The Pope

by L.P. Lovell

I’m a priest, a messenger of God, a good man. At least that’s what I would have them all believe.

She’s a lost lamb, cast adrift from her flock and seeking shelter from the wolves snapping at her heels. She’s looking for salvation, protection, forgiveness for her sins. I’m not the man to give it to her. But for the first time in my life, I want to be.

Little does she know…

For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light

Genres: Dark, Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Erotica, Crime

246 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2018

About the author

Lauren Lovell is an indie author from England. She suffers from a total lack of brain to mouth filter and is the friend you have to explain before you introduce her to anyone, and apologise for afterwards.
She's a self confessed shameless pervert, who may be suffering from slight peen envy.

Lauren loves to hear from readers so please add her on Goodreads, Facebook and Twitter. Visit her website www.lplovell.com.

Reviews

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“She’s a pretty girl, but she’s stunning when she cries.”

Cards of Love: The Pope is a taboo contemporary romance full of action and intrigue. Judas is a priest who also comes from a well-established mafia family. Delilah is a young woman seeking safety from an abusive ex. When she finds solace in the church, she also seeks comfort from Judas, who is happy to provide. As the passion between the two continues to build, they have many obstacles to overcome to be together.

“Forgive me, father, for I have sinned.”

Overall, Cards of Love: The Pope will appeal to taboo romance fans who enjoy a heavy dose of scandal in their reads. The passion between the main characters is off the charts, and I was certainly rooting for them every step of the way. This was my first L.P. Lovell book, and I am certainly excited to check out more of her work!


This was an (F)BR with my Shhlutty Sisters as part of : Cum to the Alter!



For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Controversial...
Gritty...
Exciting....
Compelling...
Captivating....
Devious...
Twisted...

Lauren brings it all with her fantastically gripping writing and storytelling through complex characters and intertwined, twisting story of facade, lies and betrayal and of make believe, the apparition of what you see as a posture only to be hidden in clear sight and reveal its true form and shape in the most carnal of ways...

Yeah, I've said it all, right... LOL

I'm supposed to be vague, so, fuck it...

It's grey in the darkness too....and it's grey in the sphere of love

This is a story of broken, twisted souls covered in plain sight masks, one eaten by the guilt, the other so intertwined with the monstrosity of false pretense but cruel and abrupt business like notion of the world they both exist in, now co-exist, since they were both almost tragicaly put in each other's path, only to find solace in each other's twisted, guilt trip and passionate game of hearts.


Note: If you can overlook the background use of religious set and props without judging or taking and offense, cause yes, this is fiction, above all, (even though, I myself got stuck with the factoid stuff concerning the Catholicism, that were pronounced in the story, and they stubbornly got stuck with me, inspite of the fabulous storytelling and characterisation) BUT nevertheless, this is a story filled with smth deep than the resolution of one person to find her way in the world... in more than one way, that is...

"For even Satan disguises himself as and angel of light" - 2 Corinthians 11:14

there are stages of every personality and facets of conducts and reasoning, and Lauren brings them all to question and doubt with her maestrally writting.

She truly is one of the best authors out there pushing limits and boundaries, challenging and questioning your own notion on everything.

Inspite of my own triggery mind and almost too stubbornly hanging on this factoid thing, I am giving this story 4.5 rating, cause this story is actually a proof of LP Lovell 's brilliance, talent to provoke the deepest, twisted and non-ordinary, mixed feels about everything and all.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars
This one started of pretty good but around 60% it started going flat for me. My biggest issue was Delilah. I didn’t care for her. I also didn’t feel the love between her and Judas.

[Mimiorphee · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is that thing I love about Lp lovell's characters: their ability to corrupt you and make you accept and even embrace their wrongness.

In the Pope, iit's not any different as Judas barks in darkness and won't apologize for it. Be wary of the Father, he is very good at being so bad!

Let's embark for a sinful ride, following Delilah's descent to hell. And when I thought that maybe, just maybe, she did the right choice and she will reach the solace she has been seeking since her friend's death, she finds Judas and his tumultuous personality. She is as drawn to his darkness as he his to her sadness and guilt. Their own demons calls to each others' forming aan undeniable bond. 

The author masterly explored Delilah and Judas'  sensuality, building the sexual tension and anticipation on a dangerous and threatening background. 

