Unholy

Park Avenue Kings #6

by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine

He hears my confessions.
Now he can’t unhear them.

I keep showing up to church.
I don’t speak. I don’t confess. I just sit there—close enough to remember what it felt like to be his.

Father Rafael Vitale thinks he can keep this professional.
Measured. Contained. Holy.

I’m none of those things.

I’m Alessio Trentacapelli—the technocrat of the Park Avenue Kings. I live in shadows, break systems, and protect my brothers at any cost. I still believe in God. I just don’t forgive Him for demanding the man I love.

Rafael is discipline and devotion.
I’m want and resentment and everything he was never supposed to crave.

We were boys together. Then lovers.
Then nothing we were allowed to keep.

Now we’re orbiting each other again behind a confessional screen—through silence, ritual, and everything we refuse to say out loud. Every look lingers. Every boundary bends. And every time he tells me no, it hurts worse than the last.

Because the priest with the steady hands and the quiet voice?
He remembers me.

And then we cross a line we both know by heart.

If he makes me choose between losing him again…
or giving in to something we can’t take back—

I already know which sin I’ll commit.

Genres: M M Romance, Second Chance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Slow Burn, Found Family, Contemporary

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2026

About the author

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite Preslocke series. Her Prime Time series has been praised as “highly entertaining!” and “sexy as hell!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction. Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.​Ella is represented by:

Kimberly Brower
Brower Literary & Management
​kimberly@browerliterary.com

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

But he wasn’t Father Vitale tonight, he was my Rafael, and he was eating my ass like it was his motherfucking job.

After 5 books worth of will-they-or-won't-they, we finally get the second chance romance between Alessio and Rafael, aka Father Vitale. Rafael left Alessio to go to Rome and become Father Vitale, and ever since the two have barely spoken. After 15 years apart, Alessio finally breaks and tells Rafael that he still loves him. Alessio's drunken confession changes everything, and temps Rafael beyond reason. There is no plot to speak of in this entire book- there are some off-hand references to missions for the Kings and Alessio hacking something or other, but 98% of the book focuses on their past and what is finally changing between the two of them in the present.

I might’ve been able to do without it, but when I thrust back inside his fit, tight body, I knew it for the sacrifice it had been—because this was giving me life.  That might’ve been blasphemous to think, let alone feel, but I couldn’t bring myself to believe something this powerful, this spiritual, could be bad.

After the last two lacklustre books I can't believe I enjoyed this one so much. I don't particularly love romances with religious themes, and I kind of hate second-chance romance, so I'm pretty shocked at how good this was. I really felt Alessio's longing for Rafael. The love they have for each other is special, which makes it even crazier that they went 15 years without being together. The other thing I really appreciated was that the Catholic church wasn't portrayed as some sort of cheap villain- faith was important to both Alessio and Rafael, and at no point did the book veer into clichés. The church has enough bad press (deservedly so, in many many instances) and I don't think leaning into that is constructive while trying to focus on a love story.
The only part that made me absolutely howl with laughter was the idea that Rafael got his nipples pierced to 'punish himself' for still wanting Alessio. Pierced nips as atonement for sin? Gimme a break 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Since I love piercings I'll let it slide but are we fr 🤣👀

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celibate for 15 years while apart 🙌🏼

They only have been with each other !!!
They are seperated for 15 years and they have not been with anyone else during the separation.
Rafael is a priest during the separation so understandable but Alessio, the 32 year old hot hacker, had not been involved with anyone during the 15 years apart. I repeat, that during the 15 years apart, Alessio did not touch another person. He has been celibate cause Rafael is and always be his forever🥹

“You didn’t choose me…and I chose you forever.”

“You’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen, and I would sell my soul to feel your lips against mine again?”

“You. I would’ve waited my whole life for you. I love you, Rafael. I never stopped, couldn’t stop, not even when I wanted to. You’re the other half of my heart, the other half of my soul, and I haven’t felt complete until this moment right here.”

Now, that’s how you write “it’s always been you” trope. That’s how you convince me of true love and soulmates between 2 characters🥹.

