It’s supposed to be a job like any other. Get in. Do the deal. Get out. But when Dennis Hayes spots her across the room, he’s sure he must be seeing things. It can’t be Cassie Malson, the only girl he ever loved. Still loves. Because five years ago he left her to live her dreams—without him.
He doesn’t want to open old wounds, but Dennis can’t walk away again. He won’t. Not until he finds out the reason for the haunted look in her eyes. Even if she hates him. Even if the truth hurts him more than he ever anticipated.
Even if it means going against everything he’s ever known.
Because Cassie Malson is his absolution, and this time he’s determined to save her heart … even if he risks losing his own in the process.
L A COTTON is USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.
Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.
L A loves connecting with readers, and you can find her at:
And so this is it..the end of an era....Chastity Falls, and the myriad of characters and stories this title represents, finally closes it doors in this last farewell to all...
The story continues the tortuous relationship between Cassie and Dennis as they reconnect after an absence of five years and secrets and old hurts are reawakened...the author has created such a believable group of individuals their friendships and interactions are effortless, full of humour, emotion and drama as hard choices and misplaced loyalties come to the fore...
This is a series that I came late to but have been captivated by ever since... I would urge anyone who has not yet dived into it, to do so straight away..but give yourself a treat and start from the very beginning...
The finale, when it comes, is particularly satisfying providing a window into a future, that could not have been conceived for these individuals who were so so damaged and disparate when their journey first began..... a great conclusion to an addictive 5 star series.. This book was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads...
I have read this series from the beginning going from a high school setting in Chastity falls to the characters now being older, some have moved on and found love, faced danger and dramas and I loved that now Cassie and Dennis finally have their story and a happily ever after.
L.A Cotton is a brilliant writer nothing is given away to soon, you as a reader are left guessing how it will all play out in the end, there's no predictability that will make you roll your eyes in the plot of course you expect a hea and that's predictable but there's always dramas, angst and hotness along the way.
You could read this book as a standalone, it is a spin off from the previous series, there are brief encounters with characters from previous books but the main focus is on Dennis and Cassie and all the events that surround them.
A bit about the plot;
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4 years ago Dennis let Cassie go, he felt it was for the best, he made a promise to his mom before her death to look after his father and even if that meant staying in the family business that involved danger and criminal activity he wanted to fulfil his mothers dying wishes, Dennis walked away from the girl he loved and didn't look back until fate brought them back together.
Cassie was broken, she loved Dennis and tried to move on, she had hopes of becoming a teacher and did begin to live her life again until she fell for the wrong guy and ended up in an abused relationship and pregnant.
Cassie is now picking up the pieces yet again and lives with her aunt and first see's Dennis again when he walks in to the bar were he is doing business with her boss who is also known for his illegal dealings and reputation.
I love a second chance romance and Absolution definitely hit all the right spots, great characters, a captivating and engaging plot and a heartwarming hea.
Another brilliant read by a very talented author.
SERIES READING ORDER: #1 Loyalty and Lies #2 Salvation and Secrets #3 Tribulation and Truths #3.5 Affliction: A Chastity Falls Spin-Off Novella #4 Redemption and Regrets #4.5 Penance and Promise: A Chastity Falls Novella #5 Absolution: A Chastity Falls Spin-off Novel
I feel like I’ve been patiently waiting for Dennis and Cassie story, since I read the last Chasity Falls book.
I’ve always had a soft spot for this couple and their story is one of heartbreak, loss, sacrifice and second chances. Dennis walked away from Cassie so she could have a better life, it’s a decision he has always regretted.
So when he sees her in the last place he would expect to, he knows this is an opportunity he can’t afford to miss. Cassie’s life hasn’t been easy, but she is making the best of what she has.
This was a couple who deserved a HEA, and their journey there isn’t an easy one. I can’t express how much I love Dennis and Cassie, how I swooned and awed when Dennis never gave up, or how Cassie struggled with her decisions because she was lost and a little bit broken.
