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Suspense #5
Absolution
A lifetime of regret...
After legendary CIA contractor Luke Hutchinson unknowingly trained the man who would become the world's most dangerous terrorist, he has no choice but to hunt him across the globe. Driven to complete that final mission, he fears his enemy has targeted the only woman Luke has ever loved. Unfortunately for him she's his ex-wife, and already facing another deadly threat he can't protect her from.
A lifetime of pain...
Emily always hoped Luke would find his way back to her, but she's finally given up on that impossible dream. Now that she's fighting her own life and death battle, the last thing she wants is to get entangled with the man who ripped out her heart and left her to raise their son on her own. One final chance at absolution...
Undeniable sparks fly when they're forced to share a roof, but unless Luke can get Emily to trust him, they won't get the second chance they've waited over two decades for. And time is running out. The monster Luke created is on the move again, bent on destroying him and anyone who gets in the way.
After legendary CIA contractor Luke Hutchinson unknowingly trained the man who would become the world's most dangerous terrorist, he has no choice but to hunt him across the globe. Driven to complete that final mission, he fears his enemy has targeted the only woman Luke has ever loved. Unfortunately for him she's his ex-wife, and already facing another deadly threat he can't protect her from.
A lifetime of pain...
Emily always hoped Luke would find his way back to her, but she's finally given up on that impossible dream. Now that she's fighting her own life and death battle, the last thing she wants is to get entangled with the man who ripped out her heart and left her to raise their son on her own. One final chance at absolution...
Undeniable sparks fly when they're forced to share a roof, but unless Luke can get Emily to trust him, they won't get the second chance they've waited over two decades for. And time is running out. The monster Luke created is on the move again, bent on destroying him and anyone who gets in the way.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2010
136 people are currently reading
1191 people want to read
About the author
Kaylea Cross
98 books1,800 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
December 20, 2012
5 stars for Luke! Re-read and buddy read with Kelly December 2012 / review edited December 21, 2012
Eric Luke, I don't like the dog chain…It should have been your St. Christopher medallion.
I have it on good authority that this picture comes pretty close to Luke, although we would have to age this guy a couple of years and he'd need a stronger jawline.
This specific quote by Tyler Knott Gregson sums up Em and Luke's situation perfectly:
Warm me like sunlight and soothe me like rain. Burn me with passion and steal away the pain.
"Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit."
- by Sir Peter Ustinov
This great instalment in Kaylea Cross’s suspense series takes us from the USA back to Beirut and the Middle East. After a nearly fatal incident, Luke walked away from Emily and their son, Rayne, many years ago.
Luke is a former Navy SEAL who went on to work for the CIA's paramilitary ops and making a lot of enemies along the way. While reading Kaylea’s series you'll make the acquaintance of the main villain, Farouk Tehrazzi. Absolution gives us the well anticipated and deadly showdown between Luke and his former friend Tehrazzi.
A long time ago Luke created this lethal terrorist himself by training Tehrazzi. Guilt ate at him and Luke didn't care anymore if he died, so long as he took Tehrazzi with him. Hence, Luke wants to make things right. As it is, he wants a chance at absolution before he gave his last breath. Tehrazzi has been tracking down the women associated with Luke, and now it seems like Emily could be in danger, too. However, Luke will do anything to protect her from harm, and he's prepared to give up his life to save his lifetime love. Luke wants to take her to Beirut because it's the place to hunt down Tehrazzi and Luke's security detail is prime there. But when Luke sees Em again and she tells him she can't go to Beirut because she's suffering from he has to realize that both of them have wasted about twenty years of precious time they could have been together.
Luke is known for his legendary coolness but when he discovers how sick Em is, he is close to coming unhinged. As it was, he had to deal with the fact that they were running out of time.
Luke. What a man. Whatever this guy does, he does it very well. Including his failures. They are all freakin' spectacular. Luke incorporates everything I absolutely love in a hero: protectiveness, masculinity, strength, respect, loyalty, tenderness. Luke is tough as nails and yet capable of incredible gentleness.
There's still hope for Luke and Em.
He's got a heart of gold and is sexy as all get out. Simply put, Luke is the hottest fifty-year-old hero ever. And behind his alpha male behavior he's melting away for his lifetime love, Em. One thing's for sure, Luke will always have a very special place in my heart. It goes without saying that Em is his true match. She is such a classy lady. With that said, I admired Em for her strength to fight her illness and of course for her everlasting love for Luke. Furthermore, it was a real pleasure to seeing all the former heroes and heroines of the previous books again. Everyone showed up and had a special moment to do something good.
Luke is an intensely sexual man and it was obvious during their second love scene which was beautifully sensual as well as incredibly hot. Mmmm…these two set the sheets on fire, that's for sure. This man knows how to take care of his woman and then some. Moreover, Luke really showed Em how gorgeous she is in spite of her scars and all. She means the world to him.
Absolution provides plenty of pain, fear and an action-packed, intense, and thrilling showdown between Luke and Tehrazzi. Despite all the fear and pain you can feel the hope and love as well as the promise of a new beginning.
Minor quibbles
Even though a
If you are a fellow RS lover and haven't read anything yet written by Kaylea Cross, then I'd recommend you to check out her books. It might be worth a try.
Oh, and Luke...
Always.
Thank you, Kels, for doing the buddy read with me! It was fun. Mwah!
I have it on good authority that this picture comes pretty close to Luke, although we would have to age this guy a couple of years and he'd need a stronger jawline.
This specific quote by Tyler Knott Gregson sums up Em and Luke's situation perfectly:
Warm me like sunlight and soothe me like rain. Burn me with passion and steal away the pain.
"Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit."
- by Sir Peter Ustinov
This great instalment in Kaylea Cross’s suspense series takes us from the USA back to Beirut and the Middle East. After a nearly fatal incident, Luke walked away from Emily and their son, Rayne, many years ago.
"It would've been easier if you'd died," she told him, lower lip trembling slightly. "At least then I could have grieved and learned to live with the loss better. But having you leave when I knew damn well you still loved me? How the hell was I supposed to live with that loss?"
Luke is a former Navy SEAL who went on to work for the CIA's paramilitary ops and making a lot of enemies along the way. While reading Kaylea’s series you'll make the acquaintance of the main villain, Farouk Tehrazzi. Absolution gives us the well anticipated and deadly showdown between Luke and his former friend Tehrazzi.
A long time ago Luke created this lethal terrorist himself by training Tehrazzi. Guilt ate at him and Luke didn't care anymore if he died, so long as he took Tehrazzi with him. Hence, Luke wants to make things right. As it is, he wants a chance at absolution before he gave his last breath. Tehrazzi has been tracking down the women associated with Luke, and now it seems like Emily could be in danger, too. However, Luke will do anything to protect her from harm, and he's prepared to give up his life to save his lifetime love. Luke wants to take her to Beirut because it's the place to hunt down Tehrazzi and Luke's security detail is prime there. But when Luke sees Em again and she tells him she can't go to Beirut because she's suffering from he has to realize that both of them have wasted about twenty years of precious time they could have been together.
Luke is known for his legendary coolness but when he discovers how sick Em is, he is close to coming unhinged. As it was, he had to deal with the fact that they were running out of time.
"Screw that, because I'm not letting you quit."
"You are going to fight this with everything you've got, every single day for as long as it takes. No matter what it takes, you're going to keep fighting. Got me?
