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McCullough Mountain #1
Almost Priest
A steamy, heart-wrenching small-town romance from award-winning author Lydia Michaels—where love and loyalty collide in the most scandalous way.
She belongs to his brother. He’s devoted to God. Some temptations are worth the fall…
Colin McCullough has spent his life preparing to take his Holy Orders—until Samantha Dougherty turns his world upside down. She’s off-limits in every way, but resisting her? Impossible. The more he fights his forbidden desire, the harder he falls.
In a town where everyone talks and sins never stay secret, Colin faces an agonizing choice: his faith or the woman who tempts him to break every vow.
She belongs to his brother. He’s devoted to God. Some temptations are worth the fall…
Colin McCullough has spent his life preparing to take his Holy Orders—until Samantha Dougherty turns his world upside down. She’s off-limits in every way, but resisting her? Impossible. The more he fights his forbidden desire, the harder he falls.
In a town where everyone talks and sins never stay secret, Colin faces an agonizing choice: his faith or the woman who tempts him to break every vow.
274 pages, ebook
First published July 3, 2013
625 people are currently reading
7050 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Michaels
74 books1,918 followersLydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
March 28, 2017
I really liked this. It was well written and I enjoyed the H and h. It would have been 5 stars if Colin had been the one to go to Sammy in the end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2018
I ACCEPT YOUR CHALLENGE!!
***3.5 Stars***
I got a lovely email from Lydia Michaels and her P.A. asking me if I’d be interested in reading a few books and reviewing them. Sure, I say. With pleasure, I say. Give me something gritty, I say. Well, they decided to CHALLENGE me. What do they give a Catholic girl (who admittedly isn’t the best little Catholic girl out there)? Well, they give me a story about a man who is nearly finished his studies to become a priest, questioning his devotion because of the heroine?
Geez, talk about testing me?
Well, I’m no slacker, I took Sacred Waters and I read the heck out of it.
At first, I was hesitant to start because I was worried that I’d be stepping into one of those stories (that I’ve avoided up until now) with a priest disregarding his vows for a little “Oh God, have mercy…” in the naughtiest of ways. Well, this was NOTHING like that. I'm happy to say, it was more about good old fashioned Irish family shenanigans than the dreaded...TABOO.
Oh boy, Sacred Waters tested my mettle, sent my eyes rolling and had me tutt-tutting from here to eternity. Don’t get me wrong, I’m bloody glad that he questioned his devotion before the final vows. But, I had to question, how did this happen JUST before he’s about to say his vows? Well, some things are just meant to happen…
I loved the McCulloughs, the family dynamics, their matriarch and the mountain they get to call their own. Sure, the oldest brother, our hero Colin, is a bit of a goose, but the rest of them are fantastic. OK…mostly fantastic. The majority of the McCulloughs are male, so of course, they can all have their goosey moments.
Really and truly, I would like to say that I loved this story but unfortunately, I can’t. I liked it. I was a wee bit frustrated and may have even contemplated harm to my kindle in the bad moments. She, Sammy the heroine, went in with her eyes wide open heading for heartbreak. He, well, he acted like a self-righteous, holier-than-though numbskull who took what he wanted, knowing he’d be leaving her heartbroken. They both deserved the heartbreak they initially got. I know that sounds mean, but it wasn't like they were teenagers. He's 29 and she's 24 (I think). Both of them have (or should have) enough maturity to think with their heads instead of their bits and pieces.
Honourable mention must go to Kelly McCullough. Of all the McCulloughs, he is by far my favourite. His cheeky larrikin ways, mixed with his saucy tongue, make him the rogue you can’t say no to. The fact that he’s also the peace talker, man-in-motion and fixer-upperer, makes him the McCullough I most want to see happy ever after.
The best part of this book is knowing that I’ll get to see more of the McCulloughs in the future. I’m kind of hoping that the rest of the bunch have a little more sense than Colin, but I guess, you have to get through the bad to get to the good. Eventually, Colin does come good and finally hands over his goosey membership and earns a little hearts-aflutter badge from me.
I will definitely be going on in this series, and after meeting Finn McCoolloughs (yeah, I mucked with his name), I won’t be waiting long.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
***3.5 Stars***
I got a lovely email from Lydia Michaels and her P.A. asking me if I’d be interested in reading a few books and reviewing them. Sure, I say. With pleasure, I say. Give me something gritty, I say. Well, they decided to CHALLENGE me. What do they give a Catholic girl (who admittedly isn’t the best little Catholic girl out there)? Well, they give me a story about a man who is nearly finished his studies to become a priest, questioning his devotion because of the heroine?
Geez, talk about testing me?
Well, I’m no slacker, I took Sacred Waters and I read the heck out of it.
At first, I was hesitant to start because I was worried that I’d be stepping into one of those stories (that I’ve avoided up until now) with a priest disregarding his vows for a little “Oh God, have mercy…” in the naughtiest of ways. Well, this was NOTHING like that. I'm happy to say, it was more about good old fashioned Irish family shenanigans than the dreaded...TABOO.
Oh boy, Sacred Waters tested my mettle, sent my eyes rolling and had me tutt-tutting from here to eternity. Don’t get me wrong, I’m bloody glad that he questioned his devotion before the final vows. But, I had to question, how did this happen JUST before he’s about to say his vows? Well, some things are just meant to happen…
I loved the McCulloughs, the family dynamics, their matriarch and the mountain they get to call their own. Sure, the oldest brother, our hero Colin, is a bit of a goose, but the rest of them are fantastic. OK…mostly fantastic. The majority of the McCulloughs are male, so of course, they can all have their goosey moments.
Really and truly, I would like to say that I loved this story but unfortunately, I can’t. I liked it. I was a wee bit frustrated and may have even contemplated harm to my kindle in the bad moments. She, Sammy the heroine, went in with her eyes wide open heading for heartbreak. He, well, he acted like a self-righteous, holier-than-though numbskull who took what he wanted, knowing he’d be leaving her heartbroken. They both deserved the heartbreak they initially got. I know that sounds mean, but it wasn't like they were teenagers. He's 29 and she's 24 (I think). Both of them have (or should have) enough maturity to think with their heads instead of their bits and pieces.
