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Sinner's Prayer
In my branch of the church, pastors have certain rules. Alcohol is a no-no. So is divorce. Homosexuality? Don’t even go there. I’ve always been good at staying in line and doing the “right” thing – even when I felt certain urges the Bible said were wrong. Because every human is flawed and needs salvation, and every sinner needs a prayer. And then Fabian happened. My name is Adam, and I am in seminary school. Next year I will be a pastor. One month ago I locked eyes with a man named Fabian, and now, despite all odds, I cannot keep my eyes off him. Or my hands. Or anything else, for that matter. Now my world is ruled by two one, that homosexuality is considered a mortal sin, punishable by purgatory. And two, I am falling for Fabian more and more by the day. If I am a sinner, he is my prayer. And forbidden fruit has never tasted so sweet… Or come with so many potential dangers.
- GenresM M RomanceLGBT
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2017
14 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Seth King
53 books1,870 followersSeth King is a twenty-eight-year-old American author.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 21, 2020
Ugggghh just no
January 28, 2018
3.5 stars
I liked Fabian's arguments regarding Adam's beliefs on Christianity, but I felt like the author was more focused on the topic of corrupting a good Christian instead of the characters finding love despite their different beliefs.
I liked Fabian's arguments regarding Adam's beliefs on Christianity, but I felt like the author was more focused on the topic of corrupting a good Christian instead of the characters finding love despite their different beliefs.
January 9, 2018
DNF à 65%
J'ai essayé de tenir parce que le sujet m'intérssait mais au final, je m'ennuyais ! Vraiment beaucoup.
Les personnages sont plutôt sympas, mais c'est sans émotion, froid et puis entre celui qui n'a pas l'air de trop aimer la religion et celui qui a voué toute sa vie à Dieu mais qui au bout de 10 pages se retrouve à se "donner su plaisir" dans un sauna en face de son crush....Comment dire...
J'ai essayé de tenir parce que le sujet m'intérssait mais au final, je m'ennuyais ! Vraiment beaucoup.
Les personnages sont plutôt sympas, mais c'est sans émotion, froid et puis entre celui qui n'a pas l'air de trop aimer la religion et celui qui a voué toute sa vie à Dieu mais qui au bout de 10 pages se retrouve à se "donner su plaisir" dans un sauna en face de son crush....Comment dire...
February 27, 2018
This may be a strange opening for a book review, but here it is anyway: the epilogue left me hanging! Not in a bad way, mind you, but in one of those, “I just want a little bit more, even one more scene to find out what they did tonight when they went home” (‘cause that’s what I’m assuming they did).
Adam and Fabian, what is there to say? Adam has been forcing himself to be someone he’s not, plagued by the ever-consuming memories burnt into his psyche by the pulpit-pounding preachers of his youth. As he prepares to follow his calling to become a pastor in a rural community, he comes face to face with temptation: Fabian. Adam can’t explain nor defend himself against the undeniable attraction pulling him closer and closer to Fabian, nor can he deny the validity of the perspectives that Fabian drizzles like rain after a drought, leading Adam to second guess it all – everything he has believed and been taught. Faced with his school’s unrelenting interpretation of the Word, and condemning homosexuality, Adam’s unsettling and unyielding physical and emotional reactions to Fabian causes him to question it all.
What follows is a hard to put down book. Author Seth King’s portrayal of Adam and Fabian, as well as the supporting cast of characters, ranging from the school’s prejudiced dean to Adam’s best friend at school, the nosy, judgmental parishioners at the conservative churches he visits seeking employment, to the pastor of the gay church in Savannah, doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff and telling it like it is. He puts it all out there, the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly. The transformation Adam undergoes through love and because of love is bold, liberating, and enlightening. Love is love, and God is love.
Aside from needing a pass-through to catch the general typos and such, there was nothing wrong with the style, storytelling, or bones of the book. King has a gift of writing that delivers.
Adam and Fabian, what is there to say? Adam has been forcing himself to be someone he’s not, plagued by the ever-consuming memories burnt into his psyche by the pulpit-pounding preachers of his youth. As he prepares to follow his calling to become a pastor in a rural community, he comes face to face with temptation: Fabian. Adam can’t explain nor defend himself against the undeniable attraction pulling him closer and closer to Fabian, nor can he deny the validity of the perspectives that Fabian drizzles like rain after a drought, leading Adam to second guess it all – everything he has believed and been taught. Faced with his school’s unrelenting interpretation of the Word, and condemning homosexuality, Adam’s unsettling and unyielding physical and emotional reactions to Fabian causes him to question it all.