OP drama: at the begining of the book, Alessio does go to a sex club (first time going there) wanting to forget Rafael and move on. I was ready to brace myself for disgust or dnf but nothing happens. He doesn’t touch anyone or get horny. He literally stays for few minutes but he doesn’t anyone (except Rafael) so he leaves. Totally safe.
I’m glad I didn’t dnf cus to discover later on that he has been celibate for 15 years earned an automatic 5 stars from me🤩.

This book is about Father Rafael (32) and the hacker Alessio (32) who meet after 15 years of being apart. They met at 15 as altar boys, develop a friendship, then fell for each other and became boyfriends, before at 17, Rafael chose to go to Rome to become a priest. The past between them is told in glimpses across the book. The book is mainly in the present day.

I devoured this book. The yearning!!!!!!!! God, the yearning, especially from Alessio is chef’s kiss. You never see lust between these two but a more deep connection; and I love that.

It is a slow burn, and I appreciated that. But when these two finally get together, it is hot and intimate. The spice is not too overwhelming, it is hot and spicy but does not feel cheap, it goes beyond the physical to convey how deeply these two feel for each other. And God, how much these two love each other.

We see couples from the previous books in the series. I haven’t read the other books but it did not stop me for enjoying this one.

The only thing I wished for is either a proposal or a wedding. But beggers can’t be choosers. They are already husbands in the epilogue years later🙌🏼.

Thank you EF & BB for proving that 2 characters who love each other deeply can be separated for many years and still be faithful for ecah other heart and body👌🏼

I wish some other authors could stop with the “it’s always been you” and “you’re the love of my life” while the MMC f*cks everything that moves during the separation period😏

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alessio + Rafael 🖤
Priest | Childhood friends | First and only | Souls intertwined


When they say "it's always been you" AND THEY MEAN IT!
Neither MC ever touched another person the entire time they were apart. 15 years separated since they were teens and they never touched a single other soul.

Give me more of this energy. Not enough books have this soul deep, you're truly the only one for me connection between the MCs. Because sex has become so cheap. I said what I said.




⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists






Tropes/content:
Childhood friends who had their first and only experiences with each other
Priest
Confession booth
It's always been you
Drunken confession
Alessio kisses Rafael around 30%
Push pull
They kiss again and almost move further but then don't @ 38%
Vouyerism
Alessio is the pursuer for the first 50% until he's had enough of being rejected and looked at as a sin and everything feeling one sided. When Rafael realizes Alessio's not around and no longer watching him or pursuing, he freaks out and becomes the pursuer.
Priest with secret pierced nips
Reunion sex in the rectory
"Don't prep me because I want to feel you for days in case this is the last chance I ever get" sex
Love making
Dirty ass eating
Rimming on both MCs
Vers roles but Alessio prefers bottoming
Slow burn
Yearning
Found family
Epilogue "years later" - discussing having kids



Warnings/icks:
Separated for 15 years but we dont really see that separation. The book starts when they're adults who are barely back in each others lives when Alessio shows up monthly to Rafael's confession booth. But he doesnt speak.
Alessio briefly goes to a sex club his brother owns but doesn't do anything and almost immediately leaves. He can't get hard and all he can think about is Rafael.
Stalking between MCs via cameras
Parental death (not detailed)
Rafael says he left all those years ago and dedicated his life to God because of the death of his parents. He moved to Rome for school. He left everything behind including Alessio because he said it all reminded him of his parents.
Religious guilt
Nipple piercings as a form of self harm

[Renae Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unholy is the final installment in teh Park Avenue Kings series and follows the forbidden love between Father Rafael and Alessio. They have a shared history that makes their current relationship dynamic very challenging and harmful as their mutual residual feelings towards one another conflicts with their very different goals and professional ambitions.

Overall this was a great way to wrap up the series due to the forbidden nature of their relationship and the slow burn aspect of finally acknowledging their feelings for one another and choosing a path forward together.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[Sofi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bodies, souls, fates intertwined.  That was how we’d always been. Alessio had said he’d die for my sins. But I was well aware I’d give my soul for all of his”

The pining, the angst, and the forbidden tension in this book made it so addictiveeeee! The tropes with the authors’ writing were just the perfect combination to make this such a good book. I love when I can feel the want and longing in such a way that it makes you ache and hurt for the characters, and this book definitely had that.

