Priest

 

Blurb

He's a priest, and here is his confession.

There are many rules a priest can't break. A priest cannot marry. A priest cannot abandon his flock. A priest cannot forsake his God. Tyler Bell has had no problem playing by the rules for the last three years after a family tragedy set him on the path to priesthood. That all changes when the delicious, sultry voice of Poppy Danforth sinks its claws in him through the screen of his confessional booth, and he can't get her sins out of his head.

It should be easy to put his impure thoughts of her to rest, considering the vows Tyler has taken. It should be nothing to overcome what the sight and sound of her does to him, when his life with the Church means everything. But once he has his first forbidden taste of those red lips, Tyler can't help but break all his rules for Poppy-no matter what it might cost them both.

Tropes/Triggers

DARK ROMANCE, BLASPHEMY / CATHOLIC CHURCH, SUICIDAL REFERENCES, BDSM / DOM, CONTEMPORARY FICTION, FORBIDDEN ROMANCE, SMALL TOWN, TABOO, SMUT🌶️🌶️🌶️

My Review 

In "Priest," Sierra Simone dives deep into the taboo, delivering a story that's both provocative and intense. 

Tyler Bell, the book's central figure, is a priest grappling with the demands of his faith and the undeniable pull of forbidden desire. Having joined the priesthood after his sister's tragic suicide—caused by the actions of a former priest—Tyler is determined to make a positive impact on his community and restore their faith. For three years, he’s lived a celibate and peaceful life, dedicated to his church and his God.

That peace is shattered when Poppy Danforth, a sultry and seductive non-Catholic woman, enters his confessional booth. Her confessions and captivating voice awaken desires Tyler thought he'd buried. Despite his vows, Tyler finds himself increasingly consumed by thoughts of Poppy, leading to a whirlwind of inner conflict and passionate encounters.

Tyler's struggle is intense. He battles between his commitment to the church and his overwhelming lust for Poppy. Before becoming a priest, Tyler lived a wilder life, and Poppy’s presence reawakens those primal urges, challenging his resolve and testing his faith. The story is not just about resisting temptation; it’s about the inevitable collapse into it and the emotional turmoil that follows. 

The sizzling chemistry between Tyler and Poppy is palpable, and their encounters are vividly portrayed, making the book a steamy read.

One noticeable shortcoming is the lack of depth beyond the central romance. The book is a continuous cycle of intense passion and guilt, with limited exploration of other plot elements or character perspectives. Poppy’s point of view is very much missed, a more balanced narrative might have enriched the story.

"Priest" is undeniably hot, with pages that practically sizzle with sexual tension. However, it feels somewhat flat in other areas, as it doesn't offer much beyond the central forbidden romance. If you’re looking for a steamy, forbidden romance that pushes boundaries and doesn’t shy away from blasphemous themes, this book might be just what you're looking for. But if you crave a more layered narrative with diverse perspectives and deeper plot development, you might find it lacking.

In summary, "Priest" is a bold and provocative read that explores the intersection of faith, desire, and guilt. It's a story about a Catholic priest who falls for a stripper, laden with forbidden passion and inner turmoil. If blasphemy doesn't ruffle your feathers and you’re in the mood for an intense romance, "Priest" is worth a read.