Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Death of parent
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Suicide, Alcohol
Graphic: Cancer, Cursing, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Medical content, Death of parent
Moderate: Mental illness, Racism, Suicide
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Racism, Rape, Suicide, Religious bigotry
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicide, Death of parent
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, Death of parent, Classism
REVIEW: Sinner by Sierra Simone (book two of the Priest series) is a beautiful narrative that explores sensitive and deep social and religious themes with the best s3x scenes ever. I was immediately hooked and could not stop reading until the soul wrenching, deliciously d!rty end.
The sheer existence of this marvelous novel is both a heartfelt prayer and a provocative social commentary on racism, faith and mental health. The way it weaves such heavy and convoluted themes seamlessly together with amazing sm*t is a GIFT to behold. I am now desperate to find others who've recently read Sinner just so we can discuss all of the social issues explored. Zenny's small diatribe on virginity and purity culture was CHEF'S KISS. Whereas Sean's inner turmoil about his feelings for God, the Church, religious, spirituality, and how they all intersect with sexuality was enlightening and gut-wrenching. Okay, well that, AND the fabulous hotness that permeates every page. I hope my addled brain will allow these DELICIOUS scenes to live in my head rent-free for an eternity.
Sean Bell and Zenobia (Zenny) Iverson were two of the best MCs I've read. They were complex, well developed and felt "real". Their struggles, hang-ups and quirks felt relatable. Sean and Zenny's ability to be vulnerable and honest during their hard conversations was intense ( and equaled couple goals). Plus their chemistry was off the charts, their banter hilarious and their sm3xy moments scorching hot.
I loved how Sean went into mode "s3x ed teacher" during their spectacularly HAWT scenes -- and in the sweetest, most er0tic way possible. He didn't sound clinical (even when Zenny veered that way - LOL) or crude. His blunt talking foul mouth was just right. It was hotter than h3ll without being over the top. Hands down, Sean is my favorite dirty talking MMC. Ever! (Thank you, Ms. Simone!!!).
Likewise, I adored how curious and adventurous Zenny was. She seemed to embrace life with a sage and wide-open heart that seemed much wiser than her young years. I loved how cerebral she was, happily showcasing her intelligence and thoughtfulness. Zenny was also impressively willing to live in the gray areas. She viewed life and her faith through a multifaceted prism and tried not to fall into stark black and white binary thinking. And when she began exploring her s3xuality with Sean... Holy h3ll it was awesome to see her blossom and be so inquisitive. The way she investigated Sean's b0dy and their steamy interactions was excellent. Her naive wonder at how different his body than hers was precious (SIDE NOTE: Remember when you were new to all things s3xual and everything was wonderful and overwhelming and exciting? When sensations were heightened and felt life-altering? Ms. Simone did a fantastic job showing us Zenny's awakening.)
The narrators were perfection. Jacob Morgan is my all-time favorite male narrator. He is at his best when he can add mirth and sarcasm to his characters inner dialogue and he delivered in spades! Thankfully hilarious inner dialogue is one of Sierra Simone's many writing gifts, so it gave Mr. Morgan the chance to SHINE. Likewise, Morae Brehon was a great Zenny. I give both narrators an A+ for their emotional and fun performances!
Overall, I cannot recommend Sinner by Sierra Simone enough. It was stunning and poignant and sexy and devastating. So thought provoking and utterly brilliant! I loved it. L O V E D ! I T !
What are you waiting for?!?! Get out there and pick it up ASAP
CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BECAUSE THERE ARE LOTS FOR THIS BOOK.
Series / Standalone: Standalone in an interconnected series
FABLE: Book Lover IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol
Graphic: Cancer, Cursing, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Suicide
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Homophobia, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Outing, Toxic friendship
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicide, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
I wasn’t a huge fan of the 15-year age gap being that Zenny's only 21. I'm reminded of it a lot and it took me out of the story. I much prefer age gaps when one of the MCs is at least in the late 20s. Also would've loved 2 POVs.
The sex scenes were very well-written and HOT. I found parts of Sean’s inner monologues were a bit repetitive.
I liked the conversations about faith and belief and sex and what it all means to each person individually. I get why Sean feels the way he does about God. It can be hard to have faith when it feels like everything is falling apart and you can’t do anything about it.
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicide