Good and bad. Right and wrong.Life would be easy if things were always that simple.That’s never been the case for Henri Boudreaux.Son of a criminal. Ex-boyfriend to a Priest.Henri’s made a career out of getting in trouble and avoiding the law.So when he winds up in bed with it, he knows that things are about to get…complicated.But what’s life without taking a few risks?And what’s a risk without … few risks?
And what’s a risk without the threat of being caught?
No one’s ever accused Henri of being good man.
And Officer Craig Bailey is about to find out just how bad he can be.
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REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
“That’s all I want….that’s all I need. Another taste of you.”
I just don’t think I can describe how much I love Ella Frank’s writing with the eloquence it deserves. It’s so pure and easy to enjoy and get caught up in. Her writing has a certain air of confidence to it for a subject that intrigues me so. I love MM and there aren’t many that can write it with such a flair and not sound over-exaggerated. Her ease and grace flows through her words comfortably, and I feel the love, hear the love, gasp at the pain and sneer at the anger – but she gives it ALL to me, unapologetically.
I get a sense of a smiling high. Never have I read one of her books and not felt a sense of peace and love from them. No, not some hippiesh style love, but more of one that she put me through some tragedy or some pain, she showed me a love that I could grasp onto – and then she shared with me how her characters achieved their hard fought HEA. I have never walked away without a smile. A sense of calm and wonder because the love that I got glimpses of throughout her story came back full circle and I’m just left in a happy spot.
“Don’t hold back. I wanna hear how good you feel. I wanna know that I’m pleasing you.”
Described as a lone-wolf bad boy, seeing a vulnerability that only Henri can hold and own is eye-opening. Does he really own it or does he just live with it? I’m not sure I have a definite understanding of that yet. All I know is my heart is with Henri and all that he’s been through and going through. I love that Ella was able to infuse this one with as much emotion as she did while still being true to Henri’s character as we knew him, but also as we are coming to know him. Of course, now I’m waiting for Bailey’s story and that does make me yearn for more.
Because waiting isn’t my forte.
And she’s making me.
And now I’m sad.
Because I need more.
I want more.
Ok, fiiiiine – I will wait.
I must stress that this can be read as an actual standalone (first in the duet) in her Confessions series, but you do miss out on the character build-up of Henri as we know him now. Seeing his relationship with Priest beforehand plays a role, but not one that you can’t pick up this book and jump right in – because you most definitely can.
Ella Frank is an easy 4-5 star read for me, each and every time. While her stories are always a win for me, understanding her prose is my favorite part. Her words dance and her stories titillate – and I will take every chance I get to make sure I am saving room on my calendar to read her latest releases as they come out. I’ve read nine of her books since I started reading her in March of last year. The entire Confessions Series and her Fallen Angel Series plus the Novella. I am seriously smitten with her words and cannot wait for more.
“Henri was consuming him body and soul, and the more Bailey had of him, the more he wanted.”
~BEE
PURCHASE HENRI on AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2LiCf5j
PREORDER BAILEY on AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2NW7qVR
*Affiliate links*
Omg where do I start with this brilliant read and what can I say without giving too much away!!!
Henri is one of those books that stays with you it’s one of those books you will remember as a great read and it’s a book that really does deserve all the amazing reviews it’s getting right now.
This was a book I was excited for we were finally getting Henry Boudreaux’s story because this was a man who really grabbed my attention, so much sex appeal with smouldering good looks and a hint of mystery make this a guy you will also want to read about and as you get to know him you will also see Henri has a sensitive side that he try’s so hard to cover and you are going to have to read the book to find out what happens when Henri meets his match in Bailey the extremely hot cop!!!! This author knows how to write extremely smouldering hot stories with characters that have scorching chemistry and Henri is no different this book is everything you expect and more from this very talented author. Where will she take us next who knows but I’m excited for more…..
4.5 Stars
We’re back in Ella’s M/M(M) world in Chicago.
Bailey is a cop and we already know that Henri is a bit on the wrong side of the law sometimes. Not really his fault – he was born into it, just like Priest. Only Priest became a lawyer and Henri didn’t. But he’s now trying to only work for the good side!
Bailey and Henri meet at Priest, Julien and Robbie’s wedding. Huge attraction at first sight. But Bailey can’t date a semi-criminal (even though he doesn’t yet have any idea what Henri does and did!) and Henri will always be in love with Priest, right?
Let the fun times begin!!!
Well, I liked that.
