Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
“Please, don’t leave me here.”

Those were the last, tearful words Gina Castillo spoke to me thirteen years ago. It killed me to go, but I was getting sucked further and further into a criminal lifestyle. I wanted more for myself. For her. So I left for the Army, knowing she’d be better off without me.

Now I’m back: a better, stronger man, and Gina has grown into a beautiful woman. One who despises me.

Soon I discover that all the truths I thought I left behind had been lies, and that my leaving caused nothing but heartache and destruction. Now, I have to find a way to earn the forgiveness of the woman I’m coming to love.

When my boss, and fellow Dominant, assigns me to be the bodyguard to a submissive, every protective instinct inside me rises. Especially when it turns out to be Gina I’m protecting. There’s nothing I won’t do for her, including destroy the enemy who threatens us both.

*this book contains sensitive subject matter that may be difficult for some readers.

Paperback

First published November 3, 2019

73 people are currently reading
352 people want to read

About the author

L.K. Shaw

50 books1,682 followers
LK Shaw is the bestselling author of sexy, sinful suspense. She resides in South Carolina with her high maintenance beagle mix dog, Miss P. An avid reader since childhood, she became hooked on historical romance novels in high school. She now reads, and loves, all romance sub-genres, with sci-fi romance and dark romance being her favorite. LK enjoys traveling and chocolate. Her books feature hot alpha heroes and the strong women they love.

Visit My Amazon Author Page!
https://www.amazon.com/LK-Shaw/e/B01E...

Visit Me on Facebook!
http://facebook.com/LKShawAuthor

Visit My Official Website!
www.lkshawauthor.com




Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
101 (59%)
4 stars
51 (30%)
3 stars
13 (7%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,917 reviews1,439 followers
September 20, 2021
Kink for a recovering drug addict whose been sexually abused as a teen tends to send a message that doesn't appeal to me. Full disclosure, I have not read any of the previous books in this series so I'm not sure if this is a recurring theme… a female with sexual abuse in her past getting into kink as therapy. Before I dive into why I don't like this kind of theme, let's discuss the characters and plot.

Gina is a submissive at her wits end because her past is rearing its ugly head. Gina's life has many disadvantages which she is not strong enough to overcome by herself. She does need a man or in this case a couple of men to not only save her but to help her value herself so that she can overcome her baggage. Gina's victim mentally fits her character profile. Her spiral into drugs is understandable. She not bad; she's average and makes bad decisions. Decisions which sabotages her good choices. There is a little bit of character growth and maturity for her. The catalyst for growth is a former childhood best friend she depended upon, trusted and loved.

Gina's immature and irrational behaviour towards her long lost friend is disappointing. But as a plot device, it is necessary. It is an easy way to create conflict. This type of plot device is not appealing to me because it perpetuates a negative image of those in the lifestyle. Whilst one can argue this is just fiction, many erotic readers are not in the lifestyle and can buy into this stereotype that it is sexual abuse brings a person into kink. In addition it reaffirms that kinky people are headcases. These pet peeves aside, I just didn't like Gina. Her hysterical damsel in distress mode is off putting for me.

I did feel sorry for Leo. Not only did he get shafted by his foster brother, Gideon, but he's taking the blame for what other males have done to Gina. I am not sure Gina is worth the effort. His heavy handedness does balance Gina's indecisive personality. His ability to bring out better parts of her is a redeeming factor in this story. Although his out of control behaviour to confront a known drug lord demonstrates impulse control issues and lack of maturity. This sort of conflicts with the strong dominant character and did make me lose respect for him. My guess is the intent of his wild actions is show how angry he is about Gina's predicament and how personally he took it. He came across as a hot head who would be quickly killed for lack of respect and survival skills. The fact that he had zero ramifications for his thoughtless actions also weakened the story for me.

From a kink perspective, this story could have done better without it. There was little to no BDSM that worked cohesively in this book. If felt more like a forced sex scene to bring a little heat. Or in another instance, a kink scene gone wrong that I didn't fully follow and ended up not caring about. For me, this story would have been better with the BDSM and BDSM club completely removed. Focusing more on Gina's struggles and how she overcame her addiction the first time would have also added more layers to Gina. The backstory near the end provided a less oomph for me.

Oddly enough, the only character who intrigued me is Jacob. The little bit of information on him is tantalizing. A story on him would be interesting, but I think I like it better that he is left as a man of mystery. This erotic romance is for romance readers who like second chance theme for the underdog.

