Sins of the Father

by Isabel Lucero

He comes to me through a lattice in a confessional booth in my church.

He’s brash, vulgar, and confessing to things that would send him to hell, and yet, I find myself intrigued by the mysterious man.

His sinful words thrill me. His way of life, so different from my own, has me coveting excitement that’s long been missing. The more I’m around him, the more I realize how long I’ve been deprived of so much, and the more my own deviance begins to emerge.

On paper, nothing about the two of us makes sense, and there are many reasons why I should keep my distance. I try to be pious, but if anyone were to find the skeletons in my closet, I’d be excommunicated from the church.

When something from my past reveals itself, I find myself being pulled into a way of life I didn’t think would be in my future, and now I straddle the line between right and wrong. Morality vs necessity.

I’m a priest. He’s a murderer. But we’re both sinners.

Genres: M M Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Crime, Contemporary, LGBT

378 pages, Paperback

Published November 17, 2025

About the author

Isabel Lucero is a bestselling author, finding joy in giving readers books for every mood.

Born in a small town in New Mexico, Isabel was lucky enough to escape and travel the world thanks to her husband's career in the Air Force. Her and her husband have three kids and two dogs together, and currently reside in Delaware. When Isabel isn't on mommy duty or writing her next book, she can be found reading, or in the nearest Target buying things she doesn't need.

Isabel loves connecting with her readers and fans of books in general. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

https://www.facebook.com/authorisabel...
https://twitter.com/AuthorIsabel
http://instagram.com/isabel__lucero
http://authorisabellucero.blogspot.com/

Reviews

[Emna · Rating 5 out of 5]

IN CONCLUSION , I'M A SLUT.

[Youssra (semi ia- shelving books don't mind me)]

dnf 30%

Why are we shishkabobbing so early on? where's the build up? where's the guilt? I'm also kinda bored.

Twas hot but not enough for me to care and finish the book🤷‍♀️

_______________________________________________

pre-read

I guess it's time to sin 🌚

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been on the hunt for a good priest MC ever since reading the absolute masterpiece that was Priest by Sierra Simone and while this one turned out to be quite different, it still hit the spot 🔥

We have a priest x mafia hitman pairing and I can’t say I’ve ever seen that around 😅 but they fit?? Like, so well??

Ultimately drawn to each other because the other represents everything they were craving, this starts off with SO MUCH DELICIOUS TENSION 🥵
And the romance that develops from that point on was actually unbearably tender and so fucking intimate (not to mention HOT AS ALL HELL) which I did not expect in the beginning. So to me it was the perfect balance between emotional and scorching and don’t we love to see that 💅

I maybe wanted a biiiit more of that delicious forbidden tension - and especially for it to last longer - because that’s just my favourite thing to read. It’s exactly what I was hoping for from a pairing like this, but the book ended up taking a different direction, which was also a lot of fun, so I’m not complaining too much.

The mafia shenanigans that followed were surprisingly engaging and hooked me thoroughly even though most of it stayed fairly predictable.
Some plot points didn’t make a lot of sense but I was able to not question anything too much (it’s a mafia romance after all lol) and just went with the flow.

All in all, I was vibing and so a very good time was had! ✨

“You like being mine?”
A full-body chill rolls over him. “Yes.”
“Good. Is there anything else you’d like to confess?”
He angles his head over his shoulder. “I’ve never felt closer to heaven than when I’m with you.” 🔥🫠

[Books and Gems · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟

immersive read 🎧 — Gabriel De Leon and Tim Paige

Javier and Carlo 🖤

Holy shit. This was SO good.

I loved how blunt and brash Javier was. He’s my type of people 🤣 He was vulgar, and straightforward, and he definitely didn’t shy away when he knew there was something more lurking with Carlo.

I have really loved everything by this author so far! Things are dark and a bit twisty, and not everything is like it seems. But there is nothing lacking on the romance or spice. And boy these two were 🫠🥵

They were so possessive and nothing could stop the inevitable.

