Favorites of 2017 ~ Couples

I enjoyed doing a "look back at the year" in 2016 so I figured it'd once again be fun to bring 2017 to a close by listing some of favorites. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of yours!

*~*Couples*~*

• Eva and Gideon - watching them fall for one another and learn to be strong enough in themselves to build a relationship strong enough to last was a wonder.
• Silver and Logan - I've so enjoyed watching as Logan courts Silver. They're each growing so much even while enduring so much. It's been a challenge but it's great to see them together.
• Greer, Embry, and Ash - okay, I realize it's a trio rather than a couple but still...they were a pleasure to get to know and to watch change, mature, and fall in love.
• Nora and Soren - this couple is making the list two years in a row! Their's is an unconventional relationship if ever there was one and yet I still adore them
• Charles and Anna - their bond keeps getting stronger and stronger 
• Will and Layken - I really enjoyed reliving all their best and worst memories along with them. These two are just meant to be together!
• Tate and Logan - their love is swoon-worthy, y'all!
• Lily and Lo - these two broke my heart and put it back together again. They're each so broken and yet still perfect together. No, they don't fix each other - their love just makes them want to be better for the other. *sigh*
• Violet and Jennings - this couple made me laugh out loud all the while rooting for them to end up together!
• Jamie and Claire - I felt so much for these two! They're amazing individuals and as a couple? I'm not sure I've ever rooted for an historical couple more.
• Tabby and Shy, Lanie and Hopper, Joker and Carissa, High and Millie, Brock and Tessa, Hawk and Gwen, Tack and Tyra, and Mara and Mitch (I know it's cheating, right?)

Can you guess which books these couples starred in?

Favorites of 2017 ~ Worlds/Settings

I enjoyed doing a "look back at the year" in 2016 so I figured it'd once again be fun to bring 2017 to a close by listing some of favorites. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of yours!

*~*Worlds/Settings*~*

• Cognito - I'm finishing up the year in Cognito. I've enjoyed spending time there with Silver and all her friends. And Dannika Dark does a fine job of creating the "look and feel" of snowy, cold weather.
• Denver, Colorado - the setting for Kristen Ashley's Chaos series and Dream Man series is brought to life in the stories...and I enjoyed spending time here, so near home, all over again.
• Denton, Texas - this is where the Thieves series is set and it's perfect! Having lived in North Texas for 4 years prior to moving to Colorado, Blake nails the feel.
• Chicago, Illinois - I've spent quite a bit of time in Chicago this year - mostly fictionally but also in real life. Helena Hunting's Clipped Wings series is set here and I liked how she brought to life the area around Northwestern to life. I also spent time in Chicago with Ella Frank's Temptation series and Jennifer Dawson's Undone series.
• West Texas (Amarillo, Dumas, Ernest) - Having spent about half my life, before getting married, in West Texas, I quite enjoyed spending time there with the characters of Kari Lynn Dell's Texas Rodeo series.
• New York City - I binged on Sylvia Day's Crossfire series in November and December, and she brought to life the hustle and bustle of the city through Eva's eyes. Having visited Manhattan before, it was fun reminiscing. Lara Adrian's For 100 Days and For 100 Nights is also set in NYC. She brought an entirely different scene to life in the trilogy.
• Rome - Rome is not a location I'd ever hoped to visit...until I read J.T. Geissinger's Edge of Oblivion. Her description of the city as well as the underground city, the historical buildings and ruins, the art, the food, the mythology...yeah, Rome went on my bucket list.
• Scotland - although I like to think I'd have liked to live during the time of Highlanders - and maybe I would - Gabaldon created a Scotland the felt very realistic in it's harsh beauty...very realistic. 

Review ~ Tease ~ Ella Frank #2017NewRelease

Tease by Ella Frank
Temptation Series #4
Release Date: May 9, 2017
Genre: Adult, M/M Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Tease - verb: to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it....unless your name is Tate Morrison.

It's been four years since Logan Mitchell walked into Tate's life and irrevocably changed it. Four years since the sexy as sin lawyer dared him to try, and four years since Tate won his love.

Now, as they approach the next chapter of their lives Logan is determined they won't end up like many of their friends. Settled. Domestic. Boring. However, that's easier said than done. With busy careers and working odd hours, finding time for one another is becoming increasingly difficult.

But that sh*t isn't going to fly with Logan or Tate.

The two of them are determined to compromise to get what it is they want, and what they want is each other.

Tease is the sexy, tantalizing continuation of the two men who stole your heart... and popped your cherry.

If y'all have followed me for a few  years, you might remember my gushing reviews about these two guys. Quite simply, they are my favorite M/M couple. SO you may be able to imagine my reaction to finding out Ella Frank was adding to the series...

More Tate and Logan? Yessssss!

Tease picks up in Tate and Logan's life 4 years later. Tate's bar, The Popped Cherry, is a success and Logan's law firm is doing well too. Sound staid? Here are a few reasons Tease is wroth the read:

• Logan - he's HOT, charismatic, sharp-witted, and he knows how to state his case. His banter - with anyone but especially Tate - is typically snarky and fun. But while he exudes confidence, I like that he has a vulnerable side that he willingly shares with Tate.
• Tate - he's so grounded. Oh, he's hot too but he definitely is the yang to Logan's yin. I've always appreciated that Tate takes the time to analyze, think things through before making decisions, and once he makes one, he's solid.
• More than romance - despite the fact we do get to see that the spark is still very much alive between Logan and Tate, I enjoyed seeing how they've progressed in their relationship and how they deal when things from their past and present force them to handle things like bigotry and prejudice.

While Tease maybe wasn't quite as dazzling as it's predecessors, it's a worthy continuation to Logan and Tate's story.

Review ~ Finley ~ Ella Frank

Finley by Ella Frank
Sunset Cove #1
Release Date: March 22, 2016
Genre: Adult, M/M Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, 
#COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
It's time to come home, Finn.
It's been seven years since Daniel Finley left his hometown in Florida for the hustle and bustle of Chicago's city life.
Since then, he's worked hard for his position at the prestigious law firm Leighton & Associates, even when it's caused distance and isolation from his family and friends. But that's all about to change.
On his thirtieth birthday, he receives the one thing he never dared hope for. Something that was promised to him years earlier--a note. One simple sentence from the man he's never been able to forget.
Six words will forever change the course of their lives.
Brantley Hayes has it all. Or so he thinks. When he first made the decision to take a job down in Florida, his family thought he was crazy. But, after years of living in the quiet beach town, he finally feels a sense of community. He's surrounded himself with friends who are like family, has a job he loves, and owns a spectacular beachfront property that is his sanctuary.
Yet he still feels unfulfilled, as if a piece of the puzzle is missing, and he knows exactly which piece it is. On an impulse, he follows through with a promise he made years earlier. A promise to call home the one he sent away.
Nothing is as simple as it seems.
After years of separation, the former lovers are reunited, but Brantley wasn't expecting to encounter the high walls now guarding Daniel's heart.
Daniel may not be the same person he was when he left, but he knows that the first step to healing is the note in his hand.

I gushed and gushed about Ms. Frank's Trust series so when I saw she was releasing a spin-off of sorts - another M/M - I immediately pre-ordered it. Even though, for me, Finley didn't deliver quite the emotion that Tate and Logan did, I was not disappointed.

Daniel Finley, Finn, left home seven years ago broken-hearted. He built a life for himself and his a successful attorney in Chicago now. But he's come home to Florida for closure. For that, he has to face the man that broke his heart. The man he's not been able to forget.

Brantley sent Finn away seven years ago in what he considered a selfless act - what was best for Finn. He broke his own heart in the process. But now Finn is home and he can't wait to see if there's still that something special between them.

Finn and Brantley broke my heart. Their love was so strong, so pure. It hurt that they'd been apart. I understood Brantley's actions though, and I admired him for them. I also admired that despite the fact he still loved Finn, he'd have put his own wishes and desires aside if Finn wanted that. Finn was understandably crushed by Brantley's actions. He thought he was coming home to put things to bed between them. But what they had was too powerful.

