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A Temple of Sin and Salvation

Not yet published
Expected 14 Feb 26
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They called her the High Priestess of Love.
They called him the God of Ruin.

Together, they became the story the stars were never meant to tell.

Kalia was born for devotion, her every breath bound to Cupid's temple. She is trained to worship love, to speak its blessings, even when hers has run cold. When a stranger steps from the shadows, the temple itself bends around him. The fallen God, Caelus, carries the echo of something both divine and dangerous, a darkness that knows her name.

One forbidden touch shatters the divine order, binding them by a love that could unmake the world.

As the veil between worship and desire unravels, Kalia learns the truth. The God she served was never gone, only fallen, and the ruin of love itself lives behind eyes she cannot turn away from.

Now chained by fate, and tip-toeing on the line of damnation, Kalia must choose between the faith that shaped her… and the one thing even Gods fear to lose — love itself.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 14, 2026

36 people want to read

About the author

Kiara Rae

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5 stars
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6 (21%)
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2 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Mandy Enchantedbookduo.
171 reviews16 followers
December 13, 2025
Rating
5 💎
3 🌶️

Quick Summary
This book had me from page one with its explosive start and the Roman mythology woven through every page. The chemistry between the characters was electric, the world intriguing, and those perfectly written spicy scenes just hit all the right spots. Absolutely amazing!

Reading Thoughts
📓This book grabs you straight from the start with action straight away
📓I love the Roman mythology elements woven in
📓The spicy scenes in this book were written to perfection and had me all hot and bothered
📓The connection that these 2 characters had and then built together was intense and it was felt through the pages.
📓Loved the explanations of the broader world and the back story of the fallen god

Words that linger
🍷“Every tear you shed, an offering. Every ache you carried, a prayer. You are bound by what you begged for.”
🍷“Every prayer has a price, Little Dove,” he murmurs. “And every severing leaves a scar.”
🍷Torn between pulling away or allowing myself to be consumed by this hunger, this need I have for him.
🍷“Fuck the Gods,” he growls. “I’m the only one you’ll worship tonight.”
🍷“Let your laws burn,” I roar. “Let your stars shatter. I will unmake the world you built if it means she will live.”

Tropes
🏛️Fallen God MMC
🏛️High Priestess FMC
🏛️Forbidden Love
🏛️Open Door Spice
Profile Image for Cassidy Bedard.
9 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2025
If you're even a little bit into Roman mythology, you HAVE to check this out. From the first page, I was totally drawn in-the way the author describes everything is just
*chef's kiss*. I could practically see the temples and scenery in my head!

What I really loved was how the story played with the whole "sin and salvation" thing. It's not just a simple good vs. evil tale; it's way more interesting.

Even though it's a short read, it packs a punch. It's the kind of story that sticks with you long after you're done. Trust me, if you're looking for something that's easy to get into but still has depth, "A Temple of Sin and Salvation" is it!
Profile Image for Megan.
24 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 17, 2026
"You are the one thing I've ached for since the moment I first breathed your name."

A Temple of Sin and Salvation is perfect for Valentine's Day. Right away in the first chapter, I was hooked on this novella. Kalia, sick with heartbreak, prays to Cupid, and her prayers are answered. The Fallen God, once Cupid, appears to Kalia, and she gets far more than what she wished for. Their love story is easy to get lost in. I read this in one sitting. It did feel a little rushed but the fact that it's a novella it makes sense. And sometimes I want a quick read that packs a lot into a small book. The spice is not lacking and neither is the plot. Do make sure you check the content warnings. I definitely recommend this one!
Profile Image for Ruxi.
18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 16, 2026
ARC read

I enjoyed reading this story about love that is stronger than anything.

The locations and actions are beautifully and vividly described, they contain the right amount of informations for a clear view of everything. I really liked the mythology elements and the fact that this story is focused on love.

I adored the love between Kalia and Caelus, especially when they stood next to each other when they were judged for it.

Caelus is a complex character, he changed a lot during the events of this book because of his love for Kalia. She went through a lot too but she kept her fate in love. They were both wiling to sacrifice anything for each other.
Profile Image for ashlee.
378 reviews8 followers
January 19, 2026
Title: A Temple of Sin and Salvation
ARC Provided By: Kiara Rae
Expected Release Date: 02|14|2026
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Caelus & Kalia
Book Type: Standalone, Novella

I really loved this take on Cupid and the spin it gives on his story.

The romance between the High Priestess and the fallen God of Ruin unfolds with a slow, aching intensity, and I loved how their connection was built on more than just attraction. Their shared pain, conflicting loyalties, and gradual trust made their relationship feel earned and deeply human despite the divine stakes.

