Saints and Sinners

by Alyssa Green

Eight years ago, grief drove Damian Bellucci to the priesthood. Now, the woman he left behind is threatening the life he thought he wanted.

After his brother’s death, Damian buried his pain beneath priestly vows, convincing himself that devotion could drown desire. But when his high school sweetheart, Claire Vergara, returns to his parish as a teacher, the temptation to break his promises to God grows stronger with every glance, every breath. They call him a saint, yet she makes him crave sin. He believed his faith was unshakable—but Claire brings out the unholy in him, and he isn’t sure how much longer he can fight it.

Before tragedy tore them apart, Claire loved Damian Bellucci with a devotion that rivaled her faith. Now, as a nun serving at his parish, she’s struggling to keep her own vows intact while resisting an attraction that feels more sacred than sinful. She took the veil to escape her demons, but the heart never forgets what it once worshipped. Every moment near him reminds her that some desires run deeper than duty.

They sought salvation in sacred vows—only to find it in their forbidden love.

This novel contains mature themes and is intended for adult readers.

Perfect for readers who love forbidden romance with emotional depth, including Priest by Sierra Simone, The Confidence of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer, and Mercy by Debra Anastasia.

🔥 Tropes &
• Priest × Nun Romance
• Forbidden Love
• Second-Chance Romance
• Emotional Slow Burn
• Healing from Religious Trauma
• Faith vs Desire
• Star-Crossed Lovers

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 17, 2026

About the author

Alyssa 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.

Reviews

[ᒚᘿSS ᒍᗩY · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

”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 🔥

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. ❤️‍🔥📖

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[ItzameMari · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carly Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[James Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 wrestle 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. Also, I quite liked that Damien and Claire still had some relationship with God outside the church and showed fulfillment after they left. Leaving organized religion isn't a one-size fits all outcome. I would say that despite the pacing issues, these bright spots made it worth reading.

[Geraldine Basically · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Rae Buckingham-Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[AbbieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kerri Lightle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Rachael Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

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! 

[blossomingwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Coffeebooklibrary Rhea Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Gods grace All will be well, Spain and sinners was a really cute easy read I finishing in one night ☺️


Damian and Clair story is everything you want a small town romance to be. Trauma, second chances, and forgiveness.

Damian really struggles with his emotions throughout this book and makes you really think about men’s mental health when they don’t have faith to carry on. THAT CONFESSIONAL ! To hold a secret like that nearly broke him

Clair always with a warm smile even at awkward times, she remains composed him her feminine power and I love that for her.

[Katriona · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[•mikaela• :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨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. 👀

[Natalie Harp · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Penny]

I 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

[Christie Wilcox]

This 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.

[Megan Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Steph Prince · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to get this as an ARC!!!
As a Christian, this book was perfect me for. I loved to see the struggle over faith and love and how they made it work for them!

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ARC was a tough one to get through but it help me realize my troubles can be overcome with love and pray and forgiveness for things I can’t fix on my own..