Yearning Absolution

Yearning Series #2

by Rachael Orman

Gwen has finally landed her first fashion design job, working under her amazing boyfriend, Cole. While her girlfriend, McKayla, is busy with her modeling job, things start to shift in their unique relationship.

Unexpected surprises cause a whirlwind of change to sweep through their once happy lives.

As the people around her change, so do their relationships… When all is said and done sometimes only heartbreak is left.

Just when Gwen thought life was good, she is thrust into one catastrophe after another.

Will Gwen’s life be able to withstand even more turmoil, tears and blood?

Can she fulfill the dreams she has held onto for so long, while accepting new dreams that she never knew she had? Or will everything come crashing down on her?

Genres: Romance, Dark, Erotica

210 pages, Unknown Binding

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Happily married mother of two darling, trying, beautiful, horribly energetic little girls, an adorable German Shephard pup who makes her get off her butt and at least go for a walk around the block, and a fat, old, lazy chihuahua.

When she isn't spending all her time writing dirty, sexy, naughty erotic romances, she is narrating audiobooks and helping run a LBGT blog.

Rachael loves to push herself to write new things so her books vary from heterosexual romances to gay/lesbian romances to menage romances... She couldn't imagine writing outside of the romance genre since that's what life is all about.. Love, sex, happiness.

She is a full supporter of the LBGT community and equality for all.

Please connect with her as she loves to know that people appreciate the time and energy she puts into each story.
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/WriterRachae...

Facebook Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/31993...

Facebook Audiobook Narrator Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChloeColeNar...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachaelOrman

Sign Up for Rachael’s Newsletter and get TWO F-R-E-E Stories.

In Flight – an Erotic Short Story (MFM) – An adventurous overworked Summer takes on a pair of sexy older twins.
AND
Her Ride – a full length novel (MF) – A former female Marine, Ryan, is getting out of the service. While trying to find herself again, she lands at her older brother’s house, which also happens to be where her childhood crush and the motorcycle club her brother runs hangs out.

Head over here to get your free starter library! http://rachaelormanauthor.wix.com/rac...

Reviews

[J.A. Melville · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very fortunate to be given a chance to read Rachael Orman's book Yearning Absolution before its publishing date. This is the second and final book in this series, the first being Yearning Devotion.
I could say so much about this book but I don't want to give away the storyline. What I can say though is I absolutely LOVED it. I loved the first book and although I probably made the author feel like she had a cyber stalker since I was constantly wanting to know when this book would be ready and published, I was so excited when I was given the chance to read it early.
In the first book we are introduced to Gwen, a woman who has had to endure more than the average person. I loved her strength, her ambition and her never say never attitude. She had her friend McKayla who was more than just a friend and then came Cole and wow, why can't he be real?? He's sexy as sin, understanding, a sweetheart as far as I'm concerned.
The first book finished on a real cliffhanger and I swear I was about to hang myself if I'd had to wait much longer to read Yearning Absolution.
It was a real emotional rollercoaster for me. I was so happy with some parts, relieved, delighted for the characters and then I was blindsided by events I never saw coming and left heartbroken. I can honestly say I moped around the house for a day after reading some of this book, but things got better and the ending gave me everything I'd hoped for, a sense of happiness and a little bit of "I wondered if that might happen" and delight that it did.
I can't say much more without potentially spoiling the storyline but seriously if you haven't read Rachael Orman's Yearning Devotion, do yourself a favour and buy it and be sure to get Yearning Absolution when it's available which I think will be around mid October, I thoroughly recommend them. You won't be disappointed.

[Verna Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in the series! If you haven't read it you need to read Yearning Devotion first :)

Let me say if you haven’t discovered this series then you are missing out. It is definitely one of the most unique and heartwarming series I’ve read.

Gwen is such an amazing woman. She’s strong and stands her ground. I was so happy that the book starts off in a good way. Her, McKayla, and Cole’s relationship is working and everyone is getting along. You will start to feel for Gwen though, she is trying so hard to balance her new job along with both of her relationships.

