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Hot Under Her Collar #1
Not A Mistake
On the night she graduates from seminary, Jordan Sykes finds herself in bed with Dominic Lawrence, the ethics professor she’s crushed on for years. Two months later, she discovers she’s pregnant and is determined to hide it to protect his career. Maybe, if she loves her new church like hell, they won’t fire her for being a single mother.
Dominic knows the difference between right and wrong, and he’s filled with remorse after sleeping with his favorite student. He’s offered the job of his dreams, but he'd be a hypocrite to accept without making things right with Jordan first.
Dominic proposes marriage to save their careers, never expecting they will prove a perfect—and passionate—match. But can Jordan give her heart to a man who still believes the first night they spent together was a mistake?
Dominic knows the difference between right and wrong, and he’s filled with remorse after sleeping with his favorite student. He’s offered the job of his dreams, but he'd be a hypocrite to accept without making things right with Jordan first.
Dominic proposes marriage to save their careers, never expecting they will prove a perfect—and passionate—match. But can Jordan give her heart to a man who still believes the first night they spent together was a mistake?
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 16
12 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Amber Belldene
17 books174 followersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/amberbelldene
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmberBelldene
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amberbelldene/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/WF3j5
Amber Belldene grew up on the Florida panhandle, swimming with alligators, climbing oak trees and diving for scallops…when she could pull herself away from a book. As a child, she hid her Nancy Drew novels inside the church bulletin and read mysteries during sermons—an irony that is not lost on her when she preaches these days.
Amber is an Episcopal Priest and student of religion. She believes stories are the best way to explore human truths. Some people think it is strange for a minister to write love stories, but it is perfectly natural to her, because the human desire for love is at the heart of all the best books and God made people with that desire. She lives with her husband and two children in San Francisco and loves chatting with readers and other authors on social media!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmberBelldene
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amberbelldene/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/WF3j5
Amber Belldene grew up on the Florida panhandle, swimming with alligators, climbing oak trees and diving for scallops…when she could pull herself away from a book. As a child, she hid her Nancy Drew novels inside the church bulletin and read mysteries during sermons—an irony that is not lost on her when she preaches these days.
Amber is an Episcopal Priest and student of religion. She believes stories are the best way to explore human truths. Some people think it is strange for a minister to write love stories, but it is perfectly natural to her, because the human desire for love is at the heart of all the best books and God made people with that desire. She lives with her husband and two children in San Francisco and loves chatting with readers and other authors on social media!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 30, 2016
2 stars. DNF @40%
Due to personal reasons, I no longer review books that get less than three stars from me. In order that I can remember why a book didn't work out for me, I've decided to file them accordingly. Meaning, I had to extend my shelves substantially.
Quotes for your perusal
His frank admission bubbled through Jordan like heady champagne. This wasn’t a trial by fire, but the gesture of a good man trying to do right by her and baby bean. She should relax and have fun, even if it probably wouldn’t work out in the end.
Across the table, she watched him with brown eyes so light you could call them amber, or whiskey, if you wanted to be poetic, or sherry if you wanted to be cute. She inspired a little bit of all of that, and that giddiness, like a lump in the throat that made him feel like burping.
At the change in him, a burst of happiness filled her heart, and the word slid out of her like a sled down an icy hill.
Pre-reading Not A Mistake:
Sometimes a scandal isn't a sin…
Curious about this one…we shall see…
Due to personal reasons, I no longer review books that get less than three stars from me. In order that I can remember why a book didn't work out for me, I've decided to file them accordingly. Meaning, I had to extend my shelves substantially.
Quotes for your perusal
His frank admission bubbled through Jordan like heady champagne. This wasn’t a trial by fire, but the gesture of a good man trying to do right by her and baby bean. She should relax and have fun, even if it probably wouldn’t work out in the end.
Across the table, she watched him with brown eyes so light you could call them amber, or whiskey, if you wanted to be poetic, or sherry if you wanted to be cute. She inspired a little bit of all of that, and that giddiness, like a lump in the throat that made him feel like burping.
At the change in him, a burst of happiness filled her heart, and the word slid out of her like a sled down an icy hill.
Pre-reading Not A Mistake:
Sometimes a scandal isn't a sin…
Curious about this one…we shall see…
March 17, 2016
Favorite Quote: "The thing is, Dominic, you're not only a sexual object to me. But I would sleep much better, and preach a knock-out sermon tomorrow, if you'd just come inside and bend me over the kitchen table for a quickie before you go home."
When I received this review request, this blurb both fascinated me and scared me a little. The premise is different and sounded a little - controversial. I was nervous how the subject matter would be handled. Would it be an inspirational romance which I don't really read? (it's not). Would it be too sensationalized? (it's not). For me, and I think this is a book that will have different reactions for everyone based on your own experiences. I thought it was well done.
As the blurb states, the night of Jordan's graduation from seminary, the night she becomes an official Episcopalian priest, Jordan has a one night stand with her ethics professor, The Reverend Doctor Dominic Lawrence, Professor of Christian Ethics and her academic advisor.
Ooops.
Well, actually, not so much oops. Jordan had been extremely attracted to him throughout school, but never made it known or acted on her attraction. After graduation, they go out with a group of people for drinks, and they end up together that night. Jordan was pretty sure she had received a birth control shot in March, which is supposed to last three months, so she was covered. Later she realizes she had the shot in February, hence the pregnancy. (this plays into a later conflict that I didn't love - I'll come back to it).
Two months after graduation, Jordan takes a pregnancy test and it's positive. She has just started as a priest at a small church, and can't believe this is happening to her. She decides to wait to tell Dominic until it is confirmed by her doctor.
Dominic is having massive guilt over sleeping with Jordan. Besides being a Christian ethics professor, he also investigates claim of sexual abuse among priests. Those that have had relationships with their parishioners, and possibly abusing their power.
Since that night, he'd lived with the knowledge he was as reprehensible as the men he investigated. His body had succumbed to the temptation of a beautiful woman, his ego to the illusion of being wanted. Two modes of weaknesses he despised.
His current investigation is that of a priest who has been accused of pressuring one of his parishioners into a relationship, only to dump her soon afterward. She gave up her job for him and now wants retribution. Dominic is feeling like he even though he was extremely attracted to Jordan, and she was technically no longer his student, he still - in his mind - abused his position.
Nowadays, the church made no formal distinction between seducer and coercer - because of the power inherent in the priest's role, all seduction was coercion. Any employee or parishioner fell under one's pastoral responsibility and might see their priest as a symbol or agent of God. Sex was a clear exploitation of that imbalanced relationship. Just as no matter how much Jordan had insisted she wanted Dominic, as her teacher, he'd taken advantage.
When he finally works up the nerve to apologize to Jordan, she wants to hear nothing of it. She loved that night together, and proclaims that she is an adult who made a logical decision. Then he learns she is pregnant.
The story then goes on to follow their journey into dating, romance, overcoming Dominic's guilt, and finally telling their bosses and religious community about their situation. Dominic is desperate to make it all right, and proposes marriage pretty quickly. They want to make it work together, as they spend more time together they realize they do like and eventually love each other. I like that Jordan is steadfast in the fact that she wants to keep her job because she loves the people in her community, but if it means only getting married to keep her job, she won't have it. She has confidence and a strong mind, and I really enjoyed her.
Dominic is more - intense. His feelings of guilt are intense. His lust for Jordan is intense. He grew up with a priest for a father who had numerous affairs and this weighs heavy on Dominic's mind. His father's abuse of power plays demons within his own head.
Dominic and Jordan's relationship in this book is very sexy. Several sex scenes, that are very hot indeedy!
My only complaint is how butt-hurt Dominic gets when he finds out Jordan forgot she took the birth control shot in February instead of March. It was a very honest mistake on her part - and I get a mistake like this has huge consequences - but this conflict felt very forced in my opinion. Like we had to have some sort of conflict right at the end of the book so it was pushed in there. It didn't feel needed. There was already so much internal and external conflict and pressure throughout the book due to the nature of their relationship.
But there is a happy ending! I really like this author's voice. Great pacing and a sexy romance. I'll read her again.
Grade: B
When I received this review request, this blurb both fascinated me and scared me a little. The premise is different and sounded a little - controversial. I was nervous how the subject matter would be handled. Would it be an inspirational romance which I don't really read? (it's not). Would it be too sensationalized? (it's not). For me, and I think this is a book that will have different reactions for everyone based on your own experiences. I thought it was well done.
As the blurb states, the night of Jordan's graduation from seminary, the night she becomes an official Episcopalian priest, Jordan has a one night stand with her ethics professor, The Reverend Doctor Dominic Lawrence, Professor of Christian Ethics and her academic advisor.
Ooops.
Well, actually, not so much oops. Jordan had been extremely attracted to him throughout school, but never made it known or acted on her attraction. After graduation, they go out with a group of people for drinks, and they end up together that night. Jordan was pretty sure she had received a birth control shot in March, which is supposed to last three months, so she was covered. Later she realizes she had the shot in February, hence the pregnancy. (this plays into a later conflict that I didn't love - I'll come back to it).
