Review: Devil's Kiss by Ella Frank

What do you do when the one you least expect to matter…

Ends up mattering the most?

Derek Pearson likes to think he’s an easygoing guy. Uncomplicated, upfront, and unapologetic with what he wants. His what you see is what you get attitude is on prominent display for anyone who cares to look, and his foul mouth is right there to back it up should you miss the point.

However, what you see isn’t always what you get, and only a select few have ever glimpsed the real man under the brash exterior.

Among them? Professor Jordan Devaney. Complicated, high-maintenance, and vibrant, he’s Derek’s opposite in every way. From the moment they saw each other, a love-hate relationship began.

But what happens when one person wants more?

Devil's Kiss in the second book in the Sunset Cover M/M series. You do not need to read Finley prior to reading Devil's Kiss but it's helpful with character identification. Their timelines also run concurrently 

We met Derek Pearson and Professor Jordan Devaney in Finley and WOW I had know idea. I had a totally different view of both characters. Devil's Kiss is about two men with very different pasts developing a connection that takes over a decade to solidify. Over a decades time they had several encounters, wishful that they were ready for each other however many times the encounter failed miserably. 

Professor Jordan Devaney is a certified genius, completing his PhD at the age of 21.. He was also bored, he had all the money in the world but no goals. He was a jet-setting playboy with no ambitions until Professor Anne Hamilton set him straight. 

"You are my biggest challenge, Professor Jordan Devaney. Now, go and find what makes you work the hardest, and dare yourself to make a difference."

Jordan quickly discovers what dares him and it's not a what but a who, a student in his very first class as a Professor, Derek Pearson.

Derek Pearson's appearances are very deceiving. What appears to be a laid back attitude is no more than a cover to hide his troubled home life. Derek's story is well written and shocking to the end. 

When the two come together sparks fly even while trying to maintain a proper Professor/Student relationship. They soon develop a friendship that morphs overtime into more, but when Jordan is faced with the truth about Derek's feelings he fails to reciprocate. Will that finally be the end or will he be able to face his true feelings? When Derek is confronted with his past he always reaches out to his drug of choice, Jordan. However when Jordan is unable to move forward with their relationship, will Derek finally put an end to his addiction? 

The characters are powerful, they are opposites but they are drawn to each other. It's more than a physical connection, their connection is felt on a deeper level. They find strength in each other they ground each other. It's a beautiful story. I loved how they grew together and became the best person they could be because of each other. The ending socks a punch. 5 Stars!