For I Have Sinned

Itty Bitty Delights #4

by Alex Grayson

Twelve years ago, I vowed to stay celibate when I gave my life to the church.

For twelve years, I’ve kept that vow, and not once have I been tempted to veer away from it.

Until she walked into my life.

Jersey, the homeless girl who sneaks into my church to steal food.

From the moment I first saw her, something about her called to me.

She was sent to tempt me down a sinful path, and I have no hope of denying her.

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.

Genres: Contemporary, Novella, Erotica

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2022

About the author

Alex Grayson is the bestselling author of heart pounding, emotionally gripping contemporary romance including the Jaded Series, the Consumed Series, and two standalone novels. Her passion for books was reignited by a gift from her sister-in-law. After spending several years as a devoted reader and blogger, Alex decided to write and independently publish her first novel in 2014 (an endeavor that took a little longer than expected). The rest, as they say, is history.

Originally a southern girl, Alex now lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, two cats and dog. She loves the color blue, homemade lasagna, casually browsing real estate, and interacting with her readers. Visit her website, www.alexgraysonbooks.com, or find her on social media!

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Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more I read this series, the more I enjoy it. I think as a whole, this series would get a #Delicious5Star rating from me but if you take each story on its own, some of the delicious taboo doesn’t quite hit the mark because these are very short stories that tell a story that is bigger than just a fantasy. It has taken me four books to truly appreciate what this series has to offer. If you read my reviews, then you’ll know I enjoyed the stories, but something has been off for me since the second book and it all clicked into place after I read For I Have Sinned.

Alex Grayson made a choice with these stories. She didn’t just write a taboo #sexfest with these little nuggets of goodness, she took taboo fantasies and fleshed them out as best possible in a novella length book. And that’s what took me four stories to figure out LOL and appreciate!

For I Have Sinned is a poignant and sexy story about a man of the cloth who gives into his attraction to a woman. This woman comes with a trail of circumstances that fit perfectly for a man such as Father Adair. You’ll have to read the story to find out all the details and I highly recommend you do! I also highly recommend that you invest in reading this series from the beginning in order to fully enjoy this collection of short stories about sexy taboo fantasies to their fullest. They have interconnected characters and will make for a much more pleasurable reading experience if you do. #trust :)

[Flo₂₂ · Rating 1 out of 5]

she slept with men, being a prostitute. I hated it, even tho she did that to help her brother.
Look i might not have a problem with it if when she was being intimate with this priest was somewhat special you know? but nope. I didn't like her, i didn't like them, felt nothing for them..no chemistry at all. nothing special to be honest.

[booklover1816 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think what attracted me the most to Father Adair from the beginning was how moral he is. Now, hear me out. He’s been celibate for 12 years, dedicates his life to helping other people, cares for someone that’s been stealing from the church, and SO much more. And the way he cares for both Jersey and her brother?? *swoon*

Although, this book isn’t long and can be read in an hour or so- it is so worth the read! It doesn’t feel rushed. You can tell that the author took her time on this.

[Alis Renzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una novellina molto carina... uhm non una lettura della mia vita, cioè una di quelle che voglio leggere in continuazione, però è stata carina e molto corta.

Il prete che si innamora di un'anima persa per colpa di politici violentatori di Bimbi...

È stata una lettura interessante. Ma finisce lì... a fine libro non mi ricordavo neanche come si chiamavano i personaggi (Wesley e Jersey, e si ho dovuto riaprire il file per leggerli...) E la mia lettura e durata meno di 40 minuti...

Il dramma narrato è veramente veloce e non hai tempo di assimilare le cose che son già finite e si è risolto tutto.

Magari il prossimo sul trio sarà meglio!

[Nicole A · Rating 5 out of 5]

For I Have Sinned is a short forbidden romance. Wesley is a priest who, for the past 12 years, has been a supportive, caring leader in his church community. Jersey is a strong, resilient woman who will do anything to protect her brother, who has experienced horrible trauma, and keep him safe. Jersey and Sam are homeless and Jersey has to resort to stealing and other tactics to get supplies and money for them. Jersey and Wesley meet when she steals from the church’s food bank. Their chemistry is intense right from their first meeting and eventually their relationship turns romantic. I really like that Wesley and Jersey both feel like their meeting was meant to be and their relationship is natural and right. Despite the story being short, the characters are well developed, the storyline is interesting and keeps you reading on, and the smutty times are hot. I’m looking forward to reading more in the series!