It was the type of book where I wanted to shout at the MMC, “You want him!! Just accept it and be together,” but I also couldn’t be mad about it because it built the tension and made it soooo good. The emotional conflict these two had to face, especially Rafael, was so well done that it made me feel so many emotions, and I couldn’t help but see and understand the difficult situation they were in.

“This.” I reached up to put my hands over his. “You. I would’ve waited my whole life for you. I love you, Rafael. I never stopped, couldn’t stop, not even when I wanted to. You’re the other half of my heart, the other half of my soul, and I haven’t felt complete until this moment right here.”

“His moan. My name. His sharp gasp. My groan. They each represented the longing, the lust, the ever-present love we’d always had for one another. It was in every touch of our hands, every angry word shared, the fated outcome of our lives that had always run parallel and were now coming back together.”

I also have to applaud the authors because the religion aspect was strong and really present, but it wasn’t overwhelming or overshadowing the romance. It wasn’t made into the villain, it was what built the forbidden aspect of the relationship, the complication, and the source of their internal and external conflict as a couple and as individuals.

Religion surrounded them both. There was talk about God, right and wrong, and prayer. But in my opinion, it was beautifully handled. It didn’t villainize religion, and it also didn’t sell it as the only right thing in this world. I don’t know if I’m explaining it right, but I just appreciated the balance of it.

“It finally hit me then, that I was not betraying God after all. I was finally choosing honestly, without fear or grief or pressure, because my faith wasn’t diminished by my loving Alessio and choosing to spend the rest of my life with him.  It was completed. The way it always should’ve been”

I absolutely adored both Alessio and Rafael, and like always, it’s five stars for the MMCs and their relationship. In terms of plot, everything revolved around their relationship, and even though I did wish for a more vigilante, dangerous plotline—like the ones I’ve come to expect from this series—I can also see that not having one here was the right move for these two. So I’m not even mad about it, and I loved every second of it.

Last book of this seriesss, and I am so sad abouttt ittttt! I will miss this found familyy and this fun world so freaking muchh, I absolutely love all of the seven Kings and all their partners sooo much. The last epilogue got me emotional, seeing them all together, each with their partners, and even some with kids, ughhh stop, my heart was so happy with that epilogue. I will miss all of them so much, and I hatee that I have to say goodbye to this series.

“As the sun began to set, I glanced around the table as each of my brothers sat reminiscing about the past and more recent adventures we’d shared, and I couldn’t help but think how lucky I was. These men were family, our partners that we’d chosen to bring into our world were family, and this was what we fought for day in and day out. The laughter and love we all shared, it was more than a family we’d built. It was a kingdom. Our kingdom. Something bigger than all of us, something that would last even when we were long gone. And honestly, who could ask for more than that?”

--------------------

Quotes worth mentioning:

“I want you,” he said. No hesitation, no apology. “And I think you want me too. If this is about fear,” he went on, “about judgment, then let me take it. All of it. I’d die for your sins any day. I’ve been carrying my silence for years. I can carry this. I can carry yours.”

“This man was mine. He always had been, always would be. I’d had Rafael first, and if God had problem with that, He could strike me down right here. He’d never played fair, and neither would I.”

“You and I were always two parts of the same puzzle. Light and dark⁠—”
“Good and bad?”
“A believer and a realist. But the one thing that was always clear to everyone around us was the picture we made when we came together—love.”

[haletostilinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, after all these installments, we get the romance between Alessio and Rafael.

Rafael, who is a priest and with whom Alessio clearly has a past with.

Overall, I did enjoy this, and I think these two being the plot more than anything is what was really needed because they - especially Rafael - had so much to work through, and if a fast action plot had been added, it would have detracted from these two and their relationship, and them working through all their shit to get a hard won HEA.

Still, it was a bit jarring after this whole series being action packed to go it being so calm in this one. Several times I kept expecting Rafael to be pulled into something and Alessio and his brothers would have to keep him safe. No such thing happened.

Instead we delved more into these two and their past, and working through their present to get where they end up. It seemed almost impossible, but get there they did.

