Absolution by E.M. Leya & Nicole Colville

For most of his adult life, Jon dedicated his life to the church, finding solace in helping others, but there has always been something missing. Up until now, he's been able to push that aside and move forward, letting everyone think he's happy and doing what he loves.

Ash doesn't want to continue with life. Left behind to live a cold and empty life after his partner died in a tragic accident, he doesn't see any future for himself. He goes through the motions of living, but inside he’s ready to give up. All that's left behind is the anger and hurt he has inside him.

Finding comfort in each other's company, the two men struggle with emotions, guilt and fears about the future. Confiding only in each other, they grow closer, both denying the bond building between them, and a past that won't let them move on.

Although this is book two in the collection, it can be read as a standalone or the first in the series.

Book 2
Buy Links

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“I’m not drunk, I know what I’m doing. I want you here.” Jon lifted up on his elbow, keeping his grip on Ash’s hair tight as he moved closer to him. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted to fist this hair in my hand and press my lips against yours?” Jon’s mouth was almost on his, and Ash grabbed hold of his shoulder, keeping the inch separating them from getting any smaller. “Since I first saw you. I’ve waited so long for you.”

“Jon…” Ash wanted to be strong, he really did, but everything in his body fought with his brain, shouting at him to shut up and let this happen. “This is still wrong.”

“I know,” Jon whispered against his lips. “But nothing’s ever felt so right before.”

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆
I normally do not read books that religion is a main theme in the story, those books aren’t my cup of tea. However, I read the first book in this series and loved it and felt that I would give this book a shot even though I knew religion would be a focal point. Ash’s fiancé was killed in a car accident and he isn’t dealing well with that, he is running. Jon joined the church as a father 11 years ago, at times he feels like there is something missing but he has always pushed that feeling aside to help and care for people. As time moves on Jon knows what is missing from his life, he just doesn’t know how to deal with that and if he should make the move to have the full life he wants but doesn’t think he deserves. Ash and Jon start a friendship that gradually leads to them both wanting more but not sure how to go about that because they both has so much guilt and doubt and things from their past that they need to move on from. I was able to connect with both characters and could feel both of their emotions. At times the story moved a little slow but that slowness was a great build up. We also got to see Killian and Zach from the first book and also Killian’s crazy mom and dad too. This was an emotional story and I loved it, I loved watching Ash heal and Jon deciding to do what he needs to be happy. Highly recommend this book.

Characters: Well written and believable
Sex: Yes
Religious: Yes
Would I recommend to others: Yes
More than one book in the series: Yes
Genre: M/M/Romance
Would I read more by this author: Yes


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Jon has been a priest for ten years. He's devoted to God and his parish. Lately he feels like something is missing from his life. He shouldn't want for anything but he does. He longs for a life that can't have. He hates how lonely he feels while those around him are living and he's just existing.

Ash comes to Ireland for his friend, Zach. He doesn't want to be there watching his best friend be happy with his husband, Killian. Asher is just getting over the unexpected death of his partner, Derrick, a few months before.

Jon offers to help Ash, be there when he is ready to talk. While their friendship grows so does the unexpected feelings they have toward each other.

Great follow-up to Horizontal Analysis. I enjoyed the inclusion of Zach and Killian into Jon and Asher's story. There was so much build up in this story. It's the ultimate taboo read for a catholic girl and I loved it. At times I wanted things to progress much faster but I loved the path it took. It's emotional and sexy. I really enjoyed this read. Can't wait for more from this duo.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆
Following straight on from the previous book in the series, this takes us to Ireland, where Killian's family live. Here we revisit the couple, although mostly Killian; Zach is a faint figure for some reason.

The parish priest Jon, is having a crisis and the sight of Zach's grieving friend Ash at the wedding reception throws all his doubts into bright relief. Through the book we get to understand the issues that a celibate gay catholic priest would feel and how he plans on resolving the issues Ash has made him face. Ash is struggling with his own demons, although we get to see less of the impact that maybe we do with Jon. I thought that this was done well, but it was for me, overly long. I also struggled with some of the pronoun issues, which made working out which of the two of them the his, him, he referred to at that second. Parts of it were without a doubt, scorchingly hot and incredibly romantic – and very addictive reading! I enjoyed the side stories, there was a decent plot, I just think it could have been more concise.

The topics were serious, dealt with carefully and with style. I am interested to know where this series will go next.

Also Available in the Sinful Temptation Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

For reviews & more info, check out our Horizontal Analysis blog post.

E.M. Leya

Emma Marie Leya aka E.M Leya lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her daughter, two dogs, a cat, and two birds. When she isn't writing, she is an avid swimmer with a passion for the mountains. She's often found playing outdoors. She currently as over forty books out in several genres and is busy working on the next.

Connect with E.M.

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Nicole Colville

Nicole Colville was born and currently lives in Leeds, England. She is a wife to her very understanding hubby and mother of two young girls who somehow manages to fit in being a full time author of m/m romance and erotic into her busy home life.

She loves writing complex characters in bittersweet romances which will leave you addicted and craving more from her men

Although best known for her popular series, Hidden and Knights to Remember, she also enjoys writing with friend, and fellow author, E.M Leya. Together they have published two books in their Sinful Temptation Collection with more planned.

Her new ménage collection based in the popular city of Manchester, England is her first solo full length novel outside of The Hidden Series and has three books planned for release in 2015 & 2016.

Connect with Nicole

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Absolution (Sinful Temptation #2) by E.M. Leya & Nicole Colville to read and review.