ARC: Wicked Heat – Ella Frank Book Review (Chicago Heat #1)

“He’s grumpy, rude, and honestly, not that likeable at all. So why can’t I stop thinking about him?”

Wicked Heat, an all-new high heat and slow burn mm romance, and the first book in the Chicago Heat Series from USA Today bestselling author Ella Frank, is live now!

Synopsis

Ryan

Kind, caring, and protective. Those are the three qualities I’m looking for when it comes to my dream man. In a city as big as Chicago, you wouldn’t think he would be that hard to find, right?

Wrong.

Sure, my boss found a super-sexy detective and my best friend fell madly in love with the most eligible bachelor around. But the only person I’ve met recently is a broody bad boy who saved me at a sketchy pub.

He’s grumpy, rude, and honestly, not that likeable at all. Hardly my “dream” guy.

So why can’t I stop thinking about him?

Jameson

I don’t do friendships. I don’t do relationships either. The very last thing I’m looking for in life is to fall in love and live happily ever after.

So saving some rich guy from losing his wallet is the last thing I want to do on a Friday night. Especially when he looks like someone who just stepped off the cover of GQ.

Fate seems to have other ideas, though, and every time I turn around, he’s there.

A wicked heat simmers between us, threatening to ignite, and though I’ve been trained to put out the flames, I can’t help but think: What’s the worst that could happen if I let this desire burn out of control?

Wicked Heat is book 1 of 2 in Ryan Carrigan & Jameson Clarke’s story.

Add Wicked Heat to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3m5yUsb

Review:

I’ve run out of different ways to express my love for Ella Frank’s books!

I’m not kidding, I feel like all my reviews for this author’s work are similar in the sense that I just repeat how much I love and adored them and that’s why I always struggle to review them but man, what else is there to say. In my eyes, she can do no wrong and she is without a doubt, my favourite author. Wicked Heat is just a testament to her incredible talent and unwavering ability to absolutely capture my attention with her phenomenal stories even 31 books later, I’m still as in love with her writing as I was way back when I picked up my first Ella Frank book.

Wicked Heat was everything I could have wanted and more.

I have been waiting for mister Ryan Carrigan to get his love story since he was first introduced a while back in Xander and Sean’s series, The Intentions duet because he just seemed sweet and fun. When Ella announced who his love interest was going to be, I was blown away with excitement because that little glimpse of Jameson at the end of Killian and Bash’s series, The Dare to Try Series, left me wanting to know more about the mysterious and grumpy dude.

Suffice to say, these guys were quite the match. Ryan and Jameson are, evidently very different from one another which plays into the opposites attract trope but it was really well done. It isn’t cliche or anything of the sort, rather because there was a natural progression from resistance to friends to lovers, it felt like them getting together was a genuine and inevitable thing. Their connection and chemistry were clear from the start and you could just tell that there was something just attracting them to one another.

Ryan was funny, outgoing and kind. He was constantly aware and considerate of Jameson’s feelings and was just an all-around amazing man. Jameson was more of a closed-off, quiet and surly guy. He definitely had walls put up because of what seems like a tough past which I’m interested in learning more of cause I feel like we only just scratched the surface with that.

The romance between these guys was both very sweet as they became friends and got to know one another and then became smoking hot once they put an end to the angst tension and gave in to their attraction. Honestly, Ryan and Jameson just clicked and it’s not for nothing that Jameson opened up in a way that was completely unlike him when he was with Ryan and that Ryan felt wholeheartedly protected, safe and comfortable with a man as closed off as Jameson was for a chunk of their time together. They were just sexy as hell and right for each other and I can’t wait to see what happens next because the ending left so many things up in the air.

