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Elevation
Absolution
You don’t have to forget the past to live in the present.
Ryder – They say memories last forever, which is why I’m doing my best to drown them out.
If I can’t remember them, they can’t hurt, right? That’s my theory, and I’ve done such a good job trying to prove it I’ve landed myself in community service.
No matter, I’ll just drown this out, too. Or I would, if my pesky new supervisor wasn’t lurking over me, thwarting me at every turn. Her bottomless brown eyes make her look innocent, but she’s got a sharp tongue behind those full pink lips, and that infuriates me almost as much as it excites me. After all, penance isn’t supposed to be fun, and I deserve to be held accountable for my sins.
I dove headfirst into the bottle, trying to make myself forget. I never expected that to lead me to someone I’d want to remember.
Author's Note: Absolution is written as book five in the Elevation series, although it can be read as a standalone. It's a slow-burn yet steamy romance featuring a broken anti-hero and the woman who sees someone to redeem under his cranky outer shell. It contains dark themes including alcohol abuse and death, some humor, adult situations and a guaranteed HEA.
Ryder – They say memories last forever, which is why I’m doing my best to drown them out.
If I can’t remember them, they can’t hurt, right? That’s my theory, and I’ve done such a good job trying to prove it I’ve landed myself in community service.
No matter, I’ll just drown this out, too. Or I would, if my pesky new supervisor wasn’t lurking over me, thwarting me at every turn. Her bottomless brown eyes make her look innocent, but she’s got a sharp tongue behind those full pink lips, and that infuriates me almost as much as it excites me. After all, penance isn’t supposed to be fun, and I deserve to be held accountable for my sins.
I dove headfirst into the bottle, trying to make myself forget. I never expected that to lead me to someone I’d want to remember.
Author's Note: Absolution is written as book five in the Elevation series, although it can be read as a standalone. It's a slow-burn yet steamy romance featuring a broken anti-hero and the woman who sees someone to redeem under his cranky outer shell. It contains dark themes including alcohol abuse and death, some humor, adult situations and a guaranteed HEA.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2023
4 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Michele Lenard
33 books151 followersMichele writes contemporary romance that is both sweet and steamy. Her goal is to make you fan your face as you wipe a tear from your eye. Several of her books have been named as finalists in the MARA Fiction From the Homeland contest. Her books are part of a series but there are no cliffhangers so each can be read as a standalone. When she isn't reading or writing she enjoys the outdoors, something that pops up in her books from time to time.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 17, 2023
"Did you mean it? When you said you could be something for me to live for?"
Absolution, fifth in the Elevation series, wrecked me completely. It tore my heart into a million little pieces before putting it back together again in the best possible way. This was Ryder's story, delving deep into the pain of losing his brother, Chase, and his downward spiral as he tried to come to terms with his loss. On a break from the pro snowboarding circuit as he was coping with his grief, Ryder typically found solace at the bottom of a bottle. Carter, owner of the Katah Vista resort, volunteered to allow Ryder to instruct disabled riders to satisfy his community service requirements following a DUI, hoping to get him back on the mountain.
Heavy with emotions, this book brought tears to my eyes throughout. Ryder was empty and lost, filled with anger, sadness and pain as he was haunted by grief and guilt over his brother's death. He was afraid to feel anything or get too close to people so he wouldn't risk losing them too. He simply thought he didn't deserve to be happy, as if he was betraying his brother by having fun or riding again.
But everything changed when he met Hailey, the woman who ran the program for disabled riders. They were drawn to each other with a magnetic pull as she broke down his walls and exposed his vulnerability, getting through to him like no one else could. I loved their snarky banter as she held him accountable for his actions. And when they gave into their feelings, they absolutely combusted, fire and ice, in a connection so intense I couldn't look away. The sex was explosive, charged with hungry desperation and need, filled with every single thing Ryder was going through and they shared an intimacy that was just so beautiful to watch.
