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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 2023
FORMAT: Audio
BRIEF SUMMARY:
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, he’s 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 – 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 hasn’t exactly made.
THOUGHTS - OVERALL: 4.5 / 5⭐
I won’t 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 wouldn’t be fair to offer a truly critical analysis of the work.
I can, however, say that I found this book to be emotionally compelling, wonderfully reverent, and filled with vibrant imagery. Religious stories aren’t especially my cup of tea, though they’re always made immediately more interesting when characters explore their own faith within a doctrine that is typically exclusionary to their like. It’s 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.
This story is a very compelling example of faith making a significant impact on someone’s life for the better. As is likely clear from the book’s 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 “dude, you can absolutely have both” was always the correct mindset.
This book has representation for gays and bisexuals. One of the main characters/love interests is black.
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: Infidelity, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Biphobia, Drug use, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Religious bigotry
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: Mental illness, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Death of parent
symabee's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Drug use, Suicide, Religious bigotry, and Alcohol
criticalgayze's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I know I normally say that strict "romance" is not for me, but I really dug this book. I think a big part of that is that the characters' own struggles with sexuality and faith are very relatable to me.
Oh, and this one was hot. 9.5/10 on the level and content of the steam. (Slight point deduction for referring too much mouth licking and referring to genitalia as "my/his sex" and to closed mouths as having "seams.")
After a novel built on the back of will they/won't they angst, I do think the revelation/resolution comes too fast without any kind of real interior or assisted awakening or growth; however, I think this is a strong novel overall with great steam, characters, and writing.
Quotes:
There’s only the aching knowledge that you yourself are a kind of momentary prayer, uttered with reverence, spoken softly into the air, and then finished with a gentle and loving selah. (Page 10)
The thing about falling in love is that by the time you realize it’s happened, it’s already too late. Your boyfriend already has sprinkles for you in the pocket of his Tom Ford suit. You’ve already had bubble gum kisses on a warm city night. (Page 59)
My reflexive dislike vanishes in the face of a reality I shared with him before monkhood— which is that safety is contingent on space, on who is in that space, and even though I am wearing the robes of the god- man who chose people from the margins to share his heart, I know that his spaces and believers have often been the least safe of all. (Page 121)
“You bring me closer to God, Elijah,” I tell him softly. “Simply by existing.” (Page 403)
Oh, and this one was hot. 9.5/10 on the level and content of the steam. (Slight point deduction for referring too much mouth licking and referring to genitalia as "my/his sex" and to closed mouths as having "seams.")
After a novel built on the back of will they/won't they angst, I do think the revelation/resolution comes too fast without any kind of real interior or assisted awakening or growth; however, I think this is a strong novel overall with great steam, characters, and writing.
Quotes:
There’s only the aching knowledge that you yourself are a kind of momentary prayer, uttered with reverence, spoken softly into the air, and then finished with a gentle and loving selah. (Page 10)
The thing about falling in love is that by the time you realize it’s happened, it’s already too late. Your boyfriend already has sprinkles for you in the pocket of his Tom Ford suit. You’ve already had bubble gum kisses on a warm city night. (Page 59)
My reflexive dislike vanishes in the face of a reality I shared with him before monkhood— which is that safety is contingent on space, on who is in that space, and even though I am wearing the robes of the god- man who chose people from the margins to share his heart, I know that his spaces and believers have often been the least safe of all. (Page 121)
“You bring me closer to God, Elijah,” I tell him softly. “Simply by existing.” (Page 403)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Suicide, and Death of parent