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.I’ve always been good at following rules.Until she came. Then I learned new rules.
My name is Tyler Anselm Bell. I’m twenty-nine years old. Six months ago, I broke my vow of celibacy on the altar of my own church, and God help me, I would do it again.
I am … altar of my own church, and God help me, I would do it again.
I am a priest and this is my confession.
Priest is a full-length standalone with an HEA. For Mature Audiences Only
I’m not a Catholic, a nun, or even a priest. I’m not really religious at all, but I feel bad about loving the words written between these oh, so dirty pages.
NOT!!!
This book has to be one of the hottest, sexiest, and downright delectably decadent stories I’ve ever read.
Father Bell is the priest in question here and it’s no wonder all the women are lusting after him. Poppy Danforth was, and she hadn’t even seen him, just heard his low, smoky voice and she was a lost soul.
I’m lost too. In the story, in the trials they face, and in the reckoning they came to.
I know Priest came out a few years ago but I only recently found this gem, and holy smokes! Tyler Bell is definitely the hottest priest ever The story explores themes such as faith, love and sex. It is written mainly in Tyler’s POV and the ending is told by Poppy. I have never read anything like this before, and dear Lord it is so good
Tyler Bell is a twenty nine year-old man who joined priesthood three years ago. He devotes his time to the Church and is loved by the community. During the week, he busies himself in morning masses, late night men’s groups and fitness routines. He has always been good at following rules until he meets Poppy Danforth. She is new in town and she is still finding her way in life. On the surface, she has everything – a wealthy family, an MBA degree and a successful career. But what she truly wants is to live a meaningful life by helping others
Tyler and Poppy start to bond when she confesses her ‘sin’ in working as a stripper at an exclusive gentlemen’s club. Rather than judgement, he gave her guidance. He has been an incredible listener and he is instrumental in her self-discovery and growth. Their attraction to one another is strong and instant. His needs and her wants… slowly they break all the boundaries
Oh Father Bell… the things he does to Poppy. He is kinky, dirty and rough! The sex scenes are too hot to handle At the same time, he is such a genuine, sweet and loving person, and you don’t want to see him get hurt Poppy is confident, loyal and considerate. The fact that she would sacrifice herself and prioritise Tyler is EVERYTHING. I love the ending but it was slightly rushed for me, but I’m glad there is a novella Midnight Mass that continues their story
Well, that was one dirty rollercoaster of emotions. This book is all over BookTok, Instagram, and Facebook groups. It’s a dirty, erotica story and it did not disappoint. The blurb is enough to let you know this isn’t your normal romance story. It’s a whole lot more.
Are all of their scenes super hot? Heck yes. Do I understand why there was probably a few children born because of this story? Oh yes. But it was more than just that. It was about someone who thought he was meant to go down one path but found that fork in the road to go down another one. I was getting angry about the certain plot twists but it was redeemed at the end.
The audiobook version of this story is so hot. Jacob Morgan is delightfully dirty and emotional as Father Tyler Bell. I cannot imagine another narrator that would have been the perfect choice. We only get a little bit of Elena Wolfe but her sultry voice was perfect for Poppy.
Audio review from 2018
This book is on fire!!
Great plot of the romance between the two main characters and an interesting side story line of Tyler coming to terms with what he wants out of his relationship with Poppy and with God.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance with very detailed sexual experiences played out.
And the narration was fantastic! Jacob Morgan is
Tyler devotee his life to being a priest after a tragedy. Then one day someone walks into his confessional asking to give a confession. Poppy is a woman who has left everything she’s ever known to start over. When she walks into the church she’s unsure of what she is doing. These two people meeting change so much but will it be for better or worse?
TW: Explicit sexual content, crude language, dark Themes, religion, S&M.
I have been meaning to read this since I have noticed both of my all time favorite authors posted immaculate reviews for this book, if Pam Godwin and Penelope Douglas loved this, so will I. I was not wrong.
Sierra was a catholic herself and so was I, so I really enjoyed the amount of accuracy she managed to insert in this tale. It was super romantic and the sexual tension was written perfectly. If you enjoy the priest trope plus somewhat of a second-chance romance this is for you.
Lessons in Sin by Pam Godwin still is my favorite priest-trope book of all times but I think it’s because of the age-gap and the teacher-student dynamic she added to it. Priest is a little lighter than Lessons in Sin and the characters are definitely more mellow.
What I enjoyed the most about Priest that stood out compared to other things I have read before, was the fact that 90% of this book was written by the Male’s POV. It was incredible to have the male perspective written by a woman, as usual, men written by women win it all ladies. The miscommunication trope at the end was my least favorite thing about this plot but since the sensual scenes were so incredibly good and creative I am giving this a four.
