The Prodigal Son

The Goode Brothers #4

by Sara Cate

I’ve been alone long enough.

As a chart-topping country singer, I’m living the dream.

While my family is all back in Austin, embracing their happily-ever-afters, I’m on the road on a sold-out tour.

I should feel ecstatic, yet all I am is lonely.

Maybe that’s why I find myself drawn to a fan who pops up at one of my shows.

Something about the way he watches me on stage has me thinking…he knows my secret.

And after the first kiss, I can’t seem to let him go.

But Jensen Miles has some secrets of his own:

He isn’t just a regular fan. He’s a preacher.

And not just any preacher—the new preacher at my dad’s church.

Where I come from, preachers don’t have filthy mouths and dirty hookups, let alone with a male country singer.

But Jensen has scars like mine. They just run deeper.

We can’t stay away from each other, though. One night turns into nearly every city of the tour; the two of us sneak around backstage, onto tour buses, and in hotel rooms.

And while I’ve never been happier…I’m tired of hiding.

With Jensen, I might be able to escape the monsters from my past—even if the scariest one has just been set free.

With Jensen, we can outrun our demons together.

With Jensen, I’m finally ready to come home.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Dark Romance, Audiobook, LGBT, Contemporary, Forbidden Romance

410 pages, Paperback

First published April 24, 2025

About the author

Sara 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

Reviews

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There are always options. Nothing is hopeless."

Isaac Goode left home and never looked back.
He couldn't stay there. Couldn't stay in that house. Couldn’t stay with his dad.
So he ran away and became a successful country music star.
Theo Virgil - the country music star and Isaac Goode's alter ego.
He should be happy. But loneliness has a way of creeping in.
Until him.
Until Jensen Miles.
Until their eyes meet at one of his concerts.
And everything changes.
Jensen changes everything.
Nothing will be the same for either of them.

"He is the melody I have been waiting for my entire life."

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review 🩷🩷

"I can't take my eyes off him. He has such a glow to him, like the sun itself is in the room I'm standing in. And just like the sun, his gravitational pull draws me closer."

This series has hooked me from the very first book and from the very first book I had to have Isaac's story - AND IT DID NOT DISSAPOINT ONE BIT!!

"We fit together. And it doesn't make sense."

Isaac has always been intriguing throughout the whole series and him finally getting a story and having it be so emotional and so important is everything I could have wished for!
Isaac and Jensen's relationship is special in a way that fits them perfectly - the pastor with the complicated past and the "prodigal son" who ran away because of his family - the way they connect is just magical to read ✨✨

"Babe. You're a country music star and I'm a preacher. We are anything but normal."

Sara Cate always nails the playlists (nothing surprising there) but of course I had to be me and add more songs so… in a way you're welcome people 🩷🩷

(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2de... )