I think a big reason for my star off is that Rafael, as great of a guy as he was, was so frustrating to deal with. That might be my own personal feelings on religion, especially the institution of it, but I personally do not understand why he held on so tightly to be a priest. As if he couldn't be religious without being a priest who has to take a vow of celibacy his whole life. It felt almost needless to cause angst between these two.

Which, I get is not actually true. I get that religion is much more important to other people - it is very much not to me - and people find comfort it and peace, but I just...don't understand the like...almost self flagellation of denying yourself happiness and being yourself all in the name of this thing other people made up (believe in, yes, I understand but...still made up at the end of the day.)

Like in the past after what happened with Rafael's family, I get him needing time, but it's established in this that it's been 15 years since he chose his path. I don't know how long school is or whatever it is men need to go through to become a priest, but as Rafael went to a university in Rome I assume it was at least 3 years.

Then he came back and the timeline was not clear on how long Alessio and Rafael had been back in each other's lives, but not really talking at ALL, but going to these monthly confessionals anyway. I think it might have been 10 years? But damn if so, that is SUCH a long time for these two be in each other's lives once a month for years and never really talk. Like I get that they weren't IN each other's lives a lot, just one night a month for a few hours, and Alessio always sat there not saying anything, but...that's so so many months and moments they could have talked. Like what changed NOW that they finally talked? (I get that Alessio got drunk, but I'm sure he's been drunk before and never went to Rafael. Like what was it that broke the camel's back?).

But if it had only been a few years, that'd make more sense. But again, we don't get a concrete timeline of when the monthly visits started.

I do like that they had time away from each other - they were just teenagers when they were together before - and had time to grow and heal from past grief and also to mature as men. But did it have to be 15 years? Like damn, that is a long ass time. If they had only been back in each other's lives for a few years it wouldn't feel as wild, but...again, it's hinted at it being about 10 years of monthly confessionals. That's a long ass time to never really talk. Almost stretching the believability for me. Almost.

Anyway, that aspect of this was frustrating. Also Rafael pushing and pulling several times over. He clearly wants Alessio but pulls back and frets and panics several times. If Alessio wasn't so crazy head over heels in love with Rafael, anyone else would have been gone. Like damn even Alessio reaches his breaking point eventually and then Rafael gets bent out of shape over it, as if he didn't bring this on both of them all on his own.

I was hoping for this to be more spicy in the taboo department of it all, these two having sex when it's not only a priest having sex and that's a big no no, but two men at that. Literally Rafael cannot marry Lucien and Kai in the church because his church is still homophobic enough that they won't perform gay weddings in their church.

But it was more like they kissed here or there, almost did more, there was definite tension, but they don't do anything until Rafael is basically ready to give up his priesthood anyway so there was no forbidden aspect to this at all, really. What is with romances involving priests I've read that don't give into the taboo forbidden-ness of it? Like damnit I wanted these two at LEAST making out in the church all hot and heavy a la Fleabag. (Full on sex wouldn't have hurt but I would have settled for heavy making out and almost being caught or being full on caught.)

Like one of my biggest pet peeves is people taking a forbidden/taboo trope and doing practically nothing with it. Like what. is. the. point!

Like Rafael being a priest was just for the angst in their relationship, nothing more. And that's a big boring and frustrating!

So as much as I loved these two as characters, and some of the push and pull was fun, and once we got to sex between these two is was hot and sexy, that aspect I just could not ignore. All I will say is pleaseee authors, stop watering down these fun fictional taboo tropes and making them into no big deal in the end. It's boring in that regard.

But, take that aspect away, and these two DID have amazing chemistry, and the love between them was SO damn palpable it was crazy. Alessio more than Rafael just for the fact that Rafael was holding himself back so much because he believed he had to.

I also very much appreciated that while this is religion heavy, it never felt preachy. I never felt like I was being preached at, only that we the readers were seeing into these character's lives and their personal beliefs and feelings. Another big pet peeve is if a book that heavily involves religion feels preachy, so major plus for this avoiding that.

Like these were two men in love who happened to be heavily religious (Rafael more so, but Alessio is still religious somewhat himself as well) and not a sermon pretending to be a romance book, so yeah, very happy about that fact.

