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Sunset Cove #1
Finley
***A spin-off from the Temptation Series***
It's time to come home, Finn.
It’s been seven years since Daniel Finley left his hometown in Florida for the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s city life.
Since then, he’s worked hard for his position at the prestigious law firm Leighton & Associates, even when it’s caused distance and isolation from his family and friends. But that’s all about to change.
On his thirtieth birthday, he receives the one thing he never dared hope for. Something that was promised to him years earlier—a note. One simple sentence from the man he’s never been able to forget.
Six words will forever change the course of their lives.
Brantley Hayes has it all. Or so he thinks. When he first made the decision to take a job down in Florida, his family thought he was crazy. But, after years of living in the quiet beach town, he finally feels a sense of community. He’s surrounded himself with friends who are like family, has a job he loves, and owns a spectacular beachfront property that is his sanctuary.
Yet he still feels unfulfilled, as if a piece of the puzzle is missing, and he knows exactly which piece it is. On an impulse, he follows through with a promise he made years earlier. A promise to call home the one he sent away.
Nothing is as simple as it seems.
After years of separation, the former lovers are reunited, but Brantley wasn’t expecting to encounter the high walls now guarding Daniel’s heart.
Daniel may not be the same person he was when he left, but he knows that the first step to healing is the note in his hand.
It's time to come home, Finn.
It’s been seven years since Daniel Finley left his hometown in Florida for the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s city life.
Since then, he’s worked hard for his position at the prestigious law firm Leighton & Associates, even when it’s caused distance and isolation from his family and friends. But that’s all about to change.
On his thirtieth birthday, he receives the one thing he never dared hope for. Something that was promised to him years earlier—a note. One simple sentence from the man he’s never been able to forget.
Six words will forever change the course of their lives.
Brantley Hayes has it all. Or so he thinks. When he first made the decision to take a job down in Florida, his family thought he was crazy. But, after years of living in the quiet beach town, he finally feels a sense of community. He’s surrounded himself with friends who are like family, has a job he loves, and owns a spectacular beachfront property that is his sanctuary.
Yet he still feels unfulfilled, as if a piece of the puzzle is missing, and he knows exactly which piece it is. On an impulse, he follows through with a promise he made years earlier. A promise to call home the one he sent away.
Nothing is as simple as it seems.
After years of separation, the former lovers are reunited, but Brantley wasn’t expecting to encounter the high walls now guarding Daniel’s heart.
Daniel may not be the same person he was when he left, but he knows that the first step to healing is the note in his hand.
275 pages, ebook
First published March 22, 2016
389 people are currently reading
3596 people want to read
About the author
Ella Frank
95 books8,776 followersElla 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 838 reviews
March 29, 2016
3.75 Stars!!
'Finley' is the first book in Ella Frank’s newest series entitled 'Sunset Cove' and can be read as a standalone. A spinoff of the author's other m/m series, the ‘Temptation’ Series, this installment tells the story of Daniel Finley, character we met in the series I mentioned above. Ella delivered a very well written, sexy as f@ck second chance romance, a great mix of sweetness and sexiness that for sure will leave you wanting more.
Daniel ‘Finn’ Finley left his home and family in Florida seven years ago when he decided to be a lawyer in Chicago. He studied hard and worked harder, so eventually he became successful, landing a job at one of the most prestigious law firms in the city. He never returned to Florida in all these years, not because he didn’t miss his family, but because returning would have been too painful for him since he also left behind the man who meant so much to him.
Brantley Hayes had been teaching at University of Central Florida for nearly eleven years. Seven years ago he did something that changed his life forever. Back then he thought his decision was the right one…and maybe he still thinks he did the right think, but everything unfolded in a very different way that he hoped. Years passed, but Brantley didn’t forget Finn. He still remembers the man who used to be his student, the man who used to mean everything for him.
When Finn gets a note from Brantley after all these years, he knows he’s ready to come home, to meet again the man who is still in his thoughts. Brantley is ready to do anything for another chance. He knows time and everything that happened changed the other man, but he’s willing to show him that he never stopped loving him.
I enjoyed this one. It wasn’t my fav book by this author, but it was an enjoyable read I would recommend if you crave some well done m/m sexy scenes. Because, yeah…the sex scenes between these two men were hot as hell. There’s no secret Ella can write a sex scenes or a “good” sexual tension between her characters. She does it effortlessly every damn time. And here, let me tell you these two men oozed sex from the beginning. Of course, what I loved the most was the chemistry between them. I LOVE it!! It was fantastically done, palpable from start to finish and I couldn’t get enough of these two men. They were so f@cking hot together. I really loved every sexy scene between them.
I really enjoyed the time flashbacks. They were well done, not too long to bore me to death and very helpful in understanding everything that unfolded between these two men. I liked Finn and Brantley in the past as much as I liked them in the present, so, I wouldn’t have minded to read more about them in the past.
I think both Finn and Brantley were well enough developed. Both of them were endearing. I really enjoyed their characters, but what I really, really enjoyed was the intensity between them.
What it didn’t work for me was how underdeveloped the plot was. In fact, there really wasn’t much plot here. I think I had expected something more or something else, because in the end I felt a little disappointed. To be honest I expected the story to be filled with more angst and drama. I don’t enjoy every angsty book I read, but I really think here the story would have been better (for me) if it would have had a little more excitement.
That being said, I still think this one was a good read and I’m looking forward to read the next book in the series.
'Finley' is the first book in Ella Frank’s newest series entitled 'Sunset Cove' and can be read as a standalone. A spinoff of the author's other m/m series, the ‘Temptation’ Series, this installment tells the story of Daniel Finley, character we met in the series I mentioned above. Ella delivered a very well written, sexy as f@ck second chance romance, a great mix of sweetness and sexiness that for sure will leave you wanting more.
“Their past and present collided spectacularly, and as they collapsed onto the rug in a tangle of arms and legs, he wondered if they would ever be able to disentangle themselves long enough to find a new place to begin.”
Daniel ‘Finn’ Finley left his home and family in Florida seven years ago when he decided to be a lawyer in Chicago. He studied hard and worked harder, so eventually he became successful, landing a job at one of the most prestigious law firms in the city. He never returned to Florida in all these years, not because he didn’t miss his family, but because returning would have been too painful for him since he also left behind the man who meant so much to him.
“….we both know I won’t truly be home until I’m back between your sheets, Professor.”
Brantley Hayes had been teaching at University of Central Florida for nearly eleven years. Seven years ago he did something that changed his life forever. Back then he thought his decision was the right one…and maybe he still thinks he did the right think, but everything unfolded in a very different way that he hoped. Years passed, but Brantley didn’t forget Finn. He still remembers the man who used to be his student, the man who used to mean everything for him.
“I want you. And I'm selfish enough to keep you for as long as you let me."
When Finn gets a note from Brantley after all these years, he knows he’s ready to come home, to meet again the man who is still in his thoughts. Brantley is ready to do anything for another chance. He knows time and everything that happened changed the other man, but he’s willing to show him that he never stopped loving him.
“He filled something inside him that he hadn’t even known was missing. Something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.”
I enjoyed this one. It wasn’t my fav book by this author, but it was an enjoyable read I would recommend if you crave some well done m/m sexy scenes. Because, yeah…the sex scenes between these two men were hot as hell. There’s no secret Ella can write a sex scenes or a “good” sexual tension between her characters. She does it effortlessly every damn time. And here, let me tell you these two men oozed sex from the beginning. Of course, what I loved the most was the chemistry between them. I LOVE it!! It was fantastically done, palpable from start to finish and I couldn’t get enough of these two men. They were so f@cking hot together. I really loved every sexy scene between them.
“I needed to know if you remembered. Or if you’d moved on.”
“I couldn’t move on,” Daniel stressed. “You made sure of that. No matter what I did or who I did it with, you were always there. I always remembered. There wasn’t one single thing I ever forgot.”
I really enjoyed the time flashbacks. They were well done, not too long to bore me to death and very helpful in understanding everything that unfolded between these two men. I liked Finn and Brantley in the past as much as I liked them in the present, so, I wouldn’t have minded to read more about them in the past.
I think both Finn and Brantley were well enough developed. Both of them were endearing. I really enjoyed their characters, but what I really, really enjoyed was the intensity between them.
What it didn’t work for me was how underdeveloped the plot was. In fact, there really wasn’t much plot here. I think I had expected something more or something else, because in the end I felt a little disappointed. To be honest I expected the story to be filled with more angst and drama. I don’t enjoy every angsty book I read, but I really think here the story would have been better (for me) if it would have had a little more excitement.
That being said, I still think this one was a good read and I’m looking forward to read the next book in the series.
“Who have I always belonged to? Who should I always be with?” Brantley knew exactly which point that was.
“Me, Finn. You’re mine and I’m yours. Always,”
February 9, 2017
3.5 Stars.
Daniel Finley......Student.
Brantley Hayes......Teacher.
When Daniel sees his Professor he knows he has to have him...
When Brantley sees his Student he knows he's in trouble...
Nothing is going to stop Finn getting what he wants and he relentlessly pursues Brantley.
Brantley tries to resist but the pull of his beautiful young student is too much.The two men start a passionate,secret relationship that lasts for three years until Brantley pushes Finn away leaving both men devastated.
***********************************************
Seven years later Daniel is a successful Lawyer in Chicago when he gets a message from Brantley.
Daniel has never got over Brantley so he gives himself two weeks to finally get him out of his system.
The sexual chemistry and tension between these two was so HOT and this Author writes some of the best M/M sex scenes.
I normally don't like past/present stories but it definitely worked for me here.
The ending was a bit predictable but overall I really enjoyed it.
Daniel Finley......Student.
Brantley Hayes......Teacher.
When Daniel sees his Professor he knows he has to have him...
When Brantley sees his Student he knows he's in trouble...
Nothing is going to stop Finn getting what he wants and he relentlessly pursues Brantley.
Brantley tries to resist but the pull of his beautiful young student is too much.The two men start a passionate,secret relationship that lasts for three years until Brantley pushes Finn away leaving both men devastated.
***********************************************
Seven years later Daniel is a successful Lawyer in Chicago when he gets a message from Brantley.
"It's time to come home,Finn."
Daniel has never got over Brantley so he gives himself two weeks to finally get him out of his system.
The sexual chemistry and tension between these two was so HOT and this Author writes some of the best M/M sex scenes.
I normally don't like past/present stories but it definitely worked for me here.
The ending was a bit predictable but overall I really enjoyed it.
May 24, 2016
3.5 stars
I liked this book. I mean I really, really liked it. Finn and Brantley were smokin' hot, the dirty talk made me blush and the sex was outstanding. Hat trick!
But...
It was Just. Too. Much.
Too much sexual tension.
Too much flip-flopping of emotions.
Too much drooling over one another.
And, OMG, TOO MUCH INNER DIALOGUE !!
This book could have easily been cut in half if the endless, not-at-all plot driven dialogue would have been trimmed a bit. Is was just way, way too much for me.
I felt the strong emotion between the characters and cried like a baby when the angst hit the fan. I truly enjoyed most of Finley and am going to recommend it to all who loved the Temptation series. No, these two aren't Logan and Tate (my money is on those boys going down in M/M romance history as the hottest fucking couple EVER) but it was great to get into their lives and see what made them tick.
BTW, the next book in the series looks spectacular! The two heroes are already fighting and there is some serious sexual tension in the air. Yay!
In closing, the best part of the book? Swoon-worthy epilogue FTW!
I liked this book. I mean I really, really liked it. Finn and Brantley were smokin' hot, the dirty talk made me blush and the sex was outstanding. Hat trick!
But...
It was Just. Too. Much.
Too much sexual tension.
Too much flip-flopping of emotions.
Too much drooling over one another.
And, OMG, TOO MUCH INNER DIALOGUE !!
This book could have easily been cut in half if the endless, not-at-all plot driven dialogue would have been trimmed a bit. Is was just way, way too much for me.
I felt the strong emotion between the characters and cried like a baby when the angst hit the fan. I truly enjoyed most of Finley and am going to recommend it to all who loved the Temptation series. No, these two aren't Logan and Tate (my money is on those boys going down in M/M romance history as the hottest fucking couple EVER) but it was great to get into their lives and see what made them tick.
BTW, the next book in the series looks spectacular! The two heroes are already fighting and there is some serious sexual tension in the air. Yay!
In closing, the best part of the book? Swoon-worthy epilogue FTW!
March 21, 2016
5 Stars
Did you know that Ella Frank is an ovary whisperer? It's true. The woman can make them rev from 0 to 60 in just one chapter and keep them roaring the entire book.
And if there's one thing that I've come to love from her it's her incredibly sexy MM that she somehow manages to pack full of so much feeling, it practically jumps off the pages at you. And this book? This fantastically written, utterly unputdownable book may be my favorite book by her yet. I never thought I'd say this, but Finley and Brantley took my number one spot from Tate and Logan, and let me just tell you that I LOVED Tate and Logan.
