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Take Me to Church #2
Sweetness in Innocence
Luka Thomas is leading a double life. Publicly, he is a God-fearing Christian with a loving girlfriend. What happens in the shadows of his reality tells a different story. Because of one boy, he has begun to question everything.
Harlan Sharp promised himself he wouldn’t fall for Luka, but he doesn’t know how to stop it. Each kiss, each touch, each gentle caress they share only leads him further toward revealing the secrets of his past and bearing his scars.
The nature of their relationship must be hidden from everyone. If they are caught, Luka will be kicked out of his family’s house and disowned. He will lose everything. It’s a sin that Luka isn’t ready to confess. He can try to keep his secret from everyone, but God is all-knowing. This limbo can’t last forever.
Harlan Sharp promised himself he wouldn’t fall for Luka, but he doesn’t know how to stop it. Each kiss, each touch, each gentle caress they share only leads him further toward revealing the secrets of his past and bearing his scars.
The nature of their relationship must be hidden from everyone. If they are caught, Luka will be kicked out of his family’s house and disowned. He will lose everything. It’s a sin that Luka isn’t ready to confess. He can try to keep his secret from everyone, but God is all-knowing. This limbo can’t last forever.
- GenresM M RomanceRomanceLGBT
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2021
8 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Archer
8 books37 followersL.M. Archer was first drawn to writing as a way to express my feelings when oftentimes, she found that she couldn’t say them out loud. That’s why her writing is more on the dark side of the romance spectrum. She tends to write in a way that showcases real scenarios and events. Her books tackle mental health, moral values, religion and many other topics that are raw and real.
Archer is not afraid to make her readers look at the darker side of humanity and question the very foundation of life and existence. The topics in her books can be triggering, but she is a firm believer that you need to shed light on certain situations. Keeping them in the dark only hurts more.
Archer is not afraid to make her readers look at the darker side of humanity and question the very foundation of life and existence. The topics in her books can be triggering, but she is a firm believer that you need to shed light on certain situations. Keeping them in the dark only hurts more.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 6, 2021
Sweetness in Innocence picks up right where the previous book ended. They've just gotten together and are now facing the fact that their relationship needs to stay hidden while still exploring the feelings they have for each other. This book continues to address the darker themes, but it also has funny one-liners, cute moments and the blooming love between two teenage boys.
TW:
We're thrown back into the story in the middle of a conversation, and then it just keeps rolling. In their group of friends, it's only Willow and Cadeon who know the true nature of their relationship. So not only do they have to hide it from everyone in the town at large, but they also have to be careful about how they act around each other while in "private". They're still living in a town where religion is everything and being gay is seen as a horrible disease.
Harlan and Luka continue to have discussions about religion where Harlan points out the Bible's inconsistencies. Their conversations are not only informative for Luka, who soaks everything up like a sponge, but I also learn a lot just by reading the book. Religion isn't a big part of my life nor the Swedish culture, so I also learn what it's like to live in a town where religion is everything. I’ve learned more about Christianity and religion as a whole than I did when I studied it in school (which was 3 to 4 years).
Harlan and Luka’s friends play a smaller role in this book than they did in book one and are mostly replaced by family instead. We get to know more about Harlan’s mum and a new person comes into their dysfunctional family. He, Paul, quickly becomes another adult that Harlan can trust and rely on, even though Harlan doesn’t do that. We also learn more about Luka’s family, and how his view on their family dynamics changes as his faith wavers more and more.
But also, the ending just makes you desperate for the second one. There is still so much up in the air and you just want to know in what direction everything will go in. It’s not a cliffhanger, don’t worry, but it still makes you want more.
I highly recommend everyone who is okay with the triggers to read this book. It deals with the subjects mentioned in a way that shows both the struggles of the person living through it, but also teaches me as a reader about these subjects. Like the first book, the language is easy to understand. This book is funnier than the first, having a lot of puns and one-liners that just stick with you even after you put the book down.
TW:
We're thrown back into the story in the middle of a conversation, and then it just keeps rolling. In their group of friends, it's only Willow and Cadeon who know the true nature of their relationship. So not only do they have to hide it from everyone in the town at large, but they also have to be careful about how they act around each other while in "private". They're still living in a town where religion is everything and being gay is seen as a horrible disease.