[Lourdes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Father Adair has been serving the church for over a decade without wavering from his chosen path. He’s a caring priest, aware what his duties are, but he’ll do anything to help someone in need no matter the circumstances. That’s how he meets Jersey, the girl who’s been stealing from the parish’s pantry and the one he’s convinced is in more trouble than she’s willing to admit.
This is one of the more taboo subjects one can touch, but the author delivers a good, sinfully sexy novella I enjoyed reading.
I didn’t give it a higher rating because I felt there was something missing, but that’s also an opinion and doesn’t take from the fact that it’s a nice option if you like your reads past the line of forbidden.


4 stars
*ARC review*

[Reading to Escape · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5 Stars**

For I Have Sinned is the most forbidden and taboo story line in my opinion in the series so far, so suffice to say it was my favorite. Father Adair/Wesley took a vow to the church over a decade ago, and now he is holding on by a very thin thread, all because of a girl who has recently started showing up and stealing from the church.

Jersey has been taking supplies from the church to feed herself and her brother. When Father Adair finally catches her one day, he explains he just wants to help her, but she has difficulty trusting people. They have a connection though from the start, which just intensifies over time and the more they are together. There is definitely a whole lot of sinning happening up in this book, and I was here for it and it was HOT!!!

I enjoyed this book the most in the series so far. While it was uber steamy and forbidden, I truly felt the connection between Wesley and Jersey and was genuinely rooting for them. I think the author did a fantastic job with this particular story line and the sensitive material. Jersey was an extremely likeable and relatable character and Wesley was caring, protective and downright swoony. A definite must read! Looking forward to the text taboo treat in the series.

[M L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgive me father for I have sinned…..big time! Whew! When Father Adair finds out someone is stealing food and medical supplies, he only wants to help. But once he finally finds that person? Life is turned upside down. Jersey and her brother Sam have not had it easy since losing their parents. But when Sam ended up in a very bad situation, Jersey has to do some things she never thought she would to keep them both alive. But when she is caught, she has to trust someone, and that someone is Father Adair. He vowed his life to the church and never looked back…..until Jersey. This story is a little taboo but a whole lot of hot🔥🔥!! Loved it!

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Brief summary
Wesley is a priest who has succesfully stayed celibate for the past 12 years after he became a priest. But he meets Jersey, a girl who steals food from the church. And Wesley cannot ressist his attraction to her and they fall in love.

I’m very easy to please as a reader, just give me a steamy and taboo story and I will be happy. And it was the case of this one. I really enjoyed reading this one. It was just the kind of little slice of taboo I was looking for.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Sue Ouellet-Cofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do enjoy a good priest naughty and this one is pretty darned naughty. These are called Itty Bitty Delights for a reason. They are short. They are definitely taboo naughtiness. They bring the steam right away. This has age gap (although it really isn't addressed, you KNOW that it's there). There is some difficult subject matter as well. Will Jersey ever really feel safe? Is Wesley the one who will give her the comfort she needs? I'm going to hell for loving this one...but that's okay. I have a feeling I'll be in good company.

[Mel G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Wesley Adair there truly aren’t words to describe him. If you read any of the other books in the Itty Bitty Delights series we had been briefly introduced to him.

What I absolutely love is that not only do these stories build upon themselves but we do get to see these characters. If you read the very first Itty bitty delights book app, you would have seen a mention of the mayor son having gone missing. We discover in this book who exactly the mayors son is and why he went missing.

Father Wesley is a very moral and faithful man of the cloth. From the very beginning of the story he had been celibate for 12 years, he dedicate his life to helping others he cares for everyone in his community, even someone that has been stealing from the church.

Jersey is so unlike any of the other female characters in the story. She has found herself in a horrible circumstances none of which are her own fault. She’s trying to find ways in order to help herself and her younger brother. But when she finally excepts the help that father Wesley is offering my goodness are there fireworks exploding.

I personally think the story keeps getting better and better in the series. And I obviously cannot wait for the rest to arrive. Not only was the story super taboo but it was done in such away that you find yourself rooting for these characters to end up together, even with all the sensitive material that the author has put into the story.

TW: mention of sexual abuse

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where have all the sexy priests been my whole life?!? This series just keeps getting better and better!!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot hot hot! Wesley and Jersey were combustible together! Wow!

[KDRBCK · Rating 4 out of 5]

FIHS by A. Grayson is book four in the Itty Bitty Delights Series. A quick read packed with action, suspense, controverse, scorching hot.
Wesley is a priest and works for the greater good. He has his life dedicated to his god and his creatures.
Jersey is a young girl who drew the short stick. She's on the run from bad men and cares for her little brother.
This book is NOT sunshine and roses. It deals with dark elements and sensitive content, really the heavy stuff.