If you haven’t read The Chasity Falls series, then you absolutely need to ASAP. I’m a little sad it’s all over, but I couldn’t of hoped for a better ending for all these couples.
This is the finale of Dennis & Cassie's story in this wonderful spin off from Chastity Falls.
Dennis is still caught in the life he despises all because of a brokenhearted child's promise. That same promise made him give Cassie up once before. He thought she would move on from him to a better life than he could offer her!!
Cassie has secrets. When Dennis see's her working behind the bar in a strip club, where his Dads shady business has brought him, he doesn't understand why she's there. She's supposed to be across the Country teaching, so he knows something isn't right!!!
This story is full of push & pull, fear & love, danger & safety but above all its about whether Dennis & Cassie can learn to trust, move on, forgive & love each other one more time. Or will he put his family obligations above her yet again & will she lower her walls & let him in after he shattered her so thoroughly the first time he left her?
The characterization in this book is wonderful, as per usual. Some past favourites have cameos that you'll love 😁 There are some really sad, sad moments in this book 😟 A tension & emotion filled read!!
I voluntarily reviewed a complementary copy from the author with no obligation.
I absolutely loved this book. I loved hearing more of Dennis and Cassie. This story takes place around four years after they left Chastity Falls and life for Cassie hasn't gone as Dennis thought it would. When he sees her again, he realizes not only did her life not go as he had hoped but that he wasn't going to be able to let her go this time. I am just sad to see the end of this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Absolution is a spin off novel from L.A. Cotton's Chastity Fall's Series. I have not read those book though and had no problem keeping up with what was going on.
It was supposed to be a job like any other. Get in. Do the deal. Get out. But when Dennis Hayes spots her across the room he is sure he must be seeing things. It can't be Cassie Malson, the only girl he ever loved. Still loves. Because five years ago he left her to live her dreams-without him. He doesn't want to open old wounds, but Dennis can't walk away again. He won't. Not until he finds out the reason for the haunted look in her eyes. Even if she hates him. Even if the truth hurts him more than he ever anticipated. Even if it means going against everything he has ever known. Because Cassie Malson is his absolution, and this time he is determined to save her heart...even if he risks losing his own in the process.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. I devoured it and loved every single second of it. This is the story of Cassie and Dennis. Dennis who is stuck in an impossible situation that caused him five years ago to walk away from Cassie. The woman he loved with his whole heart. He left her so that she could live her dreams. Be the school teacher she always wanted to be. Simply because the business his father has him in is no place for a woman. He wanted the best for her but unknown to him are the struggles that have lead Cassie to where she is now where he sees her from across the bar. The bar that is owned by a huge drug dealer who also has his sights set on Cassie. Can Dennis break the promise he made to his mom years ago and leave the only life he has ever known and will Cassie open her heart to him. I think this book is best read with as little known about it as possible. I remember reading the synopsis for it when I signed up but had forgotten what it was really about and loved the surprises I got around every corner. You guys will love this book. It will keep you guessing until the very end.
Dennis' story? Swoon and sigh... Getting Dennis and Cassie's story and reading about their HEA was wonderful but sad at the same time. I mean seriously, this is the end of Chastity Falls so that makes it a little sad. Dennis was the perfect gentleman and a swoon worthy hero. His love for Cassie never died. He willingly let her go so she could live a better life because of his family obligations. But he never forgot. Most of the time when you read a second chance romance you read about the guy becoming a man whore. That wasn't Dennis. There were a couple of ladies in this story who wanted a chance with him but he never gave them the time of day or any reason to think he wanted a chance too. In fact he made it known to everyone that he wasn't interest. That's not something you normally read and because of that I loved Dennis more. Cassie was broken and she was struggling. Yeah, when I read her story I wanted to call her naive and stupid but she was already hurting and that pain can help blind us to what is right in front of us. Cassie was a wonderful heroine and once she finally let Dennis back in I loved her even more. True to this author's writing there was a ton of love and a bit of drama. It's what helps pull you in and make you want to find out what happens in the end. I was also happy to see a bit of Ana and Jackson in this story. This whole series started with those two, it only seems fitting to end it with them being a tiny part of Dennis and Cassie's HEA. This "family" from Chastity Falls will be missed but constantly loved. I'm glad I got the chance to know them all. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy for an honest review.*
Dennis walked away once but when he sees Cassie standing at the end of the bar, he knows he can't walk away again. Cassie has been the only woman Dennis has ever wanted, every loved. He left her after college breaking her heart in order to give her a chance at a good life. His life has been determined by a promise made to his dying mother to stay with his father. The family business is too dangerous, too ugly. He doesn't even want to be a part of it and Cassie deserves more than that life. So he walked away. Cassie didn't get the HEA he wanted for her though. Her broken heart led her into a dangerous relationship. She was lucky to survive but it did gift her with something extraordinary. Now Dennis is back. Cassie still loves him but knows she won't survive losing him again. It's not a risk she can take. She's not the same girl she once was. She's older, broken, she has responsibilities. But if anyone could possibly fix her, he's the one...