.

.

.

.


‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️

Dynamic: MM — vers

Sharing? No

Cheating? No

Breakup? No

Sex scene with OM or OW No


‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️

— catholic priest x mafia hitman
— dark
— mafia
— crime
— hurt / comfort
— opposites
— forced proximity
— forbidden
— “mi amor”
— “cariño”
— “baby”
— degradation
— dirty talk
— dom x sub vibes
— impact play
— oral
— rimming
— sex w condoms
— bareback
— toys

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5***** stars

I’ve met a lot of people, Father. Some good, most bad, all of them sinners.

And doesn’t this priest standing before him seem to be a sinner too. Or at least he seems to keep quite a few things hidden.

“I pull a gun on you when you walk in, and you hardly react. I bring it over here and you don’t even pretend to be afraid.” He erases any space between us, and my pulse spikes. “I get close to you and you can’t control your breathing or your wandering eyes.”

God, I loved this book. It ticked all of my boxes and maybe even helped me out of my slump? We’ll see. This story sure has its flaws but I don’t fucking care. I was giddy reading it and I didn’t want to stop.

“You like being mine?” A full-body chill rolls over him. “Yes.” “Good. Is there anything else you’d like to confess?” He angles his head over his shoulder. “I’ve never felt closer to heaven than when I’m with you.”

I really hope there will be more where this came from!

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Do you want to see me again?" I study him - my complete opposite. He's a criminal, violent, vulgar, and likely a sinner beyond saving. I'm a priest who strives to live my life with obedience, and in a way that Christ would. But I'm also a priest with secrets and demons, just like anyone else. I know I should say no. But I don't want to."

Well now, Isabel Lucero, you've done it again with another dark themed, steamy cracker of a book in Sins of the Father. This is Carlo and Javier's story and it's divine! Check your TWs.

What To Expect:

🖤MM romance
✝️Catholic priest x Mafia hitman
❤️Taboo/forbidden
🖤Opposites attract
✝️Forced proximity
❤️Dark themes
🖤Antihero
✝️Steamy AF
❤️HEA

Hot, dark and steamy.

4.25 stars 🌟

[⋆★taylor★⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

”You got me on my knees, Father. Should I make a confession?” I nod once. “I’m about to ruin your life.”

And ruin him he did, although it honestly didn’t take much! Idk what I was expecting, but I know it wasn’t that the priest in this was going to be part of a mafia family 🤣

I loved Javi & Carlo. Javi was so vulgar & had literally no shame at all when he first met Carlo (at church mind you). He was a temptation that Carlo tried to resist but couldn’t. I liked that despite being forced into priesthood by his mafia boss dad, Carlo never saw being gay as a sin (thank u), and his internal struggles were more about him breaking his oaths in regards to just having sex & whatnot. Basically we went from a priest & a mafia hitman —-> power couple running the whole show & not taking any homophobic shit in the mafia ok kings! They would do anything to protect one another & are perfect for each other.

Some fav quotes:
“There’s no heaven waiting for you.” He runs his hand up my stomach. “As long as you’re waiting for me, there is.”

“It’s been scary. I’ve been terrified for more reasons than one, but I’ve also never been happier. I feel free with you. Only you have made me feel that way.”

“Here’s my confession. I might be obsessed with you. And if what we do is a sin, I never want to stop sinning.”

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sins of the Father is an enticing forbidden romance between a reluctant, questioning priest and a criminal enforcer. Together, these two share sizzling chemistry where both of their occupations fade away once they are in a room together. Their occupations are initially in opposition, but the conversations that erupt from their differences eventually lead to many moments of common ground.

I was very interested in this premise. It is unique and quite forbidden, and seeing how the initial connection between Javier and Carlo is so powerful, I couldn't help but root for these two to find their way back to each other even though their circumstances are dire, impossible, and entirely foreboding.

Overall, this is an intense story full of steamy moments that finds the right balance between forbidden intensity and complete devotion.

