. I want you.”

The series is perfectly named…A Desperate Man…fits Evan perfectly, and this series has turned me into a desperate woman. I want more…need more…I almost feel like I’m the addict now because I have to know what’s in store for Evan and Reagan! I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next volume.




Profile Image for Jen.
823 reviews136 followers
December 21, 2014


That was H.O.T! But with Ella Frank's named attached to it would you expect anything less? I think not. I think by the time this serial is over there will be more sex addicts in the world, myself included. Don't judge! I'm dying for the next installment. Early 2015 cannot come soon enough. If you are an Ella Frank fan this is a MUST read for you.
Profile Image for Farah.
370 reviews493 followers
January 8, 2015
Wait... WTF was that all about?!
Profile Image for ✝✝ Ⓓaisy ❣ ✝✝ .
494 reviews270 followers
September 18, 2015
I enjoyed the opening but as the story went on, I kinda lost interest. Reegan was making me sleep.
After reading Paper Swan, this book just didn't meet the mark.

Maybe I need to try another day.

Cheers.
Profile Image for ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ .
2,339 reviews1,340 followers
December 15, 2014

description

description



Evan James is - as we already learned in the blurb - a sex addict.
That's what basically ruined his life 8 months ago.
The only things he has left now are his apartment and his car.
And his sex addict-ways are nowhere near stopping. He goes out almost every night and he never has problems finding willing ladies - not in a huge city like New York.
Having lost his job 8 months ago, means that he is almost out of money.
But things might change for the better - he has a job interview.
But of course it couldn't be as easy as just going in, getting the job, start building up his life again.
Nope - his new boss is the blonde girl he spend a wild night with a few days ago. The one who he can't get out of his head and his fantasies - however much and with however many girls he tries.
But of course there's a NO TOUCH policy at work.
And his addiction is getting worse with every day he has to see her at work......

WHAT WiLL HAPPEN TO POOR EVAN????
WiLL THERE BE A CHANCE OF A HAPPY EVER AFTER WITH MS. SPENCER?
OR WiLL HiS ADDiCTiON RUiN HiS LiFE FOREVER???
WiLL THERE BE A CLiFFHANGER???

description

NOPE . . .
I'm not telling you ☺


description

Well - ok - there's not a real cliffhanging Cliffhanger!☺
But we will definitely want to hear more from Evan!!!!
_____________________________

description

I really had no idea what to expect when I started reading.
I thought - ok - this sex addict will be effing around all over the place, and we won't like him much. Maybe there will be a nice girl who will finally make him fall in love with her bla bla.
And yeah - it's some of that - he does eff around A LOT!
And yeah - there's also this girl. She's not this typical nice and innocent girl though. She's kinda like Evan - she goes out at night looking for one-night-stands.
But once they meet, things start to change - at least for Evan they do.

I really enjoyed the story - short as it was :/
It was extremely sexy and a bit sad and moving and the reader really likes Evan - at least I did. We feel sorry for him and for whatever happened in his past - both his long-ago past and his more recent job-losing-past ☺

THE FANTASY was a really sexy and interesting Novella!
You will sooo not waste your money when you one-click it ☺☺☺
You'll fall in love with Evan too!!!


Now I can't wait for Vol. II - I want to know how the story of Evan & Reagan will continue.

description




Smokin Hot Book Blog Email
Profile Image for Kiesha.
225 reviews33 followers
December 31, 2014
This novella was so disappointing! I expected so much more from
this story because it was written by Ella Frank. I've read other material by this author and thoroughly enjoyed it but not so much with this one. I give it 1.5 stars.
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
December 15, 2014
Wow!! This is a whole new side to Ella Frank. This book is sex personified but what else do you expect when the male H is a sex addict. He has a lot of issues!! There was one scene at around the 60% mark that had me pmsfl...my mind is still in shock!! This is certainly an intriguing start to what seems is going to be a mind opening and intense serial. (full review to come)

The Fantasy (A Desperate Man #1) by Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine
4 stars!!

“The strongest drug that exists for a human is another human being.” - Anonymous


This book is the first one of a serial. I had gone in totally blind and only signed up because it was Ella Frank. I knew nothing about the book, what it was about or anything and to be honest I think that was a good thing. This book is sex personified, but what else would you expect when the male lead is a sex addict. There is a lot of sex in this book, but it is not gratuitous, but is a major part of the storyline. It is not romantic, it is not pretty at times, it is what it is, a f**k, a release, something that he needs more than air at times.

Evan James used to have it all, respect, money and a successful career; he was handsome and seemingly had the world at his feet. When we meet Evan though he is at rock bottom, he has lost it all, down to his last few dollars he needs to pick himself up but his addiction is making it impossible. Evan James is addicted to sex and no, this is not just someone who likes to f**k a lot, this is full blown cannot function without it and will seemingly do anything to get a release, even if it costs him everything.

“How long would he do this? This endless f**king cycle he couldn’t seem to stop. He dropped his face in his hands once more, unable to keep looking at that which he hated.”


Evan finally catches a break, with an opportunity to get back in the work place he is determined to keep himself on the straight and narrow, he just needs to keep his d**k in his pants. After his interview, he knows that will be an impossible task.

Reagan is a firecracker, she is confident, sexy, self-assured and does not take fools gladly. She says it how it is, knows what she wants and is very career minded. Reagan is no stranger to Evan James and knows all about him; it seems that she has just made his working life a hundred times harder.

“You know, that night, I thought you were a gift sent to ease all my sexual urges. For a few hours, anyway. But now, I realize you’re just a spawn of the devil sent to make my life a living hell.”