🎶 "Church" - Fall Out Boy
🎶 "The Water Is Fine" - Chloe Ament
🎶 "I Just Wanna Run" - The Downtown Fiction
🎶 "Pray" - Lauren Spencer Smith
🎶 "Family Line" - Conan Gray
🎶 "Shadow" - Livingston
🎶 "Enter Sandman" - Alessia Cara, The Warning
🎶 "Skeletons" - New Years Day
🎶 "Unbreakable" - New Years Day
🎶 "Music" - Kelsea Ballerini
🎶 "Happy World" - Debbii Dawson
🎶 "Losing My Religion" - BELLSAINT
🎶 "Sober" - P!nk
🎶 "Rush" - Troye Sivan
🎶 "My My My!" - Troye Sivan
🎶 "Silence" - Marshmello, Khalid
🎶 "Cowboys And Angels" - Jessie Murph
🎶 "The Exit" - Conan Gray
🎶 "Harder To Breathe" - Letdown.
🎶 "Lonely" - Noah Cyrus
🎶 "Gravedigger" - Livingston
🎶 "Lyin' to Myself" - Todrick Hall
🎶 "God" - Jake Daniels
🎶 "Addicted" - Saving Abel
🎶 "Dazed & Confused" - Ruel
🎶 "I Don't Smoke - Audiotree Live Version" - Mitski
🎶 "Mad World" - 2WEI, Tommee Profitt, Fleurie
🎶 "butterflies" - GAYLE
🎶 "fleabag - acoustic" - YUNGBLUD
🎶 "Stay With Me" - Sam Smith
🎶 "Breathe" - Kansh
🎶 "Friction" - Imagine Dragons
🎶 "Bones" - MOD SUN
🎶 "Heavenly Kind Of State Of Mind" - Lewis Capaldi
🎶 "Power Over Me - Acoustic" - Dermot Kennedy
🎶 "Beautiful Things - Acoustic" - Benson Boone
🎶 "I Wanna Be Yours" - Arctic Monkeys
🎶 "HIM" - Sam Smith
🎶 "Espresso (Acoustic)" - Madilyn Bailey
🎶 "Found Heaven" - Conan Gray
🎶 "I Was Made For Lovin' You - Orchestral Version" - YUNGBLUD, Dominic Lewis
🎶 "greedy" - Tate McRae
🎶 "Movement" - Hozier
🎶 "From Eden" - Hozier
🎶 "I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE" - Maneskin
🎶 "FOR YOUR LOVE" - Maneskin
🎶 "Favorite" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Taste" - Ari Abdul
🎶 "Good Boy" - ZEE MACHINE
🎶 "I Feel You" - Depeche Mode
🎶 "Too Sweet" - Ryan Mitchell
🎶 "Wise Enough" - Lamb
🎶 "Worship" - Ari Abdul
🎶 "Like You Mean It" - Steven Rodriguez
🎶 "Call Out My Name - Live" - The Weeknd
🎶 "R U Mine?" - Arctic Monkeys
🎶 "Close To You" - Gracie Abrams
🎶 "Like A God" - Lia Marie Johnson
🎶 "Gilded Lily" - Cults
🎶 "Human" - Rag'n'Bone Man
🎶 "Stick Season" - Noah Kahan
🎶 "Unholy - Orchestral Version" - Sam Smith, Kim Petras
🎶 "You Proof" - Morgan Wallen
🎶 "Color" - Todrick Hall, Jay Armstrong Johnson
🎶 "Never Let Me Go" - Florence + The Machine
🎶 "fOoL fOr YoU" - ZAYN
🎶 "doomsday" - Lizzy McAlpine
🎶 "Give You Love" - Alex Warren
🎶 "Fire On Fire" - Sam Smith
🎶 "Nothing Compares To You" - Mickey Guyton, Kane Brown
🎶 "Rue's I'm Tired" - Labrinth, Zendaya
🎶 "Bad Child" - Tones And I
🎶 "Alone Together" - Fall Out Boy
🎶 "Could Have Been Me" - The Struts
🎶 "Winner" - Conan Gray
🎶 "I Was Just a Kid" - Nothing But Thieves
🎶 "Natural" - THE DRIVER ERA
🎶 "Cologne" - SM6
🎶 "Lovesick" - Jenna Raine
🎶 "Share Your Address" - Ben Platt
🎶 "Spectrum (Say My Name)" - Florence + The Machine
🎶 "Lose It - Acoustic" - Kane Brown
🎶 "Better Man" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 "Home" - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
🎶 "Last Man Standing" - Livingston
🎶 "Icarus" - Bastille
🎶 "Half Life" - Livingston
🎶 "One Life" - Dermot Kennedy
🎶 "Your Song" - Elton John
🎶 "Starving - Acoustic" - Hailee Steinfeld, Grey, Zedd
🎶 "imagine - acoustic" - Ben Platt
🎶 "Ordinary" - Alex Warren

And you know Sara Cate is one of my queens of spice 🌶️🔥💋

"That’s it. Good boy."

"Better keep it down. We wouldn't want anyone to walk in and find you on your knees for me."

"Don’t scream for God, Isaac. Scream for me."

🎵 Tropes 🎵

✝️ MM Romance
✝️ Country Music Star x Pastor
✝️ Age Gap
✝️ Forbidden Romance
✝️ Hurt/Comfort

Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/DId-qtuo8...

[Kealyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prodigal Son (The Goode Brothers #4) by Sara Cate

4/5 stars

The Prodigal Son is the last book in this series, but it's the first one I read in this series and by this author. And goodness gracious I really fell in love with Sara Cate's writing style and storytelling. 

In this novel we follow the youngest Goode brother. Isaac left his home at age 17 after his religious father Truett hits him in the face after he passionately tells him he is gay. Isaac has been a talented songwriter and guitar player even since he was young. As a youngster his family adored and loved him and encouraged him to perform.

But now he has rebranded himself as Theo Virgil, a crazy talented country singer going on his first world tour. He loves to perform but he also recognizes he is extremely lonely being a closeted gay man.

Jensen Miles is the new preacher at the church Truett left after being arrested. He is passionate and loves his job. He has a great relationship with his parents. But straight away we as readers feel that it is fractionated as well. His mother is a devout christian and thinks gay people are ill, wrong and must be healed in order to be accepted in christian society. 

Jensen's parents have good friends who have a daughter. They try to set them up. And when Gabby offers Jenson to go to a Theo Virgil concert he eagerly agrees. He is a huge Theo fan and absolutely cannot wait to meet him at the meet and greet that is included in the tickets. He also hopes and almost forces himself to open up to Gabby and tries to fall in love with her. To please his parents mostly. Well not mostly, he does it to try and please them. Jensen knows he is gay through and through.

At the concert Theo instantly spots Jensen in the crowd and they have a sizzling bond. And the meet and greet they naturally gravitate towards each other and cannot stop talking and ogling each other. They exchange numbers and that is what kickstarts this beautiful story. 

This is a story about two men that instantly, heavily and completely fall in love. I love their love. They love each other so purely. So kindly and so freaking hotly. I love how they both hold a few things to their hearts. But I also love how they tell the other one about it and how accepting and open they are. When Theo asks Jensen to call him Isaac my heart just melted.

But it's also difficult as they aren't openly gay. Isaac being famous and Jensen being as pastor. But love runs hard and they run into huge obstacles. But I love how they overcome them, how powerful they are as a unit.

And that last epilogue! Oh my heart. I love, love, loved that! 

HUGE SPOILER ALERTS IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH:

One thing that kept me glued to the pages is the obvious religious element to this story. It's a story about how parents at first don't accept their sons being gay. It's about how limiting church is. And what happens to Jensen broke my fucking heart. 
I grew up in a very religious town. And I lost my faith because of it. I think I would have lost it eventually either way. But I grew up in a town where being gay was being condemned. I even was part of a church that split into two. And my family chose to go to the side that forbade gay marriage. I had mental issues as a kid, and even that was a no go and reason to be bullied. Getting an abortion? You were condemned for life. And like I said they claimed to be super christian. But what I witnessed was religious people bullying, tormenting and kicking people down just because they fell out of grace was horrendous. Christians can be so utterly cruel. Don't get me wrong! There are a lot of amazing religious people who are open and accepting. But I've just seen the dark side of a group of religious people as well.
So I truly connected with this story on a deeper level as well. Jensen's mother. I have seen so many women like that. And I just cannot fathom how you cast away your own child just because a religion or God tells you to do so. I admired Jensen's father a lot. He is such a strong and brave man. I wish there were millions of men like that. 
I really like how this book showcases the dark side of religion. But also highlights the strength and power of religion. Jensen's first sermon after being openly gay was beautiful and inspiring. And I hope that these sorts of sermons will be told in more and more churches throughout the coming years. Because faith can be a beautiful thing too. So I loved the balance between the two sides.
Sorry for ranting so much! I just needed to clear my chest. 

4 huge stars from me for this beautiful and heartfelt story. 

[Yasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ — 4,5/5 ✨🔥♥️

Every time I pick up a Sara Cate book, I expect to be moved but The Prodigal Son still found a way to surprise me. This wasn’t just a romance; it was a story that made me laugh, ache, and fall completely for Isaac and Jensen 🥹

Their connection felt undeniable—passionate, tender, and achingly vulnerable. What I loved most was how real it was: imperfect in the most human way, yet impossible to break 🫧❤️‍🩹

“You are mine, and I am yours. We were official the moment I laid eyes on you that night in Phoenix.”

That single line captured the heartbeat of the book—love that’s immediate, consuming, and unforgettable 😩

And then came the wedding. My heart could barely take it. Sweet and raw all at once, it was the kind of ending that leaves you closing the book with tears in your eyes and a smile on your face 😭✨

“You don’t have to thank me. I’ll love you until the day I die, Isaac Goode.”
“Right back at you, Jensen Goode.”

By the last page, I wasn’t just reading their story—I was carrying it with me. And what made it even more special is that I haven’t read the whole series yet. Even coming to it at the very end, Isaac and Jensen’s love was so deeply moving it lingers long after the final page 🥺

A finale like this doesn’t just close a book, it carves a place in your heart 🤤

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update, I just reread this one with the audio. Narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Dane Anderson.

This book hit me hard the first time, but this time... I cried so much! These men performed this with their whole chest. Isaac and Jensen are an amazing love story. I hope everyone gives this romance a chance.
.
.
This was powerful and beautiful. I knew I was gonna fall so hard for Isaac and I was pleasantly surprised by Jensen. I loved how Sara Cate took two characters that are in such odd circumstances and brought them together.

This book handles some heavy topics but it handled them with care and I felt hopeful and pleased at the end. These two deserved an HEA so badly and though it wasn't easy, their romance feels true.

4.5 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale

CW: Self harm, homophobia, religious trauma, and more, see author's note.

*thank you to Sara Cate for an ARC of this title.*

[Renae Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Isaac and Jensen's story. These two have amazing chemistry from the start, and watching them tiptoe around their feelings because they don't want to be wrong was so adorable. It was done amazingly when both realized they were completely smitten with one another. Isaac and Jensen also have fascinating backstories and seeing how they learn to process their mutual traumas was explored with care and compassion.

Overall, this story explores many emotional burdens while giving each character time and patience to overcome and process their past traumas. I think this was well executed and allowed both Isaac and Jensen to become even stronger partners for one another.

This story took me through all the emotions, and I couldn't get enough of these two. All of their pain and suffering was worth it in the end. I couldn't get enough of them, and their happily ever after is hard-won and so beautiful to see.

** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story. **

[stackedwithsteph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need this book to be about Isaac falling for the preacher that took over his homophobic father's church. PLEASE. I BEG.

-----

This was so good. I loved everyone's ending - I thought this was a great wrap up to the series.

[Kseniia ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

➸ЧЧ роман
➸співак/пастор
➸hurt/comfort
➸емоційно

I close my eyes, and I speak my truth. Not just for myself and not just for Jensen. But for every single person out there who has been afraid to be themselves. For everyone who felt they had to hide. For everyone who has thought the best thing to do is to run away—either like I did or like Jensen tried to.
I want them to know they’re not alone.

Історія Ісаака, найменьшого та найбільш травмованого брата. 11 років тому після невдалого камінг ауту Ісаак втік з Остіну подалі від своєї релігійної родини. Він зрікся свого імені і тепер він Тео Вьорджил, кантрі-зірка. На одному зі своїх концертів він зустрічається поглядом з Дженсеном і понеслось. Іскра, буря, бєзуміє.

Дженсен - новий пастор в церкві батька Ісаака. А ще він великий фанат творчості Тео. У нього теж було тяжке життя. Коли він був підлітком, мати відправила його до табору, де практикують конверсійну терапію. За 10 років йому добряче промили мізки😭 Йому не пощастило з мамою, але батько в кінці мені трохи сподобався.

Історія Ісаака та Дженсена мила, солодка, гаряча та скляна. Друга половина книга періодично викликала сльози. 37 розділ 😭💔
Можливо трохи забагато спайсі сцен, але так як вони класно написані, то я не проти)

Чудове возз'єднання родини, чудова історія кохання та чудовий фінал серії❤️

But in the end, it was never about him. It was about us—his sons. My brothers. About the men we became, about how after all the mistakes and all the heartbreaks and all the rebellions, what truly remains are good men.

[madmanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️ ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️

Wow. I’m trying to write my review and it’s still hard for me to find the right words almost a week later.

📖 This story covers Isaac Goode, the final Goode brother, who is also known as country music star Theo Virgil. He’s on tour and meets Jensen Miles, pastor at Redemption Point church. They exchange numbers and their relationship progresses, but they have a lot to go through and healing to do in order to get to their HEA.

⛪️ MM romance
🏳️‍🌈 Church pastor X Country Singer
🎤 Age gap
🙏🏼 Forbidden
❤️‍🩹 Hurt/comfort

🎶 “This is for you. You know who you are.” This line makes me sob every time I read it. It’s so much more than a book/song dedication. It’s a battle cry in a fight against everyone who has made you feel like you who you are is inherently wrong because of who you love. YOU know who you are.

💭 This book has healed me in ways I didn’t anticipate. Jensen and Isaac will be with me for life. As a mom, a sister to a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and someone with her own religious trauma, I cannot say thank you enough to Sara Cate for giving us this story, Jensen & Isaac.

🌶️ The spice was SPECTACULAR. The forbidden elements, sneaking around, the daddy moments, a public toy scene 🥵 and finally when their passion was only amplified once they finally could love each other out in the open was explosive.

⚠️ The Prodigal Son covers very heavy themes, so please keep that in mind before starting!

Cry counter : 9

🖤 Thank you so much to team Sara Cate for the opportunity to arc read The Prodigal Son!

[Shanna Ferris · Rating 5 out of 5]

• MM romance
• Emotional
• Working through religious trauma
• Country Music star/Pastor
• Age gap 40/28
• Hurt/Comfort
• Forbidden
• Very sensitive topics
• The most beautiful epilogues

“Babe, you’re a country music star and I’m a preacher. We are anything but normal.”

Wow! This book is beautifully written.

Anything I write in this review won’t do it justice. Such a perfect way to end what has become one of my favorite series of all time.

There couldn't have been a better match for Isaac. I’ve been so excited for his book, and Sara really packed a punch with this one. The way these two come together was captured so perfectly, I felt it all. Gosh. I’m honestly speechless and trying so hard to even hold back tears.

And to think, just before picking this book up, I was saying it had been a minute since a story fully sucked me in and moved me the way this one did.

"I want to scream from the rooftops how I feel about him. I want to love him without guilt or shame in my heart. I want to love him out loud."

The sensitive topics in this book were handled with so much care, and it really shows. As an adult with a ton of religious trauma that pushed me away from my faith for years, I feel like this book healed me in some ways. The way Jenson spoke about his faith, even after years of trauma, gutted me. The results of his journey, even as a man in his 40s, working through all his pain, left me speechless.

"Isaac changes me. He changes the fear and shame into faith and pride. He’s giving me back what was taken so long ago. He’s making me the man fifteen-year-old Jensen needed."

Sara's writing blew me away in so many ways, and Jenson's story was definitely a big part of that. She handled these characters with so much care and love, and I couldn't get enough of the way she brought these two broken boys together. Each of them healed something in the other, recognizing things no one else ever had. It was a true example of unconditional love. The grace they showed one another as they worked through their grief was what carried them through their hardest moments.

"Isaac is a prodigy. He’s a miracle. Quite simply, he’s the greatest person I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing, and I’m the lucky bastard who somehow gets to call him mine."

If you've been following this series from the beginning, you just knew Isaac would eventually find his way home. But I never would’ve guessed it would feel like coming home for me too. I absolutely loved seeing Isaac and his brother reconnect.