Devious and taboo, deliciously depraved and forbidden, The Pope plunged me into an enthralling world I couldn't get enough of. Enjoy, ladies!


I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!

[Lainey · Rating 3 out of 5]

8th Book for #Smutathon
Trope Challenge: Forbidden

Forgot to update this, but I'm looking for more clergy smut now.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The Pope is LP Lovell's addition to the multi author collection Cards of Love. It had all the elements that I have come to expect and love from this author, like the naughty sexy times and a criminal H but this time it didn't work. I found the beginning really slow and boring and unfortunately I never connected with Delilah and Judas as a couple so it ruined the story for me. My main issue was that I didn't like Delilah, I found her annoying and weak. Now with that said I can't wait to read Saint's story.

***ARC provided by Author***

[Grecia Robles]

DNF 16%

Al leer la sinopsis me imaginé una historia muy distinta a lo que encontré.

Y para empezar la protagonista es una mensa por no decirle más feo, desde el principio empezó a tomar decisiones estúpidas.
Mejor lo dejo ahí, no estoy para perder mi sagrado tiempo.

[Maria Angie Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinky, gritty and just plain devilishly dirty and delicious. This addition to Cards of Love gives us a taboo treat that was intense, steamy and fun to read.
This author gave us a complex unconventional but intriguing tale that had me hooked from beginning to end.
Well written with likable characters...
Holy mother of the unholy!
This book was twisted and unpredictable and oh...so good!
The Pope is part of Cards of Love massive multi-author project. Each read is part of a series of love letters to the mysterious and inspirational world of tarot cards. Each book is a standalone love story with its own characters and it’s own unique story. These can be read in any order, as the only thing the Cards of Love books share is their common inspiration from the world of tarot.
Remember...it’s fiction!

[★Because Book Boyfriends★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Whoever would have thought a priest of the Catholic Church could get you so hott...

Judas....

"I want to desecrate her body in every way because I can’t remember the last time I saw something so beautiful, so utterly pure, yet so devastatingly tainted."

"I want her broken and crumbling. I want her crawling on her knees for me, begging for salvation only I can give."



I have not read anything by L.P. Lovell before, but now I am thinking that I need to open up more of her books! This was easily the best book I have read in this series yet and one of my favorites this year. The writing was fantastic, I just wanted to keep highlighting everything I came across.

~ Pope is pretty TABOO in that it does have a "forbidden" relationship between a Catholic Priest and one of his flock, but there is a twist that makes that it even more exciting.

NOTE: Definitely DON'T read this if you are at all sensitive to triggers relating religion because it is definitely got some holy desecration...



~ Delilah is a young girl in college with a mom who is basically out of the picture and a father who is distant and overbearing. She has always been a "good girl", basically doing what her father tells her and going for the major he wants for her even if it does not make her happy. We come into the story when she is having a semi breakthrough and decides to tall her father to keep his tuition money and she is gonna do what she wants. She has always been attracted to the "bad boy" type and finds this in Nate. He is a sinfully hot young drug dealer for a local mafia group. She begins working with him during their relationship for the 'high of the thrill' and soon tragedy strikes. Delilah is so overcome with guilt she is just a shell of a person following the incident and finds her way to the local Catholic church, where she meets Judas.

~ Judas ... He is the "beautiful" local priest who has more secrets than Hail Marys. I don't want to say too much about him because I don't want to give away too much of the story. He first meets Delilah when she had passed out drunk in one of the pews. He is instantly drawn to her, seeing the sadness and utter devastation held in her gaze. They form a connection through Confession before she knows it Judas has become the most important person in her life. But, will his secrets destroy this new found bond? Will the truth of her greatest sin tear them apart?

"She thinks I can save her, but little does she know that she asks the devil for salvation."

What a great story with unique twists and turns, suspense, intrigue and HEAT!!

I can't wait to read Saint!! HURRY HURRY!!

[Meggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

‘For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.’ - 2 Corinthians 11:14

This was my second Lovell book, and though I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Absolution, it was still quite good. It wasn't nearly as dark as that book, but it was taboo and gritty, the religious angle combining with the crime world to create something exciting, if not a little far-fetched.

“I will only say this once, so hear me when I say that I’m not the man to save you from your sins.”

