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Sinful Natures #2

Unholy Yearning

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As a Christian counselor, I strive for integrity in helping guide others in God’s will for their lives.

Until a young man walks into my office for premarital counseling—the stranger who ensnared my soul eight months earlier with his bewitching green eyes.

Levi Townson.

The one whose addictive, luscious mouth I can’t cleanse from my memory.

My hunger for another taste of him should assure me of my need for a savior, not shepherd me down the rabbit hole toward depravity.

Levi’s yearnings mirror mine, the kind that dominates my will. Incinerates and leaves me powerless against my sinful nature.

But if we fall from grace, neither of us will escape unscathed.

ebook

Published January 4, 2022

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185 people want to read

About the author

Lynn Burke

100 books406 followers
Spicy romance author Lynn Burke believes everyone deserves healing and a happily ever after. She loves writing hot, inclusive stories of various pairings or triplings and creates characters who will steal your heart.

She is a USA Today Bestselling author, a wrangler of her three spawn, and a farmer's daughter who grows organic food. To escape reality, she hides in a quiet corner with her nose in a book.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Florence ..
953 reviews296 followers
Read
January 11, 2022
DNF at 67%

There is nothing wrong with this book, I was actually really into it and very much enjoying my time reading it. I was super into the book and I was engaged in the story and the character’s lives. But, I have two really big triggers when it comes to books (a gay man who marries a woman and cheating) and this book tackled both of those but what really got to me was how this book had a cheating scene without giving me any trigger warnings for me. I don’t enjoy reading about cheating in books, and this book has a really detailed cheating scene at 66% into the book. I probably would have been fine and continued reading if the book had a trigger warning and that I knew it was coming, but what really got me is that I didn’t know that there would be cheating into the book because this book has no trigger warnings. So, the cheating scene took me by surprise and it was really triggering for me to read about. So much that I just had to put the book down because it really unsettled me. I couldn’t stop crying and thinking about that scene for a long time and thats why I stopped reading the book. I really wish I would have been warned that there is cheating in this book, because reading that scene when I didn’t know that it would be happening was hard for me.

I would really recommend this book if you aren’t triggered by cheating because I was really enjoying it and I quite appreciated the portrayal of how religion was affecting the characters and their lives, it was very nicely done to me. I just really would have appreciated a trigger warning for the cheating scene in the book.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Renae Reads.
772 reviews775 followers
December 6, 2021
*** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review***

Unholy Yearning is another emotional story that is less about religious taboos and focuses on the struggle between duty and passion. Zeke and Levi both have a connection that was discovered without knowing each other. They share a forbidden moment that makes for a complicated situation when Zeke becomes Levi's marriage counselor.

Levi's engagement to a woman is further complicated due to his attraction to Zeke and Zeke's position in the church is in peril as well. The conflict in the story only becomes more complicated once Zeke and Levi acknowledge their growing attraction to one another while being in an impossible situation.

Overall Unholy Yearning is a complicated forbidden love story that confronts the complicated nature of personal and professional loyalties and duties and what sacrifices one is willing to give in exchange for losing an aspect of their soul or heart. Seeing Zeke and Levi navigate this impossible situation was fascinating to see and make their HEA even more meaningful.
Profile Image for Trio.
3,633 reviews210 followers
January 15, 2022
Unholy Yearning is the second book in Lynn Burke’s Sinful Natures series. I enjoyed the first one, Unholy Cravings quite a bit as well. Those characters do pop up a few times, but you can read either one of these stories as a standalone.

I was raised in an agnostic household, and this kind of indoctrination is way outside my wheelhouse. These characters have had their beliefs drilled into them from birth. “God will provide”, “God’s will”. Past, present, and future. I had to resist judging these characters, and put my preconceived ideas aside, and just let the story flow.

Levi is young and incredibly naive, but he has an endless supply of faith in Zeke. Zeke, who is flawed beyond description. Zeke of the incredibly poor decisions, who disappoints Levi over and over… This is one amazing journey: mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for all three of these characters.