If you haven’t read the other brothers’ stories, you’re really missing out, but this book can be read as a standalone. That said, for maximum emotional impact, I highly recommend starting from the beginning. Because without a doubt, this is my favorite series of Sara's!

I can't wait for this book to come to audio! I already know the narrators will do an incredible job with this book and i can't wait to listen!

And the epilogues. Wow. 😭😭😍

• Check trigger warnings

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prodigal Son is book 4 in The Goode Brothers series and this is an age gap (28, 40), forbidden, mm, pastor x country singer romance with hurt/comfort and hidden identity.

Theo Virgil is a chart topping country singer who has kept his actual identity as Isaac Goode a secret for years. He travels the country, has massive success, but is lonely at the end of the day. If you’ve read the series then you know the complex, strained relationship he has with his family (for good reasons). His brothers have all had books in the series, Adam, Luke and Caleb.

One night at one of his concerts, Isaac meets Jensen. Jensen is a huge fan and the two really hit it off and become texting friends at first before Jensen starts coming to a ton of his shows and hanging out before/after. Isaac is keeping his identity a secret and Jensen has a secret he keeps to his self as well, he’s actually a preacher at Isaac’s family’s old church.

This was an emotional one, the family relationships, how vulnerable the characters get with one another, the religious trauma to work through, both keeping their sexual orientation a secret for so long, the reunions, the healing, the hope. Definitely a slow burn, and needed to be one for their story. This series overall has been such an emotional one and so solid!

I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.

CW: homophobia, parental abuse (physical and emotional), sexual assault of a minor (off the page), conversion therapy, violence, attempted suicide (on page), alcohol abuse, religious trauma, and death of a parent.

[The Love Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful read of two people with traumatic pasts who are working through it to live life on their own terms. Jensen and Isaac deserved all the hugs and love, and Sara did her characters justice!

Isaac’s character/past has been hinted at throughout the series, with us learning more about him in the previous book. Seeing what Isaac feels and went through from his own POV was heartbreaking, but Isaac possessed a quiet strength that helped him overcome how his father treated him. I fell in love with his character and all the love he had to give! It takes bravery to love big and hard after you’ve been hurt so many times.

Jensen, on paper, is Isaac’s opposite in so many ways. The two of them, however, couldn’t be more right for each other! Jensen’s traumatic past continues to haunt him, and it hurt seeing the thoughts he had about himself and his sexuality. Jensen was let down by the people who were supposed to protect him, and it left a shadow that Jensen has to now overcome.

This was a great conclusion to the series and ended up being my favorite book. Isaac and Jensen’s had whirlwind romance once they realized their souls were safe with one another, and they stuck by each other during some TRULY dark times. We got to catch up with the rest of the Goode family, and that was satisfying to see from Isaac’s POV!

Definitely heed the trigger warnings the author has at the beginning, as some of the content is hard to read/see on page.

[Mei ☽︎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I hyped myself up too much for this one so I didn't enjoy it as much as I was hoping to. I was kind of hoping for a little more closure with Dean, and that scenes with the family were a bit more there instead of just showing and telling vibes? What we get is still really good, but again, I think I just had different expectations.

I still liked Jensen and Isaac and their journey was good. I just feel like this book didn't really do a great job of ending the series as I was hoping.

---------
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS BOOK FOR SO LONGGGGGG AHHHHHHHHHH i need to see how our boy is

[Marley Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Cate has absolutely outdone herself with Jenson and Isaac. A heartbreakingly poignant, yet beautiful ending to a fantastic series.

[Chiara^•^ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal Son by Sara Cate
∞/5⭐
3/5🌶️

I’ve been a huge fan of Sara Cate’s writing for a while now, and I have to say, this book is my favorite of hers! It’s such a beautiful story about acceptance, forgiveness, and love in all its forms. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, and mostly, I felt a warm glow the whole time I was reading. This book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster; it might break your heart in some parts, but in the end, it heals and fills you with hope.

The story follows Isaac, who left home after coming out as gay, only to be rejected by his father. He hasn’t been back in over ten years. His only connection is with Luke, one of his brothers, and occasional chats with his mom. As his career as a country music star skyrockets and he embarks on his first world tour, he still feels incredibly lonely. He’s been hiding his sexuality and only engaging in hookups, avoiding any real relationship—until he meets Jensen.

Jensen is a pastor in a church where Isaac’s father used to work. He’s dealing with his struggles regarding his sexuality and has been taught to believe that being gay is a sin. He’s also a fan of Isaac’s music, and when he attends one of Isaac’s concerts and meets him backstage, their connection is instant and undeniable.

What I loved most is that from the beginning, they both realize their feelings run deeper than just casual hookups. They fall for each other quickly and deeply, providing each other with happiness and a sense of safety. Their love is beautiful and sweet, but it’s not without challenges as they fight for their happy ending. I also appreciated Isaac’s brothers and their support—my heart melted every time they stood up for him!