[Jaime Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of these novellas takes it to the next level, but this one may be the most forbidden. I looked forward to Wesley’s story the most and it may be my favorite so far. I wanted more and kept trying to turn the pages hoping more words would magically appear. I’m a fan and cannot wait to see what comes next.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most all of us have that book from our childhood that we never forget. Mine was Magic Elizabeth.
Then as an adult, we also have that title that we may not think of often, but when we do, it's every detail is foremost in our minds. For I Have Sinned is right up there with The Thorn Birds.

For I Have Sinned is the ultimate of forbidden. Father Adair had a true heart for his calling; to help those in need. This was evident in his participation of the earlier Itty Bitty Delights. I warmed at his attentiveness to his parishioners and others of the community. My heart ached for the situation Jersey found herself in from horrible circumstances, none of which were her doing. It was when their paths cross that lives were changed. Was it for the good? Or was it for the bad? May God be the judge.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Disclaimer: Although this can be read as a complete standalone, the characters have more depth from reading the series.

I can honestly say that I felt for Wesley. His role is so important. However, will his passion to help others jeopardize his current path? Can he be Jersey’s salvation?

Alex has done it again. She’s made me feel like I was part of the book. Well written and a fantastic epilogue!!!

[Laura ( Latteandbookz ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jersey is trying to protect her brother Sam at all costs even in that means stealing from the church. Father Adair/Wesley catches Jersey stealing and tells her that he just wants to help her but due to her past, she has a hard time trusting people but trusting a priest should be easy right? Wesley has an attraction to Jersey and has been celibate for 12 years will he be able to keep his vow?
This is a wonderful naughty taboo novella series that keeps getting hotter and hotter.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wesley and Jersey were made for each other.

Wow, I just loved both the characters of Father Wesley Adair and our homeless heroine, Jersey. Their growing feelings for each other, the feelings of distrust, the internal conflict, and the circumstances of their situation made for a spicy and well rounded read that perfectly fit into Author Alex Grayson’s Itty Bitty Delights series. They are all short little stand-a-lones, but what I especially love is the interconnectedness of some of the characters.

Wesley was hot, tattooed and gorgeous! He was honourable and caring, and for the last 12 years, had been unwavering in his absolute commitment to the Catholic Church, the congregation and the people in the community around the church. He had strong personal family ties and was a supportive big brother to his four sisters. Simply put, I adored him. While you might question my describing him as honourable considering his character in this series, I’m saying his heart was honourable, and still in the right place, and this story perhaps wasn’t as forbidden to me because I don’t believe we humans were created to live alone.

Jersey couldn’t help but want to watch the Priest of the church’s food bank from whom she’d been stealing food and medical supplies. She thought he was way too hot to be a man of the cloth and in spite of her general distrust of people in general, I was rapt that it was Wesley who quickly became the person on whom she could rely. She was such a strong person and made difficult choices at times for the right reasons, and I’m thankful that in my life is that I’ve never been faced with circumstances such as hers.

Together, the chemistry and tension between our couple built rapidly with their friendship, and Holy Hotness Batman when they came together it was 🔥🔥🔥 What I enjoyed most was the ingrained feeling from both Wesley and Jersey that their coming into each others lives was always meant to happen. They were made for each other. 5-hot-as-all-hell-Stars🖤*

#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited: No
Stand-alone: No*
Author: Alex Grayson
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Wesley and Jersey
Trope(s): Forbidden, Age-Gap, Hot Priest

…”I just have this feeling you were always supposed to be part of my life. That I was meant to be there for you when you needed me.”
His words have my heart racing. Not in fear or because I don’t agree. It’s the opposite, in fact. I have the same uncanny feeling that Wesley and I were supposed to meet. That our coming together when we did, my trusting him so easily, with something that was out of our control. Like some unseen force brought us together.”

For I Have Sinned is the 4th book in Alex’s Itty Bitty Delights Series. A series of easy to read, spice packed, and simply quite delicious reads. I recommend highly reading in order because books piggyback one another, not to mention, characters are also interconnected. This series has really made my evenings this past week extremely enjoyable. I started from the beginning and with each book fell even more in the love. With this book Alex kicks up the angst and trigger factor. When celibate and dedicated Father Adair finally sets his eyes on the thief stealing food and supplies from his church all his pure thoughts turn to dust.

Father Wesley Adair has been a priest for twelve years. Serving his community without any second thoughts.

Jersey and her brother were orphaned years ago and separated in the foster system. When Jersey learns the horrors her brother has been living with she takes him from the affluent home. Living on the streets, doing what she must to keep them going until she has enough money to leave town, Jersey goes to all the lengths for her brother.