Honourable mention must go to Kelly McCullough. Of all the McCulloughs, he is by far my favourite. His cheeky larrikin ways, mixed with his saucy tongue, make him the rogue you can’t say no to. The fact that he’s also the peace talker, man-in-motion and fixer-upperer, makes him the McCullough I most want to see happy ever after.
The best part of this book is knowing that I’ll get to see more of the McCulloughs in the future. I’m kind of hoping that the rest of the bunch have a little more sense than Colin, but I guess, you have to get through the bad to get to the good. Eventually, Colin does come good and finally hands over his goosey membership and earns a little hearts-aflutter badge from me.
I will definitely be going on in this series, and after meeting Finn McCoolloughs (yeah, I mucked with his name), I won’t be waiting long.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
August 17, 2015
Breathtakingly beautiful and poignant, this story will steal your heart.
I can't believe my luck in reading two of the best contemporary romances in a row (the other one being The Paper Swan).
I loved EVERYTHING about this book, from the amazing McCullough family to the strong heroine, who didn't click with me from the start but who completely wormed her way into my heart by the end of the book; such a fierce, strong woman she is!
But more than anything, I adored the absolute reverence with which the hero treated the heroine, almost as if she is something holy. Wow! I had butterflies in my stomach the whole time. Avid readers of romance know very well that this stops happening at some point. I can't describe how much I had missed that feeling.
I love books where the hero is or wants to be a priest but ends up falling for the heroine and has to make a hard choice, despite being somewhat of an atheist myself. It's probably the angst factor that skyrockets that makes me love these stories every time, little angst-whore that I am. :P
In fact, I lied. There is one small thing I didn't like and that is the way things were resolved in the end. (Not the perfect HEA, don't be confused, just how it came about). I would have liked for something slightly different to happen, but I can't discuss this openly here for obvious reasons.
But honestly, I loved the rest 90% of the book SO, SO, SO MUCH I really don't care about small little things. Thank you Lydia Michaels for this and where have you been all my life?
People, please read this author. She deserves to be read and worshipped.
I can't believe my luck in reading two of the best contemporary romances in a row (the other one being The Paper Swan).
I loved EVERYTHING about this book, from the amazing McCullough family to the strong heroine, who didn't click with me from the start but who completely wormed her way into my heart by the end of the book; such a fierce, strong woman she is!
But more than anything, I adored the absolute reverence with which the hero treated the heroine, almost as if she is something holy. Wow! I had butterflies in my stomach the whole time. Avid readers of romance know very well that this stops happening at some point. I can't describe how much I had missed that feeling.
I love books where the hero is or wants to be a priest but ends up falling for the heroine and has to make a hard choice, despite being somewhat of an atheist myself. It's probably the angst factor that skyrockets that makes me love these stories every time, little angst-whore that I am. :P
In fact, I lied. There is one small thing I didn't like and that is the way things were resolved in the end. (Not the perfect HEA, don't be confused, just how it came about). I would have liked for something slightly different to happen, but I can't discuss this openly here for obvious reasons.
But honestly, I loved the rest 90% of the book SO, SO, SO MUCH I really don't care about small little things. Thank you Lydia Michaels for this and where have you been all my life?
People, please read this author. She deserves to be read and worshipped.
November 2, 2014
A forbidden love affair with a soon-to-be-priest? Don't mind if I do. Honestly, you can't go wrong with this one. The only thing I regret is not reading this before.
March 14, 2014
Sweet story and profound conflict. I would have given it 4 stars except that the story wrapped up too quickly. I was left unsatisfied because the H needed to explain his change of heart to the h. Especially considering It needed MUCH more of his perspective to be satisfying.
October 30, 2022
*I was granted an audio code in exchange for an honest review.*
Well, I've finally read about Colin and Sam. So angsty but very sweet.
I have been reading the McCullough Mountain series throughout 2022. It may be a little strange that I am only now reading book 1 but the books work well in any order, for the most part... A lot of the stories take place with over-lapping timelines, so you can jump in whenever. I think that was really visible when going back to the first book because I didn't realize HOW MUCH was happening on top of each other.
This was very angsty and I enjoyed finally getting to learn about how Colin and Sam got together. They are in a tough situation and it hurts to see them struggle with it. I loved how Sam fell right into loving the family as a whole and how she never wanted to leave.
However, as I felt with another book in the series, I wish we had more HEA than having angst right up to the last minute. Especially with a Surprise/Hidden Pregnancy right at the end.
McCullough Mountain is a very special place to me and I will always enjoy going back whenever I can.
4 stars
2 on the spice scale.
Well, I've finally read about Colin and Sam. So angsty but very sweet.
I have been reading the McCullough Mountain series throughout 2022. It may be a little strange that I am only now reading book 1 but the books work well in any order, for the most part... A lot of the stories take place with over-lapping timelines, so you can jump in whenever. I think that was really visible when going back to the first book because I didn't realize HOW MUCH was happening on top of each other.
This was very angsty and I enjoyed finally getting to learn about how Colin and Sam got together. They are in a tough situation and it hurts to see them struggle with it. I loved how Sam fell right into loving the family as a whole and how she never wanted to leave.
However, as I felt with another book in the series, I wish we had more HEA than having angst right up to the last minute. Especially with a Surprise/Hidden Pregnancy right at the end.
McCullough Mountain is a very special place to me and I will always enjoy going back whenever I can.
4 stars
2 on the spice scale.
November 20, 2023
This book actually surprised me with how much I liked it! I wasn’t that big of a fan at first, but the connection between Colin and Sam was so good! This would’ve been five stars if Colin had been the one to go back to Sam. I don’t understand his reasoning of not going after her if he wasn’t going to become a priest. Was he just going to let her go forever and never see her again?? Since she had to go after him, I feel like they only got back together for the baby because as Sam said…he chose the church over her and continued to do so by not going after her. So that part was disappointing, but the middle of the book was so good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2015
This is a great story! Since I read Chaste first, read this one make me know the McCulloughs better. This story reminds me of Alessandro Moretti in Lisa Desrochers's A Little Too Far: similar to Alessandro, our hero, Colin McCullough, is only months away from becoming a priest. However, his encounter with his young brother's girl friend, Samantha Dougherty, changes everything---him falls in love!
Their struggle makes me heartbroken, I esp feel for Samantha when she knows she will never love someone as much as Colin but she will never ask him to give up his dream of becoming a priest.
Although both hero and heroine have their own flaws, I still like the story. At first I somewhat hesitate to read this story cause I can't accept the idea of hero falling in love with his brother's girlfriend. However, I find it's not like that since Braydon and Samantha has never really into each other: Braydon dates Samantha because he thinks she is wifely material, and Samantha has never regard Braydon as her boyfriend.
Recommend this book to those who love to read romance about forbidden love.
Their struggle makes me heartbroken, I esp feel for Samantha when she knows she will never love someone as much as Colin but she will never ask him to give up his dream of becoming a priest.
Although both hero and heroine have their own flaws, I still like the story. At first I somewhat hesitate to read this story cause I can't accept the idea of hero falling in love with his brother's girlfriend. However, I find it's not like that since Braydon and Samantha has never really into each other: Braydon dates Samantha because he thinks she is wifely material, and Samantha has never regard Braydon as her boyfriend.
Recommend this book to those who love to read romance about forbidden love.
March 9, 2014
this is 4-4.5 stars from me. I too noticed the time difference (like Starsaga also noted), originally Samantha & Brayden were on a 3 week trip to the family home then it said 2 weeks (I'm pretty sure that it was 3 weeks after all). I loved the comparison (thank goodness briefly) made to Thorn Birds- forbidden love reference. At the beginning of the story, the family members were thrown at me (7 siblings!). Uh-oh would I need to make a chart? Not to worry, I figured it out. Very sweet story. I loved how the love story evolved. A lot of tender, tentative moments- neither are experienced lovers & it just seemed so NATURAL. I think that the ending (not the epilogue), but the ah-ah resolution-the love declaration happened behind closed doors (literally behind the closed doors). I just wish the hero would have gone to the heroine.
A couple of typos and minor editing issue. Great family-based love story. Samantha is a great, competent woman. Brayden and Colin are strong and interesting characters. They each needed to figure out what the wanted and what was best for them. They needed to KNOW who IS their number one.
A couple of typos and minor editing issue. Great family-based love story. Samantha is a great, competent woman. Brayden and Colin are strong and interesting characters. They each needed to figure out what the wanted and what was best for them. They needed to KNOW who IS their number one.
October 27, 2017
Rated 3.5 Stars
I found Sacred Waters to be an enjoyable read. However I felt parts of it were bogged down especially the beginning by a dump of information. I expected it be illicit but it wasn't, it was sweet. There were hot parts but it was a very sweet read to me. That said I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.
Copy provided by author in exchange for a honest review
I found Sacred Waters to be an enjoyable read. However I felt parts of it were bogged down especially the beginning by a dump of information. I expected it be illicit but it wasn't, it was sweet. There were hot parts but it was a very sweet read to me. That said I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.
Copy provided by author in exchange for a honest review
December 1, 2021
3 1/2 stars
October 27, 2025
There's just something about Lydia Michaels' books that always leaves me either conflicted or underwhelmed. Or both. This is my 3rd book by her and while this isn't bad it wasn't good either IMO. I loved the idea of a man about to devote his life to the Church and G-d and about to become a Priest but falling for his brother's girlfriend and having to choose. So angsty and messsssy! And a virgin hero no less. :P But this fell short in places. The first 20% is just massive amounts of info dumping about the hero's big loud Irish family. Which honestly, I thought they were Scottish given some of the lingo used. Do the Irish use the term "lassie"? That felt very Scottish to me. And some of the siblings have the Irish lilt but the hero Colin who is the oldest doesn't at all (except when he gets drunk lol). It just felt very inconsistent in places. That and I wasn't a big fan of the heroine, Samantha. She just rubbed me the wrong way and her actions in the end of the book cinched why I don't like her.
Samantha has just finished studying to become a school teacher, the summer before she starts her job full time she decides to go with her friend Braydon MacCullough to visit his family for a few weeks. Sam and Braydon are friends who have kissed & casually dated but nothing more, she doesn't see him as more than a friend while he's trying to make things more serious. Why she agrees to this family trip knowing she doesn't feel that way about him but he wants more is beyond me. She makes a point of drawing the line when they get to his parents house in refusing to share a room with him and not even comfortable when he gets affectionate with her infront of his family and even telling his family he's a "friend" to her. Now I don't mind messy triangles and this isn't really that considering how one sided the feelings were with Braydon. But that's my issue. My problem is Sam couldn't work up the nerve to talk to him and tell him they are just friends especially when she meets his eldest brother Colin and is attracted to him. Instead she just went along with it being uncomfortable and when she finally does try telling Braydon he won't listen and doesn't take her words seriously. But then she would get sniffy and upset when his ex is flirting with Braydon cause it makes her "look like a fool in front of his family". Girl.....what? 😐 I just couldn’t understand how flippant she was about Braydon’s feelings for her and acting like it's no big deal to string him along but then getting annoyed with him making a “fool of her” in front of his family meanwhile she’s humping his brother’s brains out in the guy’s bedroom. Talk about mixed signals and wishy washy. It was her righteous pious attitude that set my teeth on edge. Cause girl you are no better talking about making a fool of someone meanwhile you are sleeping with his brother and hiding it. GET REAL. Sam is supposed to be sweet, shy and straightforward person but her always getting angry and defensive especially when Colin was trying to get to know her just irked me and honestly confused me. I got whiplash how angry she would get so quickly over the smallest things. I mean she's mentally cussing Colin out when he simply asks about her family and it's just like....whoa where did that come from? Her character felt really inconsistent and wishy washy. One minute she's internally begging him to ask her to stay and 2 lines later after he tells her he's starting to feel things for her and he's trying to fight it, she gets so offended acting like he called her a slut. Girl, HUH??? Are you ok? She made my head spin. That and writing felt oddly dated. I had to check when this was published and it says 2013, which doesn't explain why these characters sometimes talked like a dated Harlequin novel. The heroine in particular. The prose and narration just felt super dated and lowkey cheesy and awkward. Which is odd because I didn't have that experience with the other 2 books by her and she's actually really good with beautiful prose when she wants to get deep. But this just wasn't it.