What follows is a hard to put down book. Author Seth King’s portrayal of Adam and Fabian, as well as the supporting cast of characters, ranging from the school’s prejudiced dean to Adam’s best friend at school, the nosy, judgmental parishioners at the conservative churches he visits seeking employment, to the pastor of the gay church in Savannah, doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff and telling it like it is. He puts it all out there, the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly. The transformation Adam undergoes through love and because of love is bold, liberating, and enlightening. Love is love, and God is love.
Aside from needing a pass-through to catch the general typos and such, there was nothing wrong with the style, storytelling, or bones of the book. King has a gift of writing that delivers.
December 30, 2017
This book read like an argumentative discussion about homosexuality according to the Bible and the context wherein the people throughout history have interpreted those words.
It is an argument against the hypocrisy of religions and the "righteous" and their double standards.
And then there's the whole "am I gay or not talk" (I must be because my dick gets hard when he...).
Normally I like existentialistic talks and reading about the journey they go on when they evolve and learn to accept themselves, but here it just gets tedious and repetitive. It never ends.
And butts, butt's, butts... It is soo boring and soo badly written. It is simply ridiculous at times. It's a weird mix of boring, scholarly arguments and discussions, and then there is over the top flowery, romantic babble. Like...
I'm actually disappointed since I love gay romance with a religious theme. I wish I could like this book, but alas I'm not strong enough for this to go on. It was bad, but I'll give it two stars for the topic and because... I don't know... at least it wasn't offensive.
It is an argument against the hypocrisy of religions and the "righteous" and their double standards.
And then there's the whole "am I gay or not talk" (I must be because my dick gets hard when he...).
Normally I like existentialistic talks and reading about the journey they go on when they evolve and learn to accept themselves, but here it just gets tedious and repetitive. It never ends.
And butts, butt's, butts... It is soo boring and soo badly written. It is simply ridiculous at times. It's a weird mix of boring, scholarly arguments and discussions, and then there is over the top flowery, romantic babble. Like...
He is the prayer to my sinner, the lion to my lamb. He is everything.... I can't... I just can't...
From this angle, with my body long and outstretched, I can’t tell if it looks like he’s lifting me up towards heaven or pulling me down to hell. Maybe he’s always done both. Maybe we’ve created a heavenly purgatory here, this state of grace where I must confront all my deepest fears and darkest demons…
I'm actually disappointed since I love gay romance with a religious theme. I wish I could like this book, but alas I'm not strong enough for this to go on. It was bad, but I'll give it two stars for the topic and because... I don't know... at least it wasn't offensive.
January 7, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I saw it posted on Facebook. The main characters were very likable and well developed. As a Christian, I have had a lot of the feelings addressed in this book myself. How do I reconcile my “religion” with my love and acceptance for all human beings? The MC Adam struggles with the question of whether he can be a Christian AND a gay man. Will he suffer eternal damnation? One of my best friends is gay and I love him dearly. My faith will never dictate that I cannot love him, or my trans sister, or my trans nephew, or anyone for that matter. In the end, it comes down to the fact that I believe that God truly wants us to love each other, and we don’t choose whom we fall in love with. It’s a very personal and individual journey and none of us are the same. This is a very tough subject that Seth King has waded into and I think he did an admirable job. However, I have read other books that touch on this much debated subject that I found more enlightening.
EDIT: I really struggled with that word “enlightening” for a while. It just isn’t the right word, but I’m unsure of which word to use. After all, the book is about Adam’s enlightening, not mine. It was satisfying to see the way Fabian helped Adam see that the world was bigger than what Adam had experienced and known. In this aspect, Seth King did an excellent job. THAT is why I rounded up to 4 stars.
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I saw it posted on Facebook. The main characters were very likable and well developed. As a Christian, I have had a lot of the feelings addressed in this book myself. How do I reconcile my “religion” with my love and acceptance for all human beings? The MC Adam struggles with the question of whether he can be a Christian AND a gay man. Will he suffer eternal damnation? One of my best friends is gay and I love him dearly. My faith will never dictate that I cannot love him, or my trans sister, or my trans nephew, or anyone for that matter. In the end, it comes down to the fact that I believe that God truly wants us to love each other, and we don’t choose whom we fall in love with. It’s a very personal and individual journey and none of us are the same. This is a very tough subject that Seth King has waded into and I think he did an admirable job. However, I have read other books that touch on this much debated subject that I found more enlightening.
EDIT: I really struggled with that word “enlightening” for a while. It just isn’t the right word, but I’m unsure of which word to use. After all, the book is about Adam’s enlightening, not mine. It was satisfying to see the way Fabian helped Adam see that the world was bigger than what Adam had experienced and known. In this aspect, Seth King did an excellent job. THAT is why I rounded up to 4 stars.
January 2, 2018
I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them more. This one seemed to almost be written by someone else. It was poorly written and had way too many typos and inconsistencies. It was a ham-fisted repetitive argument about homosexuality vs religion. The sex scenes were weirdly awkward rather than hot, or romantic, or intimate. It almost seemed as though Seth King wrote this straight through in one shot and NO ONE did any proofreading or editing. For example, early on Fabian shows up at Adam's house wearing Jeans and a t-shirt. Minutes later they're fooling around in the bedroom and Fab pulls out a "fleshlight"....from where?!? It's like he was walking around with a dildo in his pocket. Really? Later Adam has a conversation with an older gentleman in a church. First the guy says "I was married", then less than a page later he claimed to have been a "junior" priest and went into the priesthood solely to avoid the issue of having to get married. There were lots of inconsistencies like that in this book. It had the potential to be much better, the MC's were mostly likable and it was an interesting subject, but the writing was aggravatingly sloppy.
June 7, 2018
When I started the book and read the first words ‘bump-bump’ I felt a little dejavu with his book ‘Liberty’. But this time we talk about a church and not a disco.
But also in church and catholic believing exists love. And love is unique. Love is All-encompassing, love is Universal.
So what happened when a priest student found his sexuality? It’s not easy in the Catholic Church (and we don’t want to talk about child abuse in the real world!)
But what happened, when he also find out, he is gay?
And felt in love on first sight?
Could it be, that the Bible, the word of God, is maybe wrong translated over the last 2 millenniums? It’s maybe not a sin to love another man?
If God would love all people, the whore and the sinners, why not the gays?
Seth again wrote a book with depth and heart. You can smile (directly at the first few pages), cry a little bit, gets angry with bigotry of the church and their ‘staff’ but at the end, all will lead in what has to be.
Another great book of Seth to read!
But also in church and catholic believing exists love. And love is unique. Love is All-encompassing, love is Universal.
So what happened when a priest student found his sexuality? It’s not easy in the Catholic Church (and we don’t want to talk about child abuse in the real world!)
But what happened, when he also find out, he is gay?
And felt in love on first sight?
Could it be, that the Bible, the word of God, is maybe wrong translated over the last 2 millenniums? It’s maybe not a sin to love another man?
If God would love all people, the whore and the sinners, why not the gays?
Seth again wrote a book with depth and heart. You can smile (directly at the first few pages), cry a little bit, gets angry with bigotry of the church and their ‘staff’ but at the end, all will lead in what has to be.
Another great book of Seth to read!
January 2, 2018
The romance in this book is secondary, although I liked it. For a minute there in the end I thought I wouldn't get my HEA, but thank God I did.
The main line is more of a campaign? against the church's false beliefs regarding gays. And there is much more than just that. (There is talk about the military, trans people, and basically all the problems regarding LGBT people)
This book, like Liberty, might piss some people off, cause let's face it, analyzing the Bible word for word, might do just that. Now I'm not saying this story can't open some eyes, it can. Those who already open somewhat. But those who really matter (maybe in politics, or in church - yes those at the top), they won't even open this book, just throw it in your face.
But if I were Seth King, and have the power to change even just one soul in this **curseword** world, I would too do it in a heartbeat.
