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Prime Time #3
Headlines
USA TODAY bestselling author Ella Frank concludes the story of Sean Bailey and Alexander "Xander" Thorne in Headlines.
Xander
If I had to describe Sean Bailey, it would be as the sexy, caring, wonderful man I’ve gone and fallen in love with. I never could’ve imagined a world where he was my everything. But with each passing day, the connection between us grows stronger, and the idea of a world without him is something I can’t imagine.
But Sean’s love doesn’t come without complications. As the older brother of my lifelong best friend, this new love has caused relationships to break down and communication to become stilted, and the one question that remains is: am I willing to give up the love and friendship of one for the chance of love and forever with another?
Sean
I didn’t mean to fall in love with Alexander Thorne, my brother’s ex and the number one prime-time news anchor in the country. I mean, no one could’ve seen that coming—least of all me. But that’s exactly what happened over these past couple of months: I fell in love.
That’d be complicated enough, I suppose, but Xander? Well, he fell in love with me too, and while it’s caused some major upset in the dynamics around here, I have to believe that a love this real can only lead to somewhere amazing.
This thing between us started out as a job, a friend helping out a friend. But after playing the role of Xander’s boyfriend, I find myself wanting the job full-time, because neither of us are playing anymore.
Headlines is the final book of the Prime Time Series and should only be read after book one, Inside Affair, and book two, Breaking News.
Xander
If I had to describe Sean Bailey, it would be as the sexy, caring, wonderful man I’ve gone and fallen in love with. I never could’ve imagined a world where he was my everything. But with each passing day, the connection between us grows stronger, and the idea of a world without him is something I can’t imagine.
But Sean’s love doesn’t come without complications. As the older brother of my lifelong best friend, this new love has caused relationships to break down and communication to become stilted, and the one question that remains is: am I willing to give up the love and friendship of one for the chance of love and forever with another?
Sean
I didn’t mean to fall in love with Alexander Thorne, my brother’s ex and the number one prime-time news anchor in the country. I mean, no one could’ve seen that coming—least of all me. But that’s exactly what happened over these past couple of months: I fell in love.
That’d be complicated enough, I suppose, but Xander? Well, he fell in love with me too, and while it’s caused some major upset in the dynamics around here, I have to believe that a love this real can only lead to somewhere amazing.
This thing between us started out as a job, a friend helping out a friend. But after playing the role of Xander’s boyfriend, I find myself wanting the job full-time, because neither of us are playing anymore.
Headlines is the final book of the Prime Time Series and should only be read after book one, Inside Affair, and book two, Breaking News.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2020
380 people are currently reading
1158 people want to read
About the author
Ella Frank
96 books8,809 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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September 30, 2020
Headlines is the third and final book in the Prime Time series by Ella Frank. This series is a M/M bi awakening romance filled with so many swoons, it’s a wonder I didn’t just melt away. I’ve been waiting for the conclusion to Xander and Sean’s love story and it was every bit worth the wait.
What started out as Sean protecting Xander from a stalker and posing as his fake boyfriend in the previous two books quickly turned to more. Sean, who was straight, and Xander, who was not, fell in love. And this was no crush, no experimental, temporary thing. This was true, deep, soul stirring, forever love. Up until now, Xander and Sean have kind of been in their own little bubble. But when Sean’s brother, Bailey, who is also Xander’s best friend and ex-boyfriend, catches them kissing, the bubble is burst.
“When did you become my favorite thing to look at?”
“About the same time you became a serious smooth talker.”
Xander and Sean are completely devoted to each other and what has grown between them. But Bailey is angry and hurt. And he’s not letting them in, at all. Xander has known Bailey his entire life. He and Sean have to decide, are they all in, no matter the consequences? Or, do they walk away, not wanting to lose their relationship with Bailey?
“You give me purpose. You make me want to be the one who fixes things, and is all brave and strong. You give me a reason to want to come home at night.”
At the same time, they are forced to deal with the public’s knowledge of their new relationship since Xander is a well known news anchor, as well as other family members. Their new found love is most definitely put to the test.
“Without you, nothing makes sense anymore.”
What did I love about this book? Everything! I loved that there was no issue between these two. They knew how they felt about each other and owned it. The only issues were outside of their relationship. I have to admit here that I was pretty unhappy with the way Bailey was handling this. Although later, I did understand his feelings. But my feelings are based completely on my love for Xander and Sean. I’m like a protective mama! And the ending! So amazingly awesome.
If you enjoy M/M romance and want a series that early on has suspense, and will make you sigh and swoon and just make you happy, this is it. Ella Frank is amazing at making me fall in love with her characters. I hope you fall in love with them too.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
What started out as Sean protecting Xander from a stalker and posing as his fake boyfriend in the previous two books quickly turned to more. Sean, who was straight, and Xander, who was not, fell in love. And this was no crush, no experimental, temporary thing. This was true, deep, soul stirring, forever love. Up until now, Xander and Sean have kind of been in their own little bubble. But when Sean’s brother, Bailey, who is also Xander’s best friend and ex-boyfriend, catches them kissing, the bubble is burst.
“When did you become my favorite thing to look at?”
“About the same time you became a serious smooth talker.”
Xander and Sean are completely devoted to each other and what has grown between them. But Bailey is angry and hurt. And he’s not letting them in, at all. Xander has known Bailey his entire life. He and Sean have to decide, are they all in, no matter the consequences? Or, do they walk away, not wanting to lose their relationship with Bailey?
“You give me purpose. You make me want to be the one who fixes things, and is all brave and strong. You give me a reason to want to come home at night.”
At the same time, they are forced to deal with the public’s knowledge of their new relationship since Xander is a well known news anchor, as well as other family members. Their new found love is most definitely put to the test.
“Without you, nothing makes sense anymore.”
What did I love about this book? Everything! I loved that there was no issue between these two. They knew how they felt about each other and owned it. The only issues were outside of their relationship. I have to admit here that I was pretty unhappy with the way Bailey was handling this. Although later, I did understand his feelings. But my feelings are based completely on my love for Xander and Sean. I’m like a protective mama! And the ending! So amazingly awesome.
If you enjoy M/M romance and want a series that early on has suspense, and will make you sigh and swoon and just make you happy, this is it. Ella Frank is amazing at making me fall in love with her characters. I hope you fall in love with them too.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 23, 2024
Barely 3.5 Stars
I hate to say it, but the huge problem presented for Sean and Xander in this final book never rang true and was wholly unnecessary in my UNimportant opinion.
Rest assured that these two had no problems with each other, with their new feelings, nor with their ever deepening relationship. It was brother and BFF Bailey, who took a 180 and for me, was so out of character in his extreme reaction that he was nigh unrecognizable. Of course, shock and hurt might have realistically been legitimate reasons initially when he found out the truth, but the fact that his anger, his refusal to act like an adult, and his absolute inability to be happy for two people whom he supposedly loved and cared for was just ridiculous and went on for far too long.
So, I obviously hated the Bailey situation and rolled my eyes and was annoyed throughout, because he literally doesn’t get his foot out of his ass till about the 80% mark. I would’ve been perfectly fine with Sean and Xander simply navigating the minor relationship bumps and glitches in their evolution with complete enjoyment, but alas, the contrived conflict that ended Breaking News, took over this last installment, and it almost ruined it entirely for me. However, Frank pulled out all the stops for Sean and Xander, and they were super sweet and reliably sexy awesome with relatively smooth sailing despite the ginormous asshat in their lives.
Look. A lot of readers loved this and loved said conflict. I just wanted something more, or in this case, a lot less.
I hate to say it, but the huge problem presented for Sean and Xander in this final book never rang true and was wholly unnecessary in my UNimportant opinion.
Rest assured that these two had no problems with each other, with their new feelings, nor with their ever deepening relationship. It was brother and BFF Bailey, who took a 180 and for me, was so out of character in his extreme reaction that he was nigh unrecognizable. Of course, shock and hurt might have realistically been legitimate reasons initially when he found out the truth, but the fact that his anger, his refusal to act like an adult, and his absolute inability to be happy for two people whom he supposedly loved and cared for was just ridiculous and went on for far too long.
So, I obviously hated the Bailey situation and rolled my eyes and was annoyed throughout, because he literally doesn’t get his foot out of his ass till about the 80% mark. I would’ve been perfectly fine with Sean and Xander simply navigating the minor relationship bumps and glitches in their evolution with complete enjoyment, but alas, the contrived conflict that ended Breaking News, took over this last installment, and it almost ruined it entirely for me. However, Frank pulled out all the stops for Sean and Xander, and they were super sweet and reliably sexy awesome with relatively smooth sailing despite the ginormous asshat in their lives.
Look. A lot of readers loved this and loved said conflict. I just wanted something more, or in this case, a lot less.
October 1, 2020
Every part of me in that moment was his. He could see it and I could feel it.