Yet Ryder seemed determined to push back and dwell on the darkness of his past instead of moving on. Would he ever overcome his demons and focus on the present, finally starting to live again? And would he be able to reclaim his love of riding and remember why he even started riding in the first place?
I can't say enough good things about this book and everything it made me feel along with Ryder. Ryder is the perfectly broken anti-hero and I felt completely invested in his story. I especially loved the way he worked with Max, a little boy who had lost his leg but was inspired by Ryder's racing and wanted to ride again. There were just so many emotions tugging at my heartstrings at once and I loved the entire journey this book took me on. After reading what has become one of my favorites of the series, I'm excited to see where it goes next.
** Special thanks to author Michele Lenard for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available February 7, 2023. **
Absolution, fifth in the Elevation series, wrecked me completely. It tore my heart into a million little pieces before putting it back together again in the best possible way. This was Ryder's story, delving deep into the pain of losing his brother, Chase, and his downward spiral as he tried to come to terms with his loss. On a break from the pro snowboarding circuit as he was coping with his grief, Ryder typically found solace at the bottom of a bottle. Carter, owner of the Katah Vista resort, volunteered to allow Ryder to instruct disabled riders to satisfy his community service requirements following a DUI, hoping to get him back on the mountain.
Heavy with emotions, this book brought tears to my eyes throughout. Ryder was empty and lost, filled with anger, sadness and pain as he was haunted by grief and guilt over his brother's death. He was afraid to feel anything or get too close to people so he wouldn't risk losing them too. He simply thought he didn't deserve to be happy, as if he was betraying his brother by having fun or riding again.
But everything changed when he met Hailey, the woman who ran the program for disabled riders. They were drawn to each other with a magnetic pull as she broke down his walls and exposed his vulnerability, getting through to him like no one else could. I loved their snarky banter as she held him accountable for his actions. And when they gave into their feelings, they absolutely combusted, fire and ice, in a connection so intense I couldn't look away. The sex was explosive, charged with hungry desperation and need, filled with every single thing Ryder was going through and they shared an intimacy that was just so beautiful to watch.
Yet Ryder seemed determined to push back and dwell on the darkness of his past instead of moving on. Would he ever overcome his demons and focus on the present, finally starting to live again? And would he be able to reclaim his love of riding and remember why he even started riding in the first place?
I can't say enough good things about this book and everything it made me feel along with Ryder. Ryder is the perfectly broken anti-hero and I felt completely invested in his story. I especially loved the way he worked with Max, a little boy who had lost his leg but was inspired by Ryder's racing and wanted to ride again. There were just so many emotions tugging at my heartstrings at once and I loved the entire journey this book took me on. After reading what has become one of my favorites of the series, I'm excited to see where it goes next.
** Special thanks to author Michele Lenard for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available February 7, 2023. **
January 25, 2023
The life of Ryder and Hailey is the subject of this really touching tale. I am a psychologist, and I am aware that everyone experiences sorrow in their own unique way.
Ryder needed Hailey to help him express, comprehend, and deal with his emotions. They required one another. is beautifully written, and the plot is lovely. While reading it, I both laughed and cried.
I appreciate Michele letting me have the ARC copy.
I adored it! Since it was my first time reading one of your works, I'll also read the others. Can't wait for the following one too.
Ryder needed Hailey to help him express, comprehend, and deal with his emotions. They required one another. is beautifully written, and the plot is lovely. While reading it, I both laughed and cried.
I appreciate Michele letting me have the ARC copy.
I adored it! Since it was my first time reading one of your works, I'll also read the others. Can't wait for the following one too.
February 8, 2023
Michele Lenard is such a wonderful addition to the indie contemporary romance community. With each novel I have read from her I have been able to see her writing grow and her technique become more refined, her characters-clearer, and her plotting-balanced and well paced. Absolution is the five book in her most recent Elevation series and it is a delightful, fairly low angst, opposites attract romance. Lenard’s writing is easily accessible, her tone is familiar and comforting and this novel has a gentle pacing that works really well for the story it is telling. The characters in this novel feel fully realized and their emotions and situations are relatable. This novel while centralized on the many couple still has some wonderful side character (featuring many past series characters) which help to flesh out this small town and provide support to the main hero and heroine. This novel was a really lovely way to spend an afternoon, it was a sweet and easy read featuring two people who learn that first impressions are not always what they seem and the best way to judge someone.