Two months after graduation, Jordan takes a pregnancy test and it's positive. She has just started as a priest at a small church, and can't believe this is happening to her. She decides to wait to tell Dominic until it is confirmed by her doctor.
Dominic is having massive guilt over sleeping with Jordan. Besides being a Christian ethics professor, he also investigates claim of sexual abuse among priests. Those that have had relationships with their parishioners, and possibly abusing their power.
Since that night, he'd lived with the knowledge he was as reprehensible as the men he investigated. His body had succumbed to the temptation of a beautiful woman, his ego to the illusion of being wanted. Two modes of weaknesses he despised.
His current investigation is that of a priest who has been accused of pressuring one of his parishioners into a relationship, only to dump her soon afterward. She gave up her job for him and now wants retribution. Dominic is feeling like he even though he was extremely attracted to Jordan, and she was technically no longer his student, he still - in his mind - abused his position.
Nowadays, the church made no formal distinction between seducer and coercer - because of the power inherent in the priest's role, all seduction was coercion. Any employee or parishioner fell under one's pastoral responsibility and might see their priest as a symbol or agent of God. Sex was a clear exploitation of that imbalanced relationship. Just as no matter how much Jordan had insisted she wanted Dominic, as her teacher, he'd taken advantage.
When he finally works up the nerve to apologize to Jordan, she wants to hear nothing of it. She loved that night together, and proclaims that she is an adult who made a logical decision. Then he learns she is pregnant.
The story then goes on to follow their journey into dating, romance, overcoming Dominic's guilt, and finally telling their bosses and religious community about their situation. Dominic is desperate to make it all right, and proposes marriage pretty quickly. They want to make it work together, as they spend more time together they realize they do like and eventually love each other. I like that Jordan is steadfast in the fact that she wants to keep her job because she loves the people in her community, but if it means only getting married to keep her job, she won't have it. She has confidence and a strong mind, and I really enjoyed her.
Dominic is more - intense. His feelings of guilt are intense. His lust for Jordan is intense. He grew up with a priest for a father who had numerous affairs and this weighs heavy on Dominic's mind. His father's abuse of power plays demons within his own head.
Dominic and Jordan's relationship in this book is very sexy. Several sex scenes, that are very hot indeedy!
My only complaint is how butt-hurt Dominic gets when he finds out Jordan forgot she took the birth control shot in February instead of March. It was a very honest mistake on her part - and I get a mistake like this has huge consequences - but this conflict felt very forced in my opinion. Like we had to have some sort of conflict right at the end of the book so it was pushed in there. It didn't feel needed. There was already so much internal and external conflict and pressure throughout the book due to the nature of their relationship.
But there is a happy ending! I really like this author's voice. Great pacing and a sexy romance. I'll read her again.
Grade: B
May 31, 2016
This is one of those instances in which the GR 5-star rating system bothers me. This book wasn't a three for me, but it wasn't exactly a four either. There were some things about this book that I really liked, and then there were others that weren't awful, but I feel they could've been better. However, because I liked what I felt were realistic portrayals of religious people, and because I pretty much devoured this book, I decided to up the overall rating.
I was intrigued by this book not because of the seemingly-taboo subject matter, but because it was written by someone who is of that background. The synopsis basically tells you what this book is about, so I won't rehash or paraphrase that here, but it obviously involves characters who also happen to be religious. How many of these books involving religious characters do we get that are actually ever written by people who share similar backgrounds? So, I was more than intrigued by this having been written not only by someone who's religious, but by someone who's a priest. If it hadn't been, I'm not sure I would've picked it up, honestly. There are a lot of books I've seen that feature religious characters, but all too often, they're just fetishizations of the religion aspect. Rather than making characters who live their lives and also happen to be a certain religion or race or whatever else, the author tends to make it all about that one aspect of them.
Jordan came off as so...real. She swore and took the Lord's name in vain and talked about sex (and had sex and enjoyed it) and just...she was this normal person who happened to be a religious priest at the same time. And that's not to say that that type of person isn't real--because they are--but, most of the time, that's one of the only portrayals of a religious character that authors seem to have. People just can't seem to see past the person's religion and often think that that's all that defines them. So, it was nice to have a person who is of that background actually writing about those types of people. I liked that they were people first and religion second.
And that's not to say that religion and morality don't come up at all, because they do (with Dominic feeling guilty at believing he took advantage of his student/advisee, Jordan), but I didn't feel it was done in a fetishistic way. And that's another thing I LOVED about this book. The author didn't go on and on about religion, which is biggest reason why I avoid Inspirational romances. I don't hate religion and those who practice it at all, but I get more than a little tired of having it be preached at me when I pick up an Inspirational romance. That wasn't the case in this book. While writing sermons and doing other religious things are a part of both of their lives, neither characters goes on and on and on about religion and beat you over the head with God's light and prayer and all that other stuff.
I found Dominic's struggle to reconcile his desires with his ethics/faith to be very believable. His childhood played a great deal into his current beliefs and rigidity, with his dad having been a priest who took advantage of the women around him. Dominic was determined not to be like his father, but after sleeping with Jordan, he feels guilt for having done so because she was his student. He feels the night was a mistake, which is the opposite of Jordan's feelings on it. He also feels the need to take responsibility for feeling that he took advantage of her and to apologize, which Jordan hates because not only is she not sorry for it, but knows that, being an adult who's capable of making her own decisions, she played just as much of a part in the decision process as he did. She's responsible for her own choices and doesn't need someone else apologizing for them.
Even though it was frustrating for Jordan to deal with his guilt, I actually kind of did like that he felt that way. There have been a lot of student/teacher books I've seen in which the adult/person of authority in the scenario doesn't feel a great amount of guilt for their actions and just tries to justify it to hell and back. I liked that Dominic had a sense of responsibility here. Along with that, I usually don't like the teacher/student dynamic, but I didn't mind it here because, one, both of the characters are into adulthood, and two, we really only meet them post-graduation. (Though there is a scene or two of their previous interactions, but I didn't mind that.)
To go back to the sex, neither character is a virgin and actually enjoy sex. Jordan hasn't had sex with anyone (other than Dominic) in the last two years. When she's with Dominic, she knows what she wants and what she enjoys and isn't shy about it. With Dominic, I don't recall it saying exactly how long it's been since he's been with a woman, but it does say it's been quite a while. He's not at all the manwhoring type, so I quite liked that, too. He'd previously been married (not sure how long, though), but he's been divorced for four years. He felt he loved his previous wife (who he met on a dating website), but there's a clear distinction in how he was with his previous wife, Laura, and how different and more open he is with Jordan. When it came to either of their pasts (like mentions of Dominic and his wife trying to have a baby, so they had sex often enough), I didn't mind it in this book because both were equally experienced and didn't have horrible sex lives previously, which is often the reason I absolutely despise mentions of the manwhoring H's sex life.
The biggest complaint I have about this book is that I wish Dominic had had to work for Jordan a bit. Jordan's had a crush on Dominic for ages, so it's pretty much a fantasy come true when he asks to take her home. After this, he's filled with guilt and doesn't contact her for two months. When he has business in the area in which she's now a priest, he finally approaches her (to apologize). During the book, he apologizes a couple of times for the "mistake" from graduation night, which is the complete opposite of how Jordan felt about it. The conflict (which I felt was faaaar too dragged out because the reader already knew about it, so it was irritating for its reveal to take so long) even had him pushing her away. It's not that I wanted Jordan to tell him to fuck off or anything, but I wish the guy had had to work for her more than a little bit. I understand that many of his issues stemmed from the chip on his shoulder that he just couldn't help. We can't help how we feel, I know...but I just hated that she kept giving him passes. He wasn't a horrible character and he was trying like hell, but I still wanted a little chase on his part for her. She's been in love with the dude for ages, so she deserved it.
BUT ANYWAY. I liked the book for the most part and will be checking out more by Belldene. I've already got another book by her waiting to be read and look forward to the next release in this series.
I was intrigued by this book not because of the seemingly-taboo subject matter, but because it was written by someone who is of that background. The synopsis basically tells you what this book is about, so I won't rehash or paraphrase that here, but it obviously involves characters who also happen to be religious. How many of these books involving religious characters do we get that are actually ever written by people who share similar backgrounds? So, I was more than intrigued by this having been written not only by someone who's religious, but by someone who's a priest. If it hadn't been, I'm not sure I would've picked it up, honestly. There are a lot of books I've seen that feature religious characters, but all too often, they're just fetishizations of the religion aspect. Rather than making characters who live their lives and also happen to be a certain religion or race or whatever else, the author tends to make it all about that one aspect of them.
Jordan came off as so...real. She swore and took the Lord's name in vain and talked about sex (and had sex and enjoyed it) and just...she was this normal person who happened to be a religious priest at the same time. And that's not to say that that type of person isn't real--because they are--but, most of the time, that's one of the only portrayals of a religious character that authors seem to have. People just can't seem to see past the person's religion and often think that that's all that defines them. So, it was nice to have a person who is of that background actually writing about those types of people. I liked that they were people first and religion second.