I say three, because Levi’s fiancée plays an important role in the story.

Levi’s courage to face his fears, and discover who he truly is, is admirable. I loved this character for his straightforwardness and his honesty. Zeke, on the other hand, already knows who he truly is, and is doing everything he can to turn his back on it. Following the path he’d “set in stone” for himself, leads to him making some wild decisions. But hey, it’s his journey to take too, right?

These characters have a rocky road to travel in their quest for finding themselves. Struggling between the path laid out for them by God and their parents, and what they know is the path which will give them true happiness. Unholy Yearning is an intense and emotional story, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

a copy of Unholy Yearning was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Profile Image for NicoleR.M.M..
678 reviews173 followers
February 20, 2022
3,5 stars. Not as good as the first book in this series.

Unfortunately I did not enjoy this one as much as the first book. Where in the first book I understood the seemingly repetitive thoughts of Malachi, his struggle to keep his faith in God and at the same time accepting that he was gay and had an undeniable need to act upon his attraction towards Isaac, in this book, at some point, it started to annoy me. I did not completely understand why Zeke struggled to keep his faith in God and eventually even chose it above his longing for Levi.

The first half of the book was good. Maybe I should start by saying that there are two MMF scenes in that first part, as well as MF. When such scenes come as a surprise, it usually has quite some impact on my enjoyment of the book, and not in the positive way. But I was kindly warned this time and so it didn't bother me. I even thought the MMF scenes were done quite well.
Another fair warning because to some readers that’s also a no-go: there’s cheating in this book.
Up til that point, I had a feeling this book was heading towards a 4 star rating the least. I felt the attraction Levi and Zeke had, I understood their struggles. Levi is engaged to be married to Lily. She's been his rock and best friend for most of his life and a marriage between the two of them is kind of expected. And sure he loves her. But as a friend, not as the wife he is supposed to spend the rest of his life with. When Zeke shows up and Levi can no longer deny his attraction to the same sex, he has a hard time accepting, because he knows it's a sin.
Lily is still not sure of her own wants and needs in life. She's still young and even though she loves Levi, I think somewhere deep inside she's always known they are not meant to be man and wife.
I didn't really warm up to Lily. Her constantly popping the 'p' when she says 'nope' annoyed me, and she seemed quite immature and selfish. But so were Zeke and Levi when they give in to Lily's wish for a threesome.

The second half of the book I started skimming, and that is never a good sign. The constant pull and push between Zeke and Levi, Zeke's constant swearing 'fucking hell', his inner dialogues plus the fact that I never really understood why he pushed Levi away all the time (his stubbornness is said to be part of that reason, but that just doesn't work for me) made my enjoyment of the book go downhill pretty fast. Also Zeke's parents were very accepting, up till a point it was too much. His mother's questions and hints made me uneasy.

A 3 star rating for the story itself, added a half for the steamy scenes, because I do believe Lynn Burke knows a thing or two about writing those! They were definitely hot - it's just sad that the story went downhill and in the end I even started skimming those.

I kindly received a free copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, voluntary review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Simona.
679 reviews63 followers
April 20, 2022
Steamy and sexy as hell🔥🔥
Profile Image for Gloria (in a slump? idk).
138 reviews243 followers
February 8, 2022
Taboo, angsty, intense chemistry!! Honestly I loved it! It's super heavy on religion so keep that in mind. I'm so ready for Ezzie and Aaron's book. Lynn Burke has got me addicted to this series 💙💙

Tw: Cheating
Profile Image for Steph (Teacups & Tropes).
872 reviews132 followers
June 10, 2022
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

I read the first book in this series aaages ago but only recently bought the rest of the series. I love the angst that Lynn Burke hits in each book. There are some parts that just make my chest all tight and I feel like I can't breathe and I LOVE that feeling haha.