Harlan and Luka continue to have discussions about religion where Harlan points out the Bible's inconsistencies. Their conversations are not only informative for Luka, who soaks everything up like a sponge, but I also learn a lot just by reading the book. Religion isn't a big part of my life nor the Swedish culture, so I also learn what it's like to live in a town where religion is everything. I’ve learned more about Christianity and religion as a whole than I did when I studied it in school (which was 3 to 4 years).
Harlan and Luka’s friends play a smaller role in this book than they did in book one and are mostly replaced by family instead. We get to know more about Harlan’s mum and a new person comes into their dysfunctional family. He, Paul, quickly becomes another adult that Harlan can trust and rely on, even though Harlan doesn’t do that. We also learn more about Luka’s family, and how his view on their family dynamics changes as his faith wavers more and more.
But also, the ending just makes you desperate for the second one. There is still so much up in the air and you just want to know in what direction everything will go in. It’s not a cliffhanger, don’t worry, but it still makes you want more.
I highly recommend everyone who is okay with the triggers to read this book. It deals with the subjects mentioned in a way that shows both the struggles of the person living through it, but also teaches me as a reader about these subjects. Like the first book, the language is easy to understand. This book is funnier than the first, having a lot of puns and one-liners that just stick with you even after you put the book down.
August 10, 2021
“Sweetness in Innocence” is part two of the Take me to church series. I’ve read “Born in Sickness” a few months ago and instantly fell in love with the characters. When I heard that the ARC of the new book is available for reviewers I couldn’t say no.
I was really excited when I got it. I started reading it straight away and got to about 15%. It was so good.
I had to put it away for some time because life got a bit complicated.
Yesterday I picked it up again and... I stayed up late because I couldn’t put it away.
There is something magical about this book because as you read you can kind of predict what’s coming next but it doesn’t make it less interesting.
I loved the innocence and energy of the main characters. They were so brave to question all the things they learned before and see them in a new light and what’s the most important, brave enough to be themselves.
I really enjoyed the part one but I can honestly say, that “Sweetness in Innocence” is on another level.
I highly recommend you read this series, you will love it!
Can’t wait for the continuation!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was really excited when I got it. I started reading it straight away and got to about 15%. It was so good.
I had to put it away for some time because life got a bit complicated.
Yesterday I picked it up again and... I stayed up late because I couldn’t put it away.
There is something magical about this book because as you read you can kind of predict what’s coming next but it doesn’t make it less interesting.
I loved the innocence and energy of the main characters. They were so brave to question all the things they learned before and see them in a new light and what’s the most important, brave enough to be themselves.
I really enjoyed the part one but I can honestly say, that “Sweetness in Innocence” is on another level.
I highly recommend you read this series, you will love it!
Can’t wait for the continuation!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2021
Thank you soo much l.m.archer for sending us a copy of your book.
This is the second book in the take me to church series and boy was it worth the wait.
We pick up pretty much where we left off in book 1 Luka is in the closet about his budding relationship with Harlan as he doesn't want to upset his family especially his stepfather who is a devoted Catholic.
For me, this book was Harlan’s star and I absolutely loved getting to know the shy boy who prefers to hide away in the background. In this book he really came into his own and came out of his shell, mixing with other people etc. Finding more out about his past troubles and life with his family was both heartbreaking but also beautiful.
This book was an amazing read and I loved every minute. My only critique would be that in the beginning, it was a little slow but once it got going I was hooked and could never guess what was going to happen next.
L.m.archer you have done an amazing job and truly should be proud of yourself we are extremely proud and excited for you.
My Overall Rating is 41/2 💋 💋💋💋😘
My Passion Rating is 4 💋💋💋💋
This is the second book in the take me to church series and boy was it worth the wait.
We pick up pretty much where we left off in book 1 Luka is in the closet about his budding relationship with Harlan as he doesn't want to upset his family especially his stepfather who is a devoted Catholic.
For me, this book was Harlan’s star and I absolutely loved getting to know the shy boy who prefers to hide away in the background. In this book he really came into his own and came out of his shell, mixing with other people etc. Finding more out about his past troubles and life with his family was both heartbreaking but also beautiful.
This book was an amazing read and I loved every minute. My only critique would be that in the beginning, it was a little slow but once it got going I was hooked and could never guess what was going to happen next.
L.m.archer you have done an amazing job and truly should be proud of yourself we are extremely proud and excited for you.