This novel at its core is about two people who misjudge the other, learning to understand each other, provide support for the other and a safe place to land. This novel has many lovely and sweet moments of growth, as the hero is learning to live his life after his brother’s death (this is a death that does not occur on page but is talked about). Lenard does a really lovely job building tension between our hero and heroine right from their first meeting. They are both attracted to the other but they chose to draw conclusions based off first impressions. Because of this there is a nice level of banter between the two as they test each other. I really adore that the hero calls her Frosty because she comes across as an Ice Princess to him. Lenard is able to slowly have our heroine learn more about the hero so she is able to see him in a new light and it is in these moments that the hero is able to slowly start to come back to his true essence. I really loved that our hero is a snowboarder and his skills provide him with the opportunity to teach some of the side characters and mainly a young boy who lost one of his legs in a car accident. It is through this the hero starts to heal and the heroine is able to see the strength and love the hero holds for this sport. While this novel is a slow burn, we do get some really delicious and sensual moments between the hero and heroine which really help to illustrate the growth they are going through and the new level of trust and understanding they are building.
I think if you love a small town romance you will enjoy this book and this series. I think if you love an opposites attract then you should pick this book up. I think if you love a wintery set romance then you will find a charming winter read between these pages. Absolution can be read as a stand-alone and will definitely introduce you to some couples you will want to know more about. I definitely recommend Michele Lenard and have really enjoyed all of the books I have read from her and would highly encourage you to check, either this, or, one of her other novels out.
Thank you to Michele Lenard for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This novel at its core is about two people who misjudge the other, learning to understand each other, provide support for the other and a safe place to land. This novel has many lovely and sweet moments of growth, as the hero is learning to live his life after his brother’s death (this is a death that does not occur on page but is talked about). Lenard does a really lovely job building tension between our hero and heroine right from their first meeting. They are both attracted to the other but they chose to draw conclusions based off first impressions. Because of this there is a nice level of banter between the two as they test each other. I really adore that the hero calls her Frosty because she comes across as an Ice Princess to him. Lenard is able to slowly have our heroine learn more about the hero so she is able to see him in a new light and it is in these moments that the hero is able to slowly start to come back to his true essence. I really loved that our hero is a snowboarder and his skills provide him with the opportunity to teach some of the side characters and mainly a young boy who lost one of his legs in a car accident. It is through this the hero starts to heal and the heroine is able to see the strength and love the hero holds for this sport. While this novel is a slow burn, we do get some really delicious and sensual moments between the hero and heroine which really help to illustrate the growth they are going through and the new level of trust and understanding they are building.
I think if you love a small town romance you will enjoy this book and this series. I think if you love an opposites attract then you should pick this book up. I think if you love a wintery set romance then you will find a charming winter read between these pages. Absolution can be read as a stand-alone and will definitely introduce you to some couples you will want to know more about. I definitely recommend Michele Lenard and have really enjoyed all of the books I have read from her and would highly encourage you to check, either this, or, one of her other novels out.
Thank you to Michele Lenard for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 18, 2023
This is a very emotional story, about Ryder and Hailey’s life. As a psychologist I understand the grief process and I understand that each person goes through it differently. Ryder needed Hailey to develop his feelings, understand them and deal with them. They needed each other. Is well written and it a beautiful story. I laughed and I cried while reading it.
Thank you Michele for allowing me the ARC copy.
I loved it!!! And I’ll read the other books since it was my first time reading one of your books. Can’t wait for the next too.
Thank you Michele for allowing me the ARC copy.