Luke. What a man. Whatever this guy does, he does it very well. Including his failures. They are all freakin' spectacular. Luke incorporates everything I absolutely love in a hero: protectiveness, masculinity, strength, respect, loyalty, tenderness. Luke is tough as nails and yet capable of incredible gentleness.
"It's all right, Em. Tears are part of this," he whispered, bending to kiss them away.(…)
"You think a scar's going to change how I see you? Feel about you?"
She swallowed and struggled to find her voice. "It's ugly."
"You're beautiful to me, Em. Always." (…)
"Give me your hand," he coaxed, his voice a seductive whisper. She did, tentatively, and his fingers closed around hers in a warm grip. Strong and reassuring.
"Accept who you are. Be proud of your body. It's fighting a war for you."
There's still hope for Luke and Em.
He's got a heart of gold and is sexy as all get out. Simply put, Luke is the hottest fifty-year-old hero ever. And behind his alpha male behavior he's melting away for his lifetime love, Em. One thing's for sure, Luke will always have a very special place in my heart. It goes without saying that Em is his true match. She is such a classy lady. With that said, I admired Em for her strength to fight her illness and of course for her everlasting love for Luke. Furthermore, it was a real pleasure to seeing all the former heroes and heroines of the previous books again. Everyone showed up and had a special moment to do something good.
Luke is an intensely sexual man and it was obvious during their second love scene which was beautifully sensual as well as incredibly hot. Mmmm…these two set the sheets on fire, that's for sure. This man knows how to take care of his woman and then some. Moreover, Luke really showed Em how gorgeous she is in spite of her scars and all. She means the world to him.
Absolution provides plenty of pain, fear and an action-packed, intense, and thrilling showdown between Luke and Tehrazzi. Despite all the fear and pain you can feel the hope and love as well as the promise of a new beginning.
Minor quibbles
Even though a
If you are a fellow RS lover and haven't read anything yet written by Kaylea Cross, then I'd recommend you to check out her books. It might be worth a try.
Oh, and Luke...
Always.
Thank you, Kels, for doing the buddy read with me! It was fun. Mwah!
October 19, 2013
5+++ stars!
One of the best romantic suspense book I've read in a long, long time! This book has everything; a beautiful love story, intense action, friendship, hot sex, the feels...everything.
Luke Hutchinson, a legendary CIA operative, walked away from the only woman he ever loved and his young son after an incident which convinced him he wasn't good enough for them. So he walked out, leaving Em and his son Rayne behind and for two decades he stayed away. Until a threat from his past threatened the woman he loved.
Emily felt the sting of Luke's betrayal to her core. She raised their son alone but she never got over her husband. She managed to content herself with her life in Charleston until came knocking on her door forcing her to confront her own mortality and the fact that she may never get a chance at happiness--specifically happiness with Luke again.
With both of these threats hanging over their heads Luke and Em found themselves racing against time. Though it's quite obvious that they still loved each other, years of being apart had both hurt them and it wasn't easy to let go of the pain and guilt between them.
I have to be honest, this book wasn't easy for me to read. It dealt with some very serious stuff. Stuff that I don't normally like to read in my books because it usually destroys me. Although I do love to have a good cry every now and then, there are certain subject matter that's just too difficult for me. And the thing that Em dealt with in this book and the uncertainty that goes with it was almost too much for me. But as my friend Baba said to me when I lamented how the ending of this story might destroy me, this story is a hopeful one. And after I finished it, I agreed with her. And I should say, I'm glad Ms. Cross chose to end it that way because if it had ended another way, it wouldn't be as believable anymore.
That said, there are plenty of elements that made this a brilliant romantic suspense book, in my opinion. First, the balance between the suspense side and the romance side. Both elements are gripping in its intensity and flowed seamlessly together. Sometimes when you read a romantic suspense, it's either there's too much romance and not enough suspense or there's too much suspense and not enough romance. But here, Kaylea Cross did a brilliant job at balance the romantic elements with the suspense.
Second; Luke and Emily, and the other characters in general including the bad guy. Gosh, in a time where the market is saturated with NA/YA with their 18 to 20 something MCs, it is refreshing to read a book that has a 50 year old hero and a not much younger heroine in it. These guys have truly lived and it showed. And guess what? Older MCs are sexy as hell, and these two are combustible together. Whew! The sex scenes were some of the best I've read in a while. I am primarily romance reader, so I've read plenty of sex scenes that sometimes I tend to skim through them coz they're pretty much the same nowadays. But with this one, I had to read everything because there was so much emotion built into these sex scenes, I didn't want to miss a thing.
And since this romantic suspense, let's not forget that there is a real bad guy here. A sinister one bent on destroying Luke and everyone he loves. And yes, he is the bad guy but he is not a caricature of all other bad guys out there who just like to blow up things. That's what made him scary. He wasn't some two-dimensional monster. He had layers and layers to his lunacy that I actually understood him. I didn't agree with him of course, I don't cry over bad guys ever! EVER. But I cried over this bad guy. Shit. I didn't like that but what the heck. Whether it's out of pity or not, I say, Ms. Cross did a brilliant job.
Third, the friendship, specifically the bond that the women shared with each other. This was the last book in the series, so all the MCs from the previous books made an appearance here and considering I read this series backwards, starting with this one, I haven't really "met" most of these women before. But it didn't matter because, again, Ms. Cross did a brilliant job at capturing the anxiety that each of these women go through every time their partners are on the field, never knowing if they'd come back alive or in a body bag. And the way they bonded with each other was just wonderful to read.
This is definitely one book I will not soon forget. It deserves more than 5 stars and rest assured, this book won't be my last read from this author! Thank you, Ms. Kaylea Cross for that exhilarating ride.
One of the best romantic suspense book I've read in a long, long time! This book has everything; a beautiful love story, intense action, friendship, hot sex, the feels...everything.
Luke Hutchinson, a legendary CIA operative, walked away from the only woman he ever loved and his young son after an incident which convinced him he wasn't good enough for them. So he walked out, leaving Em and his son Rayne behind and for two decades he stayed away. Until a threat from his past threatened the woman he loved.
Emily felt the sting of Luke's betrayal to her core. She raised their son alone but she never got over her husband. She managed to content herself with her life in Charleston until came knocking on her door forcing her to confront her own mortality and the fact that she may never get a chance at happiness--specifically happiness with Luke again.
With both of these threats hanging over their heads Luke and Em found themselves racing against time. Though it's quite obvious that they still loved each other, years of being apart had both hurt them and it wasn't easy to let go of the pain and guilt between them.
I have to be honest, this book wasn't easy for me to read. It dealt with some very serious stuff. Stuff that I don't normally like to read in my books because it usually destroys me. Although I do love to have a good cry every now and then, there are certain subject matter that's just too difficult for me. And the thing that Em dealt with in this book and the uncertainty that goes with it was almost too much for me. But as my friend Baba said to me when I lamented how the ending of this story might destroy me, this story is a hopeful one. And after I finished it, I agreed with her. And I should say, I'm glad Ms. Cross chose to end it that way because if it had ended another way, it wouldn't be as believable anymore.
That said, there are plenty of elements that made this a brilliant romantic suspense book, in my opinion. First, the balance between the suspense side and the romance side. Both elements are gripping in its intensity and flowed seamlessly together. Sometimes when you read a romantic suspense, it's either there's too much romance and not enough suspense or there's too much suspense and not enough romance. But here, Kaylea Cross did a brilliant job at balance the romantic elements with the suspense.
Second; Luke and Emily, and the other characters in general including the bad guy. Gosh, in a time where the market is saturated with NA/YA with their 18 to 20 something MCs, it is refreshing to read a book that has a 50 year old hero and a not much younger heroine in it. These guys have truly lived and it showed. And guess what? Older MCs are sexy as hell, and these two are combustible together. Whew! The sex scenes were some of the best I've read in a while. I am primarily romance reader, so I've read plenty of sex scenes that sometimes I tend to skim through them coz they're pretty much the same nowadays. But with this one, I had to read everything because there was so much emotion built into these sex scenes, I didn't want to miss a thing.
And since this romantic suspense, let's not forget that there is a real bad guy here. A sinister one bent on destroying Luke and everyone he loves. And yes, he is the bad guy but he is not a caricature of all other bad guys out there who just like to blow up things. That's what made him scary. He wasn't some two-dimensional monster. He had layers and layers to his lunacy that I actually understood him. I didn't agree with him of course, I don't cry over bad guys ever! EVER. But I cried over this bad guy. Shit. I didn't like that but what the heck. Whether it's out of pity or not, I say, Ms. Cross did a brilliant job.
Third, the friendship, specifically the bond that the women shared with each other. This was the last book in the series, so all the MCs from the previous books made an appearance here and considering I read this series backwards, starting with this one, I haven't really "met" most of these women before. But it didn't matter because, again, Ms. Cross did a brilliant job at capturing the anxiety that each of these women go through every time their partners are on the field, never knowing if they'd come back alive or in a body bag. And the way they bonded with each other was just wonderful to read.
This is definitely one book I will not soon forget. It deserves more than 5 stars and rest assured, this book won't be my last read from this author! Thank you, Ms. Kaylea Cross for that exhilarating ride.
July 5, 2015
I give this one a big spectacular
2
Luke was a horrible husband.
We have deception (multiple times).
We have abandonment (over and over again up to the very last chapters).
We have cheating...in my books because he's supposedly devoted to her but banged his way through the agency women.
Makes decisions for her for of her "safety."
We have a 20 year gap until she grows some balls and gets him. (I dislike a needy female).
She tries to sacrifice herself and takes down the terrorist because she knows hunting down the terrorist is more important than her life.
Way to woo the heroine asshole. You're a weenner.
Luke was a horrible husband.
We have deception (multiple times).
We have abandonment (over and over again up to the very last chapters).
We have cheating...in my books because he's supposedly devoted to her but banged his way through the agency women.
Makes decisions for her for of her "safety."
We have a 20 year gap until she grows some balls and gets him. (I dislike a needy female).
She tries to sacrifice herself and takes down the terrorist because she knows hunting down the terrorist is more important than her life.
Way to woo the heroine asshole. You're a weenner.
June 4, 2012
5 ++++ (one of my all time FAVORITE
contemporary romance/action/suspense/adventure stories to date)
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS A FEW SPOILERS...FAIR WARNING!
This is the 5th and final book in Kaylea Cross’ “Suspense” series. The first book in the series is the weakest, but as the series progresses, it gets better and better.
The title of the book is “Absolution”' and that's what this book is about, but it's also about forgiveness, and healing.
Luke Hutchinson is a former SEAL Officer, and now works on contract for the CIA. He has sacrificed everything for his job, including his wife and child. Now at 50 years old, he's getting tired, and the job is catching up to him both physically and mentally. Luke also realizes that he's alone, and he really has nothing to show for his life other than his service to his country. Luke has decided that he’s going to get out of doing ‘Special Operations’ for the CIA, and open his own Consulting/Security firm, but before he can do that, he must find and bring down his Nemesis and former student Tehrazzi who is now considered one of the most dangerous people in the world.
Tehrazzi is a Muslim fanatic and extremist and has been targeting all the women in Luke's life in order to draw him out. Tehrazzi’s next target is Luke's ex-wife Emily. Luke suspects that Emily is in danger and even though Luke walked out on Emily and their son Rayne 20 years ago, He has never stopped loving her, and will do everything in his power to make sure she is safe.
Luke decides to bring Emily to Beirut with him while he’s ‘hunting’ Tehrazzi. He thinks this will be the safest and most secure place for her to be, because he can ensure His people will be with her 24/7, and his compound has the best security available.
Emily agrees to go to Beirut with Luke, but while Luke’s persuading Emily to come with him, He discovers Emily has been battling cancer for the last 5 years, and has recently had a mastectomy and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
Once in Beirut, Luke thinks He’s pinpointed Tehrazzi’s location and prepares to go after Him in Afghanistan, but before he leaves he wants to show Emily just how much he loves her and how much he hopes they can have a future together after this is all finished.
...This is where Luke SHINES!
Luke realizes that Emily is self conscious about her body because of the mastectomy, and she still has an IV still inserted near her collarbone for the chemotherapy treatments. Luke wants to finally do right by Emily, and even if he doesn’t survive his confrontation with Tehrazzi he wants to 'love' and show Emily she is still the most beautiful women in the world to him.
““I won’t let you hide from me. Or from yourself”.....
"Look at me”.
After a long hesitation, she did.
He stared down at her with a powerful
mixture of tenderness and hunger.
“You think a scar’s going to change how I see you?
Feel about you?”
She swallowed and struggled to find her voice.
“It’s ugly.”
You’re beautiful to me, Em. Always.”
..."Give me your hand,” he coaxed, his
voice a seductive whisper.
She did, tentatively, and his fingers closed
around hers in a warm grip. Strong and reassuring.
“Accept who you are. Be proud of your body.
It’s fighting a war for you.””
The gentleness, understanding, and LOVE that Luke shows Emily is what heals her, gives her more confidence that she can win this battle against the cancer, and that she is still a beautiful women. It also gives them both hope that they can have a future together once this mission is over.
...BEAUTIFUL!!!!
contemporary romance/action/suspense/adventure stories to date)
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS A FEW SPOILERS...FAIR WARNING!
This is the 5th and final book in Kaylea Cross’ “Suspense” series. The first book in the series is the weakest, but as the series progresses, it gets better and better.
The title of the book is “Absolution”' and that's what this book is about, but it's also about forgiveness, and healing.
Luke Hutchinson is a former SEAL Officer, and now works on contract for the CIA. He has sacrificed everything for his job, including his wife and child. Now at 50 years old, he's getting tired, and the job is catching up to him both physically and mentally. Luke also realizes that he's alone, and he really has nothing to show for his life other than his service to his country. Luke has decided that he’s going to get out of doing ‘Special Operations’ for the CIA, and open his own Consulting/Security firm, but before he can do that, he must find and bring down his Nemesis and former student Tehrazzi who is now considered one of the most dangerous people in the world.
Tehrazzi is a Muslim fanatic and extremist and has been targeting all the women in Luke's life in order to draw him out. Tehrazzi’s next target is Luke's ex-wife Emily. Luke suspects that Emily is in danger and even though Luke walked out on Emily and their son Rayne 20 years ago, He has never stopped loving her, and will do everything in his power to make sure she is safe.