This one was hit and miss for me. The MCs didn't really get together on their own until like 65% (and there is cheating, so check those TWs). And honestly, I hated Lily. She just annoyed me the whole damn time. But the ending was cute as heck. And I'm really looking forward to Aaron's story!
Profile Image for ML.
1,629 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2022
I’ve never read this author before and after this book I never will again.
The writing is very basic and juvenile.
I know it’s called sinful nature but to use the word almost 400xs in a 380 page book(kindle word search) is a bit excessive AND dicks are either swelling or leaking all the time. Ugh.

People must have seriously low standards to give this book a 5 star rating. 😳🙄🙄

I like trying new authors but this was a huge miss. Ugh. DNF. I couldn’t even hate read it. It was that bad. 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫
Profile Image for Steph (semi-hiatus).
735 reviews13 followers
January 6, 2022
This book had a few of my personal pet peeves. Religion, cheating, miscommunication between MCs (more like no communication), terrible parents, and instalove (lust? want? One of the three.)

I didn't care a bit.

This story was also a bit more angsty than the first book. Levi is engaged to his childhood best friend and Zeke is their premarital counselor. They had a moment as strangers and haven't forgotten each other. When they "meet" for the first time you can feel the tension and wanting between them.

Warning for my MM only reader friends. There are a few MF and MMF scenes. I didn't mind them because they were actually pretty important to the story. I know others avoid them at all costs. The HEA is between Levi and Zeke only.

I received an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Romance Reader Obsession.
224 reviews12 followers
December 6, 2021
Intense and full of Steam!
With the epilogue from Unholy Craving I could not wait to get my hands on Unholy Yearning and man did Lynn blow my mind! I could not put this book down.
The chemistry between the characters is probably the most intense I have felt with 2 characters (outside of Malachi & Isaac). You could feel every emotion pouring off Zeke & Levi, and the pull towards each other.
Profile Image for Jamie.
2,118 reviews97 followers
September 18, 2024
I really struggled with this one for a number of reasons.

First, I hated that Lily got so much page time. That girl was completely immature and didn't have a clue. Not to mention, she 'popped' all her p's. I mean, did we need to know that? Cause it adds to the immaturity of her which was just frustrating.

Then let's go to Zeke. Lord have mercy, this guy was exhausting. And if I had to read sinful nature one more time I was going to throw my iPad across the room. Levi was just as bad, but was a little more tolerable.