And since we're on the subject of Tate and Logan, while those that read The Temptation series with remember Daniel Finley, this book is a spin off and a full standalone. You don't have to have read Temptation to enjoy this, but I highly recommend you do because it's so worth the read. Now onto the review...
Daniel Finley is a successful Chicago attorney. He's left behind his home and everything he knew to make it in the Windy City, and he's certainly earned his success. But there's always been something missing for him, and when he gets a note from someone in his past that he's never forgotten or gotten over, he doesn't think twice before packing his stuff and taking a vacation to his home town where everything started...
Brantley Hayes is a successful professor, but seven years ago he watched his heart leave with the man that still holds it. The years have done nothing to diminish those feelings, but he also knows that it's done nothing to diminish Finley's anger over how everything went down as well. But now Finley is back, and their time together may be on a timer, but Brantley knows that he'll take anything for another chance. Daniel is not the same young man he left, he's guarded, jaded, angry, and a whole lot more potent than he remembers. But that only serves to make the tension and chemistry between them that much hotter.
The chemistry between Daniel and Brantley was palpable, as was their emotional connection. I absolutely loved the way that Ella Frank managed to flawlessly weave very well times flashbacks to work with the story. I'm a picky reader when it comes to flashbacks and I can easily say the way they were written here was my absolute favorite. They were well paced and perfectly timed to work with the story and drive the plot.
I adored Daniel and Brantley together. I loved the flip of their roles considering they first met as professor and student and Brantley was the more experienced one. That's not to say Daniel ever paled in comparison. Oh no! He was just as dominant, but a lot more easy going and flirty in nature. The Daniel of today is...intense...to say the least and man did I gobble that up!
This book had everything I love in a romance; a touch of angst, emotion, and enough sizzle to set your kindle on fire! It was perfection with two of the most endearing alpha males I've read in a while. It was swoony and sexy and totally addicting. I tried to pace myself because I simply didn't want it to end. I only hope Ella continues this (possible series?) with a secondary character she introduced in this book because I NEED IT!!!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Their past and present collided spectacularly, and as they collapsed onto the rug in a tangle of arms and legs, he wondered if they would ever be able to disentangle themselves long enough to find a new place to begin.
Did you know that Ella Frank is an ovary whisperer? It's true. The woman can make them rev from 0 to 60 in just one chapter and keep them roaring the entire book.
And if there's one thing that I've come to love from her it's her incredibly sexy MM that she somehow manages to pack full of so much feeling, it practically jumps off the pages at you. And this book? This fantastically written, utterly unputdownable book may be my favorite book by her yet. I never thought I'd say this, but Finley and Brantley took my number one spot from Tate and Logan, and let me just tell you that I LOVED Tate and Logan.
And since we're on the subject of Tate and Logan, while those that read The Temptation series with remember Daniel Finley, this book is a spin off and a full standalone. You don't have to have read Temptation to enjoy this, but I highly recommend you do because it's so worth the read. Now onto the review...
Daniel Finley is a successful Chicago attorney. He's left behind his home and everything he knew to make it in the Windy City, and he's certainly earned his success. But there's always been something missing for him, and when he gets a note from someone in his past that he's never forgotten or gotten over, he doesn't think twice before packing his stuff and taking a vacation to his home town where everything started...
Brantley Hayes is a successful professor, but seven years ago he watched his heart leave with the man that still holds it. The years have done nothing to diminish those feelings, but he also knows that it's done nothing to diminish Finley's anger over how everything went down as well. But now Finley is back, and their time together may be on a timer, but Brantley knows that he'll take anything for another chance. Daniel is not the same young man he left, he's guarded, jaded, angry, and a whole lot more potent than he remembers. But that only serves to make the tension and chemistry between them that much hotter.
The chemistry between Daniel and Brantley was palpable, as was their emotional connection. I absolutely loved the way that Ella Frank managed to flawlessly weave very well times flashbacks to work with the story. I'm a picky reader when it comes to flashbacks and I can easily say the way they were written here was my absolute favorite. They were well paced and perfectly timed to work with the story and drive the plot.
I adored Daniel and Brantley together. I loved the flip of their roles considering they first met as professor and student and Brantley was the more experienced one. That's not to say Daniel ever paled in comparison. Oh no! He was just as dominant, but a lot more easy going and flirty in nature. The Daniel of today is...intense...to say the least and man did I gobble that up!
"And where's that?"
"Tangled up in you," he whispered against his ear. "It's always been you."
This book had everything I love in a romance; a touch of angst, emotion, and enough sizzle to set your kindle on fire! It was perfection with two of the most endearing alpha males I've read in a while. It was swoony and sexy and totally addicting. I tried to pace myself because I simply didn't want it to end. I only hope Ella continues this (possible series?) with a secondary character she introduced in this book because I NEED IT!!!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
March 27, 2016
First things first: I liked Finley more than I liked Try, which is the only book I've read in the Temptation series.
I enjoy the estranged-to-reunited-lovers trope, and Finn and Brantley were so obsessed with one another, I could barely breathe.
The book dragged for me in the middle but picked up around the 7o percent mark.
Considering that Finn returned to Florida to fuck Brantley out of his system, there was far more angsting than fucking. Nearly every review states that this book is a smutfest, but I really didn't get that.
There was UST and intense eye fucking and talking ABOUT sex, but not that much actual DOING (a couple of the pivotal scenes even fade to black).
Also, let's be serious. There is nothing realistic about this book. (And, yes, I know it's fiction, but it's also a contemporary romance, not a fantasy or paranormal.)
No successful attorney drops everything and takes a vacation because he receives a five-word note from an ex-lover he hasn't talked to in seven years. No dedicated personal trainer smokes likes a chimney and can afford to build a state-of-the-art gym on the beach with an ocean view.
In the States, you have to be 21 to be a dancer in a club that serves alcohol.
What mother knows her son is fucking his professor and says nothing for ten years? And what professor can afford a multi-million dollar house?
This book is all about the relationship, the push and pull between Brantley and Finn. Brantley is sorry he made Finn go, and Finn is resentful (understandably so) that Brantley took the choice away from him.
The internal monologuing (ever prevalent in Try) about killed me.
Much is made of the student/professor relationship between Brantley and Finn, yet we have no idea what subject Brantley teaches. No undergrad has the same professor more than once, maybe twice; I mean, it's not high school. So how was Brantley Finn's professor for more than three years?
But the emotional struggle was real, people. I believed in the connection between the MCs, and the HEA, while awfully convenient, was sweet all around. No cliffhangers here!
I am intrigued by Derek and Jordan, and would be tempted to read their story. The visit with Logan and Tate, however? So random.
I liked this book well enough. I just don't think Ella Frank's writing really clicks with me. Her dialogue is always so melodramatic (ET TU, FINN? ET TU?!) and her MCs too perfect. (Not that I don't appreciate the six-pack abs and long, thick cocks, but flaws are sexy too.)
As an aside, I want to move into Brantley's house like yesterday; damn, but those white billowing curtains and private beach? I can SO go for that.
Try was a fail for me, but this book has so many awesome reviews, I'm giving it an honest go.
And I have my ladies Ele and Renée to hold my hand.
I enjoy the estranged-to-reunited-lovers trope, and Finn and Brantley were so obsessed with one another, I could barely breathe.
The book dragged for me in the middle but picked up around the 7o percent mark.
Considering that Finn returned to Florida to fuck Brantley out of his system, there was far more angsting than fucking. Nearly every review states that this book is a smutfest, but I really didn't get that.
There was UST and intense eye fucking and talking ABOUT sex, but not that much actual DOING (a couple of the pivotal scenes even fade to black).
Also, let's be serious. There is nothing realistic about this book. (And, yes, I know it's fiction, but it's also a contemporary romance, not a fantasy or paranormal.)
No successful attorney drops everything and takes a vacation because he receives a five-word note from an ex-lover he hasn't talked to in seven years. No dedicated personal trainer smokes likes a chimney and can afford to build a state-of-the-art gym on the beach with an ocean view.
In the States, you have to be 21 to be a dancer in a club that serves alcohol.
What mother knows her son is fucking his professor and says nothing for ten years? And what professor can afford a multi-million dollar house?
This book is all about the relationship, the push and pull between Brantley and Finn. Brantley is sorry he made Finn go, and Finn is resentful (understandably so) that Brantley took the choice away from him.
The internal monologuing (ever prevalent in Try) about killed me.
Much is made of the student/professor relationship between Brantley and Finn, yet we have no idea what subject Brantley teaches. No undergrad has the same professor more than once, maybe twice; I mean, it's not high school. So how was Brantley Finn's professor for more than three years?
But the emotional struggle was real, people. I believed in the connection between the MCs, and the HEA, while awfully convenient, was sweet all around. No cliffhangers here!
I am intrigued by Derek and Jordan, and would be tempted to read their story. The visit with Logan and Tate, however? So random.
I liked this book well enough. I just don't think Ella Frank's writing really clicks with me. Her dialogue is always so melodramatic (ET TU, FINN? ET TU?!) and her MCs too perfect. (Not that I don't appreciate the six-pack abs and long, thick cocks, but flaws are sexy too.)
As an aside, I want to move into Brantley's house like yesterday; damn, but those white billowing curtains and private beach? I can SO go for that.
Try was a fail for me, but this book has so many awesome reviews, I'm giving it an honest go.
And I have my ladies Ele and Renée to hold my hand.
November 7, 2016
➦I listened to this one on audio. It was enjoyable but didn't wow me, unfortunately.
➦Hot gay professor meets sexy gay student, sparks fly and they quickly find themselves in a secret relationship. But then hot professor sends his sexy gay student away to Chicago to study law because education is very important.
➦Come 7 years later the sexy student is back in town and he be livid.
➦Well, obv. Sexy student is no longer a student, he's a sexy lawyer now. He hates that his professor sent him away all those years ago. Meanwhile, he still can't get his professor out of his head.
➦No worries though, sexy lawyer has a perfect plan. Go home to Florida and fuck the professor out of his system. Will his plan work?
➦I did enjoy these characters a lot. There were sweet and hot moments between them but, unfortunately, not nearly enough to feel the chemistry. There are jumps in the story between past and present, which worked just fine. However, for me, there wasn't enough excitement going on and I found myself getting a bit bored in places. I did make it to the end though, so that's pretty good, all things considered. :) Cuz
➦Professor's character. I wanted more from him. All I knew was that he works as a professor, has 1 friend and his family lives somewhere up North. Felt like the whole story revolved around Finley, which, I suppose, makes sense... the book IS called Finley... lol Doesn't stop me from wishing for more :D
March 20, 2016
5 "Professor & Finn" STARS
This was one stunning recipe for a delicious story! I really loved Ella’s storytelling and this was the perfect mix of passion, friendship and love. And the feels!!
Here's what you have to look forward to:
1 handsome, sophisticated professor
1 sexy, smart student
10 year age difference
7 years apart – one pushed away, angry and hurt; the other’s action selfless but flawed
“You gave me the best and worst gift you ever could’ve given me. It was both selfish and completely unselfish at the same time.”
1 short commanding note changes everything
1 heated, raw and dominant reunion
“Who have I always belonged to? Who should I always be with?”
“Me, Finn. You’re mine and I’m yours. Always.”
A dash of angst
Mix all these ingredients together and a tale is told in both past and present of the forbidden attraction, lust, heartbreak and love between professor Hayes and Finn. The inevitable reunion of Finn and Brantley would either be their ruin or their nirvana.
Serve scorching hot that it’ll burn your tongue, sizzle your insides and have your heart racing.
And for a digestif, Ella weaves one tantalizing tidbit about Brantley's friend, Jordan, and Finn's friend, Derek, throughout this story that left me very curious...
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
-------------------
Initial reaction after finishing:
Damn! That was goooddd!!
Full review to come.
---------
Before reading!
My first Ella Frank, super excited!
For more reviews and blog posts.
This was one stunning recipe for a delicious story! I really loved Ella’s storytelling and this was the perfect mix of passion, friendship and love. And the feels!!
Here's what you have to look forward to:
1 handsome, sophisticated professor
1 sexy, smart student
10 year age difference
7 years apart – one pushed away, angry and hurt; the other’s action selfless but flawed
“You gave me the best and worst gift you ever could’ve given me. It was both selfish and completely unselfish at the same time.”
1 short commanding note changes everything
1 heated, raw and dominant reunion
“Who have I always belonged to? Who should I always be with?”
“Me, Finn. You’re mine and I’m yours. Always.”
A dash of angst
Mix all these ingredients together and a tale is told in both past and present of the forbidden attraction, lust, heartbreak and love between professor Hayes and Finn. The inevitable reunion of Finn and Brantley would either be their ruin or their nirvana.
Serve scorching hot that it’ll burn your tongue, sizzle your insides and have your heart racing.
And for a digestif, Ella weaves one tantalizing tidbit about Brantley's friend, Jordan, and Finn's friend, Derek, throughout this story that left me very curious...