Luke decides to bring Emily to Beirut with him while he’s ‘hunting’ Tehrazzi. He thinks this will be the safest and most secure place for her to be, because he can ensure His people will be with her 24/7, and his compound has the best security available.
Emily agrees to go to Beirut with Luke, but while Luke’s persuading Emily to come with him, He discovers Emily has been battling cancer for the last 5 years, and has recently had a mastectomy and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
Once in Beirut, Luke thinks He’s pinpointed Tehrazzi’s location and prepares to go after Him in Afghanistan, but before he leaves he wants to show Emily just how much he loves her and how much he hopes they can have a future together after this is all finished.
...This is where Luke SHINES!
Luke realizes that Emily is self conscious about her body because of the mastectomy, and she still has an IV still inserted near her collarbone for the chemotherapy treatments. Luke wants to finally do right by Emily, and even if he doesn’t survive his confrontation with Tehrazzi he wants to 'love' and show Emily she is still the most beautiful women in the world to him.
““I won’t let you hide from me. Or from yourself”.....
"Look at me”.
After a long hesitation, she did.
He stared down at her with a powerful
mixture of tenderness and hunger.
“You think a scar’s going to change how I see you?
Feel about you?”
She swallowed and struggled to find her voice.
“It’s ugly.”
You’re beautiful to me, Em. Always.”
..."Give me your hand,” he coaxed, his
voice a seductive whisper.
She did, tentatively, and his fingers closed
around hers in a warm grip. Strong and reassuring.
“Accept who you are. Be proud of your body.
It’s fighting a war for you.””
The gentleness, understanding, and LOVE that Luke shows Emily is what heals her, gives her more confidence that she can win this battle against the cancer, and that she is still a beautiful women. It also gives them both hope that they can have a future together once this mission is over.
...BEAUTIFUL!!!!
February 20, 2013
WOW!
Where to start?
The series started average but really evolved from book to book.
This book is about Luke and Emily. Luke is somehow the central character through out the series. He and Emily are divorced for twenty years but they never stopped to love each other. All along the series we got bits and pieces of their story and in this book we have the final outcome as well as the final point to the suspense element of the series.
The least I could say is that Kaylea Cross didn't choose the easy way while writing Luke and Emily story but she brilliantly pulled it off. Not only they are both mature but .
Despite at least one TSTL moment from Emily toward the end, I really enjoyed the suspense part of the book and I LOVED Luke and Emily couple. Emily is a fighter and a beautiful soul and Luke is a hot and amazing hero. Not only the smut bits were very well written, sensual and emotional but when these two are in the same room, the sparkles are flying everywhere.
August 11, 2016
4.5 Fantastic Stars
Absolution is a totally engaging, powerful, emotional read! While the action, suspense, and romance are perfectly balanced, what I loved was the romance....and Luke Hutchinson!!
Thank you Babs for leading me to this beautiful story! I loved it!
Absolution is a totally engaging, powerful, emotional read! While the action, suspense, and romance are perfectly balanced, what I loved was the romance....and Luke Hutchinson!!
Thank you Babs for leading me to this beautiful story! I loved it!
October 22, 2011
An absolutely pitch perfect romantic suspense! This story hits all the points required to warrant 5 stars. A riveting story that is unique, flows well and keeps the reader anxiously turning pages. What makes this particular story stand out among the plethora of contemporary romantic suspense, however is that the main characters aren't the usual late 20 to early 30 something military/special ops. we are used to. This story deals with a 50 year old CIA operative who has been around the block, with a lifetime of regrets to deal with and the woman who has loved him through it all. Their story was amazingly rich as well as heart-breaking and while some may take exception to the abundance of reflective moments, it would be impossible to create such a deep and believable love story without them - this is not first time/young love, for heaven sakes, there is 20 years of shared history to work through! It is rare that I tear up while reading and this story did it to me - repeatedly!
While the book can be read as a stand alone, to really understand and experience the depth and emotion surrounding the story, at least one of Cross's previous "Suspense Series" is highly recommended. All the characters carry through and much of the background needed to truly understand Luke and Emily's journey, as well as, the danger faced will be found there.
* For clean readers: There are a couple of long steamy scenes that can be skimmed but because the couples problems are explored during these scenes, completely skipping would be hard.
While the book can be read as a stand alone, to really understand and experience the depth and emotion surrounding the story, at least one of Cross's previous "Suspense Series" is highly recommended. All the characters carry through and much of the background needed to truly understand Luke and Emily's journey, as well as, the danger faced will be found there.
* For clean readers: There are a couple of long steamy scenes that can be skimmed but because the couples problems are explored during these scenes, completely skipping would be hard.
November 8, 2016
F.I.N.A.L.M.E.N.T.E.!!!!
Terminei a leitura... Nunca demorei tanto para terminar um livro!
Eu comecei a ler e achei interessante, mas o cara abandona a família e sai pegando geral enquanto a mulher fica criando o filho deles. Ele lidando com a carreira dele e com traumas causados pelas missões dele.
Depois de 20 anos ele volta porque um terrorista está colocando a equipe dele e amigos como alvo.
Confesso que achei ela uma trouxa por ficar lá ainda amando o cara após tantos anos... mas é isso que tempera a história.
==>great review: Look here
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english review:
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Finished reading ... Never took me so long to finish a book.
I started to read and found interesting, but the man abandons the family and is having sex with several women while his wife is raising their son. He's dealing with his career and with traumas caused by his missions.
After 20 years the hero is back because a terrorist is putting his team, ex lovers, ex-wife and friends as target.
I confess that I found the heroine a doormat for her stay there still loving the man after all these years ... but that's what makes the story.
Terminei a leitura... Nunca demorei tanto para terminar um livro!
Eu comecei a ler e achei interessante, mas o cara abandona a família e sai pegando geral enquanto a mulher fica criando o filho deles. Ele lidando com a carreira dele e com traumas causados pelas missões dele.
Depois de 20 anos ele volta porque um terrorista está colocando a equipe dele e amigos como alvo.
Confesso que achei ela uma trouxa por ficar lá ainda amando o cara após tantos anos... mas é isso que tempera a história.
==>great review: Look here
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english review:
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Finished reading ... Never took me so long to finish a book.
I started to read and found interesting, but the man abandons the family and is having sex with several women while his wife is raising their son. He's dealing with his career and with traumas caused by his missions.
After 20 years the hero is back because a terrorist is putting his team, ex lovers, ex-wife and friends as target.
I confess that I found the heroine a doormat for her stay there still loving the man after all these years ... but that's what makes the story.
March 23, 2012
WOW!!!!! What an exciting end to a fantastic series! By far the sweetest, most romantic and heart breakingly emotional one of the bunch! I LOVED Luke..have from the very beginning..to see him finally reunited with Emily after so much pain and suffering on both their parts was very bittersweet considering the circumstances. Definitely has you believing in true love or the famous saying.."love conquers all."
There's no way i could do this book justice by going into a lengthy review, there have already been a few wonderful ones out there saying everything that needs to be said, so i think i'll just conclude this with a visual....
Come now people...tell me you're not the least bit curious now that you've gotten a look at what a 50 yr. old buff former Navy SEAL, who answers to the name of Luke, looks like!!?? ;)
If you are a fan of Military Romantic suspense...READ THIS SERIES!!