Honestly, I have nothing more to add from my review of Breaking news.
This series kind of declined for me just because the story was stretched out so much. It started out really strong. I'm saying it again, this could have ended in a single book.
I really love the couple, ie, the reason for the three stars, and since I was invested in the relationship, I don't regret finishing it because there were some cute moments here and there that I really liked but as I said, the whole book seemed like filler with not that much plot. What was even the point of writing three books ?
Anyways, I'm glad I got the closure because the ending is really nice and satisfying but probably never gonna re-read it.
Honestly, I have nothing more to add from my review of Breaking news.
This series kind of declined for me just because the story was stretched out so much. It started out really strong. I'm saying it again, this could have ended in a single book.
I really love the couple, ie, the reason for the three stars, and since I was invested in the relationship, I don't regret finishing it because there were some cute moments here and there that I really liked but as I said, the whole book seemed like filler with not that much plot. What was even the point of writing three books ?
Anyways, I'm glad I got the closure because the ending is really nice and satisfying but probably never gonna re-read it.
August 9, 2021
Re-read: 09.08.2021
Book two and three is more on the cuter side than anything else. It's focused on their relationship rather than action/drama. Bailey was annoying in his behavior, but Sean and Xander was good for each other. That said, because it was all lovey-dovey, nothing truly happened, so it can be boring at times.
First read review:
Book three in the series picks up pretty much right after book two ended. Detective Sean Bailey (38) and his boyfriend Alexander Thorne (a year younger than Sean), the news anchor, are struggling with the fact that Sean's brother and Xander's best friend found out about them and is not happy about it. And that is the only thing in the book that happened. Which is what I meant with "technically unnecessary" as yes we did get a full on closure for the couple, but other than nothing. Bailey's reaction was stupid and annoying, and made me glad I hadn't read his own book. I didn't care for him or his man Henri. I did not like how Bailey was talking Xander down for being with Sean, Bailey's brother. Like Sean is a bad man. “See, that’s the problem. For the past couple of months you’ve stopped thinking about anyone else, stopped using your brain. It’s like it just up and left your head.” Bailey’s voice was rife with judgment—and a whole lot of alcohol, by the sound of it. “I mean, why else would you be with Sean?” Overall, the book was cute, it was, but that was it, you know. Nothing happened, only lovey-dovey stuff. It wasn't bad per se but a bit boring, and it could've been cut down and added to book two instead.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Three.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Sean Bailey.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes, I do actually.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably not.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
Book two and three is more on the cuter side than anything else. It's focused on their relationship rather than action/drama. Bailey was annoying in his behavior, but Sean and Xander was good for each other. That said, because it was all lovey-dovey, nothing truly happened, so it can be boring at times.
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Technically Unnecessary*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
First read review:
Book three in the series picks up pretty much right after book two ended. Detective Sean Bailey (38) and his boyfriend Alexander Thorne (a year younger than Sean), the news anchor, are struggling with the fact that Sean's brother and Xander's best friend found out about them and is not happy about it. And that is the only thing in the book that happened. Which is what I meant with "technically unnecessary" as yes we did get a full on closure for the couple, but other than nothing. Bailey's reaction was stupid and annoying, and made me glad I hadn't read his own book. I didn't care for him or his man Henri. I did not like how Bailey was talking Xander down for being with Sean, Bailey's brother. Like Sean is a bad man. “See, that’s the problem. For the past couple of months you’ve stopped thinking about anyone else, stopped using your brain. It’s like it just up and left your head.” Bailey’s voice was rife with judgment—and a whole lot of alcohol, by the sound of it. “I mean, why else would you be with Sean?” Overall, the book was cute, it was, but that was it, you know. Nothing happened, only lovey-dovey stuff. It wasn't bad per se but a bit boring, and it could've been cut down and added to book two instead.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Three.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Sean Bailey.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes, I do actually.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably not.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
October 1, 2020
4 Stars
Sweet, light-hearted, fast-paced and, as always, so damn sexy, this final book in Ella Frank’s Prime Time trilogy was (mostly) an enjoyable and satisfying read.
Xander and Sean’s unexpected romance has been a whirlwind of passion and discovery to this point, with them being able to quietly explore their budding relationship in the privacy of their homes. But when the last story wrapped up, Bailey—Sean’s younger brother and Xander’s best friend/ex-boyfriend—discovered they were together and had been keeping it from him, leading to a massive fallout between the three of them that Xander and Sean are so very desperate to fix.
Beyond their worries about Bailey, Xander and Sean are increasingly solid. They’ve expressed their ‘I love you’s’ and they’re even contemplating the permanency of their co-habitation. That’s not to mention the big step of coming out officially as a couple and having Sean (re)meet the parents in a brand-new light as Xander’s boyfriend. As far as their relationship is concerned, it’s all positive and forward moving in this final book, with the only real conflict coming from externally in the form of Bailey.
After reading many of the other reviews for this, it’s apparent that I was significantly more vexed by Bailey’s behaviour here than most. As the solitary conflict in this story, I found the entire thing forced. His extreme reaction to finding out about his brother and best friend being together simply didn’t sit right with me. He was mean and so very selfish in his reactions throughout this story, which wasn’t at all the Bailey we were shown back in the Confessions series. He was so horrible here that if his story (Bailey) had have come after this one I probably wouldn’t have read it, if I’m being entirely honest. Why more readers weren’t put off by his childish reaction is truly beyond me. Even his eventual apology/explanation simply wasn’t good enough for me and left me wanting. Truthfully, the only reason I’m still giving this book a confident 4 stars is because it’s Xander and Sean’s story first and foremost, and I thought they were pure perfection together—a fact I won’t let be tainted by the fabricated drama of its inconsistent side characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed the series—I promise I did. Xander and Sean were great together and I have nothing but feelings of love and joy when I think about how these two very different men came together, against all odds and expectations. Reading their love story made me happy and that’s more than enough for me.
Sweet, light-hearted, fast-paced and, as always, so damn sexy, this final book in Ella Frank’s Prime Time trilogy was (mostly) an enjoyable and satisfying read.
Xander and Sean’s unexpected romance has been a whirlwind of passion and discovery to this point, with them being able to quietly explore their budding relationship in the privacy of their homes. But when the last story wrapped up, Bailey—Sean’s younger brother and Xander’s best friend/ex-boyfriend—discovered they were together and had been keeping it from him, leading to a massive fallout between the three of them that Xander and Sean are so very desperate to fix.
Beyond their worries about Bailey, Xander and Sean are increasingly solid. They’ve expressed their ‘I love you’s’ and they’re even contemplating the permanency of their co-habitation. That’s not to mention the big step of coming out officially as a couple and having Sean (re)meet the parents in a brand-new light as Xander’s boyfriend. As far as their relationship is concerned, it’s all positive and forward moving in this final book, with the only real conflict coming from externally in the form of Bailey.
After reading many of the other reviews for this, it’s apparent that I was significantly more vexed by Bailey’s behaviour here than most. As the solitary conflict in this story, I found the entire thing forced. His extreme reaction to finding out about his brother and best friend being together simply didn’t sit right with me. He was mean and so very selfish in his reactions throughout this story, which wasn’t at all the Bailey we were shown back in the Confessions series. He was so horrible here that if his story (Bailey) had have come after this one I probably wouldn’t have read it, if I’m being entirely honest. Why more readers weren’t put off by his childish reaction is truly beyond me. Even his eventual apology/explanation simply wasn’t good enough for me and left me wanting. Truthfully, the only reason I’m still giving this book a confident 4 stars is because it’s Xander and Sean’s story first and foremost, and I thought they were pure perfection together—a fact I won’t let be tainted by the fabricated drama of its inconsistent side characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed the series—I promise I did. Xander and Sean were great together and I have nothing but feelings of love and joy when I think about how these two very different men came together, against all odds and expectations. Reading their love story made me happy and that’s more than enough for me.
June 25, 2022
***3.5 rating for the book, 3.75 rating for the trilogy***
Every once in a while, I like to indulge myself and reread previous books that I have read.
Also, every once in a while I remember how some characters make an overall enjoyable series frustrating and annoying.
That was the case with the third book, I love Xander and Sean but holy 🐄 Bailey is so overbearing and intolerable in this third book. I genuinely believe this whole series could have been one book and it truly had potential to be a 4 🌟 read but thanks to Bailey it is not.
He is one of the most selfish and self-centered characters that Ella Frank has ever written. A sweet character in the first two books but cringe in this one. Could have gone without him obsessing over Xander and Sean the whole book. The man has a man but is obsessed about his ex and brother 🤢. Byeeee Felicia 👋🏻.
Every once in a while, I like to indulge myself and reread previous books that I have read.
Also, every once in a while I remember how some characters make an overall enjoyable series frustrating and annoying.
