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The Goode Brothers #1
The Anti-Hero
I’ve been good long enough.
As the eldest son of Austin’s most prominent preacher, I’ve lived my life on the virtuous side. No scandals. Flawless image. Clean reputation.
That’s the way it must be if I’m going to take his place someday.
But everything changes when I find out my father is a VIP member of a local kink club.
A liar. A cheater. A hypocrite.
Now, I’m done being righteous.
And when the club owner’s jaded girlfriend comes to me with a proposal, I can’t resist.
Sage is nothing like the women I’ve dated before. Pink hair, tattoos, piercings. I know it’ll burn my father’s reputation to the ground when she and I are seen together.
But our fake dating scheme isn’t enough. We need videos—dirty videos.
The more we film these scenes, the more I like it.
She wants me to degrade her, hurt her, violate her.
And God help me, I want it too.
But it’s hardly fakeanymore, and before long, I don’t recognize the Goode man I used to be.
As the eldest son of Austin’s most prominent preacher, I’ve lived my life on the virtuous side. No scandals. Flawless image. Clean reputation.
That’s the way it must be if I’m going to take his place someday.
But everything changes when I find out my father is a VIP member of a local kink club.
A liar. A cheater. A hypocrite.
Now, I’m done being righteous.
And when the club owner’s jaded girlfriend comes to me with a proposal, I can’t resist.
Sage is nothing like the women I’ve dated before. Pink hair, tattoos, piercings. I know it’ll burn my father’s reputation to the ground when she and I are seen together.
But our fake dating scheme isn’t enough. We need videos—dirty videos.
The more we film these scenes, the more I like it.
She wants me to degrade her, hurt her, violate her.
And God help me, I want it too.
But it’s hardly fakeanymore, and before long, I don’t recognize the Goode man I used to be.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 14, 2023
4806 people are currently reading
28117 people want to read
About the author
Sara Cate
48 books19.6k followersSara Cate is a USA Today best-selling author of steamy romance and sexy book boyfriends. Although she writes a wide range of tropes, Sara is best known for her age gap and taboo romances. One thing you can expect from her entire collection is heaps of steam and plenty of angst.
Living in Arizona with her husband and kids, Sara spends most of her time reading, writing, or baking.
Find out more at: www.saracatebooks.com
Living in Arizona with her husband and kids, Sara spends most of her time reading, writing, or baking.
Find out more at: www.saracatebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,357 reviews
June 9, 2025
I was ovulating. Mind your business.
March 25, 2024
3.5/5
This book only confirmed to me that I have slowly outgrown the bad boy/good girl trope, and now all that matters is the bad girl/good boy. I don't know if this book pushed "Mercy" out of first place, but it definitely falls in the second. Because honestly, was this book perfect? No. Does that mean I didn't like it and enjoyed it? Hell no, as I literally read it in one sitting. Can’t wait for the third book as I’m skipping the second one, because of the cheating part.
This book only confirmed to me that I have slowly outgrown the bad boy/good girl trope, and now all that matters is the bad girl/good boy. I don't know if this book pushed "Mercy" out of first place, but it definitely falls in the second. Because honestly, was this book perfect? No. Does that mean I didn't like it and enjoyed it? Hell no, as I literally read it in one sitting. Can’t wait for the third book as I’m skipping the second one, because of the cheating part.
July 24, 2023
“I’m not a fucking nice guy.” She smiles wickedly, almost like a dare. “Then prove it.”
When I say that I have been patiently (impatiently) waiting for this book, it is not an exaggeration, and it did not disappoint. I'm convinced that I will read anything that Sara puts out. We're there things that I didn't like? Absolutely, but I still very much enjoyed it.
The Anti-Hero is the first book in The Goode Brothers series and is an age gap, opposites attract, fake dating romance with self-discovery, religious trauma, banter, tension, and angst that gave me a range of emotions from being angry, to smiling and shedding some tears.
Adam Goode is the son of a well-known preacher in Austin, Texas, and as the oldest son is to take over for his father when the time comes. He goes to his usual Saturday morning diner for breakfast to work on a sermon for his father, and that's when he meets Sage Astor. They are sat at the breakfast bar together and have small talk before leaving she hands him a card for the club she helps run, Pink. Adam finds himself there one night after he sees a deed on his father's desk only to find out that he is not only working with Sage's boyfriend but is also a VIP member at the sex club. After finding out about his father Adam and Sage put forth a revenge plan she had to ruin his family's reputation, to expose his father, and to get back at her ex and that is to fake date him. Only they aren't just pretending to date but are also creating sex tapes. The more time the two spend together, the more real their relationship becomes.
“Damn, Peaches. You look nice.” “You too, Church Boy. I like your suit.”
“Don’t wipe them away. Just cry. I’ve got you.”
Adam and Sage grew together and as individuals. She helped him with his struggles of being the good church boy and giving in to what he likes sexually. Boy, was Adam good at being good but also so good at being bad. He helped her by showing what it's like to be treated the way she deserves to be treated and cared for. I also enjoyed the side characters with one in particular and that Gladys. The one thing I didn't like is the sex club aspect as she already has a series based one. I can't wait for more of this series and what Sara has in store for us, with the next brother's story being Caleb's.
When I say that I have been patiently (impatiently) waiting for this book, it is not an exaggeration, and it did not disappoint. I'm convinced that I will read anything that Sara puts out. We're there things that I didn't like? Absolutely, but I still very much enjoyed it.
The Anti-Hero is the first book in The Goode Brothers series and is an age gap, opposites attract, fake dating romance with self-discovery, religious trauma, banter, tension, and angst that gave me a range of emotions from being angry, to smiling and shedding some tears.
Adam Goode is the son of a well-known preacher in Austin, Texas, and as the oldest son is to take over for his father when the time comes. He goes to his usual Saturday morning diner for breakfast to work on a sermon for his father, and that's when he meets Sage Astor. They are sat at the breakfast bar together and have small talk before leaving she hands him a card for the club she helps run, Pink. Adam finds himself there one night after he sees a deed on his father's desk only to find out that he is not only working with Sage's boyfriend but is also a VIP member at the sex club. After finding out about his father Adam and Sage put forth a revenge plan she had to ruin his family's reputation, to expose his father, and to get back at her ex and that is to fake date him. Only they aren't just pretending to date but are also creating sex tapes. The more time the two spend together, the more real their relationship becomes.
“Damn, Peaches. You look nice.” “You too, Church Boy. I like your suit.”
“Don’t wipe them away. Just cry. I’ve got you.”
Adam and Sage grew together and as individuals. She helped him with his struggles of being the good church boy and giving in to what he likes sexually. Boy, was Adam good at being good but also so good at being bad. He helped her by showing what it's like to be treated the way she deserves to be treated and cared for. I also enjoyed the side characters with one in particular and that Gladys. The one thing I didn't like is the sex club aspect as she already has a series based one. I can't wait for more of this series and what Sara has in store for us, with the next brother's story being Caleb's.
August 9, 2024
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD HOLY MOLY I CANT WAIT FOR THE AUDIO. I will pass out from spice overload. I can’t get the “good girls go bad” song out of my head but obviously it’s the opposite for this book so 😂
Adam Goode is something else entirely & I love everything about him. He may seem holy but that mouth is filled with ungodliest of words 🤭😛The relationship between him & Sage was so fun & exciting!!!! And the way they grow together & help one another reach their goals in life is just so pure. The entire book had me hooked right off the bat & I really did not want it to end. I’m so freaking excited for the rest of this series!!! I would expect nothing less than amazingness from one of my all time favorite authors.
All you need to know about this book: age gap, sex club, hand necklaces, revenge, sex tape, church boy x alt girlie, cream pies, degradation, HOT AF.
Peaches is the cutest nickname & you can’t tell me otherwise!!
Two words: CHURCH. SCENE. I never wanted to be an inanimate objection so much in my life—a pulpit.
I feel like I need to go shower in holy water brb.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Age gap
Good boy turned bad
Fake dating
Opposites attract
Revenge
Adam Goode is something else entirely & I love everything about him. He may seem holy but that mouth is filled with ungodliest of words 🤭😛The relationship between him & Sage was so fun & exciting!!!! And the way they grow together & help one another reach their goals in life is just so pure. The entire book had me hooked right off the bat & I really did not want it to end. I’m so freaking excited for the rest of this series!!! I would expect nothing less than amazingness from one of my all time favorite authors.