**I do want to add that some people might think about reading this book alone because of how everyone who's read it has raved about it..but this is NOT a stand alone book..it is the "final" book in a SERIES. From about book 2, the storyline is on-going..you would NOT get the full effect/experience if you were to just read this one. It really is a fabulous series..do yourself a favor and read it from the beginning...you will NOT be disappointed!
There's no way i could do this book justice by going into a lengthy review, there have already been a few wonderful ones out there saying everything that needs to be said, so i think i'll just conclude this with a visual....
Come now people...tell me you're not the least bit curious now that you've gotten a look at what a 50 yr. old buff former Navy SEAL, who answers to the name of Luke, looks like!!?? ;)
If you are a fan of Military Romantic suspense...READ THIS SERIES!!
**I do want to add that some people might think about reading this book alone because of how everyone who's read it has raved about it..but this is NOT a stand alone book..it is the "final" book in a SERIES. From about book 2, the storyline is on-going..you would NOT get the full effect/experience if you were to just read this one. It really is a fabulous series..do yourself a favor and read it from the beginning...you will NOT be disappointed!
January 24, 2015
It was an okay read. The hero was a bit of an egg I believe he was the root of all the problems. He just couldn't stay and resolve them as a couple and that really made him look weak in my eyes which is sad because the book was all about how he is such a strong agent etc.
I thought the heroine was really overly forgiving. He had hurt her so many times then he just says i'm sorry lets try again and she falls all over herself to make him happy and take him back.NO! Just NO!
The heroine also had one especially TSTL moment which really irritated me because she made a difficult situation even more difficult and I wanted to jump in to the book and slap her (harsh but true).
So just a 2 from me.
I thought the heroine was really overly forgiving. He had hurt her so many times then he just says i'm sorry lets try again and she falls all over herself to make him happy and take him back.NO! Just NO!
The heroine also had one especially TSTL moment which really irritated me because she made a difficult situation even more difficult and I wanted to jump in to the book and slap her (harsh but true).
So just a 2 from me.
December 2, 2017
This book was amazing. Older couple, female fighting an illness, second chance romance, action and suspense. I should have read the rest of the series first because this is the last book in the series and Em & Luke appear in the previous books. If you want to read how delicate and beautiful a man can be toward his sick wife, read this book, there is a lot of emotion and turmoil but it does have a HEA. Definite 5 star read.
April 5, 2012
2 1/2 stars...
I did not read the preceding books in this series. So I do not totally feel it fair for me to rate the suspense elements of Absolution. This was obviously a plot line that had been building for several books. But if I had to say anything it would be; very edge of my seat exciting, great characters, great villain, though it didn't do enough for me to prompt going back and reading the preceding books.
Romantic suspense is not my preferred genre... So why'd I read a romantic suspense book, you ask? I am drawn to heroines who are victims of breast cancer. My low rating really comes solely from the ho-hum reflection the author made on creating a heroine who has cancer.
I admit, I am overly critical when it comes to this subject. In my opinion; get it right. Show the victims of this disease the consideration they deserve by writing an accurate depiction of the treatments, and the disease itself, or don't write about it at all... Write about something you know, or at least have put more research into than a google search.
Now, with that said Kaylea Cross obviously did some research on the clinical elements and medical terms of breast cancer treatments. I can give her credit for that. Where my issue came in; she created a completely simplified and unrealistic portrayal of the side effects of chemotherapy.
Emily going through chemo was a huge part of the plot of Absolution. The absolute worst PHYSICAL side effects of chemotherapy are: hair loss (yes I mention this one first because it's horrible), nausea and fatigue. This is without mentioning organ failure, allergic reactions that could cause death and possible seizures. ****Spoilers**** Our heroine has lost her hair and she is self conscience when her wig shifts a bit when Luke lays her down on the bed. But the wig didn't fall off when she jumped on a boat, attacked the bad guy, was thrown off the boat and was swimming? She had to rip it off her head when she was in the water so she wouldn't drawn. This is totally absurd. Unless that sucker was stapled or adhered to her head with super glue somehow, it's flying off the second she LAUNCHED HERSELF ONTO A MOVING BOAT!!! That brings me to; where the hell is Emily getting all this energy from? She's worried about the scars on her chest and her dry vagina, but she has no problems with feeling sick, eating whatever is in front of her and she seems to have the stamina of a 17 year old track star. Not accurate at all. I got the impression that the author did a search on "chemo side effects", pin pointed dry vagina and mastectomy scars to create awkward sex scenes, then hair loss because that's just obvious and felt that was all that was needed.
I feel like that person that no one likes to watch movies with... You know the one harping through the actions scenes bitching "that could never happen". I'm really not that person, honest. I know this is "fiction" and the author can create whatever the hell she wants. But I just am very particular and nit picky about my cancer stricken heroines. If a possible real life event is a major plot device it needs to be reflected accurately. And yes, everyone is different... But Emily's side effects are depicted as horrible and debilitating, when in fact the author didn't even graze the surface.
I had reservations posting this review because this is something that I obviously take very personal. And not everyone is going to hone in on the same things as I did. But I decided to go for it because isn't our reading personal? Each of us as readers is looking to get something special out of our reading experience. And I guess when I read about cancer survivors I'm looking for a kind of fictional kindred spirit, and when I don't find that, especially if the author down plays certain elements, it pisses me off.
I did not read the preceding books in this series. So I do not totally feel it fair for me to rate the suspense elements of Absolution. This was obviously a plot line that had been building for several books. But if I had to say anything it would be; very edge of my seat exciting, great characters, great villain, though it didn't do enough for me to prompt going back and reading the preceding books.
Romantic suspense is not my preferred genre... So why'd I read a romantic suspense book, you ask? I am drawn to heroines who are victims of breast cancer. My low rating really comes solely from the ho-hum reflection the author made on creating a heroine who has cancer.
I admit, I am overly critical when it comes to this subject. In my opinion; get it right. Show the victims of this disease the consideration they deserve by writing an accurate depiction of the treatments, and the disease itself, or don't write about it at all... Write about something you know, or at least have put more research into than a google search.
Now, with that said Kaylea Cross obviously did some research on the clinical elements and medical terms of breast cancer treatments. I can give her credit for that. Where my issue came in; she created a completely simplified and unrealistic portrayal of the side effects of chemotherapy.
Emily going through chemo was a huge part of the plot of Absolution. The absolute worst PHYSICAL side effects of chemotherapy are: hair loss (yes I mention this one first because it's horrible), nausea and fatigue. This is without mentioning organ failure, allergic reactions that could cause death and possible seizures. ****Spoilers**** Our heroine has lost her hair and she is self conscience when her wig shifts a bit when Luke lays her down on the bed. But the wig didn't fall off when she jumped on a boat, attacked the bad guy, was thrown off the boat and was swimming? She had to rip it off her head when she was in the water so she wouldn't drawn. This is totally absurd. Unless that sucker was stapled or adhered to her head with super glue somehow, it's flying off the second she LAUNCHED HERSELF ONTO A MOVING BOAT!!! That brings me to; where the hell is Emily getting all this energy from? She's worried about the scars on her chest and her dry vagina, but she has no problems with feeling sick, eating whatever is in front of her and she seems to have the stamina of a 17 year old track star. Not accurate at all. I got the impression that the author did a search on "chemo side effects", pin pointed dry vagina and mastectomy scars to create awkward sex scenes, then hair loss because that's just obvious and felt that was all that was needed.