That was the case with the third book, I love Xander and Sean but holy 🐄 Bailey is so overbearing and intolerable in this third book. I genuinely believe this whole series could have been one book and it truly had potential to be a 4 🌟 read but thanks to Bailey it is not.
He is one of the most selfish and self-centered characters that Ella Frank has ever written. A sweet character in the first two books but cringe in this one. Could have gone without him obsessing over Xander and Sean the whole book. The man has a man but is obsessed about his ex and brother 🤢. Byeeee Felicia 👋🏻.
February 1, 2021
Audiobook - 3 stars
Story - 2.5 stars
I felt odd leaving this series hanging, I finally managed to listen to this one. It was still meh, but atleast I finished the series.
Story - 2.5 stars
I felt odd leaving this series hanging, I finally managed to listen to this one. It was still meh, but atleast I finished the series.
October 1, 2020
BAILEY BAILEY !!!! dafuq dude...what the hell !!
This book destroyed/damaged the feelings I had for Bailey and Henri. Why did you do that Ms. Frank ?Just why ? Of all the characters why Henri ? You know you did him dirty ? Wasn't what Priest did to him in the past enough ? Now Bailey too? Is this the same Bailey I read in confessions series ? Coz you know what, Bailey here is selfish asshole. I just couldn't stand him. And his lame pathetic excuses made me hate him.
I can't with people who are justifying or sympathising Bailey's selfish and childish behaviour. Isn't he HAPPILY AND TRULY IN LOVE WITH HENRI PLUS ENGAGED ?? I'm sure of reading that in their books and first 2 books of this series....so, why dafuq was he acting like an obsessive jealous ex ? Was he expecting Xander to be forever alone while he plays house ? Or was he thinking Xander as his back up plan ? Wasn't that too much Ms. Frank ??
"You know I'm right. He loves Xander.
That's why this is killing him.
They're hurting right now."
(Sean, buddy why're you so good and kind. Please can you make yourself a priority just once? It's okay to cut toxic family member out of your life. Sometimes you have to do what's best for you and your life you know.)
"I was jealous
You were always mine
We haven't been a couple for years,
But when I saw you with Sean,
Something inside me just freaked out.
May be because I knew it was real.
That you'd really fallen in love.
I started thinking, what has he got that I don't ?"(And what's that supposed to mean Mr Bailey ?? I Can't believe i read that shit !. Aren't you in love with Henri, your fiance ?? Or Henri just a replacement for a time being ? Seems if given opportunity you would cheat on your fiance ? You fucking dickwat you don't deserve Henri. Heck you don't deserve anyone's love with your selfish attitude.)
"I'm just trying to understand
Where it's coming from , that's all .
You're happy with Henri, right ?"
( I second that question but I already got the answer to your question Xander and that's .....your so called "bestfriend" is still carrying a pathetic torch for you. How cool right ??)
"I felt like I was betraying him
by feeling this way ."
(Oh wow cheater knows he was cheating. FUCK YOU BAILEY AND YOUR PATHETIC SELFISH ASS.)
"He's in love with you.
That makes him a genius."
(Awee ...can't believe your "precious" bestfriend is back with you right Xander ?? That's why you're spouting nonsense here. Still lemme correct you the right answer is " he's in love with you. That makes him a biggest fool.)
"I mean, why else would you
Be with Sean ?"
( I knew you were selfish Bailey, but above statement proved you are low of an asshole too. I can't believe there are people who loves and support you.)
This book ruined all those feelings I had for Bailey and Henri. It makes me sad to write Henri this way. I loved him in his and Bailey's book. Bailey ruined everything for me in this book with his selfish, rude mean attitude and yes I hate him. I hate Craig Bailey. Ngl, I wasn't big fan of Bailey in his own book he kinda annoyed me there too but since Henri loved him and I wanted him to be happy, Henri, that man deserves to be loved more than anyone tbqh so I was fine but in this book Bailey destroyed it all.
I get that Ms. Frank may have ran out of ideas and plot for her 3rd book in this series, a book which should have been completed with its first book. But of course it wouldn't be Ms. Frank if she won't drag her books into series of books for the sake of OTT dramas. It's getting tiresome tbh. And from all those OTT dramas she came out with two brothers fighting for the same guy in this book. How original ! I felt like I was reading some 1960's MF book smh.
I hate books where one of the MC has experience whether it's love or sex with both the brothers, one being the other MC. That kind of shits doesn't sit well with me. I grabbed this book series coz I had already read Henri and Bailey's books, where they were a couple. Xander didn't mattered in their books. Only to be surprised in this book, a surprise I hate. Bailey is disloyal and unfaithful in my book.
The only characters I liked in this book are Sean and Henri. They both deserved better. I hate how author made Sean to go after that selfish childish asshole Bailey even after all those hurtful words thrown by that DICKWAT BAILEY towards Sean.
I would have love it if Sean had thrown big fuck you right in the face of that dickwat Bailey.
This book destroyed/damaged the feelings I had for Bailey and Henri. Why did you do that Ms. Frank ?Just why ? Of all the characters why Henri ? You know you did him dirty ? Wasn't what Priest did to him in the past enough ? Now Bailey too? Is this the same Bailey I read in confessions series ? Coz you know what, Bailey here is selfish asshole. I just couldn't stand him. And his lame pathetic excuses made me hate him.
I can't with people who are justifying or sympathising Bailey's selfish and childish behaviour. Isn't he HAPPILY AND TRULY IN LOVE WITH HENRI PLUS ENGAGED ?? I'm sure of reading that in their books and first 2 books of this series....so, why dafuq was he acting like an obsessive jealous ex ? Was he expecting Xander to be forever alone while he plays house ? Or was he thinking Xander as his back up plan ? Wasn't that too much Ms. Frank ??
"You know I'm right. He loves Xander.
That's why this is killing him.
They're hurting right now."
(Sean, buddy why're you so good and kind. Please can you make yourself a priority just once? It's okay to cut toxic family member out of your life. Sometimes you have to do what's best for you and your life you know.)
"I was jealous
You were always mine
We haven't been a couple for years,
But when I saw you with Sean,
Something inside me just freaked out.
May be because I knew it was real.
That you'd really fallen in love.
I started thinking, what has he got that I don't ?"(And what's that supposed to mean Mr Bailey ?? I Can't believe i read that shit !. Aren't you in love with Henri, your fiance ?? Or Henri just a replacement for a time being ? Seems if given opportunity you would cheat on your fiance ? You fucking dickwat you don't deserve Henri. Heck you don't deserve anyone's love with your selfish attitude.)
"I'm just trying to understand
Where it's coming from , that's all .
You're happy with Henri, right ?"
( I second that question but I already got the answer to your question Xander and that's .....your so called "bestfriend" is still carrying a pathetic torch for you. How cool right ??)
"I felt like I was betraying him
by feeling this way ."
(Oh wow cheater knows he was cheating. FUCK YOU BAILEY AND YOUR PATHETIC SELFISH ASS.)
"He's in love with you.
That makes him a genius."
(Awee ...can't believe your "precious" bestfriend is back with you right Xander ?? That's why you're spouting nonsense here. Still lemme correct you the right answer is " he's in love with you. That makes him a biggest fool.)
"I mean, why else would you
Be with Sean ?"
( I knew you were selfish Bailey, but above statement proved you are low of an asshole too. I can't believe there are people who loves and support you.)
This book ruined all those feelings I had for Bailey and Henri. It makes me sad to write Henri this way. I loved him in his and Bailey's book. Bailey ruined everything for me in this book with his selfish, rude mean attitude and yes I hate him. I hate Craig Bailey. Ngl, I wasn't big fan of Bailey in his own book he kinda annoyed me there too but since Henri loved him and I wanted him to be happy, Henri, that man deserves to be loved more than anyone tbqh so I was fine but in this book Bailey destroyed it all.
I get that Ms. Frank may have ran out of ideas and plot for her 3rd book in this series, a book which should have been completed with its first book. But of course it wouldn't be Ms. Frank if she won't drag her books into series of books for the sake of OTT dramas. It's getting tiresome tbh. And from all those OTT dramas she came out with two brothers fighting for the same guy in this book. How original ! I felt like I was reading some 1960's MF book smh.
I hate books where one of the MC has experience whether it's love or sex with both the brothers, one being the other MC. That kind of shits doesn't sit well with me. I grabbed this book series coz I had already read Henri and Bailey's books, where they were a couple. Xander didn't mattered in their books. Only to be surprised in this book, a surprise I hate. Bailey is disloyal and unfaithful in my book.
The only characters I liked in this book are Sean and Henri. They both deserved better. I hate how author made Sean to go after that selfish childish asshole Bailey even after all those hurtful words thrown by that DICKWAT BAILEY towards Sean.
I would have love it if Sean had thrown big fuck you right in the face of that dickwat Bailey.
September 28, 2020
That was a perfect way to round out this trilogy of books from Ella Frank.
Taken as a whole, I can see why the narrative was split into three books as the order of the main plot points definitely wouldn't have worked as a single story.
All the suspense elements were dealt with in book one and provided the impetus for the remainder of the journey for Xander and Sean to fall deeper in love.
In Headlines we see that relationship solidified, there is absolutely no doubt by the end of this book how perfect they are for each other.
I loved how Ella dealt with creating conflict in this instalment. Family is so important to Sean and Xander's previous relationship and best friend status with his brother Bailey really felt threatened by his reaction to finding out they were together.
The way that conflict is resolved also rang true and I appreciated it didn't drag on and on into unnecessary drama.
As it's an Ella Frank story, the sexual activity and emotional intimacy is running at 100% intensity. I felt the heat and the chemistry burning off the page.
And the Epilogue is seriously sweet! I would happily read more about these guys indefinitely.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Taken as a whole, I can see why the narrative was split into three books as the order of the main plot points definitely wouldn't have worked as a single story.
All the suspense elements were dealt with in book one and provided the impetus for the remainder of the journey for Xander and Sean to fall deeper in love.
In Headlines we see that relationship solidified, there is absolutely no doubt by the end of this book how perfect they are for each other.
I loved how Ella dealt with creating conflict in this instalment. Family is so important to Sean and Xander's previous relationship and best friend status with his brother Bailey really felt threatened by his reaction to finding out they were together.
The way that conflict is resolved also rang true and I appreciated it didn't drag on and on into unnecessary drama.
As it's an Ella Frank story, the sexual activity and emotional intimacy is running at 100% intensity. I felt the heat and the chemistry burning off the page.
And the Epilogue is seriously sweet! I would happily read more about these guys indefinitely.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
October 31, 2020
Same review on all 3 books in Prime Time series because I don’t feel like writing separate ones. No spoilers, promise.
This is one of those series’ that’s middle of the road, but addictive nonetheless. A quick sum up of what you can expect:
• A slow burn enemies to lovers/protector romance
• Two very lovely men
• Lots of romance...
• ...and eventually sexy times
• A stalker
• Bit of family drama
• Bit of newsroom drama
• A huge penthouse overlooking Lake Michigan with a revolving floor (it exists, I googled and WOW)
• More sexy times
• Hand holding. So much hand holding...
• ...and touching cheeks. Facial and derrière.
Not sure this needed to be stretched out as a trilogy and the stalker aspect was underplayed for me, but overall seriously easy-read romance, I enjoyed Xander and Sean together and motored through all three in as many days. Not standalones.
Inside Affair ~ 3.5 stars
Breaking News ~ 3.5 stars
Headlines ~ 4 stars
This is one of those series’ that’s middle of the road, but addictive nonetheless. A quick sum up of what you can expect:
• A slow burn enemies to lovers/protector romance
• Two very lovely men
• Lots of romance...
• ...and eventually sexy times
• A stalker
• Bit of family drama
• Bit of newsroom drama
• A huge penthouse overlooking Lake Michigan with a revolving floor (it exists, I googled and WOW)
• More sexy times
• Hand holding. So much hand holding...
• ...and touching cheeks. Facial and derrière.
Not sure this needed to be stretched out as a trilogy and the stalker aspect was underplayed for me, but overall seriously easy-read romance, I enjoyed Xander and Sean together and motored through all three in as many days. Not standalones.
Inside Affair ~ 3.5 stars
Breaking News ~ 3.5 stars
Headlines ~ 4 stars
September 28, 2020
Xander and Sean #3
PLEASE READ BOOKs #1 & #2 BEFORE READING THIS THIRD BOOK!
Book #3 ... and everything is going pretty great for our two boys. They're falling more in love with each other every day. They're happy living together.
Xander is ready to go back to work.
Everything could be perfect.
But ... Sean's little brother, aka Xander's ex and best friend Bailey ... he's not on board with things yet. He feels betrayed and refuses to talk to Sean and Xander ...
Perfect last book!
I just love those two boys!
Total opposites, but so very perfect for each other.
It's just Bailey who is making everything difficult for them!
Well, Bailey and their overall teenage-ness. Jeez. Guys! You're almost 40 years old and behave like kids who had their toy taken away! LOL!
I loved reading this series - even though I still would've preferred to only get one book - I don't like trilogies (too much waiting for my bookalzheimer brain!). And other than a few sexy and adorable and moving moments, there wasn't much happening in this book - just like in the 2nd one. One bigger book instead of three little ones would've been so much better.
BUT - I still loved reading this and I can't wait to see what Ella brings us next! Like Kieran and his sexy fire fighters! ☺
💜
💜
March 11, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
I've never understood why that when a couple gets together under unusual circumstances, it's like they expect everyone to give them their blessing, rather them allowing the other to accept the idea under their own willingness, let alone their own terms. Why do you need everyone's blessing if you innately believe you didn't do anything wrong? 🙄 What does it matter if someone else is hurting for it? If he chooses to ignore you to deal with his own pain, talking to convince him to change his mind so they can bury their own guilt, when all things considered - it shouldn't even be there from their own perspective anyway... 🙍����♀️
“I knew it was selfish to even wish for, in the back of my mind I wanted to celebrate this moment of my life with him—falling in love.”
I know it does not sound like a healthy coping mechanism, but the fact that Sean and Xander were so adamant in convincing Bailey that his feelings were misguided, let alone unwarranted, seemed rather unfair to me. 😒 It didn't help either that under the guise of his hurt and anger, the author made Bailey retaliate with some rather cruel and unfeeling sentiments, which paints him as more of a villain than - honestly, he really is.
And he was heartbroken and humiliated, deeply felt a sense of betrayal from not only his once-adamant straight older brother, but his best friend forever, so I thought, at least, let him heal at his own pace and bury his anger. But, nope. The author had to show him admit shame and ask for forgiveness for how he was behaving like such a douche. C'mon, let Bailey come to sense in a more reasonable way rather than making him act out. 😮💨 Humans confuse me. 🤷🏻♀️
But, as much as earning Bailey's forgiveness served as much of the catalyst of Sean and Xander's impromptu romance - which, thankfully, was resolved on a positive note - it is also their relationship making Headlines in the public eye that had the two of them realize the importance of their feelings for each other - like it was meant to be. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 That no matter what anyone else says or what others believe that their love was true and sincere, they felt deeply and intimately in their hearts, that it was a special kind of love worth saving - worth fighting for.
“It was gentle but passionate, and spoke of the connection that neither of us had expected but now both craved.”
Sean definitely has a lot more going for him than Xander, but even through the doubts and insecurities, I liked that Xander didn't let Sean walk away from them. It was nice to see Sean be more reflective and intuitive of the change within him, and how he embraced it without remorse, despite the guilt he carried for how his involvement had damaged his brother's lifelong friendship with Xander - 'it wasn’t until I almost lost him that I realized exactly what I’d been missing.' And that certainly makes all the difference. 😤
I felt for Xander a lot more - obviously. He was more level-headed and definitely more in love that he didn't let Sean back away from them - I liked that he fought for them, that as much as Bailey meant so much to him, his feelings for Sean over the past few months had changed everything for him - found his way into my heart and become the most important part of it.' 🥺 He was very attuned of other's thoughts and emotions, which was a welcome touch and added a more grounded approach to how he himself tackled Bailey's anger towards their relationship.
“I’d already given him my heart, but now it was time to give him my soul.”
And it pains me that I have to admit this each time, but argh Ella Frank does know how to rev my romance engine. 🥰 The bedroom moments were a lot sparse this time around, but it still burned with a fervor of pleasure and promise that made me melt. I'm sorry, okay? 🥹 Declarations of love that aren't cheesy or swoon-worthy soften my angsty and longing heart. And that final connection of intimacy was beautifully done - so much love and devotion and just this aching desire and contentment that *sighs* She never fails to make me believe in the power of love, which is enough of a reason for me to feel grateful that I did give this author's works a shot, after all. 🫶🏻
“I don’t know how it happened—it just did.”
“That’s how you know it’s real. Who the hell knows why we fall in love? We just do.”
I've never understood why that when a couple gets together under unusual circumstances, it's like they expect everyone to give them their blessing, rather them allowing the other to accept the idea under their own willingness, let alone their own terms. Why do you need everyone's blessing if you innately believe you didn't do anything wrong? 🙄 What does it matter if someone else is hurting for it? If he chooses to ignore you to deal with his own pain, talking to convince him to change his mind so they can bury their own guilt, when all things considered - it shouldn't even be there from their own perspective anyway... 🙍����♀️
“I knew it was selfish to even wish for, in the back of my mind I wanted to celebrate this moment of my life with him—falling in love.”
I know it does not sound like a healthy coping mechanism, but the fact that Sean and Xander were so adamant in convincing Bailey that his feelings were misguided, let alone unwarranted, seemed rather unfair to me. 😒 It didn't help either that under the guise of his hurt and anger, the author made Bailey retaliate with some rather cruel and unfeeling sentiments, which paints him as more of a villain than - honestly, he really is.
