ARC received from Rock Star Lit PR via NetGalley for an honest review
"Just for today, Yve, let me hold you together."
It's official. Meghan March is slowly but surely climbing up on my list of go-to authors for addicting characters, sizzling romance, and irresistible story and writing. Beneath These Scars is only my 2nd book by the author, and even though this is book 4 in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Though, after reading Beneath These Chains earlier and this one, it is so fun to see the characters in the previous book make appearances here.
Yve Santos and Lucas Titan make for a steamy couple. That is when they're not both at each other's throat with their self-denial. Their chemistry is off the charts hot, both are independent individuals trying to prove something to the world, both coping with their pasts, both not ready for a relationship but even with all that, both of them lean on each other for support, care, and love. I love that this book is in dual POV, not only because I enjoy getting both sides of the story, but because without Titan's POV in this book, I don't think it will be the same. He added more feelings to the story, he made me understand why he is the way he is and he made me adore him even more.
"No one makes it through life without scars. It's impossible. But they're not signs of shame; they're badges of honor showing that you fought and survived."
Beneath These Scars is a sexy, angsty, and thrilling story about the characters' scars from their pasts and how they braved through it and became strong and resilient. Both of their pasts left them with self-doubt, and hurt but it was wonderful to read that with each other, they became the better versions of themselves. Stars: 4 stars Recommended to: Everyone looking for sexy, emotional book, grab this book now. Series: Book 4. Can be read as standalone. POV: First person. Dual POV. Extra Comment: I just wished the ending stretched a bit more.
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.
5 It's Finn Stars
ARC received from BTS Promotions for an honest review
"I want to forget. Forget how much it hurts when I'm not with you."
Let me tell you a little secret.
I dove right into Finley completely blind. Except maybe when I was lusting over the cover. But the synopsis? The little teasers the author posts? Nope. I didn't read any of them at all. I just saw Ella Frank's new book announcement, signed up to read and review, and waited for it to arrive in my Kindle. Because that's what you when you see "Ella Frank" in a book. You just read it.
What did I get from doing that?
It was an absolute enjoyment of a read.
I was left open-mouthed with surprise and excitement because Ella, in all her ingenious writing skills, rolled most of my weaknesses into one irresistible package:
Second chance romance? Yep! Seven years apart, yo!
Age gap? Uh-huh! And it's not the usual 1-3 years, either. Me love it!
Forbidden relationship? Student-teacher, anyone?
Sizzling chemistry and erotic scenes? Get your cold shower, ready.
Lovable and fun supporting characters? Loved them!
Writing that will absorb all your thoughts and feelings? Ella Frank does magic.
With all of what I've mentioned above, can you imagine how excited I was that not only was I reading a new book by Ella Frank, but it was also all of the things I love about in a book? Yeah. I was all smiles! Finley put me in a daze of love and agonizing heartache, but by the end, Daniel and Brantley made everything worthwhile.
"He'd always been his Finn. From that moment in the club, Daniel had been his."
I enjoyed getting to see glimpses of Daniel and Brantley's past, how they started, how they came to be, and I enjoyed even more how the author intertwined between the past and the present. It's not too long of a flashback but enough for the readers to "meet" and get the feel of young Finn and Professor Hayes and understand why Finn is feeling the way he is at the present. While I adored Finn at 23, Finn at 30 was thrilling, more breathtaking and after 7 years, it looked like the roles have reversed and Professor Hayes became the "student".
Finley is yet another addition to the author's list of incredible stories she's ever written. With Ella Frank, expect to always be in for a surprise.
Stars: 5 stars
Recommended to: Every M/M romance readers out there! Or everyone looking to pop their M/M cherry. ;)
Series: Standalone series.
POV: Third person. Dual POV.
Extra Comment: It's also fun to see Tate and Logan!!
BRANTLEY KEPT A discreet eye on the final student to leave for the morning as Mr. Finley strode down the stairs to the front of the classroom. They were three weeks into the semester and he was ashamed to admit that, with every day that passed, his fascination with the young man grew.
At first, he’d tried to convince himself that it was purely academic. The kid was smart. He’d aced all the weekly quizzes, and Brantley was more than aware of the way he watched him lecture with keen, intelligent eyes that never strayed from him.
Oh, he was fascinated, all right, but he made sure to tell himself at the end of every class that it had nothing to do with the mischievous grin Daniel would flash at his friends or the easygoing laugh that would bubble up out of him at any given moment. But he knew he was lying. Daniel was quite possibly the happiest person he’d ever met, and his joy of life lit up the room and everyone in it. Including him.
When Daniel stopped in front of him and dropped his paper on the desk, Brantley acknowledged him with a glance before returning his gaze back to the notes he was going over.
“Any big plans this weekend, Professor?”
The question had been so unexpected that he didn’t think to catch himself before he replied, “Nothing too big. Just going out with some friends. You?”