When Wesley learns all of her truths, he takes her and Sam in, promising help.

But, the close proximity doesn’t help the burning desire between them.

Trigger Warning- Sensitive subjects ahead.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Twelve years ago, I vowed to stay celibate when I gave my life to the church. For twelve years, I've kept that vow, and not once have I been tempted to veer away from it. Until she walked into my life. Jersey, the homeless girl who sneaks into my church to steal food. From the moment I first saw her, something about her called to me. She was sent to tempt me down a sinful path, and I have no hope of denying her. Forgive me, Father for I have sinned.

I am loving these Itty Bitty Delight that are just the perfect length when your in the mood to read and want a complete story. This is the story of Father Adair who twelve years ago made a vow to stay celibate. I really loved this man. He has dedicated himself and his life to helping the people of the church, feed the homeless, the widows and orphans I really loved how he stuck to his morals and did not really stray from them. It in my eyes make him a good man because of what he did but because it was what he really thought that the wanted to do his entire life. But things change and there is now a girl who is homeless and stealing food from the church to be able to eat. Jersey and her brother are both homeless and he really really cared for both of them. I can't really tell you what happens in this story because of its size but I really don't want anyone to not read the book because the go in thinking this guy has really got to be a terrible person. He just simply isn't!! I really loved this one and it is one that hope that all of you will read.

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best one Yet!

When we were introduced to Father Wesley Adair in Filthy Little Tease I was intrigued and now after meeting him, I see had a reason to be. Out of the four books so far, I enjoyed For I Have Sinned the most.

"A whisper in the back of my mind tells me I'm supposed to help her."

I am not a fan of insta-love by a long shot, however Alex Grayson made it work for me this time around. There was something about Wesley that I instantly liked and the same with Jersey. They were written real, not over the top and I appreciated that.

This is more of a survival story rather than dirty and I was A-Okay with it. We go below the sexy surface with these two characters and I was pleasantly pleased with what we found. Jersey is a protector in her own right and it was nice for her to finally be protected as well.

For such a quick read, it was heavy and again, I didn't mind that every page wasn't steamy. Alex Grayson did a great job at cramming quite the story line in so few pages. Actually, I wouldn't have minded a full length novel for Father Adair and how he came to be...there's definitely a story. For I Have Sinned can be read as a stand alone that wraps up nicely.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

For I Have Sinned by Alex Grayson is a forbidden romance. It's the fourth book from the Itty Bitty Delights series.

This one is about Father Wesley Adair. For the last twelve years, he has been the priest of their little town. He always cared for and helped the people of his church. So he realized that a young woman was stealing the food from the church his first instinct was to find her and offer his help. Jersey was a nineteen-year-old girl who was trying to save her brother from two dangerous monsters.
Since she was alone for many years, trusting a man didn't come naturally to her. But Wesley was ready to do anything in order to protect Jersey and her little brother.

It's a super short taboo romance. It has a decent plot, it doesn't feel rushed, and has good world-building. It's well written and the mix between lust/romance and drama gave a surprising intensity to the story. Truth be told I was expecting it to be more focused on the taboo part but I liked that it wasn't. The characters have great chemistry and their background stories are filled
with pain. Father Adair was my favorite. I enjoyed his transition from a good boy to a bad boy.

If you are looking for a quick naughty read then this is for you. I will rate it with 5 stars.

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕪 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕘 💕

This series is definitely designed for when you want to read something that is equally delicious, romantic and filled with all the feels with a dash of naughtiness in bite sized delights.

AHH.. Wesley.. That man.. Even though he might be a man of god as he's a priest but he genuinely cares about people and has a kind heart.

When he realises a girl is stealing food from the church and asks for the detective's help to find her but it is not to get her arrested but to help her. He figures that if she's stealing food than she might be homeless and in need of it.

I loved Wesley. As a human and how he wants to help others.

But yes it was a little weird reading when Wesley starts feeling attracted towards Jersey. Because he's a priest, a man of faith.
But once again the writing makes you so connected with both Wesley and Jersey and you totally get where they are coming from.

Spicy, Sexy, naughty fantasies yet a connection that saves two souls in need of the most. Loved this one. 💕💕💕

[Kristen Lindtvedt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Wonderful Concept that Falls a Bit Flat…

“For I Have Sinned” is the fourth book of author Alex Grayson’s, Itty Bitty Delights series. And while it is far better in plot and overall emotional intensity than the first two books, sadly does not quite touch the passion of book three’s tale about Spencer and Aleah.

