Somebody to Love (Crazy Little Thing #3) by Serene Franklin

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Blurb

Remy

I’m the worst. I don’t mean that in some cute, self-deprecating way; I’m literally the worst person I know. I’m not the type of guy that gets second chances, but fate has a funny way of messing with you sometimes.

A phone call in my darkest hour sends me flying back to a city I left behind a decade ago—right back to the only guy I’ve ever loved. He also happens to be the person I’ve hurt the most, and the reason why I left.

Now he’s in the hospital, and I can’t imagine leaving his side. I don’t deserve to stay—I know that more than anyone, but I’m not going anywhere until he’s well again. Once that happens, I’m gone for good.


Maxim

Waking up in a hospital is disorienting enough. With my ex here too, it feels like a dream. Except it isn’t. After ten years without a word, Remy is back. When he insists on being the one to see to my rehabilitation, I jump at the chance to invite him to stay at my apartment.

Remy smiles and says all the right things, yet I can tell there’s something weighing on him. I want to help, but if I push too hard, he may run again. When he’s ready to talk, I’ll be there.

I’ll do whatever it takes to make him want to stay.

Remy

I’m the worst. I don’t mean that in some cute, self-deprecating way; I’m literally the worst person I know. I’m not the type of guy that gets second chances, but fate has a funny way of messing with you sometimes.

A phone call in my darkest hour sends me flying back to a city I left behind a decade ago—right back to the only guy I’ve ever loved. He also happens to be the person I’ve hurt the most, and the reason why I left.

Now he’s in the hospital, and I can’t imagine leaving his side. I don’t deserve to stay—I know that more than anyone, but I’m not going anywhere until he’s well again. Once that happens, I’m gone for good.

Maxim

Waking up in a hospital is disorienting enough. With my ex here too, it feels like a dream. Except it isn’t. After ten years without a word, Remy is back. When he insists on being the one to see to my rehabilitation, I jump at the chance to invite him to stay at my apartment.

Remy smiles and says all the right things, yet I can tell there’s something weighing on him. I want to help, but if I push too hard, he may run again. When he’s ready to talk, I’ll be there.

I’ll do whatever it takes to make him want to stay.

***

TW: suicidal thoughts, mental illness, sexual assault (not on page)

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Damn, Serene Franklin's Somebody to Love is an exquisite second chance romance that I couldn't put down. 

After being away for ten years, Remy arrives back in town when his ex, Maxim, is injured. What follows is a powerful story of forgiveness, trying to reconcile, and an extremely intense connection.

Their tale is one of fear, fear, and more fear. It's absolutely gripping. Their story has alcohol, drugs, and cheating. It's full of regrets, confessions, secrets, and explanations. 

Remy is drowning in guilt and self-loathing. He's so damn broken, living a life he's ashamed of, feeling inferior and unworthy. He's a man in so much pain that he's unable to allow himself to be happy with the man he loves. 


This is a long story of reconciliation before we find out why Remy had left in the first place. I was totally engrossed in this tale and these characters. I could feel their pain in every ounce of my body.

It's a complex tale, full of many issues, but it all fits perfectly. The writing is magnificent and the characters are both mesmerizing. Both men are flawed, yet perfect for one another, and I fell hard for them as a couple.

Somebody to Love is absolutely gripping. It's a powerful story about love and getting through the pain of one's past and finding a future; a reason to live. I loved every second of this Serene Franklin gem.

Killer Queen (Crazy Little Thing #2) by Serene Franklin

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Blurb

Mac

I’m the kind of guy you can always count on. When my best friend and former roommate—who up and ditched me in favor of his fiancé—needs a favor, I don’t hesitate to help any way I can. This most recent favor landed me with a moody Irish university student for a roommate. With his long copper-red hair and blue eyes, he’s too damn cute for his own good—which is saying a lot considering I’m straight.