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

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars (adjusted after some thought but will keep it rounded up)

Ok, so this was my first Isabel Lucero and I think I'll have to try another one to get a real feel because, unfortunately for her, I have already read a mafia x priest story and that trilogy was fucking sublime. I am sure that this book was good in its own right and maybe if I hadn't read the Forgive Me series by Ariana Nash, I would have been more into this. The world will never know though, because I HAVE read that series and it was a fucking banger! Seriously, if you are considering this type of book, drop everything and read that series - it was slightly more angsty than I usually go for and I often struggle maintaining attention during series, but I read those books over the course of 3 days without pause.

I think one of the reasons why this didn't hit quite the same is because the mafia/priest conflict was too manufactured. Carlo didn't enter the priesthood of his own volition, his belief/conviction wasn't that strong, and that part of him just wasn't that much of a barrier in the end. It didn't really feel like they were that diametrically opposed, like he couldn't accept what Javier was doing. I never had a moment where I thought "god, how can they possibly be together?" so the conceit felt kind of wasted.

I didn't love the mafia parts but that is 100% a me problem - I know that I struggle with mafia stories and I still try them anyway. I'm also an atheist and have strong feelings about the Catholic church but still read this anyway lol. To be fair, the Catholicism was nearly a moot point here but that was a problem as much as it was a relief.

I DID, however, love their chemistry. The tension between them in the beginning was so good. They were sexy and there was some decent dirty talk and scenes. Honestly, the very first encounter with the scourge? Phew! Apparently I'm into penance now! And I will always, always be a sucker for a non-English pet name and I have a particular weakness for Latino men, so big points for that shit! I also endlessly appreciate any book that is completely safe for me on the OP front and this was. Plus, some sick twisted part of me liked the depraved way they dealt with being together in the end.

It's probably unfair for me to try a book with this sort of premise again because apparently for me nothing will live up to Forgive Me. I'll look into a different Isabel Lucero to get a more accurate gauge of my feelings of her writing!

Pet names: cariño, mi amor, baby, Javi

“Do you want to see me again?” I study him—my complete opposite. He’s a criminal, violent, vulgar, and likely a sinner beyond saving. I’m a priest who strives to live my life with obedience, and in a way that Christ would. But I’m also a priest with secrets and demons, just like anyone else. I know I should say no. But I don’t want to.

“Would you be jealous?” I ask with a small smile knowing damn well I won’t be with anyone. Javier leans forward slightly, his eyes staring deep into mine. “You don’t want to see me jealous, cariño.”

“You got me on my knees, Father. Should I make a confession?” I nod once. “I’m about to ruin your life.”

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he says, “But I absolutely want to ruin you.”

I know I’m a sinner, but I’m not trying to be saved, and I think you’re still trying to decide if you can be.”

“Tell me, Javier,” he says quietly. “Will you ever be mine?” He traps my skin between his teeth, eliciting a hiss from my lips. “Can I be yours?”

“I’ve never felt closer to heaven than when I’m with you.”

“Cariño,” I murmur, moving my mouth to his neck where I kiss a trail to his ear. “Mi amor. I will always come back to you.” I plant another kiss on his heated skin. He wraps his arms around me, holding me tight. “What if you don’t?” “Then know that I will have done everything in my power to have tried, and that you were the last thing I thought about.”

“Come for me,” I demand. “Let me see that mess, baby.”

*
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Safety (may contain spoilers)

SA/rape: None

Other person drama: None!

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sins of the Father by Isabel Lucero
MC:Carlo & Javier 5🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️

I’m a priest. He’s a murderer. But we’re both sinners.

Tropes & tags
✞ Mafia hitman x Priest
✞ Forbidden/Taboo love affair
✞ Forced Proximity
✞ Opposites attract
✞ Morally Gray MC

Carlo is a Catholic priest who looks like he has it all under control, but it’s very much not that simple. He’s got skeletons, guilt, and thoughts he absolutely shouldn’t be having. A “good boy” on paper, but there’s a streak of something a lot less holy under the surface — restraint that’s constantly one bad moment away from snapping.