Daniel smiled at him as he shoved his arms through the loops of his backpack, and Brantley couldn’t help but look at his shirt as it stretched across his broad chest.
“I’m going to hit the beach. Such great waves right now.”
“Ahh, you like to surf. That explains it.”
When the side of Daniel’s mouth crooked up, the effect was charming as hell. The kid was a knockout.
“Explains what?”
Annoyed that he’d made such a stupid slipup, he looked back at the papers in front of him, hoping Daniel would get the message and leave. No such luck.
“Explains what?” he asked again.
Brantley sighed and rested his arms on the desk as he studied Daniel’s inviting face. “It explains your hair.”
“My—oh,” he said, touching the ends of it. “Do you like it?”
Stunned by the direct question, he sat back in his chair and fought the smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Do I like your hair?”
“Yeah.”
“Does it matter?” Jesus, fuck. Stop it. Stop flirting with him.
But it was too late. Daniel put his hands on the desk and leaned forward, Brantley toed the ground, shoving his chair back.
“It could…”
“No. No, it couldn’t,” he said as he got to his feet, shaking his head.
Daniel straightened and tucked his thumbs into the straps of his backpack, no doubt to taunt him. His eyes were too knowing for someone his age, and when they held his longer than was acceptable, Brantley’s heart skipped a couple of beats.
“Was there something else, Mr. Finley?”
“You said you were going out with friends this weekend…”
Shit, did I? “Yes, that’s right.”
As Daniel ran his thumb down the left strap of his bag, he admonished himself for noticing every little move he made. He needed to get a fucking hold of himself.
“Are any of them more than a friend?”
If he hadn’t been watching Daniel quite so closely, he wouldn’t have believed the words that had just come out of his mouth. But he had been. So he did.
“I don’t believe that’s any of your business. You better hurry or you’ll miss your next class.”
Satisfied that he’d firmly dismissed Daniel, he sat down and made a show of focusing on the books lining his desk and didn’t dare look and see if he had left this time or not. He wasn’t sure what he’d do if he was still standing there.
He reached up to adjust his tie, which suddenly felt a little too tight around his neck, and with each passing second that he was consciously not checking to see if he was alone, he swore that it was getting tighter.
“Professor Hayes?”
His head snapped up at his name, and when Daniel had his attention, he continued.
“Are you gay?”
Brantley’s eyes widened, and he wondered how his mouth hadn’t fallen open at the blunt question. Instead, he went with, “Excuse me?”
“I asked if you were—”
“I heard what you said. But I don’t see how that is any business of yours, either. You should think before you speak, Mr. Finley. I’m your teacher, and it’s time for you to leave. This conversation is over.” He flipped open one of the books on his desk and shook his head. He couldn’t believe the audacity of the kid—or the fact that he was so damn forthright. As he sat there, grinding his teeth in an effort not to look at his student—who was still standing in front of his desk—a bead of sweat ran down his collar and he cursed the fact that his nerves were getting the better of him.
“I only asked because, well, I am too. And I thought it would be nice to have someone to talk to.”
Well, hell. He couldn’t fault him for that. The only problem was…talking wasn’t what sprang to mind when he was around Daniel Finley.
He clasped his hands on the desk and stared into the anxious face peering down at him. Daniel was worrying his lower lip with his teeth, and he suddenly looked very much the young man he was.
“Are you?” he asked again, and there was no way he could deny that hesitant curiosity.
“Yes, Daniel. I am.”
As his words drifted between them, Daniel’s mouth slipped into a smile. “Oh.”
Brantley laughed at that. He wasn’t sure what Daniel was thinking right then. He’d thought for sure with the way he’d been looking at him earlier that, if he’d admitted this, he would be fending off—or at least putting up a good show of fending off—an unwanted pass. But, instead, Daniel appeared thoughtful.
“Does that bother you?”
Daniel adamantly shook his head. “No.”
“Are you sure?” he pressed, and the look that entered Daniel’s eyes then was so hot that he thought he may overheat.
“Yes. I'm very sure.”
Oh, fuck. Okay. Where the hell did the nervous guy disappear to? One minute, Daniel was endearingly awkward, and the next, he was looking at him like he wanted to strip him out of his clothes and—“Stop right there,” he said, and he wasn’t sure if he was telling himself that or the contradiction eyeing him with newfound knowledge. “Whatever you're thinking, stop thinking it.”
“Why?”
Yep, he was fucked. That wasn’t a word he generally used, but in this case, he was well and truly fucked. He should’ve just stuck to the run-along-now speech.
“Because I'm your teacher.”
“This isn’t high school. I’m an adult.”
He sighed. “That may be true. But I’m your professor and this conversation is inappropriate.”
“How? I just asked if you were gay and you said yes. I don't see what the problem is.”