I feel like that person that no one likes to watch movies with... You know the one harping through the actions scenes bitching "that could never happen". I'm really not that person, honest. I know this is "fiction" and the author can create whatever the hell she wants. But I just am very particular and nit picky about my cancer stricken heroines. If a possible real life event is a major plot device it needs to be reflected accurately. And yes, everyone is different... But Emily's side effects are depicted as horrible and debilitating, when in fact the author didn't even graze the surface.
I had reservations posting this review because this is something that I obviously take very personal. And not everyone is going to hone in on the same things as I did. But I decided to go for it because isn't our reading personal? Each of us as readers is looking to get something special out of our reading experience. And I guess when I read about cancer survivors I'm looking for a kind of fictional kindred spirit, and when I don't find that, especially if the author down plays certain elements, it pisses me off.
May 9, 2016
Probably some mild spoilers in here
4.5 stars.
Sadness, regret and a second chance but perhaps too little too late?:(
This is story about a mature couple, they both 50 and separated for twenty years because the hero job is so dangerous and he did choose his job to his family.
Now Luke found out eventhough they not together the enemy still targeting his ex.
Of course he wanted to protect her no matter what only to find out she is dying.
I love this book but abandoned the love of your life and child for twenty years? I won't call him a hero:(
I like the ending thought, happy for now.
Emily is getting better but not totally healthy yet. Because nothing predictable about Emily's illness and Luke should be by her side to make it easier for her and love her as she deserved and help her to fight the disease.
4.5 stars.
Sadness, regret and a second chance but perhaps too little too late?:(
This is story about a mature couple, they both 50 and separated for twenty years because the hero job is so dangerous and he did choose his job to his family.
Now Luke found out eventhough they not together the enemy still targeting his ex.
Of course he wanted to protect her no matter what only to find out she is dying.
I love this book but abandoned the love of your life and child for twenty years? I won't call him a hero:(
I like the ending thought, happy for now.
Emily is getting better but not totally healthy yet. Because nothing predictable about Emily's illness and Luke should be by her side to make it easier for her and love her as she deserved and help her to fight the disease.
January 24, 2012
Absolutely spellbinding! A heart-wrenchingly beautiful love story between two older characters whose lives did not always travel a peaceful path. A wonderful finale to this superb series.
January 7, 2013
Emily is one tough woman!!!!!
August 21, 2015
OH GOD!!!! THE FEELS... and THAT ENDING!!!! Can't stop the tears...
December 11, 2010
WOW! Absolutely riveting! What a great way to end a fantastic series!
nope-not-celibate-aftr-seeing-h
October 22, 2016
April 2, 2017
I already knew before reading it that this book would be a hit. There were all the elements I love: two strong persons, Luke and Emily from the previous books, a long separation, action, revenge and so on. Luke and his ex-wife Emily are separated because more than 20 years ago he involuntarily hurt her and he was so afraid to decide to go away from his wife and his son before harming them again.
But this time Emily is in a double danger, she's fighting cancer and she's risking from the people Luke are hunting.
So, I'm going to say hello to Kaylea Cross and her wonderful stories. I loved them very much and I'm recommending them to everyone!
But this time Emily is in a double danger, she's fighting cancer and she's risking from the people Luke are hunting.
So, I'm going to say hello to Kaylea Cross and her wonderful stories. I loved them very much and I'm recommending them to everyone!
August 6, 2016
Kaylea Cross’s series got better and better until it all culminated in the amazing final installment. Absolution has her trademark suspense, action and emotion packed into it but with a unique hero and heroine who are both older than the norm in today’s romance novels. Since readers have had glimpses of the couple, clever clues about their marriage which ended over twenty years ago, it was a treat to finally learn their full story. And again I was hooked from the very first page. Cross wove in each character from the series into this captivating story so that their significance to the overall plot was reinforced while not taking away focus from the main characters.
Luke and Emily, oh Luke and Emily, the sacrifice and unrelenting love of this couple squeezed my heart. Admittedly, reunited lovers is one of my favorite themes in romance books but their story keeps the reader in suspense wondering if it’s possible for their relationship to really work out in the end. Cross doesn’t sugar-coat anything in her series, including Luke and Emily’s fate in this climactic ending.
Luke, a Navy SEAL, walked away from Emily years ago after he accidently hurt her and was scared he might do it again. Leaving behind both Emily and their young son, Luke went on to work for the CIA and made plenty of enemies along the way. Throughout the series, Luke is tracking a terrorist he helped train before he turned on the United States. The terrorist has been using women close to Luke to gain his attention; and now it looks like Emily could be in danger. Luke is prepared to give up his life in order to finally take the terrorist down but his plan changes when he finds out Emily might be sick.
Though they have been separated by miles, Luke and Emily have never stopped loving one another. The bond they share is carried with Luke everywhere he goes, just like the medallion Emily once gave him. Reunited briefly at their son’s wedding in a previous book, Emily stays with Luke before a life-threatening surgery only to leave before he gets into recovery. When Luke shows up at her doorstep a month later, he learns she left so quickly because she has cancer and was beginning treatment. Realizing Emily might die from cancer, he accepts that he’s caused them to waste half a lifetime they could’ve been together and wants to reconcile. And now it looks like neither has much time left.
Rebecca, Ndulgent Blogger
http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...
Luke and Emily, oh Luke and Emily, the sacrifice and unrelenting love of this couple squeezed my heart. Admittedly, reunited lovers is one of my favorite themes in romance books but their story keeps the reader in suspense wondering if it’s possible for their relationship to really work out in the end. Cross doesn’t sugar-coat anything in her series, including Luke and Emily’s fate in this climactic ending.
Luke, a Navy SEAL, walked away from Emily years ago after he accidently hurt her and was scared he might do it again. Leaving behind both Emily and their young son, Luke went on to work for the CIA and made plenty of enemies along the way. Throughout the series, Luke is tracking a terrorist he helped train before he turned on the United States. The terrorist has been using women close to Luke to gain his attention; and now it looks like Emily could be in danger. Luke is prepared to give up his life in order to finally take the terrorist down but his plan changes when he finds out Emily might be sick.
Though they have been separated by miles, Luke and Emily have never stopped loving one another. The bond they share is carried with Luke everywhere he goes, just like the medallion Emily once gave him. Reunited briefly at their son’s wedding in a previous book, Emily stays with Luke before a life-threatening surgery only to leave before he gets into recovery. When Luke shows up at her doorstep a month later, he learns she left so quickly because she has cancer and was beginning treatment. Realizing Emily might die from cancer, he accepts that he’s caused them to waste half a lifetime they could’ve been together and wants to reconcile. And now it looks like neither has much time left.
Rebecca, Ndulgent Blogger
http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...
March 14, 2012
*4.5 Stars*
This was a really good book with lots of emotion and plenty of suspense! Luke had walked away from Emily, his wife, more than twenty years earlier, not because he didn't love her, but because he did. Yeah, she didn't buy it either, but she couldn't stop him. Because of a potential threat to her, they are forced together and the emotions they have both been trying to deny surface - explosively. As you might expect, there is a good amount of angst, but your heart just breaks for both the hero and the heroine over what has been lost. There is hope that they might be able to make up for past mistakes, and they both made them, but there are several hurdles to overcome before that can happen. I only wish there had been an epilogue to this last book of the series, I was happy with the end, but would have loved more resolution. For a change, I would have liked to fast forward some into the future to what it holds for this couple. And all of the others too!