My Overall Rating is 41/2 💋 💋💋💋😘
My Passion Rating is 4 💋💋💋💋
August 10, 2021
Sweetness in Innocence, the second installment of the Take me to Church series, builds on the sweet, blossoming romance between two young men: Harlan and Luka. The story highlights the struggles of being LGBTQ+ in Appalachia, but also showcases the joy of building trust with someone like yourself in a new relationship. The story hinges on Luka’s continued exploration and questioning of his faith, with the guidance of Harlan. In this book, the two start to find healing together in a very relatable way while balancing the real risk of being discovered by those who might not accept them, and worse. I find myself invested in these characters and their growth throughout the series. Beyond just the steamy scenes and romance, this young adult series is smart and offers many different perspectives on big issues and how they shape many people’s lives. I’m looking forward to the next in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2021
Sweetness In Innocence is the second book in the Take Me To Church series(If you haven't read Born In Sickness, do that first!). The story continues following two young men as they find each other...and themselves, in an often unforgiving small town in the south. Both, to some degree, struggle with their sexuality. One has to overcome past trauma and learn how to trust, while the other is left questioning the faith his whole life has been built around. Going along with them as they stumble through it, you can expect some tears and stabby heart pains with their struggles, a lot of endearing awkwardness as they find confidence, individually and in each other. Its written with a whole lot of heart and a steady dose humor, which I appreciate. You may even find yourself learning something along the way. I recommend giving it a read. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2021
This story picks up where Born in Sickness left off. It shows the true feelings of learning that everything is not always what it seems and how, sometimes you need to learn to think for yourself. I highly recommend this to anyone that wants to know what it was like growing up in the south where you’re taught from a young age that being different is wrong because the Bible tells you so. Poignant and captivating LM Archer does a fantastic job of sucking you into the lives of these young men as they explore a first love that is forbidden because of where they happen to be living. By the time this is done you’ll be writing the date on your calendar for when the next book drops because you’ll want to know what happens next in this thought provoking story of forbidden love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2021
I absolutely hate when I read a book that is predictable, but this book is far from that. I was constantly enthralled with how the characters were able to connect to real life situations in today’s time. I found myself reading into late hours of the night because I △⃒⃘Lways said just one more chapter which turned into five more chapters. I’m excited to see what book three brings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2021
I knew when I started this series that it was going to be a journey but I didn't realize what a roller coaster ride it would take me on! You get to watch these two wonderful characters fall in love in real time when reading this story and the highs and lows, the elation and despair that it puts them through. I'm already so anxious to read book three to see where this story goes!
April 21, 2022
I have no words, this book is so amazing and beautiful, I’m literally speachless, the way that the characters evolve during this book It’s honestly the most amazing thing that I’ve ever read.
I’m so in love with it but at the same time left me with fear bc I know that the next book It’s going to destroy my feelings and I’ll be dry by the end of it.
I love the Take Me To Church series.
I’m so in love with it but at the same time left me with fear bc I know that the next book It’s going to destroy my feelings and I’ll be dry by the end of it.
I love the Take Me To Church series.
December 6, 2021
Totally love this story so much. I really enjoy the way the author writes both the main characters pov, it lets you get to know Luca and Harlan and makes you really feel the things they go through. What a story. I need book 3!
October 18, 2023
Sweetness in Innocence picks up right where Born in Sickness leaves off. It is romance and feelings. It deals with real life LGBTQ+ hardships in Appalachia (Bible Belt America) and not being able to be yourself. This book is absolutely amazing!
August 14, 2021
I honestly could not put this down. I am absolutely living for the development in Harlan’s character. It’s beautiful to see him thrive but heartbreaking to know he’s been through so much pain. The dynamic between Harlan & Luka is fantastic. They bring out the best in each other for being so young. A surprise favorite of mine is Paul! He’s warm, loving, mature, and accepting!
Once again, you’ve knocked it out of the park! Looking forward to #3
Once again, you’ve knocked it out of the park! Looking forward to #3
March 2, 2022
It was absolutely beautiful, I read it in like two days!! So addicting
September 8, 2022
I don't know how, but this sequel is even better than the first book in the series. The character development is *chef's kiss*.
November 22, 2022
love love love it’s such an accurate depiction
March 2, 2022
I loved continuing to read about these two 19-year-olds, Luka and Harlan, in Sweetness in Innocence. It was just delightful to get to know them a bit better and watch their love deepen. They are coming from two different worlds in every way possible, but the affection, friendship, warmth, and passion they have for each other is the definition of true love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews