“A Heartbreaking and Strengthening Read”
Unholy Yearning, by Lynn Burke, is a deeply thought provoking and emotional story filled with spiritual beliefs and a deep-seeded need to live truthfully and peacefully. The story, as the title implies, is a story with an ever-present palpable craving and desire for love and comfort despite long-standing directional teachings. It is not to be considered a hearts and flowers type-of-read. It was very often difficult to read as the seemingly ever-present indescribable heartache and triggered pain was mountainous. I craved sunshine and happiness within this storyline despite tossing my kindle a few times.
Wow. Unholy Yearning was quite the read. It is in this reader’s opinion that it leans more towards a predominantly M/F story, with the ramifications of wanting to live a truthful M/M lifestyle. This story had plenty of inner conflict and reflection, a constant presence as a result of years of faith-based teachings and an emotionally abusive upbringing. Inner musings, sexual greed, sacrifice and an incessant heartache which lead to desperation and triggered darkness, had this reader screaming internally and skimming through some of the unspeakable moments.
To say I crazy loved Levi, would be an understatement. If I wasn’t whisper-yelling at him to find more of his strength, I was cheering for him when he found some of his light. Both he and Zeke were two lost souls, both fighting for their own survival very differently, and, it was a heart-rending journey. I could not get enough of Levi, and Zeke was tolerated. Even though I haven’t read the previous book of the series, I thoroughly enjoyed the cameos of Malachi and Isaac and am already keen on Aaron. Many of the other secondary characters got on my last nerve and had me giddy for those who were happiness and humor personified.
However. I needed so much more of Levi and Zeke’s actual relationship. Their journey was painfully long and heartbreaking and with that added development to their relationship, it would have been more complete and well-rounded rather than within the last quarter of the story. As the story was on the darker side, any kind of familial bond would have been a breath of fresh air, but appearing at the end, made it a challenge to fully experience.
Unholy Yearning, by Lynn Burke, was a deep and lengthy read with beautiful and worthy main characters who were at war with their beliefs and their hearts. The main characters were realistically written as the dire need to live one’s true life is certainly a reality for many. Free and open….
*star rating: 4.40 ‘I liked this story” stars*