I do wish just a little bit that we'd gotten a bit more of the rest of the brothers, but I also understand that there was so much ground to cover between these two to get them to their HEA.

I loved the epilogue, seeing every couple happy and thriving and living the best HEAs. I'm sad to see this series end, I've loved these kings - and the princes - and getting to read their wild adventures as they fall hopelessly in love.

But I am very excited about what's next for these ladies. I do hope they keep up these full length stories and do not go back to when they were doing two, mainly three short installments all the time with annoying AF cliffhangers. These full length novels are definitely the way to go.

Until the next one! Can't wait! 😘

My Ratings for the Park Avenue Kings Series:

✨ Savage: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Devilish: 4.25 stars (my review)
✨ Immoral: 4 stars (my review)
✨ Merciless: 4.5 stars (my review)
✨ Ruthless: 4.5 stars (my review)
✨ Unholy: 4 stars

[Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best book in the series! I absolutely loved Alessio and Rafael. I felt like this story had more depth you could truly feel everything. 'Second chance' is truly my favorite trope, especially when it’s written this well. 6 stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I grabbed hold of the pristine robe draped around his shoulders and pulled him in a step until our toes touched, and before he could reprimand me— or shove me away— I captured Rafael’s mouth with mine. The second our lips met, it felt like a bolt of lightning struck me, the electricity crackling through me and leaving a burning path along my veins. I’d expected to be thrust away, shouted at, condemned to hell and back, but instead, God was striking me down where I stood. Oh well, if I was going to die, it might as well be from kissing the most beautiful man in the world."

Unholy is the sixth and final book in the Park Avenue Kings series by powerhouse writing duo Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine and I absolutely inhaled it. This is a series that I do recommend you read in order, although each book does follow a different pairing.

I absolutely loved Alessio and Rafael's story (it's been a long wait for them!) and especially loved all the cameos from our favourite Kings! This was the first book that soley focused on the MMC's relationship without any over-arching story, which made for a different type of book.

This series is set in the same world as the Park Avenue Princes series by the same authors, and whilst there's a definite link between the two worlds, pre-reading of those books is not required (although I'd definitely recommend that series too!)

What To Expect:

🖤MM romance
🖤Friends to lovers to separation to reunion
🖤Forbidden
🖤Priest x hacker
🖤Opposites attract
🖤All the angst
🖤All the steam
🖤"It was always you"
🖤Found family
🖤HEA

So sad to say goodbye to these Kings, but excited for what's to come next!

4 stars 🌟

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 - Can’t believe the series has concluded. These Kings stole my heart along with their partners. I thought Alessio and Rafael were a great way to end the series. I will say while I had moments I teared up and loved, it did leave me wanting more. Maybe I set my expectations super high, but I still overall enjoyed this final installment.

[Zaza · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

Y.e.a.r.n.i.n.g !!! 🔥💕💕💕
Ah bon sang que c’était BON !

Ce tome, ce pairing, je les voulais depuis des mois, depuis la toute première scène introduisant le personnage de Rafael dans le premier tome de la série. Ella et Brooke nous auront fait languir, mais ça y est, le tome sur Alessio et le hot priest est enfin là !

Ma lecture a été largement à la hauteur de mes attentes, j’ai tout bonnement dévoré ce roman ! J’avoue ne pas avoir trop lu les chapitres au fur et à mesure de leur mise en ligne sur le Patreon des autrices (juste les trois premiers), car je voulais pouvoir tout gober d’un coup. Et je peux vous dire que dès que j’ai reçu mon ARC, j’ai dévoré d’une traite les 60 premiers %. Cette séance de lecture intensive m’a plongée la tête la première, ainsi que le cœur et les tripes dans les retrouvailles entre Alessio et Rafael (car oui surprise ! ils se connaissaient déjà avant, et depuis longtemps).

J’ai été submergée par l’intensité de leurs émotions et la force des sentiments qu’ils éprouvent l’un pour l’autre, le yearning (terme intraduisible en français) étant un schéma romantique qui me renverse complètement s’il est bien maîtrisé. Ici on a tout : un amour fou, le manque, la puissance des sentiments malgré les années qui passent, des obstacles a priori insurmontables, la force de l’interdit (interdit ultime ici puisque l’un des deux hommes est un prêtre catholique) … Toutes ces choses qui font battre notre cœur au rythme de celui des personnages, et c’est formidablement bien écrit et maîtrisé par les autrices. Pour avoir été globalement peu séduite et emballée par leurs deux séries consacrées à leur fine équipe de Newyorkais, je dois dire que là je suis retombée folle amoureuse de leur plume …

Cette fois, pas d’intrigue farfelue, on se concentre uniquement sur la romance, tout en retrouvant à quelques intervalles les personnages des précédents tomes. J’ai été très surprise par le personnage d’Alessio, que je n’avais pas du tout imaginé aussi amoureux, sensible et romantique. Finalement, je me suis complètement plantée au niveau de leur dynamique quand je m’étais échafaudé mes petits scénarios au fil des tomes, et vous savez quoi ? J’ai adoré être surprise !

Vous l’aurez compris, j’ai vraiment chaviré pour ce roman et pour ce couple ! ❤️

[Sazzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This.... I've been waiting for this to come out and it did not disappoint! This is how you write a Priest MM book people!!!

This is my ultimate favourite trope by an absolute mile but there are so few books for it and, for the ones that are available, none of them (with the exception of Ariana Nash's trilogy (drool)) quite hit the spot. I looove the yearning, the spic struggle against God and faith and the constant battle against doing what faith presides vs what he wants. But this one hit all the markers perfectly because Father Vitale doesn't just wake up one day and forget his faith, he struggles (and I mean really struggles) between his love for God and his love for Alessio. And that's what I bloody love!!

There's just enough of a slow burn to make it interesting but not so much that it just goes on and on. There's a perfect amount of yearning from both sides to have you yelling at your kindle 'he loves you too!!'. And, most importantly for me, the priest aspect is covered almost perfectly (insert applause here).

Amazing read and I'd sell my left pinky to be able to read it again for the first time.

[Luz Rivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do we do when God tries to steal your man...? We flip him off 🙌🏻🙏🏻😂🙏🏻❤️

This book grabbed me immediately with its central question: what do you do when the person you love has given his life to God? Alessio and Rafael’s story is full of longing, grief, and impossible choices, and I felt every bit of it.

Alessio absolutely broke my heart. Watching him love Rafael enough to accept whatever scraps of closeness he could have while still hoping for more was both beautiful and painful. And Rafael? He is grieving, conflicted, and trying so hard to do the right thing that it is impossible not to feel for him too.

I also appreciated that the story doesn’t take the easy route. The questions of faith, vocation, and happiness are treated with nuance, and I found myself genuinely wondering what the right answer could be. By the time a third path finally appeared, I was cheering right alongside the characters 🥳✨

The epilogue was the perfect send-off. Seeing everyone together, happy, and building families of their own left me with the biggest smile. Even though I have not read every book in the series yet, this made me excited to go back and spend more time with the Park Avenue Kings.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that the plot of this was just two people coming back to each other and it was more character driven than outside forces affecting the characters. The last two books in this series was more of a plot in the sense that something dramatic happened and the two characters needed to resolve that before they could be together. This one felt a little bit more internal conflict which was a nice change of pace. I think overall I am a different kind of reader than I was when I started this series so it was a bit difficult for me to get through this even though this was a highly anticipated couple for me from book 1. The book was good, but I wouldn't read it again if that make sense? Idk, I just feel like I wasn't as a excited throughout the book as I was expecting myself to be!!!

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to Alessio’s story ever since the first book, and honestly, it was completely worth the wait! This book is filled with intense emotions, longing, and heartbreak that really stays with you. Alessio’s pain felt so real that there were moments it actually made me tear up. All I wanted to do was protect him and give him the comfort he truly deserved. 🥺🫶

Rafael’s inner conflict was one of the most powerful parts of the story. His devotion to becoming a priest and his deep love for Alessio created a constant emotional struggle. As someone who isn’t religious, it was sometimes difficult for me to fully understand why his faith created such a strong barrier between them. Still, as the story unfolded, I began to see the reasons behind the choices Rafael made in the past, especially during his younger years. Even though I didn’t always agree with them, the author made his perspective feel genuine and meaningful.