All you need to know about this book: age gap, sex club, hand necklaces, revenge, sex tape, church boy x alt girlie, cream pies, degradation, HOT AF.
Peaches is the cutest nickname & you can’t tell me otherwise!!
Two words: CHURCH. SCENE. I never wanted to be an inanimate objection so much in my life—a pulpit.
I feel like I need to go shower in holy water brb.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Age gap
Good boy turned bad
Fake dating
Opposites attract
Revenge
Read
October 17, 2023I can't do this anymore.
I'm just not invested. The characters are absurdly dull, their "romance" gave me a headache and the story in general is simply ridiculous.
DNFing this at 70% because I kept hoping it'd go somewhere.
No need to say it didn't.
edit october 2023: I guess that the fact that it's been a month since i've DNFd this with the promise of reviewing it at a later time, but I don't remember a thing about it, speaks for itself.
The only thing I remember is that when the two main characters met, MMC said FMC is wearing chipped black nail polish, but later on, he says she was wearing red polish when they first met. I hate being picky over small details, but this little slip kind of set me up for disappointment, and disappointed I was.
I'm just not invested. The characters are absurdly dull, their "romance" gave me a headache and the story in general is simply ridiculous.
DNFing this at 70% because I kept hoping it'd go somewhere.
No need to say it didn't.
edit october 2023: I guess that the fact that it's been a month since i've DNFd this with the promise of reviewing it at a later time, but I don't remember a thing about it, speaks for itself.
The only thing I remember is that when the two main characters met, MMC said FMC is wearing chipped black nail polish, but later on, he says she was wearing red polish when they first met. I hate being picky over small details, but this little slip kind of set me up for disappointment, and disappointed I was.
August 31, 2023
3/5 ⭐
2/5 🔥
It was so addicting but then again, it lacked! But it was ENTERTAINING!!! Would've been better if Adam was a bit mature and acted like his age and if there was a bit more depth to the characters
The Goode family is well respected for owning numerous churches, closing bars throughout the community, and generally doing honorable deeds. But when Adam Goode, one of four brothers, went to a bar for breakfast one day, he noticed a pink girl who was definitely not his type or, should I say, the type of his family. Nevertheless, he couldn't stop thinking about her after that.
She has tattoos covering practically every inch of her body, pink hair, and lip and nose piercings. She is charismatic, fierce, and brave. See not the type of a Church boy.
He is a good church boy who writes his own sermons and carries the church of his father. The ideal good-church-father-boy.
But one day he learns that his father got hold of a sex club in a town. He becomes concerned and rushes there, where he discovers his father having an affair with a young girl in one of the VIP rooms. He gets furious and confronts him, but his father beats him up.
It turned out that Adam's father, Austin's most renowned pastor, and Sage's boyfriend, the owner of a sex club, were on the same side.
The plan Sage will stop dating Brett his boyfriend and Adam will stop being a good boy for once and all. They would fake date each other no feelings involved- at all😉 see right there.
Now the romance in this one was so good. SO 5/5 for romance but overall, its 3.5 It was the OG yk first it's no feeling attached then its friends -to- friends with benefit -to- I can't live without you but I hate to admit it- to- sorry BUT I LOVE YOU!!
I very much liked how their relationship was developed over time; neither love nor lust (well, maybe a little lust) appeared right away. Because they both came from completely different backgrounds, their perspectives on life were very different from one another, so I appreciated how things developed gradually between them and how they struggled with one another.
The problems...
As soon as Adam realized his father wasn't who he claimed to be, the entire book's plot centered around him exacting "revenge" on him. And his method of his revenge was both unneeded and immature.
Like he IS 37 THRITY SEVEN-YEAR-OLD AND YOU telling me that he wants to become bad boy to ruin his father's reputation...? Like he made those sex tapes which were so cringe and brought her to a fancy gala his family had and then proceeded to MAKE OUT WITH HER WHILE DANCING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GUEST EW NO WAY!!! the amount of second-hand embarrassment I got😭😭
The characters were meh. The author wanted us to know throughout the book that Adam was a decent lad who always followed the rules and Sage was a fierce woman who doesn't even know what rules are, THAT IS ALL. Other than that, not much of their personalities were present. Adam was so immature.
Sage's backstory is limited to the fact that she fled her home because of her step-father, and we never get to know why Adam was so sensitive and emotional.
Now, this book was super enjoyable, but it lacked some main points it lacked the background stories of main characters, like why is Adam so sensitive! OFC 🙄 The side characters were so left out; they were barely even there. Like I said it felt like it wasn't finished.
The ending was so rushed🤚🏽it was unexplained how when or what happened that his father agreed to that!?
Still try this if you want a hot full of sin, and an enjoyable read. And you don't want to get too attached with the main characters.
I teared at the end where he wrote a letter to Isaac IT WAS SO SWEET😭😭😭
----------
hmm... not that bad but not that good...rtc
2/5 🔥
It was so addicting but then again, it lacked! But it was ENTERTAINING!!! Would've been better if Adam was a bit mature and acted like his age and if there was a bit more depth to the characters
"Who the fuck did I think I was? She deserves the fucking sun. The moon. The stars."
"I mutter with conviction, “I’d hang a rainbow flag above the door, so Isaac knows everyone is welcome.”
The Goode family is well respected for owning numerous churches, closing bars throughout the community, and generally doing honorable deeds. But when Adam Goode, one of four brothers, went to a bar for breakfast one day, he noticed a pink girl who was definitely not his type or, should I say, the type of his family. Nevertheless, he couldn't stop thinking about her after that.
She has tattoos covering practically every inch of her body, pink hair, and lip and nose piercings. She is charismatic, fierce, and brave. See not the type of a Church boy.
“Does it make you sick to know how easily I won him over? How fast I convinced your son to put pussy before God?”
He is a good church boy who writes his own sermons and carries the church of his father. The ideal good-church-father-boy.
But one day he learns that his father got hold of a sex club in a town. He becomes concerned and rushes there, where he discovers his father having an affair with a young girl in one of the VIP rooms. He gets furious and confronts him, but his father beats him up.
It turned out that Adam's father, Austin's most renowned pastor, and Sage's boyfriend, the owner of a sex club, were on the same side.
“Don’t wipe them away. Just cry. I’ve got you.”
The plan Sage will stop dating Brett his boyfriend and Adam will stop being a good boy for once and all. They would fake date each other no feelings involved- at all😉 see right there.
Now the romance in this one was so good. SO 5/5 for romance but overall, its 3.5 It was the OG yk first it's no feeling attached then its friends -to- friends with benefit -to- I can't live without you but I hate to admit it- to- sorry BUT I LOVE YOU!!
I very much liked how their relationship was developed over time; neither love nor lust (well, maybe a little lust) appeared right away. Because they both came from completely different backgrounds, their perspectives on life were very different from one another, so I appreciated how things developed gradually between them and how they struggled with one another.
I’d gladly burn in hell for her, so going to prison is a simple sacrifice. To be the hero in her story, I would
The problems...
As soon as Adam realized his father wasn't who he claimed to be, the entire book's plot centered around him exacting "revenge" on him. And his method of his revenge was both unneeded and immature.
Like he IS 37 THRITY SEVEN-YEAR-OLD AND YOU telling me that he wants to become bad boy to ruin his father's reputation...? Like he made those sex tapes which were so cringe and brought her to a fancy gala his family had and then proceeded to MAKE OUT WITH HER WHILE DANCING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GUEST EW NO WAY!!! the amount of second-hand embarrassment I got😭😭
The characters were meh. The author wanted us to know throughout the book that Adam was a decent lad who always followed the rules and Sage was a fierce woman who doesn't even know what rules are, THAT IS ALL. Other than that, not much of their personalities were present. Adam was so immature.
Sage's backstory is limited to the fact that she fled her home because of her step-father, and we never get to know why Adam was so sensitive and emotional.
Now, this book was super enjoyable, but it lacked some main points it lacked the background stories of main characters, like why is Adam so sensitive! OFC 🙄 The side characters were so left out; they were barely even there. Like I said it felt like it wasn't finished.
The ending was so rushed🤚🏽it was unexplained how when or what happened that his father agreed to that!?
Still try this if you want a hot full of sin, and an enjoyable read. And you don't want to get too attached with the main characters.
I teared at the end where he wrote a letter to Isaac IT WAS SO SWEET😭😭😭
----------
hmm... not that bad but not that good...rtc
August 14, 2023
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
🌀 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈-𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎 🌀 Is a full length romance book by author Sara Cate. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.' Sage & Adam
Not gonna lie the cover did it for me 🤷♀️ he's hot!! From that very first page I was hooked, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would to be honest.
Adam was raised within a very religious family where his father is the lead minister in a church whom Adam looked up to and even wanted to follow in his father's footsteps.All Adam strived to be was a good son, he looked up to his father as though he himself was god. But that all changes when he uncovers his father's secrets. Which leaves Adam questioning everything, from his faith, to what's right and wrong.
After encountering Sage at his favourite local diner, even though they are complete opposites from every sense of the word they have an instant connection.
This encounter won't be the last we see of them, these two unbeknownst to them are entwined through a dealing with Adam's father.
They devise a plan to stage a fake relationship, she gets what she wants and out of this deal, and Adam takes down his father a peg or two.
Many a times Adam mentioned they would never work out in his world, this is all due to her outward appearance, pink hair, piercings and tattoos, throw in the fact that she worked in a sex club didn't seem that big of a deal to him as much as her appearance was.
I adored Sage, she took pleasure in the simple things in life, from her little book club, her dog and generally being a good person, she was so relatable. A happy go lucky kind of girl.
This was the perfect opposites attract trope, even though Adam appeared younger than his 37 years they were perfection together. She brought out a side of him that surprised even himself, and I loved seeing him evolve.
September 28, 2023
Sermon writer for his father, Truett Goode, minister of a mega church in Austin, Texas, Adam’s life unravels as he learns it’s all smoke in mirrors.
With a unique twist on a favorite trope, The Anti-Hero is unexpected, emotional, and so damn sėxy.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😳🤬🥵🥺😍😚
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (10), Fake Relationship, Family Saga, Opposites Attract, Revenge, Who Hurt You
💋 Kinks: Angel Wings, Bondage/Restraints, Degradation, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: The Anti-Hero is part of The Goode Brothers series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
With a unique twist on a favorite trope, The Anti-Hero is unexpected, emotional, and so damn sėxy.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😳🤬🥵🥺😍😚
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (10), Fake Relationship, Family Saga, Opposites Attract, Revenge, Who Hurt You
💋 Kinks: Angel Wings, Bondage/Restraints, Degradation, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: The Anti-Hero is part of The Goode Brothers series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
July 24, 2023
I didn’t like the story and the male character’s behavior was so unbelievable in his age… come on 🙄
July 24, 2024
*Reread in 2024 via Audio*
*reread for Patreon Aug 2023*
.
.
Enjoyed this quite a bit and I am so intrigued for more of the series.
I was so excited to dive into a new series from Sara Cate. I have been so engaged with her recent releases and this book was no different. We dive right into this new situation and this new twisted family we get introduced to.
Adam has a heavy burden on his shoulders and when his reasons for carrying it get drawn into question, he gets thrust into a fake dating scenario with Sage that leads to some huge consequences for the life he has lived up to this point.
I liked how Adam and Sage were drawn together and the way they worked together was so hot... it was smoking up my kindle. I loved watching them get to know each other and seeing them fall in love as they "faked" it for the camera.
I truly was drawn into the story, I just felt a little hung up on the scenario.. It seemed like a huge leap to make to get us to this point, but whatever, I can suspend a little of my disbelief.
I look forward to what comes next for this fallen family. I think it's gonna be a spicy ride.
*I just re-read this book via audio and Kindle together. A wonderfully immersive reading experience. The performance in duet style by Vivienne Larue and Jacob Morgan was delightful. I had shivers many times and it really elevated my enjoyment this time around.*
4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: abuse, parental violence, violence against women
Sexy content: BDSM, bondage, impact play, voyuerism
*Thank you to Sara Cate for a complimentary audio book of this title.*
*reread for Patreon Aug 2023*
.
.
Enjoyed this quite a bit and I am so intrigued for more of the series.
I was so excited to dive into a new series from Sara Cate. I have been so engaged with her recent releases and this book was no different. We dive right into this new situation and this new twisted family we get introduced to.
Adam has a heavy burden on his shoulders and when his reasons for carrying it get drawn into question, he gets thrust into a fake dating scenario with Sage that leads to some huge consequences for the life he has lived up to this point.
I liked how Adam and Sage were drawn together and the way they worked together was so hot... it was smoking up my kindle. I loved watching them get to know each other and seeing them fall in love as they "faked" it for the camera.
I truly was drawn into the story, I just felt a little hung up on the scenario.. It seemed like a huge leap to make to get us to this point, but whatever, I can suspend a little of my disbelief.
I look forward to what comes next for this fallen family. I think it's gonna be a spicy ride.
*I just re-read this book via audio and Kindle together. A wonderfully immersive reading experience. The performance in duet style by Vivienne Larue and Jacob Morgan was delightful. I had shivers many times and it really elevated my enjoyment this time around.*
4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: abuse, parental violence, violence against women
Sexy content: BDSM, bondage, impact play, voyuerism
*Thank you to Sara Cate for a complimentary audio book of this title.*
October 2, 2023
"Rule #1: No one can know the truth. Everyone needs to believe we're a real couple."
Adam Goode.
Son of known preacher, Truett Goode.
Planned to take over for his father. Be head of the church. Follow the word of god.
That was until one day, he walked into "Pink" Austin's premier Sex Club.
And let's just say, Preacher Truett was up to things a little less than holy.
What will Adam do?
All he knows is that he cannot let his father get away with this. And he is not planning on it.
"Something inside me aches to rebel, and it's something I've never felt before."
Sage Astor.
"Co-owner" of Austin's sex club, "Pink".
After getting completely blindsided by her stupid as shit boyfriend, Sage is done.
She is not going to let him kick her out and she is not going down without a fight.
She is going to make him pay, and she has a plan.
Luckily, that plan requires goody two-shoes Adam Goode.
"We're not trying to just make waves; we want to cause a tsunami"
💫4.75 stars💫
Sara Cate coming in hot with religious trauma everyone and I am here for it honestly!!
Adam and Sage make a plan to get back at her dumb-ass boyfriend and his sinful father.
But is their plan more than they bargained for?
"We set rules to stop ourselves from doing this, but when we're in the moment, it's so hard to say no to what we really want."
The banter was there. The comedy was there. The spice was serving with an extra side of whipped cream, maple, and strawberries people and I gobbled it up like a turkey on Thanksgiving.
"I know what I'll call you. Peaches. Because you taste so fucking sweet."
And also I made a playlist again!!:
Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5i1...
🎵 "Anti-Hero" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Bad Reputation" - Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
🎵 "Talk Dirty to Me" - Jason Derulo
🎵 "Church" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "as good a reason" - Paris Paloma
🎵 "Holy" - Zolita
🎵 "Unholy" - Sam Smith and Kim Petras
🎵 "Bring me to Life" - Evanescence
🎵 "Family Line" - Conan Gray
🎵 "Animals" - Nickelback
🎵 "Take me to Church" - Hozier
🎵 "Peaches" - Justin Bieber
One thing I will say, is that this wasn't a 5 star for me just because Adam pissed me off in the beginning with some of his off-hand comments. But by the end honestly, the boy can get it and good for him.
"This is what you wanted, wasn't it? Then, fucking take it."
And then we have Sage.
Honestly Sage is a badass but through the whole book I just wanted to give her a hug. And fucking Brett can go die in a hole for all I care.
I'm not even going to get into what Truett deserves in case the FBI agent tracking my internet is watching (Hi Brad!!).
But anyways this was addicting and delicious, and as always:
"I've always wanted to have you at my mercy like this, Peaches. I can do anything I want to do to you now."
"That's my girl. Gag on it."
⛪ Tropes: ⛪
🧇 Age Gap
🧇 Fake Dating/Relationship
🧇 Good guy x Bad Girl
🧇 Opposites Attract
🧇 Revenge Plan
🧇 Degradation
🧇 BDSM
Adam Goode.
Son of known preacher, Truett Goode.
Planned to take over for his father. Be head of the church. Follow the word of god.
That was until one day, he walked into "Pink" Austin's premier Sex Club.
And let's just say, Preacher Truett was up to things a little less than holy.
What will Adam do?
All he knows is that he cannot let his father get away with this. And he is not planning on it.
"Something inside me aches to rebel, and it's something I've never felt before."
Sage Astor.
"Co-owner" of Austin's sex club, "Pink".
After getting completely blindsided by her stupid as shit boyfriend, Sage is done.
She is not going to let him kick her out and she is not going down without a fight.
She is going to make him pay, and she has a plan.
Luckily, that plan requires goody two-shoes Adam Goode.
"We're not trying to just make waves; we want to cause a tsunami"
💫4.75 stars💫
Sara Cate coming in hot with religious trauma everyone and I am here for it honestly!!
Adam and Sage make a plan to get back at her dumb-ass boyfriend and his sinful father.
But is their plan more than they bargained for?
"We set rules to stop ourselves from doing this, but when we're in the moment, it's so hard to say no to what we really want."
The banter was there. The comedy was there. The spice was serving with an extra side of whipped cream, maple, and strawberries people and I gobbled it up like a turkey on Thanksgiving.
"I know what I'll call you. Peaches. Because you taste so fucking sweet."
And also I made a playlist again!!:
Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5i1...
🎵 "Anti-Hero" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Bad Reputation" - Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
🎵 "Talk Dirty to Me" - Jason Derulo
🎵 "Church" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "as good a reason" - Paris Paloma
🎵 "Holy" - Zolita
🎵 "Unholy" - Sam Smith and Kim Petras
🎵 "Bring me to Life" - Evanescence
🎵 "Family Line" - Conan Gray
🎵 "Animals" - Nickelback
🎵 "Take me to Church" - Hozier
🎵 "Peaches" - Justin Bieber
One thing I will say, is that this wasn't a 5 star for me just because Adam pissed me off in the beginning with some of his off-hand comments. But by the end honestly, the boy can get it and good for him.
"This is what you wanted, wasn't it? Then, fucking take it."
And then we have Sage.
Honestly Sage is a badass but through the whole book I just wanted to give her a hug. And fucking Brett can go die in a hole for all I care.
I'm not even going to get into what Truett deserves in case the FBI agent tracking my internet is watching (Hi Brad!!).
But anyways this was addicting and delicious, and as always:
"I've always wanted to have you at my mercy like this, Peaches. I can do anything I want to do to you now."
"That's my girl. Gag on it."
⛪ Tropes: ⛪
🧇 Age Gap
🧇 Fake Dating/Relationship
🧇 Good guy x Bad Girl
🧇 Opposites Attract
🧇 Revenge Plan
🧇 Degradation
🧇 BDSM
July 16, 2023
DNF @39%
Sorry, but this just wasn’t for me. It seemed like an interesting concept, but the execution wasn’t at all believable, and the characters made me nauseous.
For one, the dad (a church pastor who has a dark secret) wasn’t even a good man on the surface-level. If he was, the “big reveal” might have been more shocking, but he was literally a horrible person from page one and had absolutely no remorse for his actions. People who are trying to perpetuate a moral image don’t parade their vices like it’s no big deal. His whole character was just ick and wholly unconvincing.
And the MMC—I wanted to like him, but again, not realistic in any way. I mean, what 37 year old man decides to take revenge on his father by ruining his OWN (not his father’s) reputation? This dude’s pushing 40 and acting like a delinquent high schooler. And I didn’t like that he had no identity apart from his father or values of his own. It just came off as weak and empty-headed. And the only reason he even decided on the revenge plan is because the FMC suggested it. Ugh, just no 🤦🏽♀️
I’m disappointed—I was looking forward to this, but it fell completely flat for me.
Sorry, but this just wasn’t for me. It seemed like an interesting concept, but the execution wasn’t at all believable, and the characters made me nauseous.
For one, the dad (a church pastor who has a dark secret) wasn’t even a good man on the surface-level. If he was, the “big reveal” might have been more shocking, but he was literally a horrible person from page one and had absolutely no remorse for his actions. People who are trying to perpetuate a moral image don’t parade their vices like it’s no big deal. His whole character was just ick and wholly unconvincing.
And the MMC—I wanted to like him, but again, not realistic in any way. I mean, what 37 year old man decides to take revenge on his father by ruining his OWN (not his father’s) reputation? This dude’s pushing 40 and acting like a delinquent high schooler. And I didn’t like that he had no identity apart from his father or values of his own. It just came off as weak and empty-headed. And the only reason he even decided on the revenge plan is because the FMC suggested it. Ugh, just no 🤦🏽♀️
I’m disappointed—I was looking forward to this, but it fell completely flat for me.
July 17, 2023
It’s out now! I finished this yesterday and let me tell you… as someone who was raised in the Christian church, who went to Christian school my ENTIRE life (yes preschool thru college), this book hits CLOSE to home. I have watched preachers like his dad fall. I’ve felt the pressure of having to follow the Bible word by word, as if I’m only worthy if I’m the perfect Christian girl. I’ve signed contracts stating I wouldn’t drink/have sex or I would have been kicked out of college. Getting to watch Adam’s story of growth and discovery was just something I needed. So thanks @saracatebooks … now will you pay my therapy bill?!? GO GET THIS!
**arc for honest review**
**arc for honest review**
July 18, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Ms. Cate never fails to deliver the filthiest, hottest, kinkiest smut in her books, and the this one is another proof of that.
Adam (37) and Sage (27) met in a diner and they shared a breakfast together. They talked and felt comfortable with one another, but they eventually goes to their separate ways. However, two weeks have passed and they both can't get each other out of their minds.
Sage found out that her boyfriend took a loan and put the sex club as the collateral. She felt betrayed by this because she actually cares about the club and wanted to manage it one day. But at the moment it's under the management of her boyfriend.
Adam is a preacher's son who has been the "good guy" ever since and is strict following every rules. However, he found out that his father owned a sex club (a VIP member too) and that he has been cheating on his mom.
At the same night, when Sage confronted her boyfriend, Adam was there too to confront his father. They met briefly and Sage told him that his father was in the VIP section. He immediately goes to that room and caught him in the act with a twenty something girl. His father was furious for his interruption and beat Adam himself. He didn't fight back cuz he was held by two bouncers and for some reason he just couldn't hurt him even if he wanted to.
Knowing that they were both betrayed, they decided to fake date each other to taint the reputation of Adam which in return will ruin his father's too. They did a lot of sex tapes but they were fake and all of them were just an act. But as they spend their time together and discover all the sexual deviances they have, the lines in their fake charade kept blurring, until they cannot pretend anymore.
The sexual exploration is mainly difficult for Adam because of his upbringing. He has a dark side but whenever Sage encouraged him to let it all out he gets frustrated because he thinks it's a sin, wrong, and immoral. But deep down he wanted to do it, but the teachings instilled in him growing up keeps him from truly embracing his dirty and kinky side. Thankfully, Sage is very patient with him and understands Adam's struggles. She never push him and she let him do it in his own pace. And, whenever he acknowledged this part of him, let's just say that it was freaking hot. Sweet Adam is good but Filthy Adam is the best. 😉
Eventually with all the sex tapes and their appearances on many events paid off. Adam's father reputation has been questioned and VIP members back out from the club. A lot of things happened, and his father was removed finally as the church head and the club was signed to Sage. The ending of the book is HFN, they're in a relationship but not engaged.
Safety warnings:
- OM sex scene at the beginning. (Sage was in the club's office and her boyfriend fucked her from behind, without protection!)
- OW kiss scene. (Adam's mother invited a respectable woman to their dinner without his knowledge. After the dinner, Adam asked her to take a walk and he kissed her but she knew Adam never really wanted to do that, and she told him he was "too good". This was two weeks after Adam and Sage met, I think?)
- Cheating 1. (The first time Adam and Sage had sex, she was still with her boyfriend but they just got into a fight! This is the night at the club where they found out they were both betrayed. Sage drove them to her apartment to tend to his wounds but one thing led to another, and they ended up having sex. Yet it still didn't sit well with me! I despise cheating!!! Also, Adam gets off while Sage didn't, but she liked it anyway, or how Adam treated her. He didn't use any protection too! I mean kind of irresponsible, don't you think?? Anyway, she broke up with him through text after Adam left her apartment)
- Cheating 2, (imo). When she confronted Adam about the realness of their "fake dating" and he still couldn't admit that it was. She lets her ex-boyfriend take her back to the club, where he kissed her and she kissed him back. She didn't push him away which pissed the crap out of me! If I remember it correctly, I think her reason for kissing him back was that it was the only thing she knows how to do whenever he kiss her. I mean girl, you didn't know how to step back? Or idk maybe to tell him no??? And this was just after she had a fight with Adam, it's like Sage go to move whenever she had a fight is to always get it on with the most convenient and closest guy. Thankfully or not, nothing happened between them because they argued and she told him he never cared about her and he didn't refute.