I have to add this in here because I can’t help myself. I LOVE Cole and I mean love him. I was so touched that he was doing everything in his power to protect both McKayla and Gwen. He is always sweet, caring, loving and so very romantic. He’s wonderful. He also won my heart because he accepts Gwen as she is. He doesn’t try to change her or make her feel anyless loved. He’s very gentle with Gwen which I adore.

Through the whole book you are on edge. I know I was. Because you are wondering all the time when the brother is going to strike and hurt Gwen again. He’s always in the back of your head.

My heart broke for Gwen when McKayla left her because she really was trying so hard to make the relationship work. Then her and Cole get the most amazing news. I was so happy for them and thrilled. I just hoped that nothing went wrong. But of course it did. My heart was completely ripped out of my chest at this part in the book. My heart was broken and I couldn’t help but cry for Gwen and Cole. It literally killed me. Needless to say I was happy that the brother got what was coming to him and that Cole was the one who gave it to him. I did not like the brothers at ALL.

I felt my whole heart shatter through the loss they were going through as well as Gwen not being able to remember anyone. I was so glad she finally got her memory back because it was killing me that she didn’t know the two loves in her life.

The ending was AMAZING. I was so happy to see this wonderful book end so great. I had such a big smile on my face because it ended perfectly. You couldn’t have asked for any better.

*ARC received from author for a honest review

[J.F. Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is there to say about Yearning Absolution, sequel to Yearning Devotion? All I can say is wow. I really liked the first book but I think YA really went beyond it. Where YD gave insight into the dynamics between the three characters, YA really dove into the storyline. It was dark and unpredictable. I honestly wasn’t sure where the book was going to end up. There was a scene that was full of suspense and had my heart racing as if I were there with the character and another that had me crying, seriously making my heart feel like it was breaking. I had taken a few minutes to start reading between chores, thinking I wasn’t going to read it for very long. I ended up lying on the floor of my room ALL DAY. I read it all and could NOT put it down! This series is a MUST READ!

[Ena May - Swoon Worthy Books/Enticing Journey Book Promotions · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Star Review

**If you haven't read Yearning Devotion please do NOT read this review**

Yearning Absolution picks up right where Yearning Devotion ended with the shock after seeing one of the brothers that abducted and tortured Gwen for so many years. Now having the fear put right in front of her again Gwen and McKayla find themselves living with Cole for protection.

In Yearning Absolution we watch how when some relationships grow strong everyday some start to slowing fall apart. I was thrown into a world of love and devotion not knowing if the relationship between Cole, Gwen and McKayla would survive. It was beautiful to watch Gwen open up more to Cole and see the love that was shared between them but at the same time sad to watch McKayla's insecurities and fear put a wedge between her and Gwen. I loved them all as separate couples and all together as a threesome. The love that both Cole and McKayla had for Gwen was a pleasure to read.

There were moments when my heart would pound when Gwen would relive what she went through as a young girl in her mind. Her fear of being taken by the brother who had held her captive for so long paralyzed me at times. You could feel her fear during this read when the brother, later to be known as Richard, would reach out and make contact with Gwen or send things to her letting her know that she would always belong to him. Reading the way Cole reacted to those threats melted my heart because he really would give up his life to make sure she was safe.

While Gwen and Cole grew closer; McKayla started to feel neglected and thrown to the side and started pulling away in fear of having her heart broken thinking that Gwen was going to pick Cole over her. There were things that McKayla could give Gwen that Cole couldn’t and vice versa. I truly believe that Gwen had enough love in her heart for the both of them and I knew with work and commitment they could make their situation work.

There were a few oh shit moments that left my palms sweating when Richard got to close. There were moments where my heart broke for McKayla when she finally had enough and needed time to think which in turn broke Gwen’s heart. Through everything Cole stood by her side and promised that he would never let Richard hurt her again and that McKayla would be back.