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
-------------------
Initial reaction after finishing:
Damn! That was goooddd!!
Full review to come.
---------
Before reading!
My first Ella Frank, super excited!
For more reviews and blog posts.
March 25, 2016
***3.75 Stars***
...no matter how much he guarded his heart, he would never be able to stop himself from loving this man again. And the reason for that was simple.
He had never stopped in the first place.
Hot damn Ella Frank!! You can write some seriously sexy men!!
I'll keep this review nice and simple.
Let's start with the positives:
Sexual Tension - Wowza! Finley and Brantley had it in spades. These two oozed sex....24/7. If they were in the same room together, the same house together, the same town together....man oh man....the air was crackling with the promise of sex. Chemistry - Please see above. All that sexual tension translated into some serious fire between the sheets. We're talking A+ steam here folks. Every kiss, every touch, every embrace was filled with affection and longing and soul deep passion. The secondary characters - Though most of them were only around briefly since the story centered primarily on Finley and Brantley, I still felt they were well developed and their presence only added to whatever scene they were in. None of the characters felt like throwaways. The tease of what's to come in this series - Oh yes, Ms. Frank....I like where you're going!! Bring it....Bring it hard!! Double checks for the Logan and Tate cameo! It was just the perfect snippet. They didn't overshadow the MC's, but it was just enough to put a huge smile on your face. The epilogue - One word...perfection.Unfortunately, now I must address the negatives:
All the internal dialogue - There was just way too much. For the first half of the book, Finley and Brantley didn't really discuss much of anything. And when they were talking, they weren't really "saying" much. Most of the conflict took place during their internal dialogue rather than the two actually hashing things out. The plot, or lack thereof - Please see above. There really wasn't much plot here...which is kind of disappointing because the blurb for the book gives the promise of a certain amount of angst, and unfortunately you don't get anything near that. But what really broke my heart was when we finally get to the buildup of that pivotal moment seven years ago....it was underwhelming.Overall, the book didn't live up to my expectations, but I still really enjoyed it. Ella Frank has an ease and effortlessness in her writing that really works and she'll continue to be an auto-buy author for me.
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I have zero recollection of who Finley is....and I have zero fucks to give about that! It's Ella Frank....and MM.....with an MC from Tate and Logan's world....
May 11, 2016
4.5 'Six words' Stars!
I was just re-reading Ella's Temptation series (love Logan and Tate!!!) when I remebered she released a new story featuring one of the characters that appeared on the last book. When I am on the mood for a good MM story, I know Ella Frank will deliver greatly!
Finley is the first installment in the Sunset Cove series and it tells the story of Daniel 'Finn' Finley (a successful Chicago lawyer who decides to go back to his hometown after recieving a note from the man that broke his heart) and Brantley Hayes a.k.a Professor (a college teacher who sent away his student and lover away and now seems ready to face him again).
“I’m here because you told me to come home. But we both know I won’t truly be home until I’m back between your sheets, Professor.”
“I want you. And I’m selfish enough to keep you for as long as you let me.”
Ella Frank definitely knows how to write an emotional and super-hot love story between two very-hot men! I really enjoy her writing style and I was delighted to see how she decided to organize the book. In other words, the mix between the present and the flashbacks was amazingly done. Everything connected perfectly and that way it got more intense every time!
“How many nights over the last seven years have you lain in bed and wondered who was touching me?”
“Every night. I’ve thought about it every night since you left.”
Their past and present collided spectacularly, and as they collapsed onto the rug in a tangle of arms and legs, he wondered if they would ever be able to disentangle themselves long enough to find a new place to begin.
Brantley and Finn are both still affected by how their relationship ended: Daniel is angry at the Professor because he decided to push him away and not fight for their love. These two have great scenes together and obviously, as you all can imagine, they have smokin' hot chemistry: both, emotionally and phisically. I loved this love story!
“You know what I want to see, Professor?”
“What?” he asked, and Daniel’s eyes came back to his.
“You on your knees.”
“Who have I always belonged to? Who should I always be with?”
“Me, Finn. You’re mine and I’m yours. Always.”
Overall, I enjoyed Finley a lot. It has great characters (both main and secondary), a good plot and a sexy and loving couple. As I said, I do enjoy Ella's MM books! However, I have to say the story was a bit predictable and maybe the main characters spend too much time remembering the past. Besides that, everything was perfect! And I have to say, I cannot wait for the next book because Derek and Jordan seem to have a pretty interesting relationship lol Loved these characters!
Life had a funny way of giving you exactly what you needed. Exactly when you needed it.
“I love my teacher.”
Therefore, my rating for Finley is 4.5 STARS because I really love Ella's writing style and her characters. She writes awesome stories, seriously! And the sex is off-the-charts hot! So, if you want to enjoy a good MM love story, check Ella's books out! And if you have read her Temptation seires, I can assure you you will enjoy this one too. You will not regret it ;)
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
I was just re-reading Ella's Temptation series (love Logan and Tate!!!) when I remebered she released a new story featuring one of the characters that appeared on the last book. When I am on the mood for a good MM story, I know Ella Frank will deliver greatly!
Finley is the first installment in the Sunset Cove series and it tells the story of Daniel 'Finn' Finley (a successful Chicago lawyer who decides to go back to his hometown after recieving a note from the man that broke his heart) and Brantley Hayes a.k.a Professor (a college teacher who sent away his student and lover away and now seems ready to face him again).
“I’m here because you told me to come home. But we both know I won’t truly be home until I’m back between your sheets, Professor.”
“I want you. And I’m selfish enough to keep you for as long as you let me.”
Ella Frank definitely knows how to write an emotional and super-hot love story between two very-hot men! I really enjoy her writing style and I was delighted to see how she decided to organize the book. In other words, the mix between the present and the flashbacks was amazingly done. Everything connected perfectly and that way it got more intense every time!
“How many nights over the last seven years have you lain in bed and wondered who was touching me?”
“Every night. I’ve thought about it every night since you left.”
Their past and present collided spectacularly, and as they collapsed onto the rug in a tangle of arms and legs, he wondered if they would ever be able to disentangle themselves long enough to find a new place to begin.
Brantley and Finn are both still affected by how their relationship ended: Daniel is angry at the Professor because he decided to push him away and not fight for their love. These two have great scenes together and obviously, as you all can imagine, they have smokin' hot chemistry: both, emotionally and phisically. I loved this love story!
“You know what I want to see, Professor?”
“What?” he asked, and Daniel’s eyes came back to his.
“You on your knees.”
“Who have I always belonged to? Who should I always be with?”
“Me, Finn. You’re mine and I’m yours. Always.”
Overall, I enjoyed Finley a lot. It has great characters (both main and secondary), a good plot and a sexy and loving couple. As I said, I do enjoy Ella's MM books! However, I have to say the story was a bit predictable and maybe the main characters spend too much time remembering the past. Besides that, everything was perfect! And I have to say, I cannot wait for the next book because Derek and Jordan seem to have a pretty interesting relationship lol Loved these characters!
Life had a funny way of giving you exactly what you needed. Exactly when you needed it.
“I love my teacher.”
Therefore, my rating for Finley is 4.5 STARS because I really love Ella's writing style and her characters. She writes awesome stories, seriously! And the sex is off-the-charts hot! So, if you want to enjoy a good MM love story, check Ella's books out! And if you have read her Temptation seires, I can assure you you will enjoy this one too. You will not regret it ;)
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
March 24, 2016
3.5 Stars for the plot (there wasn't much)
4.5 Stars for the sexual tension and chemistry between Finn and Brantley (even that name screams sexy)
I can see where some might not like this one, especially in comparison to the Temptation series.
And yeah, while there wasn't much plot....I still had those butterflies while reading. I could feel the tension, feel the chemistry.
There was a lot of inner dialogue....a lot of back and forth. And at times the flashbacks did take me out of the story. We'd be trucking along in the present....the tension building and then BAM!
Back to the past we go.....NOOOOO!
Still there's just something about Ella's writing that works for me. So yeah, I liked this one. It certainly didn't hurt that it was HAWT! ;)
4.5 Stars for the sexual tension and chemistry between Finn and Brantley (even that name screams sexy)
I can see where some might not like this one, especially in comparison to the Temptation series.
And yeah, while there wasn't much plot....I still had those butterflies while reading. I could feel the tension, feel the chemistry.
There was a lot of inner dialogue....a lot of back and forth. And at times the flashbacks did take me out of the story. We'd be trucking along in the present....the tension building and then BAM!
Back to the past we go.....NOOOOO!
Still there's just something about Ella's writing that works for me. So yeah, I liked this one. It certainly didn't hurt that it was HAWT! ;)
May 3, 2016
4 **I love my teacher.** STARS
That was a delightful read. A second chance MM standalone that also happens to be a spin-off from Ella Frank's Temptation series. One of my all time favourites. So it comes with no surprise that I was dying to read Finley. And I have to say it was a very good read. Sexy, emotional and all kinds of cute.
Daniel 'Finn' Finley is a successful lawyer living in Chicago when he receives a note from his former Professor and ex-boyfriend Brantley Hayes, telling him it is time to come home to Florida.
Brantley and Finn had a secret and slightly forbidden love affair back when Finn was in law school until one day Brantley driven by a fear of holding Finn back told him to go, finish his schooling in Chicago and to experience the world.
Cut to seven year later. Finn is at a very different stage in his life. He is nothing like his former self. He is driven, domineering and very much in charge of his life. He still resents Brantley for sending him away and over the years he has filled the hole in his heart with work and by becoming a brilliant lawyer.
So what will happen when he goes home?
I have to be honest this is a very straight forward story. There is not much movement or action. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you are looking for twists and surprises this might not be the book for you. It's more of a character book. How mostly Daniel has changed over the years, what consequences Brantley's actions had and if there is a way to go back to what they had.
So yes, I have seen a lot of reviews mentioning lack of story. I have to agree there isn’t much, but on the other hand I don't care. Who needs fancy twists when you can have two hot guys going at each other and such wonderfully crafted relationships. I'm not complaining.
Brantley and Finn aren't as good as Logan and Tate by a long shot, but they sure manage to occupy your time for a good while. And just between the two of us, there might be a cameo in store for you. *wink wink*
Well, when it’s all said and done I had a great time reading this and I’m sure curious to see what happens between Jordan and Derek...bring on Devil’s Kiss. ;)
“I want to forget. Forget how much it hurts when I’m not with you”
That was a delightful read. A second chance MM standalone that also happens to be a spin-off from Ella Frank's Temptation series. One of my all time favourites. So it comes with no surprise that I was dying to read Finley. And I have to say it was a very good read. Sexy, emotional and all kinds of cute.
“Hmm… So, what lesson are you going to teach me today, Professor?”
Daniel 'Finn' Finley is a successful lawyer living in Chicago when he receives a note from his former Professor and ex-boyfriend Brantley Hayes, telling him it is time to come home to Florida.
Brantley and Finn had a secret and slightly forbidden love affair back when Finn was in law school until one day Brantley driven by a fear of holding Finn back told him to go, finish his schooling in Chicago and to experience the world.
Cut to seven year later. Finn is at a very different stage in his life. He is nothing like his former self. He is driven, domineering and very much in charge of his life. He still resents Brantley for sending him away and over the years he has filled the hole in his heart with work and by becoming a brilliant lawyer.
So what will happen when he goes home?
“I’m here because you told me to come home. But we both know I won’t truly be home until I’m back between your sheets, Professor.”
I have to be honest this is a very straight forward story. There is not much movement or action. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you are looking for twists and surprises this might not be the book for you. It's more of a character book. How mostly Daniel has changed over the years, what consequences Brantley's actions had and if there is a way to go back to what they had.
So yes, I have seen a lot of reviews mentioning lack of story. I have to agree there isn’t much, but on the other hand I don't care. Who needs fancy twists when you can have two hot guys going at each other and such wonderfully crafted relationships. I'm not complaining.
Brantley and Finn aren't as good as Logan and Tate by a long shot, but they sure manage to occupy your time for a good while. And just between the two of us, there might be a cameo in store for you. *wink wink*
Well, when it’s all said and done I had a great time reading this and I’m sure curious to see what happens between Jordan and Derek...bring on Devil’s Kiss. ;)
March 24, 2016
4.5 My Finn Stars*****
(ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review)
I have one word to describe this book, HOT!!!
Intense and very passionate also come to mind when I think about Finley. I've always been a fan of Ella Frank but her M/M books are quickly becoming a favorite for me, actually in this whole genre. She can do m/m and do it so well, I've never thought I'd crave these stories in such a desperate way. I'm in love!!!!!
Daniel Finley left his home in Florida with a broken heart but with a lot of determination to graduate as a lawyer and become the best one he could be. Seven years of non-stop work has landed him a spot in one of the best law firms in Chicago. Daniel aka Finn has been unstoppable working towards his ultimate goal, to make partner. But seven years of hard work mean nothing when he gets a note that says, it's time to come home.
Professor Brantley Hayes has a very successful career and a gorgeous home by the beach, in a great town full of wonderful friends, but he knows deep inside him that something is missing, or rather someone...
Daniel was the student and Brantley was the professor. Ten years his senior Brantley tried to keep his distance from his gorgeous and bright college student but Finn was very determined and these two embark in a very hot romance. Even though both men were smart and independent adults, Brantley knew that Finn had a bright future ahead of him, and he was the one that had to make the very painful decision of letting him go, so Finn could fulfill his future, even if that meant breaking his heart.
Now seven years later, the pain and attraction are very much still alive between these two ex-lovers, but what happens now when they meet again? Do they discover that they have both moved on, or will they be able to re-start their love?
Ella Frank is a brilliant writer. She has the ability to create romantic stories that tease you to no end with the most seductive words you'll ever read. She has mastered the M/M genre and this book especially is now one of my ultimate favorite of hers. If you are curious about trying an M/M book, I think this book could be the perfect starter read, you might even get addicted. ; )
(ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review)
I have one word to describe this book, HOT!!!
Intense and very passionate also come to mind when I think about Finley. I've always been a fan of Ella Frank but her M/M books are quickly becoming a favorite for me, actually in this whole genre. She can do m/m and do it so well, I've never thought I'd crave these stories in such a desperate way. I'm in love!!!!!
Daniel Finley left his home in Florida with a broken heart but with a lot of determination to graduate as a lawyer and become the best one he could be. Seven years of non-stop work has landed him a spot in one of the best law firms in Chicago. Daniel aka Finn has been unstoppable working towards his ultimate goal, to make partner. But seven years of hard work mean nothing when he gets a note that says, it's time to come home.
Professor Brantley Hayes has a very successful career and a gorgeous home by the beach, in a great town full of wonderful friends, but he knows deep inside him that something is missing, or rather someone...
Daniel was the student and Brantley was the professor. Ten years his senior Brantley tried to keep his distance from his gorgeous and bright college student but Finn was very determined and these two embark in a very hot romance. Even though both men were smart and independent adults, Brantley knew that Finn had a bright future ahead of him, and he was the one that had to make the very painful decision of letting him go, so Finn could fulfill his future, even if that meant breaking his heart.
Now seven years later, the pain and attraction are very much still alive between these two ex-lovers, but what happens now when they meet again? Do they discover that they have both moved on, or will they be able to re-start their love?
Ella Frank is a brilliant writer. She has the ability to create romantic stories that tease you to no end with the most seductive words you'll ever read. She has mastered the M/M genre and this book especially is now one of my ultimate favorite of hers. If you are curious about trying an M/M book, I think this book could be the perfect starter read, you might even get addicted. ; )
March 24, 2016
5 AMAZING STARS
I love this author so much she did an amazing job with this one!It was exactly what I need it!It was funny,super hot and sweet!I loved the characters so much!!Their passion is off the charts!!!These two when they are together they are so hot!
I will read whatever Ella writes because her writting is simply addictive!!She is so brilliant,I'm always impressed with her stories!I highly recommend it to everyone!!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
I love this author so much she did an amazing job with this one!It was exactly what I need it!It was funny,super hot and sweet!I loved the characters so much!!Their passion is off the charts!!!These two when they are together they are so hot!
I will read whatever Ella writes because her writting is simply addictive!!She is so brilliant,I'm always impressed with her stories!I highly recommend it to everyone!!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
April 3, 2016
*5 I-love-my-teacher stars*
This was everything I hoped for!! It had incredible UST, lovable characters and a wonderful romance.
******
We were introduced to Daniel Finley in the Temptation Series. The hot lawyer that hit on Tate and Logan. He didn’t make big friends with them for that reason. So I was intrigued for his story.
The book starts when a 30 year old Finley receives a letter from home.
"It's time to come home, Finn."
It’s from his longtime-no-see lover Brantley. Brantley was Finn’s teacher at the University. Finn fell in love with his teacher instantly and stalked Brantley for his attention. Brantley tries to resist him for obvious reasons but is not able to resist the young Finn. They have a relationship for a few years when Brantley decides it is in Finn’s best interest for him to study Law in Chicago. He forces Finn to leave.
The story picks up after 7 years and Finn has become a changed man. He is resentful and is always keeping everyone at arm’s length.
“I hate what you did to us. I hate that you chose how we should end. And I fucking hate that you decided that my life was better off without you.”
But after receiving Brantley’s letter he decides to go home to Florida and once and for all get Brantley out of his system.
******
I loved the little flash backs.. They gave a good impression how their relationship worked in the beginning. Brantley, the experienced man with the young unexperienced and cocky Finn.
Seven years later we see their roles reversed. Finn is in charge and Brantley likes it.
******
Finn decides to stay with Brantley for two weeks and then the two of them will pick up their lives separately.
That’s rationally but they discover their feelings for each other never went away.
“He didn’t care if he was the one laying his soul open first. Didn’t care that he was handing his heart over to the man currently embracing him. All he cared about was getting as close to Daniel as he could, for as long as he could.”
Loved, loved this book!!!
And I’m so happy to hear about Derek and Jordan’s story!!
Devil's Kiss
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PREVIEW
Isn't Finley the lawer that hit on Tate and Logan??? Yes?
Who cares.... I'll read it.
March 24, 2016
NOW LIVE AMZ #OneClick ~ http://amzn.to/1pFwkd0
5 Explosive yet Sensual Stars
I loveee Ella Frank, every time I pick up her books she manages to make me hot and flustered yet have me welling up over the emotions of the H/h at the ame time. When concerning her MM books she does both in equal measure. I adored Logan & Tate and MM is a piece of heaven to me. I love this genre add that to Ella's fantastic writing ability you have one hell of an explosive read.
So what's it about?
Finley was Brantley's student, back in the day when they first met. But when Finn wants something he goes for it and puts ha heart and soul into it. And yes he wanted his Professor, so yes there is a theme of secrecy when you delve into their past moments. But then Brantley wanted the best for his ex student and pushed him to move on and become something. Thing with that it made Finn resent the man he loved. 7 years later Finn is living in Chicago and Bradley is back at home still teaching and very lonely and honestly not living the way he wants. He's missing his heart so that's when he sends a letter to his love to come home...
And oh la la Finn decides to take him on.. For two weeks he will get him out of his system and then move on with his life. Once and for all
Slowly but surely they get to know each other again.
Let me tell you I LOVED this book, it is sensual, sexy, intriguing and had me unable to stop turning the pages into the wee hours of the night. Finn holds resentment and Brantley wants a second chance. They go down memory lane and remember why they love each other so much, and honestly why they are meant to be even if there's a small age different. #LoveIsLove
This is a beautiful book. I loved Logan and Tate but let me tell you Finn and Brantley are right there next to them with my love for this genre. I loved this one AS MUCH. Ella has written some lovable sexy characters and at the same time a Finn that is alllll MAN! And boy is he? He decides he's taking control this time...
"You better be fucking sure before you come all over me, because, Brantley? This time, I don't plan to let you out of my sight until I'm done. Got it?"
And this story had my hand on my heart because I felt for both sides of the coin.
"Finn," Brantley sighed as he brushed his lips over the top of his. "You slay me."
Overall this book has everything, sexiness, sensual men that had me on my knees myself LOL. And a gripping plot that kept me turning the pages because I JUST WANTED THEM TO BE HAPPY & TOGETHER
Read it. That is all..
This is a spin off from The Temptation series but is a standalone even if I'd highly recommend that series when you get the chance loves.
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and blog tours
5 Explosive yet Sensual Stars
I loveee Ella Frank, every time I pick up her books she manages to make me hot and flustered yet have me welling up over the emotions of the H/h at the ame time. When concerning her MM books she does both in equal measure. I adored Logan & Tate and MM is a piece of heaven to me. I love this genre add that to Ella's fantastic writing ability you have one hell of an explosive read.
So what's it about?
Finley was Brantley's student, back in the day when they first met. But when Finn wants something he goes for it and puts ha heart and soul into it. And yes he wanted his Professor, so yes there is a theme of secrecy when you delve into their past moments. But then Brantley wanted the best for his ex student and pushed him to move on and become something. Thing with that it made Finn resent the man he loved. 7 years later Finn is living in Chicago and Bradley is back at home still teaching and very lonely and honestly not living the way he wants. He's missing his heart so that's when he sends a letter to his love to come home...
And oh la la Finn decides to take him on.. For two weeks he will get him out of his system and then move on with his life. Once and for all
Slowly but surely they get to know each other again.
Let me tell you I LOVED this book, it is sensual, sexy, intriguing and had me unable to stop turning the pages into the wee hours of the night. Finn holds resentment and Brantley wants a second chance. They go down memory lane and remember why they love each other so much, and honestly why they are meant to be even if there's a small age different. #LoveIsLove
This is a beautiful book. I loved Logan and Tate but let me tell you Finn and Brantley are right there next to them with my love for this genre. I loved this one AS MUCH. Ella has written some lovable sexy characters and at the same time a Finn that is alllll MAN! And boy is he? He decides he's taking control this time...
"You better be fucking sure before you come all over me, because, Brantley? This time, I don't plan to let you out of my sight until I'm done. Got it?"
And this story had my hand on my heart because I felt for both sides of the coin.
"Finn," Brantley sighed as he brushed his lips over the top of his. "You slay me."
Overall this book has everything, sexiness, sensual men that had me on my knees myself LOL. And a gripping plot that kept me turning the pages because I JUST WANTED THEM TO BE HAPPY & TOGETHER
Read it. That is all..
This is a spin off from The Temptation series but is a standalone even if I'd highly recommend that series when you get the chance loves.
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and blog tours
March 22, 2016
This book was exactly what I needed. Sweet, romantic, fun, sexy and full of feels. I loved every second of it.
March 24, 2016
Review written March 23, 2016
3.8 Stars - Grandly romantic and intensely burning hot
A brand new buzz M/M by Ella Frank — Passed years, an unforgettable passionate (college professor - younger student) relationship, a second chance, anger, angst, steam, lust and two heartbroken men. Wow!! — Couldn't resist.
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Six words will forever change the course of their lives.”
A letter and a intense and quite dramatic start
Daniel (or Finn as he want Professor Hayes to call him) is still slightly pissed off and angry. This time will he be the one who show the professor their rules. Daniel is convinced he should hold the helm and dominate on his terms this time. No feelings just get what you want and rightly should get at last. Gone is forever the young (blonde and tanned) very charming cute twenty year old surfer guy.
Two weeks for revenge, mind-f***ing sëx and for once and all end it, not a single minute more. — Or? Well, is a heart tender and genuinely warm will everything probably still be quite fair and honest in any case. So endearing angsty, steaming and romantic super sweet. I just silly-smiled, swooned and swept it in for what it is.
*********************************************
I think I liked those brief glimpses (flash backs) from the past most. Those were always heartbreaking cute and endearing sweet with a charming fresh youth-feeling. Maybe was this book a bit longish there in the middle but mostly catching, light and very fun reading. Glad to say that this didn't turn to a (feared) erotic smex-feast. Finley is romantic romance stuff.
.... Age difference, gray temples sulkiness and an older 39 years old professor?! — Couldn't but smile: “Guys like who?” - “Young, gorgeous, driven. They don’t want to settle down with…stable and stuffy.” Stuffy? Ha ha, who? There are just so many goodlooking sexy men here. (Need to go to Florida at once.)
(Only a small complaint about EF's writing style. )
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As Ella Frank's other M/M's is this in the style a lot of newer popular m/f contemporary are written in. If you accept that fact, and like them as well, are the chance you will enjoy Finley very very big. I did and will pick up the promised next book about two new Florida-men in urgent need of HEA lifelong love.
I LIKE - yep and yay ... of course
3.8 Stars - Grandly romantic and intensely burning hot
A brand new buzz M/M by Ella Frank — Passed years, an unforgettable passionate (college professor - younger student) relationship, a second chance, anger, angst, steam, lust and two heartbroken men. Wow!! — Couldn't resist.
*********************************************
Six words will forever change the course of their lives.”
« It’s been seven years since Daniel 'Finn' Finley left his hometown in Florida for the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s city life. ... Brantley Hayes has it all. Or so he thinks. When he first made the decision to take a job down in Florida ... »
A letter and a intense and quite dramatic start
Daniel (or Finn as he want Professor Hayes to call him) is still slightly pissed off and angry. This time will he be the one who show the professor their rules. Daniel is convinced he should hold the helm and dominate on his terms this time. No feelings just get what you want and rightly should get at last. Gone is forever the young (blonde and tanned) very charming cute twenty year old surfer guy.
Two weeks for revenge, mind-f***ing sëx and for once and all end it, not a single minute more. — Or? Well, is a heart tender and genuinely warm will everything probably still be quite fair and honest in any case. So endearing angsty, steaming and romantic super sweet. I just silly-smiled, swooned and swept it in for what it is.