- Attempted rape. (Adam's father got drunk in an award receiving event and he tried to assault Sage. He got her pinned down and he was choking her, but Adam came and beat him.)
- Homophobia. (Adam's brother Isaac came out at 17 but was berated by their father. He walked out on them and have been estranged for the last 8 years)
Ms. Cate never fails to deliver the filthiest, hottest, kinkiest smut in her books, and the this one is another proof of that.
Adam (37) and Sage (27) met in a diner and they shared a breakfast together. They talked and felt comfortable with one another, but they eventually goes to their separate ways. However, two weeks have passed and they both can't get each other out of their minds.
Sage found out that her boyfriend took a loan and put the sex club as the collateral. She felt betrayed by this because she actually cares about the club and wanted to manage it one day. But at the moment it's under the management of her boyfriend.
Adam is a preacher's son who has been the "good guy" ever since and is strict following every rules. However, he found out that his father owned a sex club (a VIP member too) and that he has been cheating on his mom.
At the same night, when Sage confronted her boyfriend, Adam was there too to confront his father. They met briefly and Sage told him that his father was in the VIP section. He immediately goes to that room and caught him in the act with a twenty something girl. His father was furious for his interruption and beat Adam himself. He didn't fight back cuz he was held by two bouncers and for some reason he just couldn't hurt him even if he wanted to.
Knowing that they were both betrayed, they decided to fake date each other to taint the reputation of Adam which in return will ruin his father's too. They did a lot of sex tapes but they were fake and all of them were just an act. But as they spend their time together and discover all the sexual deviances they have, the lines in their fake charade kept blurring, until they cannot pretend anymore.
The sexual exploration is mainly difficult for Adam because of his upbringing. He has a dark side but whenever Sage encouraged him to let it all out he gets frustrated because he thinks it's a sin, wrong, and immoral. But deep down he wanted to do it, but the teachings instilled in him growing up keeps him from truly embracing his dirty and kinky side. Thankfully, Sage is very patient with him and understands Adam's struggles. She never push him and she let him do it in his own pace. And, whenever he acknowledged this part of him, let's just say that it was freaking hot. Sweet Adam is good but Filthy Adam is the best. 😉
Eventually with all the sex tapes and their appearances on many events paid off. Adam's father reputation has been questioned and VIP members back out from the club. A lot of things happened, and his father was removed finally as the church head and the club was signed to Sage. The ending of the book is HFN, they're in a relationship but not engaged.
Safety warnings:
- OM sex scene at the beginning. (Sage was in the club's office and her boyfriend fucked her from behind, without protection!)
- OW kiss scene. (Adam's mother invited a respectable woman to their dinner without his knowledge. After the dinner, Adam asked her to take a walk and he kissed her but she knew Adam never really wanted to do that, and she told him he was "too good". This was two weeks after Adam and Sage met, I think?)
- Cheating 1. (The first time Adam and Sage had sex, she was still with her boyfriend but they just got into a fight! This is the night at the club where they found out they were both betrayed. Sage drove them to her apartment to tend to his wounds but one thing led to another, and they ended up having sex. Yet it still didn't sit well with me! I despise cheating!!! Also, Adam gets off while Sage didn't, but she liked it anyway, or how Adam treated her. He didn't use any protection too! I mean kind of irresponsible, don't you think?? Anyway, she broke up with him through text after Adam left her apartment)
- Cheating 2, (imo). When she confronted Adam about the realness of their "fake dating" and he still couldn't admit that it was. She lets her ex-boyfriend take her back to the club, where he kissed her and she kissed him back. She didn't push him away which pissed the crap out of me! If I remember it correctly, I think her reason for kissing him back was that it was the only thing she knows how to do whenever he kiss her. I mean girl, you didn't know how to step back? Or idk maybe to tell him no??? And this was just after she had a fight with Adam, it's like Sage go to move whenever she had a fight is to always get it on with the most convenient and closest guy. Thankfully or not, nothing happened between them because they argued and she told him he never cared about her and he didn't refute.
- Attempted rape. (Adam's father got drunk in an award receiving event and he tried to assault Sage. He got her pinned down and he was choking her, but Adam came and beat him.)
- Homophobia. (Adam's brother Isaac came out at 17 but was berated by their father. He walked out on them and have been estranged for the last 8 years)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2023
SARA CATE, CASATE CONMIGO
Want to read
April 24, 2023the hero is a preacher’s son??? say less 🛐
March 13, 2024
The Anti-Hero might be one of my favorite books by this author to date. Adam and his brothers have grown up with heavy religious influences, watching their dad rise to be a famous pastor. Adam thinks he wants to follow in his dad's footsteps.
All of that changes when he finds out his dad is a VIP member of a local sex club.
Adam's world is turned upside down, but there is someone who wants revenge just as much as he does, and that's the club owner's ex-girlfriend, Sage. These two meeting was perfect timing because they end up helping each other in ways that go far beyond a revenge plot. Adam struggles with embracing a kinky side of him that he's been told his whole life is wrong and dealing with the fallout of religious trauma, whereas Sage has no idea what it's like to be with a man who treats her right. Neither of them are perfect, but they are human and relatable, which is what I loved the most.
Between the sex tapes, the scandal, the kink exploration and the author's exploration on how religion and sensuality can co-exist, I had the time of my life reading this book. Adam and Sage develop not only as individuals by the end of this book, but they come out stronger as a couple. I can't wait to see what appearances they make in the future books!
TROPES: BDSM/kink exploration (degradation, masochism, bondage); opposite sides of the track; fake dating; sex tapes; one night stand; preacher's son
TRIGGER WARNINGS: religious trauma, homophobia, child abuse, violence against women, cheating (not between main characters), violence/physical assault
All of that changes when he finds out his dad is a VIP member of a local sex club.
Adam's world is turned upside down, but there is someone who wants revenge just as much as he does, and that's the club owner's ex-girlfriend, Sage. These two meeting was perfect timing because they end up helping each other in ways that go far beyond a revenge plot. Adam struggles with embracing a kinky side of him that he's been told his whole life is wrong and dealing with the fallout of religious trauma, whereas Sage has no idea what it's like to be with a man who treats her right. Neither of them are perfect, but they are human and relatable, which is what I loved the most.
Between the sex tapes, the scandal, the kink exploration and the author's exploration on how religion and sensuality can co-exist, I had the time of my life reading this book. Adam and Sage develop not only as individuals by the end of this book, but they come out stronger as a couple. I can't wait to see what appearances they make in the future books!
TROPES: BDSM/kink exploration (degradation, masochism, bondage); opposite sides of the track; fake dating; sex tapes; one night stand; preacher's son
TRIGGER WARNINGS: religious trauma, homophobia, child abuse, violence against women, cheating (not between main characters), violence/physical assault
March 11, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
What a mess. What a glorious and sinful mess!!!
The best thing about this book was the cover. And maybe the last 30% of the book. The premise for the plot, the execution, it wasn't what I expected.
Look ... what if she would have sneak inside the club (because at some point she said she knows how!!), steal some recordings, etc., make them public, expose everything and everyone, and then voila, problem solved. Of course, in this case, the book wouldn't exist. What I'm trying to say is that I didn't like the plot :D.
Lately, this author's books are more of a miss for me... :(
.
.
.
.
*possible spoilers*
⚫️ there are some gaps and continuity errors; when did he recover his phone, for e.g.? also the timeline for that first gala is messed up; his mom says that it's in a month then after 3 weeks he says it's in 3 weeks; the math isn't mathing
⚫️ her mother knew about everything?? yeah, I'm not buying it, sorry
⚫️ the second-hand embarrassment for his mother trying and probably some other times succeeding to find him dates; he's 37!!!!
⚫️ that first s3x scene with the main characters, where she, just a few hours before that, had s3x with her still then boyfriend! no protection with either of them!!! *rolling eyes*
⚫️the minister by day, dom by night idea made me lol so hard
⚪️ there was some character growth, but I felt it was too late into the story
I'm not intrigued by the next book! But I hope Isaac will have a book because even though he's just mentioned here and there, he sounds interesting. I really want to read about how he managed to be the only one who understood and really saw what a messed up family he has and what a narcissistic as$h0le his father was.
.
.
.