And he was heartbroken and humiliated, deeply felt a sense of betrayal from not only his once-adamant straight older brother, but his best friend forever, so I thought, at least, let him heal at his own pace and bury his anger. But, nope. The author had to show him admit shame and ask for forgiveness for how he was behaving like such a douche. C'mon, let Bailey come to sense in a more reasonable way rather than making him act out. 😮💨 Humans confuse me. 🤷🏻♀️
But, as much as earning Bailey's forgiveness served as much of the catalyst of Sean and Xander's impromptu romance - which, thankfully, was resolved on a positive note - it is also their relationship making Headlines in the public eye that had the two of them realize the importance of their feelings for each other - like it was meant to be. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 That no matter what anyone else says or what others believe that their love was true and sincere, they felt deeply and intimately in their hearts, that it was a special kind of love worth saving - worth fighting for.
“It was gentle but passionate, and spoke of the connection that neither of us had expected but now both craved.”
Sean definitely has a lot more going for him than Xander, but even through the doubts and insecurities, I liked that Xander didn't let Sean walk away from them. It was nice to see Sean be more reflective and intuitive of the change within him, and how he embraced it without remorse, despite the guilt he carried for how his involvement had damaged his brother's lifelong friendship with Xander - 'it wasn’t until I almost lost him that I realized exactly what I’d been missing.' And that certainly makes all the difference. 😤
I felt for Xander a lot more - obviously. He was more level-headed and definitely more in love that he didn't let Sean back away from them - I liked that he fought for them, that as much as Bailey meant so much to him, his feelings for Sean over the past few months had changed everything for him - found his way into my heart and become the most important part of it.' 🥺 He was very attuned of other's thoughts and emotions, which was a welcome touch and added a more grounded approach to how he himself tackled Bailey's anger towards their relationship.
“I’d already given him my heart, but now it was time to give him my soul.”
And it pains me that I have to admit this each time, but argh Ella Frank does know how to rev my romance engine. 🥰 The bedroom moments were a lot sparse this time around, but it still burned with a fervor of pleasure and promise that made me melt. I'm sorry, okay? 🥹 Declarations of love that aren't cheesy or swoon-worthy soften my angsty and longing heart. And that final connection of intimacy was beautifully done - so much love and devotion and just this aching desire and contentment that *sighs* She never fails to make me believe in the power of love, which is enough of a reason for me to feel grateful that I did give this author's works a shot, after all. 🫶🏻
September 10, 2021
2★'s = it was ok.
Ugh, ugh! Come one! I hoped that there wouldn’t be unnecessary relationship drama. I would have taken that over younger brother drama. Get lost Bailey! I didn’t care all that much for Bailey’s behavior in his own book but here? What a dick.
Again, I wish that their story had wrapped in one book. Books 2 & 3 didn’t really add anything.
Best part about the book was the house at the end. I do love real estate.
Sorry!
Ugh, ugh! Come one! I hoped that there wouldn’t be unnecessary relationship drama. I would have taken that over younger brother drama. Get lost Bailey! I didn’t care all that much for Bailey’s behavior in his own book but here? What a dick.
Again, I wish that their story had wrapped in one book. Books 2 & 3 didn’t really add anything.
Best part about the book was the house at the end. I do love real estate.
Sorry!
October 26, 2020
The plot, storyline, characters and even the writing definitely evolved and I loved that! The author did a spectacular job of tying everything up, with the family issues, troubles in paradise and the crazy stalker.
Bailey was a guy I honestly wouldn't forgive. I don't think he deserves Henri or people like Sean and Xander. He acted really immature about Sean and Xander's relationship, and even though I get it to some extent since it came of as a shock to him, he went too far with all the comments their way and I hated that.
Overall, the entire series was definitely enjoyable and a page turner. Sean and Xander were amazing characters, and I really loved both of them.
Bailey was a guy I honestly wouldn't forgive. I don't think he deserves Henri or people like Sean and Xander. He acted really immature about Sean and Xander's relationship, and even though I get it to some extent since it came of as a shock to him, he went too far with all the comments their way and I hated that.
Overall, the entire series was definitely enjoyable and a page turner. Sean and Xander were amazing characters, and I really loved both of them.
September 29, 2020
4.25 stars!
An enjoyable and overall good end to this series. After the cliffhanger in the last book with Bailey, this one opens up at least a week or two since that happened, and it's still radio silence from Bailey. Sean and Xander don't know how to deal with it properly, or how to get Bailey to talk to them, because he's not returning any of their texts, calls, e-mails...but at the same time, they're still living together, still falling deeper in love everyday, and the only thing missing from making it complete is Sean's brother and Xander's best friend, Bailey, being happy for them.
It takes quite a bit of time in this for the usually kind, sweet and affable Bailey to come around, but of course it eventually does happen, and when he explains why he felt the way he did, it makes sense. Doesn't mean he wasn't a jerk during the time, he was, but still.
And meanwhile, someone also leaks to the press about Sean having been Xander's bodyguard, and now his real boyfriend, and it makes....headlines ;)
For me, I enjoyed this immensely. My only reason this got less than 5 stars for me is that I just wanted a little bit more intimate moments between these two - not even sex, per se, but intimate - and maybe a little more story with the whole headlines thing. It happens and there are reactions, to be sure, but I would have liked a little more, just for the fun of it.
But overall this was enjoyable and a great way to end the series, and seeing Sean and Xander get their HEA was quite the ride. So two thumbs up from me, this was great!💗
An enjoyable and overall good end to this series. After the cliffhanger in the last book with Bailey, this one opens up at least a week or two since that happened, and it's still radio silence from Bailey. Sean and Xander don't know how to deal with it properly, or how to get Bailey to talk to them, because he's not returning any of their texts, calls, e-mails...but at the same time, they're still living together, still falling deeper in love everyday, and the only thing missing from making it complete is Sean's brother and Xander's best friend, Bailey, being happy for them.
It takes quite a bit of time in this for the usually kind, sweet and affable Bailey to come around, but of course it eventually does happen, and when he explains why he felt the way he did, it makes sense. Doesn't mean he wasn't a jerk during the time, he was, but still.
And meanwhile, someone also leaks to the press about Sean having been Xander's bodyguard, and now his real boyfriend, and it makes....headlines ;)
For me, I enjoyed this immensely. My only reason this got less than 5 stars for me is that I just wanted a little bit more intimate moments between these two - not even sex, per se, but intimate - and maybe a little more story with the whole headlines thing. It happens and there are reactions, to be sure, but I would have liked a little more, just for the fun of it.
But overall this was enjoyable and a great way to end the series, and seeing Sean and Xander get their HEA was quite the ride. So two thumbs up from me, this was great!💗
October 6, 2020
Xander: anchorman
Sean: detective
Bailey: Sean’s younger brother and Xander’s best friend and ex boyfriend
Henri: Bailey’s live in boyfriend and Sean ex CI
This serie could have been so much better if the stalker guy was more explored, but unfortunately things were not as exciting as they could be. Xander executive assistant sold the news information about him and Sean but this was practically brushed aside so there was no real issue.
I am disappointed because it has so much potential but at the same time I’m being extra nice by giving it four stars instead of three because I simple loved Sean and Bailey relationship, they are perfect for each other. It was truly a story about opposites attract. They had such a funny banter at the begging and then they turned into those super loyal lovers and I loved it.
Bailey was ridiculous, he and Xander dated about a decade ago, they both had others boyfriend and hookups (especially Xander 😉), he is now super harry and in love with Henri but he literally feels like they stabbed his heart because they have been getting to know each other and falling in love for a couple of months and haven’t talked to him about it until he caught them together. Xander was living at extremely unusual situation, there was a point he was afraid of leaving the house, him and Sean had just come back from the trip they had said “I love you” for the first time and had sex I mean like with penetration for the first time because they were talking things slow, mostly Xander because he wanted to be sure Sean was really into it since he had never felt attraction for a man before, and then Bailey saw them kissing at Sean door step and freaked out.
I understand how Bailey felt like they betrayed him and he had the right to feel but come the fuck up Bailey don’t be such a bitch about it because honey it’s not your life!! I get it how hurt he felt about them not telling him the truth especially because in his book he and Xander told each other everything. But also, when he fells in love with Henri, they acknowledge their relationships was shifting, Xander was okay and supportive when Bailey reached Henri when he got problems instead of Xander. He was the one telling Bailey to go for it and Bailey and Henri become a couple so of course he and Henri shared things between only the two of them and it was okay. But when Xander is figuring out things with Sean he suddenly has to tell Bailey everything otherwise he is an awful friend? I don’t think so.