There was definite steam in this book – I think in chapter 3 I had to take a break and grab myself a cold shower. I have read many books with threesomes being m/f/m but this one being m/f/f was just as hot. Gwen was a very lucky woman to have all that attention placed on her body and I found myself becoming very jealous of her. I found myself on more than a few occasions rubbing my thighs back and forth to relieve the ache that Rachael placed there from her steamy and sexy scenes. I am very surprised that the book itself didn’t combust.

After a very huge curveball that was thrown at Cole and Gwen, Gwen decides that she needs McKayla and will stop at nothing to bring her back into her life and Cole was there every step of the way. Richard was getting much to close for comfort and after so many threats he had to make his threats into promises and this is when my heart pounded rapidly and my nerves were shot. Can Gwen really survive Richard again after killing his brother – knowing that in the end it would certainly mean her death? Will Cole be able to safe her from someone that he doesn’t know? Will McKayla finally realize that she needs Gwen before it’s too late? Will Gwen survive the devastation that is bound to take place when she realizes that everything she has ever wanted and her life that she finally just got back is about to be ripped away at the hands of the man who wants her dead?

[Taryn Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

~I received an ARC from Book Enthusiast Promotions in exchange for an honest review~

I didn't read Yearning Devotion (the first book), so this book was a bit confusing at times, but I was still able to follow along pretty well.

It's a much different love triangle. Basically we've got Gwen who has been in a relationship with McKayla for ten years. Then while they are together, Gwen meets Cole, who she works for at a fashion design company. Gwen ends up entering into a relationship with Cole, which means we've got Gwen with a boyfriend and girlfriend. A little confusing? I was at first until we find out that Gwen was also kept captive for 5 years by two abusive brother. And the only living brother, now that Gwen has murdered the other brother, is after Gwen again. So now, Gwen is juggling two relationships, a new job as her own designer where her boyfriend is the CEO, a jealous girlfriend, and a psycho ex-kidnapper? Piece of cake? ... Ya right!

This book was a nice try at being a somewhat suspenseful romance, but it lacked the suspense, the angst. I wanted more. I wanted to see Richard, the brother coming back to kill (or torture) Gwen, to attack her more than once. I know we should feel worried about Gwen's safety, but even she didn't worry all that much, so when Richard finally showed himself, I just couldn't sympathize with her fears. If you know that someone is out there hunting you down, then don't walk into alley ways or by yourself.

Overall, I think it's a decent book. Definitely not a favorite, but it's not something that I think readers will detest. Some of you may even enjoy it! I think the first book would have made more sense to read, but sometimes we don't have the time. I'm really happy that I was still able to understand what was going on in this book by the halfway point even though I had no idea what was happening in the beginning chapters. That's always a good sign.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read by Taryn Lee on December 3, 2013
Reviewed by Taryn Lee on December 5, 2013

[Our Fictional Boyfriends · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC was provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review***

I really enjoyed this series! I recommend reading Yearning Devotion, which is the first book in this series, before reading Yearning Absolution.

This book starts off right were Yearning Devotion ended. In order to protect Gwen, Cole asked for her and McKayla to move in with him. He is determined to protect her as best as he can. Even though they are living together Cole is adamant to keep his three date rule before they take their relationship any further. That doesn't stop him from joining in the fun a few times.

Gwen is now working as a new designer, under Cole’s company, and due to their busy schedules they are hardly ever home. Gwen is not able to spend as much time with McKayla as before, leaving McKayla feeling left out. No matter how much Gwen tries to make her happy McKayla is still jealous of Cole, which eventually leads to their breakup.

Then Cole and Gwen get the best news a couple could hope for. It doesn’t fill the void that McKayla has left but it definitely helps make it better. Cole being the best boyfriend ever helps her get in touch with McKayla with the hope of reuniting their trio. But nothing goes as planned and it only leaves Gwen vulnerable to other threats.