When Delilah and Judas' paths actually cross, it happens in a world that is completely different from the one they're both secretly involved in. However, they quickly shed the skin they show everyone else, just so they can bathe in each other's darkness. That is one thing I really enjoyed about this book: the characters were complex and fundamentally not good. It made everything that much more intense and exciting, and this is probably sad, but it made me relate to Delilah more. There was a time where I knew who the most dangerous man in the room was, only because it had to be the one I was attracted to. I understood her desire for danger, to feel the pulsing adrenaline surging through your veins. She wasn't evil, but she wasn't happy living a normal life with a 9 to 5 and one a half kids, either. My only complaint is really that the story was just a touch over-the-top, and also, I didn't really feel like I knew Judas outside of the fact he really enjoyed people that had flaws. I did enjoy Lovell's prose, even if it did get a tad long-winded and redundant at times. It was also just the right amount of taboo for things to get smoking hot.

She’s infecting me like a disease, an addiction for which there is no cure. That look told me she wants to be my dirty little obsession. And here I am. She has her wish.

This was a hot, suspenseful, well-written story that may blur over time, but that I definitely enjoyed reading. I also plan to read more of Lovell's stories, because she is a very talented author that isn't afraid to walk on the gritty, dark side that I gravitate to as well.

“Dance with me in the dark, little lamb,” he whispers, like a demon tempting me to hell. “I’ll make you feel so good.”

[Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

College student Delilah “Lila” is grieving the death of her best friend, searching for peace when she stumbles into Judas’ church.
“She’s a pretty girl, but she’s stunning when she cries.”

Because this book is written by Lovell, Judas isn’t the type of priest you’d typically find in a church.
“Some of us can’t help ourselves. We’re fundamentally flawed, drawn to the darkness. Bad people. But it’s often said that God loves the sinner. He just hates the Sin.”

How and where the two main characters meet has got to be the most creative, innovative way I’ve ever read!!!! That wasn’t the only thing that impressed me about this book either. So much transpires - from drug dealing to domestic violence to super hot sex! My only complaint is that there were times when I felt things were a bit too wordy; there were a few instances where there was unnecessary filler. It’s a really creative, innovative story though and I will definitely be reading the follow up story about Judas’ brother Saint!!

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book ticked all my boxes. There was the good, the bad, and the real terrible monsters. This story was unique and written so well. I am looking forward to Saint's story.

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pope is raw, explosive and it blows your moral compass to pieces. I loved every deliciously sinful thing about it.

Delilah as always been attracted to the bad boys and her most recent boyfriend is just that. It’s been fun but when things go wrong, she finds herself in excruciating torment and broken. After a drinking bender, she finds herself inside a church and seeking something from those hauntingly beautiful blue eyes. If only she knew it was the Devil.

Judas plays the role of devout priest but there is so much more to him that most know. He’s dark and dangerous and oh so alluring. When Delilah walks into his church, he gets test more than he could have imagined.

“I will corrupt her, one beautiful sin at a time.”

These two are so broken and only the other can put them back together. It’s dark, sad and oh so scandalous.

I thought the writing was smooth, like always, and the characters and scenes well put together. I truly did love this. At this point you are probably wondering why four stars if I loved it so much. Truth? There were several moments where I felt like I was back into another book and it was difficult to get past it. The overall book is much different but everyone has their own book triggers that you can relate to a specific book for one reason or another and there were just just enough of those that it only slightly held me back. Please understand that this is just a personal issue and does reflect on the story itself. I loved and devoured it, just like Judas did Delilah.

You want this baby, trust me.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

[nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is CRAZY GOOD! Its a dark romance and it certainly had me on the edge of my seat. Judas is not the man you think he is, and that just makes him all the more appealing. ;) I loved this story and devoured it in one sitting; the fact that it was set in the UK made it even better. Ive never read a book by LP Lovell before, but I’m damned sure I’ll be checking out all her work now.

[Mirjam · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Forgive me, father, for I have sinned.”





This was a thrilling page turner, a so not-holy read that had me fascinated but equally aghast at the same time.
Judas Kingsley aka Father Kavanagh, does thoroughly live up to his name. He serves his congregation while being a drug lord, a murderer and a sinner. “I am who I am. I sell drugs. I make money. I do bad things. And I want you, Delilah Thomas, as much as you want me.”





Delilah Thomas, a medical student rebelling towards her remote father with a penchant for the proverbial bad boy, goes clubbing with her friends falls in the hand of drug dealer Nate and her life is never gonna be the same. “I did something horrible, and I can’t forgive myself.”