Also, when Bailey and Henri got together Sean freaked out but he never shut Bailey down, as soon as Bailey told him to back off and mind his own life he did just that. He and Henri had trouble because of Henri criminal past and although I recognize he was being an ass judging Henri and labeling him as a brook for live, he told Henri to be careful to not hurt Bailey and that Bailey was too good for him. He is Bailey older brother so obviously he seems him as too good. Later, when he think Bailey and Henri got into a fight he made a comment about Henri showing his true colors, Bailey was mad about it and Xander put him at his place and he never again said anything like that to Bailey even though his relationship with Henri is full of funny banters and bitter funny remarks.
Bailey, on the other hand, acted like Sean was unworthy of being with Xander and I was mad as hell because come the fuck on he is your brother! Xander is his best friend since they are kids and they share a beautiful bond, but Sean never did anything bad to Bailey, he never did anything to end his relationship with Henri since the first time Bailey said he could mind his own business. Obviously he was a moody guy, he and Xander were always arguing, but it was mutual. Sean was never a homophobic, he was never selfish, he is a good person and a good brother so I was extremely disappointed with Bailey.
Xander defended Sean and during an argument it was obviously although he loves Bailey very much he was going to be at Sean’s side whatever it takes and I fucking love it. What he and Sean have going on is beautiful, Sean literally salved his life. He was the one person Sean could open up to, he was the one Sean felt like being vulnerable with and he knew how to appreciate that, he valued Sean.
Henri also acted like they did a horrible thing and I can understand that because he was being protective of Bailey but at the some time he was taking about how hard was for Bailey to feel like the fool in the room and that was a reference to when he caught Priest (his ex) cheating on him with Julien and really what a dramatic couple. The situation couldn’t have been more different. What Sean and Xander had going on was beautiful and they had plans to talk to Bailey, they just wanted to figure things between them (the two people that actually are a part of the relationship) before rushing to tell him and they were at such an unconventional situation that really I was annoyed at all the drama created about it.
I hate that Bailey was super fucking mean but Sean was the one trying really hard to get to him, he was the one who tracked him down trying to convince him to forgive him and Xander. Bailey apologize for being a jealous asshole but wasn’t enough imo, he ignored the two of them for weeks, he refused to talk to Sean when he went to his house, he talked about Sean like he didn’t deserve Xander, like he was not good enough and still until the end Xander and Sean were sorry and Henri even made a comment how wrong they were and holy shit I was not having it. Fuck that shit, they are grow men for fucks sake.
Bailey excuse about being jealous and wondering what Sean had that he didn’t have was so fucking awful it was a wonder how Xander didn’t flip him the bird. He is in love with Henri, he is happy but he act like a selfish kid whose older brother stole his favorite toy. I hate it because Xander was the first one to support him finding his happiness.
I gave it four stars only because even though the slow burn could have been more exciting (helloooo I wanted a scene of Xander being the top) it was clearly they both loved each other very much and in equal measures.
I want to know why the fuck Ella frank write three books when it all could have happened in only two but she manages to now give us a good epilogue??? Really an epilogue only a week later? What the fuck is that shit? I wanted a weeding, a couple kids a dogs
** I strongly do not recommend the Confession serie that came previously to that one, there we have Henri and Bailey story but we also have Priest, Robbie and Julien’s and priest is a selfish asshole who doesn’t deserve what he got. He is Henri ex and childhood best friend, but he cheated on him with Julien, he never apologized for that, he treated Henri like garbage, associated him with his troubled past and put him in a “mental file” like something toxic that he only fucked when he was feeling like shit.
He shows no loyalty toward Henri even though he always had his back. It was actually disgusting to witness how he not only treated Henri bad but he also thinks about him like he is not someone worthy of his good graces.
My blood boil on Henri and Bailey’s books when he said he loved Henri and always would worry about him because he sure as shit never showed it.
The one instance he was supposed to show he cared about Henri he actuality only cared about him and his husbands, I didn’t buy for a second he actually give a shit about Henri well being and broken heart he just wanted to make sure Bailey would not bring trouble to him and his family. I think the only thing he did for Henri was let him use his car, but that action was still disgusting because after everything he said and did to Henri he referred to him as “my Henri” when he talked to Bailey, it shows to me that he liked knowing Henri loved him to stroke his ego even though he didn’t even care to tell Henri he was going to have another weeding, he got ridden of him like he was a piece of trash, he treated him like he did something wrong to him.
Henri is ten thousand times the man Priest dreams of being because unlike Priest even though he works at the wrong side of the law, he helped his loved ones without distinction. He is loyal to the core, as soon as Priest needed his help he puts himself in danger to save his and his husband’s ass. He did something that would forever change him and Priest didn’t even showed him the gratitude he deserved.
For Priest, Henri was a part of a past he wanted to forget so he can live his new colorful life, Julien also had a troubled past but he didn’t have a problem with it because it wasn’t associated with his, so he has no qualms being there to help him better himself. When it comes to Henri, he doesn’t even tried to make him better, unlike Bailey, who since the begging had faith on him. But don’t fool yourselves, he shows no consideration toward Henri but has no trouble reaching him when his past comes knocking at his door, to deal with his shit he has no issues contacting Henri. Something he didn’t do when he met Julien so Henri caught them making out before he didn’t have the balls to call and end their fuck buddies situation. The same shit happened when he got married again and didn’t tell Henri to “spare his feelings” because he knew how he suffered when he first got married. I call it bullshit, he just wanted to spare himself. He thinks of Henri as someone who can “stain” his perfect life, as some dirt person that he wants far away from him so he can’t taint his life. I fucking hate that motherfucker.
Bailey and Henri books ruined the four previous book in the series because Priest never had the decency to be a decent person to Henri so I don’t give a shit how he is with his two husbands.***
Sean: detective
Bailey: Sean’s younger brother and Xander’s best friend and ex boyfriend
Henri: Bailey’s live in boyfriend and Sean ex CI
This serie could have been so much better if the stalker guy was more explored, but unfortunately things were not as exciting as they could be. Xander executive assistant sold the news information about him and Sean but this was practically brushed aside so there was no real issue.
I am disappointed because it has so much potential but at the same time I’m being extra nice by giving it four stars instead of three because I simple loved Sean and Bailey relationship, they are perfect for each other. It was truly a story about opposites attract. They had such a funny banter at the begging and then they turned into those super loyal lovers and I loved it.
Bailey was ridiculous, he and Xander dated about a decade ago, they both had others boyfriend and hookups (especially Xander 😉), he is now super harry and in love with Henri but he literally feels like they stabbed his heart because they have been getting to know each other and falling in love for a couple of months and haven’t talked to him about it until he caught them together. Xander was living at extremely unusual situation, there was a point he was afraid of leaving the house, him and Sean had just come back from the trip they had said “I love you” for the first time and had sex I mean like with penetration for the first time because they were talking things slow, mostly Xander because he wanted to be sure Sean was really into it since he had never felt attraction for a man before, and then Bailey saw them kissing at Sean door step and freaked out.
I understand how Bailey felt like they betrayed him and he had the right to feel but come the fuck up Bailey don’t be such a bitch about it because honey it’s not your life!! I get it how hurt he felt about them not telling him the truth especially because in his book he and Xander told each other everything. But also, when he fells in love with Henri, they acknowledge their relationships was shifting, Xander was okay and supportive when Bailey reached Henri when he got problems instead of Xander. He was the one telling Bailey to go for it and Bailey and Henri become a couple so of course he and Henri shared things between only the two of them and it was okay. But when Xander is figuring out things with Sean he suddenly has to tell Bailey everything otherwise he is an awful friend? I don’t think so.
Also, when Bailey and Henri got together Sean freaked out but he never shut Bailey down, as soon as Bailey told him to back off and mind his own life he did just that. He and Henri had trouble because of Henri criminal past and although I recognize he was being an ass judging Henri and labeling him as a brook for live, he told Henri to be careful to not hurt Bailey and that Bailey was too good for him. He is Bailey older brother so obviously he seems him as too good. Later, when he think Bailey and Henri got into a fight he made a comment about Henri showing his true colors, Bailey was mad about it and Xander put him at his place and he never again said anything like that to Bailey even though his relationship with Henri is full of funny banters and bitter funny remarks.
Bailey, on the other hand, acted like Sean was unworthy of being with Xander and I was mad as hell because come the fuck on he is your brother! Xander is his best friend since they are kids and they share a beautiful bond, but Sean never did anything bad to Bailey, he never did anything to end his relationship with Henri since the first time Bailey said he could mind his own business. Obviously he was a moody guy, he and Xander were always arguing, but it was mutual. Sean was never a homophobic, he was never selfish, he is a good person and a good brother so I was extremely disappointed with Bailey.
Xander defended Sean and during an argument it was obviously although he loves Bailey very much he was going to be at Sean’s side whatever it takes and I fucking love it. What he and Sean have going on is beautiful, Sean literally salved his life. He was the one person Sean could open up to, he was the one Sean felt like being vulnerable with and he knew how to appreciate that, he valued Sean.