“That,” Daniel interrupted, pointing at him as he took a step forward. “That’s the problem right there. I have no idea what’s true. Back then and now. God, Brantley. Seven years. It’s been seven fucking years since I’ve seen or heard from you, and the second I got your note, everything I’d ever convinced myself was bullshit came crashing back in.”
*********************************************
I think I liked those brief glimpses (flash backs) from the past most. Those were always heartbreaking cute and endearing sweet with a charming fresh youth-feeling. Maybe was this book a bit longish there in the middle but mostly catching, light and very fun reading. Glad to say that this didn't turn to a (feared) erotic smex-feast. Finley is romantic romance stuff.
.... Age difference, gray temples sulkiness and an older 39 years old professor?! — Couldn't but smile: “Guys like who?” - “Young, gorgeous, driven. They don’t want to settle down with…stable and stuffy.” Stuffy? Ha ha, who? There are just so many goodlooking sexy men here. (Need to go to Florida at once.)
(Only a small complaint about EF's writing style. )
*********************************************
As Ella Frank's other M/M's is this in the style a lot of newer popular m/f contemporary are written in. If you accept that fact, and like them as well, are the chance you will enjoy Finley very very big. I did and will pick up the promised next book about two new Florida-men in urgent need of HEA lifelong love.
I LIKE - yep and yay ... of course
July 16, 2016
Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books
5 Coming Home Stars
Ella Frank's Temptation series is hard to top. Logan and Tate will remain my favorite MM couple for the forseeable future (closely followed by Jamie and Wes from Sarina Bowen's and Elle Kennedy's HIM series). Nonetheless Finn and Brantley have captured my heart and I credit this to Ms. Frank's enormous talent for writing delightful, charming and likeable characters.
We met Daniel Finley the first time in the Temptation series as a secondary character. I didn't really have the hots for him then but if you read his story you'll understand why he was that way.
These words sent to him in a letter will turn his world upside down. When his professor Brantley Hayes sent him away seven years ago, Finn's heart was broken. How could the man who claimed to love him just do this to them, even if he had his best interest at heart. Despite the hurt that is still present and as strong as when he left Daniel Finley feels an irresistable desire to go home and face the man who caused it.
Seven years ago Brantley Hayes set himself up for a world full of hurt when he sent the love of his life away because he saw so much more in Finn. His talented young student had so much potential so what right did he have to keep him tied up in Sunset Cove when he could study at the most prestigious universities? Ever since he hasn't been the same. After seven years he thinks it's time for Finn to come home and figure out where they stand. When he meets Finn again he realizes that the person standing in front of him is not the same favorite student he used to love. Daniel is a changed man and he won't go easy on Brantley.
After steaming and thinking about Finn's and Brantley's story I upgraded the rating from 4.5 to full 5 stars because, honestly, they are a class of their own. No they aren't Logan and Tate but they aren't required to be. Their story is heartwarming and pushes all my buttons. Their past is told in flashbacks and you get a direct comparison between the easygoing Finn and the career focused lawyer from Chicago who is not willing to give his favorite professor more than two weeks.
The sexual tension Ella Frank is building from the start is sizzling. Despite Finn's resentment you can feel the incredibly deep connection these two have and the farther you reach into their story the deeper their bond becomes. I love how Ms. Frank manages to unite the hardass lawyer and the easygoing beach boy of Finn's youth and turns him into an utterly adorable person.
Brantley is mild mannered and understanding from the start and he has the patience of a saint. There couldn't be a better match for Finn. These two are a match made in heaven. I loved the chemistry of the cheeky Finn and his respectable professor as much as I loved it when he returned to his hometown.
Ella Frank delivers top notch writing and brings her characters to life. Not many books have the ability to make me cry these days but our two heros set the waterworks in motion. I loved Finn and Brantley hard.
5 Coming Home Stars
Ella Frank's Temptation series is hard to top. Logan and Tate will remain my favorite MM couple for the forseeable future (closely followed by Jamie and Wes from Sarina Bowen's and Elle Kennedy's HIM series). Nonetheless Finn and Brantley have captured my heart and I credit this to Ms. Frank's enormous talent for writing delightful, charming and likeable characters.
We met Daniel Finley the first time in the Temptation series as a secondary character. I didn't really have the hots for him then but if you read his story you'll understand why he was that way.
It's time to come home, Finn.
These words sent to him in a letter will turn his world upside down. When his professor Brantley Hayes sent him away seven years ago, Finn's heart was broken. How could the man who claimed to love him just do this to them, even if he had his best interest at heart. Despite the hurt that is still present and as strong as when he left Daniel Finley feels an irresistable desire to go home and face the man who caused it.
Their past and present collided spectacularly, and as they collapsed onto the rug in a tangle of arms and legs, he wondered if they would ever be able to disentangle themselves long enough to find a new place to begin.
Seven years ago Brantley Hayes set himself up for a world full of hurt when he sent the love of his life away because he saw so much more in Finn. His talented young student had so much potential so what right did he have to keep him tied up in Sunset Cove when he could study at the most prestigious universities? Ever since he hasn't been the same. After seven years he thinks it's time for Finn to come home and figure out where they stand. When he meets Finn again he realizes that the person standing in front of him is not the same favorite student he used to love. Daniel is a changed man and he won't go easy on Brantley.
After steaming and thinking about Finn's and Brantley's story I upgraded the rating from 4.5 to full 5 stars because, honestly, they are a class of their own. No they aren't Logan and Tate but they aren't required to be. Their story is heartwarming and pushes all my buttons. Their past is told in flashbacks and you get a direct comparison between the easygoing Finn and the career focused lawyer from Chicago who is not willing to give his favorite professor more than two weeks.
"I want you. And I'm selfish enough to keep you for as long as you let me."
The sexual tension Ella Frank is building from the start is sizzling. Despite Finn's resentment you can feel the incredibly deep connection these two have and the farther you reach into their story the deeper their bond becomes. I love how Ms. Frank manages to unite the hardass lawyer and the easygoing beach boy of Finn's youth and turns him into an utterly adorable person.
Brantley is mild mannered and understanding from the start and he has the patience of a saint. There couldn't be a better match for Finn. These two are a match made in heaven. I loved the chemistry of the cheeky Finn and his respectable professor as much as I loved it when he returned to his hometown.
No matter how much he guarded his heart, he would never be able to stop himself from loving this man again. And the reason for that was simple. He had never stopped in the first place.
Ella Frank delivers top notch writing and brings her characters to life. Not many books have the ability to make me cry these days but our two heros set the waterworks in motion. I loved Finn and Brantley hard.
"Now I'm right back where I was before I left."
"And where's that?"
"Tangled up in you," he whispered against his ear. "It's always been you."
March 24, 2016
4.5 It's Always Been You Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
(BR with Dee)
Brantley Hayes is a professor at UCF & lives in Sunset Cove, Florida. He falls hard for his student Daniel Finley who pursues him relentlessly. Daniel is this young, stunningly beautiful blonde surfer who knows what he wants & what he wants is his sexy professor. Daniel is very direct, confident & playful. Eventually Brantley can't resist Finn and they develop a relationship. Finn is very intelligent & has a bright future ahead of him. Brantley doesn't want to hold him back, & thinks he knows what's best for him. He pushes Finn away & it greatly impacts both their lives. Finn moves to Chicago for law school & is gone for seven years working hard & becoming a successful attorney. His life is now in the big city. Upon his 30th birthday he receives a note from the man he's never forgotten or forgiven.
-Brantley Hayes was in a class all of his own when it came to men. And fuck, Daniel thought, he was still the pinnacle of perfection in his eyes.
-He was just so fucking beautiful.
-Brantley was still every single thing he wanted in a man wrapped up in one perfect package.
Finn takes vacation & buys a plane ticket back home. He wants to know what Brantley Hayes wants from him after all these years. He heads back to Florida but decides when he sees Brantley things will now be on his terms. He's no longer the 22 yr. old Brantley remembers. Finn is now a man, a gorgeous somewhat arrogant, self assured man, who holds a lot of resentment for his former professor. His walls around his heart are built up, & Brantley will have to work hard to earn his trust back. All those years ago Brantley truly thought he was doing the right thing when he sent Finn away. He decides it's now or never. Go for it with Finn, or let him go for good. He has a lot of regrets when it comes to Finn, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to get him back. They reunite & it's explosive as they get reacquainted. This book was just delicious!!! My fav m/m I've ever read! As this couple's hearts slowly heal & find their way back to one another it's absolutely beautiful! Just LOVED this one!!! :D
-It'd been so long since he'd felt such comfort in another's arms. In truth, he hadn't felt it since this man's.
-This man is everything I want.
(ARC provided by author)
(BR with Dee)
Brantley Hayes is a professor at UCF & lives in Sunset Cove, Florida. He falls hard for his student Daniel Finley who pursues him relentlessly. Daniel is this young, stunningly beautiful blonde surfer who knows what he wants & what he wants is his sexy professor. Daniel is very direct, confident & playful. Eventually Brantley can't resist Finn and they develop a relationship. Finn is very intelligent & has a bright future ahead of him. Brantley doesn't want to hold him back, & thinks he knows what's best for him. He pushes Finn away & it greatly impacts both their lives. Finn moves to Chicago for law school & is gone for seven years working hard & becoming a successful attorney. His life is now in the big city. Upon his 30th birthday he receives a note from the man he's never forgotten or forgiven.
-Brantley Hayes was in a class all of his own when it came to men. And fuck, Daniel thought, he was still the pinnacle of perfection in his eyes.
-He was just so fucking beautiful.
-Brantley was still every single thing he wanted in a man wrapped up in one perfect package.
Finn takes vacation & buys a plane ticket back home. He wants to know what Brantley Hayes wants from him after all these years. He heads back to Florida but decides when he sees Brantley things will now be on his terms. He's no longer the 22 yr. old Brantley remembers. Finn is now a man, a gorgeous somewhat arrogant, self assured man, who holds a lot of resentment for his former professor. His walls around his heart are built up, & Brantley will have to work hard to earn his trust back. All those years ago Brantley truly thought he was doing the right thing when he sent Finn away. He decides it's now or never. Go for it with Finn, or let him go for good. He has a lot of regrets when it comes to Finn, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to get him back. They reunite & it's explosive as they get reacquainted. This book was just delicious!!! My fav m/m I've ever read! As this couple's hearts slowly heal & find their way back to one another it's absolutely beautiful! Just LOVED this one!!! :D
-It'd been so long since he'd felt such comfort in another's arms. In truth, he hadn't felt it since this man's.
-This man is everything I want.
March 22, 2016
*ARC received from author via blog tour*
4.5 ★
This was me BEFORE:
SQUEEEE, I'm so excited to start this!!!
This was me AFTER:
DANG, that was more emotional than I anticipated!
... sigh...
Let me start by saying that it was Ella who popped my m/m cherry with Try (pun intended, I suppose). Sadly, I haven’t finished that series, which I need to rectify soon…
Finn and Brant reconnected after 7 years of being out of each other’s lives. What happens after is familiar yet new at the same time for both of them. Old feelings and hurt have to be acknowledged if there’s a chance for them to move forward. And even then, can they really move forward? Decisions had to be made.
Brantley made the decision he did because he really thought it was the best for Finn. And it really was best for Finn, but sometimes wrong actions made for the right reasons still felt wrong, at least as far as Finn was concerned. Finn, out of hurt, just chose to stay away for a long time when maybe he didn’t need to. Both of them paying for that one crucial act, they had to learn to see past that. Luckily, their feelings for each other were stronger than all their wrong decisions put together.
Brant had remained consistent about his feelings for Finn. But he also had to grapple with the different Finn who showed up 7 years later. Finn had a lot of feelings to sort. But he also had to grapple with the same Brant he thought he was ready to walk away from, rather than the other way around like the first time, and it turns out, he couldn’t. As they tried to move forward, they tried to build on what they had and reconcile that with what they have to work with.
I love both of them equally. Brant had his insecurities about the age difference, albeit paltry in my mind. He really understood Finn and was always willing to give what Finn needed. I love the young Finn, the tenacity in the way he pursued Brantley in a very endearing manner. I love the older Finn that turn into this dirty-talkin’ alpha. I love how the dynamics switched fluidly between them based on what each other needed. I love the way they read each other, like they’re truly meant for each other.
While I didn’t fully understand the length of time it took Brantley to beckon Finn home, I suppose it was what it was. As unclear as Brant’s motives were, I suppose Finn had to experience what he had to experience.
This was more emotional than I anticipated. So much so that it caught me off guard. Towards the end, before I knew it, my eyes were welling up. The pain on both sides was so palpable that it lingered in me much longer than I thought it would. More than the pains though, just as palpable were the connection and the passion between them. That I felt right from the start. Oooh boy… sweet lawhd!!!