As far as development goes, which if you’ve read my reviews before you know is very important to me, this book hit all the marks. Ella Frank’s books are not particularly long and read pretty quickly which you might think risks skimping out on development or proper pacing but that is not the case with this author. Her stories are just so well written that she managed to pace the plot appropriately so that it develops throughout the book and doesn’t feel too slow or fast. She also made sure to have Ryan and Jameson evolve throughout the book and grow because of their relationship, which itself also changed over time. All that to say, this book feels like it passes in a blink of an eye but yet feels like so I’ve been touched by so many emotions and have seen such a wonderful storyline play out in front of my eyes. I just can’t wait for more!

Fun, thrilling and sexy, Wicked Heat was the most amazing start to Ryan and Jameson’s love story!

Overall, I adored every second of this book and I’m really excited to see where Ella takes things in Wicked Flame. Those last couple of chapters had me tense with anticipation and were just heart-wrenching. I’m giving Wicked Heat 5 stars and would recommend it to fans of m/m romance. And as always, it was lovely to see some familiar faces!

Grab your copy today, exclusively on Amazon or FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EVdTIf
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/chicagoheatone

About Ella Frank

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, Sex Addict. 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.

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

Connect with Ella

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2sYAgNc
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2tM6vPy
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2TbuBOf
Stay up to date with Ella by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2FFDzeI
Website: https://www.ellafrank.com

Read my reviews for the other books mentioned in this review!

Intentions Duet

Bad Intentions

Good Intentions

Dare to Try series

Dare You

Dare Me

Truth or Dare

Find me on social media

FACEBOOK  –  INSTAGRAM  –  GOODREADS

 

ARC: Truth or Dare – Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine (Dare to Try #3)

Truth or Dare - BT banner

Truth or Dare, the must read last book in the Dare to Try Trilogy from USA Today bestselling authors Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine is available now!
Truth or Dare is the final book in the Dare to Try trilogy and should only be read after Dare You and Dare Me.

Blurb

Lieutenant Kieran Bailey never saw his life anywhere but the bustling streets of
Chicago—but then again, he never saw his life with a boyfriend, either. That all changed when he fell in love with bombshell CEO Sebastian “Bash” Vogel.

But it’s one thing to fall in love. It’s another to try to build a life together when you live hundreds of miles apart.

How do you choose between everything you’ve ever known and everything you’ve ever dreamed of?

This series must be read in the following order:

Dare You (book one)
Dare Me (book two)
Truth or Dare (book three)

Truth or Dare - AN

Review

Ah, Truth or Dare was absolutely fabulous!

I love these characters so much and Brooke and Ella just made me love them even more with this last installment in their series. Bash and Kieran are a new favourite couple of mine and I’m sad that their books are all wrapped up now. But damn, what a ride it’s been!

Everything leading up to this moment made it so special!

I’ve been rooting for Bash to find the love of his life for what feels like ages and the fact that he found that with Kieran is amazing. Both of these guys are truly wonderful men and their romance has been a beautiful thing to witness. From friends to lovers, these guys have grown a lot throughout these three books and I was over the moon happy to see them get their happily ever after. These guys had such a profound connection, and chemistry beyond compare and it was clear as day what with how sexy they were. I wish I could read them endlessly…

Sexy, sweet and entirely too addictive, I loved every second of Truth or Dare!

Overall, Brooke and Ella did a lovely job at concluding their story in a great way and while I loved every last thing about Truth or Dare, as always, it’s bittersweet. Nevertheless, I can’t recommend this series enough because it’s just so addictive and sexy. I am giving Truth or Dare 5 stars and would recommend it to fans of m/m romance.

Grab your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mwVURY
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TruthDareEB
Add Truth or Dare to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3jkNCKT

Start the Dare to Try Trilogy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3znXIzN
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DareYouEB

 

Ella Frank.png

About Ella Frank

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, Sex Addict. 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. Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

​Connect with Ella

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2sYAgNc
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2tM6vPy
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2TbuBOf

Stay up to date with Ella by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2FFDzeI

Website: https://www.ellafrank.com

 

BrookeBlaine

About Brooke Blaine

Brooke Blaine is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance that ranges from comedy to suspense to erotic. The latter 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 years. Or you can reach her at http://www.BrookeBlaine.com.