Henri also acted like they did a horrible thing and I can understand that because he was being protective of Bailey but at the some time he was taking about how hard was for Bailey to feel like the fool in the room and that was a reference to when he caught Priest (his ex) cheating on him with Julien and really what a dramatic couple. The situation couldn’t have been more different. What Sean and Xander had going on was beautiful and they had plans to talk to Bailey, they just wanted to figure things between them (the two people that actually are a part of the relationship) before rushing to tell him and they were at such an unconventional situation that really I was annoyed at all the drama created about it.
I hate that Bailey was super fucking mean but Sean was the one trying really hard to get to him, he was the one who tracked him down trying to convince him to forgive him and Xander. Bailey apologize for being a jealous asshole but wasn’t enough imo, he ignored the two of them for weeks, he refused to talk to Sean when he went to his house, he talked about Sean like he didn’t deserve Xander, like he was not good enough and still until the end Xander and Sean were sorry and Henri even made a comment how wrong they were and holy shit I was not having it. Fuck that shit, they are grow men for fucks sake.
Bailey excuse about being jealous and wondering what Sean had that he didn’t have was so fucking awful it was a wonder how Xander didn’t flip him the bird. He is in love with Henri, he is happy but he act like a selfish kid whose older brother stole his favorite toy. I hate it because Xander was the first one to support him finding his happiness.
I gave it four stars only because even though the slow burn could have been more exciting (helloooo I wanted a scene of Xander being the top) it was clearly they both loved each other very much and in equal measures.
I want to know why the fuck Ella frank write three books when it all could have happened in only two but she manages to now give us a good epilogue??? Really an epilogue only a week later? What the fuck is that shit? I wanted a weeding, a couple kids a dogs
** I strongly do not recommend the Confession serie that came previously to that one, there we have Henri and Bailey story but we also have Priest, Robbie and Julien’s and priest is a selfish asshole who doesn’t deserve what he got. He is Henri ex and childhood best friend, but he cheated on him with Julien, he never apologized for that, he treated Henri like garbage, associated him with his troubled past and put him in a “mental file” like something toxic that he only fucked when he was feeling like shit.
He shows no loyalty toward Henri even though he always had his back. It was actually disgusting to witness how he not only treated Henri bad but he also thinks about him like he is not someone worthy of his good graces.
My blood boil on Henri and Bailey’s books when he said he loved Henri and always would worry about him because he sure as shit never showed it.
The one instance he was supposed to show he cared about Henri he actuality only cared about him and his husbands, I didn’t buy for a second he actually give a shit about Henri well being and broken heart he just wanted to make sure Bailey would not bring trouble to him and his family. I think the only thing he did for Henri was let him use his car, but that action was still disgusting because after everything he said and did to Henri he referred to him as “my Henri” when he talked to Bailey, it shows to me that he liked knowing Henri loved him to stroke his ego even though he didn’t even care to tell Henri he was going to have another weeding, he got ridden of him like he was a piece of trash, he treated him like he did something wrong to him.
Henri is ten thousand times the man Priest dreams of being because unlike Priest even though he works at the wrong side of the law, he helped his loved ones without distinction. He is loyal to the core, as soon as Priest needed his help he puts himself in danger to save his and his husband’s ass. He did something that would forever change him and Priest didn’t even showed him the gratitude he deserved.
For Priest, Henri was a part of a past he wanted to forget so he can live his new colorful life, Julien also had a troubled past but he didn’t have a problem with it because it wasn’t associated with his, so he has no qualms being there to help him better himself. When it comes to Henri, he doesn’t even tried to make him better, unlike Bailey, who since the begging had faith on him. But don’t fool yourselves, he shows no consideration toward Henri but has no trouble reaching him when his past comes knocking at his door, to deal with his shit he has no issues contacting Henri. Something he didn’t do when he met Julien so Henri caught them making out before he didn’t have the balls to call and end their fuck buddies situation. The same shit happened when he got married again and didn’t tell Henri to “spare his feelings” because he knew how he suffered when he first got married. I call it bullshit, he just wanted to spare himself. He thinks of Henri as someone who can “stain” his perfect life, as some dirt person that he wants far away from him so he can’t taint his life. I fucking hate that motherfucker.
Bailey and Henri books ruined the four previous book in the series because Priest never had the decency to be a decent person to Henri so I don’t give a shit how he is with his two husbands.***
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2023
Since this book had an actual plot, I liked it more than book 2 - but only barely. Said plot revolved about Sean and Xander trying to get Bailey to forgive them for having the audacity to fall in love with each other and not get his approval. It was frustrating to read and I can't say that I enjoyed any of it.
That they felt obligated to explain and justify their love to him and Henri annoyed the hell out of me. Every time Bailey accused them of going behind his back and lying to him, I wanted to scream! Especially when they made it clear that they just wanted to make sure that their feelings were genuine and that they really wanted to actually be in a relationship first.
He was so childish and unreasonable; it really destroyed my image of him. He had his own fiancée, who he supposedly wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and he's all pissy about his ex getting with his brother. I can't imagine what Henri was feeling. He was trying to be supportive, but he had to be wondering why he was acting that way.
I hate that this was the direction this story took. It felt so manufactured and unnecessary. Leave it to EF to turn what began as a great story into something exhausting. 2.5 stars
Inside Affair 4 stars
Breaking News 2 stars
Headlines 2.5 stars
That they felt obligated to explain and justify their love to him and Henri annoyed the hell out of me. Every time Bailey accused them of going behind his back and lying to him, I wanted to scream! Especially when they made it clear that they just wanted to make sure that their feelings were genuine and that they really wanted to actually be in a relationship first.
He was so childish and unreasonable; it really destroyed my image of him. He had his own fiancée, who he supposedly wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and he's all pissy about his ex getting with his brother. I can't imagine what Henri was feeling. He was trying to be supportive, but he had to be wondering why he was acting that way.
I hate that this was the direction this story took. It felt so manufactured and unnecessary. Leave it to EF to turn what began as a great story into something exhausting. 2.5 stars
Inside Affair 4 stars
Breaking News 2 stars
Headlines 2.5 stars
November 24, 2022
This series was cute but a book too long! Honestly would have rather had Henri and Bailey with a longer story 😂
I was a bit frustrated with Bailey. I completely understood how he'd feel, and he was surprisingly good at holding his grudge for such a sunshine personality! BUT he literally blinked and everything was all good again 🤷🏼♀️ I think the pacing was a little off, but overall it was a sweet end to Sean and Xander's story.
I am super intrigued for when I finally get to Kieran's story though!
I was a bit frustrated with Bailey. I completely understood how he'd feel, and he was surprisingly good at holding his grudge for such a sunshine personality! BUT he literally blinked and everything was all good again 🤷🏼♀️ I think the pacing was a little off, but overall it was a sweet end to Sean and Xander's story.
I am super intrigued for when I finally get to Kieran's story though!
October 6, 2020
*****5 Prime Time Stars*****
Absolutely loved this series! I wanted it to never end.
Xander and Sean are my second favourite Ella Frank couple right after Logan and Tate!!
Absolutely loved this series! I wanted it to never end.
Xander and Sean are my second favourite Ella Frank couple right after Logan and Tate!!
November 1, 2024
ETA: Mmmmfff. Ooofff. LOL yeah how Bailey acts still doesn't sit well with me lol
I definitely recommend people just read these 3 books as one long romance. It just flows best!
Look, I LOVE Ella Frank. She created my most favorite couple ever, and one of my all-time favorite series that I have ever read. The Temptation series will forever and always be my comfort re-read and Tate and Logan forever and ever.
However - this whole we gotta make everything into a trilogy - when it could be a standalone or at most a duology? I'm honestly not sure how I feel about that. I feel like Henri and Bailey could have been one book, and I feel like at most this should have been a duology. The first book to focus on the stalking, and the second book to focus on the relationship.
These guys are like 35-40, right? Bailey acted all of 22 LOL, and it just seemed surprising after having his story with Henri. I get it wasn't out of wanting Xander back, but it just felt...over the top? Immature? And maybe it's different with Logan and Tate for me because I just LOVE them so I am very biased - I have seen plenty of people say that the Temptation series shouldn't be 3 books, let alone 6, but this one especially just felt too stretched out to me.
Having said that - I look forward SO MUCH to whatever next couple we get from her Chicago men! (I mean, this is still a 4-4.5 star read for me!) I got a little thrill over seeing some shoutouts to previous people and places. This series is sexy, fun, and I think if you can read all 3 in one go, it might read like one extra long book, and plenty of people will love it.
I definitely recommend people just read these 3 books as one long romance. It just flows best!
Look, I LOVE Ella Frank. She created my most favorite couple ever, and one of my all-time favorite series that I have ever read. The Temptation series will forever and always be my comfort re-read and Tate and Logan forever and ever.