*I received an advanced copy
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,036 reviews317 followers
April 11, 2024
An enjoyable and well written romantic suspense

This was an easy to read, enjoyable and well written story that deals with some dark and difficult issues. These were very sensitively dealt with and it felt as though the author had definitely done her homework on the subject. Gina and Leo are two likeable and believable characters and I very much enjoyed their story. ( I would but this as 4.5 on Amazon due to their differing rating system. )

I was surprised at how slow burn this was, though it fitted perfectly with the trials and tribulations Gina had suffered in the past and was going through now. Leo was the perfect strong rock in a storm to provide her a safe harbour to anchor her life too. The full plot meant that I almost missed how little 'action' there was in the book. I was too caught up in the wonderful story telling.

Absolution is my first foray into the world of the Doms of Club Eden and I found it easy to read as a standalone. We didn't actually see much of the club, or any real BDSM action at all, leaving this feeling much more of a romantic suspense than anything else. It would actually be a suitable read for those who aren't into BDSM romance, since it featured so briefly within the book and was in an 'at home' bedroom scene.

The writing flows smoothly and the prose is easy to follow. I never found it a struggle to follow either the action or the dialogue. I'd be happy to recommend this well written and entertaining book to others.
Profile Image for Latifa Morrisette.
2,580 reviews63 followers
November 5, 2019
This book is low on the BDSM but heavy on the romantic suspense and I absolutely love it. When you read everything that happened to Gina as a young girl, your heart hurts for her. But along the she grows stronger until the darkness from the past comes back. Leo is determined to be there this time. This book was amazing. I think everyone will absolutely love this.
Author 1 book12 followers
November 4, 2019
You just know from the beginning that something happened to Gina in the past.....the question is what?
Leo has no idea, all he knows is the old Gina, the one he left behind was his best friend.
Sometimes hate is all you have, the only thing that keeps you going day after day, Gina is infinitely familiar with this.
When her past comes back at her with a vengeance, she's left with an impossible choice, or so she feels.
This one touched me, it hits some emotional hot spots and leaves me wanting more. The care and concern Leo shows Gina is the side of a Dominant that's woefully unexplored in most stories. He's my top pick for what a Dominant needs to be, very aware of what his Sub wants and needs. Sometimes the emotional care is lacking in some stories.....this one nails it for me.
I also find myself in the weird position of having a book crush on a supporting character! Jacob, oh Jacob......I feel the need for his story now please!
I'm up for another story, spin off, new series, what ever works!
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
November 7, 2019
Absolution by L.K. Shaw is book 7 in the Doms of Club Eden Series. This is the story of Gina and Leo.
Gina and Leo where young friends several years ago but Leo ending up leaving her. Leo had thought at the time he was doing the right thing. Now all those years later Leo and Gina meet again. Leo sees that Gina isn't the same person he once knew. Something has happened to change her greatly. Gina has been a survivor and the one person she loved had left her..Leo. Now he is back and she doesn't seem to want to reopen the past.
Enjoyed their story.
Profile Image for Heather  Chaotic Creatives.
1,139 reviews51 followers
November 3, 2019
There is so much that happens in this quick read. Not a dull moment and filled with so much emotion. Gina out heroine has led a rough life. She prefers to keep her past in the past, but she finds that difficult when someone from her past won't let her be. Leo is our hero who is definitely like the Lion he has been nicknamed. Gina and Leo have a past where one can't let go and the other is not sure what they did wrong. Follow their journey to see how forgiveness can truly open your heart to happiness.
Profile Image for B. Koe.
947 reviews11 followers
November 6, 2019
OUTSTANDING novel!