Speaking of annoying, the 3rd act stunt just drove home why I'm not a fan of the heroine. While I normally don’t mind Her characters' actions don't make sense and it's just done to drag things out further and that grates my nerves.
Samantha has just finished studying to become a school teacher, the summer before she starts her job full time she decides to go with her friend Braydon MacCullough to visit his family for a few weeks. Sam and Braydon are friends who have kissed & casually dated but nothing more, she doesn't see him as more than a friend while he's trying to make things more serious. Why she agrees to this family trip knowing she doesn't feel that way about him but he wants more is beyond me. She makes a point of drawing the line when they get to his parents house in refusing to share a room with him and not even comfortable when he gets affectionate with her infront of his family and even telling his family he's a "friend" to her. Now I don't mind messy triangles and this isn't really that considering how one sided the feelings were with Braydon. But that's my issue. My problem is Sam couldn't work up the nerve to talk to him and tell him they are just friends especially when she meets his eldest brother Colin and is attracted to him. Instead she just went along with it being uncomfortable and when she finally does try telling Braydon he won't listen and doesn't take her words seriously. But then she would get sniffy and upset when his ex is flirting with Braydon cause it makes her "look like a fool in front of his family". Girl.....what? 😐 I just couldn’t understand how flippant she was about Braydon’s feelings for her and acting like it's no big deal to string him along but then getting annoyed with him making a “fool of her” in front of his family meanwhile she’s humping his brother’s brains out in the guy’s bedroom. Talk about mixed signals and wishy washy. It was her righteous pious attitude that set my teeth on edge. Cause girl you are no better talking about making a fool of someone meanwhile you are sleeping with his brother and hiding it. GET REAL. Sam is supposed to be sweet, shy and straightforward person but her always getting angry and defensive especially when Colin was trying to get to know her just irked me and honestly confused me. I got whiplash how angry she would get so quickly over the smallest things. I mean she's mentally cussing Colin out when he simply asks about her family and it's just like....whoa where did that come from? Her character felt really inconsistent and wishy washy. One minute she's internally begging him to ask her to stay and 2 lines later after he tells her he's starting to feel things for her and he's trying to fight it, she gets so offended acting like he called her a slut. Girl, HUH??? Are you ok? She made my head spin. That and writing felt oddly dated. I had to check when this was published and it says 2013, which doesn't explain why these characters sometimes talked like a dated Harlequin novel. The heroine in particular. The prose and narration just felt super dated and lowkey cheesy and awkward. Which is odd because I didn't have that experience with the other 2 books by her and she's actually really good with beautiful prose when she wants to get deep. But this just wasn't it.
Speaking of annoying, the 3rd act stunt just drove home why I'm not a fan of the heroine. While I normally don’t mind Her characters' actions don't make sense and it's just done to drag things out further and that grates my nerves.
March 9, 2014
4.5 stars, A book that touched my heartstrings and satisfied me to the core!,
This book stole up on me. It was understated but so beautiful that I had to stop and think about the bitter with the sweet, the hopelessness and hopefulness, the sacrifice with the selfishness. Like I said it was slow to build up and then when it did, I almost wanted the story to turn back because Colin and Samantha's passion was nascent and fresh, it almost should not have been written. Almost, I said because I am glad it was, made me a voyeur, a book one. Then came the separation, for which I don't think I have read such heartbreak in a contemporary romance, I felt Samantha's devastation and there was a sense of depletion that life should never have, but that love can bring when it becomes tough. There was some confusion about whether Samantha's holiday was a two week one or a three week one but the real weakness of the story was that the end was rushed and that Colin's decision towards the end was somehow not done well, he should have been given more page time, he deserved it because I felt his deep sincerity and that is rare to come across in a fictional read. Even at the end, when they finally speak, he does not get to say what is in his heart, I love you was inadequate for the hugeness of his emotional transition, however it was convincing. I would recommend this book and this author, whose books I have heard wonderful things about, for anyone who likes a well-written yet sweetly flavoured romance.
This book stole up on me. It was understated but so beautiful that I had to stop and think about the bitter with the sweet, the hopelessness and hopefulness, the sacrifice with the selfishness. Like I said it was slow to build up and then when it did, I almost wanted the story to turn back because Colin and Samantha's passion was nascent and fresh, it almost should not have been written. Almost, I said because I am glad it was, made me a voyeur, a book one. Then came the separation, for which I don't think I have read such heartbreak in a contemporary romance, I felt Samantha's devastation and there was a sense of depletion that life should never have, but that love can bring when it becomes tough. There was some confusion about whether Samantha's holiday was a two week one or a three week one but the real weakness of the story was that the end was rushed and that Colin's decision towards the end was somehow not done well, he should have been given more page time, he deserved it because I felt his deep sincerity and that is rare to come across in a fictional read. Even at the end, when they finally speak, he does not get to say what is in his heart, I love you was inadequate for the hugeness of his emotional transition, however it was convincing. I would recommend this book and this author, whose books I have heard wonderful things about, for anyone who likes a well-written yet sweetly flavoured romance.
July 14, 2014
I had put off trying this because the situation in the synopsis did not thrill me at all. I really enjoyed some other books by this author so when I saw this was borrow-able on Amazon Prime I went ahead and gave it a shot. Unfortunate, I was right and I didn't like the situation in the book either. I didn't enjoy the clandestine nature of their relationship nor Colin's refusal to reconsider his plans. And then once he does, he never tries to rectify the situation. He cares about her so much that he's unwilling to expend any effort towards reuniting with her. Fuck him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2016
*3.5 stars*
June 13, 2014
Fav book of 2013
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GENERAL INFO:
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Year Pub: July 3, 2013
Indie/Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Page Length: 237 pages
Genre: General Contemporary Romance
Ages: Adult - H/29 & h/24 - No YA/NA vibe
Standalone/Cliffhanger: - Standalone. There are other books but the story is of the other family members.
Part of a Series/Installment: Yes -McCullough Mountain series
Epilogue Included: Yes
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POV:
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1st/2nd/3rd Person: 3rd
Character(s)POV Spoken: Alternating - Mostly h - then some by H and an occasional 2nd characters pov too.
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BOOK DESCRIPTION:
=======================================
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Contains Cheating: No
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages: No
Contains Children: H's nieces & nephews but in just couple of pages.
Contains Flashbacks: No
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 4
Angst Level Rating: 4 - the struggle between their love for each other and a life long of chosen vocation.
Feel-Good Level Rating: 4
Steam Factor Rating: 4 - Not much smex but what was there was really steamy in the second half.
Kink Level Rating: 1
Amount of Sex In The Book: Perfect and right and enough for the story.
Overall Smex Rating: 4.5 - sex scenes were hot even if there were not full on erotica. It was sweet at the same time rip the clothes passion.
=======================================
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
=======================================
HERO:Hero Description: Alpha - 4 - Virgin soon-to-be-priest.
Hero Likability Rating: 4.5 - I liked that he was do dedicated to what he wanted to be but yet tried his best not to hurt the h. He was not the usual boorish alpha.
HEROINE:
Heroine Description: Teacher
Heroine Likability Rating: 4.5 -- Very innocent, decent , show all feeling for what it is kind of a gal. Very likable, also stood up strong , not a doormat.
2nd CHARACTER(S):
2nd Char. Description: Family & Friends
2nd Character(s) Likability Rating: 4.5
=======================================
H/h RELATIONSHIP INFO:
=======================================
Buildup Instant/Just Right/Too Long: Just right. Good enough journey toward falling in love for us readers to feel good.
Any H/h Separations: A few months, but not a distraction in the book.
Amount of Time H/h Spends Together: Most of the book
Overall H/h Relationship Rating: 4.5
=======================================
OW/OM/EXES:
=======================================
Current OW/OM/Ex: No - The h comes to the Hero's family through the H's brother who know each other from school.
Deceased OW/OM/Ex: No
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex: No
-Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship: N/A
-Grovel Rating: N/A
Did OW/OM/Ex Ruin the Book For You: No
=======================================
TRIGGERS/WARNING:
=======================================
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
Detail: N/A
=======================================
AUTHOR OVERVIEW:
=======================================
Technical/Editing Quality: 4 - Did not bother me.
Writing/Content Quality: 4.5 - Very engrossing story teller.
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW:
=======================================
Overall Rating: 4
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
Will You Re-read This Book: Maybe , if i ever need to read a no-hassle sweet , passionate romance who has a not so common Hero.
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES: A very entertaining family. Loved the Humor . Made me cry at times. I liked this author's writing ability. She did stir a bunch of emotions in the right way which is rare to find in today's writers.
Also i love books where in they are matriarch oriented with a lot of sons.Loved the Irish references.
=======================================
GENERAL INFO:
=======================================
Year Pub: July 3, 2013
Indie/Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Page Length: 237 pages
Genre: General Contemporary Romance
Ages: Adult - H/29 & h/24 - No YA/NA vibe
Standalone/Cliffhanger: - Standalone. There are other books but the story is of the other family members.
Part of a Series/Installment: Yes -McCullough Mountain series
Epilogue Included: Yes
=======================================
POV:
=======================================
1st/2nd/3rd Person: 3rd
Character(s)POV Spoken: Alternating - Mostly h - then some by H and an occasional 2nd characters pov too.
=======================================
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
=======================================
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Contains Cheating: No
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages: No
Contains Children: H's nieces & nephews but in just couple of pages.
Contains Flashbacks: No
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 4
Angst Level Rating: 4 - the struggle between their love for each other and a life long of chosen vocation.
Feel-Good Level Rating: 4
Steam Factor Rating: 4 - Not much smex but what was there was really steamy in the second half.
Kink Level Rating: 1
Amount of Sex In The Book: Perfect and right and enough for the story.
Overall Smex Rating: 4.5 - sex scenes were hot even if there were not full on erotica. It was sweet at the same time rip the clothes passion.
=======================================
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
=======================================
HERO:Hero Description: Alpha - 4 - Virgin soon-to-be-priest.
Hero Likability Rating: 4.5 - I liked that he was do dedicated to what he wanted to be but yet tried his best not to hurt the h. He was not the usual boorish alpha.
HEROINE:
Heroine Description: Teacher
Heroine Likability Rating: 4.5 -- Very innocent, decent , show all feeling for what it is kind of a gal. Very likable, also stood up strong , not a doormat.
2nd CHARACTER(S):
2nd Char. Description: Family & Friends
2nd Character(s) Likability Rating: 4.5
=======================================
H/h RELATIONSHIP INFO:
=======================================
Buildup Instant/Just Right/Too Long: Just right. Good enough journey toward falling in love for us readers to feel good.
Any H/h Separations: A few months, but not a distraction in the book.
Amount of Time H/h Spends Together: Most of the book
Overall H/h Relationship Rating: 4.5
=======================================
OW/OM/EXES:
=======================================
Current OW/OM/Ex: No - The h comes to the Hero's family through the H's brother who know each other from school.
