Unholy Desire (Sinful Natures, #3) by Lynn Burke ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

 The third book in Lynn Burke's Sinful Natures series, Unholy Desires is an age gap romance... with a couple of interesting twists. All the novels in this series have a very different flavor, and each can be read as a standalone.

As with the other titles in this series, the characters are members of the Simply Grace Church. The congregation (as well as the clergy) is filled with bigots and small minded folks. We first meet Aaron sitting in the pews alongside Zeke in Unholy Yearning, and I'm glad to see him breaking away from the Simply Grace crew early on.

Unholy Desires isn't centered as much around Faith (with a capital F) the way the previous two books are, rather, this story focuses on relationships. Aaron and his dad, Ezra and his best friend, Ezra and his deceased wife, and Aaron and Ezra. While the characters’ faith does come into play as they’re processing their emotions and actions, it is more personal and less the religious indoctrination they’ve been fed their whole lives.

I’m loving what Lynn Burke is doing with these stories. Combining the influences of the teachings of the Simply Grace brand of religion, forcing the characters to confront their beliefs, and come clean both to themselves and the folks in their community, makes for a fascinating story.

Because the men have been close since Aaron was a young boy, Lynn Burke cleverly weaves this aspect into the storyline. It’s more than exploring the romance between Aaron and Ezra, it’s also about the way their emotional bond from their past impacts their physical and emotional bond of the present.

Ten stars to Ezra, who is literally the hottest forty-nine year old guy on the planet. The way he gradually comes to accept his attraction to a man, especially with the fact it is the young man he knew as a child, is beautifully done. And his journey of coming to terms with life beyond his church, accepting the death of his wife, and building a reconciliation with Phillip simply left me breathless. Bravo!

Self Preservation by Ethan Day ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

 

Ethan Day's writing always hits me hard in my heart, and I’ve been avoiding Self Preservation for a long time. Maybe hoping for a bit of self preservation myself…? Well, I’m very glad I finally read it. This one is just as beautifully crafted as all of his novels.

Ethan Day had such a natural ability to make his stories flow like you’re watching a movie. Basically mainly coming from one person’s point of view, but checking in on other characters from time to time. Like the camera sweeping over to just check in on others’ reactions. It’s seamless, and perfectly executed.

Very bittersweet, but endlessly hopeful as well, Ethan Day tells the tale of Davis’ last ditch effort at reclaiming the love of his first love. Flashbacks show us how great it was, with just enough of the hurtful memories scattered in so we understand why Jack might not be quite the catch Davis is remembering. Plus, as possibilities gradually reveal themselves, we can see that it might be time for Davis to look ahead as well.

The traditional Ethan Day supporting cast of best gal-pal, the super sassy and effortlessly stylish mom, and the dishy best friend, fit perfectly in the flow of Self Preservation, and add the humor, romance, and warmth which serves to make this story great.

I’ll always appreciate Ethan Day’s skill in finding what makes his characters real. The honesty of their emotions, the truth in their actions… and (as expected) I wasn’t able to escape yet another crying jag while reading this truly lovely story.

Exclusive by Melissa Brayden ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Melissa Brayden always finds a unique and special way to explore relationships, and that’s never been more true than in her new book, Exclusive.

Filled with interesting insights into the life of the folks working in television news, Exclusive had me revisiting fond memories of my favorite news station based sitcoms. It’s not just the adrenaline Melissa Brayden captures as Skyler chases down a story, but the powerful camaraderie that develops between the employees, which makes Exclusive such a fun novel to read.

Skyler is looking to really shake up her life. A big career change, a physical move back to her hometown, and reconnecting with her family, are a good way to start. It’s easy to see Skyler’s character growing more confident as the story progresses. And when it comes time for Skyler to stay true to her own emotions, she does what’s right for her.

Skyler’s choice isn’t easy to watch, and it’s certainly not the popular “romance novel” way to go, but Melissa Brayden doesn’t shy away from what’s expected in her characters, and their imperfections are what makes Brayden’s stories great.

For fans of the Tangle Valley novels, there are mentions of both the addictive biscuits, as well as a nod to the wonderful vino of the region, and this sure had me craving a revisit to that series. I’d love a holiday short where Skyler and Carrie take a vacation at The Jade… how great would that be?

Torn (En Pointe, #1) by Mickie B. Ashling ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Fans of Mickie B. Ashling already know to expect the unexpected. There's a unique flavor to her writing, and if you haven't yet had the experience, her latest novel Torn is the perfect place to start!

In the first episode in her new En Pointe series, Torn, Mickie B. Ashling lays the groundwork for an epic story. The pacing is spectacular, and the unresolved conflicts had me on the edge of my seat. I literally could not put this book down, so if you’ve got plans for a good night’s sleep, save this one for the weekend!

Clearly the scope of this series is going to be immense. Several generations, and extended branches of Misha’s family have their stories told. Using alternating points of view, we get to know Misha as well as his father, half-brother, and his best friend. Mickie B. Ashling does an amazing job of capturing the flavor of each character, giving them each a unique voice. These are clearly all central figures to the tale, and we have just scraped the tip of what ties them all together.

Torn begins with Kazimir’s story and introduces all the principal characters. While much of Torn focuses around his son, Misha, Kazimir’s complex character provides a unique insight into the drama as it unfolds. Plus, I have a feeling Kaz will continue to be a major player in future episodes of this series.

Filled with fascinating details of sixteen year old Misha’s life as a principal ballet dancer, Mickie B. Ashling paints a vivid picture of life in St. Petersburg, Russia. The daily ploys and plotting of the young folks, the pageantry of the ballet performances, the intrigue of the political climate, and some intense family drama, prove endlessly entertaining.

Over the course of the novel, Misha faces some intense challenges both professionally and personally. Coping with the physical and emotional stresses of securing a principal role in his ballet company. Meeting his half siblings, uncovering the secrets surrounding his birth. And, most importantly, facing up to his attraction to his best friend and how his admissions will affect his relationship with his long-term girlfriend. These monumental changes have him reeling.

None of the characters are native English speakers, and most of the novel takes place in St. Petersburg. There’s a faint sensation throughout the story as though the whole thing is translated into English, which creates a marvelous atmosphere. It’s masterfully executed, and definitely works to enhance the whole experience.

It’s been several years since we’ve had a new book from Mickie B. Ashling and I’m thrilled with Torn. I’ve got my fingers crossed for many more episodes of the En Pointe series, and hopefully the next novel will be out shortly!