Author LK Shaw’s series, The Doms of Club Eden, has provided hours of entertainment! Each book in the series is a phenomenal read, and in her latest novel, ABSOLUTION, author LK Shaw hits the ball out of the park. Her prose is erudite, descriptive and puts her readers in the midst of the action! Her contemporary characters are so realistic they could walk off the page, and author Shaw uses dual narration to place her readers inside the heads of both Gina and Leo! That masterful use of flashbacks and angst allow Shaw’s readers to feel the emotions, both the highs and the lows. Additionally, readers grow a better understanding of the deeply, broken adults who are, by relying on each other, showing a strength and trust that goes far beyond pale. While their chemistry is explosive and titillating, ABSOLUTION portrays and discusses some violent acts that limit the reading to those 18 or older and warns of possible triggers. I loved the novel plotline that left me smiling with a feeling good. I voluntarily read an early copy of ABSOLUTION and this is my VOLUNTARY and HONEST 5+STAR review. It is a GREAT read of novella length, includes some BDSM club action, and really should be your next romance purchase! Happy pages! 😉
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
November 7, 2019
Absolution was a story which packed a HUGE emotional punch, and a BIG side of suspense. In fact, it was more suspenseful, than the whole BDSM factor, and this is something I truly LOVED about it. I'm a sucker for suspense, and when there are twists that are turned out, and turns all twisted up, I go to my happy place where I'm on the edge of my seat dropping loud f-bombs. Let me tell you, there's no better place. Now, the angst, OH MY HELL, the angst. It was so intense at times that I had to stop and breathe, because of all the emotions assaulting my senses. Gina had one hell of nightmarish life, and frankly, if I were her, I'd probably be locked up somewhere from insanity. And it didn't help when the person, Leo, who would never let her down, left her, so I wasn't a huge fan of his from the jump. This is their second chance journey, which does rely heavily on the forgiveness factor, but again, Gina's dark past may or may not be after her again, so will Leo protect her this time?! And can she ever forgive him fully?! You'll have to one click to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Jenn (Young) Bonfadini.
83 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2019
LK does what she does best and gives you a book packed full of emotion with Absolution. Gina and Leo have a tragic story, filled with angst and heartache. Gina has been suffering for years after Leo left her to join the service. The victim of physical and emotional abuse by those closest to her, she falls into addiction and does everything to get herself clean and to put away those that wronged her. When her abuser is set free from prison, her life spirals out of control and Leo steps in to protect her.
As a person who has witnessed those with addiction problems, this story really hit home for me and I was in tears in multiple parts of the book. Gina struggles so much with her past and has to look internally to gain strength, but also reach out and ask for help from her friends and to forgive Leo for the past.
While the book is light on the D/s aspect, there are still great moments of passion and heat between Gina and Leo that are so much more powerful because of all of the emotions behind them.
Another great LK book!
799 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2019
The prologue to this book establishes that something devastating has happened, but the full extent of that devastation is appalling when revealed. As always in an LK Shaw book, the characters make the book. Leo is shattered at the level of hate Gina feels for him; Gina’s struggles with her past with Leo, with her past with Gideon, and with her recovery are all portrayed with empathy. The D/s aspect is more in Leo and Gina’s relationship than in the club, but the club is a vital element in the story, as is the power exchange. I could have read about Gina and Leo for days, and I was honestly sad when the story ended, although not with how it ended. In a nutshell, for me, this was a story that showed pure evil being stopped, with one of the strongest and most courageous female characters I’ve read recently, and with the background of the Club Eden characters we already know, and, of course, Leo himself.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
November 8, 2019
When Leo left to join the military he thought that it was best decision for both him and Gina. Thirteen years later he has returned home and is about to find out that the best of intentions have ended up with the worst of results.