And that's not to say that religion and morality don't come up at all, because they do (with Dominic feeling guilty at believing he took advantage of his student/advisee, Jordan), but I didn't feel it was done in a fetishistic way. And that's another thing I LOVED about this book. The author didn't go on and on about religion, which is biggest reason why I avoid Inspirational romances. I don't hate religion and those who practice it at all, but I get more than a little tired of having it be preached at me when I pick up an Inspirational romance. That wasn't the case in this book. While writing sermons and doing other religious things are a part of both of their lives, neither characters goes on and on and on about religion and beat you over the head with God's light and prayer and all that other stuff.
I found Dominic's struggle to reconcile his desires with his ethics/faith to be very believable. His childhood played a great deal into his current beliefs and rigidity, with his dad having been a priest who took advantage of the women around him. Dominic was determined not to be like his father, but after sleeping with Jordan, he feels guilt for having done so because she was his student. He feels the night was a mistake, which is the opposite of Jordan's feelings on it. He also feels the need to take responsibility for feeling that he took advantage of her and to apologize, which Jordan hates because not only is she not sorry for it, but knows that, being an adult who's capable of making her own decisions, she played just as much of a part in the decision process as he did. She's responsible for her own choices and doesn't need someone else apologizing for them.
Even though it was frustrating for Jordan to deal with his guilt, I actually kind of did like that he felt that way. There have been a lot of student/teacher books I've seen in which the adult/person of authority in the scenario doesn't feel a great amount of guilt for their actions and just tries to justify it to hell and back. I liked that Dominic had a sense of responsibility here. Along with that, I usually don't like the teacher/student dynamic, but I didn't mind it here because, one, both of the characters are into adulthood, and two, we really only meet them post-graduation. (Though there is a scene or two of their previous interactions, but I didn't mind that.)
To go back to the sex, neither character is a virgin and actually enjoy sex. Jordan hasn't had sex with anyone (other than Dominic) in the last two years. When she's with Dominic, she knows what she wants and what she enjoys and isn't shy about it. With Dominic, I don't recall it saying exactly how long it's been since he's been with a woman, but it does say it's been quite a while. He's not at all the manwhoring type, so I quite liked that, too. He'd previously been married (not sure how long, though), but he's been divorced for four years. He felt he loved his previous wife (who he met on a dating website), but there's a clear distinction in how he was with his previous wife, Laura, and how different and more open he is with Jordan. When it came to either of their pasts (like mentions of Dominic and his wife trying to have a baby, so they had sex often enough), I didn't mind it in this book because both were equally experienced and didn't have horrible sex lives previously, which is often the reason I absolutely despise mentions of the manwhoring H's sex life.
The biggest complaint I have about this book is that I wish Dominic had had to work for Jordan a bit. Jordan's had a crush on Dominic for ages, so it's pretty much a fantasy come true when he asks to take her home. After this, he's filled with guilt and doesn't contact her for two months. When he has business in the area in which she's now a priest, he finally approaches her (to apologize). During the book, he apologizes a couple of times for the "mistake" from graduation night, which is the complete opposite of how Jordan felt about it. The conflict (which I felt was faaaar too dragged out because the reader already knew about it, so it was irritating for its reveal to take so long) even had him pushing her away. It's not that I wanted Jordan to tell him to fuck off or anything, but I wish the guy had had to work for her more than a little bit. I understand that many of his issues stemmed from the chip on his shoulder that he just couldn't help. We can't help how we feel, I know...but I just hated that she kept giving him passes. He wasn't a horrible character and he was trying like hell, but I still wanted a little chase on his part for her. She's been in love with the dude for ages, so she deserved it.
BUT ANYWAY. I liked the book for the most part and will be checking out more by Belldene. I've already got another book by her waiting to be read and look forward to the next release in this series.
March 16, 2016
I've been complaining (a lot) lately that I seem to be reading the same story over and over again. I'm in a reading funk. I'm starving for something new, something different. Then this little gem falls into my lap and I am happy.
First, this topic is interesting, especially for the romance genre. Not a Mistake features two faith leaders who engage in a one-night stand that results in a pregnancy. To complicate things further, Jordan is a new priest just graduated from seminary and Dominic is her former professor of ethics. He investigates ethical breaches between priests and members of congregations that violate trust. Their affair happens just after graduation. So under the letter of the law, they should be okay, right?
I read this book to see if I could challenge my own preconceived notions of about sexuality and the clergy. Having grown up in the church, it is difficult to see church leaders as “regular” humans. Also, having witnessed my church go through several scandals involving the people engaged in affairs, the idea of sex and church leadership represents human frailty and bad decision-making, not necessarily healthy human behavior.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is unusual and gives great insight into the world of faith leaders. Amber Belldene brings her expertise in the field and delivers the story with care. Modern leaders, especially single leaders, must deal with multiple concerns that go beyond their congregation and their relationship with God. They have to consider how as healthy human beings, they will express their sexuality.
I like that these are upstanding characters challenged by what some might consider a "mistake" and the moral implications of that one choice. Jordan and Dominic manage to overcome most of their hurdles, but they face on last obstacle to their happiness. In my mind, I don’t understand Dominic’s reaction. Up to this point, he overcome his concerns by willing to give love a chance. I think this part of the story is very sweet. His reaction to Jordan’s confession, on the other hand, seems very legalistic to me. Ironically, this issue is an honest mistake without malice or ill will. His reaction diminished him a little in my eyes.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Educational, thought provoking, and highly entertaining – this book is a respite from my normal paranormal, high octane action, sci-fi reads – blessedly so. I'm thrilled that this is book one in a series. Looking forward to the books to come!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
First, this topic is interesting, especially for the romance genre. Not a Mistake features two faith leaders who engage in a one-night stand that results in a pregnancy. To complicate things further, Jordan is a new priest just graduated from seminary and Dominic is her former professor of ethics. He investigates ethical breaches between priests and members of congregations that violate trust. Their affair happens just after graduation. So under the letter of the law, they should be okay, right?
I read this book to see if I could challenge my own preconceived notions of about sexuality and the clergy. Having grown up in the church, it is difficult to see church leaders as “regular” humans. Also, having witnessed my church go through several scandals involving the people engaged in affairs, the idea of sex and church leadership represents human frailty and bad decision-making, not necessarily healthy human behavior.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is unusual and gives great insight into the world of faith leaders. Amber Belldene brings her expertise in the field and delivers the story with care. Modern leaders, especially single leaders, must deal with multiple concerns that go beyond their congregation and their relationship with God. They have to consider how as healthy human beings, they will express their sexuality.
I like that these are upstanding characters challenged by what some might consider a "mistake" and the moral implications of that one choice. Jordan and Dominic manage to overcome most of their hurdles, but they face on last obstacle to their happiness. In my mind, I don’t understand Dominic’s reaction. Up to this point, he overcome his concerns by willing to give love a chance. I think this part of the story is very sweet. His reaction to Jordan’s confession, on the other hand, seems very legalistic to me. Ironically, this issue is an honest mistake without malice or ill will. His reaction diminished him a little in my eyes.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Educational, thought provoking, and highly entertaining – this book is a respite from my normal paranormal, high octane action, sci-fi reads – blessedly so. I'm thrilled that this is book one in a series. Looking forward to the books to come!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
March 19, 2016
I was super, SUPER into this. I really like books that portray people of faith as actual people, not just ciphers for the preaching of lessons or morality. Because that's never how any of the people I know who have close relationships with religion behave.
I did think that Dom's conflict over the secret that Jordan was keeping was a bit extreme, but then, I also thought she should have told him sooner. But that wasn't really enough to dampen my extreme enjoyment of the book.
Can't wait for the next one. I mean that very sincerely.
I did think that Dom's conflict over the secret that Jordan was keeping was a bit extreme, but then, I also thought she should have told him sooner. But that wasn't really enough to dampen my extreme enjoyment of the book.
Can't wait for the next one. I mean that very sincerely.
April 2, 2016
Not a Mistake is the first standalone story in Amber Belldene's Hot Under Her Collar series. While a series following female seminary graduates is definitely an original idea, if you're looking for a story that is about erotic taboo relationships between clergy and laypersons this is not that type of book. The author herself is an episcopal minister, and as such this story is about love and sexual relationships within the context of the Christian religion. Because there are open door bedroom scenes, there are bound to be some readers who pick it up in the Christian/Inspirational section of their bookseller site and complain about those scenes. But the point of the story is to emphasize that sexual desire is a normal part of the human condition and while best explored in a committed relationship, sometimes our human nature gets the best of us. That's the case here for Jordan and Dominic. Jordan has just accepted a position as minister for a new congregation, her first job after having graduated from seminary college two months earlier. On the night of her graduation she and her now former ethics professor Dominic shared a steamy night together and Jordan has to deal with the consequences, having just discovered that she is pregnant. While she is hesitant to share this news with Dominic, fearing the repercussions to his career (and nervous about what her own congregation will say when they discover they've got a single unwed mother-to-be as their new pastor), Dominic finds out anyway. His solution is to give them some time together, to decide whether marriage to each other is a feasible alternative to a joint custody arrangement. After all, they do still share an attraction to each other that hasn't waned since their night together. Is it possible that their one night mistake could lead to a lifetime of love and a brand new family together?
I'm hoping that non-religious readers will still pick up this story for the interesting storyline and the moral dilemma that the main characters find themselves in. I was quite fascinated with Dominic. As an ethics professor, and the local church's investigator into sexual morality issues between the clergy and their congregations, he's got quite the guilty conscience over sleeping with Jordan on the night of her graduation. But that guilt is over the fact that she's just barely not his student anymore, not the fact that they had sex. The whole professor/student thing is what bothers him the most. And then when he finds out that Jordan is pregnant, he perceives it as the consequences for making that mistake. Only Jordan doesn't see it that way. From the moment she finds out she is pregnant, though the idea of a being a single parent is stressful, she feels that the representation of her feelings for Dominic are present in that growing baby and that he or she is a blessing, not a curse. It was interesting to me that she didn't just leap on the idea of marriage right away. From the perspective of her congregation and his work colleagues, it seems like that would be the most acceptable choice (which isn't to say that they wouldn't be disapproving and disappointed in the lack of judgement between Jordan and Dominic, but that they would accept the pregnancy better if they knew that a marriage was planned). But Jordan doesn't want to marry Dominic if he thinks that their night together that resulted in this pregnancy was a mistake, because that would imply that the marriage would be solely due to obligation and not real feelings between them. She'd rather raise the baby as a single mom then forever be made to feel guilty over their lapse in judgement. It's only upon spending some time together, and realizing that they share a deep attraction that could be a gateway to a true loving relationship between them that she'll even consider marriage, despite knowing it would make it easier to defend herself to her new congregation.
Jordan herself is a loving, friendly woman, and it's easy to see why she was chosen to lead her congregation. Because of her own circumstances, she is able to be a forgiving person, one who looks past the mistakes of others and gives them a second chance. She follows the golden rule of "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and really understands what it means to be a Christian. There isn't any proselytizing in this story - it's not written with the intention of converting the reader to Christianity but rather to show a little bit about the life of a new minister, and that the difficult choices of love and sex and relationships fall to everyone, religious or not. Dominic is a more straight laced figure for sure, and his upbringing and relationship with his parents have a lot to do with his chosen profession. But he is still a man, and attracted to Jordan, not just for her beauty but for her character as well. He envies her ability to see the good in all situations. They share some steamy scenes together as their feelings for each other deepen. I really enjoyed this story, how the plot played out, and how Dominic and Jordan came to realize that their one night together could lead to a beautiful future and a loving and committed family. 5 stars for this unconventional romance, and I am looking forward to the next one in the series!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
I'm hoping that non-religious readers will still pick up this story for the interesting storyline and the moral dilemma that the main characters find themselves in. I was quite fascinated with Dominic. As an ethics professor, and the local church's investigator into sexual morality issues between the clergy and their congregations, he's got quite the guilty conscience over sleeping with Jordan on the night of her graduation. But that guilt is over the fact that she's just barely not his student anymore, not the fact that they had sex. The whole professor/student thing is what bothers him the most. And then when he finds out that Jordan is pregnant, he perceives it as the consequences for making that mistake. Only Jordan doesn't see it that way. From the moment she finds out she is pregnant, though the idea of a being a single parent is stressful, she feels that the representation of her feelings for Dominic are present in that growing baby and that he or she is a blessing, not a curse. It was interesting to me that she didn't just leap on the idea of marriage right away. From the perspective of her congregation and his work colleagues, it seems like that would be the most acceptable choice (which isn't to say that they wouldn't be disapproving and disappointed in the lack of judgement between Jordan and Dominic, but that they would accept the pregnancy better if they knew that a marriage was planned). But Jordan doesn't want to marry Dominic if he thinks that their night together that resulted in this pregnancy was a mistake, because that would imply that the marriage would be solely due to obligation and not real feelings between them. She'd rather raise the baby as a single mom then forever be made to feel guilty over their lapse in judgement. It's only upon spending some time together, and realizing that they share a deep attraction that could be a gateway to a true loving relationship between them that she'll even consider marriage, despite knowing it would make it easier to defend herself to her new congregation.
Jordan herself is a loving, friendly woman, and it's easy to see why she was chosen to lead her congregation. Because of her own circumstances, she is able to be a forgiving person, one who looks past the mistakes of others and gives them a second chance. She follows the golden rule of "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and really understands what it means to be a Christian. There isn't any proselytizing in this story - it's not written with the intention of converting the reader to Christianity but rather to show a little bit about the life of a new minister, and that the difficult choices of love and sex and relationships fall to everyone, religious or not. Dominic is a more straight laced figure for sure, and his upbringing and relationship with his parents have a lot to do with his chosen profession. But he is still a man, and attracted to Jordan, not just for her beauty but for her character as well. He envies her ability to see the good in all situations. They share some steamy scenes together as their feelings for each other deepen. I really enjoyed this story, how the plot played out, and how Dominic and Jordan came to realize that their one night together could lead to a beautiful future and a loving and committed family. 5 stars for this unconventional romance, and I am looking forward to the next one in the series!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
May 18, 2016
4,5 stars
Read for #TBRchallenge May 2016. The theme was ‘Something Different’ and though I don’t think this one completely fit the brief, I’m glad I read it.
At RT16 I decided, urged on by Eloisa James' RT award acceptance speech and talks with other readers and bloggers, to make an effort to read at least one book out of my comfort zone this year. Which fit perfectly with the May theme for the #TBR challenge: Something Different. I didn't want to go as far as non-romance and already read multiple different settings but I've rarely (dare I say never?) read inspirational-ish romances and heard lots of good things about NOT A MISTAKE, which is why it was on my TBR to begin with as I bought it short after it released, so I decided to take a chance and choose this one for the challenge.
NOT A MISTAKE is an inspirational romance with a pregnant female parish priest as the heroine. I hope I don't offend when I say the hero Dominic is a sort of detective when it comes to the Episcopal Church's clergy misconduct. Jordan Sykes, newly appointed rector of St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church, finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand with her former ethics professor and academic advisor in seminary, The Reverend Doctor Dominic Lawrence. What follows is the story of how they deal with this and their feelings and how to make it work with their beliefs.
I loved Amber Belldene's voice. It's laced with dry humor and her characters are down to earth and fresh. Both things I have a weakness for. The characters caught me by surprise with their depth and layers and I learned a lot about the ways of the Episcopal Church along the way. Furthermore I've been reading romance for years and years but this is the first book (as far as I can remember) where there is mention of characters peeing! OMG! Romance characters who pee...what is happening? :)
On one hand this was a read out of my comfort zone with the angst from both hero and heroine and all the clerical lingo and inspirational/religious terms but because it was still contemporary and at times a little sexy too, on the other hand it wasn't way out of my comfort zone at all.
NOT A MISTAKE surprised and delighted me in many ways. I was expecting a well-written but staid inspirational romance and instead I got this wonderfully written, emotionally engaging and surprisingly explicit story with complex and layered characters that was truly captivating and completely blew me away. It had me laughing, shaking my head and in the end it also made me tear up (once again in public transport on the commute home from work so I had to stop reading till I got home).
In short; I loved this first encounter with Amber Belldene's writing and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Favorite Quotes:
She wanted to eat him, to lick that citrus and sweat flavor off his neck, and if she was reading this situation right, that might actually happen, instead of living forever in her mind as a tempting impossibility.
This brilliant, beautiful woman had given herself to him, was completely at his mercy, coming apart at his touch. Something primal in him delighted, a place deeper than words and rational thought, breaking open to make room for her. He’d never felt anything like it, never known to want such a thing. Now he wouldn’t want to live without it.
Read for #TBRchallenge May 2016. The theme was ‘Something Different’ and though I don’t think this one completely fit the brief, I’m glad I read it.
At RT16 I decided, urged on by Eloisa James' RT award acceptance speech and talks with other readers and bloggers, to make an effort to read at least one book out of my comfort zone this year. Which fit perfectly with the May theme for the #TBR challenge: Something Different. I didn't want to go as far as non-romance and already read multiple different settings but I've rarely (dare I say never?) read inspirational-ish romances and heard lots of good things about NOT A MISTAKE, which is why it was on my TBR to begin with as I bought it short after it released, so I decided to take a chance and choose this one for the challenge.
NOT A MISTAKE is an inspirational romance with a pregnant female parish priest as the heroine. I hope I don't offend when I say the hero Dominic is a sort of detective when it comes to the Episcopal Church's clergy misconduct. Jordan Sykes, newly appointed rector of St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church, finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand with her former ethics professor and academic advisor in seminary, The Reverend Doctor Dominic Lawrence. What follows is the story of how they deal with this and their feelings and how to make it work with their beliefs.