Overall, this book is just fantastic! The way the author weaves the story is so beautifully done. I totally adored the epilogue—it left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. This book has made it to my top reads this year, and Isaac and Jensen’s story will always hold a special place in my heart!

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️

I genuinely have no words to express how perfect this book was. Without a doubt, it’s currently my favorite read of 2025.

This book completely shattered every expectation I had going in. I already love everything Sara writes, but this story hit on a whole new level. The emotions, OMGGGG I felt them down to my core for Jensen and Isaac. Their pain, their vulnerability, their love, everything was just so raw & real.

This book shines so much light on the struggles so many people quietly face & I truly believe Sara captured it with so much care and authenticity. The chemistry between these two characters was felt from the start. The way they found safety and home in each other literally broke me & healed me all at once. I was rooting for their happy ending the entire time.

I’m not sure I’ll ever stop thinking about them. This story is going to live in my heart for a long time

Thank you so much, Sara Cate for this ARC🤍

[‎lis☾⋆˙✩ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think all along, what he really needed was someone who could prove to him that not all preachers are bad. Not all men of faith are cruel.

this book screamed daddy issues (non-derogatory). isaac and jensen both needed redemption. not from their “sins”, but from the homophobia they were subjected to. needless to say, this was an emotional one. it’s frustrating to hear about bigotry and it’s heartbreaking to watch the effect it has on those it is projected upon. thank god for the happy ending.

"And now...the church belongs to you. His son's boyfriend." "I call that irony," I say with a smile. "I call it providence."

[Ashley Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ending on the Goodest note!

I loved everything about this one! I've had my frustrations with the previous entries in the series, but even then, I think a lot of that has to do with my high expectations of Sara Cate. Her using this series to combat religious trauma was most apparent in this book. She really really attacked some very problematic issues in organized religion and I applaud her heartily for it!

So a warning to readers: the evil that is conversation therapy really surprised me. I always knew it was problematic, but if even a fraction of what's covered in this book actually happens in those programs, everyone involved needs to rot eternally in hell. I've never felt so uncomfortable but I would definitely not look away.

Massive applause to Sara for putting in resources at the end. If you're struggling in any way, please read to the end for the resources.

All that said... We all read Sara Cate for other reasons too (and I never in a thousand years thought I would enjoy a smütty book so much while also applauding its very important message!), and this was a good and spicy one! I loved Isaac as much as I thought I would. He was such a strong MC! His journey to self-acceptance and strength was believable and heartwarming to read. From everything we've read in the previous 3 books, I'm so happy with his resolution. Jensen was strong but vulnerable and so so lovely! I didn't know what I had in my mind as the partner for Isaac but then he appeared out of Sara's mind and he was perfect!

I haven't devoured a Sara Cate like this since Praise. I'm so happy the series ended on this perfect note!

[lauraღ · Rating 3 out of 5]

He’s thousands of miles away, still loving me.

This was good; a pretty solid age gap, emotional romance with a little bit of taboo. This was my first read from this author, so it's not like I had any expectations going in, but also... I did sort of have some expectations, because I heard that her romances are often really sexy and emotional. And I did get that from this book, but just not with the intensity that I expected.  

This is the last book in an interconnected stand-alone series. I'm sure I would have gotten more out of the side characters if I had read their books, buuuut I didn't need anything more from them, and I wasn't particularly interested in reading the previous books in the series. In my opinion, it reads perfectly well as a stand-alone. Isaac is the last of four brothers, semi estranged from his family, and a rising country music star. Jensen is the new preacher back in Isaac's home town, and in fact, has taken over for Isaac's father, the old preacher. (Stuff went down with the dad in the last three books; you learn about it from context.) They're also both closeted and gay. Jensen is a fan of Isaac's music, and when he happens to get backstage tickets for one of Isaac shows, they meet and sparks immediately start flying. Even though there are immediate barriers to their relationship, (Isaac being a celebrity and Jensen being a man of god) they're both so drawn to each other.

I just know I would have liked this so much more if it hadn't been such a quick burn. Well, at least comparatively. I'm sorry, but when I go into a romance where one of the main characters is a preacher, I immediately think: slow, taboo, thoughtful, an unravelling of beliefs and mores, a lot of reflection on religion, whether or not the character ends up rejecting that path or no. Jensen just did not read like a preacher at all. He's a guy who has a lot of trauma in his past, and has internalised a lot of homophobia, and has a lot of stuff to work through in order to be in a relationship... but he also is just some guy. He curses, doesn't balk at premarital sex, doesn't seem to think about god or his faith much, except in moments where it's immediately relevant. I obviously don't think that every single preacher character has to be a saint or some kind of goody-two-shoes, but reading Jensen, it was not believable that I was reading about a man who actually has a holy vocation. And that is what the book wanted me to believe, because (and I guess this is a bit of a spoiler) this isn't a story about how he breaks away from the church. I didn't want it to be a story about how he breaks away from the church. He has to unlearn a lot of toxic shit, deal with the trauma from his past, and then he goes on being a preacher. Which is great! But I never once felt like he was actually a man of god. And that just made his entire character and his entire character arc seem a little flat. To me, at least.  