Gina was devastated when Leo left her and the pain that she has endured while he was gone have left a lasting effect on her life. She has worked hard to overcome her past and she must ensure the walls she has built around herself don’t crack or the new life she has created could come tumbling down.

Leo is filled with remorse and guilt and wants a second chance with Gina but when her past becomes her present will he be able to keep her safe?

Full of emotion, angst and suspense your heart this is a story about love, healing and second chances.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,762 reviews63 followers
November 4, 2019
Gina has clawed her way up from the depths of hell to where she is today. She's gotten good at hiding the abuse she went through in the past until Leo shows back up in her life. Leo....the only man she has ever loved but at the moment hates with a passion. Leo never forgot her but he had to leave and thought he had left her in good hands!! This might be a short story but it is packed with so much emotion and feelings. You instantly get sucked right into the story. The hate/love Gina feels for Leo comes through the pages and you can't put it down. When Leo finds out what happened to her after he left, he is plagued with guilt and is determined to protect her. But she's also keeping another secret. And who is Jacob and what is HIS role in Gina's life? Ms. Shaw has a knack for writing someone who seems to be bad but then makes you feel a bit sorry for him. When her past shows up and takes her, Leo and Jacob must work together to get her back. I loved, loved, loved this story and I now want Jacob to get his own story. Once again, LK Shaw has written a book that made me fall for the characters!!! I kind of want Pierce's story also!! LOL Get the book!!
5,526 reviews
November 7, 2019
OMG. This will be a difficult review to write, because, I don't want to give anything away! What a powerful suspenseful story! Gina, Leo and Gideon were in the same foster home as kids. No strong role models. No one to guide them, but the criminals surrounding them. Leo does not want to end up like his dad, in and out of prison. At eighteen, he enlists. Distraught Gina is left behind. So much happens in the course of eight years. When Gina bumps into Leo again, can she forgive him for not having taken her with him? This was an emotional story for me in so many ways. I was rooting for healing the characters I fell in love with and wanted the bad to get their due. Forget turn the other cheek. What happened? Well, I can't tell you. No spoilers, remember! This is a novel I recommend reading. Wonderfully executed story!
Profile Image for Breen.
1,554 reviews
November 7, 2019
“Absolution was everything I expected and more. I’ve previously read some books of L.K. and I loved them. So I was sure this one was going to be amazing and OMG nothing of what I expect but way even better. The levels of romance and suspense were high! I was so trapped in the story with all the emotions. My heart ached for Gina, knowing her past was hurtful and it broke my heart. Yet, she grew up stronger and I admire her for that. Leo, he’s the definition of a hero, a perfect man! He was determined to always been there for her and it was so easy to loved him. This was a story about forgiveness and true love. I highly recommend it to you.”
Profile Image for Cindy Hughes.
1,632 reviews10 followers
November 7, 2019
I absolutely loved this story!
Gina and Leo lived in the same foster home. Leo left for the service leaving Gina behind. When they meet again Gina is angry and doesn’t want anything to do with him. Leo will do anything he can to make it up to her.
Absolution is a powerful, heartbreaking and suspenseful read. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride that I’m glad I was on! It captured my attention from the first page and I couldn’t put it down! You couldn’t help but root for them! I really enjoyed the cameos from the characters from past stories. I really enjoyed this book! Read it and you’ll love it too!
Profile Image for Pamela.
4,155 reviews36 followers
November 7, 2019
Gina begged Leo not to leave her behind when he left for the army. Now years later he is back and realizes all the things he was told were lies. Gina went through hell and won't forgive Leo. Leo is a working with a dominant at Club Eden and is assigned to protect Gina. This is light on BDSM and has a romantic suspense element. An enjoyable read that I recommend.
115 reviews5 followers
November 5, 2019
ABSOLUTION by LK Shaw

Well, I didn't see ANY of that coming! Way to go LK Shaw .. great story, great storylines, great characters. I used a little bit of kleenex, had a few reminiscent moments of youth past, and understood a lot of what Gina was going through, BUT, I did not see any of the end coming. I love the way LK writes. She let's you feel. I do love both Gina and Leo and wish they could have stayed just a little longer by my reading chair, so I could get to know them a lot better. Enjoy another great book!
Profile Image for Pam James.
937 reviews21 followers
November 9, 2019
Real angst feelings.

I loved the struggle that Gina and Leo had to go through to get to their HEA. The angst and suspense in this book are real. I felt all the emotions Gina felt. My heart broke at the despair. Please have tissue ready when you read this book. It's a very emotional story. Loved the love/hate relationship. From a True Fan... Pam James.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews447 followers
November 13, 2019
Absolution by L.K. Shaw is book 7 in the Doms of Club Eden series. This is Leo and Gina's story.
This is a 2nd chance romance that is 13 years in the making. Gina's life went downhill after Leo went in the military. She was abused by her previous master. She has never forgiven Leo for leaving her behind. She finally finds people who care about her and love her for who she is. Yet just as she is healing well , the man who she hates with a vengeance comes back into her life.
Leo thought when he left, he was doing the right thing but actually he left Gina with the devil. Now that evil has come back and is seeking to end her for good. Leo wants to save her and protect her and show her that they do belong. The plot is poignant, heartbreaking, emotional and wonderfully inspiring. There are some steamy scenes..love the message its is saying yet also tells a good story.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
574 reviews4 followers
Read
November 11, 2019
Gina is a submissive at Eden. She has been here for a few years and uses her scenes to work off stress and anxiety from her past. One day someone from her past shows up in her safe haven and her life is not the same.

Years ago when Leo left his foster home to attempt to better himself in the military, he thought that he left his admirer in the safety and protection of a fellow foster. He has learned otherwise and he must protect Gina now.