Seeing Tate and Logan at the end further reminded me how I need to finish their story asap. And the bits about Brent’s and Finn’s friends, I’m thinking Ella will have their stories down the road. Yay, a lot of things to look forward to!
4.5 ★
This was me BEFORE:
SQUEEEE, I'm so excited to start this!!!
This was me AFTER:
DANG, that was more emotional than I anticipated!
... sigh...
Let me start by saying that it was Ella who popped my m/m cherry with Try (pun intended, I suppose). Sadly, I haven’t finished that series, which I need to rectify soon…
Finn and Brant reconnected after 7 years of being out of each other’s lives. What happens after is familiar yet new at the same time for both of them. Old feelings and hurt have to be acknowledged if there’s a chance for them to move forward. And even then, can they really move forward? Decisions had to be made.
Brantley made the decision he did because he really thought it was the best for Finn. And it really was best for Finn, but sometimes wrong actions made for the right reasons still felt wrong, at least as far as Finn was concerned. Finn, out of hurt, just chose to stay away for a long time when maybe he didn’t need to. Both of them paying for that one crucial act, they had to learn to see past that. Luckily, their feelings for each other were stronger than all their wrong decisions put together.
Brant had remained consistent about his feelings for Finn. But he also had to grapple with the different Finn who showed up 7 years later. Finn had a lot of feelings to sort. But he also had to grapple with the same Brant he thought he was ready to walk away from, rather than the other way around like the first time, and it turns out, he couldn’t. As they tried to move forward, they tried to build on what they had and reconcile that with what they have to work with.
I love both of them equally. Brant had his insecurities about the age difference, albeit paltry in my mind. He really understood Finn and was always willing to give what Finn needed. I love the young Finn, the tenacity in the way he pursued Brantley in a very endearing manner. I love the older Finn that turn into this dirty-talkin’ alpha. I love how the dynamics switched fluidly between them based on what each other needed. I love the way they read each other, like they’re truly meant for each other.
While I didn’t fully understand the length of time it took Brantley to beckon Finn home, I suppose it was what it was. As unclear as Brant’s motives were, I suppose Finn had to experience what he had to experience.
This was more emotional than I anticipated. So much so that it caught me off guard. Towards the end, before I knew it, my eyes were welling up. The pain on both sides was so palpable that it lingered in me much longer than I thought it would. More than the pains though, just as palpable were the connection and the passion between them. That I felt right from the start. Oooh boy… sweet lawhd!!!
Seeing Tate and Logan at the end further reminded me how I need to finish their story asap. And the bits about Brent’s and Finn’s friends, I’m thinking Ella will have their stories down the road. Yay, a lot of things to look forward to!
March 21, 2016
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (live early! )
Hot, sexy and swooning romance. “Finley” turned out to be one of my most fulfilling reads this year!
M/M romance not your thing…Yet? I can guarantee you it will be after reading “Finley“.This was just a damn good romance story, and it had me full of happy feels all the way. I just adored about everything in “Finley“.
Ella Frank made it really hard for me to put it down, the set up is quite simple and delicious, just let me lay it down for you : Student / teacher trope, second chance at love, resentment old of 7 years….. Can you feel it? The angst? The tension? Oooh believe me, you will soon! This is by far the favorite M/M romance I’ve read and I can proudly place it on my Top Favorite Romance shelf.
The story starts right at the point Daniel Finley and Brantley Hayes are about to meet again after a 7 years forced break-up. Only this time around Finley had a lot of growing up done, his years in the city changed him for the better or worse.
Seven years ago and against his will, Daniel Finley was forced to leave Florida beaches, surf and his love interest to graduate one of the top law school in Chicago.
Now back in his hometown, after a being summoned by none other than his old “Professor”, Finley has it all figured. Take what he needs from Professor Hayes, show him how good he had become, and get the fuck out of Florida and back to the Windy city.
His revenge fuck plan could have been a good one if only feelings were left out of the equation… And neither Finley or Professor Hayes has gotten over each other during all these years… Only, tables have turned now, Finley has grown confidence and likes control, making the power play between them nothing short of exquisite.
Can you feel it now? The heartbreak, the resentment, the anticipation, the lust, the fuck-hot chemistry, the sexual tension and all the feels?
Believe me, once you start this book, it’ll grip you at the throat and you’ll have no other choice but to read and feel and swoon and sigh until it’s over. SO freaking good.
The story-telling itself is brilliant, not a surprise, but still so damn enjoyable to read from such a talented author. The story literally flows and she delivers feelings with such a raw intensity, I could feel it all. The good feelings with a huge grin on my face and the angsty feels with a hand clutching at my heart. “All the feels” has never been more appropriate.
The book is told in a dual point of view (something not easily done in M/M), and often interrupted by smartly placed flashback scenes. I’m usually not fan of those, I tend to think they just pollute the current storyline, but here, they added so much feels to the story and helped us grasp the meaning of the present scenes.
I just loved these two men together! No stupid drama involved, the build up done rather quite perfectly, the anticipation will have your heart racing, your fingers and eyes trying to read faster than humanly possible, just to get to the point our men finally give in… Only to regret not having taken your time and savor this little romance gem. Don’t believe me? Well, I guess you’ll just have to try it yourselves, then.
One last thing, the secondary characters… Not only there for the show. Every other person evolving around our main characters are so well developed, it has to be highlighted. I personally cannot wait to read more about Derek and Posh Spice (Jordan) !
(Arc offered in exchange for an honest review)
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
Hot, sexy and swooning romance. “Finley” turned out to be one of my most fulfilling reads this year!
M/M romance not your thing…Yet? I can guarantee you it will be after reading “Finley“.This was just a damn good romance story, and it had me full of happy feels all the way. I just adored about everything in “Finley“.
Ella Frank made it really hard for me to put it down, the set up is quite simple and delicious, just let me lay it down for you : Student / teacher trope, second chance at love, resentment old of 7 years….. Can you feel it? The angst? The tension? Oooh believe me, you will soon! This is by far the favorite M/M romance I’ve read and I can proudly place it on my Top Favorite Romance shelf.
The story starts right at the point Daniel Finley and Brantley Hayes are about to meet again after a 7 years forced break-up. Only this time around Finley had a lot of growing up done, his years in the city changed him for the better or worse.
Seven years ago and against his will, Daniel Finley was forced to leave Florida beaches, surf and his love interest to graduate one of the top law school in Chicago.
"Touch him, fuck him, and then forget him."
Now back in his hometown, after a being summoned by none other than his old “Professor”, Finley has it all figured. Take what he needs from Professor Hayes, show him how good he had become, and get the fuck out of Florida and back to the Windy city.
His revenge fuck plan could have been a good one if only feelings were left out of the equation… And neither Finley or Professor Hayes has gotten over each other during all these years… Only, tables have turned now, Finley has grown confidence and likes control, making the power play between them nothing short of exquisite.
"It's my turn to make you beg."
Can you feel it now? The heartbreak, the resentment, the anticipation, the lust, the fuck-hot chemistry, the sexual tension and all the feels?
Believe me, once you start this book, it’ll grip you at the throat and you’ll have no other choice but to read and feel and swoon and sigh until it’s over. SO freaking good.
The story-telling itself is brilliant, not a surprise, but still so damn enjoyable to read from such a talented author. The story literally flows and she delivers feelings with such a raw intensity, I could feel it all. The good feelings with a huge grin on my face and the angsty feels with a hand clutching at my heart. “All the feels” has never been more appropriate.
"When the two of them were together like this—naked, souls bared to one another—nothing else existed."
The book is told in a dual point of view (something not easily done in M/M), and often interrupted by smartly placed flashback scenes. I’m usually not fan of those, I tend to think they just pollute the current storyline, but here, they added so much feels to the story and helped us grasp the meaning of the present scenes.
I just loved these two men together! No stupid drama involved, the build up done rather quite perfectly, the anticipation will have your heart racing, your fingers and eyes trying to read faster than humanly possible, just to get to the point our men finally give in… Only to regret not having taken your time and savor this little romance gem. Don’t believe me? Well, I guess you’ll just have to try it yourselves, then.
One last thing, the secondary characters… Not only there for the show. Every other person evolving around our main characters are so well developed, it has to be highlighted. I personally cannot wait to read more about Derek and Posh Spice (Jordan) !
(Arc offered in exchange for an honest review)
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
April 1, 2016
Ok, to be honest I have no idea who Daniel Finley was...but let's be real because if he was mentioned in any book with Logan and Tate, I was not paying no attention! Anyway, this was a great book for anyone looking to slide over to this genre. While Ella Frank writes smoking hot men, she also writes really good emotionally filled romance as well.
This book was a bit more of an emotional journey than the steamy taboo intimacy I am used to from her. This is a true 2nd chance romance for Daniel Finely, "Finn", and his true love, one-time professor Brantley. I know that sounds a bit taboo, but it really was a relationship of two consenting adults that ended with broken hearts when the older professor pushed Finn to find himself...to leave home for better. Well, that decision did not go over well...thus an angry and scorned man has no idea what to do when it is 7 years later and one note...COME HOME.
Overall this was a bit on the sweet and sexy side. Obviously there is unresolved feelings and a lot needs to be said and done. There was little drama and to be honest little story other than a good old fashioned "come back to me" type love story. I think my fave part of this read was the contrasting passages of present and past events that showed how much love there was and how much each character changed! Add in the ending cameo with Logan and Tate...well, good times for all!!!
This book was a bit more of an emotional journey than the steamy taboo intimacy I am used to from her. This is a true 2nd chance romance for Daniel Finely, "Finn", and his true love, one-time professor Brantley. I know that sounds a bit taboo, but it really was a relationship of two consenting adults that ended with broken hearts when the older professor pushed Finn to find himself...to leave home for better. Well, that decision did not go over well...thus an angry and scorned man has no idea what to do when it is 7 years later and one note...COME HOME.
Overall this was a bit on the sweet and sexy side. Obviously there is unresolved feelings and a lot needs to be said and done. There was little drama and to be honest little story other than a good old fashioned "come back to me" type love story. I think my fave part of this read was the contrasting passages of present and past events that showed how much love there was and how much each character changed! Add in the ending cameo with Logan and Tate...well, good times for all!!!
October 27, 2022
This had the potential to be both 2 stars ⭐ and 4 stars ⭐ and I feel like somehow ended up in the middle.
Initial reactions: Fuck, I have no idea how to rate this book.
^ because yup, same. Still have no idea how to rate this book.
Tropes:
⛈️ Second Chance Romance
⛈️ Age Gap
⛈️ Professor/Student (Previously)
⛈️ Top became a bottom and the Bottom became the top
⛈️ Bossy Top
⛈️ Dirty Talk
⛈️ Low Angst
Mixed as FUCK feelings:
I feel like I have to stem my but do I like this, or do I not like this book from the writing, specifically the writing perspective taken place in this book is 3rd Person and before anyone goes on a tangent related to the negativity surrounding 3rd Person's POV, I love this style of narrative, I ate it up and it's my favorite version of Pov's.
But the third person's perspective of this book, sucked. It was terrible and not because the writing was bad, it was marginally better than I expected it to be, but the placement and posture of pronouns, the LACK of identification who HIM/HE/HIS was referring to drove my mind to 💥 insanity 💥 so much so that I lost my bearing and flow of the story that every time those pronouns were mentioned, I'd get such a headache.
Secondly, I just found it hard to just FEEL the characters. I know a lot of people want to CONNECT with main characters and that's a great concept, but speaking from a person who reads Dark Romance on a regular basis, I don't particularly need to Connect with my characters, more on so, I need to FEEL THEM, feel their emotions, the heartache and their triumph, their bliss and their devastation, just FEEL the chemical balance that puts together the character and I just couldn't feel Daniel Finley and Brantley Hayes emotional depth.
Also, the changes from Daniel, Finley and Finn at every damn paragraph made me want to throw my phone at a wall cus CHOOSE ONE AND STICK TO ONE FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST.
But to anyone who knows me and my reading taste, you KNOW that I hate Second Chance Romance and the fact that I don't detest the mere existence of this, huh, proves that this book wasn't THAT bad, subjectively speaking ofc.
And despite my fabulous attempt at trying to woo you of this book, the characters and our main couple was enough to make me want to stick it up until the end and watch where they will end up, and I low-key thought we would end up with a cliff hanger because there's two books in Sunset Cove and I was so gearing up for some emotional damage but then when that shit got resolved and everything went smooth and peachy, I was so sus, I wacked myself inside out when I realized Book 2 was someone ELSE'S book.
→ Regardless, the writing was genuinely good and heartfelt, it just didn't feel tangent towards the characters and the HIDEOUS use of pronouns. If we to base the rating prose wise, I would've given this book a higher 3.5 ⭐
Anyways. Logan and Tate's cameo was 🤌 but now that I think about it, it could've been done wayyyyyy smoother. Still, Logan and Tate are HOT and SEXY.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk 😘
Initial reactions: Fuck, I have no idea how to rate this book.
^ because yup, same. Still have no idea how to rate this book.
Tropes:
⛈️ Second Chance Romance
⛈️ Age Gap
⛈️ Professor/Student (Previously)
⛈️ Top became a bottom and the Bottom became the top
⛈️ Bossy Top
⛈️ Dirty Talk
⛈️ Low Angst
Mixed as FUCK feelings:
I feel like I have to stem my but do I like this, or do I not like this book from the writing, specifically the writing perspective taken place in this book is 3rd Person and before anyone goes on a tangent related to the negativity surrounding 3rd Person's POV, I love this style of narrative, I ate it up and it's my favorite version of Pov's.
But the third person's perspective of this book, sucked. It was terrible and not because the writing was bad, it was marginally better than I expected it to be, but the placement and posture of pronouns, the LACK of identification who HIM/HE/HIS was referring to drove my mind to 💥 insanity 💥 so much so that I lost my bearing and flow of the story that every time those pronouns were mentioned, I'd get such a headache.
Secondly, I just found it hard to just FEEL the characters. I know a lot of people want to CONNECT with main characters and that's a great concept, but speaking from a person who reads Dark Romance on a regular basis, I don't particularly need to Connect with my characters, more on so, I need to FEEL THEM, feel their emotions, the heartache and their triumph, their bliss and their devastation, just FEEL the chemical balance that puts together the character and I just couldn't feel Daniel Finley and Brantley Hayes emotional depth.
Also, the changes from Daniel, Finley and Finn at every damn paragraph made me want to throw my phone at a wall cus CHOOSE ONE AND STICK TO ONE FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST.
But to anyone who knows me and my reading taste, you KNOW that I hate Second Chance Romance and the fact that I don't detest the mere existence of this, huh, proves that this book wasn't THAT bad, subjectively speaking ofc.
And despite my fabulous attempt at trying to woo you of this book, the characters and our main couple was enough to make me want to stick it up until the end and watch where they will end up, and I low-key thought we would end up with a cliff hanger because there's two books in Sunset Cove and I was so gearing up for some emotional damage but then when that shit got resolved and everything went smooth and peachy, I was so sus, I wacked myself inside out when I realized Book 2 was someone ELSE'S book.
→ Regardless, the writing was genuinely good and heartfelt, it just didn't feel tangent towards the characters and the HIDEOUS use of pronouns. If we to base the rating prose wise, I would've given this book a higher 3.5 ⭐
Closing his eyes, he ordered himself to enjoy this to the very end. To be greedy and let it swallow him whole and take him under. That was the only way he would be able to go on once it spat him back out the other side.
The memory of such sweet perfection.
“Finn,” Brantley sighed as he brushed his lips over the top of his. “You slay me.”
“I have to tell you, I’m trying to take this slow—you know, the whole let-us-get-comfortable-with-one-another again. But, fuck, it’s hard—so damn hard. When all I can think about is the first time I’m going to slide inside you and how deep I’ll have to go so I’ll forget what it was like when I wasn’t a part of you.”
Anyways. Logan and Tate's cameo was 🤌 but now that I think about it, it could've been done wayyyyyy smoother. Still, Logan and Tate are HOT and SEXY.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk 😘
October 11, 2016
Well, that was really hot and wet and hot, then wet again... Yeah, yeah I loved it! :D
March 24, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
“I couldn’t move on,” Daniel stressed. “You made sure of that. No matter what I did or who I did it with, you were always there. I always remembered. There wasn’t one single thing I ever forgot.”
I have a confession to make. I don’t even remember Finley from the Temptation Series since I was all wrapped up with my obsession with Logan and Tate. You can’t blame me for this. It’s Logan and Tate..Right? Ok before I ramble on my love for Logan and Tate, Ella Frank stole my heart once again with Daniel Finley and Brantley Hayes.
LOVE! LOVE!! LOVE!!! LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVED FINLEY!!!! This book was phenomenal!! It was emotional, sexy, steamy, romantic and swoonworthy!!!! It had two raw characters that you would instantly fall hard for. And trust me, Daniel Finley and Brantley Hayes has my heart.
“Their past and present collided spectacularly, and as they collapsed onto the rug in a tangle of arms and legs, he wondered if they would ever be able to disentangle themselves long enough to find a new place to begin.”
Seven years ago, Daniel Finley left his home for Chicago where he has now become a successful attorney that is up for partnership. With his career on track, Daniel has it all except love that is until he received a note from someone his past telling him to come home. Six words that will forever change Daniel Finley's life. “It's time to come home, Finn.”
“I want to forget. Forget how much it hurts when I’m not with you.”
Brantley Hayes is successful college professor. He should be happy that he is up for tenure but he isn’t it. A part of soul and heart is incomplete. The love of his life is not there with him. When Brantley told Daniel to go to Chicago, a part of him died that is until he sent the note to Daniel asking him to come home to him.
“I’m here because you told me to come home. But we both know I won’t truly be home until I’m back between your sheets, Professor”
The story of Daniel and Brantley was utterly breathtakingly beautiful. These two had a love like no other. Their hearts were intertwined with one another. And after seven years of separation, their passion and love for one another never died. It only intensified. So when they finally met, Brantley and Daniel reconnected emotionally and sexually in more ways than one. Their love was deep. It was raw, primal, and beautiful. But what happens when their two weeks are up and Daniel must return back to Chicago? Can Brantley let the man he love get away again? And will Daniel be able to forgive Brantley for the reasons as to why he had to let him go?
“I love having you like this. It’s such a fucking rush. You under me. Just like you were always supposed to be.”
As you can tell, I love this book hard. I honestly didn’t want this book to end. Ella Frank truly gifted her readers on a beautiful love story. Yes, I know some may not want to read an M/M story but I am telling you that you are truly missing out because the love of Brantley and Daniel was absolutely stunning. This book truly captured the meaning of LOVE and SACRIFICE. Everything about this book was perfect from the gripping and compelling storyline, to Ella’s gorgeous prose, to the raw emotional undertones, and the love of two men realizing what love entailed.
All there is left to say, go read this book. Fall in love with a beautiful love story. Fall deeply, madly, and truly in love with Ella’s boys. And most importantly remember LOVE IS LOVE regardless of sex, race, and gender. So thank you Ella Frank for once again another epic, emotional, and unforgettable read!! xo
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Ella Frank
“I couldn’t move on,” Daniel stressed. “You made sure of that. No matter what I did or who I did it with, you were always there. I always remembered. There wasn’t one single thing I ever forgot.”I have a confession to make. I don’t even remember Finley from the Temptation Series since I was all wrapped up with my obsession with Logan and Tate. You can’t blame me for this. It’s Logan and Tate..Right? Ok before I ramble on my love for Logan and Tate, Ella Frank stole my heart once again with Daniel Finley and Brantley Hayes.
LOVE! LOVE!! LOVE!!! LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVED FINLEY!!!! This book was phenomenal!! It was emotional, sexy, steamy, romantic and swoonworthy!!!! It had two raw characters that you would instantly fall hard for. And trust me, Daniel Finley and Brantley Hayes has my heart.
“Their past and present collided spectacularly, and as they collapsed onto the rug in a tangle of arms and legs, he wondered if they would ever be able to disentangle themselves long enough to find a new place to begin.”Seven years ago, Daniel Finley left his home for Chicago where he has now become a successful attorney that is up for partnership. With his career on track, Daniel has it all except love that is until he received a note from someone his past telling him to come home. Six words that will forever change Daniel Finley's life. “It's time to come home, Finn.”
“I want to forget. Forget how much it hurts when I’m not with you.”Brantley Hayes is successful college professor. He should be happy that he is up for tenure but he isn’t it. A part of soul and heart is incomplete. The love of his life is not there with him. When Brantley told Daniel to go to Chicago, a part of him died that is until he sent the note to Daniel asking him to come home to him.
“I’m here because you told me to come home. But we both know I won’t truly be home until I’m back between your sheets, Professor”The story of Daniel and Brantley was utterly breathtakingly beautiful. These two had a love like no other. Their hearts were intertwined with one another. And after seven years of separation, their passion and love for one another never died. It only intensified. So when they finally met, Brantley and Daniel reconnected emotionally and sexually in more ways than one. Their love was deep. It was raw, primal, and beautiful. But what happens when their two weeks are up and Daniel must return back to Chicago? Can Brantley let the man he love get away again? And will Daniel be able to forgive Brantley for the reasons as to why he had to let him go?
“I love having you like this. It’s such a fucking rush. You under me. Just like you were always supposed to be.”As you can tell, I love this book hard. I honestly didn’t want this book to end. Ella Frank truly gifted her readers on a beautiful love story. Yes, I know some may not want to read an M/M story but I am telling you that you are truly missing out because the love of Brantley and Daniel was absolutely stunning. This book truly captured the meaning of LOVE and SACRIFICE. Everything about this book was perfect from the gripping and compelling storyline, to Ella’s gorgeous prose, to the raw emotional undertones, and the love of two men realizing what love entailed.
All there is left to say, go read this book. Fall in love with a beautiful love story. Fall deeply, madly, and truly in love with Ella’s boys. And most importantly remember LOVE IS LOVE regardless of sex, race, and gender. So thank you Ella Frank for once again another epic, emotional, and unforgettable read!! xo
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Ella Frank
March 24, 2016
I’ll never grow tired of this memory. Try was my first M/M book. I only read it because it was a spinoff of Ella’s Exquisite Series and I loved that series, was introduced to Logan in that series and well, I had to read it of course. My God am I happy, still, that I read it. It not only was freaking awesome but it also introduced me to a whole new world and a whole group of wonderful people that I never turned back from. I found a home. I also found Sterek but that is not why we are here. Focus.
This book is another spinoff, this time from the original spinoff, the Temptation Series. But instead of reading it because of my OCD with series and connections and getting all there is to get, I read this because I couldn’t fucking wait for it. Another hot Chicago lawyer that I’ve met before? A lost love? Shit, I needed this book.
I loved it. It completely caught me by surprise even though it shouldn’t have. Ella can seriously bring the emotion and I don’t know why I forgot that. But believe me, this was emotional. My heart broke for both of these men. The past mixing with the present was done perfectly and learning why these two men who obviously loved each other were not together killed me deep in my soul. I understood but didn’t want it. It was so easy to get caught up in the memories and just want to scream and change the past only to be ripped right back to the present and feel unsure of the future. There wasn’t a page of this book that wasn’t full of feeling. I loved it.
It was so romantic. Past and present. It was a beautiful love story about two men that probably shouldn’t have fallen in love but kind of did at first sight. It was beautiful. It was fun and sexy and the chase made me giddy.
It was heartbreaking. I won’t go into any details about why, but believe me, even when it felt good and there was happiness there was still so much heartbreak. You need to get the whole why just the way it is presented to you. Piece by brokenhearted piece.
It was sexy and hot as fuck. My God. I read for about 30 minutes a day on my bus ride to work and back and let me just tell you that my ride home yesterday was slightly uncomfortable and I kept looking over my shoulder and around me to see if anyone noticed me squirming. Jesus.
I seem to write two kinds of reviews, the I loved it or I hated it kind. I don’t know if I do a good job of mixing the two but I’m going to try.
So, the book wasn’t perfect. There were some things that were a bit unbelievable. Things that made sense to the story and needed to happen the way they did for the sake of the story but maybe, probably wouldn’t have happened really. Little things like time, family and friends. But these things weren’t huge things, and maybe won’t get noticed by everyone, and like I said, for the story itself they made sense and they really just needed to be looked over quickly and not dissected too closely. So, I didn’t dissect, I went with the flow and realized I just didn’t care that they were a little off because the rest of it was just too pretty. It’s like your brain is screaming at you that it didn’t have to be that way, that wouldn’t have happened and shit like that but focusing on those things would throw you out of the story and really I just wanted to be in the story so I just let it go. Well, maybe I cared a little. I guess. Enough that I felt I should mention them. They didn’t ruin anything though. They just niggled.
The happily ever after that I have to have though, that was perfect. It was done exactly how it needed to be done for both of these men to know it was real, believe it was real and just never doubt again. Knocked me to my knees to be honest. Lovely. And that epilogue? To good to be true? Oh yes, absolutely and I say bring it. Too good to be true is my favorite place to be. I loved it!
So, I loved it. It’s going to be a favorite for me. I’m still thinking about it. I’ve not started another book yet. It was awesome and made me feel exactly how I want a romance book to make me feel.
This is the kind of book that when you finish it you feel like starting right over at the beginning and doing it all over again. Please let this come out on audio. PLEASE!
Oh! And I can’t freaking wait for the next book! The subtle set up has me very intrigued!!
This book is another spinoff, this time from the original spinoff, the Temptation Series. But instead of reading it because of my OCD with series and connections and getting all there is to get, I read this because I couldn’t fucking wait for it. Another hot Chicago lawyer that I’ve met before? A lost love? Shit, I needed this book.