I loved it!!! And I’ll read the other books since it was my first time reading one of your books. Can’t wait for the next too.
January 19, 2023
Ryder is spiraling out of control which results in a DUI. He lost his brother, Chase, 6 months before and he is suffering with survivor guilt. Hailey is responsible for opening a resort that has lessons and programs for people with (dis)abilities to participate in outdoor sports. Because Ryder is a world champion snowboarder he is assigned as a instructor there as his community service. Needless to say Ryder doesn't want to be there but with Hailey's tough love and a little student named Max he begins to see that there is something to live for.
I am hooked! This book is part of a series called Elevation which I need to read from the beginning. This can absolutely be read as a stand-alone but reading the series will give you some back story on the other characters. This is definitely a must read!
I am hooked! This book is part of a series called Elevation which I need to read from the beginning. This can absolutely be read as a stand-alone but reading the series will give you some back story on the other characters. This is definitely a must read!
January 27, 2023
New author for me. Well-written with well-developed characters. As I was reading, I was wanting more background, but my inner voice said "patience" ... this author delivered a well rounded, wrapped up and engaging storyline. Definitely recommend this book .
February 11, 2023
Oh Ryder, my heart absolutely breaks for him and his loss, he settles into drinking himself to sleep just to deal with the grief of losing his twin brother Chase. He's miserable, grieving and pushing away anyone who doesn't let him just be. But then his world gets rocked, he gets arrested, and court-appointed community service is not where he wants to be. Especially when said community service forces him to go the one place he's trying to avoid. Then he meets his new boss, jailer, whatever you want to call her Hailey, she's got a history of loss too but she's in a different part of the path that he is. They butt heads, a lot, but all of that verbal sparring starts to break down some walls.
Absolution did an excellent job at looking at loss, grief, and how people handle it in various ways. It's a long road, but critical to move forward down that road.
I give this story 5/5 stars its an excellent read, but only 3/5 chili peppers for spice, the story is more about grief than sex but the steamy scenes are very good.
Absolution did an excellent job at looking at loss, grief, and how people handle it in various ways. It's a long road, but critical to move forward down that road.
I give this story 5/5 stars its an excellent read, but only 3/5 chili peppers for spice, the story is more about grief than sex but the steamy scenes are very good.
January 29, 2023
Absolution by Michele Lenard is book 5 in the Elevation series. This story is a steamy enemies to lovers romance, told from multi POV’s, no cliff hanger and a HEA.
This author is new to me so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed reading this book, it was fast paced, easy to read and I liked the characters and their chemistry together.
Ryder is a champion snowboarder who has suffered a tremendous loss and is trying to drown out the guilt. Hailey is his temporary, reluctant new boss. They push each others buttons and have an instant connection.
This book can be read as a stand alone. You do meet other characters from the previous books but the author gives just enough background info so I didn’t feel lost in the story. Now I need to go back to read the previous books because some of those characters have peaked my interest.
This author is new to me so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed reading this book, it was fast paced, easy to read and I liked the characters and their chemistry together.
Ryder is a champion snowboarder who has suffered a tremendous loss and is trying to drown out the guilt. Hailey is his temporary, reluctant new boss. They push each others buttons and have an instant connection.
This book can be read as a stand alone. You do meet other characters from the previous books but the author gives just enough background info so I didn’t feel lost in the story. Now I need to go back to read the previous books because some of those characters have peaked my interest.
January 24, 2023
Absolution was an emotional journey for me. Ryder is suffering from the loss of his brother's death and goes on a spiral down fall which includes a dui. As part of his community service he has to help with the rider with disabilities at the resort. There he meets Hailey runs who the program and Max a little boy who has more courage than most of us. Even though Hailey and Ryder doesn't see eye to eye at first, their chemistry is explosive from the start. As he start to coming to terms with this tragedy, it will open his eyes and hopefully his heart to the things around him now. This is one emotional roller-coaster worth riding.