Tropes & other info
▫️age gap romance (37 H/27 h)
▫️no V
▫️opposites, fake relationship that turns real bla bla bla; somehow I believe in their happy ending
▫️some s3x club scenes, degradation, spanking, spitting, etc. etc. etc. - I have to admit, some of the scenes were quite hot
What a mess. What a glorious and sinful mess!!!
The best thing about this book was the cover. And maybe the last 30% of the book. The premise for the plot, the execution, it wasn't what I expected.
Look ... what if she would have sneak inside the club (because at some point she said she knows how!!), steal some recordings, etc., make them public, expose everything and everyone, and then voila, problem solved. Of course, in this case, the book wouldn't exist. What I'm trying to say is that I didn't like the plot :D.
Lately, this author's books are more of a miss for me... :(
.
.
.
.
*possible spoilers*
⚫️ there are some gaps and continuity errors; when did he recover his phone, for e.g.? also the timeline for that first gala is messed up; his mom says that it's in a month then after 3 weeks he says it's in 3 weeks; the math isn't mathing
⚫️ her mother knew about everything?? yeah, I'm not buying it, sorry
⚫️ the second-hand embarrassment for his mother trying and probably some other times succeeding to find him dates; he's 37!!!!
⚫️ that first s3x scene with the main characters, where she, just a few hours before that, had s3x with her still then boyfriend! no protection with either of them!!! *rolling eyes*
⚫️the minister by day, dom by night idea made me lol so hard
⚪️ there was some character growth, but I felt it was too late into the story
I'm not intrigued by the next book! But I hope Isaac will have a book because even though he's just mentioned here and there, he sounds interesting. I really want to read about how he managed to be the only one who understood and really saw what a messed up family he has and what a narcissistic as$h0le his father was.
.
.
.
Tropes & other info
▫️age gap romance (37 H/27 h)
▫️no V
▫️opposites, fake relationship that turns real bla bla bla; somehow I believe in their happy ending
▫️some s3x club scenes, degradation, spanking, spitting, etc. etc. etc. - I have to admit, some of the scenes were quite hot
February 5, 2024
You know what they say:
A couple that Onlyfans together...stays together.
A couple that Onlyfans together...stays together.
July 19, 2023
I have never finished a book before and been so sure that a couple would not make it. This will be full of spoilers and me being a total hater.
I binged this book in 24 hours, but I truly did not enjoy these characters or this story. I was desperate for a really good ending that would make me believe these two could overcome anything together...but somehow I never felt these two actually break through to each other.
The writing was good, and Sara Cate knows how to pack a lot of emotions into a story, but so many things we’re just off or all over the place.
My biggest problems with the story:
1. The motives of both Sage & Adam —
First - his conflict with ruining his families reputation. The execution of it felt so flimsy to me. He was definitely struggling with hurting his mom, but the plan they come up with is just so random. There was no guarantee that sex videos would work or anger his father the way they thought it would. All I kept thinking was that the dad has an entire PR team, and for some reason this incredibly pompous man never made a statement or even tried to address his sons behavior? And bringing her to a charity event is one thing. But starting an only fans is such a jump 😂 like what?
Second - Sage's motives. She basically had no motives. Yes, she was upset that her boyfriend hired someone else to help the club and took money from Truett and signing the deed over to him. But she wasn't even an OWNER of the club, really? Like her job was never actually explained in detail? At first, with Adam, she says that she just wants to piss Brett off and rub it in his face. She also wants to force Truett's hand by taking the power from him and she thinks doing this with Adam will help that. But her relationship with Brett felt so manufactured and we basically never hear from him again until the very end. Like this man does not contact her ONCE. The story just gets completely wrapped up in Adam's problem with his dad. Then, Sage randomly has the idea when Truett corners her to tell him that she'll stop dating his son if Truett signs the deed for the club over to her. She was ALL over the place IMO.
2. Sages appearance This was brought up a ton in the first half of the book, to the point where I was like wow he's actually saying that she is not beautiful because she has 'ruined herself' with tattoos and piercings. I think the author meant for some of this internal dialogue to actually come off as him realizing that he did, in fact, like those things about her, but it didn't, and it just further solidified for me that they weren't ever going to work as a couple. At the same time, he was trying to assure her that her appearance and being with her wouldn't be the thing that ruined his reputation...even though the story implied that it kind of was? And if she called her tiny one more time, i stg
3. The mom is just like fine with everything? She is obviously devastated about the dad and the actions of her child and her husband, but when she asks Adam at the end about why he made the videos and if everything with Sage was real, all she really says to him is that he should go to Sage and be with her. She's not even mad about the videos ...like what??? I'm sorry but you expect me to believe this super christian family in the public eye would not even acknowledge how alarming Adam's behavior was? It was all just okay because the dad was a POS?
4. The ending was just too convenient. First of all, I don't believe that this is how the father would have gone out. He was all cocky and powerful and you're telling me that Adam just causing a stir means he would lose all of that cockiness? He HAD was so unbothered about Adam even finding out his secret...and then by the end he's just like begging for forgiveness? I didn't buy that one bit.
5. The religious trauma…this was such a mess. It’s acknowledged that he would have some and maybe have trouble opening up with sage the way he wanted to…but all of his actions were the opposite of that. He was like totally comfortable acting that way and then not feeling guilty about it after. So I was like why are we bringing this up acting like it’s a problem? What he WAS feeling guilty about was his morality as he destroyed his families reputation and broke his moms heart. But even that was resolved immediately like 🤦🏻♀️ smh
The degradation was just kind of meh. He mostly just called her a slut and I guess I expected more?
I binged this book in 24 hours, but I truly did not enjoy these characters or this story. I was desperate for a really good ending that would make me believe these two could overcome anything together...but somehow I never felt these two actually break through to each other.
The writing was good, and Sara Cate knows how to pack a lot of emotions into a story, but so many things we’re just off or all over the place.
My biggest problems with the story:
1. The motives of both Sage & Adam —
First - his conflict with ruining his families reputation. The execution of it felt so flimsy to me. He was definitely struggling with hurting his mom, but the plan they come up with is just so random. There was no guarantee that sex videos would work or anger his father the way they thought it would. All I kept thinking was that the dad has an entire PR team, and for some reason this incredibly pompous man never made a statement or even tried to address his sons behavior? And bringing her to a charity event is one thing. But starting an only fans is such a jump 😂 like what?
Second - Sage's motives. She basically had no motives. Yes, she was upset that her boyfriend hired someone else to help the club and took money from Truett and signing the deed over to him. But she wasn't even an OWNER of the club, really? Like her job was never actually explained in detail? At first, with Adam, she says that she just wants to piss Brett off and rub it in his face. She also wants to force Truett's hand by taking the power from him and she thinks doing this with Adam will help that. But her relationship with Brett felt so manufactured and we basically never hear from him again until the very end. Like this man does not contact her ONCE. The story just gets completely wrapped up in Adam's problem with his dad. Then, Sage randomly has the idea when Truett corners her to tell him that she'll stop dating his son if Truett signs the deed for the club over to her. She was ALL over the place IMO.
2. Sages appearance This was brought up a ton in the first half of the book, to the point where I was like wow he's actually saying that she is not beautiful because she has 'ruined herself' with tattoos and piercings. I think the author meant for some of this internal dialogue to actually come off as him realizing that he did, in fact, like those things about her, but it didn't, and it just further solidified for me that they weren't ever going to work as a couple. At the same time, he was trying to assure her that her appearance and being with her wouldn't be the thing that ruined his reputation...even though the story implied that it kind of was? And if she called her tiny one more time, i stg
3. The mom is just like fine with everything? She is obviously devastated about the dad and the actions of her child and her husband, but when she asks Adam at the end about why he made the videos and if everything with Sage was real, all she really says to him is that he should go to Sage and be with her. She's not even mad about the videos ...like what??? I'm sorry but you expect me to believe this super christian family in the public eye would not even acknowledge how alarming Adam's behavior was? It was all just okay because the dad was a POS?
4. The ending was just too convenient. First of all, I don't believe that this is how the father would have gone out. He was all cocky and powerful and you're telling me that Adam just causing a stir means he would lose all of that cockiness? He HAD was so unbothered about Adam even finding out his secret...and then by the end he's just like begging for forgiveness? I didn't buy that one bit.
