Sex, Tries, and Videotape

Book #8 of a 9 Book Series

Book Summary: 

Ellie

I’m not usually a one-night stand kind of girl, but Finn Kelly was an exception to the rule.

Gorgeous smile? Check.

Abs for days? Check.

Up for some crazy sexcapedes with a girl who’s packing down south? Checkity check check.

The problem? Well, there isn’t really one, except that our one-night stand somehow turned into a highly addictive friends with benefits arrangement with a guy who lives in a whole other state. Not remotely convenient.

It’s time to cut and run. But Finn doesn’t think I’ll be able to manage without him. He thinks it’s only a matter of time before I’m back, begging for more.

Yeah, right.

If he wants to play this game, I’m all in. We’ll see who’s begging who.

Game on, sweetie. It’ll be fun watching you crack.

Mini Review:

Out of the nine books, this one was my least favorite. Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely loved Ellie and Finn’s story, but it felt more educational and informational than entertaining. From what I understand, Isla originally intended to write a triad story featuring Finn, Ellie, and Finn’s nonbinary coworker; however, she didn’t like how Finn was portrayed, so she took a different route. The issues between Ellie and Finn seemed forced and somewhat immature. As grown, consenting adults, their desperation for the upper hand led to childish challenges about who wanted the other more. I understand that Finn hasn’t had the best luck with relationships, and Ellie has her own issues, especially with her family. This book might have been better suited as women’s fiction focused on Ellie’s self-discovery and overcoming life’s challenges and prejudices, rather than a romance with Finn. Their love story felt secondary, with the reader witnessing the scrutiny Ellie faces as transgender and the speculation Finn endures as a straight man who dates all women (cisgender and trans) and enjoys wearing makeup and lingerie. It felt like a different direction from the previous books in the series. I do applaud Isla for attempting to represent everyone in the “alphabet rainbow,” either directly as a main character or indirectly as a married sibling or friend. I also appreciated being taught about a transgender individuals “dead name” and the impact that carries when used. Overall, I enjoyed every book in the series, some more than others, but each provided enlightenment, humor, insight, and joy. I will truly miss the heart of the Kelly clan, but I hope you enjoy the extension in the final book, where we get one last peek at the Kellys through their cousin Callum.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This page may or may not also include affiliate links for bookshop.org. The affiliates links in no way influence my reviews.

+ 188 Total Pages

Read it in All Devices

+ 4 Star Review

Book Features

Romance Category

LGBTQ+ Romance, Fling, Brother's Best Friend to Lovers

Spicy Factor

Hot!

Formats Available

eBook, Audiobook, and Paperback

Part of Series?

Yes, nine book series

Photo by Emily Ding

About the Book Author

Isla Olsen

Isla is a cocktail-loving, history-obsessed Aussie who writes low-angst, high-heat queer romantic comedy.

She is best known for the Love & Luck series and P.S. I Loathe You.

Some of Isla’s favourite tropes include: Friends to lovers, queer-awakening, age gap, enemies to lovers, best friend’s/sibling’s ex, secret fling…and many more!

Connect with Isla Olsen

Official Site: https://www.islaolsen.com/

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This page may or may not also include affiliate links for bookshop.org. The affiliates links in no way influence my reviews.