Title: Jailed by Lust – Released by Love
Author: Gerard C. Cole Sr.
Publisher: Gerard C. Cole
ISBN: 9781456639303
Pages: 330
Genre: Romance
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel

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A summer fling comes with consequences. Damien meets Sheila and their instant chemistry quickly turns into a heated summer which ends with a positive pregnancy test. Sheila turns to her aunt Vivian for guidance while Damien struggles to cope with the news. The relationship between the two quickly sours with a full scholarship on the line for Damien and Sheila seeking comfort from Travis who is determined to make the relationship work. Equal parts coming-of-age and spiritual awakening, this journey explores themes of love, healing, second chances, and faith.

Jailed by Lust – Released by Love is a fictional story though the messages stem from the harsh reality faced in relationships, both romantic and familial as well as a relationship with God. The main essence of the story is the message to choose love to guide you on a path toward faithfulness, healing, reconciliation, and transformation. These elements are key themes found throughout Sheila and Damien’s journey, both separately and as a couple. The themes can be found as the characters face forgiveness in their relationships whether it’s a partner or a parent, reconciliation with someone estranged, and transformation found in oneself when you learn to use love as a guide. Spiritual themes are abundant as Damien and Sheila struggle to turn toward faith as they face the consequences of their relationship which steers them through some obstacles and a surprising twist. Damien goes from a teenager with the weight of the world on his shoulders and the scary reality of his future to a second chance at life which he discovers through God, his family, friends, and Sheila.

The plot revolves around the romance between Sheila and Damien which perfectly balances drama, family, and heart. Their relationship is also used as an example in how to be sexually responsible with real elements explored such as teenage pregnancy. Through their relationship, Cole explores lust, innocence, and growing up through a story that is rooted in faith. The differences between love and lust are the basis of the story with Sheila and Damien’s relationship progressing from lust at the beginning versus the love that grows between them at the end. Drama comes between them as they face the reality of their futures but through a perspective of faith, they learn how to build a relationship that is rooted in love, respect, and hope. Faith, love, and family are equally important elements in the story with each character having a specific purpose in the young couple’s journey. Whether its Travis or Sheila’s dad or Damien’s mom, each character helps to pave the way for the couple in order for them to make a decision about their relationship.

Though their relationship is at the heart of the story, their other relationships are important to how their journeys unfold. Damien’s connections with his family are where his support lies as they stand by him and they help guide him forward to where a second chance is possible. Sheila has her own complicated family dynamics which includes a father that isn’t in her life, which provides an example of reconciliation and forgiveness. The story has a hopeful tone which creates an uplifting novel with characters which are flawed and feel very authentic. Several moments are found throughout which are emotional and full of heart. This story is a journey in faith and healing with Jailed by Lust – Released by Love serving as a guide about love, family, being sexually responsible, and forgiveness.