Javier is the opposite kind of mess. Mafia hitman, collector of vices, and fully unbothered by morality. He lives in chaos and knows exactly who he is in it. And then there’s Carlo — the one thing he shouldn’t want, and the one thing he can’t stop circling. Not just a priest, but a challenge. A temptation. Something he wants to ruin just to see if it bends.



Well, if this is why I'm going to hell, I welcome it!

Ok ok, let's cool down a bit because this book is so hot I don't even want to plot analyse it, just smut analyse it. Sometimes we need that, right? RIGHT??? Please agree with me!!!!

The thing is, the smut works because the temptation works. Carlo isn't some innocent angel being led astray. The man is already struggling. Javier is just the worst possible person to put in front of someone who's been trying very hard not to want things. The religious guilt, the forbidden attraction, the constant push and pull between what Carlo should do and what he desperately wants to do? Inject it directly into my veins.

Besides all the HOT AF SMUT, the plot is actually good, but... BUT there was a bit too much mafia drama llama for me. I'm a simple person and I like my guys to eventually walk away from organised crime, so this would've been a perfect 5-star book if they had ridden off into the sunset far, far away from the mafia.

Overall, I had the hottest of fun and these two sinners will be living rent-free in my head for a very long time.

[nark · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I’ve never felt closer to heaven than when I’m with you.”

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐

WOW. I had to collect myself before writing this review because… wow. This was such a ride. I’ll try to keep this as spoiler-free as possible.

This book has such a good atmosphere. A priest with a dark past he’s spent years burying, and a hitman who works for a mafia boss. There’s so much tension, mystery, lies, secrecy, but also care, softness, first times, love, and loyalty.

I’ll admit the book has a slower start, but it never actually feels slow. It helps build Carlo and Javier’s relationship brick by brick, and once the ice breaks, it hits like a TRUCK.

“I’ve never felt closer to heaven than when I’m with you.”

The sex scenes are phenomenal. Raw, intense, emotional. And the filthy words coming out of the priest’s mouth… oh my my. I also go FERAL over sex with feelings - and by feelings, I mean when I’m reading smut but also feel like I might cry at the same time. This book has it. I was swooning, but my heart was aching too. What do you even call it… angsty sex? LOL. I won’t say anything else, but you’ll get it when you get there.

“I’m reduced to deep breaths and chants of Oh God, but it’s not God I’m talking to. Not now. Not this time. Javier is the sole recipient of my worship.”

On the other hand, the plot and story are pretty predictable. I wasn’t surprised by how things turned out. But I didn’t mind it much, I just went with it and had fun lol. However, if you’re looking for a book with a crazy plot twist, this one might not do it for you.

Also, this isn’t a very dark book, despite how it might seem at first (the author even mentions this at the beginning). I didn’t mind, since I’m not into too dark romances anyway.

Overall, a very fun read and definitely unforgettable. I’m considering shelving it as one of my favorites.

[Laura Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sins Of The Father is a MM forbidden romance story about Carlo and Javier.

Carlo is a priest in the only Catholic Church in the small town of Crest Haven. His father is the boss of a crime family. When he found out Carlo was gay, he forced him into the priesthood. Javier is a mafia hitman. He just so happens to stop in Carlo’s confessional, and I loved how Javier was so vulgar and blunt. They both were definitely intrigued by each other. Javier ends up going back to Carlo, and we see things take off from there.

I was so invested in Carlo and Javier’s story. There were things that happened that I wasn’t expecting and it was very suspenseful. There was violence and murder. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, especially because there are things you will want to experience reading first hand.

Carlo and Javier may have been opposites, but I loved how they wanted each other no matter what. They could be their true selves with each other. I just devoured this book, needing to know how it was all going to play out. In the end, I really enjoyed Carlo and Javier’s story. I absolutely loved these two together and wish I could get more of them.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Gabi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 ⭐️

[AnnaKitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Is there anything else you’d like to confess?” 