What made the ending so satisfying was how hard Alessio fought for his happiness. The love between him and Rafael felt pure, deep, and incredibly moving. Watching them finally find their happy ending after everything they had been through felt truly rewarding. ❤️

This book also stands out from the rest of the series because the entire focus is on their relationship. Unlike the earlier books, there isn’t much outside conflict or crime happening. Instead, the story dives deeply into their emotions, past trauma, and the magnetic pull they have toward each other. No matter how much they try to stay apart, they simply can’t. Their connection is just too strong. 💫

I also enjoyed seeing Rafael meet Alessio’s brothers as his partner, which was such a meaningful moment. The escape room scene was hilarious and added a lighter touch to the story. I only wish we could have seen even more moments with the whole group together.

Now that the Park Avenue series has come to an end, it feels a little bittersweet. I’m definitely sad to say goodbye to these characters, but I’m also excited to see what the author will create next. 📚✨

[Eliana Suáres · Rating 5 out of 5]

un cierre hermoso para una serie espectacular. nada más que decir. ❤️

[Tris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

A bit too much posing and not enough connecting.

A large part of this book was just a lot of fancy words but missing the emotional connection to draw me into the story or feel invested into the main characters. At the last 20% of the book it started having the emotional tension and turmoil I enjoy reading but I wished this had been more present when the book started. I didn’t enjoy the flashbacks nor the floofy reason why Rafael made the choice that he did.

I know it’s probably a me thing but overall this was a very enjoyable read.

[fran :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

SHEP Y THEO TIENEN GEMELOS 😭😭

[whit ❦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This man was mine. He always had been, always would be. I’d had Rafael first, and if God had a problem with that, He could strike me down right here. He’d never played fair, and neither would I.”

➻ my rating: ✩✩✩✩.5

Who wrote this book, because it couldn't have been Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine? (JK…kinda).

I really appreciate the change of approach they took with this book. The last several EK & BB books have been action movie backdrops, lust forward, and no character development. Unholy, however, was the opposite.

EK & BB took the time to develop the journey back to each other that Alessio and Rafael had. The dancing around each other, the multiple confessions of desire and it not being enough in some instances (Angst city central), the exploration of Rafael’s need for religion and the barrier it presented, Alessio’s beef against God and what he took from him, all of it made for an enjoyable read, one where I believed the couple was meant to be together.

What also made this book so enjoyable was the lack of an external plot. Which may sound crazy, but what made the other books less enjoyable for me was feeling like the external plot (which didn't feel well developed) took away from the internal plot between characters. This was about Alessio and Rafael only, which made for better focus. Sometimes the plot should be the characters getting from point A to point B. We don't always need to see them fighting against a big bad and using tech gadgets (looking at you, Lachlan).

If EK & BB continue with the formula they created here, I’ll be a fan for life.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I just have to say how much I love the cover!!!

I've been looking forward to reading Raphael and Allesio's book for a while. It was everything I'd hoped for and more.

Father Raphael and Park Avenue Kings' tech wiz Allesio have a long history.

Years ago Father Raphael felt a calling that came with a choice. That choice left Allesio hurt for so many years. You felt the loss of a love not possible. Allesio's pain was heartbreaking.

"He was my forever. I just wasn't his."

"The boy I'd loved, the boy I'd given myself to, had morphed into the most beautiful man in the world, and he knew every secret I possessed. Every single desire. He had the power to wreck me, and I wanted him. "

This is such a beautiful ending to a fantastic series. I usually avoid reading anything with religion involved but this book had me hooked. It had just the right amount of everything. I'd highly recommend this book and the whole series. It is definitely one I will re read.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

This is the last book in the Park Avenue Kings series. It’s been a fun ride and I think Unholy might be the best book in the series. Alessio has been a mysterious member of the group and Rafael has been seen a bit on page and this book definitely works better if you are grounded in the series.