However - this whole we gotta make everything into a trilogy - when it could be a standalone or at most a duology? I'm honestly not sure how I feel about that. I feel like Henri and Bailey could have been one book, and I feel like at most this should have been a duology. The first book to focus on the stalking, and the second book to focus on the relationship.
These guys are like 35-40, right? Bailey acted all of 22 LOL, and it just seemed surprising after having his story with Henri. I get it wasn't out of wanting Xander back, but it just felt...over the top? Immature? And maybe it's different with Logan and Tate for me because I just LOVE them so I am very biased - I have seen plenty of people say that the Temptation series shouldn't be 3 books, let alone 6, but this one especially just felt too stretched out to me.
Having said that - I look forward SO MUCH to whatever next couple we get from her Chicago men! (I mean, this is still a 4-4.5 star read for me!) I got a little thrill over seeing some shoutouts to previous people and places. This series is sexy, fun, and I think if you can read all 3 in one go, it might read like one extra long book, and plenty of people will love it.
September 10, 2021
5 Prime Time Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I have loved this series, Xander and Sean just clicked with me, these two are my second favourite EF couple.
As with all EF series they come in threes, Headlines is the final instalment in Xander and Sean's relationship, after all the drama this is their chance at being normal.
Everything is great between them except for Bayley, Sean's little brother and Xander's best friend since childhood, he is acting like a jealous jerk, considering he used to be a cop and in love with Henri who is a murderer, hypocrite much.
This was a wonderful ending for a wonderful couple and that epilogue had me smiling, I loved every second I spent with Xander and Sean.
I was worried that the magic was over between me and EF but with this series, the magic is back.
I have loved this series, Xander and Sean just clicked with me, these two are my second favourite EF couple.
As with all EF series they come in threes, Headlines is the final instalment in Xander and Sean's relationship, after all the drama this is their chance at being normal.
Everything is great between them except for Bayley, Sean's little brother and Xander's best friend since childhood, he is acting like a jealous jerk, considering he used to be a cop and in love with Henri who is a murderer, hypocrite much.
This was a wonderful ending for a wonderful couple and that epilogue had me smiling, I loved every second I spent with Xander and Sean.
I was worried that the magic was over between me and EF but with this series, the magic is back.
January 29, 2021
Absolutely loved this series! Shame its finished cause I'm already missing the MCs. :)
December 10, 2020
listen a lot of mm romances ive read end with a marriage proposal this one shouldn't have happened in my opinion
October 13, 2020
4.5 stars
September 22, 2020
Headlines is exactly what I wanted for a conclusion to the Prime Time series. Once again, Ella Frank did not disappoint with the sometimes intense but always sexy continuation of the love that is Xander and Sean. These two never expected to find in the other a forever kind of happy but after what they have endured, I couldn't imagine them with anyone else. And thankfully, they were in complete agreement.
Picking up two weeks after the explosive ending for book two, the fall-out from Bailey's discovery of Xander and Sean's semi-private romance is still hurting all parties involved. It made me sad for all of them, that they couldn't get past what had transpired with Bailey seemingly the most stubborn man ever. I did love, however, that Sean reached out to Henri, especially since their relationship is anything but friendly on a good day. Knowing how destroyed Xander was at losing his best friend, Sean really stepped up for his lover and showed how much he has grown just by having the anchorman by his side.
Despite all the drama they were experiencing with Bailey, that didn't stop Sean and Xander from getting even more passionate in and out of the bedroom. These two couldn't keep their hands off each other and no one was more pleased about this than I was. You haven't lived until you've read an Ella Frank sex scene, and she brought her A-game once again when it came to the trysts the detective and his anchorman thoroughly enjoyed.
The tenderness that stays at the forefront of this book made me smile and often. Whether it was Xander and Sean falling even more in love than they thought possible or the pain Bailey finally allowed Xander to see in their eventual showdown, there is a sigh factor that can't be beat with these well-written and endearing characters.
Thrilled that everything turned out the way I wanted, I sincerely hope we get to see more of the Bailey brothers, perhaps with brother Kieran finally getting his turn at finding an HEA of his own.
5 solid stars!!
Picking up two weeks after the explosive ending for book two, the fall-out from Bailey's discovery of Xander and Sean's semi-private romance is still hurting all parties involved. It made me sad for all of them, that they couldn't get past what had transpired with Bailey seemingly the most stubborn man ever. I did love, however, that Sean reached out to Henri, especially since their relationship is anything but friendly on a good day. Knowing how destroyed Xander was at losing his best friend, Sean really stepped up for his lover and showed how much he has grown just by having the anchorman by his side.
Despite all the drama they were experiencing with Bailey, that didn't stop Sean and Xander from getting even more passionate in and out of the bedroom. These two couldn't keep their hands off each other and no one was more pleased about this than I was. You haven't lived until you've read an Ella Frank sex scene, and she brought her A-game once again when it came to the trysts the detective and his anchorman thoroughly enjoyed.
The tenderness that stays at the forefront of this book made me smile and often. Whether it was Xander and Sean falling even more in love than they thought possible or the pain Bailey finally allowed Xander to see in their eventual showdown, there is a sigh factor that can't be beat with these well-written and endearing characters.
Thrilled that everything turned out the way I wanted, I sincerely hope we get to see more of the Bailey brothers, perhaps with brother Kieran finally getting his turn at finding an HEA of his own.
5 solid stars!!
November 7, 2020
Okay, I have legit gushed over almost Ella Frank book I have read except one but Headlines really let me down BIG. This book was completely unnecessary, in that she could have made both books one and two longer instead of having this as a solitary finale book. I really felt like this was the end of a story much less the ending of a trilogy.
The story was PERFECTION don't get me wrong. I was so happy to see Sean and Xander finally get their HEA but the format to me was like the second half a book I just lost and couldn't find for months. I don't think I need to say any more about these two guys because I raved about them in my previous reviews for this trilogy and they really are incredible, but I really was let down by this book immensely.
The story was PERFECTION don't get me wrong. I was so happy to see Sean and Xander finally get their HEA but the format to me was like the second half a book I just lost and couldn't find for months. I don't think I need to say any more about these two guys because I raved about them in my previous reviews for this trilogy and they really are incredible, but I really was let down by this book immensely.
November 19, 2020
3.5 Sweet Stars!
Headlines is third and final book for Sean and Xander. While the first two books were filled with action and suspense, this one was all sweetness and love. Sean and Xander's relationship and feelings were solidified... growing stronger each day. Their biggest issue was getting Bailey on board. Bailey's reaction to them being together was shocking. I figured he would be upset, finding out his straight brother is in a relationship with his bestfriend...
The lovable Bailey I knew was gone and replaced with a mean, immature and selfish man. I was so mad, I just wanted to shake him. Could he get past his own hurt? See how good Sean and Xander are for each other?
As for Sean and Xander, they were sincere and loving throughout the entire book. I was delighted with their progression. I felt all their passion and tenderness. I loved how they came out to their families and friends. They were an adorable unite front!
I still wish this series would have been one big book or a duet. It would have had an even greater inpact. All and all Xander and Sean left me happy and content.
Headlines is third and final book for Sean and Xander. While the first two books were filled with action and suspense, this one was all sweetness and love. Sean and Xander's relationship and feelings were solidified... growing stronger each day. Their biggest issue was getting Bailey on board. Bailey's reaction to them being together was shocking. I figured he would be upset, finding out his straight brother is in a relationship with his bestfriend...
The lovable Bailey I knew was gone and replaced with a mean, immature and selfish man. I was so mad, I just wanted to shake him. Could he get past his own hurt? See how good Sean and Xander are for each other?
As for Sean and Xander, they were sincere and loving throughout the entire book. I was delighted with their progression. I felt all their passion and tenderness. I loved how they came out to their families and friends. They were an adorable unite front!
I still wish this series would have been one big book or a duet. It would have had an even greater inpact. All and all Xander and Sean left me happy and content.
October 1, 2020
Le sigh … so this book had no point LOL I mean I know that’s just my opinion, but you have to give me something to root for in a book to captivate me and … nothing. If anything, I’d classify this as drama for drama to fill the pages and don’t even get me started on Bailey #twitchy
I know this sounds bad so far, but Xander & Sean are a good story, it just should have probably ended a book and a half ago. *shrug*
2.5 but really close to 3 Stars!
Sidenote: This is not the norm for Ella Frank that I've experienced. This woman knows how to reel you in and keep you interested. I don't know what happened here ... sorry.
I know this sounds bad so far, but Xander & Sean are a good story, it just should have probably ended a book and a half ago. *shrug*
2.5 but really close to 3 Stars!
Sidenote: This is not the norm for Ella Frank that I've experienced. This woman knows how to reel you in and keep you interested. I don't know what happened here ... sorry.
April 9, 2024
this is the kind of drama i live for😌.
December 9, 2020
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2020/12/08/...
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
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