I loved Amber Belldene's voice. It's laced with dry humor and her characters are down to earth and fresh. Both things I have a weakness for. The characters caught me by surprise with their depth and layers and I learned a lot about the ways of the Episcopal Church along the way. Furthermore I've been reading romance for years and years but this is the first book (as far as I can remember) where there is mention of characters peeing! OMG! Romance characters who pee...what is happening? :)
On one hand this was a read out of my comfort zone with the angst from both hero and heroine and all the clerical lingo and inspirational/religious terms but because it was still contemporary and at times a little sexy too, on the other hand it wasn't way out of my comfort zone at all.
NOT A MISTAKE surprised and delighted me in many ways. I was expecting a well-written but staid inspirational romance and instead I got this wonderfully written, emotionally engaging and surprisingly explicit story with complex and layered characters that was truly captivating and completely blew me away. It had me laughing, shaking my head and in the end it also made me tear up (once again in public transport on the commute home from work so I had to stop reading till I got home).
In short; I loved this first encounter with Amber Belldene's writing and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Favorite Quotes:
She wanted to eat him, to lick that citrus and sweat flavor off his neck, and if she was reading this situation right, that might actually happen, instead of living forever in her mind as a tempting impossibility.
This brilliant, beautiful woman had given herself to him, was completely at his mercy, coming apart at his touch. Something primal in him delighted, a place deeper than words and rational thought, breaking open to make room for her. He’d never felt anything like it, never known to want such a thing. Now he wouldn’t want to live without it.
July 26, 2016
5/5 stars
This book is exactly what I was looking for. Good fictional story-check. Romance-check. Discussion of theological and ethics issues-check.
Priest Jordan Sykes has just graduated from seminary. For the past few years she has been crushing on her professor. On the night of her graduation, she winds up in bed with said Professor, mistakenly believing she's covered by a contraception shot she took a few months ago and doesn't realize she's past due for a new one. I'm sure you can figure out what happened. Did I mention that he is her Ethics professor, that she was just a few hours graduated from his class, and that he is head of the Episcopal Church's Committee on Clergy Misconduct. Oh, the irony!
The whole time I was reading this book, I was reminded of this:
Of course, Jordan was not imprisoned in a Puritanical prison for months or forced to wear an "A" on her chest, but she does have to worry about losing her position as priest of St. Mary's. And like Hester, she at first vows not to dime the Professor out and wants to protect him and his career.
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 1 Cor 10:12
I see some resemblance between Professor Dominic Lawrence and Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. But Arthur Dimmesdale was a coward and Dominic is not. He knows he is the poster child for hypocrisy, and has done exactly what he teaches not to do. He considers Jordan his victim, nearly drowns in his own guilt, and flogs himself repeatedly. But to be fair to the man, he ultimately tries to do right by Jordan and his unborn child.
There's even a Roger Chillingworth type character named Peter Crouch. He finds out about the pregnancy before Jordan speaks to the vestry committee, spreading lies and trying to sabotage her appointment. Unlike Chillingworth, he does go through some character growth. Oddly enough, it is Jordan's Love-the-hell-out-of-them theology that turns him around.
With the exception of one thing that I will not mention in the interest of not being spoilery, Jordan faces her problems head-on. She is honest about her behavior, even while declaring the baby is not a mistake. I like how this book portrays clergy as flawed people, not saints incapable of succumbing to temptation.
Finally, while Dominic might be right about her making a terrible ethics professor, I think she is a marvelous priest. It might not be completely sound theology, but I'm a big fan of Love-the-hell-out-of-them.
This book is exactly what I was looking for. Good fictional story-check. Romance-check. Discussion of theological and ethics issues-check.
Priest Jordan Sykes has just graduated from seminary. For the past few years she has been crushing on her professor. On the night of her graduation, she winds up in bed with said Professor, mistakenly believing she's covered by a contraception shot she took a few months ago and doesn't realize she's past due for a new one. I'm sure you can figure out what happened. Did I mention that he is her Ethics professor, that she was just a few hours graduated from his class, and that he is head of the Episcopal Church's Committee on Clergy Misconduct. Oh, the irony!
The whole time I was reading this book, I was reminded of this:
Of course, Jordan was not imprisoned in a Puritanical prison for months or forced to wear an "A" on her chest, but she does have to worry about losing her position as priest of St. Mary's. And like Hester, she at first vows not to dime the Professor out and wants to protect him and his career.
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 1 Cor 10:12
I see some resemblance between Professor Dominic Lawrence and Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. But Arthur Dimmesdale was a coward and Dominic is not. He knows he is the poster child for hypocrisy, and has done exactly what he teaches not to do. He considers Jordan his victim, nearly drowns in his own guilt, and flogs himself repeatedly. But to be fair to the man, he ultimately tries to do right by Jordan and his unborn child.
There's even a Roger Chillingworth type character named Peter Crouch. He finds out about the pregnancy before Jordan speaks to the vestry committee, spreading lies and trying to sabotage her appointment. Unlike Chillingworth, he does go through some character growth. Oddly enough, it is Jordan's Love-the-hell-out-of-them theology that turns him around.
With the exception of one thing that I will not mention in the interest of not being spoilery, Jordan faces her problems head-on. She is honest about her behavior, even while declaring the baby is not a mistake. I like how this book portrays clergy as flawed people, not saints incapable of succumbing to temptation.
Finally, while Dominic might be right about her making a terrible ethics professor, I think she is a marvelous priest. It might not be completely sound theology, but I'm a big fan of Love-the-hell-out-of-them.
March 23, 2016
This is one of my more difficult books to review. This was the first book by this author I have read and by the end of this charming story. I'll most likely read more from this author, I enjoyed her style of writing. However, at times i felt it moved slowish. It was hard to connect with the hero ( Dominic) and that made it difficult to believe the growing relationship between him and Jordan at times. Especially since you could feel the want and desire coming off Jordan. As you got more and more of Dominic's story I started to understand his stand offish behavior and it made more sense.
Jordan was one of Dominic's students and during a night of graduation celebration they got a little carried away and had themselves a very very fun night. However a few months later Jordan realizes she got a souvenir gift from that night in the form of a baby. This is a wonderful blessing and Jordan is both terrified and crazy excited. You see Jordan is a priest, and Dominic was her ethics teacher and he is a very straight and by the books guy. Not to mention he hardly every let's his libido do the thinking for him. But he has wanted Jordan from the first day she walked into his lecture hall.
When Dominic finds out about their little "kidney bean" he is taken by the unexpected news. However, he feels he owes it to Jordan and his unborn child to see if he can have a relationship with her. During the progress of them dating and getting to know each other better he battles with his happiness and the guilt he feels at putting Jordan in this position in the first place. They both fear the outcome of her church when word gets out about the baby and her having it out of wedlock, and with her professor as well.
So thus begins the battle and story of Jordan, Dominic and their little kidney bean. Together they battle life, love, the church and one disgruntled man of the church in particular who seems to have it out for Jordan. Even with the slow build up, and a frustrating hero at times I really did enjoy this story. I recommend this book to anyone who ever thought "oh fu*k it" and went out to find their own happiness consequences be damned!!
** ARC was kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review **
Jordan was one of Dominic's students and during a night of graduation celebration they got a little carried away and had themselves a very very fun night. However a few months later Jordan realizes she got a souvenir gift from that night in the form of a baby. This is a wonderful blessing and Jordan is both terrified and crazy excited. You see Jordan is a priest, and Dominic was her ethics teacher and he is a very straight and by the books guy. Not to mention he hardly every let's his libido do the thinking for him. But he has wanted Jordan from the first day she walked into his lecture hall.
When Dominic finds out about their little "kidney bean" he is taken by the unexpected news. However, he feels he owes it to Jordan and his unborn child to see if he can have a relationship with her. During the progress of them dating and getting to know each other better he battles with his happiness and the guilt he feels at putting Jordan in this position in the first place. They both fear the outcome of her church when word gets out about the baby and her having it out of wedlock, and with her professor as well.
So thus begins the battle and story of Jordan, Dominic and their little kidney bean. Together they battle life, love, the church and one disgruntled man of the church in particular who seems to have it out for Jordan. Even with the slow build up, and a frustrating hero at times I really did enjoy this story. I recommend this book to anyone who ever thought "oh fu*k it" and went out to find their own happiness consequences be damned!!
** ARC was kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review **
March 12, 2016
Title:Not a Mistake
Author:Amber Belldene
Series:Hot Under the Collar
Publisher:NA
Reviewer:Heather Callahan
Release Date:March 15, 2016
Genre(s):Romance, Contemporary
Page Count:244
Heat Level: 5flames out of 5
Rating: 5stars out of 5
Blurb:
I loved this book! We have two priests, who find themselves in a sticky situation. Jordan just graduated from seminary, and winds up in bed with her ethics professor and adviser. She has liked Dominic for two years, but never figured it would go this far. Now two months later, Jordan finds out she is pregnant. She knows it wasn’t a mistake, but plans on keeping it from Dominic. Once he finds out, he decides they should get married.
