The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! š
katierosecrane's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I loved the subject matter of religion in a spicy romance book! The series is really good I liked the first two books best though. This book while I enjoyed it was too similar to the first book's plot. I do like that it was queer. Some portions of the book it found it repetitive like, <I am stuck between the two things I love the most and can't have one without the other.>
One of my favorite parts of the book is when <he is talking about his depressive episode. I felt very connected to the character in this chapter because of how Simone wrote about it. She explained it through subtle things that go through your mind and how it affects the people around you.> Lastly, the ending is perfect. not dragged out for ten more chapters after the climax, but keep concise and still connected to the material.Ā
One of my favorite parts of the book is when <he is talking about his depressive episode. I felt very connected to the character in this chapter because of how Simone wrote about it. She explained it through subtle things that go through your mind and how it affects the people around you.> Lastly, the ending is perfect. not dragged out for ten more chapters after the climax, but keep concise and still connected to the material.Ā
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Sexual content, Child death, Alcohol, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
galleytrot's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
READ: Sep 2023Ā
FORMAT: AudioĀ
BRIEF SUMMARY:Ā
In this contemporary romance, Brother Patrick left behind a life of sex, drugs, money, and love in order to live a monastic existence of devotion and austerity, after one devastating night left him feeling out of control and in search of answers. Despite years of connection to God, heās still having trouble shaking off his all-consuming love for and connection to Elijah. A stricter order might be just what he needs give himself completely over to God, so when his Abbot decides to send him off to tour three Trappist Abbeys he might be willing to serve at, he is excited by the opportunity ā right up until Elijah shows up to check in on him with some distressing news, looking for answers of his own, and messing with the years of progress he hasnāt exactly made.Ā
THOUGHTS - OVERALL: 4.5 / 5āĀ
I wonāt be able to give this book a thorough review as per usual, because I threw this one on as background noise while I accomplished some work around the house. I was not taking technical notes, highlighting content, or consuming the work with undivided attention. As such, there was likely much that I missed, and it wouldnāt be fair to offer a truly critical analysis of the work.Ā
I can, however, say that I found this book to be emotionally compelling, wonderfully reverent, and filled with vibrant imagery. Religious stories arenāt especially my cup of tea, though theyāre always made immediately more interesting when characters explore their own faith within a doctrine that is typically exclusionary to their like. Itās faith itself that I am attracted to; even as a non-religious apatheist, I find faith in itself to be a wonderfully useful tool for people to access when they need a little bit of hope, beauty, and purpose in their life.Ā
This story is a very compelling example of faith making a significant impact on someoneās life for the better. As is likely clear from the bookās synopsis, Adrian is going to face a life-altering choice between devotion to God and devotion to Elijah, and the question of whether there is any scenario where he could possibly have both. I honestly felt myself rooting for him to stick with his vows and live the life that has been so healing and restorative for him, even though the obvious ādude, you can absolutely have bothā was always the correct mindset.Ā
Ā
This book has representation for gays and bisexuals. One of the main characters/love interests is black.Ā
The following elaborates on my content warnings. These may be interpreted as spoilers, but I do not go into deep detail. This list may not be fully comprehensive or complete, as I was not taking notes at the time.
This book contains: mentions of bi/homophobia, religious bigotry; alcohol use; infidelity; mentions of racism; mention of drugs and past drug use; mentions of past sexual abuse of a minor by a religious figure leading to a suicide; and, past suicidal thoughts and struggles with depression.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Grief, and Infidelity
Minor: Biphobia, Drug use, Rape, Religious bigotry, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Racism, Suicide, Homophobia, and Pedophilia
chloelj27's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief, Mental illness, and Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent, Drug use, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Infidelity
readers_sea's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
holy slow burn...
I really enjoyed Aiden's story! At first, I wasn't sure how I would like this one because it started really slow for me but it did end up being worth it!