This is a second-chance story. It's a push-pull story of love and of fear. Both of these characters are so very human. Caring, flawed, hopeful, scared. They have never stopped loving one another but aren't sure that they can make it work together. Dennis chose family over Cassie once before, duty over love. Cassie lost her ability to trust. She's been hurt in ways that can't be easily repaired since Dennis walked away. She's a shell of the girl he once knew. Fear rules them both, there's imagined and real danger. There's also a most important consideration that has to come first before either can even consider what they might want. For them to have a chance they must be open, honest, take a risk. Walls must come down, decisions made. Sometimes love isn't enough. Sometimes it's everything. In the moments Cassie and Dennis come together it's perfection. Then the walls go back up, life interferes, and you are left frustrated but never hopeless because you can feel the powerful draw between these two. It keeps the reader anticipating, wanting. The side characters of the bar, the business, and especially Cassie's precious family add warmth and layering to the story.
This is a most compelling love story and a wonderful way to wrap up the Chastity Falls story. We get appearances from past characters so that we know how their lives are going as well. It's full of tension, frustration, hope, loss, pain, and ultimately love. It's the perfect series send-off!
I loved Jackson and Ana's story and grew very curious about Dennis and Cassie. When the author wrote Affliction I devoured it but was definitely left wanting more of their story. So when I found out she was wrapping up Chastity Falls with Dennis and Cassie, I could hardly wait! She definitely didn't disappoint! While I hate to say goodbye to some of my favorite characters, this was the perfect ending!! Dennis and Cassie's story is one of secrets and heartache. Dennis never opened up to Cassie about why he couldn't walk away from his father and the business. Instead he left her... heartbroken. Cassie did her best to pick up the broken pieces of her heart and start over, far from Chastity Falls. Unfortunately, she ended up in trouble. She ended up living with her aunt, trying to start over again. After years apart, they see each other in a place neither expected to see the other. Will they be able to walk away from each other or will they get a second chance at love. Grab some tissues and find out for yourself!
I simply adore this brilliant series from L.A Cotton and this is the finale of Dennis and Cassie's story who we met in Chastity Falls
This book picks up 4 years after they all left Chastity Falls and Dennis is stuck in the life he despises and wants out from after making a promise to his mum on her deathbed. He gave up Cassie believing that she deserved a better life then what he could give her with the shady family business. He wanted her to get her dream of being a teacher and lead a better life.
Now he has seen Cassie again when and where he least expected and there is no way he can walk away from her again he just needs to sort things out so she will be safe.
I loved this book and devoured it in one afternoon. Lianne has done it again bringing us another brilliant book filled with drama, push & pull, fear, love, loss, heartbreak and redemption. Can Dennis manage to get Cassie to trust him again and can she forgive him and let him in.
Loved the cameos from Jackson and Ana, oh how I've missed them!
This book was different from what I usually read, but I enjoyed it all the same. I like sweet romances most of the time. I like the slow burn, get to know each other kind of story, BUT Ms. Cotton really got me with Dennis & Cassie’s story and I couldn’t help but fall in love again!