As this story progressed it just got worst, hearts were broken and losses were inevitable. I most definitely love the ending. Compromises were made between the trio in order to obtain their happily ever after. Not that I can blame McKayla for her part, what a perfect sacrifice on her behalf.
This book is an emotional roller-coaster, as was the first book in this series. It kept me at the edge of my seat. Cole was a sweetheart since the first book and he only got better with time. He has reached Our Fictional Boyfriend status!

[Rea Nicole ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yearning Absolution picks up after the cliffhanger in Yearning Devotion. Gwen has just seen her past abuser while on a date with Cole. The abuser continues to stalk Gwen and leave threatening messages but Cole assures Gwen that "he will take care of it." To only add to her problems Gwen has been having trouble with her girlfriend, McKayla. McKayla feels left out and voices her plans to reconsider the arrangement between the three.

With Gwen's perfect life tumbling out of control can she pull the reigns and keep her happiness? Or is three really a crowd?

I enjoyed this book as much as the first and many events happened that I didn't predict. The first half of this book was light and fluffy with the dark details lingering in the background. However, don't be fooled- there were a few twists and turns and one horrific tragedy that made this book a definite tear-jerker.

I was also so happy to see the dynamics of Gwen's relationships change and become more realistic. I was skeptical that McKayla, a lesbian, would really be happy sharing her girlfriend in the first book. But, McKayla struggles with the situation once her and Gwen move in with Cole. I could feel what McKayla felt and thought the situation was unfair. However, Gwen redeems herself and shows just how much she appreciates McKayla. McKayla finds her place and gives Gwen the greatest gift in the ending.

Cole continued to be such an understanding and lovable character that I enjoyed reading his passion and devotion to Gwen and even McKayla. Surprisingly, Cole's character turns a little dark in this book. Love, drama, redemption, and retribution- the conclusion to the trio's story has it all and then some!

Reviewed at: Lipstick Lesbian Reviews.

[Brittany *** A Beautiful Book Obsession** · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got the chance to read this book thanks to Rachael Orman being so awesome and sending it to me. I had previously read and reviewed Yearning Devotion for a tour for my blog back a few months ago. I really enjoyed book 1. It was so different than most books I read, but there were a few things I wasn't a fan of. Of course that tends to happen when we read books. Can't love everything.

This book did pick up right where book 2 had left off. We were able to follow Gwen and her relationships to McKayla and Cole. We were able to see how her life would play out with what she had endured from her past and with Richard coming back into her life as well.

I wasn't overly excited with this book as I was in book 1 but I think that it is more because of the situations. I think that the Rachael Orman is a great Author. She is a great writer and tells a great story. This one just wasn't for me. I say this because I want to give an honest review. I am not the biggest fan of love triangles though, which is the reason. I had hoped the Gwen would end up with one person only. I was happy to see that the book ended with a happy ending though and everyone got to share their love and live their lives happily.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc received from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Cover :- 3 stars
Sex/steaminess :- 3 stars
Story line :- 3 stars
Characters :- 3 stars
Overall rating :- 3 stars

Personal rating :- 3 stars

Book Pairing:- M/F F/F
Did it give me a book hangover :- No
Is this a review book or personal read :- Review Read

Why I chose this book?

The author asked me for a review and I accepted.

What I liked about this book.

* The angst and romance was well balanced.
* A few little surprises throughout.
* The ending was good.

What I didn't like about this book.

* There were a few points which I think could have been a bit different. It's hard to explain without giving something important away.

Would I read more from this author?

Yes

Would I recommend this book?

Only if you've read and liked the first one.

[BDSM newbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good end to the story. Although one or two points were obvious some parts did surprise me. It is not a conventional ending or story but still one to read if you like your books on the darker side. Warning this book does have some dark bits that may offend some people.

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK so what were quirks in the first book became annoyances in the second book. Several incidents were started, became overblown, and then were wrapped up in one paragraph.

Points for some hot MFF sex and a creative HEA, but this could have been so much more.

[Lynne McDonough]

good book

I was surprised by the story line .... Kept me interested and couldn't put the book down. Another enjoyed book by Rachael Orman.