So, Godspeed! :)
The main line is more of a campaign? against the church's false beliefs regarding gays. And there is much more than just that. (There is talk about the military, trans people, and basically all the problems regarding LGBT people)
This book, like Liberty, might piss some people off, cause let's face it, analyzing the Bible word for word, might do just that. Now I'm not saying this story can't open some eyes, it can. Those who already open somewhat. But those who really matter (maybe in politics, or in church - yes those at the top), they won't even open this book, just throw it in your face.
But if I were Seth King, and have the power to change even just one soul in this **curseword** world, I would too do it in a heartbeat.
So, Godspeed! :)
January 3, 2018
Best of the best!
Seth King hit the bulls eye with this one. The entire world needs this book. I grew up in the Assembly of God church where their way was the ONLY way. I knew in my heart that this was wrong, and eventually parted ways with organized religion. I think that finding love with another person is a gift from God in any belief. It is sad that in this messed up world we live in where religion and politics have come together to condemn people, some still adhere to antiquated beliefs. If you do find that person who makes your soul soar, be like Adam in this book. Give in and give everything you have. Thank you Seth for this book. The world needs it.
Seth King hit the bulls eye with this one. The entire world needs this book. I grew up in the Assembly of God church where their way was the ONLY way. I knew in my heart that this was wrong, and eventually parted ways with organized religion. I think that finding love with another person is a gift from God in any belief. It is sad that in this messed up world we live in where religion and politics have come together to condemn people, some still adhere to antiquated beliefs. If you do find that person who makes your soul soar, be like Adam in this book. Give in and give everything you have. Thank you Seth for this book. The world needs it.
January 2, 2018
Sinner's Prayer indeed!
Wow ! This story of Adam and Fabian is one for the books. Adam was told all his life that homosexuality was a sin. Adam knew something was not right with how he felt.. Now he is in seminary school. The Fabian comes along. He is open about being gay. He knows he should stay away from Adam but he can't . Soon they find them selves in a friendship with some feelings that are of more than friends... This is a must read book put it o TBR list!!! So worth the buy.. Thank you Seth for another wonderful read!
Wow ! This story of Adam and Fabian is one for the books. Adam was told all his life that homosexuality was a sin. Adam knew something was not right with how he felt.. Now he is in seminary school. The Fabian comes along. He is open about being gay. He knows he should stay away from Adam but he can't . Soon they find them selves in a friendship with some feelings that are of more than friends... This is a must read book put it o TBR list!!! So worth the buy.. Thank you Seth for another wonderful read!
January 20, 2018
This book was absolutely spectacular.
What if you started to question everything that you have believed your whole life? That is exactly Adam’s dilemma when Fabian came into his life. Adam has a big decision to make….. continue with his schooling in order to becoming a pastor or Fabian. He cant have both.
Thank you Seth for writing another book that left me thinking about faith and the basis behind religion.
“Angels can be devils, too –Lucifer himself started out in heaven.”
What if you started to question everything that you have believed your whole life? That is exactly Adam’s dilemma when Fabian came into his life. Adam has a big decision to make….. continue with his schooling in order to becoming a pastor or Fabian. He cant have both.
Thank you Seth for writing another book that left me thinking about faith and the basis behind religion.
“Angels can be devils, too –Lucifer himself started out in heaven.”
January 4, 2018
Spectacular!
Seth does it again. Aside for a few typo and editing errors. I enjoyed the story itself. Never had a doubt though when I bought it. I recommend you read it. Seth is good at putting the feels in his books and making you think.
Seth does it again. Aside for a few typo and editing errors. I enjoyed the story itself. Never had a doubt though when I bought it. I recommend you read it. Seth is good at putting the feels in his books and making you think.
January 5, 2018
Never disappoints...
Again, Seth King doesn't disappoint. His books always make me think about the topics he approaches and think deeply. This one being no acception.
I always look forward to new Seth King game novels.
Again, Seth King doesn't disappoint. His books always make me think about the topics he approaches and think deeply. This one being no acception.
I always look forward to new Seth King game novels.
November 28, 2018
I love Seth. Read a lot of his books but with this one i reached 36% and just couldn't deal with the plot. Adam's friends came to pray & Fabian is naked in the room while Adam pretends that he is cooking him dinner.
For some reason I am not feeling this book. I am DNF-ing for the time being and hopefully coming back to it later.
For some reason I am not feeling this book. I am DNF-ing for the time being and hopefully coming back to it later.
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