5. The religious trauma…this was such a mess. It’s acknowledged that he would have some and maybe have trouble opening up with sage the way he wanted to…but all of his actions were the opposite of that. He was like totally comfortable acting that way and then not feeling guilty about it after. So I was like why are we bringing this up acting like it’s a problem? What he WAS feeling guilty about was his morality as he destroyed his families reputation and broke his moms heart. But even that was resolved immediately like 🤦🏻♀️ smh
The degradation was just kind of meh. He mostly just called her a slut and I guess I expected more?
July 14, 2023
4.5⭐️ in sara cate we trust🙏🏾forever and always
everything between sage and adam was so fun and i had such a good time reading about them, from the scheming, to the sex tapes, to the overall growth between the two as individuals and as a couple
the only thing with this book that was kinda eh to me, was that i wish adam was aged down a bit, like you’re nearly 40 and only now seeing how shitty your father is?? this would’ve made more sense if he was in his mid to late 20’s but i know that would affect the rest of the cast so i digress
this new series is truly going to be something special, we already started off with a hit but the little snippets i was catching for the other books?? the best has yet to come (i know y’all put together luke x sadie, i sense that one DEEP in my bones)
thank you Sara for the arc of this book!
everything between sage and adam was so fun and i had such a good time reading about them, from the scheming, to the sex tapes, to the overall growth between the two as individuals and as a couple
the only thing with this book that was kinda eh to me, was that i wish adam was aged down a bit, like you’re nearly 40 and only now seeing how shitty your father is?? this would’ve made more sense if he was in his mid to late 20’s but i know that would affect the rest of the cast so i digress
this new series is truly going to be something special, we already started off with a hit but the little snippets i was catching for the other books?? the best has yet to come (i know y’all put together luke x sadie, i sense that one DEEP in my bones)
thank you Sara for the arc of this book!
July 19, 2023
3.5 stars!
adam is the son of a world famous preacher at a mega church. he’s spent his whole life trying to be exactly what his preacher father wanted him to be. but when he finds out his father is living a less than godly life outside of church and frequents a local seggs club, he spirals and everything he knows about being good comes crumbling down. he partners with the ex-girlfriend of the seggs club owner to get his revenge.
like any sara cate book, this was super hot. i liked the discussion of how wanting something you might think or have been conditioned to think is depraved or wrong isn’t always the case and the dismantling of those beliefs was a relatable story line.
i think a lot of people will love this one and it was entertaining and not. this one just had a few too many storylines for me to get a nice conclusion or feel like adam and sage were really connected. it juggled adam’s religion and beliefs, adam and sage’s connection and relationship, sage’s revenge on her ex, adam’s revenge on his dad, the dismantling of adam’s family and more and for me, it was a little too much.
i wasn’t totally convinced ever that adam really truly liked sage because so much of the book was spent with him thinking she was wrong. i don’t know, i think i would have preferred either his religion or his relationship to be steady because both felt like they got rushed resolutions at the end for me.
adam is the son of a world famous preacher at a mega church. he’s spent his whole life trying to be exactly what his preacher father wanted him to be. but when he finds out his father is living a less than godly life outside of church and frequents a local seggs club, he spirals and everything he knows about being good comes crumbling down. he partners with the ex-girlfriend of the seggs club owner to get his revenge.
like any sara cate book, this was super hot. i liked the discussion of how wanting something you might think or have been conditioned to think is depraved or wrong isn’t always the case and the dismantling of those beliefs was a relatable story line.
i think a lot of people will love this one and it was entertaining and not. this one just had a few too many storylines for me to get a nice conclusion or feel like adam and sage were really connected. it juggled adam’s religion and beliefs, adam and sage’s connection and relationship, sage’s revenge on her ex, adam’s revenge on his dad, the dismantling of adam’s family and more and for me, it was a little too much.
i wasn’t totally convinced ever that adam really truly liked sage because so much of the book was spent with him thinking she was wrong. i don’t know, i think i would have preferred either his religion or his relationship to be steady because both felt like they got rushed resolutions at the end for me.
July 18, 2023
Star rating: ★★☆☆☆
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
There was a whole slew of issues with this book. First being the premise… you’re telling me the way to get back at your megastar preacher dad is to make sex tapes & date a sex worker? Yeah sure okay. Second is the MMC, Adam, who is a 37 year-old man child who had ten “revelations” about himself too many. Lastly, this relationship seemed on rocky grounds 90% of the time, and seemed to be based solely on sex and wasn’t emotionally healthy. In no way could you convince me that this couple would make it long term.
Divorce is definitely happening.
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
There was a whole slew of issues with this book. First being the premise… you’re telling me the way to get back at your megastar preacher dad is to make sex tapes & date a sex worker? Yeah sure okay. Second is the MMC, Adam, who is a 37 year-old man child who had ten “revelations” about himself too many. Lastly, this relationship seemed on rocky grounds 90% of the time, and seemed to be based solely on sex and wasn’t emotionally healthy. In no way could you convince me that this couple would make it long term.
Divorce is definitely happening.
July 12, 2023
The Anti-Hero is the first book in Sara Cate’s new Goode Brothers series! In this we follow Adam and Sage and their journey of self-discovery, exploration, and religious recovery.
Adam is the son of Austin’s most prominent pastor, who plans to follow in his father’s footsteps one day. One morning he is eating breakfast at his favorite diner and meets Sage, who just came off a late night/early morning working at a nightclub. With her pink hair, tattoos, and piercings, she couldn’t be more different than anyone else in Adam’s life, and he’s so drawn to her. After their easy chat, he buys her meal and they end up going their separate ways. They end up meeting again later when Adam shockingly finds out his preacher father is a VIP member at the sex club Sage works at.
We see Adam’s life get turned upside down after finding out what his father has really been up to. Adam spent his whole life pleasing his father, being his protégé, doing everything “right”, and just being the all-around “perfect” son. Adam and Sage decide they both want revenge of sorts, her ex ran the club. She says they should ruin Adam’s family’s reputation by fake dating one another…but they should up the stakes as well by making scandalous videos together for everyone to see.
This was a great start to a new series! I liked Adam and Sage together and am excited to see the rest of the books in the series unfold as they’ll follow Adam’s brothers! This did have age gap as well (he’s 37, she’s 27). We also get some BDSM and kink exploration (degradation, masochism, bondage). I just loved how opposites Adam and Sage are, but seeing them together was so good!
Thanks so much to the author for an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own!
CW: religious trauma, child abuse, violence against women, violence and physical assault
Adam is the son of Austin’s most prominent pastor, who plans to follow in his father’s footsteps one day. One morning he is eating breakfast at his favorite diner and meets Sage, who just came off a late night/early morning working at a nightclub. With her pink hair, tattoos, and piercings, she couldn’t be more different than anyone else in Adam’s life, and he’s so drawn to her. After their easy chat, he buys her meal and they end up going their separate ways. They end up meeting again later when Adam shockingly finds out his preacher father is a VIP member at the sex club Sage works at.
We see Adam’s life get turned upside down after finding out what his father has really been up to. Adam spent his whole life pleasing his father, being his protégé, doing everything “right”, and just being the all-around “perfect” son. Adam and Sage decide they both want revenge of sorts, her ex ran the club. She says they should ruin Adam’s family’s reputation by fake dating one another…but they should up the stakes as well by making scandalous videos together for everyone to see.
This was a great start to a new series! I liked Adam and Sage together and am excited to see the rest of the books in the series unfold as they’ll follow Adam’s brothers! This did have age gap as well (he’s 37, she’s 27). We also get some BDSM and kink exploration (degradation, masochism, bondage). I just loved how opposites Adam and Sage are, but seeing them together was so good!
Thanks so much to the author for an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own!
CW: religious trauma, child abuse, violence against women, violence and physical assault
December 11, 2023
2.75!
I can't catch a fucking break now can I?.. amidst these horrendous exams I find books as my only solace but thats not fucking working.
Sara Cate I welcomed you with open arms and all you left me with was disappointment.
I can't catch a fucking break now can I?.. amidst these horrendous exams I find books as my only solace but thats not fucking working.
Sara Cate I welcomed you with open arms and all you left me with was disappointment.
July 14, 2023
2.5⭐️
I was really nervous about reading this book because of the religious aspect, which is something I usually stay away from. As it turns out, that actually didn’t bother me at all. There were, however, quite a few things that did. Before I get to that, I’d like to point out of the positive, namely, the FMC, Sage. She was a fierce female & that’s always something I love to read. She went out on her own at 17 and never looked back, & has made her own life, though sometimes clinging to the wrong boyfriends hoping for true love. Throughout the story, she was the stronger character, and remained so, even in her weakest moments.