He angles his head over his shoulder. 

“I’ve never felt closer to heaven than when I’m with you.”


I don’t even want to talk much here, it was just perfect 💜

The forbidden aspect, the chemistry, the intensity made it so delicious it’s crazy 🥵

I love it so much when the spice is just off the charts, with all those kinky talks and all 🤭 and then they get so sweet and caring and loving 🥹

The plot was good, I don’t even have any comments on the mafia aspect and if it had any flaws - I don’t care even a bit. I just ate it up, it had everything you’d expect from a steamy forbidden romance ❤‍🔥

[reverie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

finding a priest x mafia/hitman romance that worked for me felt like my third eye opened. i was ascending. floating. flying. the first flagellation scene (there's three and they're all good) gave me wings.

more of a 3 star for actual quality, but 4.5 star for enjoyment. story could have benefitted from an extra 50 pages for a deeper (and more believable) connection that ran deeper than a few conversations and a whole lot of sex, but the characters had enough chemistry to still sell it. the ending as a whole might not hold up with the same strength as the first 70% but i still just might? just maybe? have a new favorite isabel lucero book.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A priest and a murdered are trapped in a confessional…it’s getting hot in here father!

Carlo was such a dichotomy, he had been quite literally indoctrinated into his beliefs since he was 19 and his prior life had been the opposite of his teachings. He had to live with that, the deaths, his fathers choices, his own sexuality being considered a sin and now the mortality of said father that pushed him into this life he never wanted, his own mortality and the growing feelings for a man that’s as deep into the underworld as his father. He was such a complex and rich character and I loved seeing his thought process and his struggle with faith, because at the end of the day, love really weighs more than forced teachings and habit.

But my man Javi, ugh he was delicious. He was a man who said he couldn’t play in black and white, he had to be the gray in the world. He thought having his hands bloodied and hiding a part of him would be enough of a life until he walked inside a church and saw that maybe faith was learned but fate was inescapable. How could he resist a priest with the same gray peaking over the clerical collar, and plus he was nice to look at. Javi confronted his current live with a possible future next to Carlo and it was safe to say he started praying for a future together.

And I feel the need to mention Carlo’s dad…I wanted to hate him, and I did for a while because even if I understood his decision and why he did it, he still did more damage than good, but as someone who is not a parent, I imagine the sacrifice of happiness is better than the loss of a person entirely.
And I would rather my loved one be happy than alive, so I can’t relate to him, because I would rather die than make someone I love feel rejected and uncomfortable in his own skin just because of his sexuality even if it would protect him from death.
BUT he was also a layered character and I truly wanted him to be a parent to Carlo, a real parent, for them to have that opportunity and relationship.

I do have to say, as an only child, just the thought that my mother (sorry I don’t have a dad lol) would chose to “take under her wing” someone else while pushing me away from her life would have me crashing out so badly no one would survive…but that’s just me :)


The complex’s topics of religion and sexuality were discussed and handled in what I consider to be an excellent way. We could see all angles, the man who doesn’t have a god, the one who wants one and the one who made himself one. It all revolves around the mafia world, the power and control and it changes each character so much.
But it adds to the growth and change and it makes it feel raw and real.

And the running plot was actually super interesting and intriguing. I liked all the elements alone and even better out together, the only thing that makes me not give this a full 5 star is the pacing. I found myself thinking “why are we still on this?” a little too many times; as well as the POV changes, I kinda wish it’d been more inclusive, not a jump after all those chapters in Carlo’s head to then Javi’s head for another bunch of chapters. I feel like the plot and twist could still be preserved and we could have seen Javi’s POV earlier.

Thank you so much, TAA and Isabel, for this e-arc!


Quotes:

He's looking at me like I'm a challenge that he's already accepted.
Dear God, give me strength.

"You got me on my knees, Father. Should I make a confession?" I nod once. "I'm about to ruin your life."

"I'm making my decision now. It's not about a job, the mafia, or my father. I'm choosing you, because going back to a life without you isn't something I'm interested in."