I'm not sure if I'm going to continue with the series or not just yet because I can't do another book like this.
723 reviews11 followers
December 6, 2021
I am sure those that enjoyed Unholy Craving will wholly enjoy this as the environment and premise are reminiscent. Although I did find Unholy Yearning to be more intense and complex. Internal conflict between spiritual beliefs and physical/emotional desire with the addition of a fiancé create an angst on a whole other level. Guilt and shame are brutal and create a lot of back and forth for Zeke and Levi despite their connection.
With Unholy Yearning, I felt Zeke was a bit more developed than Levi. Levi was kind of blurred behind insecurities and a quirk with numbers. He was fragile and lost.
I would be remiss if I didn’t give a nod to Lily. I know MMF scenes aren’t for everyone… I can enjoy them as long as the female isn’t annoying. I can say I adored Lily… she was such a great friend to Levi and just genuine to herself.
The heart of this is a m/m relationship and while the coming together of Levi and Zeke was passionate…there is collateral damage with Lily but she showed such grace. I felt more betrayed for her than she did! Sow your wild oats Lily.. you go girl!
As to Levi and Zeke… their HEA is hard won but they get there. I do recommend but there could be triggers for some readers.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,783 reviews63 followers
December 5, 2021
I don't think I can even type the words to fully explain how I felt about this book. We get Zeke and Levi's story. Both are in denial of who they really are so much in the fact that Levi is engaged to Lil, who is also in denial of what she really wants in life. Zeke and Levi first meet at a concert featuring Malachai and Isaac (from the first book, Unholy Craving). They kiss which sets their story up. Neither can stop thinking about each other. Of course, they find each other again, things happen and things destruct! I hated Levi's parents with a passion while I adored Zeke's parents. Words are spoken and hurt drives them apart, but only for a time. At first, I didn't like Lil but as the story unfolded, I grew to really like her. She gave Levi the courage to seek Zeke out and try again. Will it work? Will Levi follow the one man who makes him feel whole? And we get a perfect set up for the next book that I can't wait for!! Lynn Burke has become a favorite author and a once click author at that. And with all of her books, this series will, more than likely, be on my "favorite shelf"!
Profile Image for Reed.
1,209 reviews21 followers
January 2, 2022
This is a new author to me but after this story I’ll be looking into more. I had a hard time writing this since this story doesn’t follow the expected generalities for this situation. This takes two guys that have totally different commitments and make them reexamine their lives. This is so much more than right or wrong. It is about destiny and attraction. Neither of these guys, Zeke nor Levi plan for the attraction between them. Neither plan on changing the path they are on. Zeke being a Christian counselor having strict opinions about relationships. Levi engaged to be married with a fiancé that is a little too unsettled. Levi also has the problem that he really isn’t into women but with everything he knows, he feels the “natural” way of life is wife, home, kids and job. Since his fiancé is also his bff since forever, things get complicated. I think the author did a great job of showing how out of control we all are sometimes. We don’t always get to pick our attractions. We don’t always get to choose how others see us. I think the author did a great job of taking the situations and people and making them so true to life. I had a hard time setting the story aside. The main characters are so likable. The story flow is consistent. I feel the author made me feel strongly how each issue is handled and more than once I had a feeling of wanting to step in. I now have to go back and read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Andrea Fernandez .
4,872 reviews22 followers
December 3, 2021
A heartfelt, heartbreakingly beautiful whorl wind of emotions. Zeke and Levi embark on a tough journey of hiding feelings, fighting feelings and trying to overcome what they know is right but what society may think is wrong. My heart broke for these two but I was cheering them on the entire time. I adored this book.
Profile Image for Kelly Kemmerly.
621 reviews9 followers
November 20, 2021
“Hypnotizing.
I want him forever.
Zeke covered every part of me like a soothing balm, wiping away the blackness from my mind, the choking tar that smothered away life. He washed me clean. Created a new man.”-Levi
The emotional highs of Zeke and Levi’s reality ripped me to shreds. The overwhelming judgment from their strong religious upbringing and chosen paths just thicken the angst on all levels. Love is love! I wholeheartedly loved this second book in Sinful Natures.
Profile Image for jamies_bookreads.
1,311 reviews20 followers
December 5, 2021
This story hooks you from the beginning and does not let you go! This book is love at first sight and the desire builds stronger with each breath. Zeke is set against letting himself have the one thing that makes him feel alive. His childhood shaped what he believes to be a cut and dry sense of faith, but these new feelings have him questioning things. Levi has never been confronted with what he tried to hide, until now. But will their beliefs and fears keep them from something so clearly meant to be or is taking the chance and having their worlds crumble worth the risk of love. Guess you are just going to have to wait to read this. I loved every minute of this book. 18+
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,832 reviews32 followers
February 16, 2022
Note: the blurb has no trigger warning but this comment appears in bold type on the copyright page of the ARC that I read: “*Warning: this MM title contains multiple partners/multiple pairings including MF and also infidelity”

Unholy Yearning is the first book I’ve read by Lynn Burke and I loved it. It’s book 2 in the Sinful Natures series but I think it can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read book one and didn’t feel lost, but I must admit that I wish I had read book one first. Characters from book one appear as side characters and I would have liked to know their story. I will probably go back and read it soon.

This is a seriously hot story with MF, MMF scenes (both fairly brief) but the main story is about Zeke and Levi. There’s quite a bit of angst for Zeke because he has devoted his life to God, even though he knows that he is bisexual and that is against everything his church has taught him.

Levi’s parents have always ignored him and put all of their time, attention and devotion into their church work. As a result, Levi has clung to his best friend Lily and they become engaged even though Levi knows that he is gay (he has never told her).

Zeke ends up giving Levi and Lily pre-marital counseling and things really start going crazy for all three of them.

I really think this is a great story and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Profile Image for Bethany (Bee_TheBibliophile).
719 reviews43 followers
December 30, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded to 4
After reading Unholy Craving, I couldn’t wait for more in this series! Unholy Yearning is a little far fetched and full of a lot of internal conflict and reflection, but Zeke and Levi really kept me interested.

Zeke is a Christian counselor at a church in Philadelphia - he’s dedicated his life to the church, but has recently felt unmoved by the sermons and ceremonies surrounding everything. His upbringing was a little unconventional, but he still fears accepting his truth as a bisexual man because of his profession. Zeke’s newest assignment is premarital counseling for a young couple who are middle school sweethearts and the groom-to-be just so happens to be someone Zeke’s met before.

Levi is a new grad from Bible college, but didn’t pursue a degree in seminary because of his love for numbers. He’s dealing with some major trauma from his childhood full of neglect and disinterest and has some ongoing struggles with depression and anxiety. Levi relies on his best friend and fiancee, Lily, to be his rock in hard situations and to be the support he never received from his parents. But, he’s keeping a secret from her. One that could destroy their relationship and their friendship, especially when Zeke enters their lives.

These two had an instant connection months ago and it hasn’t faded one bit, even though their circumstances are less than ideal. Their relationship is full of complications, misunderstandings, awkward encounters, guilt about their true identities and tons of mutual yearning. Their draw to each other was really clear from the beginning, even when they couldn’t be together. I didn’t love that there was some cheating in the development of their relationship, but I was intrigued by how they ended up figuring out their impossible situation to finally be together in the end.

I could have done with less miscommunication between not only Zeke and Levi, but Lily too - so many things could have been avoided if they talked things through instead of feeling guilty about the things they felt. I also really disliked Lily’s character. I think we were supposed to based on how she treated Levi, but her immaturity and selfishness were both out of control and left me feeling really even more terrible for Levi.

This was full of drama, crazy coincidences and lots of mutual yearning, but I enjoyed this one and loved the little appearances from Malachi and Isaac throughout. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series for Aaron’s story after everything we learn about him in this installment!
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,424 reviews399 followers
February 19, 2022
DNF at 73%

TRIGGER WARNING : Cheating.



I have nothing against this book. But I always needed trigger warning about cheating.
I had to stop reading after chapter 28 or something. coz my heart can't stand it. Also, the female part was kinda turn me off.

Next time, maybe the author need to consider about trigger warning.

I'll still consider reading the next book in the series, but I hope there's no more cheating.
Profile Image for whatjtreads.
1,224 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2022
Unholy Yearning is the second book in the Sinful Natures series and focuses on Zeke and Levi. Zeke works as a Christian counselor, and he strives to be someone who's helpful and supportive. After a life spent in the church and seeing the detrimental effects of a counselor who was selfish and gave in to his base nature, Zeke set out to prove that he can resist temptation. However, Zeke was not prepared to meet Levi and to feel not only a great attraction but a protective streak for the lost young man. Initially, Zeke was tasked with marriage counseling for Levi and his fiancee Lily, but Zeke and Levi have a brief history that ignited a spark between them. This spark comes back to life when they meet again, and as hard as Zeke tries to stay away, he can't help but feel a connection to Levi. For his part, Levi is close to his fiancee Lily, with a relationship that's built on a solid foundation of friendship. And while they don't share a carnal, passionate love between them, the familiarity of childhood and companionship led them to wanting to commit to marriage. While Levi feels gratefulness, tenderness, and depends on Lily quite a bit for validation and support, Lily just wants to spread her wings and sow her wild oats. As Levi also begins to see the changes in his relationship with Lily, he can't help but wonder about his attraction to Zeke and to slowly make changes to be his own person and live the life he wants.