But just like with Priest’s red hair, there’s something in here that I just have to complain about first. Henri is this big bad hot biker type in all jeans and black and leather and then he goes and has a NOSE RING??? What???? Why? Never in the history of ever has a nose ring been sexy. Nothing about a nose is sexy period! The worst are those people with the unprettiest of noses – they’re more likely to put in a nose ring because they think it will draw attention away from their noses – it doesn’t darlings – it only makes it worse! I can live with a lot that I don’t love in books. Tattoos. Eyebrow piercings. Red hair if the guy is really manly and hot. But nose rings??? Nope. And I can’t even try to just NOT think about it – Henri is half the book – how could I forget I read that part about the nose ring? Ew. No. I almost stopped reading this book when I read that. And that’s so sad, because I really like Ella’s world with all those guys. Logan, Tate, Priest, Julien, Robbie. And now Bailey and Henri.
The story was really cute.
A cop and a bad guy trying to not fall for each other. Adorable!
I didn’t love the fact that almost half the book is about how much in love with Joel Henri is 🙁 It made me feel a bit bad for Bailey – almost as if there’s no chance for a happy end. BUT I still really liked reading their story!
I loved that there wasn’t any unnecessary drama!!! I adored and hated a few back in time scenes with Henri – I had to cry with him a few times!
It was an adorable and sparky and sexy and fun and exciting first book – can’t wait to see where their story will take us in book #2!!
I also loved Bailey’s best friend/ex Xander and Bailey’s brother(s) – I hope there’ll be more spin-offs!!!
Also – this cover is by far my favorite in this series!
Oh Henri, those eyes are telling me you want to do naughty, naughty things – too bad they aren’t with me thought!
It took me a little while to get into this story, though that was needed to get Henri’s back story. For a little while there, this was more Henri’s “I Love Joel” show, however it soon turned into the Henri moves on story.
I adored Henri’s story, and I am not ashamed to say that I shed a tear or two at times.
I loved his brashness, his cockiness and his vulnerability.
Enter Bailey and sparks sure do fly. No matter how much our lovely Henri should stay away, I turned each page needing them to be together. I loved the cop and the bad guy falling for each other.
It was great to get more of The Prick, The Princess and The Priest, as well as a look in at some of our favourite restaurant and bars in Chicago.
There are also some fantastic secondary characters that we get to see in the future.
I am now impatiently awaiting the release of Bailey.
Gimme gimme gimme!!
***5 ‘Good, Scary…Exciting’ Stars***
OMG.
*swoons and faints in a perfect imitation of a southern belle*
Henri and Bailey are just…mmmmm…
The swoons, the melting, the twitterpating heart, the NEED to dunk myself into an ice bath (B.O.B wasn’t available at this time because I read at work ~ I should have known better, but that’s when they popped up on the Kindle and I just had to start it)…these two just worked me over in the best of ways and I’m sooo freaking happy we’ll be getting more of them!
When it was announced that Henri was getting his own HEA I swear I did the full on squeal/happy dance thing because after meeting him in Priest the need to know more about him was strong and he is all kinds of bad boy, smexy, too damn charming for his own goodness, but when you add in all that he’s gone through and just seeing the inner workings of his heart…puddle of goo! And Bailey. Sweet, heart of gold and just a genuinely good person and I love how comfortable he is in his own skin.
As for their journey thus far. The chemistry between Henri and Bailey is intense. There is no doubt that these two are into each other on the physical level because they simply delight in just seeing the other, but they are also connection on a more personal level. It is slow going, which I had no problem with since this is part one of their story, but they are building a base that I hope will hold strong once the flood gates open.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
From the moment we meet Henri in the previous books I knew his book was going to leave me with all sorts of feelings and I was right. Henri had it a bit harder than Priest even though they grew up in the same way because Henri never found love or that one person who would always be there for him like Priest did first with Julien and then again with Robbie. Ella Frank can still surprise me though because while Henri is rough on the outside, I also expected a hard inside shell that had to be broken but no. He never thought that he could have what he really wanted but now that his dad is gone from his life, he might have that opportunity finally.
Bailey, gosh I absolutely adore him!! Seeing as I read some of Ella’s books a bit out of order, I already got to fall in love with Bailey in her Prime Time Trilogy but I got to see a while new side of him. Things never really added up for me with Bailey even though I loved him but now that I got to see the side of him that is undeniably loving, charming and caring it makes so much more sense. Bailey can’t do one night stands and never has up until now, or did he? The one time he tries to do a one night stand he is falling for the guy.
This book ended abruptly for me. I mean if you have read any of Ella’s series you know that but this one felt like it literally stopped mid story and that bugs me terribly. It is one thing to end on a cliffhanger but this just ending mid story so have Bailey on hand which is the next book so that you can find out how their story continues.