Unfortunately, Adam was a 37-year-old man-child. He never had his own thoughts or beliefs because he was so far up his father’s a** for 37 years, he didn’t get a chance to form them. The entire plot of the book revolved around Adam getting “revenge” on his father after discovering that he wasn’t who he seemed. And the *way* he sought revenge was both immature and unnecessary. It was hard for me to believe that a man who was nearing forty would behave like such a disgruntled toddler. He was truly not likable and never really redeemed himself, in my personal opinion.
I cannot even begin to dive into how little sense it made when he would say “Jesus, Sage” during their intimate moments, even early on. If he was really such a “man of God”(I’m talking deeply steeped in religion-writes sermons for a living), that wouldn’t be a phrase that so easily fell out of his mouth, especially in those moments. I found myself skimming the “spicy” scenes because, not only were they not this authors usual expert level of spice, but they did not mesh with the characters personalities, even towards the end of the book. A bible-hugging Jesus lover with a degradation kink & an aptitude for making amateur p*rn? Seems a little more than far-fetched to me, even if he was at war with two sides of himself.
Overall, I obviously do not recommend this book.
I was really nervous about reading this book because of the religious aspect, which is something I usually stay away from. As it turns out, that actually didn’t bother me at all. There were, however, quite a few things that did. Before I get to that, I’d like to point out of the positive, namely, the FMC, Sage. She was a fierce female & that’s always something I love to read. She went out on her own at 17 and never looked back, & has made her own life, though sometimes clinging to the wrong boyfriends hoping for true love. Throughout the story, she was the stronger character, and remained so, even in her weakest moments.
Unfortunately, Adam was a 37-year-old man-child. He never had his own thoughts or beliefs because he was so far up his father’s a** for 37 years, he didn’t get a chance to form them. The entire plot of the book revolved around Adam getting “revenge” on his father after discovering that he wasn’t who he seemed. And the *way* he sought revenge was both immature and unnecessary. It was hard for me to believe that a man who was nearing forty would behave like such a disgruntled toddler. He was truly not likable and never really redeemed himself, in my personal opinion.
I cannot even begin to dive into how little sense it made when he would say “Jesus, Sage” during their intimate moments, even early on. If he was really such a “man of God”(I’m talking deeply steeped in religion-writes sermons for a living), that wouldn’t be a phrase that so easily fell out of his mouth, especially in those moments. I found myself skimming the “spicy” scenes because, not only were they not this authors usual expert level of spice, but they did not mesh with the characters personalities, even towards the end of the book. A bible-hugging Jesus lover with a degradation kink & an aptitude for making amateur p*rn? Seems a little more than far-fetched to me, even if he was at war with two sides of himself.
Overall, I obviously do not recommend this book.
July 14, 2023
OH MY GOD (pun intended 🤪)
This book was so good I truly could not stop reading!! The way you got to read through all of the emotions and growth that Adam had to go through to finally find his true self and own sense of what’s right and wrong had me HOOKED. I was rooting for him through his faults bc my mans made it out on the other side better, wiser and stronger (he was really out here fighting his demons frfr)! Also I LOVE Sage she had her own hardships but she’s still so brave and knows her worth like come on queen!! They’re the definition of opposites attract yet so perfect for each other I’m obsessed with them and the amount of trust they share together to be able to dream big and explore every single inch of each other with no judgement is goals!! I’m so glad they got their happy ending and I cannot wait for this rest of this series 1 bc it’s phenomenal and 2 bc it’s taken place in Texas yeehaw 🤪😂 !!
PREACHER IN THE STREETS FREAK IN THE SHEETS 🤪🥵🥵
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO SARA, BECCA, SHAUNA AND THE TEAM FOR SENDING ME THIS ARC IS WAS TRULY AMAZING!! I’m SO Grateful 🥹😭🤍
This book was so good I truly could not stop reading!! The way you got to read through all of the emotions and growth that Adam had to go through to finally find his true self and own sense of what’s right and wrong had me HOOKED. I was rooting for him through his faults bc my mans made it out on the other side better, wiser and stronger (he was really out here fighting his demons frfr)! Also I LOVE Sage she had her own hardships but she’s still so brave and knows her worth like come on queen!! They’re the definition of opposites attract yet so perfect for each other I’m obsessed with them and the amount of trust they share together to be able to dream big and explore every single inch of each other with no judgement is goals!! I’m so glad they got their happy ending and I cannot wait for this rest of this series 1 bc it’s phenomenal and 2 bc it’s taken place in Texas yeehaw 🤪😂 !!
PREACHER IN THE STREETS FREAK IN THE SHEETS 🤪🥵🥵
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO SARA, BECCA, SHAUNA AND THE TEAM FOR SENDING ME THIS ARC IS WAS TRULY AMAZING!! I’m SO Grateful 🥹😭🤍
July 10, 2023
Is it a red hot spicy romance as we’ve come to expect from Sara Cate? Yes! But it’s so much more. It’s a beautiful story about two very different people and how they find their way to each other.
We have Adam, raised as the son of a preacher and desperate to follow in his father’s footsteps and then we have Sage his complete opposite. She is tattooed with pink hair and a free spirit.
I loved how Sage saw the real Adam and brought him out of his shell with love and understanding giving him freedom to be himself. And it turns out he’s a gentleman on the outside and dirty, commanding bad boy in the sheets.
It was wonderful to see how Sara touched on the religious themes in the book. After all with a relationship between the son of a preacher and an atheist it was inevitable. But it was treated with respect and without judgment.
This is a spectacular start to a new series and I can’t wait for the next one. I highly recommend it and if I could give it more stars I would.
We have Adam, raised as the son of a preacher and desperate to follow in his father’s footsteps and then we have Sage his complete opposite. She is tattooed with pink hair and a free spirit.
I loved how Sage saw the real Adam and brought him out of his shell with love and understanding giving him freedom to be himself. And it turns out he’s a gentleman on the outside and dirty, commanding bad boy in the sheets.
It was wonderful to see how Sara touched on the religious themes in the book. After all with a relationship between the son of a preacher and an atheist it was inevitable. But it was treated with respect and without judgment.
This is a spectacular start to a new series and I can’t wait for the next one. I highly recommend it and if I could give it more stars I would.
July 13, 2023
while this book is hot and the smut scenes do deliver in typical sara cate fashion, i thought the conversations around consent + kink exploration was done exceptionally well! we get to see adam, a preacher's son who has been told all his life that any type of sexuality is sin, work through his religious trauma and enter a space with sage that is healing and incredibly respectful.
i sense a marriage in crisis book coming with this series and could not be more excited!
i sense a marriage in crisis book coming with this series and could not be more excited!
March 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
очікувала прочитати як увесь такий правильний син пастора пуститься берега, почне грішити. і я це отримала, тільки моя фантазія виявилась більш розпусною 😈 тут же чоловік спробував, і йому прийшовся до смаку, легеньким бдсм зі своєю дівчиною, плюс вони знімали і викладати секс-відео в інет 🌚
шо по тропах:
✔️син відомого пастора
✔️співвласниця секс-клубу
✔️помста заради знищення репутації
✔️проповідник вдень, брудний владний чоловік вночі
✔️татуйована, з пірсингами та рожевим волоссям жгг
✔️зйомка секс-відео
✔️фейкові стосунки
✔️віруюча сімʼя
в цілому книга непогана, дуже легко читалося і я приємно провела з нею вечір. гг виявились двома милими булочками, котрі імпонували і не бісили. пару спайсі сцен були смачненькі, але сара вміє й гарячіше писати 😏
очікувала прочитати як увесь такий правильний син пастора пуститься берега, почне грішити. і я це отримала, тільки моя фантазія виявилась більш розпусною 😈 тут же чоловік спробував, і йому прийшовся до смаку, легеньким бдсм зі своєю дівчиною, плюс вони знімали і викладати секс-відео в інет 🌚
шо по тропах:
✔️син відомого пастора
✔️співвласниця секс-клубу
✔️помста заради знищення репутації
✔️проповідник вдень, брудний владний чоловік вночі
✔️татуйована, з пірсингами та рожевим волоссям жгг
✔️зйомка секс-відео
✔️фейкові стосунки
✔️віруюча сімʼя
в цілому книга непогана, дуже легко читалося і я приємно провела з нею вечір. гг виявились двома милими булочками, котрі імпонували і не бісили. пару спайсі сцен були смачненькі, але сара вміє й гарячіше писати 😏
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