They were young and in love, but Dennis had commitments he didn’t want to force on Cassie so he left her, broke her heart -- and his. When they see each other again years later, the connection isn’t broken, but they don’t trust each other or that they can really be together.
This story read well. It flowed well and the events all seemed to move the story in the right direction. I really enjoyed Aunt Ruby and only hope we’ll get more books from the crew at the bar!
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
We first met Dennis and Cassie through their friends, Ana and Jackson. This is their story.
Given the life Dennis leads and Cassie not wanting to be apart of his lifestyle, the road is very rocky for them and even at times non-existent.
I like the chemistry these two possess even while arguing. They felt like a very powerful couple,that is if they could ever get it right.
Anyway, by this point in the series, we have moved from the YA/NA/College age and into full adulthood with even bigger problems.
LA Cotton has written this world wonderfully and each book made me feel as if I were visiting friends or watching my favorite tv show. This book wraps up the series all nice and tidy like. There's no wondering about what's happening now.
Grab this series and dive in! You won't be disappointed!!
What a great way to end a series. I thought Braiden was the finale but I’m so glad L.A. Cotton decided to give us Dennis’ happy ever after too, as I was hoping he would find his HEA after being so instrumental in helping Jackson and Braiden with theirs.
Cassie, she’d been through so much since we last saw her and yet she was so strong, whether she believed it or not. Dennis’ sudden appearance back in her life after so many years apart meant for an emotional reunion, especially with all the other things going on around them both.
A nice conclusion to the Chastity Falls series and I give Absolution 4.5 stars.
Absolution is the fifth book in the Chastity Falls series. You could read this as a standalone but the Chastity Falls series is really good. I tried so hard to savor this book but I was hooked. This is Dennis and Cassie's story. Yes, it's finally here. It's hard NOT to fall in love with Lianne's characters. I call dibs on Dennis!
Dennis and Cassie's story breaks my heart. He has loyalty and morals. Cassie is strong and has a powerful heart. I got teary eyed while reading.
I don't want to give anything away. If you have read the series from the beginning then you need to read Absolution. If you haven't what are you waiting for.
I really enjoy this book. I have to be honest and say I have not read any of the previous books in this series. I found the author did a great job of writing a story which I was able to follow along with no problems at all. I just loved Dennis and Cassie's story. It was full of so much pain but it also had lots of happiness in it too. The connection between the two of them was so great. I loved every minute of this book. I think I am now going to have to go back and start at the beginning. If the end book in the series can hold me from beginning to end I am positive that the whole series will be amazing. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
Absolution: A Chasity Falls Spin-off Novel follows Dennis Hayes and Cassie Malson. A exquisitely crafted tale. A fabulous follow-up with these two with secrets, unexpected twists & turns, passion & love. You will need your tissue box for this one. A beautiful epilogue to end their journey. I love the cameo appearances of a few supporting character's from the original series. I would love to have a spin-off novel about Braiden Donahue's twin sister Briony as we never really found out what happened to her. I hate to see it all end as The Chasity Falls Series is one of my all time favourite series. A must read series!
I have always loved The Chastity Falls Series and wanted Dennis and Cassie's story. I am so glad L.A. Cotton gave it to us. The writing is superb and the storyline is perfect. If you haven't started this series, then what are you waiting for?
Dennis had so many hard chooses to make Blood of Family or Love. I was so excited to read Cassie and Dennis story. Both had grown up alot and chose the life they chose because that was the hand they were dealt. Dennis wanted to keep his promised but sometimes happiness is more important in life. Cassie fought her love and attraction for Dennis but with the mistakes they had both made in the past they both need to earn each others trust back. I was sad to see the series end ,but everyone of the characters gets to live there happy ever after.
I loved reading Dennis and Cassies book. I can’t believe it’s the end of the series. LA Cotton has a way of dragging you completely into a book and then that book taking over. I didn’t want to put it down. I love a second chance book and this is certainly that. Yet another fantastic book by this talented author
I cannot tell you just how good this conclusion to The Chastity Falls series is.
Dennis is a quiet man, he doesn't want the spotlight. his dream is to be a family man,. to love Cassie and build a good, clean, honest life with her, but as we all know dreams very seldom come true.
Cassie is running. she's running from a nightmare and doesn't know who to trust and confide in apart from her aunt. she thinks she's frail but we can see the strength in her that is hidden.
L.A. Cotton builds this story to a satisfying conclusion, that will grip you from the first sentence and hold you until the last. she will bring in old characters that will provide a picture of how these friends bonds never truly sever.
What an absolutely perfect way to end this series, even though this was a spinoff novel it still felt like it was part of the original series. i loved this book so much i just didn’t want it to end. I wasn’t sure what to expect from absolution but i got everything and more.
This book was so much more emotional and one of the best second chance reads that i have read in long time. This book had it all the drama, excitement and in some parts i just couldn’t see how this was going to work it self out.
I really loved Dennis in the first books, even though he was quiet he was intense and so loyal it really made him a stand up guy but it was also the reason that he lost the love of his life and he had to live with that. I felt so sorry for him, how stuck he was and couldn’t think of a way out.
Cassie was also another character i liked in the first books and but again she was quiet and a beautiful character on the inside as well. She went through hell and back in the time she was separated from Dennis and it was a lot to fix her broken heart. She had it tough through this book and all i wanted was for her to get her happy ending.
What i loved about this book the most was to see how most of the characters from the earlier books were going and how they were still pretty prominent in this books and to see how thier happy ending was going.
If you have read all the other books in this series then this is a must but even if you haven’t it’s still a must absolutely loved everything about it, the storyline, the fight for love and the emotion of every character.
I am so glad Dennis and Cassie’s story was told and this fight for love everyone needs to experience it. An amazing 5 Stars for this book
I can't believe this is truly the end of the Chastity Falls series. I feel like we have reached the end of an era. What a wonderful journey it has been. I have been patiently waiting for Dennis and Cassie's story, and so happy to finally have it in my hands!
This story take place a few years on from leaving Chastity Falls, and Dennis is still caught up in the questionable life working with his father and cousin for their 'business'. When Dennis spots Cassie, across the bar where he is meeting with the owner for said' business' he can't believe his eyes. In a million years he'd never expect to see her working in a dodgy bar at night. What had happened to Cassie to result in her ending up there?
Dennis is determined to find out more. Having broke Cassie's heart once before and letting her get away, he's not sure he can do that a second time. Plus Cassie herself has been through an enormous amount herself, and having been hurt badly she's not ready to trust again and just simply allow Dennis back into her life. She has huge priorities and commitments, which she can't afford to upset with allowing Dennis around.
This story is brilliant. I absolutely loved Cassie and her fierce loyalties. Dennis and his determination to make things right - not forgetting how we see a hugely softer and caring side to him and some major swoonworthy moments.
With plenty of drama and back and forth action, I absolutely devoured this book!! This is a wonderful second-chance romance filled with tension, romance, loss and love. Not forgetting we also see Jackson and Ana as well, which is a great addition! If you've not read the rest of the series, then I think you can read this quite happily as a standalone, but would highly recommend you read the entire series as it's quite simply brilliant.
A beautiful and heartfelt story of second chances. When Dennis sees the love his life behind a seedy bar, it has been 4 long years since he did what was best for her and left her behind. Right away he realizes that Cassie has lost the zest for life that she once had, and he needs to find out why she is working at a bar and not living out her dream as a school teacher. Even though Dennis tried protecting Cassie from an uncertain future with him, she is now struggling to better her life and help the people that stood by her during her time of need. The chemistry between Cassie and Dennis is off the charts. It is obvious they still have strong feelings for each other even after all the ugly situations they have dealt with over the past four years. Oh....Dennis. He was beautiful and loyal to a fault. I wanted to hug him and strangle him at the same time. He always tried to do the right thing, but his loyalty to his family was his weakness and stood in the way of his happiness. This is the first book that I read by LA Cotton, and at times I did feel that I was missing a bit of the back story since I am unfamiliar with the Chastity Falls series and all the characters from the series. However, I feel that the author did a good job touching on their history and their chemistry that the story can be read as a stand alone. Ending was super sweet. Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of Absolution.