There were so many big themes in the book: the conflict of hiding who you truly are for fear of being judged, the worry of living in a world without any support, pretending to be something you're not, choosing between love and duty, and adjusting to the evolving relationships in your life. Zeke and Levi's relationship was super messy and raw and full of insecurity and pain, but honestly that's how life is sometimes. All the characters really struggle with being true to who they are, losing and discovering new love, and trying to find peace in their choices in life, all problems that you don't want to go through but are so universal because it really defines the human experience.

"There's nothing inside me that is restful.
Maybe you're living the wrong life."
67 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2022
"Unholy Yearining" is the second instalment of the "Sinful Yearning" series by Lynn Burke. It can be read as a standalone, as I did - since Malachi is Zeke's best friend, there are references to the first book, "Unholy Craving", but there is enough background to follow the thread. The story revolves around Zeke, a Christian couples advisor in a seizable church near Philadelphia, and Levi, who is about to get married and a parishioner in the same church. Whereas Zeke is stubborn and determined, Levi lacks confidence and just goes with the flow - with both behaviours partly related to their unconfessed gayness. This is a story of coming out despite what you have been taught all your life in an Evangelical context.

The characters and the universe are generally well built, and the writing has a good rhythm. I am not very convinced by the plot development, though. There is, in general, good handling of the emotions and inner conflict of the characters. But I cannot stop thinking that if you agree to a threesome with a couple you are counselling, you struggling with your gayness does not seem to be the only problem you have. I liked that Zeke and Levi are miles away from that "holier than thou" attitude some Christian churches feed on their communities, particularly in Zeke's case. They are taken and overwhelmed by their emotions and the situation, so they respond very humanly to them - freaking out, cursing, spending some time with ol' Jack. On the other hand, it was evident that Zeke is already on a different path from the community where he ends up being a marital advisor for - which seems to be very conservative. I mean, he does not belong there just because of his being gay. I felt this is not well developed in the plot, which, in my opinion, leads to some inconsistencies. So it's three stars for me.
Profile Image for •María José•.
26 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2022
Ya tenía semanas que un libro no me atrapaba de esta forma, esta historia tiene angst, anhelo, amor, dolor y un final feliz.

Mi personaje favorito fue Levi porque se me hacía muy tierno e inocente, dolía mucho verlo sufrir pero realmente él es de los personajes más fuertes que he leído por haber podido sobrellevar todo lo que vivió como la falta de amor e interés de sus padres.

Por otro lado, con Zeke mi humor cambiaba a cada rato, al principio me cayó bien y me gustaba mucho su personalidad pero todas las veces que rechazó a Levi por sus creencias en la iglesia y su fe me hacían enojarme con él pero ahora que lo pienso, su terquedad y negación hacia lo que sentía por Levi hizo más realista la historia porque como lector podías sentir su lucha interna entre aceptar que no había nada de malo en enamorarse de Levi y todo en lo que había creído desde que era un niño, así que al final entendí el por qué de sus acciones y me terminó agradando al igual que Levi.

La única razón por la que no le doy 5 estrellas es porque aunque entiendo de donde venía todas las veces que Zeke rechazó a Levi, era muy frustrante de leer que la mayoría del tiempo Levi era el que lo buscaba, aún al final de la historia, aunque Zeke finalmente había decidido renunciar a su terquedad y luchar por Levi, Levi fue quien lo terminó buscando primero; pero aparte de eso, disfruté mucho la historia y también vale la pena leer este libro por las diversas perspectivas que se dan respecto a Dios, a la iglesia y la religión, realmente me dejaron reflexionando respecto a mis propias creencias.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,398 reviews58 followers
April 7, 2024
Zeke is a Christian counselor and is to counsel one of the pastor's daughters and fiancé before they marry. Zeke has not met the couple but when they walk into his office, he recognizes Levi as the man he met at a concert 8 months earlier. Levi recognizes him also but neither says anything. Lily picks something up between them but cannot figure it out plus she is really into her own self. She is also a talker and blurts out everything. After they leave the counseling session, Lily tells Levi her deepest fantasy. Levi does what he can to see it accomplished but that involves Zeke. Will their feelings come out? Will Lily and Levi marry?