Isaac was fine as a main character, although the more I read celebrity romances, the more I realise that there are just certain things that I will never like. Or at least seldom like. It never really feels romantic to me when, in a celebrity romance, the main relationship becomes something that fans get to gush and coo over, or when there are public spectacle moments. It definitely didn't happen a lot in this book, but the few times it did happen, it bothered me so much. This is definitely just a me thing. Like, an important first for Isaac and Jensen gets shared for the first time when Isaac is on stage at a concert. That's not romantic to me. And there were other parts of his character arc that didn't get the attention I thought it deserved. Like, we can see that he has some trouble with alcohol, the seeds of which are planted in the prologue, and I thought that that might have been part of his development. But nope. When the end of the book comes around, he's just gotten over his problem with alcohol, without the author showing us how.

So those things, coupled with the fact that this just wasn't as slow burn as I would have liked it to be, made this a little bit of an unsatisfying read for me. But just a little! There were several things that pulled this back from the brink, and made me up my rating from what was going to be a 2.5. Mostly it was the ending. There are a couple of grand gestures or semi grand gestures that did make me pretty emotional. Even though a lot of things were spelt out more than I would have liked, I did like the depiction of how much these two came to mean to one another and how much of a rock they were for each other. Didn't hurt that it was pretty sexy. Lots of moments where I was just holding my face and smiling. And the epilogues really got to me, especially second one. I usually don't like when a book takes this long to and, but I really appreciated seeing where these two ended up in the future.  

Listened to the audiobook as read by Teddy Hamilton, Dane Anderson and Ava Lucas for female voices. It was really great. I just always enjoy listening to duet narrated and/or full cast performances, so this was a fun time. I have to say though... Teddy Hamilton was great; he's always great. I've never listened to an audiobook from him that I didn't like. But Dane Anderson was acting as if rent was fuckin due. He put his whole chest into this performance. There were some moments where I thought the writing was a little bit trite, a little bit overly sentimental, but Anderson's performance made it work. Sometimes he made me want to cry! And then we had Hamilton who was... really good, but not matching Anderson's energy. I don't think I would have noticed anything if Anderson had maybe scaled it back a little bit? But it was definitely noticeable to me. Not in a bad way or anything! They were just nooot giving the same levels of energy.  

Even though this wasn't as amazing as I might have wanted it to be, it was still pretty solid.  Not bad for my first read from this author.  

Content warnings: homophobia, internalised homophobia, conversion therapy, past sexual assault

[Mia S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was hard to read, because oh it hit so much, it was so real and just emotional I ugly cried in some sections. Spice was awesome! But check your triggers, as a ; survivor this was healing and ripped some emotions, not as heavy but was something amazing. I purchased the special edition from author as part of proceeds went to charity which I’m incredibly happy I did it.

[Clairsreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Sara Cate writes it, I’m gonna read it. Even if it’ll emotionally destroy me.
Cry count: 6 🥲

Isaac Goode, aka Theo Virgil, has made a name for himself as a country music star away from the pressure and oppression of his religious family. On a chance encounter he meets Jensen, unbeknownst to either of them the connection that they already share, who is the pastor at his father’s former church. The immediate chemistry and attraction between Isaac and Jensen is undeniable and while the two will stop at nothing to be together- everything seems to try and stop them.

While I have been anxiously anticipating Isaac’s book nothing could have prepared me for the visceral and heart wrenching reality that I read in these pages. These two broken boys were such complex and beautiful characters I don’t think I’ll ever get over them. I fell so absolutely in love with these characters and this story and this beautiful journey that they faced and accomplished together.

Absolutely no notes. 5 stars. 10/10 recommend. I know you wanted to go out with a bang but damn Sara, you really had to go that hard??? Just kidding.
I love them. I love you.
Love is Love 🏳️‍🌈

[brynn helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

i'm literally mourning. i'm going to miss the goode family SO BAD. what a perfect wrap-up for the series. i'm so sad. but so happy. my heart is full 🥺❤️❤️

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing, gut-punching, heart wrenching, beautiful end to the Goode brothers series. I knew Sara would deliver but she put her all into this one. The trauma, the tension, the healing, the romance, the smut, the plot, I seriously could not put it down. Isaac and Jensen’s pain and emotion was so vivid and raw, this book had me in tears up until the end. Thank you thank you thank you Sara for one of your best books ever, thank you for giving Isaac and Jenson the HEA they deserved!

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I’m on Sara’s arc team!

[Ahren McNamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am unwell.

I don’t know if I have ever in my life sobbed reading a book like I did during The Prodigal Son and if there is one thing I know for sure it is that Sara Cate knows how to end a series. I had a similar sentiment when I finished Madame as well. Issac and Jensen’s story is both heartbreakingly sad and unyieldingly beautiful. Fear not, there is an HEA, but Sara makes you work for it and it will not be easy. Please make sure you check your TWs/CWs as there are several difficult things that our MC’s work through. This story reminds us that love is worth fighting for regardless of how hard life can be. We all deserve to be loved and to find happiness. Thank you for reminding us Sara.