This is a story of two people whose plan was to save face and their careers by making what some people might call a mistake a true love story. I loved Jordan from the start. She is forward, confidant, and so much fun. While Dominic is well and ethics teacher. He sees life as wright and wrong, or black and white. But Jordan finds a way to add a little color to his life.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Alpha Book Club
ASIN: B01BBLOW0U
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Author Link: http://www.amazon.com/Amber-Belldene/...
1 SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT:5
CHEMISTRY:5
PACING:5
ENDING:5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:5
Author:Amber Belldene
Series:Hot Under the Collar
Publisher:NA
Reviewer:Heather Callahan
Release Date:March 15, 2016
Genre(s):Romance, Contemporary
Page Count:244
Heat Level: 5flames out of 5
Rating: 5stars out of 5
Blurb:
I loved this book! We have two priests, who find themselves in a sticky situation. Jordan just graduated from seminary, and winds up in bed with her ethics professor and adviser. She has liked Dominic for two years, but never figured it would go this far. Now two months later, Jordan finds out she is pregnant. She knows it wasn’t a mistake, but plans on keeping it from Dominic. Once he finds out, he decides they should get married.
This is a story of two people whose plan was to save face and their careers by making what some people might call a mistake a true love story. I loved Jordan from the start. She is forward, confidant, and so much fun. While Dominic is well and ethics teacher. He sees life as wright and wrong, or black and white. But Jordan finds a way to add a little color to his life.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Alpha Book Club
ASIN: B01BBLOW0U
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Author Link: http://www.amazon.com/Amber-Belldene/...
1 SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT:5
CHEMISTRY:5
PACING:5
ENDING:5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:5
July 16, 2018
I enjoyed this particularly for the heroine, Jordan, who is juggling her role as a new priest with the discovery that she is accidentally pregnant. The author herself is an Episcopal priest and that means that though there are some shortcuts to make the plot work that part of the novel feels pretty right. Jordan has a pretty well-developed personal theology, a strong belief in the power of love, that fits with the way she handles her pregnancy and her relationship with Dominic as well as her parish. I found Dominic to be a less well-developed character, or maybe it was just that his typical romance-hero aspects didn’t fit that well with his role as a priest (yes, I have known ambitious, careerist priests—it’s not so much that but his guilt didn’t really seem to have a theological context the way Jordan’s feelings and choices did. She prays. Does he?) The conflict felt a bit over-simplified and everything wrapped up quickly and neatly, but then, that’s kind of what I enjoyed about this book. I like finding romances—any fiction!—with religious characters who don’t fit the inspirational mold and where faith is just part of their lives, not the point of the book. (I sometimes chat with this author on Twitter, which is part of why I picked up the book).
March 20, 2016
This was good! I liked that it showed a couple of priests as--*gasp*--normal people! (The author is an Episcopalian priest herself.) However . . . I wish they'd talked about God and prayed as they were making these major life decisions. That wasn't a dealbreaker or anything for me, but it did kind of nag at me.
But super into the heroine's "love them like hell" philosophy of ministry.
The conflict was weird and dragged on too long and, really, probably wasn't necessary at all, given how much other conflict was inherent in the premise.
But super into the heroine's "love them like hell" philosophy of ministry.
The conflict was weird and dragged on too long and, really, probably wasn't necessary at all, given how much other conflict was inherent in the premise.
August 19, 2019
Wow, five stars! This book was AMAZING.
Ok, first of all, it has one of my favorite romance pairings (professor/recent graduate.) I mean, I'm on board already. But then! This story is set in seminary school and the recent graduate is a new priest and her former teacher is a professor of ethics. OMG.
And the novel is just so wonderful with complex emotions and backstory and rich detail. And it circles religion obviously but it's not about sex = sin, and the love scenes are very specific but without being explicit (IMO.)
AND! The author is a priest who writes in her Goodreads bio: Some people think it is strange for a minister to write love stories, but it is perfectly natural to her, because the human desire for love is at the heart of all the best books and God made people with that desire.
Well, Amber Belldene, I will read anything you write.
Ok, first of all, it has one of my favorite romance pairings (professor/recent graduate.) I mean, I'm on board already. But then! This story is set in seminary school and the recent graduate is a new priest and her former teacher is a professor of ethics. OMG.
And the novel is just so wonderful with complex emotions and backstory and rich detail. And it circles religion obviously but it's not about sex = sin, and the love scenes are very specific but without being explicit (IMO.)
AND! The author is a priest who writes in her Goodreads bio: Some people think it is strange for a minister to write love stories, but it is perfectly natural to her, because the human desire for love is at the heart of all the best books and God made people with that desire.
Well, Amber Belldene, I will read anything you write.
March 21, 2016
I grew up in a church where the pastor was placed on a pedestal, the ministers were slightly lower than him, and the congregation could be condescending, unforgiving, and close-minded. The truth is, ministry leaders are just as human as you and I. They like and dislike, love and hate, want and need. They make mistakes, misjudge, and fall.
For me, seeing those characteristics in a ministry leader makes me want to stay in their church even more. It shows me how they not only learn and grow from the problems that arise in their lives but also how much they lean on God and know that everything happens for a reason.
That being said, this is an amazing story. Don't let the premise of Christianity put you off from reading it. The issues Jordan and Dominic face separately and together are real. Someone out there has been in their shoes and can relate.
The most gripping aspect of this story is how intense and deep Dominic thinks and feels. Jordan isn't, not to me. She is steadfast in her beliefs and refuses to let anything or anyone diminish them, whether it's her faith in God, her love for her work, or her lack of regret for that one night. But Dominic, he's the opposite. It is, I think, partly due to his work and partly due to his upbringing. His guilt and urgency to make things right with Jordan locks him into a corner where it's a battle to escape.
But Jordan's patient and her longing for him is all-encompassing. They face what lies between with incredible courage, and he realizes he is not his father and his future is brighter, better, with Jordan and the baby in it.
I can't recommend this story enough. It's so different from the contemporary romances I've read as of late, probably because it's more than just a love story. It's an exploration and realization of relationships and religious leaders, and how "mistakes" defined within religion aren't mistakes at all but opportunities to grow, let go, and move forward.
Received from Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review
For me, seeing those characteristics in a ministry leader makes me want to stay in their church even more. It shows me how they not only learn and grow from the problems that arise in their lives but also how much they lean on God and know that everything happens for a reason.
That being said, this is an amazing story. Don't let the premise of Christianity put you off from reading it. The issues Jordan and Dominic face separately and together are real. Someone out there has been in their shoes and can relate.
The most gripping aspect of this story is how intense and deep Dominic thinks and feels. Jordan isn't, not to me. She is steadfast in her beliefs and refuses to let anything or anyone diminish them, whether it's her faith in God, her love for her work, or her lack of regret for that one night. But Dominic, he's the opposite. It is, I think, partly due to his work and partly due to his upbringing. His guilt and urgency to make things right with Jordan locks him into a corner where it's a battle to escape.
But Jordan's patient and her longing for him is all-encompassing. They face what lies between with incredible courage, and he realizes he is not his father and his future is brighter, better, with Jordan and the baby in it.
I can't recommend this story enough. It's so different from the contemporary romances I've read as of late, probably because it's more than just a love story. It's an exploration and realization of relationships and religious leaders, and how "mistakes" defined within religion aren't mistakes at all but opportunities to grow, let go, and move forward.
Received from Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review
May 19, 2016
Stars: 3
Title : Not A Mistake
Author: Amber Belldene
I came across this author that had a great cover with an enticing blurb, so I went all in. I've never heard of this author or had the pleasure of reading any work from her before. Authors write what comes out of their creative minds in order to keep us entertained for hours on out. What I like in certain books doesn't mean the next reader will share my view and vice versa.
First the subject in this book is religions and churches , I don't like to read about it or of it. It just doesn't appeal to me so therefore I was not able to enjoy this story. There was quite a bit of description of related terms regarding churches in the story. So I would have needed a dictionary. There was quite a bit of side characters also. So I spent most of time being confused about who's who and doing what. The characters traits did not call out to me.
Regardless of the religion, underneath it all, there was a great love story between Dominic and Jordan. Respect and kindness. And stepping up to the plate when called for.
There are some qualities to this story, and because reading is subjective, the other readers might take a shot on this book and fully enjoy it. The other readers might make it work for them where it didn't for me.
Authors work hard to gives us hours of entertainment, so I would never be unkind to the author I'm doing a review for. That being said , I did come across a new author in this journey, that can be a positive thing. Amber has plenty of other books that I could easily enjoy.
Title : Not A Mistake
Author: Amber Belldene
I came across this author that had a great cover with an enticing blurb, so I went all in. I've never heard of this author or had the pleasure of reading any work from her before. Authors write what comes out of their creative minds in order to keep us entertained for hours on out. What I like in certain books doesn't mean the next reader will share my view and vice versa.
First the subject in this book is religions and churches , I don't like to read about it or of it. It just doesn't appeal to me so therefore I was not able to enjoy this story. There was quite a bit of description of related terms regarding churches in the story. So I would have needed a dictionary. There was quite a bit of side characters also. So I spent most of time being confused about who's who and doing what. The characters traits did not call out to me.
