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Devil's Kiss by Ella Frank
4.0
dark emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Broken Meets Lost 

Ella Frank delivers a heart-wrenching, emotionally charged story in Devil's Kiss, chronicling the years-long relationship between Derek and Jordan—a journey marked by pain, passion, and perseverance.

Derek comes from a deeply abusive and dysfunctional family, with only his best friend, Finn, as a source of comfort. That is, until he meets Jordan—the brilliant, openly flamboyant professor who refuses to hide who he is. Jordan’s unapologetic personality, sharp wit, and unwavering presence quickly become a lifeline for Derek.

Their chemistry is undeniable, and their connection runs deep. But both men carry heavy emotional baggage, and what begins as a powerful bond soon spirals into something messy, complicated, and, at times, forbidden. Despite the chaos, one thing remains constant—Jordan is never too far. No matter the time or distance, he always answers Derek’s calls.

Their love story is anything but smooth. Even as adults, they continue to stumble, making mistakes and mending them with fiery, passionate moments that leap off the page. At times, I found myself wishing they could just grow up a little faster—so much of their pain could’ve been avoided with better communication. But maybe that’s what makes their journey so raw and real.

Ella Frank masterfully captures the highs and lows of their relationship, pulling readers through waves of desperation, frustration, longing, and even laughter. The emotional depth is palpable, and I felt every bit of it.