Deceased OW/OM/Ex: No
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex: No
-Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship: N/A
-Grovel Rating: N/A
Did OW/OM/Ex Ruin the Book For You: No
=======================================
TRIGGERS/WARNING:
=======================================
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
Detail: N/A
=======================================
AUTHOR OVERVIEW:
=======================================
Technical/Editing Quality: 4 - Did not bother me.
Writing/Content Quality: 4.5 - Very engrossing story teller.
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW:
=======================================
Overall Rating: 4
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
Will You Re-read This Book: Maybe , if i ever need to read a no-hassle sweet , passionate romance who has a not so common Hero.
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES: A very entertaining family. Loved the Humor . Made me cry at times. I liked this author's writing ability. She did stir a bunch of emotions in the right way which is rare to find in today's writers.
Also i love books where in they are matriarch oriented with a lot of sons.Loved the Irish references.
June 3, 2022
Almost Priest is about Sam who is dating Braydon but falls in insta-lust and quick love with his older brother Colin. This happens while they're at his family home, with a whole bunch of family that weren't raised in Ireland but speak as if they are "just off the boat" (author's words).
Jesus Christ this book is insane. We have forbidden love, lots of angst and a dude who has wanted to be a priest his entire life but now one glance at a girl described by everyone as "plain" in her underwear and all bets are off. Is it cheating if you're not serious about your boyfriend, and everyone else can see that but him...and you kiss his brother? Braydon isn't in love with her either, Sam is just "wife material" compared to the "leggy blondes" he usually dates. They haven't had the s*x because apparently Sam isn't the "type of girl" (major gag for that slut shaming language) to have casual sex and she doesn't consider them serious. I kept ignoring things about this book that I didn't like because HOT PRIEST but the plot device at the end to get Sam and Colin back together put me over the edge. Can you guess what it was? What did this book need to make it more wild? I'll give you hints: starts with a b, ends with y, and you'll never sleep well again after acquiring one...yep.
Drops mic. Walks off stage. Finds nearest bottle of booze.
3/5 stars
This book wasn't bad. It just made me crazy.
I liked the dry humping.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
Jesus Christ this book is insane. We have forbidden love, lots of angst and a dude who has wanted to be a priest his entire life but now one glance at a girl described by everyone as "plain" in her underwear and all bets are off. Is it cheating if you're not serious about your boyfriend, and everyone else can see that but him...and you kiss his brother? Braydon isn't in love with her either, Sam is just "wife material" compared to the "leggy blondes" he usually dates. They haven't had the s*x because apparently Sam isn't the "type of girl" (major gag for that slut shaming language) to have casual sex and she doesn't consider them serious. I kept ignoring things about this book that I didn't like because HOT PRIEST but the plot device at the end to get Sam and Colin back together put me over the edge. Can you guess what it was? What did this book need to make it more wild? I'll give you hints: starts with a b, ends with y, and you'll never sleep well again after acquiring one...yep.
Drops mic. Walks off stage. Finds nearest bottle of booze.
3/5 stars
This book wasn't bad. It just made me crazy.
I liked the dry humping.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
August 18, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/3/2019)! 🎁
July 4, 2025
The tension between Colin and Sam was on spot. I enjoyed reading this book but the ending did feel like it was rushed.
June 12, 2015
Arggghh. So intense.
February 11, 2026
i really enjoyed this story it was a great read. i loved the characters they where so easy to fall in love with and i must say kelly was defo one of my favorites.
Theres something about reading a small town Irish family read with a love that wins in the end.
Theres something about reading a small town Irish family read with a love that wins in the end.
October 3, 2014
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book! The description was different and intriguing and (even better) the book was free!
Samantha is on break from school, but her parents are out of town. Her friend, Braydon, invites her to spend time with his family in the mountains. The problem is that Braydon thinks of Samantha as his girlfriend. I appreciated that Samantha held no illusions about their relationship. In fact, she didn't even realize he thought of her as a girlfriend until he introduced her that way on the trip. Despite the fact that Braydon was gorgeous (which we know because Samantha described him as being prettier than her), she knew she didn't connect with him on a romantic level. His looks weren't enough to have her swooning. However, Braydon didn't see things that way.
Colin is Braydon's eldest brother and he's training to become a priest. Colin and Samantha are also very much attracted to each other. And this poses a big problem for both of them.
I thought Colin and Samantha were cute together and I really liked the progression of their relationship. When the story was over, I was a little sad that I didn't have more of their story. I also enjoyed the supporting characters. The McCullough's were a huge family (almost too big to remember much about anyone) but they were funny and supportive of each other.
I'm definitely looking forward to more of this series!
Samantha is on break from school, but her parents are out of town. Her friend, Braydon, invites her to spend time with his family in the mountains. The problem is that Braydon thinks of Samantha as his girlfriend. I appreciated that Samantha held no illusions about their relationship. In fact, she didn't even realize he thought of her as a girlfriend until he introduced her that way on the trip. Despite the fact that Braydon was gorgeous (which we know because Samantha described him as being prettier than her), she knew she didn't connect with him on a romantic level. His looks weren't enough to have her swooning. However, Braydon didn't see things that way.
Colin is Braydon's eldest brother and he's training to become a priest. Colin and Samantha are also very much attracted to each other. And this poses a big problem for both of them.
I thought Colin and Samantha were cute together and I really liked the progression of their relationship. When the story was over, I was a little sad that I didn't have more of their story. I also enjoyed the supporting characters. The McCullough's were a huge family (almost too big to remember much about anyone) but they were funny and supportive of each other.
I'm definitely looking forward to more of this series!
November 12, 2014
3.5
The first 20% of the story felt like an introduction to the entire family. You literally have to draw a map to understand who everyone is, how old they are, and if they have any type of back story. It was too much to remember and after awhile care.
I loved the scenes between Sam and Colin, but it takes a while for them to start a friendship. I loved reading how their story started. I loved their friendship and then their love. I was disappointed at about 80% with Colin's behavior.
I am not sure if I will read the next book in the series. The siblings were fine, but the only one I really cared about was Colin's brother, Kelly. I may read his, but I have a feeling that his heroine is already picked out for him and I like when the author starts fresh with characters and not the ones that are already used in the story. I will have to check the synopsis and see if it is the girl mentioned in this book.
The first 20% of the story felt like an introduction to the entire family. You literally have to draw a map to understand who everyone is, how old they are, and if they have any type of back story. It was too much to remember and after awhile care.
I loved the scenes between Sam and Colin, but it takes a while for them to start a friendship. I loved reading how their story started. I loved their friendship and then their love. I was disappointed at about 80% with Colin's behavior.
I am not sure if I will read the next book in the series. The siblings were fine, but the only one I really cared about was Colin's brother, Kelly. I may read his, but I have a feeling that his heroine is already picked out for him and I like when the author starts fresh with characters and not the ones that are already used in the story. I will have to check the synopsis and see if it is the girl mentioned in this book.
June 19, 2024
It's been over a year since a book kept me up all night but this one did it! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down until near dawn when I read "The End". I love the family dynamic of this story. Each family member enhances the story with his or her humor, love, empathy, support, or unfailing loyalty! I loved Colin. His battle between what he's always thought was his path vs the newfound love he's found for a woman that bounds in and out his life in the blink of an eye was raw and real. Sammy's battle of her own to release old demons and move forward was inspiring and heartfelt. Together these two make an amazing couple and I'm so glad I found this story. I'm already diving headfirst into the next book! I just can't stay away now that I've found this great series!
September 5, 2013
Welcome to the beautiful McCullough Mountain and the awesome family that is the McCulloughs! We are introduced to this family and I fell in love with them.
Not only that but we get our first taste of romance that takes an unexpected turn with one of the men of the family.
I love that Lydia Michaels does not just write a typical "hot guy meets hot girl, angst and shenanigans ensue" romance. There is a real twist to her story that makes them seem more realistic to the reader but still carry you away into the story.
Not only that but we get our first taste of romance that takes an unexpected turn with one of the men of the family.
I love that Lydia Michaels does not just write a typical "hot guy meets hot girl, angst and shenanigans ensue" romance. There is a real twist to her story that makes them seem more realistic to the reader but still carry you away into the story.
July 12, 2013
Sacred Waters is another beautifully written book by Lydia Michaels. I won't tell you the story, but the love story between Samantha and Colin was amazing to read. Every time they touched it both made me sigh and my heart break a little. I highly suggest this story if you are looking for a HEA, but with real life instead of fluff.
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September 21, 2014I thought the progression of the story and pacing was bad, bordering on awful. I didnt feel the H/h or their chemistry. Couldnt stand the dumping of a large cast of characters at once.
DNF @ 30%
February 23, 2019
Really good
January 25, 2018
I read the prequel to this series and fell in love with this crazy, chaotic, and loyal family. I was especially intrigued by Colin. He was so much more mature and serious than his peers. He seemed to have his life all planned out. None of the doubt and uncertainty most people feel when deciding what they want to do with their lives. I couldn’t imagine what kind of woman would make him question his choices.
Colin’s story was even more wonderful than I imagined. My heart broke for him and the decision he had to make. A change he’d prepared for practically his entire life was approaching. He’d never wavered about his purpose in life. Then he met Samantha and for the first time in his life, he felt doubt. She was sweet, honest, and trusting with a girl next door beauty, and she took his breath away. He’d never felt desire like this before. “When he looked at her, he forgot his place and the commitments he’d set forth for himself.” Which caused a lot of guilt. Not only about questioning his future but about coveting his brother’s “girlfriend”. He tried to tell himself it was just lust and it would fade when she wasn’t around. But what if it didn’t? Would he long for her all his life?
My heart broke for Sam in this story too. She decided to come with Braydon to visit his family’s home as a way to get away from the pressures of school and family. She only saw Bray as a friend but he seemed to view their relationship as more. And then she met Colin. He was distinguished, sure, and confident. So much more refined than the rest of his family. And he was gorgeous. Sam felt guilty for having inappropriate thoughts about her “boyfriend’s” brother and even more guilty having those thoughts about a soon to be priest! Can someone say sinner! As much as she tried to avoid Colin, she couldn’t. He seemed to look at her and see a part of her everyone else overlooked. He recognized the fear she’d had since childhood and, with his presence and gentle coaxing, helped her face that fear and let go of the pain she’d harbored for years. He gave her peace. She’d never felt so much for another person. It was obvious he felt the same. And when they kissed, even though they vowed they’d never do it again, all they could think about was when they could be together again. Sam fell in love. She knew Colin was torn and she shouldn’t give her heart to someone who couldn’t give his back, but letting him go would be the hardest thing she’d ever done.
I felt so much for these two. I wanted them together so badly but I felt for the choice Colin had to make. Could he still have his dream and Sam too? And poor Sam! So torn between wanting him for herself but knowing he may resent her for his choice. Lydia Michaels has a way of ripping every emotion out of me and this story was no different. I was questioning how it would turn out all the way to the end.
I loved that I got to know the family better in this book. It makes me more eager for their stories. At first I didn’t like Braydon. He seemed so indifferent to Sam’s feelings but he really proved himself to me at the end. Kelly was another brother I had doubts about. He seemed too wild and oblivious to his family’s feelings. He really surprised me and turned out to be my hero in this book. I can’t wait to read his story. It was wonderful to have more of McCullough mom, Maureen too. I fell in love with her in the prequel and even more so in this book. That Irish temperament is wonderful and always makes me giggle. And it looks like Colin may not be the only McCullough to surprise his family. I am waiting for Luke’s story with bated breath!
Every Lydia Michaels book slays me. Each time I get one, I tell myself I’m going to take my time and savor it. And every time I’m sucked in before the first chapter ends and can’t put it down. Silly things like food, sleep, and work get put on the back burner when I have a Lydia Michaels book in my hand. Her books are hot and insanely intense while still giving you plenty to chuckle at. Her beautifully developed characters and compelling stories with often weighty themes will pull you in. If you’re looking for a compulsively readable series, look no further than McCullough Mountain.
Colin’s story was even more wonderful than I imagined. My heart broke for him and the decision he had to make. A change he’d prepared for practically his entire life was approaching. He’d never wavered about his purpose in life. Then he met Samantha and for the first time in his life, he felt doubt. She was sweet, honest, and trusting with a girl next door beauty, and she took his breath away. He’d never felt desire like this before. “When he looked at her, he forgot his place and the commitments he’d set forth for himself.” Which caused a lot of guilt. Not only about questioning his future but about coveting his brother’s “girlfriend”. He tried to tell himself it was just lust and it would fade when she wasn’t around. But what if it didn’t? Would he long for her all his life?
My heart broke for Sam in this story too. She decided to come with Braydon to visit his family’s home as a way to get away from the pressures of school and family. She only saw Bray as a friend but he seemed to view their relationship as more. And then she met Colin. He was distinguished, sure, and confident. So much more refined than the rest of his family. And he was gorgeous. Sam felt guilty for having inappropriate thoughts about her “boyfriend’s” brother and even more guilty having those thoughts about a soon to be priest! Can someone say sinner! As much as she tried to avoid Colin, she couldn’t. He seemed to look at her and see a part of her everyone else overlooked. He recognized the fear she’d had since childhood and, with his presence and gentle coaxing, helped her face that fear and let go of the pain she’d harbored for years. He gave her peace. She’d never felt so much for another person. It was obvious he felt the same. And when they kissed, even though they vowed they’d never do it again, all they could think about was when they could be together again. Sam fell in love. She knew Colin was torn and she shouldn’t give her heart to someone who couldn’t give his back, but letting him go would be the hardest thing she’d ever done.
I felt so much for these two. I wanted them together so badly but I felt for the choice Colin had to make. Could he still have his dream and Sam too? And poor Sam! So torn between wanting him for herself but knowing he may resent her for his choice. Lydia Michaels has a way of ripping every emotion out of me and this story was no different. I was questioning how it would turn out all the way to the end.
I loved that I got to know the family better in this book. It makes me more eager for their stories. At first I didn’t like Braydon. He seemed so indifferent to Sam’s feelings but he really proved himself to me at the end. Kelly was another brother I had doubts about. He seemed too wild and oblivious to his family’s feelings. He really surprised me and turned out to be my hero in this book. I can’t wait to read his story. It was wonderful to have more of McCullough mom, Maureen too. I fell in love with her in the prequel and even more so in this book. That Irish temperament is wonderful and always makes me giggle. And it looks like Colin may not be the only McCullough to surprise his family. I am waiting for Luke’s story with bated breath!
Every Lydia Michaels book slays me. Each time I get one, I tell myself I’m going to take my time and savor it. And every time I’m sucked in before the first chapter ends and can’t put it down. Silly things like food, sleep, and work get put on the back burner when I have a Lydia Michaels book in my hand. Her books are hot and insanely intense while still giving you plenty to chuckle at. Her beautifully developed characters and compelling stories with often weighty themes will pull you in. If you’re looking for a compulsively readable series, look no further than McCullough Mountain.
June 26, 2022
*2.5 stars
I'm going to be the odd one out here and say that I am not a big fan of this at all.
To be fair, I initially thought this book was promising. I was totally on board with the whole small town, taboo concept. Sadly, my love for small town romances was not enough for me to give this a glowing review.
This book revolves around Colin, an about to be ordained priest, and his forbidden romance with Samantha, a girl who his brother brings home to spend the summer with their family.
I absolutely loved Colin as a hero...at first. He started out being so sweet, and innocent which are characteristics I generally like in my heroes. But then his whole back and forth regarding his ordainment started becoming annoying. His indecision started to hurt the heroine that I ended up siding her more (not that she was a perfect character herself) and even wanted her to just give up on the hero altogether. I also personally think that the foundation for this romance was so flimsy and heavily based on lust that I don't believe all the 'I love you's' they keep throwing at each other. Not to mention the odd pacing at the end where everything happened and seemed to resolve itself in a snap of a finger.
As for the writing, there were times in this book where the imagery was so lush and beautiful that I was so compelled to read. However, there were parts where the telling outweighed the showing that I felt like the storytelling dragged.
With that rant-filled feedback, I'm so sad to say that this book isn't for me. Will I continue with series though? I'd say yes. I may not have liked this particular book but I'm oddly still interested in the rest of the series.
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.
.
.
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tw: anxiety, panic attacks, death of a child (past)
I'm going to be the odd one out here and say that I am not a big fan of this at all.
To be fair, I initially thought this book was promising. I was totally on board with the whole small town, taboo concept. Sadly, my love for small town romances was not enough for me to give this a glowing review.
This book revolves around Colin, an about to be ordained priest, and his forbidden romance with Samantha, a girl who his brother brings home to spend the summer with their family.
I absolutely loved Colin as a hero...at first. He started out being so sweet, and innocent which are characteristics I generally like in my heroes. But then his whole back and forth regarding his ordainment started becoming annoying. His indecision started to hurt the heroine that I ended up siding her more (not that she was a perfect character herself) and even wanted her to just give up on the hero altogether. I also personally think that the foundation for this romance was so flimsy and heavily based on lust that I don't believe all the 'I love you's' they keep throwing at each other. Not to mention the odd pacing at the end where everything happened and seemed to resolve itself in a snap of a finger.
As for the writing, there were times in this book where the imagery was so lush and beautiful that I was so compelled to read. However, there were parts where the telling outweighed the showing that I felt like the storytelling dragged.
With that rant-filled feedback, I'm so sad to say that this book isn't for me. Will I continue with series though? I'd say yes. I may not have liked this particular book but I'm oddly still interested in the rest of the series.
.
.
.
.
.
tw: anxiety, panic attacks, death of a child (past)
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