Henri was such an enigmatic character from the previous books, and, though some things are revealed in this book, so much is left to say and learn, that I can’t wait to read Bailey.
Henri is starting to open up a bit and show hints of vulnerability to Bailey, and I really think he deserves his happiness after everything he’s been through in his life!
I was super curious about Henri from his first appearance and this book doesn’t disappoint. Mysterious bad boy and a cop? This was a smoking hot opposites attract novel!
I honestly felt so bad for Henri. Priest hurt him so much and I guess technically Priest didn’t do anything wrong but it still hurt like a motherfucker! Henri deserves better. And now he has Bailey! Henri and Bailey have amazing sexual tension.
This is dual POV and has a solid HFN ending. While this could be read as a standalone, it’s better to read the previous books as it contains spoilers for the previous books.
I was intrigued by Henri when he was introduced in the previous books and I was so excited when I heard this book was releasing I couldn’t wait to dive in. I will admit it ….I loved Henri. This story gave me all the feels. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, the story was heartbreaking at times, sweet at times and steamy at other times. The chemistry between Henri and Bailey was intense, you could feel the tension crackling between them and in true Ella Frank style, the steamy scenes were off the charts HOTT. Henri and Bailey both won my heart and from the instant they met and I was hooked and glued to the pages of the novel. I loved the cameo appearances by Logan, Priest and Robbie.
The story finished a little to quickly for me and I wished it was longer. I cannot wait for Bailey’s story as I definitely want more of these guys. I loved this novel and I would highly recommend it to all lovers of MM romance.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel which was narrated by Charlie David. He did an exceptional job with these characters. His pace and timing was excellent and he brought out the different personalities of the characters. It was a pleasure listening to him narrate this novel.
I love how Ella weaves in some suspense with this series. Loved Henri and Bailey. With the cliffy at the end, now I HAVE to jump into the final book in this series.
Charlie David did an amazing job narrating.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Oo la la, I’ve been waiting for Henri’s story since meeting him through Priest’s and I knew that he would be worth the wait!
*wipes brow*
Oh my, Henri, you had me at the first few times I met you, but wowza, when you and Bailey meet and connect *wink* I knew that you’d met your match—and found someone who’ll love you just as you are.
And you are a mess, my friend. But you’re trying and you need to let Bailey in. Inside your mind and your heart.
I cannot wait to see what happens next between Henri and Bailey. Is it October 28th yet?
KU read I read in just a few hours on a PH Monday! Took me a while to finally get to this story it woah! It’s fab and beautifully written and Henri and Bailey, baddie and cop are hot af and seemingly perfect for each other. Super excited to read the next book when it’s released
Let me start by saying that I absolutely love this series so much and have devoured each one! I was so excited to learn more about Henri. That being said, while I enjoyed this read, it wasn’t as engaging as the others in the series for me. I am looking forward to Bailey’s book and seeing how these two men find their HEA. 3.5 stars.
This is book #5, in the Confessions series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. To avoid spoilers, since each book builds upon the last – I recommend reading this series in order.
Henri comes from a very dark past. One he wishes to get further away from. More and more since he has bumped into someone recently at an ex’s wedding. Running into him again, only makes him want him even more.
Officer Craig Bailey AKA “Bailey” is shocked at how much he wants a man who ghosts him at every turn. Can he take the time to have fun with someone when he really never has? His body yearns, but he is finding his heart is learning to as well.
Couple of surprises, couple of twists, and another series book that makes me beg the author for more. This is just more fascinating characters and visits from our faves also. I love how it hooks me but now I am almost too excited to read the next installment.
OMG!! What can I say about this book except that I loved it. Let me just say that I did not realize that Henri was book 1 of the series until I got to the very end, although while I was reading, I kept going how is Ella Frank going to wrap this up in such a short amount of time…WELL, SHE WASN’T AND SHE DIDN’T AND THANK GOODNESS!! I absolutely loved this book. Henri Boudreaux and Craig Bailey make for a very interesting pairing, and I honestly cannot wait to see where Ella Frank takes us on their journey, because there are some earth shattering secrets to be revealed between this most unlikely of pairing. Henri, the bad boy and Bailey, the cop, and just all around good guy. The chemistry between these two is super intense, you can feel it coming off the pages. I am so ready for the next chapter in their story to read more about how they will fight to have their happily-ever-after. Oh, and let me just add that Ella Frank always has a way of bringing in appearances from my favorite guy…Logan, as well as Priest, Julien, and Robbie, and the rest of the characters from this wonderful Chicago world that she has created for her reader’s enjoyment. Confessions: Henri is a great start on Henri and Bailey’s journey to grab their HEA. What a cliffhanger Ella Frank left us on. Whoa!!
I’m over the moon once more for Ella Frank’s words. There is something so decadent about her stories that make me sit up and take notice and Henri is the latest to do just that. The way Frank crafts her books, they are beyond addictive and it’s extremely difficult to put them down. With two more very delectable men in Henri Boudreaux and Craig Bailey, it’s amazing my Kindle has survived the heat her characters deliver once again. I mean, holy hell, the chemistry is off the charts insane as the criminal and the police officer do their very best to deny that they could do their very worst to one another and never look back.
Frank continues to tie in previous series as Henri has connections to Priest that are both painful and eye-opening. For both of them. Getting a bit more of Priest with his Robbie and Julien is an added treat and their presence is well-timed and a bit bittersweet as old wounds begin to heal that only Henri and his former flame can understand. And with Bailey a very welcomed surprise for the oft-times troubled loner that is Henri, it’s just a matter of time before their newly-found dating status becomes much more than the one and done they claimed to have wanted.
With an ending that promises a rough road ahead for these passionate lovers and yes, Frank gives us again some of the best one-handed reading scenes she is known for, I look forward to the conclusion of this opposites attract kind of love story in Bailey…out in October.
I can’t help but fall hard for the players in this well-written and seductive Confessions series, happily giving Henri a solid 5 stars all the way.
Yum-may!!
Diving into Henri and Bailey’s story has been absolutely delightful! Henri is such a delicious badass with a hidden vulnerability he only reveals to Bailey. He’s had quite a tough life and has done a lot of things he’s not proud of, but he can’t resist the temptation of Bailey, though he knows they should have nothing to do with each other. Bailey is a police officer from a family of LEO’s. He’s a little bit shy and a whole lot of hotness— an irresistible combo for Henri— with a solid foundation found in the stable childhood he had while growing up in his hometown. They are from different worlds but their chemistry is explosive!
I can’t wait for Bailey’s book!!
Henri is book five in Ella Frank’s Confessions series and it is a spicy one!
Henri is the delicious bad boy in this book and whoa! Who wouldn’t want to see that! Henri is Priest’s ex and he meets Craig Bailey at Priest’s wedding. Sparks fly! Should it matter that this new crush is a cop? He knows he should stay away, but Officer Bailey has made that impossible to do!
I am loving this new couple in the Confessions series! Henri and Bailey are setting the sheets on fire! Seriously, it’s hot! We know Henri has a bad boy past and we know it probably will not go over well with a cop boyfriend. Ella Frank has set the stage for book six , Bailey, coming out next!
Even though this duet of sorts could be read alone, I do not recommend that. I feel it would do the books justice by reading one through four since those characters, especially Priest, play pretty big roles in this book. The series as a whole should not be missed!
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. The review and rating are my opinion.
I say this every time I read new characters from this author, she has the amazing talent of making you feel like you know and love them from the start Henri and Bailey are no different. This was an emotional read (and hot as always) and I know there is a lot more to look forward to.
4.25 Stars!
Confessions: Henri is book 5 in the Confessions series by Ella Frank and it ties up with some of what happens in the first 4 books in the series, so while it could technically be read as a standalone, I think for maximum enjoyment you need to read Robbie, Julien, and Priest’s books first.
We met Henri as Priest’s ex-boyfriend and lifelong friend in the previous books, what we didn’t see there was how hung up on Priest Henri still was, and how much it affected him when Joel married Julien and then again when they both married Robbie. I actually kind of hated Priest by how he dismissed Henri’s feelings like he did. Yeah, perhaps they weren’t really good together, but they have gone through so much that one would think that would mean Priest was a little more empathetic with Henri. Now, I am well aware this was Henri’s book and that there had to be a bit of that backstory with Priest to help the reader understand Henri, however, I think there wasn’t enough balance between his past/present story with Priest and Henri and Bailey getting to know and falling for each other and the underlying storyline with Henri’s mysterious job.
I liked Bailey and he seems like a very nice guy, and yes, Henri and Bailey were very hot together, but I hope we get to see more than just physical attraction in the next book. While it was understandable that Henri backed away when he did, the rest felt a bit rushed for me. I don’t know, it might just be me.
Still, the story was engaging and I’m intrigued about both Henri and Bailey and definitely want Henri to get his HEA after how difficult his life has been and after the cliffhanger this book ends with, I can’t wait for October to roll over so we can get Bailey’s book.
*** Copy provided to me for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***