When Daniel aimed a mischievous grin at him, Brantley knew he was very aware of what the problem was.
“Out,” he said, pointing to the door. “Time to leave, Mr. Finley.”
This time, he made sure to watch Daniel so he knew he was actually leaving. He walked to the door, but at the last minute, he turned around to look back at him. Not willing to back down and show weakness, Brantley kept his eyes on his student as Daniel ran his tongue along his lower lip.
“You should call me Finn. Everyone else does.”
Christ. The kid was going to drive him to an early grave, but damn if he didn’t laugh at his audacity.
“Out,” he said again, and this time Daniel pushed out the door and disappeared into the hall.
Ella Frank is the author of the #1 Bestselling Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, A Desperate Man. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”
A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author
Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.
Blurb Violet I knew at a very young age that I wasn't normal. I may look normal. I may act normal. But I am not normal, not in the head at least. Wait, that sounds bad. When I started kindergarten, I was able to pick out all 50 states on a map. By first grade, I knew all of the names of all of the students and teachers in my entire school. My dad and I always watched football on TV together. When I turned seven, he took me to my first Miami Dolphins game. I started calling the plays even before they were made. And by the time I was 10, I could tell you what happened on any day of my life without thought. I had total recall, no hesitation, no conscious thought. I’m not autistic. I’m not a savant or a genius. It’s more than a case of photographic memory. In fact, I don’t memorize anything. I have Hyperthymesia. Plain and simple: If I live it, hear it, or see it – I remember it. No exceptions. Pike I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a cop. Not just any cop, but a detective. Chasing bad guys and taking down mobsters. But like my good buddy, Mick, says, “You can’t always get want you want.” So instead of arresting criminals and keeping the streets safe, I am dancing in a dingy club, making a living shaking my ass and pulling dollar bills out of my crack. Not the life I grew up wanting to lead. Not what I expected or hoped for myself. But maybe if I wait it out. If I hang tight, it will all be worth it in the end. I will get what I came for and move on. I will earn my future and pave my own way. What is that he says? “If you try sometimes…you get what you need.” From your lips to God’s ears, Mick.
ARC kindly received from Alessandra Torre for an honest review
"Maybe now, with my new life a train wreck, I would discover the real Chloe Madison."
There is always something about Alessandra Torre's books that has this silver-or-big-screen feel to it every time I read them. Love, Chloe is just like that. It's like watching a new fun, romantic, sexy, comedy series on Netflix and I love Netflix!
We've always known the rugs to riches stories, but with Chloe, it's the other way around -- her story is about her riches to (well, somewhat) rugs tumble. And if you have read any of this author's books, you would know how gifted she is in writing vivid characters and stories, making her readers picture what they are reading clear in their imaginations. This book is such an entertaining reading experience I couldn't put down!
What I relished more was that Love, Chloe is more than just a romance read. It really was more about Chloe's journey from being a spoiled snob who enjoys designer things and the luxury of AmEx to someone who settles as assistant to one of the bitchiest person and needs to budget her salary and rent. Like watching a new TV show, a lot was happening in the story but all of it was a part of Chloe's growth into this, as Cammie's words, a "nicer, smarter, and sees things differently now" person. And it's true.
Love, Chloe is a refreshingly sassy sexy read and I loved and enjoyed every little bit of this book. Yes, even the desperate ex, the un-parent-like parents, but most of all, Chanel!
Alessandra Torre is an exceptional writer and she shows it with every story she publishes. Love, Chloe is a must read for everyone who is going through a tough life. Let Carter and Chloe inspire you with their journey in life and love and give you hope that everything will turn out for the best.
Stars: 5 stars
Recommended to: Everyone!!! It's like reading and watching a TV show in one.
Series: No.
POV: First person. Female POV.
Extra Comment: I love how creative Alessandra is with her books, Love, Chloe's Instagram inserts and monthly notes rock!
Whoever said singles were missing out by not finding true love and getting married before the age of thirty had never experienced the sheer pleasure of nightly romantic comedy viewings in their underwear while eating one of Licked’s famous Crazy Cat Lady sundaes. Because life just doesn’t get better than that.
At least, it doesn’t for Shayne Callahan. It didn’t take more than a handful of broken hearts after college to solidify that she was better at pairing up those around her than herself. As a matchmaker at the elite HLS—Hook, Line, & Sinker Matchmaking Company—in the City of Angels, she has a knack for finding the other halves of even the most eccentric clients:
Sugar daddy with a foot fetish? Gross, but no problem.
A severe case of nudophobia? Match made before lunch.
But even the most happily independent of women can find their best-laid plans screeching to a halt when they meet that guy. For Shayne, that guy comes in the form of boyishly handsome, suspender-lovin’, dimple-poppin’ Nate Ryan on a pantsless (we’ll get to that later) Metro ride.
