Review: Unholy Craving by Lynn Burke (Sinful Natures #1)
Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author via Give Me Books Promotions.
Lynn Burke is a new-to-me author, and what an introduction Unholy Craving to her writing turned out to be. This is the first novel in her Sinful Natures series, and it features a youth pastor doing his best to remain on the path that he believes God has set him on...that is, until he meets the young man who makes him crave things that he's fought to keep in his very painful past.
Malachi Foley is twenty-six and the new youth pastor at Elkins Bible Church. He hopes to do good, especially considering how he believes he brought only harm to his best friend--and the only boy he's ever loved. Temptation comes in the form of Isaac Van Dusen, who is seventeen and seen as troublesome. He also happens to be the pastor's son. How long can Malachi resist Isaac?
This was an intriguing and angsty read. Malachi is riddled with guilt and is constantly seeking redemption for something he blames himself for. I felt for the guy, especially since I'm familiar with religious-induced guilt (hello, Catholic guilt!), although I'm no longer as burdened as I used to be. Meeting Isaac was a true life-changer for Malachi, and led to quite a few realizations.
I tip my hat to Lynn Burke, who I felt did a truly great job showing the struggle that was going on within Malachi. Kudos as well for writing a forbidden romance that never felt tawdry or focused only on the physical aspects. Unholy Craving is also a reminder that there's a huge difference between religion and faith. This gets 4.5 stars, and I can't wait for book two.
Release Date: 16 November 2021
Date Read: 15 November 2021
Learn more about Lynn Burke.
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