Yearning Read online

  Yearning

  Synopsis

  What is it about the sleepy town of Dennamore that causes

  an irresistible pull on those who’ve moved away?

  LA cop Darian Tennen follows her all-consuming yearning

  back to Dennamore. Set on renovating her grandmother’s

  home, Darian needs the original blueprints and meets

  beautiful and aloof librarian Samantha Pike at the town hall.

  A history buff with a keen interest in genealogy, Samantha

  has

  long

  researched

  mysterious

  discrepancies

  in

  Dennamore’s archives and census records, and together

  they begin to unravel centuries-old secrets that could affect

  not just their lives, but the world as they know it. Stumbling

  upon clues that don’t add up and supernatural accounts that

  can’t possibly be accurate, they’re forced to face their true

  identities and an ancient pact that must never be broken.

  What they uncover will change them forever, but the love

  they find along the way just might be the key to saving

  themselves.

  What Reviewers Say About Gun Brooke’s Work

  Treason

  “The adventure was edge-of-your-seat levels of gripping and

  exciting…I really enjoyed this final addition to the Exodus

  series and particularly liked the ending. As always it was a

  very well written book.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo

  Library (UK)

  Insult to Injury

  “This novel tugged at my heart all the way, much the same

  way as Coffee Sonata. It’s a story of new beginnings, of

  rediscovering oneself, of trusting again (both others and

  oneself).”—Jude in the Stars

  “If you love a good, slow-burn romantic novel, then grab this

  book.”—Rainbow Reflections

  “[A] light romance that left me with just the right amount of

  ‘aw shucks’ at the end.”—C-Spot Reviews

  “I was glad to see a disabled lead for a change, and I

  enjoyed the author’s style—the book was written in the first

  person alternating between the main characters and I felt

  that gave me more insight into each character and their

  motivations.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library

  (UK)

  Wayworn Lovers

  “Wayworn Lovers is a super dramatic, angsty read, very

  much in line with Brooke’s other contemporary romances. …

  I’m definitely in the ‘love them’ camp.”—Lesbian Review

  Thorns of the Past

  “What I really liked from the offset is that Brooke steered

  clear of the typical butch PI with femme damsel in distress

  trope. Both main characters are what I would call ordinary

  women—they both wear suits for work, they both dress

  down in sweatpants and sweatshirts in the evening. As a

  result, I instantly found it a lot easier to relate, and connect

  with both. Each of their pasts hold dreadful memories and

  pain, and the passages where they opened up to each other

  about those events were very moving.”—Rainbow Reviews

  “I loved the romance between Darcy and Sabrina and the

  story really carried it well, with each of them learning that

  they have a safe haven with the other.”—Lesbian Review

  Escape: Exodus Book Three

  “I’ve been a keen follower of the Exodus series for a while

  now and I was looking forward to the latest installment. It

  didn’t disappoint. The action was edge-of-your-seat thrilling,

  especially towards the end, with several threats facing the

  Exodus mission. Some very intriguing subplots were

  introduced, and I look forward to reading more about these

  in the next book.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo

  Library, London (UK)

  Pathfinder

  “I love Gun Brooke. She has successfully merged two of my

  reading loves: lesfic and sci-fi.”—Inked Rainbow Reads

  Soul Unique

  “This is the first book that Gun Brooke has written in a first

  person perspective, and that was 100% the correct choice.

  She avoids the pitfalls of trying to tell a story about living

  with an autism spectrum disorder that she’s never

  experienced, instead making it the story of someone who

  falls in love with a person living with Asperger’s. …Soul

  Unique is her best. It was an ambitious project that turned

  out beautifully. I highly recommend it.”—Lesbian Review

  “Yet another success from Gun Brooke. The premise is

  interesting, the leads are likeable and the supporting

  characters are well-developed. The first person narrative

  works well, and I really enjoyed reading about a character

  with Asperger’s.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo

  Library (London)

  Advance: Exodus Book One

  “Advance is an exciting space adventure, hopeful even

  through times of darkness. The romance and action are

  balanced perfectly, interesting the audience as much in the

  fleet’s mission as in Dael and Spinner’s romance. I’m

  looking forward to the next book in the series!”—All Our

  Worlds: Diverse Fantastic Fiction

  The Blush Factor

  “Gun Brooke captures very well the two different ‘worlds’

  the two main characters live in and folds this setting neatly

  into the story. So, if you are looking for a well-edited, multi-

  layered romance with engaging characters this is a great

  read and maybe a re-read for those days when comfort food

  is a must.”—Lesbians on the Loose

  “That was fantastic. It’s so sweet and romantic. Both women

  had their own ‘demons’ and they didn’t let anyone be close

  to them. But from the moment they met each other

  everything felt so natural between them. Their love became

  so strong in a short time. Addie’s thoughts threatened her

  relationship with Ellie but with her sister’s help she

  managed to avoid a real catastrophe…”—Nana’s Book

  Reviews

  The Supreme Constellations Series

  “Protector of the Realm has it all; sabotage, corruption,

  erotic love and exhilarating space fights. Gun Brooke’s

  second novel is forceful with a winning combination of solid

  characters and a brilliant plot. The book exemplifies her

  growth as inventive storyteller and is sure to garner multiple

  awards in the coming year.”—Just About Write

  “[Protector of the Realm] is first and foremost a romance,

  and whilst it has action and adventure, it is the romance

  that drives it. The book moves along at a cracking pace, and

  there is much happening throughout to make it a good

  page-turner. The action sequences are very well done, and

  make for an adrenaline rush.”—Lesbian Review

  “Brooke is an amazing author. Never have I read a book

  where I started at the top of the page and don’t know what

  will happen two paragraphs later. She keep
s the excitement

  going, and the pages turning.”—Family and Friends

  Magazine

  Fierce Overture

  “Gun Brooke creates memorable characters, and Noelle and

  Helena are no exception. Each woman is ‘more than meets

  the eye’ as each exhibits depth, fears, and longings. And the

  sexual tension between them is real, hot, and raw.”—Just

  About Write

  September Canvas

  “In this character-driven story, trust is earned and secrets

  are uncovered. Deanna and Faythe are fully fleshed out and

  prove to the reader each has much depth, talent, wit and

  problem-solving abilities. September Canvas is a good read

  with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.”—Just About Write

  Sheridan’s Fate—Lambda Literary Award Finalist

  “Sheridan’s fire and Lark’s warm embers are enough to

  make this book sizzle. Brooke, however, has gone beyond

  the wonderful emotional explorations of these characters to

  tell the story of those who, for various reasons, become

  differently-abled. Whether it is a bullet, an illness, or a

  problem at birth, many women and men find themselves in

  Sheridan’s situation. Her courage and Lark’s gentleness and

  determination send this romance into a ‘must read.’”—Just

  About Write

  Coffee Sonata

  “In Coffee Sonata, the lives of these four women become

  intertwined. In forming friendships and love, closets and

  disabilities are discussed, along with differences in age and

  backgrounds. Love and friendship are areas filled with

  complexity and nuances. Brooke takes her time to savor the

  complexities while her main characters savor their excellent

  cups of coffee. If you enjoy a good love story, a great

  setting, and wonderful characters, look for Coffee Sonata at

  your favorite gay and lesbian bookstore.”—Family & Friends

  Magazine

  “Each of these characters is intriguing, attractive and

  likeable, but they are heartbreaking, too, as the reader soon

  learns when their pasts and their deeply buried secrets are

  slowly and methodically revealed. Brooke does not give the

  reader predictable plot points, but builds a fascinating set of

  subplots and surprises around the romances.”—L-word.com

  Literature

  Course of Action

  “Brooke’s words capture the intensity of their growing

  relationship. Her prose throughout the book is breathtaking

  and heart-stopping. Where have you been hiding, Gun

  Brooke? I, for one, would like to see more romances from

  this author.”—Independent Gay Writer

  “The setting created by Brooke is a glimpse into that fantasy

  world of celebrity and high rollers, escapist to be sure, but

  witnessing the relationship develop between Carolyn and

  Annelie is well worth the trip. As the reader progresses, the

  trappings become secondary to the characters’ desire to

  reach goals both professional and personal.”—Midwest Book

  Review

  Yearning

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or

  given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this

  work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  By the Author

  Romances: Course of Action Coffee Sonata Sheridan’s

  Fate September Canvas Fierce Overture Speed

  Demons The Blush Factor Soul Unique

  A Reluctant Enterprise Piece of Cake Thorns of the Past

  Wayworn Lovers Insult to Injury Ice Queen

  Science Fiction Supreme Constellations series:

  Protector of the Realm Rebel’s Quest Warrior’s Valor

  Pirate’s Fortune Exodus series: Advance

  Pathfinder

  Escape

  Arrival

  Treason

  The Dennamore Scrolls: Yearning

  Lunar Eclipse Renegade’s War Novella Anthology: Change

  Horizons

  Yearning © 2021 By Gun Brooke. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-758-9

  This Electronic Original Is Published By Bold Strokes Books,

  Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, NY 12185

  First Edition: July 2021

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and

  incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are

  used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living

  or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is

  entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any

  form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Shelley Thrasher Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design By Gun Brooke

  eBook Design by Toni Whitaker

  Acknowledgments

  The premise of this science fiction trilogy was the last

  one I had the joy to run by Elon before he died. He, who

  loved science fiction—everything from the cheesy old films

  with sputtering rocket ships of the fifties, to the advanced

  stories of later years—told me this premise felt original and

  interesting—which was high praise. *smile*

  My son, Henrik, who has seen a TON of science fiction

  movies, agreed from his POV, which helped seal the deal.

  I’m grateful my son is here to be a sounding board for the

  story when I need it.

  I also want to thank my daughter, Malin, and her family

  for their unwavering love and encouragement. The fact that

  they take such pride in me and my writing makes me very

  happy. My brother and family always show their support for

  each book. I’m delighted to be represented on their

  bookshelves.

  My friends Birgitta, Kamilla, and Soli, and my art class

  friends, your cheering on and support mean so much. My

  online friends, especially my first readers, Annika and Sami,

  thank you for your patience and for taking time out of your

  busy lives to read.

  My publisher, Len Barot at Bold Strokes Books, provider

  of my literary home and family, I am so happy that I get to

  continue working with you. Dr. Shelley Thrasher, my editor,

  what would I do without you? Our working relationship and

  our friendship mean so much to me. Sandy Lowe, senior

  editor at BSB, is always ready to help and advise, for which

  I’m utterly grateful. Carsen Taite, Ruth Sternglantz, Stacia

  Seaman, Victoria Villasenor, Cindy Cresap, Toni Whitaker,

  and all the others at BSB that work so hard at making our

  stories the best they can be—you are amazing. The way you

  work to make us feel part of the BSB family during these

  crazy times when it is so easy to feel adrift from friends,

  coworkers, and family is immensely appreciated.

  Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has kindly checked

  in on me during this last eighteen months after I lost Elon.

  You know who you are, and I also want you to know how

  much that means to me.

  Dedication

  For Elon

  You l
oved the idea of this trilogy.

  CHAPTER ONE

  It wasn’t the first time Darian Tennen literally ran into

  someone, but the last time it happened, she was chasing a

  criminal scumbag, and it had been more of a full body slam

  than an accidental collision caused by rounding a corner too

  fast.

  “Oh!” a husky female voice called out just before Darian

  was knocked over and ended up on her ass on the flagstone

  floor.

  “Shit!” Darian could feel the ache from her tailbone sing

  through her spine all the way to the base of her skull.

  Around her, she saw droves of loose printed pages. Dazed,

  she looked over at the person she had collided with, and

  what little breath she had left whooshed from her lungs. A

  woman with strawberry-blond hair and bright-green eyes sat

  on the floor in front of her. Dressed in a pistachio skirt suit,

  she was perfectly poised, as if she were taking part in a

  Sunday picnic. Except for the fact that her hair hung in

  tousled locks around her shoulders, nobody would have

  guessed she had just taken a tumble.

  “Damn it,” Darian muttered. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine, despite your best efforts to kill us both,” the

  woman said, her throaty voice sending shivers through

  Darian—until her words registered.

  “Hey. I wasn’t the one carrying such a heap of documents

  that I couldn’t see where I was going.” Darian groaned and

  began to get up on her knees. “I was in a hurry, though,”

  she confessed grudgingly. “Sorry.”

  Moving lithely into a crouch, the elegant woman began

  gathering the scattered documents. “Apology accepted.”

  Ah. Ms. Strawberry-Blonde wasn’t going to offer an

  apology in return.

  “Let me help you.” Darian could hear her grandmother

  Camilla’s voice in her head. “Four things, Darian. Never

  assume. Be a gentlewoman. When someone shows you their

  true colors—believe them. And don’t take any crap from

  anyone.”

  “What brings you to the town hall? You’re not from

  around here.” Ms. Strawberry-Blonde had moved farther

  away and bent on all four to coax some papers out from

  behind an old-fashioned radiator.

  Darian blinked. How could she know this? “My name’s

  Darian Tennen. I came to visit the library. My grandmother