This was a really good book with lots of emotion and plenty of suspense! Luke had walked away from Emily, his wife, more than twenty years earlier, not because he didn't love her, but because he did. Yeah, she didn't buy it either, but she couldn't stop him. Because of a potential threat to her, they are forced together and the emotions they have both been trying to deny surface - explosively. As you might expect, there is a good amount of angst, but your heart just breaks for both the hero and the heroine over what has been lost. There is hope that they might be able to make up for past mistakes, and they both made them, but there are several hurdles to overcome before that can happen. I only wish there had been an epilogue to this last book of the series, I was happy with the end, but would have loved more resolution. For a change, I would have liked to fast forward some into the future to what it holds for this couple. And all of the others too!
March 8, 2015
This is a great romantic suspense filled with fabulous characters and that's including the bad guy. It took me a while to figure out who is who because I did not read the other books. The blurb intrigued me so I dove right in. To say it hurts to read the story of Luke and Emmy is an understatement ... it was hard to read some parts because their pain was real and gut wrenching. It's hard for me to re-live the book to write a review. I would say though as a person who wanted groveling, I didn't need that here. I understood Luke's motivations and fears even if I didn't agree with him. I also liked that the MCs, instead of dwelling in what happened to them, knew to seize the moment and make the most of it.
I like the layers given to the villain, that there was a spark of sympathy in a soul filled with revenge.
I also like how the HEA was realistic given the circumstances.
I like the layers given to the villain, that there was a spark of sympathy in a soul filled with revenge.
I also like how the HEA was realistic given the circumstances.
July 27, 2011
Rating 3.5
Reunion story 20 years in the making. Hero walked out on son and his wife thinking it's for their better since his job was taking a toll and he almost slit her throat but then something from his past brings danger along and the heroine may be dying of cancer. I enjoyed the book even though I have not read the other books in the series, the writing was good. Luke the hero was tortured, I do feel I may have been more invested in the story if I had read the others but to me the hero Luke hurt Emily unbearably, he knew it and she knew it. She tried to move on but I guess the message being you can't just turn love off.
The military action was good as well.
Reunion story 20 years in the making. Hero walked out on son and his wife thinking it's for their better since his job was taking a toll and he almost slit her throat but then something from his past brings danger along and the heroine may be dying of cancer. I enjoyed the book even though I have not read the other books in the series, the writing was good. Luke the hero was tortured, I do feel I may have been more invested in the story if I had read the others but to me the hero Luke hurt Emily unbearably, he knew it and she knew it. She tried to move on but I guess the message being you can't just turn love off.
The military action was good as well.
February 6, 2013
I freaking LOVED Absolution! Luke has intrigued me from the beginning of the series but who knew that Luke, with his cold and aloof exterior, could be so gentle and tender?! We were only able to briefly glimpse all that is Luke in the previous installments so seeing the more passionate/sensitive side of this complex character was incredible. Loved him, loved Emily, loved their second chance, loved the culmination of the Tehrazzi/revenge storyline, loved the ending, just loved everything about it. Amazing ending to an outstanding series!
October 28, 2011
5 fabulous stars. Another best book of the series. Wow - the whole Emily/Luke story from the beginning until now was a heart melter. No other book like this one. What research KC must have gone through to write this complex series. Sorry the series has ended but KC is now one of my fav authors. Her next series starts off with Deadly Descent and I can't wait for the following book. Highly recommend this author and her series.
See my review of Out of Her League on the entire series
See my review of Out of Her League on the entire series
November 27, 2020
I know there's a novella to read next but this book felt like we were saying goodbye to old friends.
Without giving anything away, I absolutely adored the way this author wrapped up all the loose ends (with both characters and plot), yet still managed to send you on a rollercoaster of emotions with no safety bar.
She's definitely ended this amazing series with a bang, and grateful that there's one more short story left so that it might make it sting a little less.
Without giving anything away, I absolutely adored the way this author wrapped up all the loose ends (with both characters and plot), yet still managed to send you on a rollercoaster of emotions with no safety bar.
She's definitely ended this amazing series with a bang, and grateful that there's one more short story left so that it might make it sting a little less.
August 7, 2021
I knew going in, that ABSOLUTION was going to be really emotional; there's so much history between Luke and Emily and we've seen hints of it throughout the series. Kaylea Cross is a fantastic writer and her stories always suck me in from the start. ABSOLUTION had a slower pace with less action but that was fine because it was really more about rebuilding the relationship between Luke and Emily. These two have really lived hard lives and I was so happy to see them finally get their happily ever after.
From the beginning we've seen how dedicated Luke is to stopping Tehrazzi and how conflicted he was over his hand in turning a young boy into a terrorist. Cross does an amazing job creating a truly complex villain and exploring the grey areas around his motivations. Luke is sure that Tehrazzi will target Emily so he insists on protecting her, but when he finds out she's sick he realizes that he might lose his chance for reconciliation. Luke is very much the strong, silent type who's used to taking charge and solving problems but he can't solve Emily's cancer. On top of that, Luke has to learn to forgive himself for his past mistakes and I really loved watching him deal with these more vulnerable moments. I do wish we could have seen more of Luke rebuilding his relationship with his son, Rayne, but since they weren't in the same country it's understandable.
Emily has tried to move on from Luke but he's the love of her life and he'll always have her heart. I felt so much for Emily who's been dealt a lot of hard hands in life and isn't sure if she can keep fighting. Emily was so sweet and compassionate and a natural caretaker but she doesn't exactly know how to lean on others. She always wanted things to be perfect for Luke when they were still together, but it also meant keeping her worries and concerns to herself. Having Luke back in her life is hard for Emily but she's so willing to forgive and enjoy the time they have together.
Luke and Emily were truly perfect together and my heart hurts for the time they had to spend apart. It was obvious from the beginning how much they still cared for each other and how strong their attraction still was. Luke and Emily had a lot to work through and I loved going on this journey with them.
Content Warning: Emily has cancer and is undergoing treatment; Luke has PTSD
From the beginning we've seen how dedicated Luke is to stopping Tehrazzi and how conflicted he was over his hand in turning a young boy into a terrorist. Cross does an amazing job creating a truly complex villain and exploring the grey areas around his motivations. Luke is sure that Tehrazzi will target Emily so he insists on protecting her, but when he finds out she's sick he realizes that he might lose his chance for reconciliation. Luke is very much the strong, silent type who's used to taking charge and solving problems but he can't solve Emily's cancer. On top of that, Luke has to learn to forgive himself for his past mistakes and I really loved watching him deal with these more vulnerable moments. I do wish we could have seen more of Luke rebuilding his relationship with his son, Rayne, but since they weren't in the same country it's understandable.
Emily has tried to move on from Luke but he's the love of her life and he'll always have her heart. I felt so much for Emily who's been dealt a lot of hard hands in life and isn't sure if she can keep fighting. Emily was so sweet and compassionate and a natural caretaker but she doesn't exactly know how to lean on others. She always wanted things to be perfect for Luke when they were still together, but it also meant keeping her worries and concerns to herself. Having Luke back in her life is hard for Emily but she's so willing to forgive and enjoy the time they have together.
