Absolution

Lightning Crashes #2

by Marla Holt

Lightning crashes.

The tower falls.

Rachel Ferrer thinks she’s already hit rock bottom, but then the ground crumbles beneath her feet. Alone, she is finally forced to face the darkness she’s been avoiding. Rachel doesn’t dare hope the spark of light in the distance might include Nicolas, even when she can’t forget the feel of his lips on hers.

Nicolas Rivera has always been the stable one. He is who others come to when their worlds shatter, but suddenly his life is the one in ruins. He doesn’t hope to connect with Rachel in the aftermath, but he discovers her in the last place he expected to. Uninhibited at last, the electricity between them finally ignites.

Is their flame enough for Rachel and Nicolas sift through the rubble, rebuild, and finally emerge, together, into the light?

Absolution is Volume 2 of the Lightning Crashes Duet and should be read after Temptation. Melt into this forbidden, slow-burn duet with a guaranteed happily ever after today.

Unknown Binding

First published April 20, 2021

About the author

Marla Holt believes in second chances, romance, and the radical notion that everyone deserves a happily every after. She's living her own fairy tale, writing contemporary romance novels in her Kansas farmhouse with her husband, three boys, three cats, and flock of imaginary sheep. Follow her at marlaholt.com or on Instagram as @marlaholtauthor

Reviews

[Angela D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how Rachel and Nicolas came back to each other.
It was realistic in the sense that they both worked through their own issues to truly heal and get to a place where they could live and love after all the hurt and loss they’d been through.

Both Rachel’s and Nicholas’ personal growth journey were so beautiful to see unfold and I loved how they came into themselves before diving right into a relationship, especially after what happened in book 1.

This duet is an angsty, forbidden romance with amazing character development and an HEA that will melt your heart and put a smile on your face.

As always Marla writes from the heart and does an amazing job making a story come to life.

I would like to thank Marla Holt for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way Rachel and Nicolas came back to each other.
It was realistic in the sense that they both worked through their own issues to truly heal and get to a place where they could live and love after all the hurt and loss they’d been through.

I absolutely love their connection. It’s steamy and sweet and totally has that friends to lovers vibe.
Some of the secondary characters redeemed themselves but I just couldn’t quite get passed Kat’s petty and jealous attitude towards Rachel.

[M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As healing as Temptation was breaking, Absolution doesn’t pretend Nicolas, Rachel, and the others will by any stretch magically heal from their wounds. No, it takes time and soul deep work for them all to find their ways back to their paths. And then walk them. And then figure out if their paths are even going in the same direction.

But true to Holt’s note to readers in the first book, there are plenty of HEAs to go around and this was a fully satisfying and meaningful conclusion to this fabulous duet. If you’re looking for an intelligent, introspective, and angsty read with a dash of steam and a whole lot of heart, look no further.

[Erin Knuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this book. Oh, my heart. The tears started on page one and shimmered in my eyes the entire time I was reading. There is so much grief here. So much growth. If you want a book that demonstrates a lifetime of emotions in one sitting, Absolution is it.

The book is also a super satisfying conclusion to the Lightning Crashes Duet, which starts with Temptation. The happily ever afters abound, but you will feel gutted on the way, and every second, every emotion is worth it.

[Marla Holt]

Absolution is live!

You can finally read the final installment of the Lightning Crashes Duet and enjoy all the HEAs.

[Melissa Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The PERFECT Conclusion to this GROUND-BREAKING Duet

I don’t use words like “perfect” and “ground-breaking” lightly, but this book deserves them all. Marla’s storytelling abilities truly shine in this duet, and the conclusion to Rachel and Nicholas’ story just cements her in my mind as one of the most talented authors I’ve read.

I’ll keep this review short, but just know that for all the angst in book 1, Temptation, this book has all the feels and an HEA to die for. Seriously — I couldn’t imagine a better way to conclude Rachel and Nicholas’ story. Both Rachel’s and Nicholas’ personal growth journey were so beautiful to see unfold on the page, and I loved how they came into themselves before diving right into a relationship, especially after the events of book 1. It all was just handled so well.

This duet is one I’ve already reread multiple times (thanks to the author for a review copy) and will be revisiting many times in the future. If you love angsty forbidden romances with all the steamy scenes, brilliant character development, and an HEA that will melt your heart in the best of ways (with a healthy dose of social commentary), look no further. Grab this book RIGHT. NOW. (But, you know, read Temptation first. You'll thank me later.)

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolution was quite an interesting read. The page-turning novel packed a lot of pain and sorrow then hope and exoneration into a well-crafted plot. Furthermore, the wonderfully created characters oozed with chemistry throughout. To top it off, the author's use of imagery and additional vivid details helped to create a solemn turned hopeful tone. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the narrative.

[Vanda O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's great to see it all come together.
Nicolas and Rachel worked their issues out, long and hard and in a very believable way.
They deserved their HEA.
I really like this book and the characters go through such emotional rollercoaster rides and get to take us right along with them.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful completion of the arc began in Temptation. I only wish I could write emotional turmoil as well as Holt!

[Ann Loyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful ending to the two-book series. The first book was a mess (in a good way), but the way the book cleaned the first one up was just beautiful. I loved everything about it.

[Daisy F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. I read late into the night. This was the perfect conclusion to Rachel and Nicolas's story. The emotional issues they work through before they feel like they can be together isn't glossed over. It felt raw and real.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is raw, gritty and utterly captivating. It features the emotional aftermath of the life changing event that concluded the first book, Temptation, in this duet. Both Rachel and Nicholas must confront the pain, anger and betrayal they are feeling in order to move forward in their lives. They choose to do so apart from each other, though their souls retain a connection. Both rigorously examine their pasts, their choices and their inner demons in order to try to come to terms with what happened. Nicholas seeks therapy while Rachel uses her skills as a writer and blogger to purge her tumultuous feelings. They are also forced to confront the people who hurt them, to forgive them or not, and to forge a new normal for themselves. Though both Rachel and Nicholas long for contact with each other, the time they needed to heal and doubts have served to keep them from each other. It takes another horrific event to bring them together again, in a time and place neither expected. Their reunion takes them to passionate heights that they can finally explore, and serves to fuel a need to intertwine their lives again, this time as a couple who want forever with each other.

Nicholas and Rachel’s story does include a romance, but it is also a story of emotional struggles, healing and rebirth. It is very well-written, emotionally raw, and insightful. This captivating duet of books is well worth the read. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.