It was honestly a bit of a let-down as I thought for sure this one would be an off the charts punch in the heart given the theme with Jersey and Father Adair. Here Grayson presents Jersey, a young homeless girl desperate to help and protect her younger brother who has been horribly abused. She is a young woman willing to do whatever’s necessary (even steal from the church) to keep her brother fed and safe from those out to hurt him. And the priest in charge of the church Jersey has been stealing from for weeks, Father Wesley Adair. A priest who found his calling to the church after a rough and neglect filled childhood. A childhood that initially puts him on a much different path, seeking different goals and needs, a path he is now struggling to understand after encountering a thief he finds himself inexplicably drawn to, a thief that eludes him for weeks and embeds herself into his very soul in the process.

What follows should have been an emotionally charged, angst filled tale of righting terrible wrongs, fighting for those unable to fight for themselves, and unexpected love… However, it just sadly never quite fully gets to the pinnacle it should to truly set your heart aflame for the characters within.

After one truly glorious installment this series once again turns back more toward the mundane. While the story world created here by Grayson is interesting overall, I was sadly underwhelmed by the general character growth and final story arc as it just doesn’t delve deep enough to give you the emotional reactions intended, or hold your attention enough throughout to really get invested in Jersey and Wesley beyond the superficial realm. I would have loved to see a higher level of character development as shown by this author in some of her other books, such as in her “Consumed” series. This one in the end is perhaps to itty bitty for the big, big feelings being explored.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read indeed. What will it take for a priest to give up his church? Wesley is a priest and has been for a long time. He has given up alot to be in that role. But one moment changes everything for him. He finally finds out who is stealing food and other things from the church. When he learns who it is his life will change overnight. Jersey is trying to hide her brother from the world. She is doing the best that she can to keep him warm and safe. She knows that Wesley has seen her and wants more from him. But she also knows that she has to protect her brother. The secret Jersey and her brother hold is heart wrenching. What a twist to this storyline. I loved this book. Alex is one of my go to authors and I am so glad that I seen this book. Another well written enjoyable storyline with two loveable characters.
My favorite line from this book was from Wesley. "Only something very important to me would alter my path. You are more important than my vows. I have every faith that God's plans for me have set me in this new path."

[Hanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.75 stars*
I really liked Itty Bitty Delights #4.
While it’s steamy and taboo which I enjoyed.
I also really liked that it had more of a plot to it than just the naughty portion.
Jersey finds herself in an extremely emotional and painful situation.
In order to survive she steals from the church’s storage of food.
I thought Jersey a strong amazing young woman.
She is brave and fierce.
Father Wesley Adair has been the priest at St. Matthew’s for the past twelve years.
He cares deeply and profoundly about his congregation and people in general.
When he notices food starts going missing he starts to really worry about the young girl that is behind it.
Not because of the theft but because he knows she needs immediate help.
Wesley is a caring giving man.
He’s big hearted and loyal.
I loved his qualities and it didn’t hurt he is a tattooed up sexy man.
His and Jersey’s connection went so much more beyond than just the physical and that made their story more heartwarming.

[Michelle Schwartz Engaging Secrets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot express just how much I adore this book!!! For I Have Sinned is cute and steamy and thrilling. It has everything that you want in a taboo read. Who would have thought that a priest could even be tempted to cross the line and break the rules of the priesthood?

The last thing that Jersey expected was an intense relationship with the man that she was stealing from. With so much on her plate from putting food in her brother's belly to seeking safe shelter, a love interest was furthest from her mind. However, the heart wants what the heart wants, right? When sparks fly, who are we to deny them?

This is book 4 in the Itty-Bitty Delights series and each one gets better than the last. Next up is Doing Taboo Things and I cannot wait!!!

[KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - taboo with some steam.

This is a quick read and this has been an enjoyable series. The last two haven't quite held my interest as much as Book 1 & 2. Although this is a good story with moral character. When Wesley decides to take a chance with Jersey - it's straightforward which I liked.

There is definitely some steam although I didn't find this one quite as "dirty" as I expected.

There is a decent back story with Jersey and her brother, Sam as well with a connection that has partially been alluded to in the previous books.

If taboo is your thing, these are quick, entertaining reads. Looking forward to Book #5 - menage w/ a step sibling twist...yes please!

I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this whole series has been going somewhere in a direction I never saw coming and we see two people who might actually break the town secret story. We have Jersey, big sister doing everything she can to protect little Sam. Then we have Father Wesley who by all counts is a Priest I have never seen or read of until now. Two people who are so opposite not just in age but well in their lifestyles. Alex Grayson was going somewhere but the thing is their story didn't seem like an Itty Bitty Delight of quick fun to me and actually wanted more of little Sam's storyline. All in all it was okay for me but felt all rushed to me between them.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."