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Saints and Sinners
TBA…
Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
15 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Green
6 books64 followersAlyssa is a US Navy veteran with a degree in psychology. She’s a multifaceted person who enjoys a variety of activities. When she’s not writing or reading, she can be found editing for clients, traveling the United States with her husband and dog, Fiona, or hiking and exploring the outdoors. She’s also a lifelong learner who has been taking classes through the Editorial Freelancers Association to improve her skills as a freelance editor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 11, 2026
Thank you to Alyssa Green for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled with Claire and Damian’s dynamic throughout this book.
Damian felt largely unchanged from beginning to end. He was consistently dismissive of Claire’s choices and emotions and that imbalance carried through the entire story. There is only one moment that truly shined for me where Claire takes control of the narrative, and I found myself wishing she’d been given more agency overall.
Individually, the motivations for growth, commitment and compromise relied on the same repeated reasoning. While these motivations stem from impactful, life-altering experiences and are understandable, their constant repetition gradually dulled their emotional weight. Although this repetition created emotional angst among the cast, it often felt unnecessary.
Claire initially stood out as a strong protagonist and the emotional anchor of the narrative. Her desire to do better for herself felt far more present and compelling than Damian’s. That said, I was frequently disappointed by her lapses in judgment as the story progressed, though this does tie into one of the book’s central themes: judgment itself.
Where the novel truly shines is in its portrayal of religion and the weight of religious judgment. Alyssa Green does an excellent job capturing the pressure, constant self-doubt, fear of being perceived as inadequate and the anxiety of failing one’s faith. That emotional tension felt authentic and thoughtfully explored.
"Maybe...being able to breathe without feeling like I'm failing everyone. Being able to make mistakes without hating myself. Existing without having to be perfect." - Claire
Overall, Saints and Sinners presents strong themes and depicts religion in a raw and honest way. Interwoven with this is a journey of self-discovery and God’s love, portrayed in a way that is both compelling and beautiful.
I struggled with Claire and Damian’s dynamic throughout this book.
Damian felt largely unchanged from beginning to end. He was consistently dismissive of Claire’s choices and emotions and that imbalance carried through the entire story. There is only one moment that truly shined for me where Claire takes control of the narrative, and I found myself wishing she’d been given more agency overall.
Individually, the motivations for growth, commitment and compromise relied on the same repeated reasoning. While these motivations stem from impactful, life-altering experiences and are understandable, their constant repetition gradually dulled their emotional weight. Although this repetition created emotional angst among the cast, it often felt unnecessary.
Claire initially stood out as a strong protagonist and the emotional anchor of the narrative. Her desire to do better for herself felt far more present and compelling than Damian’s. That said, I was frequently disappointed by her lapses in judgment as the story progressed, though this does tie into one of the book’s central themes: judgment itself.
Where the novel truly shines is in its portrayal of religion and the weight of religious judgment. Alyssa Green does an excellent job capturing the pressure, constant self-doubt, fear of being perceived as inadequate and the anxiety of failing one’s faith. That emotional tension felt authentic and thoughtfully explored.
"Maybe...being able to breathe without feeling like I'm failing everyone. Being able to make mistakes without hating myself. Existing without having to be perfect." - Claire
Overall, Saints and Sinners presents strong themes and depicts religion in a raw and honest way. Interwoven with this is a journey of self-discovery and God’s love, portrayed in a way that is both compelling and beautiful.
January 10, 2026
I want to start this review off by saying this book was so wonderfully written. The authors words flowed so beautifully and I felt like I was there in the story.
Both Claire and Damian were very likeable, each dealing with the same grief and internal conflicts. I thought there was great character development from start to finish and I really felt their emotional struggles.
I am a fan of the book “Priest” by Sierra Simone which is what led me to wanting to read this book. “Saints and Sinners” had more of a spiritual and emotional pull and less (although still a few chapters worth of) spicy scenes.
I went to catholic school growing up so I resonated with the religious context but towards the middle it became very preachy. Not necessarily a bad thing because it was pertinent to the development and understanding of the MMC and FMC.
Thank you Alyssa for giving me the opportunity to read “Saints and Sinners” for my first ever ARC read!
Both Claire and Damian were very likeable, each dealing with the same grief and internal conflicts. I thought there was great character development from start to finish and I really felt their emotional struggles.
I am a fan of the book “Priest” by Sierra Simone which is what led me to wanting to read this book. “Saints and Sinners” had more of a spiritual and emotional pull and less (although still a few chapters worth of) spicy scenes.
I went to catholic school growing up so I resonated with the religious context but towards the middle it became very preachy. Not necessarily a bad thing because it was pertinent to the development and understanding of the MMC and FMC.
Thank you Alyssa for giving me the opportunity to read “Saints and Sinners” for my first ever ARC read!
January 12, 2026
This novel is beautifully written. Alyssa has an incredible turn of phrase and you get lost in the characters easily. The connection between Damian and Claire is incredible and heart wrenching.
As someone who is against organized religion, it was a tough read at times and effected me more than I thought it would. However, Alyssa manages to bring the light and positivity from a difficult area of life and makes everything seem so life like and truthful.
The struggles of the characters are so personal and it's amazing watching them transform and become who they are. Gorgeously written Alyssa, and thank you for letting me be a part of the ARC team!
As someone who is against organized religion, it was a tough read at times and effected me more than I thought it would. However, Alyssa manages to bring the light and positivity from a difficult area of life and makes everything seem so life like and truthful.
The struggles of the characters are so personal and it's amazing watching them transform and become who they are. Gorgeously written Alyssa, and thank you for letting me be a part of the ARC team!
January 7, 2026
”Forgive me Father. I have sinned” 😮💨
~ ARC review ~
When i saw the arc sign up for this, it reminded me of Priest and i was intrigued.
There is a history between the two main characters, but they went their separate ways after a painful life event. Eventually they both choose a life of faith. Damian as a priest, Claire as a nun. They end up working at the same church years later and thats where the story starts.
Their chemistry is undeniable and i loved it. I’m really glad i got this ARC because i ate it up!
I love how this book handled grief, losing / finding your way, but also showed inclusivity.
It did have a lot of religious references, which i had to google at times, but who doesn’t love a forbidden religious romance 🔥
~ ARC review ~
When i saw the arc sign up for this, it reminded me of Priest and i was intrigued.
There is a history between the two main characters, but they went their separate ways after a painful life event. Eventually they both choose a life of faith. Damian as a priest, Claire as a nun. They end up working at the same church years later and thats where the story starts.
Their chemistry is undeniable and i loved it. I’m really glad i got this ARC because i ate it up!
I love how this book handled grief, losing / finding your way, but also showed inclusivity.
It did have a lot of religious references, which i had to google at times, but who doesn’t love a forbidden religious romance 🔥
January 14, 2026
Okayyyy so -
We have a priest x nun romance
They were high school sweethearts and after a tragedy they broke up. They both lost their way and turned to the church
8 years later they are both assigned to the same parish and the old flame lit right back up
In all honesty, this book isn’t for everyone - in my opinion, it will probably be due to how heavily religious the entire story is.
I enjoyed it regardless - the inner turmoil with both characters and the tension prevented me from putting this book down 🤣
There was just something missing that I cant put my finger on…
If you can put all the religious stuff aside, give this book a try
We have a priest x nun romance
They were high school sweethearts and after a tragedy they broke up. They both lost their way and turned to the church
8 years later they are both assigned to the same parish and the old flame lit right back up
In all honesty, this book isn’t for everyone - in my opinion, it will probably be due to how heavily religious the entire story is.
I enjoyed it regardless - the inner turmoil with both characters and the tension prevented me from putting this book down 🤣
There was just something missing that I cant put my finger on…
If you can put all the religious stuff aside, give this book a try
January 10, 2026
3.5/4 ⭐️
ARC Review:
I can’t quite decide on the rating because as much as I enjoyed the story I also struggled with it.
We follow Damien and Claire who have gone through a tragedy that changes their whole trajectory in life. With all the grief they endured, both eventually turn to god and serve him. But as they are brought back together and feelings resurface is faith enough?
This story is a slow burn filled with angst, sadness, fear and guilt. It gives a beautiful perspective on faith and how there is struggle within the church.
I think I struggled with this book because I’ve personally questioned the church and the system. It hit to close to home but made me think about certain things in a new light. The story kept me interested to keep going and finish.
ARC Review:
I can’t quite decide on the rating because as much as I enjoyed the story I also struggled with it.
We follow Damien and Claire who have gone through a tragedy that changes their whole trajectory in life. With all the grief they endured, both eventually turn to god and serve him. But as they are brought back together and feelings resurface is faith enough?
This story is a slow burn filled with angst, sadness, fear and guilt. It gives a beautiful perspective on faith and how there is struggle within the church.
I think I struggled with this book because I’ve personally questioned the church and the system. It hit to close to home but made me think about certain things in a new light. The story kept me interested to keep going and finish.
January 10, 2026
I went into Saints and Sinners knowing it would be angsty, forbidden, and emotionally heavy—but I was not prepared for how deeply this story would sink into my chest and stay there. This book is aching, beautiful, and unapologetically intense.
Damian Bellucci is the kind of hero who hurts just by existing. A man who ran to the priesthood out of grief, convinced that faith could silence his pain and erase the life he lost. And then Claire walks back into his world and everything he buried starts screaming to be felt again. The way his internal struggle is written? Perfection. The guilt. The longing. The desperate need to be good while craving something that feels sinful and sacred all at once.
And Claire… oh Claire. Her devotion, her heartbreak, her strength—it all felt so real. She didn’t take the veil lightly, and that made her conflict even more devastating. The love she and Damian shared wasn’t shallow or fleeting. It was rooted. Deep. Enduring. The kind of love that doesn’t disappear just because time and tragedy try to erase it.
The tension between them is unreal. Every look, every stolen moment, every almost-touch had me holding my breath. This is a true slow burn, and it hurts so good. Their love felt forbidden, yes—but also inevitable. Like something written long before vows were ever taken.
What really stood out to me was how this book handled faith and religious trauma. It didn’t mock belief or cheapen it—it showed how complicated it can be when devotion and desire collide. The emotional depth here is incredible, and the healing journey felt earned, not rushed.
This story isn’t about shock value. It’s about love that refuses to die, about choosing yourself after years of self-denial, and about finding salvation in the place you were told you never could.
Heartbreaking. Tender. Intense. Saints and Sinners is a forbidden romance done RIGHT, and I will be thinking about Damian and Claire for a very long time. Highly recommend if you love pain, passion, and stories that leave scars in the best way. ❤️🔥📖
Damian Bellucci is the kind of hero who hurts just by existing. A man who ran to the priesthood out of grief, convinced that faith could silence his pain and erase the life he lost. And then Claire walks back into his world and everything he buried starts screaming to be felt again. The way his internal struggle is written? Perfection. The guilt. The longing. The desperate need to be good while craving something that feels sinful and sacred all at once.
And Claire… oh Claire. Her devotion, her heartbreak, her strength—it all felt so real. She didn’t take the veil lightly, and that made her conflict even more devastating. The love she and Damian shared wasn’t shallow or fleeting. It was rooted. Deep. Enduring. The kind of love that doesn’t disappear just because time and tragedy try to erase it.
The tension between them is unreal. Every look, every stolen moment, every almost-touch had me holding my breath. This is a true slow burn, and it hurts so good. Their love felt forbidden, yes—but also inevitable. Like something written long before vows were ever taken.
What really stood out to me was how this book handled faith and religious trauma. It didn’t mock belief or cheapen it—it showed how complicated it can be when devotion and desire collide. The emotional depth here is incredible, and the healing journey felt earned, not rushed.
This story isn’t about shock value. It’s about love that refuses to die, about choosing yourself after years of self-denial, and about finding salvation in the place you were told you never could.
Heartbreaking. Tender. Intense. Saints and Sinners is a forbidden romance done RIGHT, and I will be thinking about Damian and Claire for a very long time. Highly recommend if you love pain, passion, and stories that leave scars in the best way. ❤️🔥📖
January 17, 2026
How does the joke go? A priest and a nun walk into a confessional… except they don’t quite walk in 👀
This book really highlights the emotional chokehold that grief, guilt and regret can have on someone. To the point that they would bend over backwards to avoid facing those difficult emotions and walk a path they guilt trip themselves into. This is what happens for Damien when a tragic event that happens in his young adulthood leads him to alter his life and finding the priesthood 7/8-years after the event.
Only, he is soon reunited with his high school sweetheart and now Nun, Clair, when she is placed at his church. Clair is tackling her own challenges including the weight of others expectations of her as well as what it means to want to be a progressive nun within a traditional catholic community at Saint Anthony’s.
Damian and Clair struggle with their feelings for one another and what this means regarding their vows and relationships with God. Their story follows how they move through this and the internal conflict they experience as they wrestle with not only current emotions but those from the past.
The religious guilt is very strong in this story and the catholic faith has a heavy presence - to the point I had to check some of the words/meanings. That being said, the way this is reconciled in the story is well done and it’s a part of the storytelling. I felt that the break from traditional church values was also nice to read for example Clair’s sister Jasmine and Jasmine’s wife Rhea being welcomed into church.
Overall Clair is the standout character for me in regard to her story arc, what she has to face and the growth she experiences throughout.
If you like:
-forbidden love
-taboo
-forced proximity
-high school sweethearts
-priest and nun
-religious guilt
-heavy religious presence
Then you will enjoy this!
I rate this a 3.25 (my rating system is in my bio)
This book was an ARC I was kindly given by the author.
This book really highlights the emotional chokehold that grief, guilt and regret can have on someone. To the point that they would bend over backwards to avoid facing those difficult emotions and walk a path they guilt trip themselves into. This is what happens for Damien when a tragic event that happens in his young adulthood leads him to alter his life and finding the priesthood 7/8-years after the event.
Only, he is soon reunited with his high school sweetheart and now Nun, Clair, when she is placed at his church. Clair is tackling her own challenges including the weight of others expectations of her as well as what it means to want to be a progressive nun within a traditional catholic community at Saint Anthony’s.