This is a great introduction to what is promising to be a fantastic series. This instalment pulls you in hook, line and sinker and leaves you wanting for more and to be honest it cannot come soon enough. I have to admit I am a serial w**re, I love them and find them a great way to fill a spot between books and between releases and you always know that you are going to get the next instalment quickly. I cannot wait to see where this series is going and am eagerly anticipating the next one.

www.theromancecover.com
Profile Image for Angie.
1,382 reviews121 followers
February 7, 2016
I'm impressed. I thought Evan displayed the true signs of a sex addict. He was always chasing the high of a release. He wasn't picky about his partners - rich, poor, prostitutes, he even contemplated giving a man a go. And even though we meet the heroine right off the bat he wouldn't be a true sex addict if he only had eyes for her.

The author did a great job capturing the realism. Evan's addiction isn't something he wears proudly. He's lost jobs and he's constantly ashamed of himself. I'm looking forward to volume two.
Profile Image for Bozica.
707 reviews22 followers
February 3, 2018
Another winner by Ella Frank!
It’s my first book by Brooke Blaine and I’m not sure which one wrote which part because it’s seamless.
Told in 3rd persons from Evan’s POV and I loved it.
Off to read the second novella.
Profile Image for Ang C.
758 reviews115 followers
December 18, 2014
For more reviews visit www.sizzlingpages.com
http://angelas-sizzling-pages.blogspo...

4 Stars

Reading The Fantasy (A Desperate Man #1) was a head-trip and unlike anything I’ve read from author Ella Frank. Brooke Blaine’s work is new to me, but I’m a fan of Ella’s Exquisite series and come to like her sensual writing style. This story is by no means romantic. It was an introduction into the life and world of a man, Evan James, whose sex life is raw, primal, essential to his existence and desperately animalistic.

Evan has an addictive personality. His ‘drug’ of choice is sex – and he will take it in any way, shape or form. His obsession sets him on a path of self-destruction. Trying to piece the shatter remains of his life back together, he struggles greatly, allowing his baser instincts for sexual release to control his life. Evan’s character came across as both intelligent yet almost cave man like in his lustful search for satisfaction. Totally intrigued by the variety of ways he got his groove on. Adding to his troubles is an immediate unhealthy obsession with a woman he thoroughly screwed, Reagan Spencer. This all made an interesting beginning for what I hope will become a good series.

The story’s focus was on Evan’s sexual need and determination to reach an orgasmic ‘high’, helping him to escape reality and numb his pain.



Whether he gets his rocks off from a one-night stand, or in most cases, his own hand, it doesn’t really matter. Yep, this story was jam packed with lots of masturbation. Evan, a little lube and his palm were very entertaining to say the least. He gets an A+ for creativity.

The Fantasy was a raunchy ‘quick and dirty’ read, but I have to emphasize that it was very well written. Even though it lacked the element of love and not what a typically read, the plot did hold my interest. The ending left me with more questions than answers. Will they fall in love? Will Evan gain control of his life? Exactly who is Reagan Spencer? (There was some mystery surrounding her character). And more importantly, will they fall in love? I enjoyed reading this tiny morsel and looking forward to discovering more about this wild couple.
Profile Image for Wendy.
738 reviews35 followers
December 18, 2014
4.5 Stars
I did not even read the blurb regarding this book, with the name Ella Frank on it, I knew it would be good and I was not disappointed. After reading this book, I am also looking forward to Brooke Blaine's future work.
Needing and wanting are usually two different things but not for Evan, he needs sex just as much as he wants sex. He's also not too picky with who or how he gets it. That's what being a sex addict will do to you. Picking up a hot blonde in a bar one night turned his life upside down, not that it could spiral much more out of control though. Addiction has cost Evan just about everything, his job, his reputation and nearly his sanity.
Reagan "Blondie", knows what she wants but that doesn't mean she will bow down to anyone to get it. Taking charge in and out of the bedroom has it's perks and Reagan likes them all.
In volume one of this serial collection we meet Evan and Reagan but only scratch the surface on both of them. We do get a quick glance at some of Evan's past but not Reagan's. The sex is smoking hot in this book and I'm certainly looking forward to the next volumes.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
September 10, 2015
Evan is a sex addict, might as well just get that out in the open now. He can also be called a manwhore, a kinky fucker, and a whole lot of fun.

He has some…interesting is a good word…things he does to relieve himself of the pressure building up in his nether region. He will do just about anything to chase the high of orgasm, and when I say anything, I mean it. There are some things he does in this book that I never would have thought about but I am missing the dangly bits between my legs, so that may be part of it.

And when Evan’s one-night-of-pure-pleasure girls turns out to be his new boss, the sexual tension is off the charts. Reagan is a no nonsense, bull by the horns, man by the balls kind of woman. But can she keep brushing off the attraction she feels?

Honestly, this book was really good. It had elements of kink, friendship, a bit of deception, and a whole lot of heat. It was a quick read, and I recommend it to anyone with an open mind and a supply of batteries. ~ Devlynn, 4 stars
Profile Image for Ana Medeiros.
Author 6 books171 followers
December 29, 2014
Just finished reading The Fantasy (A Desperate Man, Book one) by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine and I am happy I did! Loved the fact that is written from Evan's POV and it gives the reader a chance to understand what he's dealing with. Often sex addiction is portrayed as just an excuse, mostly used by men, to fuck anything that moves and that is problematic. There are people, men and women, who see their lives destroyed by their constant need for sex and, rarely, we are given a realistic depiction of their struggle.

I am very curious to see how the relationship between Evan and Reagan will unfold amidst his addiction so I am for sure looking forward to the next book!


The Best: The portrayal of Evan's addiction. Reagan! She's a strong woman with secrets. Is there anything more inciting than that?! Well done, Ella and Brooke!


Buy it? Certainly. It's an enjoyable and fast read! The fact it's well written doesn't hurt either.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews

Join the discussion

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.