[gene · Rating 1 out of 5]

i don’t know if it’s just me but it felt like there was no connection at all like with anyonee

half the time isaac would just say
“right.”
“i bet.”

30% in isaac is already thinking “oh i love him..” mind you i’m pretty sure they’ve only know each other two weeks and within the same chapter they almost “break up” ig? i’m not even sure if they are anything😭

[Josie Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He’s so dominant and possessive, and I actually like it. I want him to own me, control me, take care of me, brand me. I want to be his." ✝️

Sheesh, what a ride! From the very start, I was completely hooked on Jensen and Isaac's story and it was quite the rollercoaster – the highs were exhilarating, and the lows just tugged at your heartstrings. What struck me most profoundly was the sheer weight of their pasts. Both Jensen and Isaac carried so much baggage, so many scars from their individual traumas. It wasn't a light read by any means, delving into some pretty deep and complex emotions. But it was so beautifully done, watching them navigate their own healing journeys, both separately and then, tentatively, together. Of course, it wouldn't be a Sara Cate novel without a bit of sizzle, would it? The spice was definitely there, no doubt about it. But this book was about so much more than that this time it was the perfect blend of steam with genuine emotional depth. It's not just a romance; it's a story about resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

Honestly, The Prodigal Son felt like the perfect culmination of everything the Goode Brothers series has been building towards. It was raw, it was real, and it was ultimately incredibly hopeful. Sara Cate has a real knack for creating characters that burrow their way into your heart, and Jensen and Isaac are no exception. If you've followed the series, this is an absolute must-read. 🙏🏻

[Olena · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
This book tackles incredibly important themes. It’s a powerful story about the long, often painful journey of self-acceptance and embracing one’s sexuality. It shows how crucial it is to learn to be true to yourself—and how easy it is for a young, insecure person to be emotionally wounded along the way. The path to healing is anything but simple.
Isaac is an incredibly strong character—resilient, brave, deeply compassionate, and full of love. Jensen is steady, loyal, protective, and just as loving. Their story broke my heart in all the best ways—and then slowly, beautifully, put it back together again.

Sara Cate has written characters that feel so real and so full of heart, it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time.

[Kendra♡(zade’s version)♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book might have just taken over as my favorite of the year. I cried more than I cared to admit but it also made me feel whole again in a way a book hasn’t in a long time.

As a queer individual who grew up in the church, this book was often times triggering and dark.

While I absolutely recommend this book, please be cautious of the heavy contents. Please proceed with caution if homophobia and conversion therapy, and attempted suicide is a tough topic for you.

[carliereadssss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves all the stars and more.

I cried, I laughed, and I kicked my feet blushing like a schoolgirl. Issac and Jensen have the most beautiful and heart wrenching story I have ever read. Reading about conversion therapy was incredibly difficult, not because I am a person who has been effected by this but as a mother I couldn’t IMAGINE not loving my babies for who they are or who they choose to love.

The trials they went through in their relationship are absolutely heartbreaking, but they come out of them so incredibly strong and it just makes you believe in true LOVE and also makes you hope and pray for a better world some day.

The family dynamic with Issac’s brothers warmed my heart immensely, especially when they were trying to protect him from their father.

Jensen’s father is my favorite and I wish he was real so I could hug him so tight. What a sweetie.

I can’t recommend this book enough, but know this is not a lighthearted read, this contains VERY dark themes.

*thank you to The Author Agency for my eARC*

[Kirsten | Bookish.kir · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth and final book in the Goode Brothers Series. Each book is about a different brother, but there is specific plot points that arch across each book, so I personally recommend reading into order for the full story, but you could read as standalone if you wanted.

I had been anticipating Issac’s book since I finished book one, The Anti-Hero, and it was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. I absolutely loved Jensen and Issac together. This book hit me so hard emotionally. From the recounts of their pasts to just the heartfelt connections and conversations between all of the characters. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I will just say this was such a truly beautiful ending to the series.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

FUCKKKKKKKKK THIS BOOK HURT SO GOOD!!

How can a book be so damn sexy but also heart breaking & tear-jerking??? Oh it’s a Sara cate, duh!!! **read trigger warnings**

Jensen & Isaac were absolutely next level. I loved everything about them & this book (except like two people that I have VERY strong feelings about oooo I get angry just thinking about them)

A country music star & a pastor walk into a concert…& end up banging 😌👍🏼🔥🥵

I can’t believe this series is over but my god this was an absolutely amazing & heart felt ending that I will never get over. Especially after listening to that on audio….girl. I promise that experience was 10/10 accordingly to my ear drums!!

The Goodes >>>

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
Forbidden
Age gap
MM romance
Pastor x famous singer