Connect with Brooke

Website: http://www.brookeblaine.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrookeBlaine.Writer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrookeBlaine1
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brookeblaine1/
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1i2g15S

Brooke & Ella’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBrellas
The M/M Daily Grind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/941204085967883

If you’d like to be the FIRST to know about a new release, sale, giveaway, or upcoming signings & events, make sure to join Brooke’s mailing list: http://www.BrookeBlaine.com

 

Find me on social media:

FACEBOOK  –  INSTAGRAM  –  GOODREADS  –  TWITTER

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Ah, Truth or Dare was absolutely fabulous!

I love these characters so much and Brooke and Ella just made me love them even more with this last installment in their series. Bash and Kieran are a new favourite couple of mine and I’m sad that their books are all wrapped up now. But damn, what a ride it’s been!

Everything leading up to this moment made it so special!

I’ve been rooting for Bash to find the love of his life for what feels like ages and the fact that he found that with Kieran is amazing. Both of these guys are truly wonderful men and their romance has been a beautiful thing to witness. From friends to lovers, these guys have grown a lot throughout these three books and I was over the moon happy to see them get their happily ever after. These guys had such a profound connection, and chemistry beyond compare and it was clear as day what with how sexy they were. I wish I could read them endlessly…

Sexy, sweet and entirely too addictive, I loved every second of Truth or Dare!

Overall, Brooke and Ella did a lovely job at concluding their story in a great way and while I loved every last thing about Truth or Dare, as always, it’s bittersweet. Nevertheless, I can’t recommend this series enough because it’s just so addictive and sexy. I am giving Truth or Dare 5 stars and would recommend it to fans of m/m romance.

ARC: Dare Me – Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank Book Review (Dare to Try #2)

Dare Me, the scorching hot second book in the Dare to Try Trilogy from
USA Today bestselling authors Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine is now live!

Blurb

Dare Me is part two of the Dare to Try trilogy and should only be read after Dare You.

The moment Bash “Miss Razzle Dazzle” Vogel sashayed into Lieutenant Kieran Bailey’s life, both their worlds were turned upside down.

What started as an easy friendship quickly morphed into sizzling chemistry that neither one could deny.

But what Kieran knows better than anyone is that when a fire burns this hot and heavy, someone’s bound to get burned.

Do they dare to risk being together? Or will the flame of this hot match consume them both?

Dare Me - AN

Review

I love this couple so much, it’s crazy… Book number 28 by this duo combined is officially in the bag!

I fell in love with Bash and Kieran’s fiery chemistry in book 1 and this time around, things went to a whole other level. Brooke and Ella did a wonderful job of continuing Bash and Kieran’s incredible romance and I loved every second of Dare Me.

My only qualm was that the book was so short…

I wish this book would have been longer cause I was just so invested in it. When I realized it was nearly over, I had to physically force myself not to procrastinate and just finish it because I really didn’t want it to stop where it did. Dare Me picks up where Dare You ends and has Bash and Kieran navigating the challenges of their new romance. Communication and commitment are two important things in their relationship and we see them take centre stage in the development of their romance. I really loved seeing them take a step forward in their relationship and admit to the fact that there was something special in their connection to one another.

Of course, in true Brooke and Ella fashion, things were very steamy which I loved. There was a nice blend of sexy and sweet and honestly, these guys have just stolen my heart with their cute and flirty banter. Oh man, the mouth on Bash… he is unfiltered and unapologetic and we love him for it. As for Kieran, he can give as good as he gets which makes him the perfect man to face off with Bash and handle his particular kind of charm.

Quick, sexy and full of sweet banter, Dare Me was a lovely continuation to this addictive series.

Overall, I had a really fun time reading Dare Me and getting to see some familiar South Haven faces. Dare Me has only made me that much more excited to read Truth or Dare to see how this phenomenal author duo conclude Bash and Kieran’s wonderful love story. I am giving Dare Me 5 stars and would recommend it to fans of M/M romance.