When looking for some peace and a safe haven Delilah walks into Judas's church and both their lives will irrevocably be changed.






“How could you possibly be bad?”
“Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”


Standalone books within the same universe, but are best enjoyed when read in order:

[Clare Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where everyone is disposable and drugs are rife, A caged beast beneath a collar of purity is found. It's hold so fragile as chaotic war and peace reside within him.

Disguised for all the world to see yet out in the open at the same time.

Two deaths to mar her soul and break her spirit. To forgive is to cleanse ones soul, but does she need to be reborn again?

Judas two sides of one coin is he, beautiful and hypnotic whichever way it lands.

Delilah erased the line of goodness when she changed her life's direction, opening herself to a new dark and dangerous path.

I see the beauty in such darkness, and I can tell you now it's dazzling!

My eyes were open with shock and awe as the story unfolded before me, as my heart and mind greedily gobbled it all up.

Delicious and depraved, forbidden and devilish. I loved every second of it!

Characters that hid their true hearts, like black roses unfolding in the night. Startling and amazing, majestic and forever a memory to treasure.

I couldn't get enough of the brothers and their deep, dark, delectable deeds of pain and punishment.

I would bow down at the alter, bread or no bread! come join me!

[Milly · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was just...horrible. Probably one of the worst I’ve ever read.

It was just so...boring.

Everything moved way too fast and there was absolutely no character development whatsoever. There was no character connection either, it just felt like a whole lot of lust and not a lot of love :(

Stars ~ 1

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

No os voy a engañar, me ha gustado! Pero le ha faltado spice para mi… eso si, me muero de ganas de leer el libro del hermano de Judas, Saint😏 es un personaje MUY complejo, a ver qué!

[Kathleen R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah. I didn't sleep last night. Like at all. Not only was my brain going on over drive over other projects, but it also kept coming back to Judas and Delilah. This book was fascinating. I couldn't get enough of it and i wanted more.

More than once i wondered if there was more to this story that i haven't seen yet, if it's part of a new series or of an existing one. And most of all, i wanted more!! Who in the world are the Kingsleys? Needless to say that i'm really hoping that LP Lovell will make the decision to give us more of this family to show us what's to become of Saint, Judas and Jace because they are interesting to say the least.

I'm used to this author's darker stories, and even had the chance to read her contemporary romances that tore me to shreds and The Pope fell right in between. Dark enough to satisfy that craving for dark, and enough 'falling in love stuff' to make you giddy inside when you least expect it.

Honestly, i'm really looking forward to more of this family and i can only hope that we'll get more of Judas and Delilah in the future because, wow.

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

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[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am seriously hating on LP right now. That last 10%! Oh my poor heart! It was in my throat for that last part. I almost lost all 'Faith' in Father Kavanagh (get it? 😂 No?)

This book had everything thing I wanted and more. I did not anticipate that heart stopping ending though. I had no idea it was coming!

Delilah was mixed up with the wrong people and did some silly things but I enjoyed her character more than I thought I might. She had a darkness in her and you could see that when she was with Judas, he fed her.

Judas was very un-holy for a priest 😂 I loved him! He saw something in Delilah that she couldn't see herself and he just needed to show her. He gave her salvation by bringing her dark side out (yes, I know that doesn't sound right but you'll understand if you read it 😉)

Their relationship was unnatural on the surface but once you dig deeper into who they were, they make perfect sense together. 2 dark angels together. And the sex in the confessional.... 🔥🔥 I knew it had to happen and LP delivered.

Saint (Judas' brother) wasn't a main character bur from the parts we seen of him, I need more. LP needs to get writing and gimme some sins! Judas' relationship with his brother was a very strange one and it has me wanting more of them. I want to know their pasts and how Saint became so.....weird 😂

This book exceeded my expectations rations and I can't wait for more from the brothers. I didn't want to give too much away in review because you have to read it to feel the full force.

[Nadia Debowska-Stephens (Obsessed by Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For even satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”

Forgive me Father for I have sinned... this story is breathtakingly unrepentant. Deliciously depraved and desperately seeking absolution Judas and Delila are a match made in heaven and a unity forged in the fires of hell. The Pope is a story of forbidden longing, need and addiction that can not be denied, overcome or broken. Tendrils of desires unfurl as one dark soul recognises the other part of itself and slowly understanding dawns that maybe the darkness is to be embraced not shunned. Mistakes are made, bad choices lead to unforgivable acts that redemption can never given and yet can Delila
salvage something from the wreckage of her life?