Regardless of the religion, underneath it all, there was a great love story between Dominic and Jordan. Respect and kindness. And stepping up to the plate when called for.
There are some qualities to this story, and because reading is subjective, the other readers might take a shot on this book and fully enjoy it. The other readers might make it work for them where it didn't for me.
Authors work hard to gives us hours of entertainment, so I would never be unkind to the author I'm doing a review for. That being said , I did come across a new author in this journey, that can be a positive thing. Amber has plenty of other books that I could easily enjoy.
August 11, 2016
Great read. Interesting dynamic between the romantic leads that was handled really well.
April 5, 2025
More a 3.5
As often happens with .half grades, there were several details I've liked about this book, and others weren't as great.
The idea was quite interesting and the situations depicted too. However, the romance development and the writing itself didn't always feel very effective.
As often happens with .half grades, there were several details I've liked about this book, and others weren't as great.
The idea was quite interesting and the situations depicted too. However, the romance development and the writing itself didn't always feel very effective.
August 17, 2021
Surprise pregnancy is one of my least favorite tropes but every once in a while, I’ll give it a go because I love finding exceptions to the rule. Not a Mistake turned out to be one of those refreshing exceptions! This book was recommended to me for ages because of my love for “religion in romance” books (not of the inspirational variety) and everyone was right on that front.
Jordan is an Episcopal priest, a couple of months out of seminary and starting with a new congregation. I could not have loved her more! From her interactions with grumpy congregants to her friendship with Alma (who has her own spin-off mystery series!) to her love of a cardigan past its prime, I was completely in her corner.
Dominic was Jordan’s ethics professor at seminary and she had a crush on him the past 3 years. Nothing ever happened, nor had he given her the slightest indication he’d be interested. But the night of graduation, he actually said yes to celebratory drinks with her and her fellow seminarians and they wound up sleeping together. Now he’s no longer her professor but it’s not completely free of ethical gray area either. When she realizes she’s pregnant, she doesn’t even plan on telling him initially because she figures he regrets what happened but he figures it out. I really liked how this handled the unplanned pregnancy. Jordan is pro-choice but she’s always been against it for herself personally because she has a disabled brother and many opt to abort fetuses with his chromosomal abnormality. This turns out to remain true when she has to make the actual decision but abortion was still treated as a viable option for people facing unplanned pregnancies. (FYI Jordan’s brother never appears on page, nor do her parents, and we don’t know a ton about him or what sort of sibling relationship they have.)
Despite her initial insistence on being a single mother, Jordan would love nothing more than to start a relationship with Dominic and he’s just as drawn to her. However, this isn’t an ideal situation for so many reasons. He has very strong feelings about pastoral misconduct because of his dad’s poor behavior and he has a lot of shame and guilt around having sex with Jordan and the resulting pregnancy. It could be tough to be in his head at times but it made sense given his dad and his career. He could lose out on a major promotion at the college and she’s a new priest who’s unsure if the congregation will accept her as an unwed mother. Plus, there’s a lie of omission, which I usually hate but I felt major sympathy for Jordan and could understand why she wouldn’t tell him
I loved how this wrestled with guilt and regret and what we mean by calling something a mistake. Jordan’s philosophy of faith was very appealing and a great balance to Dominic’s more legalistic views. But their theology is rooted in their life experiences and it all makes sense and leads to great arcs for both. There was the right amount of angst and banter. They had amazing chemistry but circumstances also draw them closer together emotionally. I was so invested in watching them figure out if this would work. Plus: super hot couch sex. There’s also a very moving scene involving a sweater, which I was super into. I bought the next two books in the series before I finished reading this one and I’m looking forward to them!
Character notes: Jordan is an Episcopal priest. Dominic is an ethics professor and Episcopal priest. He was her professor for 3 years in seminary and about 10 years older than her. This is set in Santa Cruz and Berkeley, CA.
Content notes: unplanned pregnancy, discussion of abortion, MMC conducts investigation of pastoral misconduct , home robbery, panic attack, teen pregnancy (minor character), vomit (morning sickness), FMC’s brother is disabled (he has a rare chromosomal abnormality and does not appear on page), MMC’s minister father was a serial cheater and preyed on women within his congregation, MMC’s father died of a stroke 10 years ago, fear of needles (on page blood draw), MMC got divorced 4 years ago, past infertility for MMC and his ex, on page death of parishioner in nursing home, MMC tracks his calories to make sure he eats enough (not disordered eating but more absent-minded about eating), diet culture, alcohol, gender essentialism, ableist language, reference to the death of secondary character’s mother
Jordan is an Episcopal priest, a couple of months out of seminary and starting with a new congregation. I could not have loved her more! From her interactions with grumpy congregants to her friendship with Alma (who has her own spin-off mystery series!) to her love of a cardigan past its prime, I was completely in her corner.
Dominic was Jordan’s ethics professor at seminary and she had a crush on him the past 3 years. Nothing ever happened, nor had he given her the slightest indication he’d be interested. But the night of graduation, he actually said yes to celebratory drinks with her and her fellow seminarians and they wound up sleeping together. Now he’s no longer her professor but it’s not completely free of ethical gray area either. When she realizes she’s pregnant, she doesn’t even plan on telling him initially because she figures he regrets what happened but he figures it out. I really liked how this handled the unplanned pregnancy. Jordan is pro-choice but she’s always been against it for herself personally because she has a disabled brother and many opt to abort fetuses with his chromosomal abnormality. This turns out to remain true when she has to make the actual decision but abortion was still treated as a viable option for people facing unplanned pregnancies. (FYI Jordan’s brother never appears on page, nor do her parents, and we don’t know a ton about him or what sort of sibling relationship they have.)
Despite her initial insistence on being a single mother, Jordan would love nothing more than to start a relationship with Dominic and he’s just as drawn to her. However, this isn’t an ideal situation for so many reasons. He has very strong feelings about pastoral misconduct because of his dad’s poor behavior and he has a lot of shame and guilt around having sex with Jordan and the resulting pregnancy. It could be tough to be in his head at times but it made sense given his dad and his career. He could lose out on a major promotion at the college and she’s a new priest who’s unsure if the congregation will accept her as an unwed mother. Plus, there’s a lie of omission, which I usually hate but I felt major sympathy for Jordan and could understand why she wouldn’t tell him
I loved how this wrestled with guilt and regret and what we mean by calling something a mistake. Jordan’s philosophy of faith was very appealing and a great balance to Dominic’s more legalistic views. But their theology is rooted in their life experiences and it all makes sense and leads to great arcs for both. There was the right amount of angst and banter. They had amazing chemistry but circumstances also draw them closer together emotionally. I was so invested in watching them figure out if this would work. Plus: super hot couch sex. There’s also a very moving scene involving a sweater, which I was super into. I bought the next two books in the series before I finished reading this one and I’m looking forward to them!
Character notes: Jordan is an Episcopal priest. Dominic is an ethics professor and Episcopal priest. He was her professor for 3 years in seminary and about 10 years older than her. This is set in Santa Cruz and Berkeley, CA.
Content notes: unplanned pregnancy, discussion of abortion, MMC conducts investigation of pastoral misconduct , home robbery, panic attack, teen pregnancy (minor character), vomit (morning sickness), FMC’s brother is disabled (he has a rare chromosomal abnormality and does not appear on page), MMC’s minister father was a serial cheater and preyed on women within his congregation, MMC’s father died of a stroke 10 years ago, fear of needles (on page blood draw), MMC got divorced 4 years ago, past infertility for MMC and his ex, on page death of parishioner in nursing home, MMC tracks his calories to make sure he eats enough (not disordered eating but more absent-minded about eating), diet culture, alcohol, gender essentialism, ableist language, reference to the death of secondary character’s mother
March 24, 2016
This was my first time reading anything by Amber Belldene and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this great story. Amber Belldene has given us a very well written story that flowed flawless and the pace is great ,the sex scenes are hot and steamy and the humor is timeless. The heroine of the story is Jordan Sykes is a young woman who has recently been ordained a Episcopal priest who herself is a flawless character, she attraction,sex and relationships are very normal part of her life and world.She is totally not sanitized version of a pastor, and how people think they should be. Jordan Sykes has always had a crush on her professor Dr .Dominic Lawrence for a very long time ,but he's one gorgeous man,but as her academic advisor he's should be totally off limits .But something unspeakable happens on the night of her graduate from seminary ,she lets her feels for him be known .And on that night they shared one magical and steamy night together and it was everything she had dreamed would would be. But something unexpected happens that she never though would happen ,she ends up expecting a baby . How long can she keep this a secret from everything even Professor Lawrence? I could go on and tell you more about this great story from Amber Belldene ,but that would spoil it for you. I highly recommend that you read this great story, because you won't be disappointed.
March 13, 2016
Title: Not a Mistake (Hot Under Her Collar # 1)
Series: Hot Under Her Collar Series
Author: Amber Belldene
Genre: Romance
Stars: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Annamaria
Published: March 15, 2016
Pages: 244
Four Awesome Stars! Jordan has just graduated from Seminary school and is starting to Minister at her new Church. She comes to discover that she is pregnant and now fears for what her parishioners will think of an unwed pregnant Minister. Jordan had a crush on Professor Dominic while in school and was surprised when they ended up in bed. When Dominic finds out she is pregnant he feels they should marry. What will she do now and can Dominic and Jordan have their happily ever after? The author writes a great story and the characters I fell in love with. This is the first book in the Hot Under the Collar Series.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and review by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
Plot: 4
Chemistry: 4
Pacing: 4
Ending: 4
Character Development: 4
Series: Hot Under Her Collar Series
Author: Amber Belldene
Genre: Romance
Stars: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Annamaria
Published: March 15, 2016
Pages: 244
Four Awesome Stars! Jordan has just graduated from Seminary school and is starting to Minister at her new Church. She comes to discover that she is pregnant and now fears for what her parishioners will think of an unwed pregnant Minister. Jordan had a crush on Professor Dominic while in school and was surprised when they ended up in bed. When Dominic finds out she is pregnant he feels they should marry. What will she do now and can Dominic and Jordan have their happily ever after? The author writes a great story and the characters I fell in love with. This is the first book in the Hot Under the Collar Series.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and review by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
Plot: 4
Chemistry: 4
Pacing: 4
Ending: 4
Character Development: 4
March 15, 2016
Couldn’t put it down!
I was given an ARC through a professional group, although I do not personally know the author. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. It is very well written. True, there is a lot of hot and graphic sex in the book, but it is so much more than that. The main character is a priest and thinks through the things she does with an eye toward her faith. It is a great exploration of sexual ethics, but also of the life a young clergywoman. As a young clergy woman myself, it was great to see the ways that I think in the world reflected in media. Anyone interested in hot sex, Christian sexual ethics, or grace and strength for daily living should read this book. I can’t wait for the next book in the Hot Under Her Collar Series and to read more by this author!!!
I was given an ARC through a professional group, although I do not personally know the author. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. It is very well written. True, there is a lot of hot and graphic sex in the book, but it is so much more than that. The main character is a priest and thinks through the things she does with an eye toward her faith. It is a great exploration of sexual ethics, but also of the life a young clergywoman. As a young clergy woman myself, it was great to see the ways that I think in the world reflected in media. Anyone interested in hot sex, Christian sexual ethics, or grace and strength for daily living should read this book. I can’t wait for the next book in the Hot Under Her Collar Series and to read more by this author!!!
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April 17, 2016I think I burned my eyeballs finishing the last half of this book tonight, but I really couldn't help myself.
I used to joke about writing inspirational erotica, but Amber actually makes it happen. If you believe that sex is a gift from God, that love is messy, and that each of us--no matter what--deserve to be loved both by God and other humans, then this is the book for you.
In many ways Not a Mistake isn't your typical romance. There are dates and compatibility tests and the main characters often question what is moral and right. Both Jordan and Dominic are flawed and yet noble, a great reminder that we're all human.
My favorite part, though, is Jordan's philosophy on being Pastor: that she has to love the hell out of her parishioners. And, hey, I kinda loved the hell out of this book.
I used to joke about writing inspirational erotica, but Amber actually makes it happen. If you believe that sex is a gift from God, that love is messy, and that each of us--no matter what--deserve to be loved both by God and other humans, then this is the book for you.
In many ways Not a Mistake isn't your typical romance. There are dates and compatibility tests and the main characters often question what is moral and right. Both Jordan and Dominic are flawed and yet noble, a great reminder that we're all human.
My favorite part, though, is Jordan's philosophy on being Pastor: that she has to love the hell out of her parishioners. And, hey, I kinda loved the hell out of this book.
March 10, 2016
I agree with another reader that this would have been better if they weren't priests. This just plays into the whole religious guilt-fest. Well, that and its a big oogie. Not that I don't know that religious leaders have sex, it's just weird hearing about them removing clerical collars and going into a sex scene. Dominic is a professor and is overly worried about perfection in ethics to the point that he ignores real life. He has a guilt complex the size of Texas, not realizing that two people played the game. Jordan is more believable as she lives more in reality.
March 22, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are well-drawn and mature, the conflict strong, and the drama quiet but powerful. It's not an inspie, but the message of love and grace, both from our Father and toward one another, is present without overshadowing the story being told.
September 2, 2016
Well written and I loved both the hero and heroine. I think they were perfectly paired. However something was off. The relationship development was "blah". I think the author should've included more scenes of them together.
March 1, 2016
See full review at:
http://romancenovelsforfeminists.blog...
http://romancenovelsforfeminists.blog...
June 26, 2016
What a fun read. This is a sweet romance that asks some challenging theological questions in a way that is accessible. Recommend for clergy and romance readers.
March 17, 2016
4,5 stars
September 18, 2018
I've only just started reading this, so the 1 star is provisional. I read the summary; I'm not religious; I have no beef with consensual adult sex in any constellation. BUT: SHE GOT PREGNANT BECAUSE SHE AND THE GUY HAD A ONE-NIGHT STAND WITHOUT A CONDOM?!?!? WTF?!?
Ok, I get that the author has to get her heroine pregnant. But in this day and age, for two adults to decide in a bar (with toilets where you can presumably buy condoms) to go home together, and she thinks she's "safe" because she got a hormonal injection that should last three months.... No. Sorry, no, no.
Apologies if this condom-less sex by two adults WHO ARE SPIRITUAL LEADERS in their communities, as is pointed out non-stop, will be explained later in the novel. Maybe one of them has a latex-allergy that means they'll drop dead at the touch of it? Or maybe Christians don't get STDs from casual sex, only babies?
This really upsets me.
So I finished the novel, and it's not badly written, in the style of colloquial, contemporary romance. But the whole kink comes from whose "fault" it is that she is pregnant, and who is to "blame". Yeah. It's both their faults, in fact, it's HIS more than hers, because he - I am repeating myself - did not use a condom. This is not discussed in the novel. Reproaches and accusations fly thick and fast, but nobody ever says to the guy, Why the fuck did you sleep with a stranger without a condom?!?
So, this is Christian romance. It's not ABOUT hypocrisy. The whole book is hypocritical.
Enjoy it who will.
Ok, I get that the author has to get her heroine pregnant. But in this day and age, for two adults to decide in a bar (with toilets where you can presumably buy condoms) to go home together, and she thinks she's "safe" because she got a hormonal injection that should last three months.... No. Sorry, no, no.
Apologies if this condom-less sex by two adults WHO ARE SPIRITUAL LEADERS in their communities, as is pointed out non-stop, will be explained later in the novel. Maybe one of them has a latex-allergy that means they'll drop dead at the touch of it? Or maybe Christians don't get STDs from casual sex, only babies?
This really upsets me.
So I finished the novel, and it's not badly written, in the style of colloquial, contemporary romance. But the whole kink comes from whose "fault" it is that she is pregnant, and who is to "blame". Yeah. It's both their faults, in fact, it's HIS more than hers, because he - I am repeating myself - did not use a condom. This is not discussed in the novel. Reproaches and accusations fly thick and fast, but nobody ever says to the guy, Why the fuck did you sleep with a stranger without a condom?!?
So, this is Christian romance. It's not ABOUT hypocrisy. The whole book is hypocritical.
Enjoy it who will.
July 16, 2019
I have a very pleasant feeling buzzing through me after reading Not A Mistake. I am giving it 3.5 stars because there were inconsistences regarding small and insignificant details (the chance of conceiving with a shot) and maybe a round of hardcore grammar check. Also, I really don't like when there is a big conflict at 90% and resolved at 97% to live happily ever after, but here this was handled well and I did not feel it out of proportion.
I think this is a nice and cozy comfort read, loveable hero and heroine - I have a weird relationship with religion, prone to being a believer but not liking the institution of my church but usually I enjoy the element of faith in novels if it is written in the right spirit. Here it was right.
All the family feels and the unconditional love aspect are my nitpick so I am very very happy that I've read this. It had the uncomfortable insta love feel but here it was allright considering they've known each other for three years and fall in love through that period. I thought religion will be more explicitly addressed but it was nice this way. A bit more steamy than I thought it will be.
Personally, I don't like when the g spot is thrown around, so probably that was the third half a star minus.
All in all, enjoyed this cozy read and will probably read more of Amber Belldene's work.
I think this is a nice and cozy comfort read, loveable hero and heroine - I have a weird relationship with religion, prone to being a believer but not liking the institution of my church but usually I enjoy the element of faith in novels if it is written in the right spirit. Here it was right.
All the family feels and the unconditional love aspect are my nitpick so I am very very happy that I've read this. It had the uncomfortable insta love feel but here it was allright considering they've known each other for three years and fall in love through that period. I thought religion will be more explicitly addressed but it was nice this way. A bit more steamy than I thought it will be.
Personally, I don't like when the g spot is thrown around, so probably that was the third half a star minus.
All in all, enjoyed this cozy read and will probably read more of Amber Belldene's work.
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