Of course, relationships can never be easy. Before the destined lovers can ride off into the sunset, they must overcome a power-hungry and sexual-punning boss, a celebrity scandal and cover-up, and let’s not forget Shayne’s dreadful foot-in-mouth disease—with which there can never be a happily ever after.
Will fate throw Shayne a freakin’ bone? Or will she be destined to live out her life as sexy(ish), single(ish), and L.A.’s finest Hooker (upper)?
5 Matchmaking Stars
ARC received from BTS Promotions for an honest review
"Holy shit.
Hottest fucking thing..."
I can't find a better way to start off my review than those 2 lines above, and while it may sound more erotic romance than romantic comedy, believe me when I say that it's more the latter. Because holy freaking shakeballs, Brooke Blaine just did it again! Hooker is the perfect pick-me-upper after a sad and slow week for me. I laughed, I snorted, I felt the Hooker energy come alive right out from my Kindle.
Shayne Callahan is a successful matchmaker. By successful, I meant really successful in pairing up people that end up in long-term relationships and even marriages. I have always loved the friendship the girls had in book 1, Licked, and I have been curious about Shayne and what she does. Hooker exceeded all laughter and giggles from Licked and I was caught hook, line, and sinker!
"Resist the dimples. Resist the dimples. And for God's sake, don't touch them."
Let's not forget Nate Ryan -- the most hilarious, adorable, persistent hero I've read in a while. Seriously, who can stand up to someone as foul-mouthed, independent, and crazy as one Shayne Callahan? The guy is just perfect. Shayne was crazy funny but I don't think this would be as delightful as it is without Nate's character and that is why everything about Hooker blended effortlessly for me as a reader.
Sure this book is about 90% fun and good vibes, but there are also some extra excitements like the issue with Ace Locke, Shayne's infuriating, maddening boss, the sizzling chemistry between Shayne and Nate and how Shayne tried so hard to not be attracted to him, and my most favorite part... the friendship between the girls. I fell in love with the romance but I adore the friendship that the author weaved for the characters. That alone is enough to keep me coming back for more.
No boring moments.
Full of cute, LOL lines.
Wonderful characters.
Entertaining story.
Engaging writing.
How can I not love this and get Hooked?
Stars: 5 stars
Recommended to: Everyone who is looking for that feel-good, easy, sweet read. Hooker will keep you entertained until the very end.
Nate nodded toward my legs. “Your pants are making me hungry.”
Aaaand that was the point where I stopped breathing. Except to say, “What?”
His eyes trailed down my body and rested on my thighs. Self-conscious, I looked down, almost sighing with relief when I realized my lower half was indeed covered this time, but that feeling went away pretty fucking fast when I saw the ice cream cones on my pajama pants practically flinging themselves at him.
Yes, I’d gone out in public in pajamas, so sue me. I hadn’t counted on running into…well, anybody.
“Oh. Oh yeah, um…I like ice cream,” I mumbled. “Especially from Licked, my friend Ryleigh’s store, although I have to say, her boozy shakes are unreal, especially the Make Me Quake Shake, which has these amazing pieces of those Ferrero Rocher balls in them, and they just give it the perfect amount of crunch so that you—” I stopped and took a breath when I noticed his grin getting wider. I swallowed and then said, “Not that I go there all the time or anything. Because I don’t. I mean, I’ve only been once or twice. You know…to taste test. Actually, I never eat sweets.”
He laughed then, and those penetrating eyes, tinged with more green than brown today, made their way up my body once more, pausing with what looked like amusement at my full hands. Then his gaze was on me and those dimples were out in full force.
“That’s too bad,” he said. “I’ve got a helluva sweet tooth.”
Wait…was he flirting with me? Was that a come-on? Or just stating a fact?
“Yeah, well, in that case your dentist probably hates you,” I said, readjusting the cold-ass meals in my arms. I’d be damned if I let those suckers go now. I’d tied my jacket around my waist, and my thin tank top would reveal a tit-bit more than I needed him to see.
He chuckled at that. Hmm. He had a nice chuckle. And a husky laugh. Both of which made my eyes zoom in on his throat. I wondered if it was as warm as it looked. He must’ve caught me staring, because he coughed, bringing my attention back to his face. His eyes were twinkling something wicked.
“You might be right about that,” he said. “Maybe I don’t like people telling me what to do. Or dictating what I can and can’t put in my mouth.”
My mouth dropped open, but I quickly snapped it shut. This guy was obviously a charmer, and after dealing with guys like him all day, the last thing I would do was fall prey to another arrogant playboy. Nope. Not me. Not gonna happen.
Book Trailer
You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.
She is the author of the international bestselling romantic comedy series, L.A. Liaisons (“Licked” and “Hooker), as well as Flash Point and The Desperate Man series. The latter, co-authored with Ella Frank, has scarred her conservative Southern family for life, bless their hearts.
If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find - just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.