Luke and Emily were truly perfect together and my heart hurts for the time they had to spend apart. It was obvious from the beginning how much they still cared for each other and how strong their attraction still was. Luke and Emily had a lot to work through and I loved going on this journey with them.
Content Warning: Emily has cancer and is undergoing treatment; Luke has PTSD
March 25, 2011
For full review, go to http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs......
Kaylea Cross’s series got better and better until it all culminated in the amazing final installment. Absolution has her trademark suspense, action and emotion packed into it but with a unique hero and heroine who are both older than the norm in today’s romance novels. Since readers have had glimpses of the couple, clever clues about their marriage which ended over twenty years ago, it was a treat to finally learn their full story. And again I was hooked from the very first page. Cross wove in each character from the series into this captivating story so that their significance to the overall plot was reinforced while not taking away focus from the main characters.
Luke and Emily, oh Luke and Emily, the sacrifice and unrelenting love of this couple squeezed my heart. Admittedly, reunited lovers is one of my favorite themes in romance books but their story keeps the reader in suspense wondering if it’s possible for their relationship to really work out in the end. Cross doesn’t sugar-coat anything in her series, including Luke and Emily’s fate in this climactic ending.
This book is well researched and thoughtful. Every detail, including both the military aspects and Emily’s illness, is far more detailed than readers will find in other books within this genre. The details create scenes that jump off the page as the reader travels from the United States to Beirut and the mountains of the Middle East. It is truly the best romantic military suspense series available.
Absolution has a unique plot with one twist after another so even though the reader expects a happy ever after because it is a romance, the suspense leaves the reader guessing. In fact, this is what puts the series on my “favorites” shelf. I was on the edge the entire book - there were no moments in the story where I was certain what was going to happen. Cross beautifully crafted a storyline with the military suspense aspect of the plot equally as strong as the romance aspect, creating a realistic story while still giving the romantics-at-heart the ending they crave.
Kaylea Cross’s series got better and better until it all culminated in the amazing final installment. Absolution has her trademark suspense, action and emotion packed into it but with a unique hero and heroine who are both older than the norm in today’s romance novels. Since readers have had glimpses of the couple, clever clues about their marriage which ended over twenty years ago, it was a treat to finally learn their full story. And again I was hooked from the very first page. Cross wove in each character from the series into this captivating story so that their significance to the overall plot was reinforced while not taking away focus from the main characters.
Luke and Emily, oh Luke and Emily, the sacrifice and unrelenting love of this couple squeezed my heart. Admittedly, reunited lovers is one of my favorite themes in romance books but their story keeps the reader in suspense wondering if it’s possible for their relationship to really work out in the end. Cross doesn’t sugar-coat anything in her series, including Luke and Emily’s fate in this climactic ending.
This book is well researched and thoughtful. Every detail, including both the military aspects and Emily’s illness, is far more detailed than readers will find in other books within this genre. The details create scenes that jump off the page as the reader travels from the United States to Beirut and the mountains of the Middle East. It is truly the best romantic military suspense series available.
Absolution has a unique plot with one twist after another so even though the reader expects a happy ever after because it is a romance, the suspense leaves the reader guessing. In fact, this is what puts the series on my “favorites” shelf. I was on the edge the entire book - there were no moments in the story where I was certain what was going to happen. Cross beautifully crafted a storyline with the military suspense aspect of the plot equally as strong as the romance aspect, creating a realistic story while still giving the romantics-at-heart the ending they crave.
April 4, 2012
For full review, go to http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs......
Kaylea Cross’s series got better and better until it all culminated in the amazing final installment. Absolution has her trademark suspense, action and emotion packed into it but with a unique hero and heroine who are both older than the norm in today’s romance novels. Since readers have had glimpses of the couple, clever clues about their marriage which ended over twenty years ago, it was a treat to finally learn their full story. And again I was hooked from the very first page. Cross wove in each character from the series into this captivating story so that their significance to the overall plot was reinforced while not taking away focus from the main characters.
Luke and Emily, oh Luke and Emily, the sacrifice and unrelenting love of this couple squeezed my heart. Admittedly, reunited lovers is one of my favorite themes in romance books but their story keeps the reader in suspense wondering if it’s possible for their relationship to really work out in the end. Cross doesn’t sugar-coat anything in her series, including Luke and Emily’s fate in this climactic ending.
This book is well researched and thoughtful. Every detail, including both the military aspects and Emily’s illness, is far more detailed than readers will find in other books within this genre. The details create scenes that jump off the page as the reader travels from the United States to Beirut and the mountains of the Middle East. It is truly the best romantic military suspense series available.
Absolution has a unique plot with one twist after another so even though the reader expects a happy ever after because it is a romance, the suspense leaves the reader guessing. In fact, this is what puts the series on my “favorites” shelf. I was on the edge the entire book - there were no moments in the story where I was certain what was going to happen. Cross beautifully crafted a storyline with the military suspense aspect of the plot equally as strong as the romance aspect, creating a realistic story while still giving the romantics-at-heart the ending they crave.
Kaylea Cross’s series got better and better until it all culminated in the amazing final installment. Absolution has her trademark suspense, action and emotion packed into it but with a unique hero and heroine who are both older than the norm in today’s romance novels. Since readers have had glimpses of the couple, clever clues about their marriage which ended over twenty years ago, it was a treat to finally learn their full story. And again I was hooked from the very first page. Cross wove in each character from the series into this captivating story so that their significance to the overall plot was reinforced while not taking away focus from the main characters.
Luke and Emily, oh Luke and Emily, the sacrifice and unrelenting love of this couple squeezed my heart. Admittedly, reunited lovers is one of my favorite themes in romance books but their story keeps the reader in suspense wondering if it’s possible for their relationship to really work out in the end. Cross doesn’t sugar-coat anything in her series, including Luke and Emily’s fate in this climactic ending.
This book is well researched and thoughtful. Every detail, including both the military aspects and Emily’s illness, is far more detailed than readers will find in other books within this genre. The details create scenes that jump off the page as the reader travels from the United States to Beirut and the mountains of the Middle East. It is truly the best romantic military suspense series available.
Absolution has a unique plot with one twist after another so even though the reader expects a happy ever after because it is a romance, the suspense leaves the reader guessing. In fact, this is what puts the series on my “favorites” shelf. I was on the edge the entire book - there were no moments in the story where I was certain what was going to happen. Cross beautifully crafted a storyline with the military suspense aspect of the plot equally as strong as the romance aspect, creating a realistic story while still giving the romantics-at-heart the ending they crave.
August 22, 2013
Fantastic - probably because, like one of my most fav stories EVER("Wild Card" by Leigh), the H/h had a long term romance that was interupted for years and the backdrop of war and evil was the catalyst, not the story. I think I read this story about 18 months ago and forgot to flag it until now - I've read it twice and probably will read it again (and again). Older H, older h (which is so rare - and they had a very intense sexual relationship as an older couple, it's not all for the 20 year olds!), pain they caused eachother and pain not under their control (terrorism, cancer) but their reactions to what they couldn't control made things worse for their relationship until the story picks up in their middle aged years...growth of each as a person, and a stronger more loving connection for however long they have together remaining (you get the sense the cancer will remain in remission which of course is not always the real world but is romantica isn't it)...beautifully told by Cross.
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