"Good. Is there anything else you'd like to confess?"
"I've never felt closer to heaven than when I'm with you."

"You're mine, Carlo. Now. Forever."

[Evelyn220 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ The first 40% of this book had me hooked, it was so good. Priest meets hitman for the mafia, instant attraction, banter, forbidden lust, good spice.
But then it totally fell apart and became boring. I struggled to even pick this book back up once the couple was together and happy at 50%
There’s no real mafia plot, no suspense, just lots of spice, nothing to keep me reading.

Forgive Me by Ariana Nash is such a better version of priest/hitman with actual angst, plot, and suspense.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ *Romance Book Lovers' Haven* (For long and deep.... reviews!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, forbidden MM romance with Hitman x Priest, unexpected but oh so good Mafia connection 🤭, lots of sinning 😉, forced proximity, teasing, conflict, adorable love, action, twists & a hard-earned HEA!
I knew this'll be fun, I loved Carlo & Javier so much. I read slowly due to college mostly, savored my #ARC! I'd made theory notes while reading 😁.

Carlo is a Priest. Prim, proper, smart but has a mask of forced persona, a hypocrite. He's gay, conflicted & deprived, will rules win or his need for affection & thrills? I like when he gets bossy 🤭.
Javier is a Hitman. Brash, smug, flirty with blood on his hands & no remorse about it. He's an equal opportunist, caring & wants to make C sin 🤭. C & J are both such dichotomies.

They're all sinners, with secrets.
Maybe it was fate or coincidence that J 1st got into C's church, but intrigue & curiosity kept them coming back 🤭. I like that they keep up the lies, aren't fully honest until truth's known & DON'T go into dangerous situations alone—I'm pleasantly surprised!

Light & Dark collide.
Their chemistry's fire 🔥, their teasing, snark is fun. C's got a pain kink 🥵. I love me vers couple, the fight for dominance is fun tho C does like to yield mostly 😆. Both filthy hot with that dirty talk. They're so adorable with gentle touches & intimacy 😭❤️. Just a hookup? Uh Obsessed 🤭. However dark the book got, their relationship's sweet! J wanted C to choose him 🥺. I loved J's religious kink 😂.

'Sins of the Father' pertains to not only Carlo who's a Priest but also C+J's fathers. Pretty cool!
C+J are what they are due to their fathers. C's dad Cortez (Mafia boss) has a big role here, his complicated relationship with C gives me mixed feelings. I wanted action which Javier & Johnny 😤 gives me. I was itching for a twist, but that?! I'm shocked 😭🤯. Thank you Boss for J+C's forced proximity 🙏, I liked him at end. C+J are a hot power couple 🥵!! Adored the epilogue. I'd love to get bonuses ⚔️, maybe sexy times in church?!

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> YES!!! 5/5
2) The Characters: 5❤️/5
3) Top feels: 😯🤭😅😏🤔🥵😆🥺😳😤🤤😍🤷‍♀️😉😁😩🥰😬🤯😭🤗😋✝️⚔️
4) Steamy scenes: 4.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst: 2.75/5
Dark: 3/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Hitman x Priest, Mafia & Action) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5

[Zuli · Rating 2 out of 5]

– 2.5★ –

This story made no sense. Religion and mafia were thrown in for the sake of aesthetics so the MCs could have “kinky” sex.

Carlo remained a priest for like 30% of the book and then only when the spicy scenes required him to. I’m not religious and I don’t mind taboo topics or characters, but here religion and Carlo’s beliefs were used so hollowly and illogically I couldn’t help feeling the blasphemy. He was presented as forced to become a priest but actually religious himself, he even struggled a tiny bit for a few seconds there, but then he had sex wearing his cassock and saying blasphemous things during it like it was nothing?? Ok…

Then Javier, that character who went from mysterious hitman who doesn’t want redemption to sexy ‘you don’t wanna see me jealous’ to robot butler (who lowkey liked his boss), that Javier serves for nothing except that a ‘romance’ needs at least two people.

The story started off pretty good. Carlo being the mafioso was a surprise, and the secrets kept me guessing what’d happen next, which I love. I thought “of course this won’t be a flat priest x mafioso book, this is Dysfunctional’s mom we’re talking about”. So naive. We meet all the capos and the consigliere and then we never speak to them again. And Mr Dad wasn’t homophobic, he just meant to protect his son in this world where everyone is homophobic except him, right? Yes son you can fuck my right hand, didn’t know he liked men too but whatever.

You want only the aesthetics? That’s fine by me, but then don’t sell me a plot that has mafia without politics, religion without spiritual stakes or selective homophobia. For a moment the author even gave me hope made me believe this was also an incest story, but if the three main topics weren’t handled well, another delicate topic like that was out of the question.

Ok, it sounds like I hated this book, but really I loved the first 30-ish % (when Carlo was a priest). Then it wasn’t so bad, it was more the disappointment I felt cause the beginning promised a deep story when the rest was just a fine one.

[ash[hearts]angst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabel Lucero is one of my go-to authors for darker romances and forbidden stories. In theory, this had all of the perfect elements for me, especially since I love a good "priest gone bad" trope. Unfortunately it did fall flat for me even though it was a promising start.

My main issue is I didn't feel nor believe in the chemistry of Father Carlo and Javier. Sexual chemistry? Absolutely. Romantic? None in my opinion. Seemingly went from hookup buddies to "change your whole life for me" and then that was it.

I wanted more from Carlo's story especially with the church. I felt like it got glossed over a bit by the mafia ties. His inner struggle and his decision to part follow his father's lead should've been explored deeper, in my opinion, to make it more believable.

As always, the writing itself was great, and Isabel did a wonderful job of creating this world that I could envision perfectly. The spice was fantastic and appropriate for the story and the characters, and I did enjoy the ending.

[Bee (slow) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh 3.5 ⭐️
I did enjoy this one, I read it as soon as I saw it because the premise sounded interesting and quite frankly very unhinged. A hitman and a priest? That's a hot recipe for disaster in the best ways.🖤

And it did deliver, however I must say it is probably my fault as well for having way too high expectations, because having read previously Dysfunctional which was sooo unhinged, crazy and delicious by this author, I was hoping or rather expecting the same vibes. And it was close to that, but not like that, and it doesn't have to be, but it would've made it for me a 5 star. I think that when you have a forbidden dynamic like this one might as well just go all in, shock us more lol.

I would've liked more religious commentary maybe, conflict and angst, we got some of it but I feel like that wasn't enough considering their connection and especially Carlo's mafia roots.
I started this back in November and by the 50% mark it was getting a bit boring - very hot tho - but still. And right when I picked it up today I flew through it because apparently I was right there close to the action. And it was fun. But it could've been just more I guess. I loved the switching, I always wish for that in my MM books, but that also felt a bit weird as just a means to an end, could've developed it more.
Loved the characters as well, I think the author did a great job in the end of wrapping up their story. 🖤

[Sayde · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC review
Thank you to the author Isabel Lucero for this advanced copy of 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️


Truthfully I was not sure what to expect with this story and I’m so glad I gave it a chance!
Immediately I loved the amusing exchange between Javier & Carlo, the instigating, the talk of everyone being sinners, the deal to reveal sins only if the other does. I KNEW these two were going to be a fun time. Starting from a place of completely opposite sides of the moral spectrum the connection between them quickly & revealed to be more intertwined. There were moral dilemmas experienced in this story and you couldn’t help but sympathize with them. The forbidden aspect of their relationship was sizzling.
“𝘞𝘦'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬. 𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘰, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵?𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺.”
Carlo especially had to decide who his true self was & who he wanted to be. There were two sides to him, one from the life he grew up in and the one from the life he was practically forced into. Through harsh circumstances, good & bad proved to not be so black & white. It might have been fate that brought these two together so hopefully it doesn’t tear them apart too.
“𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐'𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘐𝘧 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮.” 🥹😭

[Natasha Niezgoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it a sin to say I kinda loved this? Like it's incredibly taboo and very cliche, but this actually had a solid mob-boss war plot.

I even teared up at one plot. THAT NEVER HAPPENS DURING MAFIA ROMANCES! What can I say?! I would wouldn't be mad with a second installment of the salacious happenings of Carlo and Javier!

3.75 stars.

[Ang ⛤˚☽˚⟡ ݁₊ . · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! The reason it gets 4 not 5 stars is because I wanted more angst and internal conflict with Carlo. Also, for the plot, he just lets bygones be bygones too easily. Towards the end he did something that I wish he was more realistically upset about. If this had a second book I’d read it. I just think it needed an extra 50-100 pages

[Sandy Kay]

At @Emna's urging, I am moving this onto and up the TBR! ❤️❤️

[angie_bookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything.
So. Fucking. Good.

A priest with a past he can’t outrun, a criminal who tempts him toward everything he’s been taught to resist…it’s addictive.

The way Carlo wrestles with his faith, his sexuality, and his family legacy was written so beautifully. The tension between who he is and who he was forced to be? Perfection.
Watching him unravel...piece by piece - until he owns the darkness he was born into? Breathtaking. That slow, inevitable fall was glorious.

The way he slid from priest to heir of a crime family so seamlessly had me clapping like a proud sinner.

And Javier? The chemistry between them is electric - dangerous, emotional, and just the right amount of forbidden. They save each other in ways neither of them expects, and it’s absolutely captivating.

This wasn’t just spice. This was sacrilege with feeling. 10/10, would confess about it later.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carlo + Javier

-mm forbidden romance
-opposites attract
-priest x hitman
-hierophilia kink
-self-flagellation

another complete hit by isabel in the books!! the development between these two was sooo perfect & full of naught tension! that built on to this crazy relationship these two had to keep up while going on with the plot & i loved it so much!!

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sins of The Father
Isabella Lucero

Carlos & Javier
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Taboo / Forbidden
Priest / Mafia Hitman
Opposites attract
Anti Hero
Forced Proximity
Morally Grey

This story has a lot of mystery and intrigue. Early on I thought I knew where this was going and that I figured the plot out lol. I was wrong lol. It's always nice when the author surprises you and keeps you on your toes.

I think this is a book you should just go on blind and trust the process.

“We’re opposites. Good and evil. Light and dark. Order and chaos.”

Both men are true opposites. Carlo, a celibate Priest since 19 hiding the fact he is gay. Javi is a man who lives by his own set of darker rules but has begun to question some things.

These two men had so many layers to them. Both conflicted in their roles in life but feel stuck.

Early we know there is more to the plot. Especially with some side characters like Carlo’s dad and his Pseudo uncle Johnny.

As the story develops Javi and Carlo begin this should we shouldn't, we vibe. They have incredible chemistry.

These two unlikely men begin to trust one another forming a bond.

I think Carlo being in Javis presence forces him to look at his life and see if this is what he truly wants.

Similar to Javi. He was faced with wanting more and finally having a reason to live and someone who he could possibly come home to.

This story was deeper than I expected. It wasn't just a simple enemies to lovers or a forbidden trope. It felt real and natural.

“Tell me I can have you. Even if it’s only in the dark. Even if we remain a secret. Even if it’s short-lived. Tell me,” he pleads, sweat shining on his forehead. “Javi,” he groans.”

We saw these men face serious challenges and be forced to decide who to trust and decide whether they had the courage to choose certain paths or not.

I cried at parts. I cried with and for them.

This was incredibly unique and very much not just a simple mafia mm romance. This has layers, depth of emotion, and real plot, it was so well written.

It's so much more than just a spicy book.

I really think you should read it.

These men will surprise you, that's for sure. Fantastic book

So thankful for sure

[Kazza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me. Moving on to something more substantial.