Who Would Like This Book:
If you enjoy intense, poetic MM romance with a heavy dose of angst and emotional vulnerability, this book delivers. Sierra Simone doesn't shy away from tough topics - she intertwines heart-wrenching love with questions of faith, mental health, and finding self-worth. The writing is lush and evocative, making even monastery life feel magnetic. Fans of steamy, sacred-meets-profane stories and those interested in deeply human portrayals of depression and redemption will find something special here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Readers turned off by flowery, dramatic prose or heavy religious themes might struggle with this one. Some didn't buy into the characters' voices or felt the relationships lacked realism due to the writing style. If you prefer your romance with less angst, fewer taboo elements, and not quite so much spiritual reflection - or if the idea of a lot of explicit scenes mixed with Catholic guilt makes you uncomfortable - this might not be the book for you.
About:
'Saint' by Sierra Simone is a captivating tale that delves into the complexities of love, faith, and self-discovery. The story follows Aiden Bell, a millionaire grappling with inner demons and a deep yearning for something more. When he receives a mysterious text that feels like a sign, Aiden leaves behind his life and love to seek solace in a monastery. The book intricately weaves together themes of mental wellness, atonement, and the blurred lines between the sacred and the profane. Through Aiden's journey of devotion to God and rekindled love with Elijah, the narrative explores the depths of passion, reconciliation, and the pursuit of inner peace.
Sierra Simone's writing style in 'Saint' is nothing short of poetic and evocative, drawing readers into a world where love is intertwined with spirituality. The slow-burn romance between Aiden and Elijah is laced with tension, emotion, and profound introspection. As the characters navigate second chances and grapple with faith, Simone skillfully crafts a narrative that is both sensual and thought-provoking, leaving readers immersed in a story that challenges conventional boundaries of love, desire, and devotion.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for Saint include themes of depression, suicidal ideation, cheating, and discussions of complex mental health issues.
Has Romance?
Yes, there is a high level of romance present in Saint, with intense emotional and physical connections between the characters.
From The Publisher:
I can't have Elijah Iverson.
I can't have him because he's my older brother's best friend. I can't have him because I broke his heart five years ago; because he's now engaged to someone else-someone kind and dependable who deserves his whiskey eyes, his soft mouth, his fierce intellect.
I can't have Elijah because I've chosen God instead.
The Bell brothers, though . . . well, we don't exactly have the greatest track record with vows. But I'm determined to do this monk thing right-to pledge myself to a cloistered life and spend the rest of my years in chastity and prayer. But now Elijah's here. He's here and he's coming with me on my European monastery road trip, and between the whispered confessions and the stolen kisses and the moments bent over an ancient altar, my vows are feeling flimsier by the day.
And vows or not, I know in my heart that it would take more than a good and holy monk to resist Elijah Iverson right now. It would take a saint.
And we all know that I'm no saint.
(This is the third full-length standalone in the Priest Collection, featuring Father Bell's brother, Aiden Bell. You do not have to read Priest or Sinner to read Saint.)
Ratings (34)
Incredible (14) | |
Loved It (12) | |
Liked It (3) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (4) |
Reader Stats (67):
Read It (35) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (21) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (8) |
3 comment(s)
like ten too many mentions of a cock cage….
Five years ago Aiden -- now Brother Patrick -- left his high-powered career and his high-intensity relationship to enter a monastery because he felt he had no other choice. His former boyfriend, Elijah, re-enters his orbit and he's badly torn. His devotion to God is incredibly important to him and he wants to deepen his religious practice still further. On the other hand, he's still in love with Elijah and finds that connection impossible to renounce. Over the course of the book, we see four religious communities on two continents and get a real sense of Brother Patrick's spiritual struggles and striving. Most of the book is in his POV, but we get insights into Elijah from excerpts from his journal and other writings. I found this compelling and engaging, well-balanced and well-paced, and cared deeply about both chracters and their relationship and needs. I was sometimes frustrated with Brother Patrick's obtuseness, but hey, sometimes humans are obtuse. I really love that the book took his religious devotion seriously and also that it didn't turn a blind eye to a variety of problems within the Catholic Church's dogmas and actions.
Ironically, I tried a little patience after finishing Sinner. If you read THIS book then you’ll understand why.
I didn’t run right to reading this book. I loved Sean Bell too much. I wasn’t ready to move on to Aiden even for just a possible glimpse at Sean here.
I won’t say that it was a mistake to wait but it was well worth the wait. This book is written just as beautifully as the others and tugged on all my emotions. Very early on I had tears in my eyes. But there were smiles, laughter, spice and swoon worthy moments as well as any sad or dark moments. I am not a highly religious person but you don’t need to be to enjoy these. I like that these push boundaries and made you think. Also made me look up some words lol. I just love this series!
*I highly recommend the audiobook as Jacob Morgan always brings extra to the story.
What can you read after
Saint?
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