This was an easy five stars for me. If you love myth-inspired fantasy romance, forbidden love, slow-burn tension, and emotionally rich storytelling, this one deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
Profile Image for Lisa Villarreal.
340 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 20, 2026
It isn't just a gorgeous cover, even though it is THAT too. I am over the moon excited for more people to dive into this brilliant Novella. It carries so much heart and a big punch of amazing storytelling, charm, and some heat. The buildup of tension had me eagerly flipping pages and the chemistry was literally on fire on those same pages. I loved the take on Roman mythology and how developed the story and characters were. I had a lot of fun with this one and I can't wait to get a copy on my shelves. Total YES, must read this. Superb and I can't wait to read more by the same author.
Profile Image for Diamanti.
202 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2026
Hello, people!
First of all, let me mention that this book is the first book in the Roman Temple series.
The story takes us to Roman mythology and introduces us to a fantastic world building that slowly unfolds and piques our interest. The heroes have a special chemistry between them and the spicy scenes are very hot. The flow of the book is incredible and the book reads without a hitch.
As for the author's writing, it is exactly as I would like. That is, it is enjoyable, intoxicating, exciting, dark and romantic at the same time and has tension and passion.
A note from me. This book is worth reading on Valentine's Day. You will go crazy!

Thank you very much to the author for the eARC!

This is my honest review!
4 reviews
January 20, 2026
4✨ 2.5 🌶️

This book was written with so much detail that I could picture it perfectly in my head. Caelus and Kalias story is beautiful and shows that love conquers all. The Roman mythology written within the story had me hooked.

I’m a dark girlie and the god of despair is 100% my favorite

I do wish there was more spice but with it being a short book there was enough to show the intensity of their relationship
45 reviews
January 20, 2026
I absolutely loved this novella from the minute I picked it up. It draws on Roman mythology so if that is your cup of tea this novella is for you.

I loved the MFC and MMC the chemistry they have was electric from the minute they met and I loved how their relationship blossom throughout the story.

The descriptions through this book were just spot on from the characters to the actions to the world building. You really felt like you were part of the story.


It was the first book I’ve read by this author and I look forward to reading more from them in the future.
Profile Image for Aida Rivero.
93 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 16, 2026
A Temple of Sin and Salvation
by Kiara Rae
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
* Fallen God x High Priestess
* Forbidden Love
* Fate-Bound Souls
* Enemies to Lovers
* Shadow Daddy
* Touch Her and Die
* He Falls First
A Temple of Sin and Salvation is an electrifying masterpiece of romantic fantasy that absolutely took my breath away! Set within the sacred and shimmering walls of Cupid’s temple, the story follows Kalia, the High Priestess of Love, whose own heart has long since run cold despite her divine duties. When the fallen God of Ruin, Caelus, emerges from the shadows, the atmosphere shifts into something deliciously dark and dangerous. Their chemistry is instantaneous and incendiary, proving that some loves are powerful enough to unmake the entire world.
The character work here is nothing short of divine. Kalia is such a compelling character—strong and devoted, yet aching for a choice of her own—while Caelus is the ultimate "shadow daddy" with a heart-wrenching past and eyes you simply can't turn away from. Their journey from mutual wariness to a soul-shattering, forbidden bond is a total emotional rollercoaster. I loved seeing how the temple itself reacted to their presence, adding a layer of sentient magic that made the setting feel alive and integral to their romance.
Kiara Rae have truly outdone themselves with the lore and world-building in this 2026 release. The tension between worship and desire is handled with such grace and heat, keeping me glued to the pages until the very last word. If you’re a fan of Roman mythology reimagined with a dark, spicy twist and a "burn down the world for her" hero, this book is an absolute must-read. It’s a beautiful, high-stakes story of faith, healing, and choosing love over destiny that will definitely stay with me for a while!

10/10 Would recommend this book to family and friends
Profile Image for Cassi Olazabal.
33 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
I got the wonderful chance to read this as an ARC.
First and foremost, I love books that start with a playlist. They are great and allow the reader to get a wonderful feel for what they are going to be going into before they even read the first true page of the novel. Also, maps are always wonderful to have.

This novel is a masterpiece! Many novels are written using one of the major Gods as their title piece. You could go and find plenty that feature Hades, Zeus, and Poseidon. Even such as Athena, Artemis, and Aphrodite. Though this one is truly new and refreshing and features Cupid.

I used their Greek names, but this novel uses the Roman names for the Gods. When the other Gods do make a minor appearance, the true frontrunner is Cupid, or rather Caelus.

I truly do love Caelus as a character. The story is built on the relationship between Caelus, now God of Ruin, and High Priestess of Love, Kalia. The novel is truly wonderful. I love the development of the characters. The journey that comes from the love between the two.

The spice level is probably 3. I don't normally rate spice, so I'm not the best at it. Though it is not all the novel is, there are spicy scenes, however. The book offers love, betrayal, and Gods.
Profile Image for Angel.
247 reviews26 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 11, 2025
I am honored that I got to read the beta version of this story and entirely impressed at the quality at this early stage!

Decades ago I was a classics major, and I have a love for Roman and Greek mythology. I absolutely loved this fantasy retelling of Cupid’s story through the lens of one of his priestesses. It’s not the sappy love story one might expect of a cherubic Cupid shooting candy heart arrows. This is a brutally emotional story of a fallen God and a woman who stumbled into something she didn’t even ask for.

I’m not sure if it’s a slow burn as much as it’s a complicated fight against the burn. It was divine, in more ways than one!

I saved more quotes from this book than possibly any other this year - which is saying something especially since it’s a novella. There’s so much good stuff packed into such a tight narrative, with glorious world building, intense interpersonal relationship (not just with the romance), and the absolute gold standard for emotional impact.

The layered imagery and foreshadowing made this book fascinating to read. I will definitely be re-reading different iterations if they let me, and getting a copy to keep on my shelf too!
Profile Image for ThatBook Girl.
153 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 20, 2026
This is a great novella. For such a short story, it's very well developed, the characters are captivating, and the Roman mythology is interesting. I find a lot of books are inspired by Greek mythology, so this was a really refreshing take on a mythological tale, and Cupid himself.

Kalia is a fascinating character; her faith and her duty as High Priestess are her entire life. It's obvious from the first page how her devotion to Cupid is everything to her. And yet, when the unthinkable happens in her life, it's not the God of Love who answers her prayers.

Caelus is the perfect fallen god - sexy, emotionally detached, complex and practically sin personified. His backstory was tragically beautiful and the connection he forms with Kalia is even more divine because of it. I was completely engaged in his growth throughout the story.

The chemistry between the two characters is sizzling, their love story manages to hit hard and feels complete within the novella. It was perfectly balanced, well thought out, and beautifully written.
Profile Image for Amanda Marie.
185 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 20, 2026
Such a unique twist on Cupid and the Gods!

I was immediately hooked from the first chapter - Kalia, our High Priestess fmc, is trained to worship but is wronged. The premise and set-up was 10/10.

In wanders our mmc, Caelus, a fallen God who marks her, and all hell breaks loose.

This is a ride. It’s a pretty light and easy read, but still has such depth and plot and emotion, that it’s not just a simple 3⭐️! It is very fast paced but it is a novella!

You will find to people who need each other, who worship each other, and who find home in each other, in less than 200 pages. Quite a lovely debut!

Overall,
4 ⭐️
2 🌶️

Thank you so much for this author duo and team for allowing me to read an advanced copy!
103 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
A Temple of Sin and Salvation was an enjoyable read. We follow a High Priestess who, after being betrayed by her love, summons a fallen god and discovers he is her true love. As a Cupid-inspired retelling, the premise was intriguing and full of emotions!

My favorite part was the many beautiful quotes about love, sprinkled throughout the story. While the ending and epilogue felt a little longer than necessary, it didn’t take away from the overall experience.

This book is a solid, enjoyable read if you’re looking for romance, forbidden love, a retelling or just something light and quick for a pallet cleanser!
29 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2026
This is a beautifully written love story where Roman mythology intertwines with raw mortal emotions of love, betrayal, and sacrifice (isn't that love too).

We’ve often heard that prayers can move the Gods, but a tale where a young woman's prayers and tears move Cupid himself feels truly unique.

The storytelling is engaging and immersive from beginning to end. Kalia is a truly beautiful soul, and Caelus is irresistibly drawn to her by the bond they share. Though he fears love, her innocence pulls him ever closer.

Without a doubt, it makes a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for someone you love. 💘
Profile Image for Amber Althoff.
197 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to read about the roman gods like Cupid, Jupiter, Juno, etc. since the market is always so full of the Greek gods. The story follows a high priestess of Cupid who meets a fallen god and learns that there's more to what meets the eye about her fiancé, herself and her gods. There is a good plot, some good spice, and a redemption arc with a happily ever after. The author checked all the boxes on this one. 5 stars for me!
Profile Image for Lindsey C.
102 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 13, 2025
I did an alpha read for this author. And man, old man I cannot wait to see how the editing goes. This was written so beautifully. The way that it was written kind of gave me old school, Jane Austen style writing.

The characters were just amazing. The storyline kept me on my toes every step of the way. I honestly truly cannot wait to reread this as an arc reader
Profile Image for booknotez.
229 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 23, 2026
This novella is a fantasy romance with forbidden love, rich in emotions, tension, and slow burn.

This fantasy romance is between the High Priestess Kalia and the fallen God of Ruin Caelus .

Breath taking with beautiful intensity. A connection which gets born with more than just attraction.

Together they share conflicting loyalties, pain and slowly learn to trust one another and their relationship becomes to feel a lot human like despite it having a high stake which is divine.

If you love read mythology and fantasy romance this one is for you.
Profile Image for Zacs Library.
15 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 23, 2026
The Story of a Love Stricken heroin and a diminished God, this is not only a tragic story story of dark past but a strong and passionate future. The trials and tribulations the the FMC and MMC face are leading into the defiance of the gods. I am truly honored to have been apart of this experience.
Profile Image for Elle and the Haunted Library.
282 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 18, 2026
Absolutely devoured this book.
Loved the characters. Love, lust, SPICE, sacrifice all wrapped in one.
31 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 27, 2025
This book had me from the very first page with its explosive start!!!! I loved that it was based on Roman mythology, when it seems nowadays you'll only find Greek based mythology romances.
Don't even get me started on those spicy scenes they were A-list material!!
The author writes in such a way , that captivates you. I was able to see the temples she was talking about.
So if you are even just the tiniest fan of Roman Mythology this book is for you!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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