Honestly this story had me on my knees, praying for more. Saint, sins and the family dynamic left me hungry for more and I can only hope that this is the beginning of a series as I feel Judas is just a glimpse into the perverse but oh so seductive world of the Kingsley’s. Judas was deceptively stoic and reverent yet underneath he was a sinner playing with her demons and enabling her to embrace them. Delila was more than his little lamb, she was a wolf who didn’t see her true colours until they were reflected back in his eyes... perfectly imperfect I loved this from start to finish. Explosive, sexual and the epitome of wickedness The Pope is a must read.

A five star have mercy read.

~*~ Reviewed on behalf of Obsessed by Books ~*~

[Lauren Townley · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK 😲😲

I adore Lauren for so many reasons... mostly her name, but whatever 🤷🏼‍♀️😂
The way she isn’t afraid to write about certain subjects and the way she writes them so well.
Oh, you read a book where a joint was passed around? No bother, LP will write a book about a priest owning a cocaine empire.
Oh, you read another book where there was a scuffle between enemies? LP will write a book about a priest using knuckle dusters.
She takes her words and stories just over the ‘safety’ line and she feeds my inner monsters like they’re starving.

The Pope is full of angst, turmoil, blood, death, sins and love. It’s utterly perfect.

No not hesitate to read this story. You’ll regret it if you don’t!

[Sarah M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blasphemy at its finest

This book was so sordid and filthy. I love the taboo priest smut/porn/romance, whatever you want to call it. Yet this isn't quite that. I really did enjoy it. I feel it could've been longer and we could have gotten more story from Judas and Saint. And Delilah 's family.

This thoroughly entertained me. Though I have to disagree a little with Judas. I don't think Delilah felt guilty because she didn't and she should have. I think it was very obvious that what happened completely scarred her. Judas played the part of the doting priest so well and will he broke those solemn vows.

And I was so excited when I turned the last page and saw that Saint is getting his own book. That dude has got some issues. But he's such a jerk you can't help but see whose altar he's going to be worshipping.

If you enjoy a taboo kind of anti-hero book this is very much for you. I had my personal qualms of wanting more but it's still a 4 star read.

[Eve Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book 💖

I have read a few books by Lp Lovell and she never disappoints at going to places where other author's wouldn't dream of taking you.

Forgive me father for I am going to sin with you anywhere and everywhere I can Judas is the bad boy/man that you definitely want to sin with 😍😍😍

Delilah is the good girl who needs a bit of bad 😜😜

This book and author are absolutely f***king amazing, this book needs to go on your TBR list immediately. I can assure you that you won't be disappointed. 💖💖💖💖💖

[Robin Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love my dark reads and Judas was delightfully twisted. I’m pretty excited by my introduction to the Kingsley family and they definitely kept me riveted to the page. I love some devious bad boys and the Kingsley brothers have a devil sitting on their shoulders. Saint has me all tied up in knots and wouldn’t mind seeing him tempted to sin.

[Myla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The Pope was dark, twisted, and definitely sexy. The characters are interesting and the writing is good. I really enjoyed this forbidden romance and that held my interest right from the start. Would recommend this to anyone looking for this kind of romance.

(F)BR with Elizabeth and Simply Nik. Thank you ladies!

[J. Lum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pope was every bit the surprise. LP Lovell kept me on my toes until the very last bit. I’m not dropping spoilers but I was every bit jaw drop and excited. This book had a little bit of everything you would expect from a LP Lovell book: a little bit dark, suspenseful, beautifully broken characters that are resilient and devious. Bless me father for I’ve sinned is right. I couldn’t put this book down, and it’s well worth the pick-up for a sexy, darkish weekend read.

[Rowan Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! I felt like I waited so long for this book,I was so excited when it hit my kindle.When it comes to mafia/gangster books L.P has it down to a fine art! Loved Judas the Priest (the irony isn't lost!) and Delila.The twists and turns especially at the end of the book will leave you gasping for more,an amazing introduction to the Kingsley brothers,can't wait to read more.

[🅙𝔲𝔩𝔷 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t care much for the heroine. Story felt rushed but I am looking forward to saints book.