Dare Me is book two of the Dare to Try trilogy, which must be read in order.
Grab your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3x6XkE8
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DareMeEB
Add Dare Me to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3l1BXlo

Start the Dare to Try Trilogy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3znXIzN
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DareYouEB

 

Ella Frank.png

About Ella Frank

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, Sex Addict. 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. Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

​Connect with Ella

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2sYAgNc
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2tM6vPy
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2TbuBOf

Stay up to date with Ella by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2FFDzeI

Website: https://www.ellafrank.com

 

BrookeBlaine

About Brooke Blaine

Brooke Blaine is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance that ranges from comedy to suspense to erotic. The latter 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 years. Or you can reach her at http://www.BrookeBlaine.com.

Connect with Brooke

Website: http://www.brookeblaine.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrookeBlaine.Writer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrookeBlaine1
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brookeblaine1/
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1i2g15S

Brooke & Ella’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBrellas
The M/M Daily Grind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/941204085967883

If you’d like to be the FIRST to know about a new release, sale, giveaway, or upcoming signings & events, make sure to join Brooke’s mailing list: http://www.BrookeBlaine.com

 

Find me on social media:

FACEBOOK  –  INSTAGRAM  –  GOODREADS  –  TWITTER

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ARC: Dare You – Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank Book Review (Dare to Try #1)

Dare You - BT banner

Blurb

Dare You, the first book in the all new sexy and playful Dare to Try Trilogy
from USA Today bestselling authors Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine is available now!

From Ella Frank’s Prime Time series and Brooke Blaine’s South Haven series comes an explosive spin-off of both worlds.

Sebastian “Bash” Vogel, the magnetic, cross-dressing CEO of AnaVoge, has long been a lone island when it comes to his personal life. Self-assured and playful, he’s never left wanting for suitors—but Bash isn’t looking for something permanent. He’s more than fulfilled with his company and his closest friends, and no one is going to shake up the status quo.

That is, until he’s thrown over the shoulder of one of Chicago’s finest and hauled out of a burning building.

Kieran Bailey, a sexy, hardworking lieutenant at Station 73, has been reaping the rewards of being crowned the city’s hottest fireman, which his crew never lets him forget. So many ladies, so little time. So when he rescues the latest damsel in distress, no one is more shocked than him to realize he’s played prince charming to another … prince.

But Bash isn’t like anyone Kieran has ever met, and soon his world is turned upside down as he becomes more intrigued by the enigmatic man that he can’t stay away from.

They’re from two different worlds. This could never work. But what if … they dared to try?

Dare You is book one of the Dare to Try trilogy, which must be read in order. Prior
reading is not required, but is always a fantastic idea for maximum enjoyment.

Dare You - AN

 

Review

Oh, how I would have given anything for this book not to end when it did!

I am a huge fan of Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine and would go as far as to say they are my favorite authors of all time. I say this because I have read more of their books than any other author ever and I have loved every single one. Dare You marks the 27th book I’ve read from this duo combined and it was nothing short of spectacular. I was hooked from the very first page and was hanging off every word until that very last page. I honestly could have read Bash and Kieran’s story for ages without tiring, it was just that addictive.

I flew through Dare You faster than I have any other book by Ella and Brooke…

Which is saying a lot based on how many I’ve read and how much I adore their writing. There was just something about Bash and Kieran that was utterly irresistible. I, like many other South Haven fans, have been waiting with excitement for Bash’s love story. Now that it’s finally come, I can confirm, it was most definitely worth the wait by a long shot.

Ella and Brooke did a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life and exploring their budding relationship. The pacing was perfect for their dynamic and the angst and tension was wonderful and sexy to boot. On the writing front, I wouldn’t have changed anything because it was a perfect introduction to this new trilogy and did have a good level of development for the first book in the series.

As for the characters, they were amazing, of course.

