Edible (Exquisite Series) Paperback – September 16, 2013

EDIBLE, for all it's hot sex, is kinda like a lot of books. There's a broody dominating male and a vixen female lead.Rachel styles herself as a Domme so she can protect herself. She is attracted to Cole Madison, but won't take it further, knowing he'll want to touch her--and she can't bear that level of physicality. A former boyfriend was abusive, and she needs to control all aspects of touch in order to avoid the panic attacks.Meanwhile, Cole is emotionally closed off. He's a Dom in search of a fiery gal--and pasty-chef Rachel brings as much sweet as she does heat. Cole's privileged childhood was isolating, his father died young, and later Cole learned his father's infidelity left a half-brother--so he's got some daddy issues. And a (medically) demented mother.When these two control-freaks get together, their freak is sooper-deeky. What they do with caramel sauce is illegal in Red States. And, this book opened my eyes to Prince Albert piercing. [Disclaimer: Googling PA will result in eye-opening for you, too. XXX-warning!]But, they get over their insecurities (rather quickly) display an appealing amount of sexual exhibitionism, and tie the knot in no time flat--enraging their respective family members. A little prodding later and all gets forgiven.In short, they are damaged souls who find themselves. And, an HEA. The story is solid. If you like erotic romance you will not be disappointed. REALLY. I wasn't. But, EDIBLE felt a bit similar to other reads...

Edible is the third and final installment of the Exquisite Series and if you have not read the first two - what the heck is wrong with you?Ella Frank has the ability of creating some of the most captivating characters and melt-your-under-roos sex scenes. This book was off the charts hot. The sexual tension and chemistry between Rachel and Cole caused you to curl your toes.We met Rachel in Exquisite; she was the spitfire little sister of Mason who showed a darker side in Entice. Rachel has drifted further away after the death of her parents and the memories from her past. She is doing her best to play the part of the girl that doesn't feel all alone.Cole was introduced in Entice, Josh's attorney and the mysterious stranger at Whipped that has his eyes set on Rachel."This is so far from over, Rachel. It's barely even begun.""Ready?" he asked, looking directly at her, as he inserted the key. "For?" He turned the key, and the snick of the lock was as effective as a starting gun. With absolute certainty, he said, "Me."Cole likes control, in both his career and in his bed. He senses a side to Rachel that craves to be controlled a side that thrives on being told what to do. But her past has taught her that losing that control can destroy you. She can't trust anyone enough to give that over but the way Cole makes her body beg to obey might be too hard to deny.Cole is going to get what he wants. He is going to make her want him so she will stop fighting it. But a simple taste might not be enough.The start of their relationship is unconventional but in the way we have all come to love, Ella Frank creates the perfect storm of intense desire, stubbornness and sexual attraction that will have you fanning yourself.And it just seems to get more and more erotic. The heat in this does not falter. And if you remember the peaches you are not going to ever forget the caramel...With all of the sexual chemistry you get some pretty personal moments that in the midst of being ready jump on the first man you see, will make your heart clench. The intimacy and vulnerability of some of these scenes took you from hot and bothered to crying in mere seconds. Rachel was such a beautifully written character that went beyond any image of what she was in the other books. Such a complex variety of emotions and personality that you just fell in love with. Cole was down right perfect and then some. Strong, Controlling, Arrogant.... but so tender when it was needed. He was able to see so deep into her soul to search out her pain and fight to free her of it.Although Exquisite had been resting comfortably as my favorite from this series, Edible easily worked it's way into one this years favorite reads.The story doesn't just give you the sides of Rachel and Cole. We get to see the couples we fell in love with grow and glimpse into their futures. We even get to meet Logan who will be getting his own book (Try) and believe me - after you meet him you will want his story.I continued to be awed by the ability of this author and the way she can tell a story; her head must be the loveliest place to live. For those who need a bit of sweet mixed in with their sex this is it. You get it all with Edible, a highly erotic love affair and a heart melting love story."it's beating hard because it wants the one it loves to feel it."

I reviewed this book at MustReadBooksOrDie with my friend Shelley.Shel: How do I love Cole Madison? Let me count the ways...#1. He's droolworthy. I think he's my dream book boyfriend: total hotness in a suit and then the suit comes off and he's got some wicked hot tattoos. Court: OMG, YES #2. He's smart. I love a smart guy. It's such a turn on to be with someone who is intelligent and clever--he's both. Court: OMG YES #3. Strong but not an *expletive removed ;) . This guy keeps his emotions in check and always appears to be unflappable...but when it comes to those he cares about he's kind and tender and observant and attuned to their needs...especially Rachel's. Court: HE IS SO NICE! #4. In the bedroom he's ...um...jesus h...wow. Do men like him really exist, Ella Frank? Can they teach lessons? There should totally be a husband bootcamp about Cole's moves and Cole should be the drill sergeant that teaches those lessons. Sheesh those sex scenes were steamy. Ella Frank--you can write the hell out of some sex! Court: *FALLS OVER DEAD*Court: Uh yeah. Cole is everything we love about a romance hero. Except her never crosses the line into a jerk and he has by far taken over as numero uno in my list of favorite book boyfriends. Where do I sign my hubs up for that class.Shel:If all of THAT doesn't convince you that Cole is delicious, then the way he helps Rachel overcome her grief and trust a man again should.Court: This is the only book that has semi-insta love that I am completely 100% rooting for and believe in. I don't think I've ever said that before, but well..you'll see. Their relationship moves fast and they unfortunately have to defend it to her family...but Cole handled that as amazingly as he handled everything about Rachel. Well..he didn't manhandle her, and I was absolutely swooning hardcore the entire book.Shel: As much as I adore Cole...I love Rachel. Maybe in an alternate universe I could be her...strong, witty, colorful hair, interesting tattoos, great job, and a fantastic family. The only thing I wouldn't wish on anyone, including Rachel, is that evil sonuvabitch Ben. What an a-hole. He completely damaged her for other men and until Cole came along, Rachel was hiding behind her badassery to avoid connecting with another man. Thank goodness for Cole and his delightfully delicious persistence. He absolutely refused to allow her to push him away but he did it in away that gave her complete control. She gave when she was ready and he allowed her the space to do so.Court: I do love Rachel's flair and loyalty for her family. We got a lot of Mason and Josh time in this book and it was great to see those two along their HEA. Cole gave Rachel what she wasn't able to give herself, even though she wanted to be a strong independent woman. He allowed her to find and embrace her strength and find herself again. It was great.Shel: I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the books in this series...but this one was my absolute favorite. I'm so eager to read Logan's story..cannot wait! Court: Ella is most definitely going to have another game changer with Try. Eeeppp!Shelley: 5 StarsCourtney: 5 Stars

Edible by Ella Frank5 hot sticky caramel flavoured stars!!You thought peaches were hot....caramel is soooooooo much better!!This is my favourite of the series so far and I didn't think anyone's story could top that told in Exquisite.Edible is Rachel's story, Mason's little sister, the pastry chef at Exquisite and also who now runs their mums flower shop. She is one busy lady!! The pressure of being "Rachel" is beginning to show and she is finally realising that she needs more from her life..after seeing all of her friends matching up with others she is feeling lonely and she wants to find her person!!"Never let someone make you feel like you are not the best version of yourself, you hear me?""Yes dad" Rachel mumbledRachel has been burned by a previous abusive relationship, one that her father rescued her from. Mason is none the wiser about this as their father insisted on it being their secret. Now that she has lost both her parents Rachel feels that she cannot talk to anyone about her past or her feelings without Mason finding out, she keeps everything bottled in. She has her means of escape through what she wears, how she dyes her hair and her tattoos and piercings but these are merely a façade to the real Rachel. She frequents the club "Whipped" and through this Lena and Shelley have nick named her super domme although this is far from the truth.Cole first spotted Rachel in Whipped and felt an instant connection to her..he saw the real Rachel, not the super domme that she tries to portray. After a few chance meetings and his feelings never wavering Cole decides that he has to get to know Rachel, but will he be able to convince that this is what she wants??"Remember this moment Rachel because I don't plan to forget it until you're screaming my name so loudly that every single person within a ten-mile radius knows what it effing is"I absolutely loved Cole, in fact I adored him. He is a man that knows what he wants and does not give up until he gets it, his pursuit of Rachel is relentless and he even gets his PA on side to help dig up information so that he can find out who exactly this woman is that his him so captivated. He is dominant, very alpha male, but he is sure that Rachel is a closet submissive and he totally relies on his instincts in this book. It turns out his instincts are correct and the relationship these two have is seriously hot!! I mean smoking hot!! Ella Frank certainly knows how to nail a sex scene!!Cole has baggage as with anyone and is extremely torn up about things happening away from work and Rachel. Rachel manages to help him with this and this only intensifies their connection. In return Cole manages to break down Rachel's walls and she eventually opens up and tells Cole about her abuse and they help heal each other.The writing is beautiful, emotional and super sexy, the connection from Cole and Rachel radiates from the page, it is palpable...it pulls you in to their little world and you fall hook line and sinker. You cannot help but devour this book. The epilogue was just WOW, I am a sucker for a fab epilogue and this did not disappoint and it did wrap up the series with a nice neat perfectly tied little bow. Absolutely loved it!!"What are you wearing under this Rachel?"Turning in his arms, she looked him square in the eye, courtesy of her heels and gave him a sexy wink. "Two silver studs. Why?"He knew it. F Word. This night is going to take forever,

A perfect third book to end the trilogy and for us to finally have Rachel's story. Rachel featured heavily in the previous two books and where it is probably not essential that you read them first, I would highly recommend it as the characters from the previous two books feature heavily in this one and so does some of the on-going storylines.This book is all about Rachel and Cole (Cole who we have met a little before) and their relationship journey. It's full of passion, love, acceptance, 'finding yourself' and family. Their journey is beautiful and the way in which Cole recognises that Rachel has some underlying difficulties from her past and helps her with them is swoon-worthy.Definitely a series to recommend and this book is thoroughly enjoyable too. Only reason I knocked off a star was their were slightly too many sex scenes for me as for a large part of it, it felt you couldn't actually move on with the storyline as the sex scenes kept getting in the way. However, I wouldn't let that put you off the book, it's still a great read.

5 caramelised stars...!Wowza! That has got to be the best in this series so far for me.I loved this story right from the start, having been introduced to raunchy Rachel earlier on in the series. We know she's a kick ass, individual, provocative chic, but we really get to understand what lies behind her uniform she brazenly wears.Her initial meeting with lawyer Cole is intense, but she acts very blase blowing him off as "not her type". Not one to give up or take no for an answer, we watch Cole pursue her in his usual calm, composed, serene manner. Their resultant chemistry is scorchio...blazin' HOT...oh my days! I sooo enjoyed their smexy ride of discovery towards one another, breaking down walls, exposing hidden pain and compassionate healing.Cole was my ideal alpha; strong, controlled, authoritative, but doubly compassionate, heartfelt and loyal..yum diddly! Once peeled, his hidden surprises just caused my constant state of drooling throughout the duration of this wondrous book!Excellent job Ella, very much looking forward to Logan's story...

I absolutely adored the third book in the Exquisite series from Ella Frank - Rachel & Cole's book was so 'Edible' I devoured it in one sitting... I was hooked from the first page and found it nigh on impossible to put my kindle down!I loved both Exquisite and Entice (you can't help but fall for Lena & Mason and Josh & Shelly) but I was blown away by Edible!!! What a pair Rachel & Cole made - I thought the other books were HOT but this was SMOKIN' - Ella really worked her mojo magic with this couple and brought us a truly awesome end to the series...It was really interesting getting to know the real Rachel - finally seeing the girl behind all that bluff and bluster was fab. As for Cole, holy hell, what can you say about this man.. getting to know the 'suit' was a helluva lot of fun.I really don't want to say much about the story as I'd hate to accidentally throw out any spoilers but after reading Edible I'll possibly never look at caramels (or a bottle of wine) in the same light again!! ;-)If you haven't read these books yet, what are you waiting for, go get them now - this is a definate 5* must read series!!

I already knew a little about the characters in this series having read Try and Take first and there is so much more to Cole than I thought.This is the best book in this series. Rachel, nicknamed 'super domme' by Shelly throws out this don't mess with me vibe and Cole can see through it, he can see she's not being true to herself but doesn't know why. Rachel is attracted to the alpha male domineering Cole but that's exactly why she can't be with him, he's the type of man who can hurt her.I really enjoyed finding out more about Cole, who I had imagined was a rather straight laced suit, and about Rachel who's eccentricity made her a mystery to me.