February 6, 2023
This is the first book of Michele Lenard that I have read. Absolution is book 5 of the Elevation Series and while they can each be read as a stand-alone, I will go back and read the others just to have the series completed on my end.
Ryder seems to be battling with guilt of his brother’s death and is spiraling out of control.
Hailey seems to be just what he needs to try and ground him and help him get his life back on track.
This is an incredible story and I recommend anyone who loves HEAs to read it!
Ryder seems to be battling with guilt of his brother’s death and is spiraling out of control.
Hailey seems to be just what he needs to try and ground him and help him get his life back on track.
This is an incredible story and I recommend anyone who loves HEAs to read it!
February 11, 2023
This was such a great read. Ryder was a beautifully broken man, drowning in the grief from losing his brother. When he met Hailey, he was still angry and bitter about the curve ball life has thrown at him. She was everything he needed but Ryder just couldn't find a way to be happy without his brother. This story brought me to tears several times as Ryder dealt with his grief. I loved this story and look forward to more from this author
January 25, 2023
This was a great book!! Ryder is having trouble dealing with the death of his brother and ends up getting in trouble and having to do community service. Hailey is his boss and at first they butt heads but eventually she is able to help Ryder. The storyline was very well thought out and the author handled Ryder's grief in such a way that I could feel his pain. All in all it was a beautiful story.
February 4, 2023
If you like broken, tortured men as much as I do, you defiantly need to read this book. Ryder is struggling after the loss of his brother and ends up in trouble. While serving community service he meets Hailey who refuses to cut him any slack. She doesn't tip toe around him like everyone else and it's exactly the push he needs to find absolution.
January 29, 2023
This is the fifth book in the Elevation series. I loved Ryder and Hailey story. Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. I definitely recommend this book! I can not wait for the next book.
February 8, 2023
This is the fifth book in the Elevation series. I loved Ryder and Hailey story. Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. I definitely recommend this book! I can not wait for the next book.
February 16, 2023
Arc reader:
Enemy to lovers love story. Super star snow board down on his luck and into the booze too much. Get stuck with the new girl in town that don't take any of his bs.
They help each other heal from lost of loves ones.
Good story spicy but check your triggers.
Enemy to lovers love story. Super star snow board down on his luck and into the booze too much. Get stuck with the new girl in town that don't take any of his bs.
They help each other heal from lost of loves ones.
Good story spicy but check your triggers.
July 25, 2023
This is an enemies to lovers/opposites attract story, but an emotional one.
Ryder is a famous snowboarder, but after his brother's death he turns to alcohol to cope and ends up with a DUI. His community service is to work at a ski lodge, under the supervision of the 'frosty' Hailey.
This is an emotional ride, as Ryder comes to terms with life without his brother, and Hailey thaws towards him, realising there's more to him than meets the eye. The two of them have chemistry, for sure!
I haven't read the others in this series, this one can definitely be read as a standalone.
Ryder is a famous snowboarder, but after his brother's death he turns to alcohol to cope and ends up with a DUI. His community service is to work at a ski lodge, under the supervision of the 'frosty' Hailey.
This is an emotional ride, as Ryder comes to terms with life without his brother, and Hailey thaws towards him, realising there's more to him than meets the eye. The two of them have chemistry, for sure!
I haven't read the others in this series, this one can definitely be read as a standalone.
April 11, 2023
This book was a page turner! I love how the characters grew together to learn to overcome their issues without really even trying and fell in love in the process!!!! And the Steamy scenes were amazing!
March 8, 2023
Ryder is broken. Or he feels like he is. When community service puts him with Hailey, he fights everything that she's trying to do. Who knew that she would be just what he needed.
Great easy to read book. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Great easy to read book. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
September 27, 2023
Ryder, pro snowboarder, drinking away his grief and Hailey his boss. Nice but sadly unusual to include accessibility as a plot element.
It was 3 stars for as a read. Additional star for including fully disability and mental health.
It was 3 stars for as a read. Additional star for including fully disability and mental health.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews