Ella FrankBad Intentions: Intentions Duet Series, Book 1

When starting a new job, maybe don't use your new bosses name for a hookup to reel in a big fish...or maybe do, because it seemed to work out pretty well for Gabe. After what was supposed to be a hot and heavy one-time encounter, of course he'd run into Marcus again a week later, and of course it would be at the very place that was owned by the man he had pretended to be. Lucky for Gabe, and for us readers, Logan Mitchell loves screwing with people and between him and Marcus, we get to see Gabe pay for his transgression in adorable hilarious ways.This book was super entertaining, made me laugh several times, and the 🌶️ did not disappoint. As expected with a duet, book 1 didn't wrap up with a nice pretty bow, which is just fine with me, because I'm not quite ready to be done with these two yet.

We first met the frosty Marcus St. James as Alexander Thorne's boss in Ella's Prime Time series. He may be the big fish who runs ENN but he's not high on the invite list for the next office party. Well, unless he's throwing it. Cue, Gabriel Romero. Gabe is the newcomer to Ella's Chicagoverse and it needs to be said, this boy should have come with a warning label. If there is trouble, well, it's most likely him.When Ella announced we were getting Marcus' story, I was happy. Immensely so. I knew she was holding out on us with Marcus and holiest cow, she did not disappoint. Marcus is not the uptight recluse I pegged him to be. I so love when a character surprises us. Ella writes alpha male like no one but it’s when she makes these manly men vulnerable that melts my butter. While we are just scratching the surface on vulnerable Marcus, I can see it coming and cannot wait to dive into that puddle of goodness.Gabe's larger than life personality and over the top arrogance get him into some tight spots; however, it is his tenacity that get him out and where he wants to be. I love that he goes after what he wants and is not afraid to take the bull by the horns. His surprise, well, I'm leaving that a surprise. He flipped the script on me and showed me he isn't just good looks and personality. I am excited to see his story unfold in the next book.I would like to say these two are complete opposites but I would be lying. They fit like a lock and key.If you are in the mood for a good time, then Bad Intentions is for you. This book is fun, sexy and oh so swoony. It deserves all the stars, because I feel like I finally got my reading mojo back. Maybe it was being back in the Chicagoverse. Maybe it is having more of Ella's words. Maybe it's just Marcus and Gabe.

I love the way Ella Frank writes commanding, dominate, confidant alpha males. Think the likes of Logan Mitchell and Joel Priestley. And now let's add Marcus St. James to that list- what a trifecta!Bad Intentions was engaging, sexy, and a whole lot of fun to read. Gabe reminded me of my beloved (Robbie) in a way, but not quite as flamboyant or over-the-top. I found him to be such a delight! Marcus and Gabe don't quite fall under the grumpy/sunshine trope, as Marcus is more of the strong, silent type than a true grump. But they are definitely opposites and that made for an entertaining dynamic.I really liked that there wasn't a lot of angst or drama in this book. It was nice to read a story about 2 people getting to know each other, finding common interests, without a lot of external, or even internal, interference. I enjoyed the way Gabe wasn't afraid to go after what he wanted when it came to Marcus, and how Marcus was willing to step out of his "comfort" zone for Gabe.Although this does end in a cliffhanger, it's more of a "to be continued" than a "holy heck, what just happened" kind of ending. I'm looking forward to their happily ever after!*Bad Intentions can definitely be read as a standalone, but if you've read the Temptation series or the Prime Time series, you'll be happy to see some characters pop up here!

I discovered the writing of Ella Frank when I was drawn to the Fallen Angel series, a co-written effort between herself and Brooke Blaine and even though this is only the second series I've read in a list of hers that is quite long, I can honestly say, I doubt I'll be truly disappointed.Bad Intentions has a little bit of everything from laughter, love, lust and romance as it introduces you to Gabriel Romero, a dashing hot-shot 22 year old who seemingly never takes no for an answer, and his latest "conquest" quickly turned love interest, Marcus St. James, a hot-shot in his own right and his own way who is 20 years his senior , the duo drawn to each other from the very beginning of what both believe with likely be a hot one off hookup, the first hitch in the plan being that Gabriel lies about who he is, claiming to be his boss Logan Mitchell in effort to gain Marcus's attention the first place, a plan that seems to go off without a hitch until Marcus shows up for a business meeting with the real Logan Mitchell, an attorney hired by the ENN broadcasting corporation, Marcus holding the title of President.I don't want to give away more than I already have, but I will say this, if you're looking for a fast read that includes heartfelt moments in the Male/Male genre, while wrapping up quickly? The Intentions Duet should be right up your alley!

Marcus and Gabe meet at a party where Gabe was a guest. Gabe, feeling like he needed to be a ‘big fish’, introduced himself as Logan Mitchell, his boss. Marcus & Gabe had a quick fling and hadn’t anticipated seeing each other again.Eventually caught in his lie, Gabe made a deal with Marcus to be his ‘errand boy’ for a week to make up for his indiscretion. During that week, the two grow closer.Book ends in a cliffhanger and leaves you wanting more. 4 stars for the story itself and a bonus for having Logan and Tate (from the Temptation series) make appearances.*****POV… multi first personStandalone or series… book 1 in duetHangover… noRecommend… sureReread… sure

Gabriel Romero 22, just talked himself into a great Job as Logan Mitchell’s P.A at a very prestigious Law Firm. His first job since he had to drop out of University following an accident. He needs to earn money for his tuition so he can return to Uni as soon as he recovers physically.To celebrate his new job, his best friend and home sharer, Ryan Castigan, invites him to a work related party at ENN News. Very reluctantly Gabe agrees, although he can think of better ways to celebrate.Wandering through the room, Gabe notices a tall, good looking man standing at the back, away from the crowd. Ryan tells him he is the ‘big fish’ Boss of the Newsroom, out of their league. He only mixes with the big fish, like himself.Always up for a challenge, Gabe grabs a couple of Martinis and heads over to the man.Marcus St James 42, is the Head Honcho of the ENN Newsroom, he is a workaholic and lives for his job. He lives alone is a huge old building which he has restored to its former glory. His idea of fun is attending evenings at the local Symphony Hall. He knows all his staffs names and their roles but never socialises. The company owner insisted he attend and celebrate their achievement of being top of the ratings as a Newsroom. Standing and observing the crowds from a distance, he is taken aback when a very striking looking young man approaches him with two drinks in his hand, one of which is handed to him.Despite Marcus’s attempts to brush this sassy young man off, he can’t help but be intrigued by his flirtatious manner and conversation. Eager to get away from the crowds Marcus plays along and offers to show him around the Newsroom. One thing leads to another and ends with Marcus having his wicked way with the gorgeous young man.When asked, the young man gives his name as Logan Mitchell, the name of his new Boss. Gabe wanted to play the part of ‘a big fish’.This lie leads to a whole heap of trouble for Gabe. He could lose his job before he gets started when Logan Mitchell and Marcus St James come face to face at a meeting at Gabe’s workplace. ENN want Logan’s firm to be their legal representatives. This leads to even more trouble for Gabe when Marcus walks out, refusing to continue the meeting. Logan insists that Gabe sort it out with ENN or he is fired.No spoilers but I’m left in suspense on the edge of a cliff, and I don’t like heights. 🫣😨😱. Need to find Book 2 pronto as these two guys need to get their act together.

Bad Intentions has been sitting on my Kindle since its release last year. But for some reason I've never got around to reading it. However, I've been on a bit of an Ella Frank reading binge this past week, and so I thought it was the perfect time to pick it up and I'm glad I did. As not only is it set in her Chicagoverse and that means potential glimpses of my favourite couple Logan and Tate, but there are other familiar faces including Sean, Xander and Ryan to enjoyAnd the story itself was enjoyable. Although I was a little apprehensive as I'm not a huge fan of age gap romances. But honestly, I didn't have to be as thankfully its barely mentioned. Plus, as usual with Ms Frank this story is full of simmering heat, and a connection neither Gabe or Marcus can deny. But I did feel there was something missing. Yet, that didn't stop me being truly engaged in it and I am looking forward to reading the conclusion to their story.

“Mr. St. James, I’m starting to think you have a penchant for getting up to trouble in risky places.”“I think I have a penchant for getting in trouble with you.”Gabe Romero sees Marcus St. James across the room and decides he wants him for the night. Except Marcus seems untouchable so Gabe pretends to be someone else... His Lawyer boss who he's just landed a job with as his PA. Nothing could possibly go wrong until Marcus shows up in the offices of Gabe's new job. And now Gabe has to both make it up to Marcus and secure his job.This is a fun, sexy, fast paced romance. Gabe is cocky and unashamed and Marcus is a little more reserved but commanding. Both men end up spending a fun filled week together. Ella's signature style of cocky MC's with charm always pulls me in and makes for an enjoyable read and this was no different.Well, kinda. What didn't work for me was a few things actually :- Ella Frank can craft a steamy scene really great, no doubt about it. But I just felt like every single thing was leading to a sex scene and it got tiresome for me. I want more of Gabe cooking for Marcus. Visiting friends and family together. Date nights. Just all the good stuff without it alwayyyyys needing to be leading to a sex scene.- Marcus in the previous series as a secondary character was really done so well in the mystery around him and the unattainable feel to him. But I feel like the mystery of him versus the reality didn't match up. The cold, workaholic version of him was nowhere to be seen. For a workaholic married to his job, work seemed to melt away pretty easily and he folded pretty easily where Gabe was concerned.- The sexual tension / chemistry reliance on the innuendos that are as subtle as a hammer to the head. I've just discovered that it doesn't work for me, I prefer it to be built up in a different way and prefer my innuendos a tad more subtle.This is an Insta, age gap romance. Insta as in a week and they're basically all in. I can accept that and go with it. Some things didn't work for me and I'm not sure if a second book is needed but I still had a good time reading this one and looking forward to seeing how book #2 goes. Also, I really enjoyed Logan and Tate's presence in the book without it overtaking the story. I imagine we're getting a Popped Cherry appearances in the next book which I can't wait to see how that goes.

I love Ella's books but seriously the cliffhangers are getting old now.I enjoyed this book, except for the cliffhanger, but I will say the lie that started at the beginning of the story nearly had me putting the book down it was so cliche. Thankfully it wasn't dragged out. Once I got passed that Gabe and Marcus are two very enjoyable characters. I was just getting into it when the Cliffhanger jumped out at me and bowled me over.

Stars: 🌟🌟🌟.5Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine and Age GapThis was my first book by Ella Frank and it was enjoyable.This story follows Gabe and Marcus after a one night tryst and a few white lies.....after thinking he wouldn't see Marcus again, when he does, Gabe is forced to tell Marcus the truth and then starts the "making it up to him".This was a cutesy read and some nice spice sprinkled in with a married to his job grump and a sunshine all around Gabe. It wasn't my favourite book I have ever read and definitely not my favourite MM story but I enjoyed and will read the next to see whether Marcus grovels right 😬❤️