I liked this story. There is such hungering in Zeke and Levi. Lily is obtuse about Levi and Zeke. As long as she gets what she wants, she's fine. It finally comes to a head when Zeke's past comes to town. I felt that was contrived but I understand why it was as it was as it showed a group of people who did not listen to the whole story and judged only knowing a fraction of the story as well as one side.

I loved Zeke's parents. Their talk with Zeke when he returned to Boston opened his eyes. Levi's parents were like the pastors at the church--judging without knowing the story. No wonder Levi was unconfident.

There is a lot of angst here but when Zeke and Levi finally sit down and thrash it out, they arrive where they, and I, wanted to be. Lily gets what she wants. And these three are happy and accepting of each other.

I look forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Maggie.
1,017 reviews15 followers
December 31, 2021

Forbidden and taboo, Unholy Yearning delivered another emotional MM romance that tangled between religion, duty, expectation and self-acceptance.


Zeke and Levi shared an electric connection even when they were strangers coming together in a stolen moment. When Zeke found out that he was about to be the premarital counselor to Levi and his fiancé, things got complicated fast.

Zeke and Levi’s story was intense and complex. Both Zeke and Levi knew they wanted each other, but duty and expectations made them resisted each other as long as they could control themselves. Each of them was dealing with different demons. Zeke was battling with his spiritual beliefs and emotional/physical yearning. Levi felt fear and helpless in desiring another man because he had been hiding and planned to hide forever that part of his life. The push and pull between the two and the mutual yearning were agonizing to witness.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this emotional MM romance and would recommend it.

I volunteered to provide an honest review of an advance complimentary copy of this book.


Follow Me: Maggie’s Escape Book Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

1,655 reviews15 followers
January 5, 2022
Passionate, poignant M/M romance – new for both guys
One of my favorite sub-genre in the M/M romance genre is the gay-for-him or first-time romance. In usual cases at least one of the guys is out and proud, but in this case both guys are weighed down by Fire-and-Brimstone religion which has told them that these feelings are sinful, unholy. Here we have a Bible-based counselor who still remembers his encounter months before with an anonymous guy on the dance floor at a concert...and their kiss...and his green eyes.
Zeke Sipe, almost 30yo, is shocked when his next clients walk in for a premarital counseling session and there is his mystery man; preparing to marry his childhood girlfriend. New college graduate, Levi has known Lily for so long and their relationship is so comfortable, he’s prepared to marry her even though he is not sexually attracted to her. Lily is more adventuresome and it becomes very clear that Levi’s platonic love for her will never keep her happy. But trust me, a LOT happens before that!
There will be people you will detest; some you will adore and some who will make you change your opinion mid-stream. There’s even a crazy woman who is out to wreck Zeke’s life. Wonderful storytelling and beautifully written. My only critique is that I think there was one crisis of conscience too many. If you like a lot of angst with your first-time M/M romance, get this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
524 reviews
January 15, 2022
Zeke is intent on living a holy life as a church counselor, but struggles to reconcile that with his "sinful" bisexuality. It all leads to heart-wrenching angst, desperate lust and longing, and a beautifully told story of love, understanding, and hard-earned self-acceptance.

Zeke and Levi were relegated to each other's dreams after a soul-searing secret kiss between strangers, but their resolve to resist temptation is repeatedly tested after their paths cross again. That Levi is engaged to his childhood best friend Lily, whom he genuinely loves as a friend but doesn't know his biggest secret - being gay, only complicates matters and adds to his inner turmoil.