I liked this book alot and I LOVED the audiobook even more. Seriously the amount of steam and dirty talking alone is a reason to read this book
I had to buy this audiobook because of all the people who recommended this story. Not to mention, of course, Jacob Morgan and Elena Wolfe are the narrators and come on, you can’t get better than those two.
Jacob Morgan narrated about 90% of the book and Elena Wolfe about 10%, mostly when Poppy was revealing her sins. But, in general, Jacob Morgan narrated and he was amazing. His reading was full of gut wretching emotion, something expected given the topic. Elena Wolfe, also, was excellent when she was reading.
I’m not religious at all so this was a story that was totally different than I would typically read. Tyler, due to a past loss, became a priest. He then fell for Poppy. The push and pull, Tyler’s difficulty in deciding the next step as a man who pledged his life to his God but suddenly found love and attraction for a woman, seemed pretty realistic. I really felt for this character and while he acted a bit immature in multiple instances, I really thought that it was written in such a way that highlighted the emotional impact that was engendered by the difficult decisions that a man such as he had to make. I really felt sympathetic about what he had to do.
My inherent issue with this story is Poppy. There are things that she did that made me feel like there’s no way she deserved someone who gave up his life to be with her. I wish Tyler ended up with someone who I really respected and liked. There are moments where she was likable. But overall, she was the weak link in this story for me.
That said, if you walk in knowing this is a taboo story where steaminess is the clear goal, even more than developing a likable couple (a likable couple includes 2 people who I want to see get together!) then this book would be for you. But if you do read this book, I would recommend actually listening to the audiobook because it was so well done!
4.5 stars for this steamy read .
I wonder if Poppy Danforth knew how her life changed after the “ telling “ of her confession!
As Father Tyler Anslem Bell was listening to Poppy’s confession his mind must have been in turmoil, his first confession that was highly erotic..
Steamy and erotic times ahead for One Priest and his ex— stripper.
Wonderfully written as usual by Sierra Simone..
I’m still shocked that I enjoyed this
It’s both extremely hot and emotional
This taboo story is so sinful. I actually read Priest about 5 years ago, long before I started writing reviews. It seemed to me that prior to the release of Saint was the perfect time to get reacquainted with Father Bell and I can’t deny loving every moment of this deliciously hot story.
I knew this story packed some heat, but in all honesty, I had forgotten most of the storyline so it felt like I was reading Priest for the very first time. This story is taboo so it won’t be to everyone’s liking. I do feel that I shouldn’t have enjoyed it as much as I did, but once you take away the dog collar this is essentially a love story between a man and a woman and I absolutely loved the way that Tyler explained his feelings surrounding this, especially regarding his relationship with God.
I adore Tyler. OMG how could I not?? He not only got me hot under the collar (not his collar…. mine ) because of his looks and sexual preferences, but he has a fabulous personality too. He’s kind, caring and thoughtful…. the perfect package!
I must admit that I wasn’t too certain of Poppy at times – and I loved this! I did question her intentions and reason for wanting Tyler – wondering if she was attracted to the man or the forbiddenness of having a relationship with him. Now that I have finished reading the book, I am unsure of how I feel about her overall. I see so much good in her but I don’t think we would be the best of friends in real life. I could see how perfect she and Tyler were for each other though.
There is an instant attraction between Tyler and Poppy which develops rather quickly into more. You’re going to need cold showers throughout this story that is a certainty. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. If you can handle the taboo, I have a feeling you’ll enjoy it too.
Holy Hell, Father Bell.
I’ve heard legend of the spice of this one, but I don’t think I was prepared for it. In fact, I know for a fact that this one burned, in both good and bad ways.
For example, this couple and their creative use of Catholicism and all of its tools leaves me feeling a bit like I’m going to have to go stand in Hell, unless I slide by confession. I knew this was taboo, but SHEESH. This was almost disrespectful, the way it tossed me up and left me unsure of what I’m even feeling about it.
Aside from that, I at least have a solid opinion on the storyline and the characters.
Tyler was a man led by a serious tragedy to his calling. And I don’t think he took that lightly. His conflict in the urges of man vs the calling of God may have resonated a bit more if he hadn’t been struck by lustful urges so quickly. I think I needed to see him in his role as the Shepherd more so in the beginning to really feel the battle he was supposed to be waging.
And Poppy. I wanted so badly to like the woman who left her dull life behind for something more fulfilling, but it was really hard to reconcile the smart woman we were told she was, with the woman that was actually on page.
Overall, I’m calling this a taboo treat that left me feeling a little hollow.
After Father Tyler Bell’s life was shattered he turned to religion that destroyed his family. He devoted his life to the church…until Poppy walked in.
Poppy is pure temptation to Father Bell from the moment they meet. He spends so much of this story fighting that temptation, the desires he feels for this woman. There is plenty of steamy scenes and I don’t know if I’ll be able to look at a church alter again without thinking of Father Bell, again.
I loved Father Bell. His struggles and the sacrifices he made throughout the story only made me love his character even more. He was somewhat broken, devoted and he was caring. I loved that this story was primarily told from his POV and gave so much more insight to him and his thoughts. Poppy, she was hit or miss for me. At times I enjoyed her character and other times, I don’t know. I’m still kind of on the fence about her. There were a few little glimpses into her POV and I did enjoy those little tidbits.
If you’re looking for a dark, forbidden, taboo romance this is one to check out.
This is the fourth Sierra Simone book I’ve read. I should be used to the sexy time she brings. Still, I blushed listening to this. I wasn’t a fan of who neatly it wrapped up at the end.
Sierra Simone BABY where have you been my whole life?? Priest was everything filthy, sexy, thought provoking and intense that I want in a book. Father Bell was both the villain and the hero in this story but not in the way that you might think.
“She saw me as safe, and why shouldn’t she? I was a man of the cloth, after all, bound by God to be a caregiver of his flock. Of course, she would assume that she could tease me, touch me, without bothering my priestly composure. How could she know what her words and voice did to me? How could she know that her hand was currently searing its outline onto my chest?”
The writing!! Oh gah, the writing was everything soulful and dirty that you could ever hope it to be. Through the entirety of this book, I was surprised at the depths that were shown of not only Father Bell but of Poppy. This story was much more about the tumultuous struggles one man faces after falling in love when that was the one thing he wasn’t supposed to do. Moments of this story will shroud you in fear for Father Bell, other moments will have you wanting to comfort him like it is your job and by the end of the story every emotion will have been wrung out of you.
Now my thoughts on the audio…
100% nothing less, Jacob Morgan as a Priest. Need I say more? Jacob Morgan gives me some of the best emotions I have ever heard in an audio production and this book took it to a whole other level. I felt his frustration because of the things Father Bell wanted but shouldn’t have and you could hear his heart breaking with the decisions he was forced to make. Seriously, just f*cking wonderful narration. Elena Wolfe as Poppy was just as incredible, her voice was breathless and so focused on Father Bell that it was as if you were seeing her reactions to the things, he was doing and saying. Which might be a bit scandalous to think about it…
Honestly, five stars. That is all, just five stars. Saying too much would give away the story, just read the blurb and dive headfirst into all the dirty sins of Father Bell and his Lamb.
Shoutout to Kim & Mo from Audibly Addicted for dedicating a whole episode to Priest and making me fall in love with Father Bell before I even read the story. XO.
Priest: 4.25
“Whatever happens after this, I just want you to know that this was worth it. You were worth it. You were worth everything.”
Suffice it to say, I am a staunch Sierra Simone fan now. I have absolutely no idea how I ever went this long without her books. A phenomenal and gifted writer–every single sentence is so carefully construed and even conveys inner turmoil so very well.
Priest, a forbidden romance, is written from Father Tyler Anselm Bell’s perspective–a handsome priest who has changed his old ways and become part of the church after a huge loss to him and his family. Enter Poppy Danforth, a MBA graduate and corporate executive who gave up that life to work as a stripper instead.
Through regular confessions and running into one another in their town, the two of them form a relationship with undeniable, off-the-charts, ridiculous sexual tension. And that tension–it delivers. Father Bell is quite possibly the king of dirty talk but at the same time, he is kind and sweet and sincere as well.
The only thing is, I couldn’t really connect with Poppy and I didn’t find myself rooting for her as much as I loved Tyler. But, that could just be because the whole book is in Tyler’s perspective!
A really good forbidden romance! If you’re looking for something spicy… This is the one for you!
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I kept seeing this book recommended over and over again in a book group I am in. I finally gave in to give it a try. Wow, this is the kind of book you don’t know if you should feel bad about reading or revel in the brilliance the author brought into the book. I am not Catholic, nor was I raised Catholic, but this book definitely is on the edge of forbidden. This book sucked me into the conflict and inner dialog of Tyler and I felt like I could feel his personal torment at times.
This book may have felt slightly forbidden for me, but at the same time, it was pretty damn sexy. If you need a sexy, steamy, hot book, and don’t mind a little bit of the risky side, this is a book for you.
I really enjoyed this book. I have never ever read anything like this but I really enjoyed how the author portrayed the questioning of themselves, their decisions, and God. As a religious person I understand that sometimes it takes messing up and sinning for you to find the path the God wants you to be on. I really enjoyed that aspect. However, I feel like maybe I need to confess after reading this…
I was raised Catholic but don’t practice any longer, not because I don’t believe in God but mostly because I don’t believe in the antiquated teachings and beliefs of the Church. So I have to say that I loved loved loved this book. I felt the struggle of Father Bell as he was torn between the two loves of his life. Whichever one he chose, he would have to leave the other half of his life behind. Plus the sex was hot. #NoPantsRead #ReadOneHanded