As the story unfolds, and we learn what happened to Gina and why she is so angry with Leo, it is understandable. But as she works through her past with his help and his saving her, the growth and love throughout the story shows that people can overcome the past to move toward a better future.
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews39 followers
November 7, 2019
A well-written, intriguing & suspenseful romance, that is somewhat dark & is quite heartbreaking to read at times. The characters are quite well-developed & go through a lot of trials & tribulations to ultimately complement each other. The plot is exceptional well-written & flows smoothly throughout the story line, there is good scene descriptions & world building. There are character crossovers from previous books but this book can be read as a standalone.
There is: A young woman (Gina) with devastating memories, a man (Leo) filled with regrets, a despicable man (Gideon) filled with hatred, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, memories, secrets, threats, danger, confrontations, abduction, sarcasm, hatred, complication, some domination/submission, trust issues, insecurities, surprises, contentment, mild steam & a satisfying conclusion.
Profile Image for KnottyGirl Reviews.
880 reviews53 followers
November 8, 2019
Absolution is the next book in LK Shaw’s Doms of Club Eden series Our newest couple is Gina and Leo. Gina has just gotten out of a disastrous 5 year relationship with a controlling jerk. One she helped to put away.

Now Gina is back home and years later she is a sub at Club Eden, trying desperately to avoid the boy who broke her heart years ago. Leo thought he’d left a 15 year old Gina in good hands, but little did he know Now he is doing what he can to make it up to her, because she won’t be able to face what’s coming without him.

This was another great addition to Ms. Shaw’s Club Eden series. The club regulars are there of course, and the tension between Leo and Gina make for a wonderful explosion of delight between the two of them later on in the book. A must on your TBR list!
Profile Image for Kelly Graham.
354 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2019
Gina and Leo met in a foster home 13 year previously.
When Leo leaves to join the forces thinking hes protecting Gina from the gang hes become involved with he couldnt be more wrong.
Ginas life became a living hell once her best friend Leo left and now she can no longer look at him as he just reminds her of everything she endured once he wasn't there to protect her.
When the devil from their past returns and is out for revenge on Gina can they survive and can the hate Gina now has for Leo turn back to the love she once felt.
A really enjoyeable read, the things Gina has gone through are heartbreaking but she is a strong character and not willing to give any more of herself to the devil.
A real page turner that I finished in one sitting as not too long and I couldn't stop reading.
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
November 6, 2019
It's heartbreaking what Gina went through in order to survive as a young teen. Her heart was broken when the man she loved left her to enlist into the army. The man who was suppose to care and protect her.

After thirteen years Gina and Leo are reunited. Gina still bears the scars of her past.

Leo is shocked to find out what Gina has endured all these years while he was away. He feels guilty when he discovers his friend who was suppose to protect her turned out to be the devil himself.

When Gina's past comes back to haunt her Leo is there to protect her. Her sobriety is tested.

Absolution is more of a love story than bdsm. Heartbreak, redemption, second chances, love.
1,751 reviews3 followers
November 9, 2019
First of all this is the 7th book in a series of standalones with HEAs. although this series is modeled around a bdsm club. this book is more about drug addiction and overcoming it. also there is suspence and this is a friends to enemies to lovers romance i know crazy right? This is a definant page turner and your sure to fall in love with the characters in this book.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,905 reviews101 followers
November 7, 2019
A quick afternoon read filled with heartache, animosity and second chances. I liked the intricacy of some of the characters, how they tie in together, coming full circle without even knowing it. How the sins of the past still affect the present, but not necessarily the future if you don't allow it. I do wish there would have been more from the club as that's how it's packaged, but in all it was an enjoyable story that I wouldn't mind reading more from their world.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews169 followers
November 5, 2019
Wow! I hardly have words to describe this. It's somewhat dark with some BDSM aspects but the story....the story just gets to you. Gina has a lot to get through and once Leo comes back into her life, it's hard for her. There is some misunderstandings they need to get through but I love that he is her Dom and the love and care he takes with her is just the sweetest. You will have a hell of a ride with this.
630 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2019
Gina has a past that she wants to keep in her past but Leo knows something is wrong and he wants his old Gina again..... not going to post spoilers but when Gina past comes back big time lets say Leo is her hero.... I loved this book and love all the books of this series
Profile Image for Shirley.
854 reviews6 followers
November 3, 2019
A quick afternoon read filled with heartache, animosity and second chances. I liked the intricacy of some of the characters, how they tie in together, coming full circle without even knowing it. How the sins of the past still affect the present, but not necessarily the future if you don't allow it. I do wish there would have been more from the club as that's how it's packaged, but in all it was an enjoyable story that I wouldn't mind reading more from their world.
Profile Image for Phyllis Lopez.
1,113 reviews6 followers
November 9, 2019
Pasts collide to bring Leo and Gina back together after 13 years apart! L.K. Shaw brings every emotion into one story! She makes you feel like your right there living this story with the characters! I can never get enough of the Club Eden Series! A must read! Can't wait to see what she writes next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.