Damian and Clair struggle with their feelings for one another and what this means regarding their vows and relationships with God. Their story follows how they move through this and the internal conflict they experience as they wrestle with not only current emotions but those from the past.
The religious guilt is very strong in this story and the catholic faith has a heavy presence - to the point I had to check some of the words/meanings. That being said, the way this is reconciled in the story is well done and it’s a part of the storytelling. I felt that the break from traditional church values was also nice to read for example Clair’s sister Jasmine and Jasmine’s wife Rhea being welcomed into church.
Overall Clair is the standout character for me in regard to her story arc, what she has to face and the growth she experiences throughout.
If you like:
-forbidden love
-taboo
-forced proximity
-high school sweethearts
-priest and nun
-religious guilt
-heavy religious presence
Then you will enjoy this!
I rate this a 3.25 (my rating system is in my bio)
This book was an ARC I was kindly given by the author.
January 14, 2026
I rated this book 3* I was impressed with this book's detailed writing, exploration of faith, and swoon-worthy second-chance romance. The forbidden love storyline against the clergy backdrop was unique and captivating. Although some chapters dragged on a bit, the book was a compelling read overall. It tackled real-life issues like trauma, grief, and self-harm with complexity, and the romance was sweet and genuine. My one criticism is chapter 20, which felt unnecessary and triggering. Nevertheless, Ana's turmoil was well-depicted.
Saints and Sinners dives into religion and the weight of expectations. The author perfectly captured the struggle with self-doubt, fear, and anxiety that comes with it. It feels super authentic and real. The themes are strong, and it's a journey of self-discovery that is compelling to read.
Damian's character arc left me feeling pretty flat, to be honest. His dismissive attitude towards Claire's emotions and choices created a real imbalance in the story. The one moment that did stand out was when Claire took control of her narrative - it was empowering, and I wished she'd had more agency throughout. The motivations for growth, commitment, and compromise were understandable, but the repetition of the same reasoning felt like it dulled the emotional impact. It created this sense of emotional angst among the cast that was intense, but often felt unnecessary.
Claire's character really stood out to me - she's all about pushing herself to be better, and you can feel that. What didn't quite work was her making some pretty questionable choices, but I guess that's the point.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Saints and Sinners dives into religion and the weight of expectations. The author perfectly captured the struggle with self-doubt, fear, and anxiety that comes with it. It feels super authentic and real. The themes are strong, and it's a journey of self-discovery that is compelling to read.
Damian's character arc left me feeling pretty flat, to be honest. His dismissive attitude towards Claire's emotions and choices created a real imbalance in the story. The one moment that did stand out was when Claire took control of her narrative - it was empowering, and I wished she'd had more agency throughout. The motivations for growth, commitment, and compromise were understandable, but the repetition of the same reasoning felt like it dulled the emotional impact. It created this sense of emotional angst among the cast that was intense, but often felt unnecessary.
Claire's character really stood out to me - she's all about pushing herself to be better, and you can feel that. What didn't quite work was her making some pretty questionable choices, but I guess that's the point.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2026
Wow! Where do I begin? We are all lying if we say that we’ve never battled temptation in our own relationships with God.
Listen, I am not a cryer. A book cryer if you will. It’s rare that I read or listen and fall to pieces with the characters. So, brava bc I silently wept at midnight while I tried not to wake my husband.
I can’t give too much spoilers bc this is so worth the read. From the scripture…which who knew I needed scripture among my books….to the understanding of love, agape.
Not to get too personal but reading this brought to surface my own turmoil with God, following what feels good over what’s right (right for who tho?), living moments fear driven, etc. What a reminder that God is love. There’s truly no wrong way to live in your faith. In today’s world, we readers escape to our books….to the hope they may bring us, the thrill, the torture, the mystery, the peace…all these things that life brings to our doorstep too and that with faith in God (or yourself or other deity) we can do hard things and we can love.
“This was what faith really meant—not the denial of human connection, but the embrace of it. Not the rejection of love, but the recognition that sometimes, God’s greatest gifts came wrapped in the very things people were taught to resist.”
This review may be all over the place a bit but take a moment and add this to your TBR…or better yet, pause what you’re reading and read this. It’s worth it.
Listen, I am not a cryer. A book cryer if you will. It’s rare that I read or listen and fall to pieces with the characters. So, brava bc I silently wept at midnight while I tried not to wake my husband.
I can’t give too much spoilers bc this is so worth the read. From the scripture…which who knew I needed scripture among my books….to the understanding of love, agape.
Not to get too personal but reading this brought to surface my own turmoil with God, following what feels good over what’s right (right for who tho?), living moments fear driven, etc. What a reminder that God is love. There’s truly no wrong way to live in your faith. In today’s world, we readers escape to our books….to the hope they may bring us, the thrill, the torture, the mystery, the peace…all these things that life brings to our doorstep too and that with faith in God (or yourself or other deity) we can do hard things and we can love.
“This was what faith really meant—not the denial of human connection, but the embrace of it. Not the rejection of love, but the recognition that sometimes, God’s greatest gifts came wrapped in the very things people were taught to resist.”
This review may be all over the place a bit but take a moment and add this to your TBR…or better yet, pause what you’re reading and read this. It’s worth it.
January 8, 2026
ARC Review
Actual 4.5
Saints & Sinners
Author: Alyssa Green
Genre: Religious Erotica
Released: February 17, 2026
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Second-Chance, Slow Burn, Religious Trauma
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I would not qualify this as a dark romance… while there are plenty of intense spice scenes, to me this is more a love story of redemption & self discovery. I went into this one knowing that there were religious themes; not being religious myself I did not find it overbearing or hard to follow. The Catholicism was written beautifully and I did not find it preachy in anyway, it was clearly the basis of the MC's development. The writing was atmospheric, leading the reader to experience the confines of a confessional to the smells of the coast. Damien (MMC) & Claire's (FMC) story was heart wrenching, a slow burn filled with angst, sadness, fear and guilt. I both loved and loathed some of the secondary characters (think nosey biddies clutching their pearls). There was some repetitive content (i.e. eye colour, sweep of hair) but all around it was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a book with a good story where spice isn't the main reason for the read.
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #books #ARC #indie
Actual 4.5
Saints & Sinners
Author: Alyssa Green
Genre: Religious Erotica
Released: February 17, 2026
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Second-Chance, Slow Burn, Religious Trauma
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I would not qualify this as a dark romance… while there are plenty of intense spice scenes, to me this is more a love story of redemption & self discovery. I went into this one knowing that there were religious themes; not being religious myself I did not find it overbearing or hard to follow. The Catholicism was written beautifully and I did not find it preachy in anyway, it was clearly the basis of the MC's development. The writing was atmospheric, leading the reader to experience the confines of a confessional to the smells of the coast. Damien (MMC) & Claire's (FMC) story was heart wrenching, a slow burn filled with angst, sadness, fear and guilt. I both loved and loathed some of the secondary characters (think nosey biddies clutching their pearls). There was some repetitive content (i.e. eye colour, sweep of hair) but all around it was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a book with a good story where spice isn't the main reason for the read.
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #books #ARC #indie
January 13, 2026
Saints and Sinners was one of those reads where I wasn’t entirely sure it was for me after the first chapter but I’m so glad I kept going.
The writing is beautifully detailed without ever feeling overwrought and the story balances depth and readability really well. I’m always a sucker for a second-chance romance and pairing that with forbidden love? Absolute chef’s kiss. 👌
While I personally prefer short to medium chapters, these were on the longer side… not a deal-breaker, just a preference thing. The exploration of faith and personal battles with religion was central to the story and handled thoughtfully, though it did feel a little repetitive in places.
Mrs Fontana, however… made my blood boil. A brilliantly written, deeply unlikeable villain which honestly just proves how well she was done.
The spice? Uncontrolled and very welcome 🌶️ though I do think the story could have benefitted from a scene or two with more raw, emotional intimacy alongside the physical connection.
At its heart, this is a deep, meaningful story about love, God, faith and acceptance. It was refreshing to read a spicy romance that had genuine emotional depth and no insta-love.
A thoughtful, passionate read that stayed with me and one I’m really glad I gave a chance.
The writing is beautifully detailed without ever feeling overwrought and the story balances depth and readability really well. I’m always a sucker for a second-chance romance and pairing that with forbidden love? Absolute chef’s kiss. 👌
While I personally prefer short to medium chapters, these were on the longer side… not a deal-breaker, just a preference thing. The exploration of faith and personal battles with religion was central to the story and handled thoughtfully, though it did feel a little repetitive in places.
Mrs Fontana, however… made my blood boil. A brilliantly written, deeply unlikeable villain which honestly just proves how well she was done.
The spice? Uncontrolled and very welcome 🌶️ though I do think the story could have benefitted from a scene or two with more raw, emotional intimacy alongside the physical connection.
At its heart, this is a deep, meaningful story about love, God, faith and acceptance. It was refreshing to read a spicy romance that had genuine emotional depth and no insta-love.
A thoughtful, passionate read that stayed with me and one I’m really glad I gave a chance.
January 16, 2026
4.5 stars!
To start, this book was very beautifully written! It touches on sensitive topics, but with such grace that it didn’t feel uncomfortable reading about it.
This book goes through the story of Damian and Claire - they are both overcoming grief, guilt and learning to find their place in their path of life. The conflict and emotional struggles that they are met with along the way leads to great character development, and while this book focuses on religion, and expectations and vows, I feel like the reader can take Damian’s and Claire’s story and use it to reflect their own life and whatever the reader has to overcome. There are great life lessons and just a great story told in Saints and Sinners.
I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with where they think they should be in life or questioning where they are meant to be. This story provides a lot of comfort and understanding that we are not alone in this world.
But at the same time I think it is just a great read even if you are not struggling, the story is filled with hope and overcoming hardships that I feel like we all deal with throughout our lives.
I would like to thank Alyssa Green for providing me with this ARC!
To start, this book was very beautifully written! It touches on sensitive topics, but with such grace that it didn’t feel uncomfortable reading about it.
This book goes through the story of Damian and Claire - they are both overcoming grief, guilt and learning to find their place in their path of life. The conflict and emotional struggles that they are met with along the way leads to great character development, and while this book focuses on religion, and expectations and vows, I feel like the reader can take Damian’s and Claire’s story and use it to reflect their own life and whatever the reader has to overcome. There are great life lessons and just a great story told in Saints and Sinners.
I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with where they think they should be in life or questioning where they are meant to be. This story provides a lot of comfort and understanding that we are not alone in this world.
But at the same time I think it is just a great read even if you are not struggling, the story is filled with hope and overcoming hardships that I feel like we all deal with throughout our lives.
I would like to thank Alyssa Green for providing me with this ARC!
January 17, 2026
First of all a thank you to the author for providing me with an arc copy of saints and sinners!
In this book we’re following priest Damian and nun Claire. Damian decides to follow his late brothers path to becoming a priest after an accident that led to his death. To do so, he left the woman he loved and all their plans for the future behind. After 8 years of no contact, Claire gets a teaching position at the same parish where Damian is the priest.
This story is so different than how i thought it would be. Faith really is the main line in this story. I have to admit that the first 50% of the book was hard for me to get through due to the religious terms, acts and beliefs. As someone who isn’t religous, this made the reading process more difficult.
Putting that aside, I really liked how the main characters were protrayed. In the end, we’re all just humans with human problems and desires, regardless of your beliefs. I think the author did a great job with coorperating everyday struggles in this book and that really convinced me to keep reading.
In this book we’re following priest Damian and nun Claire. Damian decides to follow his late brothers path to becoming a priest after an accident that led to his death. To do so, he left the woman he loved and all their plans for the future behind. After 8 years of no contact, Claire gets a teaching position at the same parish where Damian is the priest.
This story is so different than how i thought it would be. Faith really is the main line in this story. I have to admit that the first 50% of the book was hard for me to get through due to the religious terms, acts and beliefs. As someone who isn’t religous, this made the reading process more difficult.
Putting that aside, I really liked how the main characters were protrayed. In the end, we’re all just humans with human problems and desires, regardless of your beliefs. I think the author did a great job with coorperating everyday struggles in this book and that really convinced me to keep reading.
January 8, 2026
ARC Review
Wow! I enjoyed this book way more than I anticipated.
The book is basically about a man who tries to repent by becoming a priest after his brother is killed in a hit in run. His grief causes him to walk away from the woman he loved and take over the calling his brother had always planned on pursuing.
The woman he leaves faces her own difficulties and becomes a nun.
They are thrust back into each other's lives when she is moved to the same church as him and they realise that there is unfinished business there.
This is slow burning romance, with forbidden love and a healthy splash of spice.
The way the author writes is impressive, especially about a Complex topic such as religion.
My only small issue is that Claire wasnt more angry and closed off with Damien, It felt like it took very little time and effort for him to get her to just melt into him. I wish she has been a bit more baddass and made him work for it - but that's just my preference.
Wow! I enjoyed this book way more than I anticipated.
The book is basically about a man who tries to repent by becoming a priest after his brother is killed in a hit in run. His grief causes him to walk away from the woman he loved and take over the calling his brother had always planned on pursuing.
The woman he leaves faces her own difficulties and becomes a nun.
They are thrust back into each other's lives when she is moved to the same church as him and they realise that there is unfinished business there.
This is slow burning romance, with forbidden love and a healthy splash of spice.
The way the author writes is impressive, especially about a Complex topic such as religion.
My only small issue is that Claire wasnt more angry and closed off with Damien, It felt like it took very little time and effort for him to get her to just melt into him. I wish she has been a bit more baddass and made him work for it - but that's just my preference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2026
I grabbed Saints and Sinners after loving Priest by Sierra Simone, and it didn’t disappoint. The story follows a young couple who break up after the MMC’s brother dies, and years later, they’re reunited. He’s now a priest, and she becomes a sister teaching at the same parish/school. From there, the slow burn begins, and wow, the tension is real.
I loved the way MMC struggles between his faith and what he wants, while FMC wrestles with her own devotion and doubts. There’s no insta-love here, everything between them feels earned, and it’s a meaningful story about God, love, and acceptance.
I’m not very religious, so a few bits were a little tricky to follow, but it never pulled me out of the story. The side characters were also great, everyone had their own feelings and conflicts that made the world feel real.
The spice was just right, showing up when it needed to without feeling overdone. Overall, this is a thoughtful, slow-burn romance that sticks with you long after the last page.
I loved the way MMC struggles between his faith and what he wants, while FMC wrestles with her own devotion and doubts. There’s no insta-love here, everything between them feels earned, and it’s a meaningful story about God, love, and acceptance.
I’m not very religious, so a few bits were a little tricky to follow, but it never pulled me out of the story. The side characters were also great, everyone had their own feelings and conflicts that made the world feel real.
The spice was just right, showing up when it needed to without feeling overdone. Overall, this is a thoughtful, slow-burn romance that sticks with you long after the last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
I just finished this ARC read of Saints And Sinners by @Alyssa Green | Author 🖤🌙✨ and I have to so much to say....
First, she covers some brutal themes surrounding religion so please read the trigger list if needed. There's so much going on in this book but she wraps it all together so well and tells the stories so beautifully. There's grief, loss, discrimination, hearts fractured, choices questioned and so much judgment. I have to say there were times where I felt like yelling at some of the times judgment was being laid, but Alyssa has her characters handle it with such grace, dignity and respect. I was in awe of it all.
Then of course there's the two main characters, Damian and Claire, or Dames and Sparrow affectionately. You'll find yourself so caught up in their story, their love and rooting for it all.
I give this 5 ⭐️ and highly encourage you to read it.
#saintsandsinners #alyssagreenauthor #arcreadersoftiktok #bookreview
First, she covers some brutal themes surrounding religion so please read the trigger list if needed. There's so much going on in this book but she wraps it all together so well and tells the stories so beautifully. There's grief, loss, discrimination, hearts fractured, choices questioned and so much judgment. I have to say there were times where I felt like yelling at some of the times judgment was being laid, but Alyssa has her characters handle it with such grace, dignity and respect. I was in awe of it all.
Then of course there's the two main characters, Damian and Claire, or Dames and Sparrow affectionately. You'll find yourself so caught up in their story, their love and rooting for it all.
I give this 5 ⭐️ and highly encourage you to read it.
#saintsandsinners #alyssagreenauthor #arcreadersoftiktok #bookreview
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to to the author for this ARC.
I was curious about Saints and Sinners because I thought it could be quite messy and gripping with the main characters wrestling with faith and desire. And while there was plenty of that, my main gripe was pacing. First things move very fast with their rekindling of their relationship where it seemed a little convenient. Then, there's an obvious solution to their problem--and both of them have plenty of people around them were extremely compassionate and even encouraging them to pursue it while reassuring their faith. It unfortunately got to the point it was drawn out too long with a little bit of repetition.
There were great points in here though--lessons on authenticity, love, acceptance, and forgiveness. I would say that despite the pacing issues, these bright spots made it worth reading.
I was curious about Saints and Sinners because I thought it could be quite messy and gripping with the main characters wrestling with faith and desire. And while there was plenty of that, my main gripe was pacing. First things move very fast with their rekindling of their relationship where it seemed a little convenient. Then, there's an obvious solution to their problem--and both of them have plenty of people around them were extremely compassionate and even encouraging them to pursue it while reassuring their faith. It unfortunately got to the point it was drawn out too long with a little bit of repetition.
There were great points in here though--lessons on authenticity, love, acceptance, and forgiveness. I would say that despite the pacing issues, these bright spots made it worth reading.
January 11, 2026
theres no exact troupe this one could fall under. please do read the trigger warnings and read this with a very open mind. some of the content can be hard to not understand but to relate too.
thisbone is for sure a second chance finding each other at a different time in their lives but the story that Damian and Claire go through is worth the read in this book.
this author was new to me and well it was unique to read a story written this way and I dont mean that in anyway harshly it was a book I would have never read if I didnt get this chance but im sure it was the cover that drew me in
thisbone is for sure a second chance finding each other at a different time in their lives but the story that Damian and Claire go through is worth the read in this book.
this author was new to me and well it was unique to read a story written this way and I dont mean that in anyway harshly it was a book I would have never read if I didnt get this chance but im sure it was the cover that drew me in
January 14, 2026
I did not expect a book with such a deep dive in religious themes would have me not put it down. Two nights… The writing is beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous descriptions and details. I thought 419 pages seemed long but I soaked up every page.
Our MMC and FMC pissed me off but knowing the struggle personally, I get the winding repetition of the decisions made. They both deal with so much catholic guilt and shame that I understand so deeply.
My goodness when it gets spicy, it gets spicy. It’s not spice just for spice though, there’s build to it.
It’s a ‘read the triggers book’, and if you have any religious trauma be wary, but it’s worth reading!
Our MMC and FMC pissed me off but knowing the struggle personally, I get the winding repetition of the decisions made. They both deal with so much catholic guilt and shame that I understand so deeply.
My goodness when it gets spicy, it gets spicy. It’s not spice just for spice though, there’s build to it.
It’s a ‘read the triggers book’, and if you have any religious trauma be wary, but it’s worth reading!
January 15, 2026
*gifted e-arc copy
As always care for your mental and read the TW's (religious trauma and s3lf h@rm, among others) before reading this book.
The concept of this book was portrayed beautifully and I love that the author incorporated some of her own experiences regarding the topic.
Damian and Claire grew up together and were a couple for a short time in their teens, but the passing of Rico (Damian's brother) tore them apart. They went their separate ways to find release and closure through faith when going through grief, and for Claire her internal struggles.
Damian becomes a priest, like his brother would have done, to carry on his legacy. The parish/ church is in need of an educational director (can't remember the exact job role but is similar to this), so in comes Claire.
Together and apart both Damian and Claire go through the journey of internal struggle, struggles with faith and freedom, with relationships and family, etc. , and if their 'calling' to God was a true one, what they really wanted.
But overall, this book was a lovely read that I had never read before, and I would recommend it to others to read if, when and where appropriate. Would read it again
As always care for your mental and read the TW's (religious trauma and s3lf h@rm, among others) before reading this book.
The concept of this book was portrayed beautifully and I love that the author incorporated some of her own experiences regarding the topic.
Damian and Claire grew up together and were a couple for a short time in their teens, but the passing of Rico (Damian's brother) tore them apart. They went their separate ways to find release and closure through faith when going through grief, and for Claire her internal struggles.
Damian becomes a priest, like his brother would have done, to carry on his legacy. The parish/ church is in need of an educational director (can't remember the exact job role but is similar to this), so in comes Claire.
Together and apart both Damian and Claire go through the journey of internal struggle, struggles with faith and freedom, with relationships and family, etc. , and if their 'calling' to God was a true one, what they really wanted.
But overall, this book was a lovely read that I had never read before, and I would recommend it to others to read if, when and where appropriate. Would read it again
January 6, 2026
I enjoyed this initially. And then it felt like there was a greater emphasis on Catholicism than the plot.
I loved Damien & Claire, I like that they had ‘real life struggles’.
It’s entirely plausible that I struggled with the amount of religious references in the book because I don’t understand that kind of faith.
I’d have wanted to see more plot & less religion but ultimately I enjoyed the read & so was deserving of 4 stars.
I loved Damien & Claire, I like that they had ‘real life struggles’.
It’s entirely plausible that I struggled with the amount of religious references in the book because I don’t understand that kind of faith.
I’d have wanted to see more plot & less religion but ultimately I enjoyed the read & so was deserving of 4 stars.
January 16, 2026
I loved this book so so so much! Thankfully I do not have religious trauma, but I truly felt the faith and the love that both Damian and Claire had for God, but also themselves. Their pasts were painful, and once again I was so entranced by the growth that they both experienced within themselves and with each other. Absolutely wonderful.
January 6, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
'The girl who'd sliced that blade too deep was still part of me, but she was no longer the only part anymore.'
A beautiful story about love, loss, healing and finding your way. 🥺
Also a forbidden religious romance? Okayyyyy. 👀
'The girl who'd sliced that blade too deep was still part of me, but she was no longer the only part anymore.'
A beautiful story about love, loss, healing and finding your way. 🥺
Also a forbidden religious romance? Okayyyyy. 👀
January 9, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book. It is so beautifully written. It shows love, devotion, the inner turmoil of what they think they should do, what they are expected to do, and what God's plan for them is.
I completely LOVED how she describes the faith and God's love.
BEAUTIFUL.
I completely LOVED how she describes the faith and God's love.
BEAUTIFUL.
January 17, 2026
this has been one of the best reads ive had the pleasure of reading. every page, every chapter and every moment kept me wanting more. everything from the story to the characters to how immersed I was through the entirety of this read was perfect.
January 18, 2026
This book is sweet and seductive. I really enjoyed it. Is the plot mind blowing? No it's not, but is it a good read and a great palette cleanser? Yes it is. If you need a good lighthearted read I recommend this book.
Read
January 7, 2026I dnf around page 100 .
I wasn't sure if I was being preached at or reading a diary.
not for me. too much church stuff
I wasn't sure if I was being preached at or reading a diary.
not for me. too much church stuff
Want to read
January 8, 2026This was a DNF for me. Personally, it was too much church-y stuff and I just couldn’t get into it. I apologize but it wasn’t for me.
January 11, 2026
I'm giving the book an overall rating of 4 stars because I enjoyed the story a lot more than I thought I was going to in the beginning. There were times when it felt a little preachy, however, I don't feel it took away from the book but was needed context for the story. Please know this book is a slow burn but I feel is worth the read.
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