Type of read: Commuter Read

What made me pick it up: I read 'Priest' and thoroughly enjoyed it so it seemed like a no brainer to read 'Sinner.'

Overall rating: I'm going to start by saying that I really appreciate that while this is the second in the series, the books are more stand-alone and you don't <i> have </i> to have read 'Priest' before this one. Although, I do think it helped to have the backstory and information from 'Priest' as I went through 'Sinner.' Consequently, 'Sinner' answered some of the questions I thought were left unanswered in 'Priest.' As I said with 'Priest' the spicy scenes are written very well. 'Sinner' definitely has more of a teacher vibe between the FMC and MMC as they explore each other, which, isn't really my vibe, but it did make sense with the storyline.

Spicy content aside, there is an absolutely beautiful conversation between Sean and Tyler about sexuality, worthiness, hurt, and sins about a third of the way into the book (I forget what chapter specifically, but it's in the 10-12 area). I feel like for those of us who were born into and grew up heavily steeped in the church, it gives a perfect explanation of why we might feel the way we do about sexuality and sexual acts as we work to find ourselves, specifically as sexual beings.

Overall, not mad I got sucked into this series. I'm still not positive if I'll finish the series and read 'Saint.' The tropes aren't really my style and I don't want that to hinder my enjoyment of the book, but I would not be opposed to picking up more from Simone in the future.

Reader's Note: 'Sinner' includes themes of suicide, religious trauma, sexual assault and rape (related to the main character's backstory but not actively part of the sexual scenes in the book), and consensual sexual relationships. There is an age gap between the FMC and MMC (21 to 36); however, consent is HUGE in 'Sinner.'