Church Girl: An Erotic Novella

by Shae Sanders

Laila Giddings has spent her life in the shadow of her father’s church, the perfect daughter in a world of rules and expectations. Naïve, obedient, and untouched by the chaos outside her small-town bubble, she’s never known anything--or anyone--like Cane Morris.

When the enigmatic stranger walks into her life, he brings danger, desire, and a taste of freedom she’s never dared to crave. Cane is everything she shouldn’t want--rough, reckless, and willing to break every rule to have her.

But Cane didn’t come to town by accident, and as Laila falls deeper into his orbit, the secret he’s keeping could destroy her world.

90 pages, ebook

Published January 26, 2025

About the author

Just a girl who loves black love. Reading it, writing it, and living it.

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clutch your pearls and be prepared to park yourself at alter prayer indefinitely. When I say the church house was defiled, the church house was defiled! 🫦🫦🫦🫦 Laila is suffocating under the control her parents have over her. She’s 29 but, she’s never really experienced life. She’s never traveled outside of Parsons Georgia, she doesn’t know how to drive, she doesn’t own a phone, she’s not allowed to wear makeup, she's not allowed to listen to secular music, and her parents treat her like a slave. She cooks, she cleans, and she serves them seven days a week. Laila just wants to live her life by her rules and make her own decisions. She sees a way to make that happen when lays eyes on Cane Morris. Cane waltzed his sexy self into Parsons Place Baptist Church lookin’ like a tall glass of sin and ready to break every commandment in the bible. He’s the forbidden fruit Laila should stay far away from but, she's more than willing to take a one-way trip to hell for just one bite. 😏😏😏😏 I loved that Laila gave her parents the middle finger and took her power back. She finally started actin’ like a 29-year-old woman and doin’ what 29-year-old women do. 😉😉😉😉 Church Girl is a very salacious read and, if you’re a super religious person, you might wanna keep this one off your TBR.

[Shae Sanders]

This book is a website exclusive! shaesandersbooks.com

[Shades N Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

I totally get why Shae Sanders threw out the phrase “Don’t Cancel Me” on Instagram after unveiling the juicy details of “Church Girl”—because whoa, she definitely went there! Sometimes, it be like that! Laila is practically gasping for air under the iron grip of her father, Pastor Elroy Giddings III, and she’s ready to break free. Things take a turn when the dashing, rugged, and undeniably sexy Cane swoops in, making my girl want to show out! Honestly, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this story, because church girl? Erotica? Baby I was low key nervous LOL! However, there was a comforting familiarity in the story that made it easy to dive in. While the book isn’t characterized as erotica in my opinion, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Laila embrace her sexuality and reclaim her power. Shae didn’t hold back on the gritty details of Black churches, shedding light on how they twist the word of God to control, stifle, and punish their members while conveniently ignoring a host of issues. I was definitely hoping for a sisterly reunion and an update on her father’s shady dealings, but overall, it’s a solid read. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this couple because I need to witness our girl stepping into her bad bitch era—like, yesterday! This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[thebookcritic_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a dirty good time. Like something you’re not supposed to be reading. Kind of on the edge of your seat. Add in a little mystery and plot. It got deeper than I expected. This was a good one!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this quick and steamy read. Here’s the thing, I generally don’t like novellas. They usually feel abrupt and sometimes lack the background needed for chemistry. HOWEVER, Shae Sanders is always the exception. Her writing, pacing, and character dialogue always feel so complete and thorough. This book gave me everything I needed in a five star book. Of course I wish it was longer, I never want a Shae Sanders book to end. I HIGHLY recommend this book but just be aware if you’re sensitive to religious themes.

[Yasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can never go wrong with teach me vibes and sacrilegious smut. I liked the chemistry between Cane and Laila. Her being a repressed church girl unable to live the life she wants and deserves and Cane, a bad boy who makes her feel and encourages her to go after what she wants. The forbidden romance theme was good. The sex scenes were blasphemous and enticing. Her parents were so trash. I was glad when she washed her hands of her parents and left with Cane. I know this was a novella but I do wish it were a little bit longer.

[Shamell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are one of those uptight Bible slingers just skip this book lol. I enjoyed this read. It was short, erotic, fast paced and my kind of carrying on. Laila has spent her life in the shadow of her father’s church. She had to be the perfect daughter, church member and neighbor. I was happy Cane walked into that small town and turned her world upside down. I was proud of La for shooting the first shot.
Cane could have easily turned his secret in because she was so naive lol. To me Cane was like forbidden fruit; and I’ve never seen anyone walk away from it, not even Eve so they say. 🤫 😏

[Salene Whyte (thee_book_connoisseur_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clutches Pearls

Shae Sanders delivers a gripping and intoxicating romance in Church Girl, a story that masterfully blends forbidden desire, self-discovery, and the unshackling of expectations.

Laila Giddings has spent her entire life confined by the rules of her father’s church, the quintessential "good girl" molded by faith and obligation. Enter Cane Morris—a mysterious, rebellious outsider who upends her carefully structured world with his dangerous allure and unapologetic passion. From the moment they meet, their chemistry is electric, and watching Laila step into her own power, making choices for herself instead of for others, is incredibly satisfying.

Sanders doesn’t shy away from exploring the rigid and sometimes suffocating nature of church culture, and while it’s heartbreaking to see Laila’s struggles, it’s also empowering to witness her growth. Cane, with his rough edges and unwavering devotion, is the perfect catalyst for her awakening. He’s a swoon-worthy book boyfriend—protective, passionate, and exactly the kind of chaos Laila needs to break free.

This book is so good—spicy, emotional, and deeply engaging. It’s everything Beyoncé’s “Church Girl” embodies: freedom, rebellion, and unapologetic self-expression. I’d love to see these characters again because their story is one that lingers long after the final page.

[Tanya LaTasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess it’s true you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take and baby Laila shot and it was nothing but net!! Now I’ll say I’m not over religious, so I don’t get why anyone would be up arms about this story but they say hit dogs holla or whateva! This story was short, steamy, but also I loved that Laila found her voice and her freedom even if she was being fresh lol

[Castina · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHAE, this was very unexpected, but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this steamy book! You went there, and if I had pearls, I’d be clutching them. 🤭 The chemistry, the tension, the heat, whew! Church Girls is a must-read for anyone who loves a little sin with their salvation!

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was so good it had me wanting more Cane and Laila. Cane rescued her from a mundane life in a small town with her super religious and controlling parents and gave her freedom to be whoever she wanted and his only requirement was that she continue to look at him like he was shining.

[Yvette Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 94 page book was amazing! It gave you just enough to want so much more! I’m so happy that Laila finally got free of her abusive and domineering, father. At 29 years old she was able to finally experience, freedom and love. Go read this book!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shae NEVER EVER misses!!

Her novellas always have you wanting more.

[Sharonda Isadora · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Shae Sanders gives plenty of spice and a great story line. I really enjoyed this book.

[TellsOfABibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good girl falls for bad boy. Good girl turned bad boy out though. I enjoyed this. It was short but straight to the point and held my attention.

[Chantal N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this trope down & it was done so right here!!!

[Nelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good novella loaded with life lessons, bde, and steamy encounters.

[Queen Arin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, short read. All of us church girls can relate to this book on some sort of level.

[Taryn Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and to the point novella. This was an enjoyable read. If you are looking for something quick and spicy you will enjoy.