Unholy Yearning is the second book in Lynn Burke’s Sinful Natures series. I enjoyed the first one, Unholy Cravings quite a bit as well. Those characters do pop up a few times, but you can read either one of these stories as a standalone.I was raised in an agnostic household, and this kind of indoctrination is way outside my wheelhouse. These characters have had their beliefs drilled into them from birth. “God will provide”, “God’s will”. Past, present, and future. I had to resist judging these characters, and put my preconceived ideas aside, and just let the story flow.Levi is young and incredibly naive, but he has an endless supply of faith in Zeke. Zeke, who is flawed beyond description. Zeke of the incredibly poor decisions, who disappoints Levi over and over… This is one amazing journey: mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for all three of these characters.
I say three, because Levi’s fiancée plays an important role in the story. Full disclosure, there are some romantic scenes between the three of them in this book.Levi’s courage to face his fears, and discover who he truly is, is admirable. I loved this character for his straightforwardness and his honesty. Zeke, on the other hand, already knows who he truly is, and is doing everything he can to turn his back on it. Following the path he’d “set in stone” for himself, leads to him making some wild decisions. But hey, it’s his journey to take too, right?These characters have a rocky road to travel in their quest for finding themselves. Struggling between the path laid out for them by God and their parents, and what they know is the path which will give them true happiness. Unholy Yearning is an intense and emotional story, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Fans of Rachel Reid’s marvelous Game Changers series rejoice, the most recent episode, The Long Game, is part two of Ilya and Shane’s romance! While the rest of the novels in this fabulous series can be read in any order, you’ll definitely need to read Heated Rivalry first.I adore established couple stories, and the scope of this one is epic! One of the finest enemies to lovers romances of all time, Ilya and Shane have incredible chemistry. From their very first meeting, the heat between these two burly hockey players leaps off the page, and they are just so darn cute together.Fast approaching their thirtieth birthdays, the guys have known each other for eleven years now, and are still firmly in the closet with their relationship. It’s not so much about coming out about their sexuality, as it is facing what the hockey world will say about these two fierce rivals being a devoted couple.I’m delighted by how Rachel Reid explores every aspect of what these two men go through as they face various challenges in this story. We spend time with family, friends, teammates, and folks in the hockey world, and delve deep into how each of them is feeling.Shane’s drive and determination to be #1 hasn’t changed. It’s no surprise that his dedication to his career conflicts with his desire for a real romance with Ilya, and there are some terrific scenes from Shane’s side of the story.What is an unexpected surprise is how deeply Rachel Reid gets into Ilya's head and heart in The Long Game. I fell hard for Ilya in the first book, and I love spending time learning what makes this intricate guy tick. An extraordinarily interesting character, Ilya has a unique sense of humor, is a solid friend and teammate, and is an appealingly dommy but sensitive lover.Ilya struggles with his mental health, and it’s an intense journey as he gradually comes to grips with his emotions. Painful memories force Ilya to do some intense soul searching about how he sees himself, and how his past impacts the relationships he forms with others.The Long Game focuses mainly on the development of their relationship, and how both guys are coping with life. And there are some terrific cameos from other characters from the Game Changers series. I love the bonus that a little of Troy and Harris’ story overlaps the timeline here. My only complaint is that it’s a little short on hockey scenes, but Rachel Reid totally makes up for that at the end!A superb series, and I definitely hope this isn’t the last we hear from Ilya and Shane!
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.