This story has such emotional depth, blazing hot passion, and character complexity, not the least of which is that Zeke is attracted to both Levi and Lily (at least initially) and chastises himself for the perceived weakness. There is some on-page M/F/M and M/F coupling, but it's all within context and really helps tell the story of where the characters are in their hearts and minds, and sets up Levi and Zeke ultimately embracing their love and truth together.

Book 1 in this series isn't required reading to fully enjoy this story, as they feature different MC couples, but it's an equally touching love story with complex and conflicted characters that I highly recommend. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Joy Avery Lovesbooks.
1,313 reviews109 followers
January 21, 2022
☆☆☆☆☆
Unholy Yearning was a deeply emotional and angsty read. Lynn Burke certainly knows how to take a complicated subject and approach it with grace.
Eight months ago, Zeke and Levi attend a concert where a passionate moment is shared without names. Neither have been able to forget that moment. Zeke is a Christian counselor and he’s devoted to helping others discover God’s will for their lives and where to go from there. He’s shocked when the guy from months ago, with the gorgeous green eyes walks into his office for premarital counseling. His name is Levi. He’s planning to marry his best friend from childhood, Lily. Zeke can’t forget the way Levi felt and he yearns for another taste. It turns out, they both yearn for the same thing. Their sinful natures take control. If they fall from grace neither will escape unscathed.
Again, this was a deeply emotional story. Levi was sweet and innocent. Marrying Lily meant he was following what he’d always been taught. I have a few choice words for his parents though. I was easily pulled in to this story and stayed engaged until the end. The angst contained within had my angst-addicted heart so happy. I had a lot of trouble putting the book down for even a minute. There is cheating involved so beware if that is a trigger. Otherwise, I highly recommend this story. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Profile Image for liz_loves_reading.
354 reviews9 followers
December 8, 2021
Wow! I just loved Unholy Yearning book #2 in the Sinful Natures series.

This is a beautifully written story, full of emotion, angst, repressed guilt and heat.

The setting is Simply Grace church in a small-time community in Philadelphia where Pastor Welkers runs his church in a fire and brimstone fashion.

It is here that Zeke Sipe, (who we met in Unholy Craving), employed by the church as a marriage counsellor first meets Levi Townson and his fiancée Lily Astbury.

The story centres around Zeke and his fight to be a "new creation in Christ" in the church's eyes by defying his nature and his growing yearning for Levi.

"Sin has risen like a roaring lion, dominating my will..."

As the story develops, we find out more about the background to Lily and Levi's relationship and the expectations placed on them.

The revelation of Zeke and Levi's illicit connection is blown into the open by a stalker from Zeke's past!!

Unable to bear the recriminations, Zeke flees back home to his parents... and Levi is left behind to suffer the repercussions from his uncaring and prejudiced parents.

Read this amazing story to find out if Zeke and Levi embrace their unholy yearning, and are found in love.
Profile Image for Salima Queen.
178 reviews
December 31, 2021
Whoa, this book gives you all the feels. Strangers who met one night, had one hot succulent moment to live out as their true selves, and that memory was burned into their hearts forever and buried so deep under lock and key. . That one night where they met at a concert, in the dark, sparks flew and their desires were desperate to be touched. Little did they know that fate would strike again and allow them to see each other yet again in circumstances that will tests their true feelings?
Zeke is a Christian marriage counselor who believes in his faith and was 100% sure he on the right path. Fast forward a year later and WHAM!!! They met again, only this time; Levi is set to be married and has Zeke as his marriage counselor.
Both Zeke and Levi struggle to fight off this forbidden love they desire based on the Christian faith. They are tested and fate refuses to allow these 2 to lose their second opportunity at love. Will they ever be able to get through their own stubbornness and allow themselves to actually explore this desire? Or will they continue to squash their emotions based on expectations of others.
A must read for 2022!
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