One night six years ago, Aiden goes through an experience that brings him to a mountain ready to start a new journey in becoming a monk. This decision comes to him quickly, and he runs with it without saying much to anyone, including his now ex-boyfriend Elijah. Elijah was left confused this night when Aiden decides to leave the world behind to become a monk.
Now, six years later, Elijah visits Aiden to tell him that he is engaged to a new man. While there is a lot to talk about, there are few words exchanged, but the interaction leaves both men with more questions than answers. Elijah soon finds himself following Aiden across Europe as he searches for a new location to continue his journey as a monk and Elijah is writing an article on his journey for his job at a magazine.Ā
Both characters had their flaws, but I could appreciate their journey. It was hard for me to understand Elijah with the little we got from his perspective. I was definitely compelled by Aiden's journey and overall story. Aiden had a lot to deal with and had no words to explain to people how he was feeling.Ā
I didn't find myself on board with this relationship... even at the end, I was still unsure if these characters were meant to be together. I still am not completely sold on their love for each other. But I loved their efforts to try to figure it out. I felt Aiden's story to be heartbreaking, but so real. Honestly, the romance wasn't my favorite part of this book! I was mostly reading to see the development of Aiden's story. I also felt like it was a bit long and could've been shorter.
I did really love seeing all the interactions between the brothers! Seeing glimpses into Tyler and Sean's lives years after their books was a real treat! (I still love Sean)
In the end, not my favorite but still a great read.
I really enjoyed Aiden's story! At first, I wasn't sure how I would like this one because it started really slow for me but it did end up being worth it!
One night six years ago, Aiden goes through an experience that brings him to a mountain ready to start a new journey in becoming a monk. This decision comes to him quickly, and he runs with it without saying much to anyone, including his now ex-boyfriend Elijah. Elijah was left confused this night when Aiden decides to leave the world behind to become a monk.
Now, six years later, Elijah visits Aiden to tell him that he is engaged to a new man. While there is a lot to talk about, there are few words exchanged, but the interaction leaves both men with more questions than answers. Elijah soon finds himself following Aiden across Europe as he searches for a new location to continue his journey as a monk and Elijah is writing an article on his journey for his job at a magazine.Ā
Both characters had their flaws, but I could appreciate their journey. It was hard for me to understand Elijah with the little we got from his perspective. I was definitely compelled by Aiden's journey and overall story. Aiden had a lot to deal with and had no words to explain to people how he was feeling.Ā
I didn't find myself on board with this relationship... even at the end, I was still unsure if these characters were meant to be together. I still am not completely sold on their love for each other. But I loved their efforts to try to figure it out. I felt Aiden's story to be heartbreaking, but so real. Honestly, the romance wasn't my favorite part of this book! I was mostly reading to see the development of Aiden's story. I also felt like it was a bit long and could've been shorter.
I did really love seeing all the interactions between the brothers! Seeing glimpses into Tyler and Sean's lives years after their books was a real treat! (I still love Sean)
In the end, not my favorite but still a great read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Grief
readingwithrylanne's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It's no secret that I love the Bell brothers. Aiden is my second favorite of the three, but I just didn't end up loving this overall book quite as much as I did Priest and Sinner. This book was just a little bit too long and got a tad boring at times. I also struggled to truly fall in love with Elijah because I felt like he spoke before he thought often, hurting Aiden in the process. I didn't cry with this book like I did the others, but I loved Aiden's character and watching him grow through his struggles. Getting to explore some different monasteries in other countries was also a really cool element (even though if I remember correctly, Sierra did say that the monasteries themselves were fictional), and the spice, naturally, was top tier, as per usual with Sierra Simone. I still loved Saint, just not as much as the others in the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Cancer, Sexual assault, and Death
ka_ke's review against another edition
First of all it is not because of the LGBTQIA relationship. I simply canāt stand characters who beat themselves up while refusing to change.Ā
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Cursing, Gaslighting, Child death, Death of parent, Child abuse, Grief, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Homophobia, Pedophilia, and Panic attacks/disorders
readingwithleslie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, and Infidelity
Minor: Death of parent, Grief, and Death
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