Thing is, he kinda hates me. Crazy, right? I shouldn’t care as much as I do, and I definitely shouldn’t let it bother me. Alas, here I am, caring and letting it bother me. I want him to like me, although I’m not quite sure why.


Dubhlainn

Insufferable. My new flatmate is insufferable. Between his loud, cheesy music, stupid assumptions, and flippant attitude, he annoys me. He also has this ridiculous aversion to wearing clothes around the flat, which wouldn’t be so bad if he weren’t so bloody attractive. It’s hard to remember to hate him when his perfect arse is within view.

Going after straight guys is nothing but trouble, and I’m smart enough to avoid that. Besides, I’d rather not mess up another living arrangement, and sex always makes things complicated—not that I’m thinking about sex.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Killer Queen is an amazing roommates to lovers romance by Serene Franklin.

Mac meets Dove when the two become new roommates. From the start, I love these two. Mac's penchant for never wearing clothes, and Dove's immediate snark, get the book off to an amazing start.

Mac's always considered himself straight, but he's confused and startled when he finds himself thinking of kissing Dove. Once the lines do blur, let the real fun begin. There are many sex scenes, some first times for Mac, and more. 

This is a story of awkward moments, sexual awakening, and sexual discovery. It's full of doubts, fears, jealousy, and stupidity. There's also tenderness underneath their sassy facades. With just the right amount of angst, which happens to be so well written, I was left gutted at times.

And, omg, the humor. There's some hysterical banter and remarks. I know I was thrilled to not be drinking anything during one of them. It would definitely have ended up with a spit take.

Overall, I highly recommend Killer Queen. Serene Franklin had me riveted throughout this sweet story of two men who struggle to confess their true feelings. The strength of their love is beautiful and it's adorable the way it just sneaks up on them. I love it all, the writing, the storyline, the characters, and more. 

Princes of the Universe (Crazy Little Thing #1) by Serene Franklin

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Blurb

Eli

I’m bad at love. I’m bad at many things, but love is so far down the list that it would be funny if it weren’t so tragic. At twenty-eight years old, I’ve had my fair share of partners, and each hasn’t hesitated to tell me that I’m incapable of loving. I love my dog, though I guess that’s not the same thing. Every woman I’ve dated can’t be wrong, right? So I’ve given up on love and resigned myself to a solitary life.

Everything is going all right until he walks through the door at my office. He’s the one person who knows my deepest secret—I just know everything’s going to change.

Bryan

I didn’t think I’d ever see him again. It’s been ten years—and I’d long ago given up all hope—though I never forgot about him. The last place I expected to find him was in the ad agency I’m considering for the launch of my bakery, yet here we are. I can’t lie and say I’m not excited at the prospect of working closely with him.

This feels like a second chance, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to earn his trust and find out what happened to him all those years ago.

Hopefully my heart survives in the process.

Review 

My Rating - 5  Stars!

Princes of the Universe is a beautiful second chance romance by Serene Franklin. 

Ten years ago Eli did a porn scene with Bryan. Now they're doing business together and start becoming friends. This makes for an interesting relationship, as they are strangers with a past, then friends, then lovers. 

Eli's backstory slowly develops, but it's one hell of a one. He's demisexual and bisexual, and has never been in love before. Thus, with Bryan, this is his first time ever connecting with someone and falling in love. This aspect is well written and is a wonderful illustration of demisexuality.

As for their relationship, I enjoy their ability to take things as they want to, with no rules. They make great friends, and we get many looks into their everyday interactions, which is highly enjoyable. The writing is slow, but never too slow for me. Instead of feeling weighted down by the details, the details all added up to paint a tender story. Watching them go from friends to more is just a precious treat.

Overall, Princes of the Universe is a sweet, fun read. Serene Franklin is great with the sexual innuendos, which I always enjoy. I highly suggest this heartwarming tale of friendship, acceptance, and love. Oh, and if you enjoy steamy scenes, this one definitely fits the bill.