I loved it. It completely caught me by surprise even though it shouldn’t have. Ella can seriously bring the emotion and I don’t know why I forgot that. But believe me, this was emotional. My heart broke for both of these men. The past mixing with the present was done perfectly and learning why these two men who obviously loved each other were not together killed me deep in my soul. I understood but didn’t want it. It was so easy to get caught up in the memories and just want to scream and change the past only to be ripped right back to the present and feel unsure of the future. There wasn’t a page of this book that wasn’t full of feeling. I loved it.
It was so romantic. Past and present. It was a beautiful love story about two men that probably shouldn’t have fallen in love but kind of did at first sight. It was beautiful. It was fun and sexy and the chase made me giddy.
It was heartbreaking. I won’t go into any details about why, but believe me, even when it felt good and there was happiness there was still so much heartbreak. You need to get the whole why just the way it is presented to you. Piece by brokenhearted piece.
It was sexy and hot as fuck. My God. I read for about 30 minutes a day on my bus ride to work and back and let me just tell you that my ride home yesterday was slightly uncomfortable and I kept looking over my shoulder and around me to see if anyone noticed me squirming. Jesus.
I seem to write two kinds of reviews, the I loved it or I hated it kind. I don’t know if I do a good job of mixing the two but I’m going to try.
So, the book wasn’t perfect. There were some things that were a bit unbelievable. Things that made sense to the story and needed to happen the way they did for the sake of the story but maybe, probably wouldn’t have happened really. Little things like time, family and friends. But these things weren’t huge things, and maybe won’t get noticed by everyone, and like I said, for the story itself they made sense and they really just needed to be looked over quickly and not dissected too closely. So, I didn’t dissect, I went with the flow and realized I just didn’t care that they were a little off because the rest of it was just too pretty. It’s like your brain is screaming at you that it didn’t have to be that way, that wouldn’t have happened and shit like that but focusing on those things would throw you out of the story and really I just wanted to be in the story so I just let it go. Well, maybe I cared a little. I guess. Enough that I felt I should mention them. They didn’t ruin anything though. They just niggled.
The happily ever after that I have to have though, that was perfect. It was done exactly how it needed to be done for both of these men to know it was real, believe it was real and just never doubt again. Knocked me to my knees to be honest. Lovely. And that epilogue? To good to be true? Oh yes, absolutely and I say bring it. Too good to be true is my favorite place to be. I loved it!
So, I loved it. It’s going to be a favorite for me. I’m still thinking about it. I’ve not started another book yet. It was awesome and made me feel exactly how I want a romance book to make me feel.
This is the kind of book that when you finish it you feel like starting right over at the beginning and doing it all over again. Please let this come out on audio. PLEASE!
Oh! And I can’t freaking wait for the next book! The subtle set up has me very intrigued!!
May 17, 2016
Hell Yeah!!! 5+ Stars for Fin & Brantley
This is a beautiful love story written by a fabulous author who knows how to deliver!! Ella Frank brings us Finley which has MC Daniel Finley "Fin or Finley" and Brantley Hayes who have a emotional roller coaster of a story waiting to be told, full of hot as hell scenes and lots of tender moments. This is one book you don't want to miss!!
First, we have to say something about the cover. I think I can sum it up with Oh.My.Gawd! The cover is sexy and alluring two things sure to draw you in to Ella's web and the story will keep you ensnared from beginning to end!
So I love a greatly written forbidden romance and the professor/student trope is always a fun one. Fin meets Brantley when he see's him during college and realizes that he is his new professor. Of course Brantley initially refuses Fin, stating all the standard reasons but Fin is not be be swayed and actually resorts to his own brand of wearing the prof down. Once Brantley gives in the two have a love filled relationship for two years, that is until Brantley sends Fin away to complete his schooling across country in Chicago.
Years go by...
Things change...
Finley Changes...
When Brantley sends word to Fin stating "It's time to come home, Finn." Fin has a new life, a new career, a new look, a new attitude but what he doesn't have is a, new love. So taking the vacation time he has accrued he decided to go see what Brantley could want, after all this time --- but this time, he is playing by his own rules.
Brantley is floored when he gets a return message from Fin, after all he didn't think he was coming home. When he finally sees his Fin for the first time after seven years, he is shocked! Gone is the good looking young man he sent away and before him now is the sharp, confident, sexy as hell lawyer who looks like he could eat him alive!
Fin quickly let's Brantley know the rules:
The passion between these two ~ off the charts! Hot and Sexy as hell!!
I will leave you with this happy scene ~
I have to admit that usually I don't get into story's that flash between present and past however Ms. Frank was able to write this alternating time romance in a way that was easy to follow and didn't hinder the overall quality of the story. Overall, I loved this story and I highly recommend Finley to anyone looking for a passionate love story with the perfect amount of angst, lots of hot as hell teasing and scenes between the sheets, and flawless storytelling.
P.S. Never fear, we get to catch up a bit with a cameo of two of our favorite guys!
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
This is a beautiful love story written by a fabulous author who knows how to deliver!! Ella Frank brings us Finley which has MC Daniel Finley "Fin or Finley" and Brantley Hayes who have a emotional roller coaster of a story waiting to be told, full of hot as hell scenes and lots of tender moments. This is one book you don't want to miss!!
First, we have to say something about the cover. I think I can sum it up with Oh.My.Gawd! The cover is sexy and alluring two things sure to draw you in to Ella's web and the story will keep you ensnared from beginning to end!
So I love a greatly written forbidden romance and the professor/student trope is always a fun one. Fin meets Brantley when he see's him during college and realizes that he is his new professor. Of course Brantley initially refuses Fin, stating all the standard reasons but Fin is not be be swayed and actually resorts to his own brand of wearing the prof down. Once Brantley gives in the two have a love filled relationship for two years, that is until Brantley sends Fin away to complete his schooling across country in Chicago.
Years go by...
Things change...
Finley Changes...
When Brantley sends word to Fin stating "It's time to come home, Finn." Fin has a new life, a new career, a new look, a new attitude but what he doesn't have is a, new love. So taking the vacation time he has accrued he decided to go see what Brantley could want, after all this time --- but this time, he is playing by his own rules.
Brantley is floored when he gets a return message from Fin, after all he didn't think he was coming home. When he finally sees his Fin for the first time after seven years, he is shocked! Gone is the good looking young man he sent away and before him now is the sharp, confident, sexy as hell lawyer who looks like he could eat him alive!
Fin quickly let's Brantley know the rules:
“I didn’t come here to talk, and you didn’t send for me for my witty conversation. So how about we drop the act and get to what we both want.”
The passion between these two ~ off the charts! Hot and Sexy as hell!!
“I know what you need [Brantley]. But I want you to tell me. I want to hear the first time it falls off your tongue.” “You,” he rasped. “I want to feel you inside me. Finally taking me. I need you… Now.”
I will leave you with this happy scene ~
“I love my teacher.”
“I know. And he loves you,” he said.
And those six words forever changed the course of his life.
I have to admit that usually I don't get into story's that flash between present and past however Ms. Frank was able to write this alternating time romance in a way that was easy to follow and didn't hinder the overall quality of the story. Overall, I loved this story and I highly recommend Finley to anyone looking for a passionate love story with the perfect amount of angst, lots of hot as hell teasing and scenes between the sheets, and flawless storytelling.
P.S. Never fear, we get to catch up a bit with a cameo of two of our favorite guys!
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
June 7, 2017
*fans self*
Well.
*clears throat*
I can definitely say that Ella Frank has not lost her touch. At all. I know she may be an acquired taste to some, but she surely did not disappoint, because with this sensual, emotional read, she has remained true to what she started with since Try.
Daniel and Brantley have quite a few issues to work out between themselves, and boy, what a fabulous way to go about it if I must say so myself. Just throw in some anger, regret, heartbreak, yearning - and tie it all up in the most unbelievable sexual tension that culminates quite nicely over and over again. I kid you not.
This is no fleeting desire or crush, nor is it satisfying or indulging in one's curiosity. Daniel and Brantley have loved each other, yearned for each other for years, and despite one little (or big to some) niggle, , it's going to take a lot to get these two back on steady ground.
In her usual dual POV, Frank shows off the push/pull of the MC's, and the oh-so-hot smex that occurs between these two, as they reminisce about the past and try to fix what's needed so there can be a future. But it's not all about the down and dirty - this too has some serious emotional weight to it and is quite the painful, angsty read.
So basically, if you loved the Temptation series, then this is all you could hope for from this author and more.
You know you want it. You know what to expect. And you surely won't be disappointed.
Well.
*clears throat*
I can definitely say that Ella Frank has not lost her touch. At all. I know she may be an acquired taste to some, but she surely did not disappoint, because with this sensual, emotional read, she has remained true to what she started with since Try.
Daniel and Brantley have quite a few issues to work out between themselves, and boy, what a fabulous way to go about it if I must say so myself. Just throw in some anger, regret, heartbreak, yearning - and tie it all up in the most unbelievable sexual tension that culminates quite nicely over and over again. I kid you not.
This is no fleeting desire or crush, nor is it satisfying or indulging in one's curiosity. Daniel and Brantley have loved each other, yearned for each other for years, and despite one little (or big to some) niggle, , it's going to take a lot to get these two back on steady ground.
In her usual dual POV, Frank shows off the push/pull of the MC's, and the oh-so-hot smex that occurs between these two, as they reminisce about the past and try to fix what's needed so there can be a future. But it's not all about the down and dirty - this too has some serious emotional weight to it and is quite the painful, angsty read.
So basically, if you loved the Temptation series, then this is all you could hope for from this author and more.
You know you want it. You know what to expect. And you surely won't be disappointed.
March 20, 2016
Finley by Ella Frank is a spin-off her popular Temptation Series. This book is a teacher/student and second chances romance story. Daniel Finley fell hard for his professor Brantley Hayes and chased him until Brantley could resist no more. Due to their nine year age difference and their places in life Brantley insisted Finley go away to college never dreaming he would stay away.
Negatives first:
*So Brantley sends Finn away and stays away for seven years. I understood Finn was hurt but staying away from his family and close friends (as close as they were- for that long) just didn't gel with me.
*The flashbacks. Many were necessary to the plot, but it started to reach a point where it started getting distracting. I wanted their story to move forward not backward. It disrupted the story flow for me.
*The end. It was too cookie cutter.
My highlights:
*The story is told from an alternating POV.
*Sexual tension is palpable between Finn and Brantley.
*The book had an excellent cast of secondary characters.
*I appreciated that the story was more character driven than the past couple of books I've read from Ella Frank. I love me some smexy times- BUT it has to have some plot to back it up.
*I loved the tender moments between Finn and Brantley.
*The cameo from Logan and Tate. Good times. :)
*There was no unnecessary drama.
*The flashbacks. Although I felt that there were too many the ones in the first half of the book were great and gave me a great sense of why they fell in love.
Overall, it was a pretty good book. I found it engaging and did find myself rooting for them and wanting Finn and Brantley to finally get their HEA. I think Ella Frank has another hit on her hands. 3.75 Stars.
ARC kindly provided by the author to Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
March 20, 2016
4.5 Smoking hot man- lovin' Stars
I swear, this author could write an auto-mechanics book and I'd read it! Ella Frank has proven, no matter what the genre, be it Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, Erotica, or MM, she pulls it off perfectly. She didn't fail me once again with Finley.
It's time to come home, Finn.
Daniel Finley never expected the day would come where he'd get the letter beckoning him home. It's been seven years he's lived in Chicago and now it's time to revisit his ghosts and go home to Florida. Seven years away from his family, friends, his Brantley. Professor Brantley Hayes- the man who sent him away is now beckoning him home. Two weeks...to turn the tables...to take control...to walk away, dignity intact, and finally close that door. But can it be that easy?
Finley is a steamy second-chance romance that combines all my favorite tropes. Obviously second chance, but also teacher/student romance through blips from the past when Brantley was Daniel "Finn's" college professor. It's got that angsty tug of war between two very virile men fighting their insane attraction and deep-seated feelings that even time can't fade. And holy hotness, my ovaries about combusted with these two. Wow. Let me repeat- time did not fade their attraction!
I must say, I usually pick a hero to attach to but both these guys hooked me. Both very virile, both tops AND bottoms, mature- the whole perfect MM holy hotness package. Finn is not the man that was forced to walk out the door 7 years ago. He's matured, gotten a backbone, and Professor isn't going to know what hit him. Gone is the young beach blonde college kid, and in comes the confident attorney ready to take control of the situation- in the bed and out. But Brantley...Brantley is his kryptonite. Will two weeks be enough?
So many times with second-chance tropes like this, I worry about manufactured drama to be thrown in for added conflict or angst-sake. I was pleasantly surprised Ella Frank chose the high road here and didn't make drama for drama sake. The events and timeline were nicely paced and their feelings and reaction realistic. That makes for a happy
Another two thumbs up for Ella Frank in her latest venture into MM romance. Bravo!
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
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