I’m not a good man, and I’ve never pretended to be. I don’t believe in goodness or God or any happy ending that isn’t paid for in advance.
What do I believe in? Money. Sex. Macallan 18.
They have words for men like me—playboy. Womanizer. Skirt chaser.
My brother used to be a priest, and he only has one word for me.
Sinner.
"How something could be flawed but still good, how something could be imperfect but still worth loving.
AS YOU KNOW, I have loved Sierra Simone for a long time, and if you've followed my reviews for any amount of time, you are aware of this tidbit of information. It should be noted that this book will not be for everyone, just like PRIEST was not for everyone. Sierra likes to dive head first into the taboo and forbidden aspect of the religious orders, and she takes no prisoners. And I like it.
I enjoy the complexity in the way in which Sierra can tell a story. Her words, they are so...intelligent, for the lack of a better word coming to mind. She makes me think and seek a better understanding of the topic at hand. I know she would talk circles around me, but I am sure I could just sit there and listen to her talk about things all day long.
"Ecstasy. That's that it's called when saints experience spiritual euphoria, and I'm no saint, that's for fucking sure, but this...this is ecstasy."
This one, while still harshly taboo, it is miles apart from Priest in some aspects. I felt like there was a lot more depth to Sean and I loved seeing such an about face of a character. With a few contradictions in my thought process, but a very definitely plausible explanation, Zenny and Sean made such the anomaly in terms of a couple, and I fell in love with them. His harshness to her innocence? Brilliant. I loved that she gave him such control and trust over herself that I couldn't do more than just sit back and watch how she manipulated his mind, while he manipulated her heart. The stark contrasts in their desires during the whole book, the way it all melded and came together made for a fantastic story, and one that I really enjoyed!
"I want to talk about how much I want her, how much I need her, and how much that doesn't scare me."
This book was very wordy, but it wasn't obnoxious by any means. Even saying it was wordy almost seems frivolous, because it was well thought out, it was descriptive, it was a journey worthy of a slow perusal. She was setting a methodical pace in conjunction with Sean's desires, and that allowed me to feel everything he was feeling. Sierra was quite meticulous in describing things, bringing us into the moment and allowing us to fall in love with Zenny and Sean together, and separately. I definitely loved that aspect of it. There were a few spots that I questioned the whys of things, but for the sake of the story and knowing where Sierra Simone could take it, I sat back and allowed it all to unfold and play out as she had imagined it. I am so glad I did -- I couldn't put this book down. I was never bored with this story. Ever. And of course, the naughty talkers that Sierra write's are delicious!!! Sean was NO exception, and I loved that he had a no f*cks given attitude about it. I love a good talking alpha man, but I also love that same man to have true and honest feelings, and Sean most definitely did. I fell in love with his heart and the entire idea of him from his family to his love life.
"This mouth. I want to eat it and fuck it and worship it and abuse it."
This book had an amazing undertone to it, one that I normally wouldn't read because it's not in my comfort zone, but the way Sierra explained everything, and the way she included it in the story was the best way in order to incorporate it for me. I loved that the bane of Sean's existence....was also responsible for his saving. This one challenged me to read deeper. It forced to me to read more into the words, the underlying meaning of what Sierra was trying to convey. I felt the pain Sean felt, I heard the words Zenny was telling him, I accepted the healing Zenny was providing him. I loved that this story confirmed the very existence of soul mates; that there is someone out there for everyone. It was idealistic in that aspect, and it made this book very enjoyable for me. This was such a fascinating read!
TO NOTE: I am quite open about the fact that books do not make me cry in general. Many books that others have cried at that I have loved or felt they were super emotional rarely make me cry.....but this one made me openly bawl. There was no stopping the tears. I had to put the book down a few times around 89% because I couldn't even see the words. This book....it hit way too close to home. This happened in MY life -- line by line, and it was hard to watch it unfold again. But having said that, this book was so good and I can and will easily recommend it. After reading it, I felt a little melancholy, a little sad it was over, but a whole bunch of HAPPY at having read yet another taboo and forbidden book by Sierra. She writes this genre with such conviction!!
"How the hell could temptation incarnate be a fucking nun? How fair is that?"
~BEE
PURCHASE
CURIOUS ABOUT THIS? CHECK OUT THIS EXCERPT:
“Zenny,” I mumble against her lips, some valiant part of me recognizing that this is far, far beyond the kiss she asked for, and also recognizing that I’m going to come all over the inside of my Hugo Boss suit pants if she keeps it up. Even through the clothes, I can feel her heat, her shameless rolls hinting at where she goes soft and wet between her legs.
Fuck, I want to see it. I want to see her pussy. It’s suddenly all I can think about, all I can want or crave, just one glimpse, just a peek.
“I want to see your cunt,” I say hoarsely, lifting my head.
“My…cunt?” She says the word like she’s never said it out loud before.
“Yeah.” My voice is so ragged right now, so desperate, and fuck, I’ve never felt this frantic before. Like I’ll actually combust if I don’t get this one thing, this one small sight of her secret place.
She lets out a shaky breath, her hand dropping from my lapel to her skirt, which she slowly rucks up to her waist as I devour her lips once more, as I bury my face in her neck and kiss every sliver of skin exposed above her collar. I bite at her ear, at her jaw, my hand finding hers as it pulls her skirt up, so that I’m helping her do it, that we’re doing it together, this forbidden act, this forbidden revelation.
Her forbidden body.
That word, forbidden, spikes through my mind, bringing with it equal spikes of lust and fear.
Because yes, it’s fucking hot that I shouldn’t be kissing her, I shouldn’t be begging to see her most secret place, my hand shouldn’t be covering hers as it slides up her thigh—but it’s also bad. Bad even for Sean Bell.
Bad, bad, bad.
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
~MEET SIERRA SIMONE~
Sierra Simone is a former librarian who spent too much time reading romance novels at the information desk. She lives with her husband and family in Kansas City.
~CONNECT WITH SIERRA~
ORIGINAL ARC REVIEW
AFFILIATE LINKS USED
COPY PURCHASED FOR GIVEAWAY
Thanks, Zilpha!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing review Bee!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bunny!!
DeleteGreat review! I can’t wait to read this!!
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much!!
DeleteSounds amazing thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteIt really was.....and very emotional too!
Delete