Ms. Frank tells their story via present time dual narration and flashbacks, which beautifully illustrated the development of their romance in the past and explained the depth of feelings the current romance was building from. It worked well for their story. She also introduced the cast of characters who populate this series - including the couple I believe will star in the next installment. They're delightful and I'm eager for their story. But I also think they're why I didn't feel the same level of emotion as I did in the Trust series - since we're not focusing on one main couple, the intense level of emotion wasn't achieved...at least not for me. That's not to say Ms. Frank didn't deliver the feels because she did. It was just different but no less enjoyable. I'm anxious to continue the series and hope to see more of Finn and Brantley around Sunset Cove.

By the way, Tate and Logan did make a cameo. Woohoo!!

#TravelingtoTerminus Review ~ Trust ~ Ella Frank

Trust by Ella Frank
Temptation #3
Release Date: May 2, 2015
Genre: Adult, M/M Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
TRUST - verb: to believe in the reliability, truth, or strength of another.

Up until now, Logan Mitchell has never had much of a reason to trust anyone.
Having struggled with a self-identity crisis throughout college, he's spent the years since then creating a sophisticated facade to present to the world.
It's an armor he thought was impenetrable--until he met Tate Morrison.
The gorgeous, headstrong bartender he'd sat across from only months ago has taken a tight hold of his heart, and Logan is discovering that it's time to let go.
It's time to let someone inside.

After years of placing his dreams on hold for his family, Tate has finally chosen to do what makes him happy and follow his heart.
The only thing he never would've imagined was that it would lead him into the arms of a man--and not just any man--the striking, never-takes-no-for-an-answer Logan Mitchell.
Tate has fallen hard, and as his world is turned on its axis and they move forward together, he finds his life becoming more entwined with the confident, successful lawyer.

Even though neither man expected the other, it's time to trust in their relationship--but not everything comes so easily...

I adore Tate and Logan! I so enjoyed seeing them really settle in, get really comfortable in the knowledge that what they had was the good stuff. They had more hurdles to jump but that managed. And Ms. Frank, of course, delivered all the feels along the way!

As this is the 3rd and final book in the trilogy, I want to talk about why you should meet Tate and Logan rather than what happened in this book specifically. I've said from the beginning that while this is M/M erotic romance, and there are super-steamy smexy times. But there is also an incredibly well-crafted story. Ms. Frank created these complex characters that now feel like friends. She deftly conveyed exactly who these characters are - every facet of their personality. Tate is this honest, straight-forward guy who does nothing without consideration and an examination of consequences. I loved that because I knew when he made a decision, he meant it. Logan is so confident and successful - always put together on the outside. He's impatient and wants what he wants when he wants it. But underneath all that cultured facade, he'll always be the skinny, self-conscious nerdy boy.

The trials Tate and Logan endured were gut-wrenching and heartbreaking and absolutely pulled on my heartstrings. Once again, Ms. Frank brought to light an issue that gay couples sometimes face. I liked how it was handled, eventually, and where Ms. Frank took the characters.

The only complaint I had while reading was that a minor plot thread was dropped. I thought it could have been taken somewhere but then again, it might have seemed contrived.

I hope y'all will consider introducing yourselves to Tate and Logan. This is a couple that will live forever in my heart - that's how much their story affected me. And I'm eager to get better acquainted with the characters of Ms. Frank's Exquisite series, all of whom we met in this series.

That's What HE Said #47 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #26

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Trust by Ella Frank

***

"So I'm daring you. Wake up. Wake up and tell me that you were right. That you're the best thing that has ever happened to me." Logan sucked in a shaky breath and then let it out as he ran his eyes over Tate's body. "And that I never stood a chance. I love you, and I'm not letting you go. Not now, not ever. I can be stubborn too. Got it?"

*~*~*~*~*~*

Tate sang along to the lyrics as he opened the over and pulled a tray of biscuits free. He didn't usually cook. Actually, he never cooked. But as he'd lain there thinking about what he wanted to say to Logan this morning, he'd become more and more nervous. 

Tate actually made biscuits and sausage gravy as a way to work out his nerves. Do you cook when you're worrying or nervous about something?

Review ~ Take ~ Ella Frank #COYER

Take by Ella Frank
Temptation #2
Release Date: July 8, 2014
Genre: Adult, M/M Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Take - verb: to reach for and hold in one's hands or get into one's possession, power or control.

Logan Mitchell is a man who's always been more than happy to take what he wants. It's a philosophy that's proven lucrative in both his business and personal life, and never was it more apparent than the night he laid eyes on Tate Morrison. After pulling out all the stops and convincing the sexy bartender to give him a try--he's hooked. Now, Logan finds himself in a predicament that demands more from him than a smart-ass answer and his innate ability to walk away when things get too deep. He has a choice to make, and it'll force him to do something he's never done before--take a chance.

Tate Morrison knows all about taking a chance. He took the biggest one of his life the night he showed up at Logan's apartment to explore his unexpected reaction to the man. Ever since then, he's thought of little else. At first he was convinced his attraction was based solely on his body's curiosity. But the more time he spends with the silver-tongued lawyer, the more Tate realizes that their physical chemistry is only the beginning. He's starting to catch a glimpse of what life with Logan would be like, and it's one full of excitement and satisfaction--a far cry from what he had in the past with his soon to be ex-wife.

Each man will face their fears as they begin to understand the true meaning of give and take. Their feelings for one another will be tested, as will their very beliefs. But now that they've found love where they least expected it, will they be brave enough to reach out and take it?

In Take, Tate and Logan attempt to move forward in their relationship but must deal with their fears first. Tate struggles with his feelings for Logan and how those closest to him will react. And Logan will have to expose his past and himself for Tate to move to the next level. And that scares him.

Ms. Frank did an amazing job of delivering the feels. The anguish Tate felt at the treatment he received from his family was palpable. Tate is nothing if not honest. I adore his straightforward approach to life. Sure he's confused by his feelings for Logan - and the intensity with which he feels them. But he takes the time to examine those feelings and when he realizes what he wants, it doesn't matter what anyone thinks. The fear Logan experiences over having a relationship - and understanding that fear - allowed me to really see Logan. For all his confidence, deep down he's still that nerdy boy he was as a teenager, looking for acceptance.

I ADORE these two men and their story. It's so raw and realistic - I can't get enough. And I'm enamored with the side characters - Logan's family - as well. I think I just might binge on Ms. Frank's Exquisite series soon - but I'll be reading Trust, the finale for Tate and Logan, first. :)

#ShelfLove, #COYER Review ~ Try ~ Ella Frank

Try by Ella Frank
Temptation #1
Release Date: November 12, 2013
Genre: Adult, M/M Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Try - verb: to make an attempt or effort to do something or in this case...someone.

Sex. Logan Mitchell loves it, and ever since he realized his raw sexual appeal at a young age, he has had no problem using it to his advantage. Men and women alike fall into his bed--after all, Logan is not one to discriminate. He lives by one motto--if something interests you, why not just take a chance and try?

And he wants to try Tate Morrison.

Just coming out of a four-year marriage with an ex-wife from hell, a relationship is the last thing on Tate's mind. He's starting fresh and trying to get back on his feet with a new job at an upscale bar in downtown Chicago.

The only problem is, Tate has caught the unwavering and unwelcome attention of Mr. Logan Mitchell - a regular at the bar and a man who always gets what he wants.

Night after night Tate fends off the persistent advances of the undeniably charismatic man, but after an explosive moment inthe bar, all best are off as he finds his body stirring with a different desire than his mind.

As arrogance, stubbornness and sexual tension sizzles between the two, it threatens to change the very course of their lives.

Logan doesn't do relationships. Tate doesn't do men. But what would happen if they both just gave in and...tried?