The very final instalment of the Chastity Falls series is finally here, with Dennis & Cassie's story. These were two of the back story characters in the series, but it's been a while since I read the first four books (and I seem to have skipped the others) so I couldn't really remember much! Saying that, this can be read as a standalone.
Their story begins all over again when Dennis spots Cassie across the room at what is supposed to be an easy job. The spark between them is still there and they try and try to fight it but it's inevitable that it will light again.
We discover Cassie has been through a lot in the time since she left CF, and I felt so much respect for her being a survivor. And when Dennis discovers, he just wants to help heal her. The tension and love between the two of them is palpable throughout the story, and I was really rooting for them to catch each other for good.
L.A's writing had me drawn in, always wanting to carry on reading. The character development of the newbies was great as I found myself really liking them - mostly, anyway! And I was so happy when we got to meet Ana & Jackson again, albeit near the end but they were still living their happily ever after.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*** OMG! I loved Dennis and Cassie's story! FINALLY!!! I am so happy to see the two of them back together. I was not expecting so much time to have passed. Oh and the random baby Cassie has when Dennis and Cassie meet again. I wish there was a little more to that story as it is random and there is no mention of the babies father. However, the book was great without those details. Cassie and Dennis try to fight their feelings for each other. Both for different reasons. Cassie didn't want to get hurt again and Dennis wants to keep Cassie safe. They have such an emotional connection that you can feel it in L.A. Cottons book! My Heart My Home My Forever The talk about family at the end of the book gave me chills! OH and that epilogue...so many babies! It is so nice to see them all together again and having a happily ever after! Love those lines at the end of the story. This was so fitting! This is such an amazing series. If you have not started it, go grab your copy now!
OMG I have been waiting to get Dennis and Cassie's story or rather the rest of it. Their story surprised me. From where life lead Cassie to how emotional it all was, I just didn't expect it to play out the way it did. Dennis was one of my favorite CF characters. When he walked away so that Cassie could get everything she deserved and not be caught up in his world, I loved him for that. What surprised me the most was Cassie. The way her life turned out was truly heart-breaking. It was great catching up with the Chastity Falls crew. I'm sad this is the end for the series. Good thing though, I'll get to re-read the whole entire series back-to-back with no stopping. Can you say "Momma's on a reading sabbatical"? Laundry Schmandry, right? This was the best second-chance romance that I have read in a while. Great job, Ms. Cotton!
When I heard that we were getting another Chastity Falls book I was so excited and I was not disappointed. Dennis Hayes, the best friend of Jackson, always in the background. Well now he is done with college and living the life that is father wanted for him. He has left the girl that he loves behind. When he sees her again he realizes that his love for her never left. Cassie, left heartbroken turns to another to forget. This only leads to trouble and now she is trying to get her life together. It is harder than she thinks when she see Dennis again. This is a story of second chance love, heartbreak, and redemption. Two broken souls weave a tragic and romantic love story. This story will run the rampant of emotions with characters that you will love. As I turned each page I was just waiting for the trouble to begin and hoping these two could have their HEA.
What an ending to a beloved series. I don't tend to read a lot of books that take place in high school, so when I picked up Chastity Falls I could never had predicted how the series would own a piece of my heart. I couldn't read the books fast enough. Dennis and Cassie's story gives us the perfect conclusion to this series. I have been patiently waiting for their story and I'm so glad that it's here. You could probably read this story as a standalone, but with the greatness that is Chastity Falls it would be enjoyed the most with reading the series in order. This is a special group of characters and I was choked up to watch Dennis reunite with Cassie after both living through hell while apart. This story gave me all the feels and I shed tears knowing this is the last of the Chastity Falls books. I hope that the author decides to bring them back at some point. I love this group!