Some books have happy endings and make you satisfied because of that; some have cliffhangers and drive you mad in wait; others have a unique and perfect ending that makes you think.

The Yearning by Kate Belle the the last one, and I feel ( *shifty eyes* ) like I'm now a better type of human race for reading it. *smug face*

First of all, this is categorised as romance, but it read more like poetry at times, was always beautiful and flowed easily, and at other scenes it was more like erotica. What does this tell me? Best. Book. Ever! Well, for romance and such. I love quick reads, but this one had an extra special touch. Kate Belle can write and it's that "cherry on top" quality that made this book stand out from the other angsty romances that now all blend into one in my head. This one isn't really an angsty romance. It feels like real life. Not fluffed up for reading pleasure. It's like real life told over a span of time that's loveable, and hurt-y, and hot and thoughtful.

I found myself loving both the main character, and the first and main love interest, Solomon. They were both so...real? relatable? Maybe both. I'll call the main character MC or she because this book was told in third person, and was always narrated without her actual name. So. The MC as a teenager was captivating to read because she exuded the typical lust-driven, I'm-so-in-love teenager at 15/16, but in her own way. As she grew, I found myself nodding and agreeing with her thoughts. She just was written so well.

Strangely, Solomon was a favourite of mine, too. He was a hippie type, care-free, no responsibilities. He loved sex, lots of it, with no strings attached, ever. It was because of the depth of the characters that I was able to like Solomon. He never used the MC and he was more respectful than any other guy in her life. He is a kind man, who has a huge flaw in that he's great at love but just can't actually love one special woman.

I don't want to spoil the plot, but this story is told over many years and the fact Solomon is the MC's teacher causes many big problems for the prospect of their relationship. The Yearning never felt cheap by this teacher/student relationship. It was beautiful and different to what you're probably expecting.

I still don't think I've covered everything about why I loved this book so much, but it's safe to say it's one of my favourite romances ever and one you absolutely need to try.
Huge 5 stars.