“…Beautiful Evil Winter may work best as a feature film while Plenty has potential as a TV series… Both projects…”
— Creative Executive (SALT,  The Bone Collector and Revenge – tv series)
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Always Yearning, Always Fraying, Yet Staying

A New Romantic Suspense Novel from Kelly K. Lavender

Always Yearning, Always Fraying, Yet Staying

Kelly’s Third Novel in the Mystery, Moxie, and Suspense Series

Paloma, a runner-up in the Tri-State Wink Think and Defend competition, regrets that she didn’t win. But she knows the biggest disappointment of her life, by far—her hot, successful, traveling salesman husband, Jim. He’s a daily disappointment.

Jim the “catch” that women discuss in whispery voices like giggling, giddy, silly schoolgirls. He also happens to be a hometown hero. Paloma and Liam, their son, wish he’d be their hero. Jim personifies secretive and flirty. His travel schedule requires more and more time away from home including weekends. He loves Paloma, but he lacks emotional intelligence. He has always been the lazy lion.

Because she wears a wardrobe of hats—married single mom of a hormonal preteen son, successful house flipper, ranch hand and ranch manager, she feels overwhelmed, abandoned, resentful and alone. Yet, she still yearns for Jim’s physical presence, his emotional support and his sexuality. If superficial sex provides the only way she can feel close to him, then, so be it for now anyway…even if she feels like a trained lioness.

Over time, Jim and Paloma find themselves helpless to deal with the rot of dysfunctional choices that have rooted in their lives. How can they find their way back to being a happy bonded couple again?

Tropes: Second Chance Marriage Romance, Second Chance Romance, Chosen Family, Small Town Romance and Ride-or-Die Best Friend. Steamy, D-reference, L-reference, Violence.

 

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Always Yearning, Always Fraying, Yet Staying is a raw and heartfelt look at a marriage unraveling under the pressure of emotional disconnection. Paloma carries the weight of family, work, and loneliness while Jim remains consumed by travel and ambition. Their bond is tested by frustration, longing, and years of unresolved hurt, yet the spark between them never fully fades. Kelly crafts a layered romance about rebuilding trust, rediscovering intimacy, and fighting for a love worth saving.”

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“…Reading Always Yearning, Always Fraying, Yet Staying, I appreciated how Kelly K. Lavender explored the challenges Paloma and her family were facing. The diversity of themes in this praiseworthy novel kept me engaged. I liked how the storyline interlaced life’s good and bad moments, such as family dramas… and supportive friendship. I also liked the detailed account of Paloma’s ranch and the animals. As the story progressed, I appreciated Paloma’s journey to becoming a award-winning debut writer. The challenges of raising Liam the right way were thought-provoking. And the humor was well-timed, witty, and enjoyable. This lovely story will appeal to family drama and romantic suspense fans…”

Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite - 5 stars

“…Overall, Always Yearning, Always Fraying, Yet Staying by Kelly K. Lavender offers a relatable portrayal of a woman striving to find her footing in a demanding life. The novel has a unique narrative style that is cleverly used as a literary device, emphasizing the creative side of the main character. Because one is constantly exposed to her train of thought, the reader gets to know her and her motivations. Paloma’s craving for creativity becomes a character in its own right, driving the story. The characters are normal people trying to make a living and be happy. The plot is interesting and unconventional…There is more than one theme that could stand out; it depends on the reader. For me, what stood out was the lengths Paloma would go to protect her family, as well as her unwavering faith in Jim. Friendship and loyalty are also important themes that flow through the story. This is not your typical romance. The writing style and narrative point of view bring a different edge to the story. This book is worth reading; you will be pleasantly surprised.”

Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite - 4 stars

“…Author Kelly K. Lavender created an intense, emotional, and very realistic story about love, disappointment, and the struggle to stay when everything feels broken. I really liked how Paloma was written because she felt honest and deeply human… I loved the narrative style and how it painted Paloma in a realistic light while leaving some room for creative liberties. Always Yearning, Always Fraying, Yet Staying is a beautifully written romance/suspense novel that will keep readers entertained.”

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite - 5 stars

“…Kelly K. Lavender creates relatable characters that feel like people I see every day, with their struggles. The family dynamics are finely drawn…The emotional conflict is cleverly written, and the author allows the friction between the characters and Paloma’s internal struggles to shape the direction of the story. I was invested in the characters. I was delighted by the exquisite prose, and the author’s deft exploration of family dysfunction made the story more than entertaining: it became food for thought. Always Yearning, Always Fraying, Yet Staying cleverly examines the question: How much can a woman take before she finally breaks?”

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite - 5 stars

“…Kelly K. Lavender’s novel is character-driven, and the author excels at examining emotions and gestures that translate the desperation, the hunger, and the longing of the characters, especially Paloma…What makes the story even more engaging is the fact that she doesn’t give up. I always want stories with clear motivation written into the characters, and Always Yearning, Always Fraying, Yet Staying delivers that beyond measure. The themes of genuine connection, family, and the erosion of love with the passage of time are well-developed in this novel. Apart from the intriguing characters, the author shows readers what happens to love when it is not consciously nourished and when acts of support diminish.”

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite - 5 stars