We've probably all met someone who's so enigmatic, so charming, who exudes confidence and sexuality so strongly that they're extremely attractive and their gender is a non-factor. Logan Mitchell is such a man. He walks into a room and electrifies it, drawing the attention of everyone. And Logan is always happy to sample - to try - anything and anyone. When he sets eyes on Tate, he sees a challenge he's only too happy and willing to accept.

Tate is coming out of a bad relationship, and that's putting it mildly. To say he's steering clear of another one would be an understatement. And he's definitely not looking to start anything with a man. But there's something about Logan that draws Tate in - makes him will to try.

Try is one of the hottest books I've ever read. The heat between Logan and Tate is palpable. And Ms. Frank did an incredible job of making me fall for and root for these two men. I could see beneath Logan's cocky facade to his insecurities about having anything real. And I could empathize with Tate in all the confusing emotions he was feeling, how he worried about changing his life for Logan is Logan wasn't going to stick around, his upset over being attracted to a man. The dynamics between these two men were riveting to witness and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how their feelings evolved. As I said, this book is hot with a capital H. But it's not only the smoking smexy scenes that had me sucking down ice water. The exchanges, interactions, the chase Logan undertook - it all was HOT. I also enjoyed the irony in that Logan was determined to get Tate to try something different and Tate ends up asking the same of Logan.

I can't stop thinking about Logan and Tate. In fact, I'm starting the second book NOW!

My TBR List ~ March ~ What Should I Read Next?

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

So I skipped February - just couldn't fit another book into my reading schedule. But I'm back at it this month! Y'all are going to help me decide which book to read for my LGBT Challenge. :)

Here are the choices:


Try
Temptation #1

Try - verb: to make an attempt or effort to do something or in this case...someone.

Sex. Logan Mitchell loves it, and ever since he realized his raw sexual appeal at a young age, he has had no problem using it to his advantage. Men and women alike fall into his bed--after all, Logan is not one to discriminate. He lives by one motto--if something interests you, why not just take a chance and try?

And he wants to try Tate Morrison.

Just coming out of a four-year marriage with an ex-wife from hell, a relationship is the last thing on Tate's mind. He's starting fresh and trying to get back on his feet with a new job at an upscale bar in downtown Chicago.

The only problem is, Tate has caught the unwavering and unwelcome attention of Mr. Logan Mitchell--a regular at the bar and a man who always gets what he wants.

Night after night Tate fends off the persistent advances of the undeniably charismatic man, but after an explosive moment in the bar, all bets are off as he finds his body stirring with a different desire than his mind.

As arrogance, stubbornness and sexual tension sizzles between the two, it threatens to change the very course of their lives.

Logan doesn't do relationships. Tate doesn't do men. But what would happen if they both just gave in and...tried?

*****

Collide
Blackcreek #1

At ten years old, Noah Jameson and Cooper Bradshaw collided mid-air when they dove for the same football. For three years, they were inseparable...until one day when Noah and his parents disappeared in the middle of the night.

Noah and Cooper never knew what happened to each other. Now, seventeen years later, after finding his boyfriend in bed with another man, Noah returns to Blackcreek looking for a fresh start. And damned if he doesn't find his old friend grew up to be sexy as sin. Coop can't believe Noah--the only person he trusted with the guilt over his parents' death--is back. And gay...Or that Cooper himself suddenly wants another man in his bed for the first time.

There's no denying the attraction and emotion between them, but can they overcome the ghosts of their pasts to have a future together?

This title contains two strong, sexy men, and a passionate friendship that transforms into a sizzling hot romance.

*****

Rush

For the love of the game.

Brandon Chase has always defined himself by one thing: football. Tough and athletic, he is a great college player who enjoys the hard hits and the sweaty grind of the gridiron. But when Brandon is injured, only one person can help him get back on track-a forbidden love he's desperately tried to put behind him.

Alec Andrews has never quite forgiven Brandon for walking away when their friendship turned into something more. But he can't deny help to one of his closest friends. As the two spend the long, hot summer working together, their old attraction comes flooding back.

Now as Alec thinks about coming out to his conservative family and Brandon considers revealing he's a gay football player, the two men must be strong to fight for a love that could be the greatest rush of their lives.





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