Sebastian Vogel is a fabulous and illustrious man with confidence in spades. He isn’t afraid to flirt with anyone and everyone and he’s quick to speak his mind. In short, Bash is impossible not to love. He’s charismatic, kind, sassy and just a whole lot of fun. His energy is contagious and he just puts a smile on my face with his unfiltered banter.

Kieran Bailey has a heart of gold, dedicating his life to saving others and also firmly standing up for what he believes in. Kieran was an amazing man, he didn’t shy away from Bash’s advances, instead he welcomed them and bantered right back. He was easy to love what with his unwavering supportive and caring personality.

I knew Bash from A Little Bit Like Love, the first book in the South Haven series by Brooke Blaine but I haven’t read A Little Bit Like Desire yet and that was fine, so don’t worry about having to read anything before this series. I knew Kieran from the previous Bailey brother’s books, the last two books in Ella Frank’s Confession series (Henri and Bailey) and her Prime Time series (Inside Affair, Breaking News and Headlines).

Despite having met these characters before, it was only briefly. I didn’t feel like I truly knew very much about Bash and in Dare You we just begin to scratch the surface of who he is. I was happy to finally get to know him but I’m even more excited to continue this series to discover more about who this glamorous man really is. As for Kieran, he was kind of a mystery. Kieran was very much a sidelined character in the other Bailey Brother’s books so I didn’t have any real indication as to who he was beyond being Bailey and Sean’s firefighter brother. In Dare You, I finally got to know Kieran and discover what kind of a man he is, what his personality is like and I honestly fell in love with what we got.

These two guys had so much chemistry and it was clear early on that there was a connection developing between them. Bash and Kieran matched each other’s witt and had a very playful relationship. What started out as a platonic relationship turned into a fiery hot romance and it was epic. There was a whole lot of denying their feelings or fighting them but once they gave in, it was one steamy ride.

Like I said, this book only scratched the surface and I really can’t wait to see where things go. With the way things ended, I’m looking forward to seeing how they approach this next step in their relationship because I have no doubt it’ll amazing!

Sexy, angsty and full of flirtatious banter, Dare You was a fantastic start to what will surely be another incredible series by this super talented author duo!

Overall, I loved everything about this book and hated to have had to finish it. I’ll be waiting patiently for the next one because it’ll surely be worth the short wait. I am giving Dare You 5 stars and would recommend it to fans of m/m romance!

P.S. I love getting to visit other characters from previous books so seeing lots of couples show up in this book was a lovely little treat that had me smiling from ear to ear.

 

Grab your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3znXIzN
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DareYouEB
Add Dare you to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3BwM5bC

Reserve the second book in the trilogy!

Dare Me

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3x6XkE8
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DareMeEB
Add Dare Me to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3l1BXlo

Reserve the third book in the trilogy!

Truth or Dare

Amazon: https://amzn.to/373UbKN
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TOD
Add Truth or Dare to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3kSS2Ke

 

Ella Frank.png

About Ella Frank

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, Sex Addict. 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. Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

​Connect with Ella

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2sYAgNc
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2tM6vPy
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2TbuBOf

Stay up to date with Ella by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2FFDzeI

Website: https://www.ellafrank.com

 

BrookeBlaine

About Brooke Blaine

Brooke Blaine is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance that ranges from comedy to suspense to erotic. The latter 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 years. Or you can reach her at http://www.BrookeBlaine.com.

Connect with Brooke

Website: http://www.brookeblaine.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrookeBlaine.Writer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrookeBlaine1
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brookeblaine1/
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1i2g15S

Brooke & Ella’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBrellas
The M/M Daily Grind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/941204085967883

If you’d like to be the FIRST to know about a new release, sale, giveaway, or upcoming signings & events, make sure to join Brooke’s mailing list: http://www.BrookeBlaine.com

 

Find me on social media:

FACEBOOK  –  INSTAGRAM  –  GOODREADS  –  TWITTER

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