There is so much pining going on here, it’s a bit painful. Alessio has never and will never get over not being with Rafael any longer. The pining and longing and utter devotion Alessio has had for Rafael for so long makes this story. The men are so well suited for each other and I liked it even more for the taboo nature of their story.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unholy was exactly what the title promises—temptation, restraint, and the kind of emotional tension that keeps you completely locked in.
Alessio and Rafael’s story is built on history, longing, and everything left unsaid. The push and pull between them is intense, layered with guilt, devotion, and a connection that never really went away.
The confessional dynamic adds such a unique element—quiet, intimate, and filled with tension that feels like it could snap at any moment. Every interaction carries weight, every look lingers, and every “no” feels just as powerful as a “yes.”
This one is definitely an emotional rollercoaster, but in the best way. The kind that keeps you invested from beginning to end.
Sinful in just the right way… and completely worth the ride.

[Hannah Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sweet

We have reached the end of the Park Avenue Kings series and I am not ok. Alessio and Rafael have a long history that no one else is aware of. Alessio and Rafael have never stopped loving each other but Rafael is devoted to the church. Eventually, Rafael can’t fight it anymore and the pull to Alessio is too strong. These two put me through the wringer but it was so worth it for them to be able to get their HEA. And those epilogues? Are you kidding me?! OBSESSED!!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Comes Softly

Dee’s Grade: A

This book wasn't what I expected it to be and I enjoyed it all the same.

Alessio and Rafael’s story has been building throughout the series. This book focused on the conflict and obstacles that were keeping them apart rather than the adventure and subterfuge of the previous books.

It was a calm soft way to close the series. I also loved their story sneak peak into everyone’s HEA.

[audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was quite literally everything to me. i will be sobbing and throwing up and mourning one of my fav groups of men for months. what a beautiful ending. ella and brooke please write an update on them every couple months or i Swear i will spiral please

[niniii · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite in the entire series– maybe even avenue princes included. I absolutely love the writing style in this, it is so full of emotions, I stayed up entire night to read it😭😭 nad decision considering I've got an exam tomorrow, but yeah, thats how good this one is

[Marsha Graniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unholy is exactly that and more!! This is the final book of the Park Avenue Kings series following Alessio and Rafael’s story a forbidden slow burn with childhood best friends. Alessio is the mysterious guy of the group but also the computer genius. Rafael was Alessio’s childhood friend/lover and now their priest who helped them when they needed it. Their story was heartbreaking in their past history as friends to lovers and then the suffering they had to go through from being close but apart. I love that we get glimpse of their past and the love they had, but pain and a decision kept them apart. I love how patient and a tease they both were to each other, but also how strong and deep their love went. I also love how the other couples were there for them as friends and to give advice. I really enjoyed their story and loved how they found their HEA. I can’t wait to read more!!

I voluntarily leave my honest thoughts about this gifted advance readers copy.

[HappilyEverReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I was gifted an ARC of this book**

This final book in the Park Avenue Kings series absolutely did not disappoint!

Alessio and Rafael’s story is a friends-to-lovers, second-chance, forbidden romance with a beautifully slow, tension-filled burn. The emotional longing between them had me completely hooked. Watching Rafael wrestle with his love and desire for Alessio while trying to honor his commitment to the church was genuinely heartbreaking at times. I especially loved how that conflict ultimately came to a head when he finally told the truth to the bishop—it was such a powerful moment.

Alessio’s unwavering love for Rafael was just as moving. The fact that he never pursued another man because of how deeply he loved him? That level of devotion nearly did me in. And when they finally gave in to their feelings, the chemistry between them was absolutely electric.

Unlike the earlier books in the series, this story focuses almost entirely on the development of their relationship rather than including a major side plot. While I might have enjoyed it even more with an additional storyline like the others had, it didn’t take away from how much I loved watching Alessio and Rafael’s journey unfold.

Overall, this was a fantastic and emotional finale to the series, and I had such a great time reading it.

[Carrie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing 💗

I loved every minute of this last book in the series really sad it’s over but I will read them again. Thank you Ella and Brooke for a fantastic series of books.

[Katkejt ☾.]

…rtc. “So this—is my hail Mary.” 

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Love the Yearning.