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Kalili's Temptation #1
Finding Faith
Can an angel and a demon find love?
Kalili's a demon. In 10th century Rome, her job is simple: corrupt humans. It's also dead boring. Her latest assignment, a pimply teenager named Octavianus who might someday be pope, is a case in point. After all, there are only so many ways Tab A can go into Slot B. But she's content with her life, easing through her days, until she's told of a new angel in town.
One sent to kill her.
Faith has a simple job. Go to Earth, find a demon, slay her for demonic acts, and return. Of course, it's always the simplest things which are the trickiest. Finding Kalili is easy enough when you're given directions, but actually killing her proves more difficult. Not because Kalili resists, but because there's...something between them.
As they continue their dance, each begins to disobey their rules. Kalili tells the truth and breaks off her assignment, while Faith passes up opportunity after opportunity to kill Kalili. When they can no longer deny their attraction, they're left with the question: what next?
What they discover will shatter their perception of the world and may give them the chance at love they seek.
Read the novel reviewers call "witty, funny, and fun", "an enthralling romance", and "the perfect balance of wholesome and seductive."
When an angel and a demon fall in love, there's Hell to pay...and Heaven's waiting its turn.
Kalili's a demon. In 10th century Rome, her job is simple: corrupt humans. It's also dead boring. Her latest assignment, a pimply teenager named Octavianus who might someday be pope, is a case in point. After all, there are only so many ways Tab A can go into Slot B. But she's content with her life, easing through her days, until she's told of a new angel in town.
One sent to kill her.
Faith has a simple job. Go to Earth, find a demon, slay her for demonic acts, and return. Of course, it's always the simplest things which are the trickiest. Finding Kalili is easy enough when you're given directions, but actually killing her proves more difficult. Not because Kalili resists, but because there's...something between them.
As they continue their dance, each begins to disobey their rules. Kalili tells the truth and breaks off her assignment, while Faith passes up opportunity after opportunity to kill Kalili. When they can no longer deny their attraction, they're left with the question: what next?
What they discover will shatter their perception of the world and may give them the chance at love they seek.
Read the novel reviewers call "witty, funny, and fun", "an enthralling romance", and "the perfect balance of wholesome and seductive."
When an angel and a demon fall in love, there's Hell to pay...and Heaven's waiting its turn.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2022
48 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Adams
6 books14 followerssee: Adam Gaffen
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 21, 2023
AC Adams, as it came to light, is not a real person. In fact, it's author Adam Gaffen that came up with a pretty elaborate fictional persona that he decided to use as a "pen name".
As a woman, being lied to by men in many different ways isn't something new to me.
As a lesbian, being deceived by men who had ulterior motives, unfortunately, isn't something new to me either.
I'm appalled at some men who, obviously, still don't care about the very real and private issues that many women and queer people struggle with to this very day.
Yes, in the past there were a lot of female authors who used pen names or even posed as men. But they did that out of necessity, they had little to no rights and freedoms in a male-dominated society, and that often was their only alternative to get published at all.
You (referring to mr. Adam Gaffen) never faced such restrictions or discrimination. You have no idea what it's like to be a woman, you have no idea what it's like to be a queer woman. You just chose an easier way to appeal to a community that already has tons of issues with the right to represent themselves while being cautious and on high alert every step of the way. A community that has been deceived and abused by men for years. Because the truth is that you represent the least discriminated society today - the one of the cis-het white male. And you did all of that just for your own personal gain.
I personally wouldn't have had any issues if you didn't go through such an elaborate plan to pose as a lesbian, to invent a fictional family, a wife, a degree and so on. You not only did that, but you also tried to connect to your readers via email, I have several of those in my own inbox. You also created a profile on social media which was quite active in various lesbian groups, leaving comments on almost every post and sending dm's, to me included.
I wouldn't have had any issues reading the books that you published under "AC Adams" if I knew you were a man.
But what you did, the effort that went into creating this entire fake personal life and then simply deleting it when it no longer served your purpose, is where you crossed numerous lines and everything became disgusting and damaging. Profiting from a marginalized community by pretending to be a part of it, by pretending to be an ally, is shameful to say the least.
As a woman, being lied to by men in many different ways isn't something new to me.
As a lesbian, being deceived by men who had ulterior motives, unfortunately, isn't something new to me either.
I'm appalled at some men who, obviously, still don't care about the very real and private issues that many women and queer people struggle with to this very day.
Yes, in the past there were a lot of female authors who used pen names or even posed as men. But they did that out of necessity, they had little to no rights and freedoms in a male-dominated society, and that often was their only alternative to get published at all.
You (referring to mr. Adam Gaffen) never faced such restrictions or discrimination. You have no idea what it's like to be a woman, you have no idea what it's like to be a queer woman. You just chose an easier way to appeal to a community that already has tons of issues with the right to represent themselves while being cautious and on high alert every step of the way. A community that has been deceived and abused by men for years. Because the truth is that you represent the least discriminated society today - the one of the cis-het white male. And you did all of that just for your own personal gain.
I personally wouldn't have had any issues if you didn't go through such an elaborate plan to pose as a lesbian, to invent a fictional family, a wife, a degree and so on. You not only did that, but you also tried to connect to your readers via email, I have several of those in my own inbox. You also created a profile on social media which was quite active in various lesbian groups, leaving comments on almost every post and sending dm's, to me included.
I wouldn't have had any issues reading the books that you published under "AC Adams" if I knew you were a man.
But what you did, the effort that went into creating this entire fake personal life and then simply deleting it when it no longer served your purpose, is where you crossed numerous lines and everything became disgusting and damaging. Profiting from a marginalized community by pretending to be a part of it, by pretending to be an ally, is shameful to say the least.
June 21, 2023
A man releasing books as a lesbian is not for me.
January 6, 2025
Edit January 6, 2025:
I don't know why I forgot to delete this review but now it's done. AC Adams doesn't exist, and while pen names are more than okay, pretending to be a young lesbian and creating a whole personality when you're a cis man isn't. If you haven't yet, you should read Jae's post about catfishing in the sapphic fiction community.
I don't know why I forgot to delete this review but now it's done. AC Adams doesn't exist, and while pen names are more than okay, pretending to be a young lesbian and creating a whole personality when you're a cis man isn't. If you haven't yet, you should read Jae's post about catfishing in the sapphic fiction community.
June 22, 2023
Heartbroken…just torn to shreds…AC Adams is not real. He is a man. AC Adams is an alter ego…
Updated with thoughts:
I thought it’d be best to share my take on a recent situation within the sapphic romance bookish community instead of remaining silent.
It has come to light that AC Adams, a well-known sapphic author among us, is actually Adam Gaffen. A man who created a persona to exploit the community and make profit from it. This revelation has been surprising for many of us. It’s completely valid to feel a sense of betrayal and disappointment when an individual we trusted turns out to be different than we believed.
Many of us had built a connection with the AC Adams persona, and we fell victim to the deception. It’s disheartening to realize that our discussions, their advice, and the help we received were all part of this elaborate ruse.
I had Finding Faith, a book written by “AC Adams” proudly displayed on my shelf, but I made the decision to discard it. It was an unfortunate realization that the feelings I once had for the story have been tainted by a sense of betrayal.
Moving forward, let us acknowledge and honor these feelings while seeking solace and healing within our sapphic bookish community. Our experiences are valid, and it is essential to give ourselves the space and time to process this sense of betrayal.
This situation will not define the community, but rather serve as a reminder of our collective strength and the importance of genuine representation.
Together, we will move forward, reclaiming our love for literature and embracing and writing stories that will tap into the hearts of sapphic book lovers written by authentic and genuine representation.
Updated with thoughts:
I thought it’d be best to share my take on a recent situation within the sapphic romance bookish community instead of remaining silent.
It has come to light that AC Adams, a well-known sapphic author among us, is actually Adam Gaffen. A man who created a persona to exploit the community and make profit from it. This revelation has been surprising for many of us. It’s completely valid to feel a sense of betrayal and disappointment when an individual we trusted turns out to be different than we believed.
Many of us had built a connection with the AC Adams persona, and we fell victim to the deception. It’s disheartening to realize that our discussions, their advice, and the help we received were all part of this elaborate ruse.
I had Finding Faith, a book written by “AC Adams” proudly displayed on my shelf, but I made the decision to discard it. It was an unfortunate realization that the feelings I once had for the story have been tainted by a sense of betrayal.
Moving forward, let us acknowledge and honor these feelings while seeking solace and healing within our sapphic bookish community. Our experiences are valid, and it is essential to give ourselves the space and time to process this sense of betrayal.
This situation will not define the community, but rather serve as a reminder of our collective strength and the importance of genuine representation.
Together, we will move forward, reclaiming our love for literature and embracing and writing stories that will tap into the hearts of sapphic book lovers written by authentic and genuine representation.
August 5, 2025
The author writes fairly well and concocted a fairly novel plot. That’s about the best I can say of this book. I walked into it thinking that it was a supernatural lesbian romance, but I encountered more verbiage about men, about their dangly bits, and about having sex with them than in all of the many, many lesbian novels I have read put together, which seemed rather odd. I’m wondering if the author should perhaps have posted one of those “trigger warnings” at the front of the book, lest at least some unwary lesbians become subject to PTSD flashbacks. Furthermore, after dragging me through so many vivid scenes of het sex, when we finally get to the big woman-on-woman sexual encounter at the book’s end, the term the author uses for a woman’s clitoris is “nubbin,” a variant of the dread “nub,” and worse in some ways since it made me think of “nubbling” or “nibbling” or something. If this book hoped to be erotic, well it didn’t work for me as such. I didn’t much care for or about any of the characters, and I didn’t find the demon’s — or the angel’s — character evolution to be believable. Let’s sum it up this way: I was 92% of the way through the book when I went to sleep last night. Usually, I wouldn’t be able to put a book aside at that point. But not only did I put it aside, but I left it there all day. I felt no urgency to finish it or to “find out what happened,” which is good because the author shortly thereafter ends the book in mid-scene, hoping, I guess, to leave us chomping at the bit to read the next book in the series. No, thank you. I think I’ve exceeded my dick/scrotum/cum quotient for both this year and a number more still to cum, I mean come.
June 22, 2023
The story being good or not, when an author fucks up is time to bury characters, even the ones I love.
Which makes me quite annoyed because I really really liked Kalili and Faith, now I'll have to grieve them on top of everything else I'm enraged about.
Which makes me quite annoyed because I really really liked Kalili and Faith, now I'll have to grieve them on top of everything else I'm enraged about.
June 22, 2023
Even though I enjoyed this book when I first read it, I am changing my review and will no longer be reading anything by this author because they are not who they say they are. AC Adams is actually a 50 something year old straight man pretending to be a 20 something lesbian. Do not read anything by this catfishing liar.
June 23, 2023
Changed my rating to one star after reading other 1-* reviews and the story behind AC Adams by Jae:
https://jae-fiction.com/catfishing-in...
https://jae-fiction.com/catfishing-in...
June 22, 2023
The author is actual an older man, and completely lied about their identity. Pretending to be a member of a marginalized community is always disgusting, and preying on the LGBTQIA+ community (and feelings of safety and support from the sapphic community specifically) is unacceptable. We don’t need or want anymore sapphic books written by men who don’t understand the community or the lived experiences of sapphics, and only want to exploit the “exciting” nature of our love.
June 21, 2023
So... he is a man...
June 21, 2023
While I enjoyed this book, I do not condone the misrepresentation of the author and therefore cannot in good conscious leave a review based solely off the content of the work. While who an author is would normally never enter into my review process, creating an author persona and leading others to believe that persona is really you to gain readers and a following is reprehensible. There are terrific male sapphic authors out there and had the deception not been so extensive, this could have been one too.
June 21, 2023
While this book was really good and I enjoyed reading, I do not like nor support how "AC Adams" aka Adam Gaffen (a straight man) deceived everyone by pretending to be a lesbain woman writer. I have nothing against men writing lesbian fiction, but what i think is wrong is that he pretended to be a lesbian woman complete with a fake profile picture. I will no longer be supporting his work due to this.
June 22, 2023
Author is not a lesbian but in fact an older male author named Adam Gaffen. He’s tricked many people into thinking AC Adams was an up and coming lesbian author. Would have been easier for him to just publish as Adam instead of lying.
no-thanks
June 23, 2023Avoid, avoid, avoid!
This 'lesbian' author has just been exposed as a man. A man who misled many authors and readers in the community.
I have no issue with men writing lesfic, Geonn Cannon is one of my favourite authors in the genre, but don't invent an entire new persona and deceive people.
https://jae-fiction.com/catfishing-in...
This 'lesbian' author has just been exposed as a man. A man who misled many authors and readers in the community.
I have no issue with men writing lesfic, Geonn Cannon is one of my favourite authors in the genre, but don't invent an entire new persona and deceive people.
https://jae-fiction.com/catfishing-in...
March 11, 2023
I actually grabbed this book last year but didn’t finish it. Only because before this, I’ve read another Demon/Angel trope book and there are lots of straight sex, and all of them are sexual assault. It was so bad.
So when I read the first few chapters of Finding Faith, I assumed it would be one of those books, too.
I was so wrong! And I enjoy it thoroughly! Fair to say there are explicit straight sex scenes, too. But they all have a purpose, and one of the MCs has everything in control. You wouldn’t feel violated.
Kalili and Faith are just lovable. They have an instant attraction that you might feel out of nowhere, but then there’s a twist, and everything makes scene. It’s brilliant!
I love A.C. Adams's writing style, the world build is quite thoughtful.
Love it. Can’t wait to read the next one!
So when I read the first few chapters of Finding Faith, I assumed it would be one of those books, too.
I was so wrong! And I enjoy it thoroughly! Fair to say there are explicit straight sex scenes, too. But they all have a purpose, and one of the MCs has everything in control. You wouldn’t feel violated.
Kalili and Faith are just lovable. They have an instant attraction that you might feel out of nowhere, but then there’s a twist, and everything makes scene. It’s brilliant!
I love A.C. Adams's writing style, the world build is quite thoughtful.
Love it. Can’t wait to read the next one!
August 24, 2022
In 10th Century Rome, demons and angels battle to corrupt or save humans, trying ensure their souls go to the Below or Upstairs, depending on what outcome would be most beneficial. Of course, the demons and angels do not agree on where each human should end up, and fight to get them where they want them.
Kalili is a demon on an assignment, trying to corrupt a soul and prevent him from becoming Pope, when she receives news that she is no longer safe, and that an angel is trying to find her in order to kill her. Except, when the angel does find her, she is not at all what Kalili expected. Faith is not a trained warrior, but is inexperienced, and cannot answer Kalili’s questions as to who wants her dead, or why.
But while Faith has no answers as to why Kalili’s death has been ordered, neither can figure out why they are drawn to each other, why they feel an instant connection, and why they would both rather not kill the other. An angel and a demon working together is one thing – an angel and a demon falling in love is another thing entirely.
I am not sure if enemies to lovers is the correct term to describe Kalili and Faith’s relationship. It is more enemies to immediate lovers while being confused about why they like each other, and trying to maintain the facade that they shouldn’t get along. This book is told from Kalili’s perspective, and, as the demon of the pair, she should be trying to corrupt, not caring too much about the lives of the humans around her, focusing on her assignment. But doing so is difficult when being near Faith makes her feel like doing the ‘right thing’. On the other end, Faith is incredibly naive, she doesn’t understand the world, and although she has been around a long time, she has little experience in anything. You might say that Kalili is a bad influence on her, but Kalili helps her to figure out who she really is, rather than just someone blindly following orders.
The pairing of someone who is characteristically good, and one who is characteristically bad, is an opportunity that has definitely been taken with this book. Faith and Kalili clearly have their own opinions on what is okay to do, and they each contradict the other’s viewpoints and beliefs. But, their inability to walk away from each other means they must figure out a middle ground, and the effect they have on each other certainly helps to level the playing field.
I loved watching the development of Kalili and Faith’s relationship. From the moment they first meet, you can instantly tell there is a connection between them, but neither have any idea why they have the connection, or how they are meant to move on with their assignments when all they want to do is be together. With Faith being so unlearned about life in general, Kalili takes her under her wing, (in the metaphorical sense, although they do both have wings, being a demon and an angel!) and helps her as they try and find a way to figure out why they have such a connection.
There is something so beautiful about the way Kalili and Faith trust each other so completely, even though they shouldn’t. In the most tense of situations, they both know that the other will do anything to keep them safe. They don’t worry about their own safety, because the other is already doing that for them. And, considering they are not in a modern setting, but in 10th Century Rome, there is certainly danger around. The mix of their relationship, in an ancient world setting, worked wonderfully. The necessity for discretion, considering a same gender relationship was something they had to hide, slotted perfectly into the story, and added an extra level of tension, as they tried to lie and act their way out of situations I wasn’t sure they would get out of safely.
Angels, demons, passion, lust, danger… is there anything missing from this book?! From simply two separate assignments, to a strong and unyielding love, Kalili and Faith are a couple that would take on Heaven and Hell to be together, and their relationship is absolutely delightful to read about. With an ending full of revelations, this book itself is simply the genesis of what promises to be a glorious series that I absolutely cannot wait to read.
Kalili is a demon on an assignment, trying to corrupt a soul and prevent him from becoming Pope, when she receives news that she is no longer safe, and that an angel is trying to find her in order to kill her. Except, when the angel does find her, she is not at all what Kalili expected. Faith is not a trained warrior, but is inexperienced, and cannot answer Kalili’s questions as to who wants her dead, or why.
But while Faith has no answers as to why Kalili’s death has been ordered, neither can figure out why they are drawn to each other, why they feel an instant connection, and why they would both rather not kill the other. An angel and a demon working together is one thing – an angel and a demon falling in love is another thing entirely.
I am not sure if enemies to lovers is the correct term to describe Kalili and Faith’s relationship. It is more enemies to immediate lovers while being confused about why they like each other, and trying to maintain the facade that they shouldn’t get along. This book is told from Kalili’s perspective, and, as the demon of the pair, she should be trying to corrupt, not caring too much about the lives of the humans around her, focusing on her assignment. But doing so is difficult when being near Faith makes her feel like doing the ‘right thing’. On the other end, Faith is incredibly naive, she doesn’t understand the world, and although she has been around a long time, she has little experience in anything. You might say that Kalili is a bad influence on her, but Kalili helps her to figure out who she really is, rather than just someone blindly following orders.
The pairing of someone who is characteristically good, and one who is characteristically bad, is an opportunity that has definitely been taken with this book. Faith and Kalili clearly have their own opinions on what is okay to do, and they each contradict the other’s viewpoints and beliefs. But, their inability to walk away from each other means they must figure out a middle ground, and the effect they have on each other certainly helps to level the playing field.
I loved watching the development of Kalili and Faith’s relationship. From the moment they first meet, you can instantly tell there is a connection between them, but neither have any idea why they have the connection, or how they are meant to move on with their assignments when all they want to do is be together. With Faith being so unlearned about life in general, Kalili takes her under her wing, (in the metaphorical sense, although they do both have wings, being a demon and an angel!) and helps her as they try and find a way to figure out why they have such a connection.
There is something so beautiful about the way Kalili and Faith trust each other so completely, even though they shouldn’t. In the most tense of situations, they both know that the other will do anything to keep them safe. They don’t worry about their own safety, because the other is already doing that for them. And, considering they are not in a modern setting, but in 10th Century Rome, there is certainly danger around. The mix of their relationship, in an ancient world setting, worked wonderfully. The necessity for discretion, considering a same gender relationship was something they had to hide, slotted perfectly into the story, and added an extra level of tension, as they tried to lie and act their way out of situations I wasn’t sure they would get out of safely.
Angels, demons, passion, lust, danger… is there anything missing from this book?! From simply two separate assignments, to a strong and unyielding love, Kalili and Faith are a couple that would take on Heaven and Hell to be together, and their relationship is absolutely delightful to read about. With an ending full of revelations, this book itself is simply the genesis of what promises to be a glorious series that I absolutely cannot wait to read.
July 8, 2023
When you learn more about the author, perhaps it explains why the TMI on the straight seggs.
More than likely someone will like that aspect of it.
I don't approve of how this author has disrespected the community he markets to and dealt exploitatively with other authors.
More than likely someone will like that aspect of it.
I don't approve of how this author has disrespected the community he markets to and dealt exploitatively with other authors.
June 24, 2023
Catfishing author aside, I’ve never had to read about so many c*cks in a lesbian romance novel. I guess we should have all guessed it was written by a straight male?
Seriously though, the unnecessary detailed volume of reluctant straight sex was a very big detraction to the story for me. And while the premise of the story was promising, I just felt it failed to deliver. The single, eventual lesbian sex scene was very flat too. Clumsy almost.
A real shame.
Seriously though, the unnecessary detailed volume of reluctant straight sex was a very big detraction to the story for me. And while the premise of the story was promising, I just felt it failed to deliver. The single, eventual lesbian sex scene was very flat too. Clumsy almost.
A real shame.
February 8, 2023
Author Adams weaves a great tale about a Demon and an Angel falling in love after the Angel is assigned to kill the Demon.
Lots of steamy scenes to keep it hot.
Kalili and Faith were meant to be together, since the beginning of time, and their power, United, is growing stronger.
I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to the next.
Lots of steamy scenes to keep it hot.
Kalili and Faith were meant to be together, since the beginning of time, and their power, United, is growing stronger.
I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to the next.
September 30, 2023
I was rec'd this book a dozen times. Never did I suspect the author Adam gaffen was pretending to be a lesbian. However like other reviews this turned out to be terrible without his behavior. 👋 Choppy sentences. A oddly similar plot to good omens and on top of it all he's now rebranding it to escape his shame. Or lack of, therein.
March 27, 2023
Well all I can say at this moment is:
a) five stars are not nearly enough!
b) look at the categories I have filed this under, that might tell you something.
c) I'll probably be more coherent to write a proper review -hopefully :)
a) five stars are not nearly enough!
b) look at the categories I have filed this under, that might tell you something.
c) I'll probably be more coherent to write a proper review -hopefully :)
Read
June 23, 2023I won't read something that is written by someone who is lying to my community so he can make money off of something he knows nothing about.
If I knew the model whose picture he is claiming on his bio I would suggest she sues him for copyright breaches and identity theft.
If I knew the model whose picture he is claiming on his bio I would suggest she sues him for copyright breaches and identity theft.
February 10, 2023
This ended up being very much like Good Omens--probably the most Good Omens something has ever been that wasn't actually Good Omens. Heaven and hell are burecratic nightmares and angels and demons are made from the same stock. It's just a job and everyone hates paperwork.
Like, to the point where it reads like GO fanfic but with our guys looking like hot young women. Which is fine but I have read tons of GO fanfics and this is not very good.
Like it even has that weird anime girl insertion that fanfics sometimes have? You know, the one that was stationed in Japan and adopted the vibe? She has purple hair and is short and bossy?
Also, the clothing in the cover art made me think that it was going to be a through-the-ages situation because Kalili is obviously wearing western style Victorian wear. It's definitely not 10th century Roman garb.
I'm giving it three stars because, c'mon, it's practically Good Omens. The premise is interesting but the plot kind of goes off the rails and becomes really meandery. Also, for this being a love story between two woman-presenting beings, there's a lot of boinking with dongs in this book and a lot of male-gaziness. I was surprised when I read the acknowledgements at the end and realized the author was a woman.
Anyway, I won't be reading the next installment but if you're really jonesing for something while you wait for the next season of Good Omens, this isn't terrible. But also check out Ao3, y'all. There's some excellent stuff out there.
Like, to the point where it reads like GO fanfic but with our guys looking like hot young women. Which is fine but I have read tons of GO fanfics and this is not very good.
Like it even has that weird anime girl insertion that fanfics sometimes have? You know, the one that was stationed in Japan and adopted the vibe? She has purple hair and is short and bossy?
Also, the clothing in the cover art made me think that it was going to be a through-the-ages situation because Kalili is obviously wearing western style Victorian wear. It's definitely not 10th century Roman garb.
I'm giving it three stars because, c'mon, it's practically Good Omens. The premise is interesting but the plot kind of goes off the rails and becomes really meandery. Also, for this being a love story between two woman-presenting beings, there's a lot of boinking with dongs in this book and a lot of male-gaziness. I was surprised when I read the acknowledgements at the end and realized the author was a woman.
Anyway, I won't be reading the next installment but if you're really jonesing for something while you wait for the next season of Good Omens, this isn't terrible. But also check out Ao3, y'all. There's some excellent stuff out there.
September 9, 2022
I got this book as an ARC. I promised to leave an honest review. Honestly, I can not wait to read more in this series. I recommend this book to everyone looking for a Spicy, humorous, LGBTQ+ Romance.
From the moment Kalili and Faith meet, you can feel the connection. It may not be one they want, but it's definitely the one they need. To say things start out rocky is an understatement. I mean Faith is only sent to kill Kalili, that's a small obstacle. Of course, Kalili being a demon and Faith being an angel could be a bigger one.
This is the Angel and Demon I want on my shoulders. The fun that would be had. ;)
From the moment Kalili and Faith meet, you can feel the connection. It may not be one they want, but it's definitely the one they need. To say things start out rocky is an understatement. I mean Faith is only sent to kill Kalili, that's a small obstacle. Of course, Kalili being a demon and Faith being an angel could be a bigger one.
This is the Angel and Demon I want on my shoulders. The fun that would be had. ;)
April 26, 2024
Sometimes, I wish I had more than 5 stars to choose from for my rating. It's not often I feel that way, but this one of those times. Nuance, you know? Like, this was maybe 2.5 stars, at the most!
I'm actually having a lot of conflicting feelings on this one. I liked the concept more than the execution. For once, I had a hard time getting a feel for the characters. Namely Faith, who we only see from Kal's eyes. But she seems...two dimensional. At first, she was naive and sweet and kind of easily confused. Which makes sense, considering how little time she has spent on Earth and all. But then she has moments of acting like, well, an angel, and they are so sudden and so out of character. And there's no segue! She could have come across as someone with layers and depth and this hidden side that only comes out when it has to, such as when Kal seems to be in danger, but instead, it just feels like I am reading about two people.
And why in this version of demons vs angels is sex still considered a sin, but Faith has no concern over her soulmate being a woman?? Now, I don't think either sex or homosexuality is sinful, but that isn't the point. I'm looking for continuity! And the idea of same-sex relationships is barely even touched on, let alone framed in a sinful or concerning way. Struck me as weird.
Smaller infraction, but still worth mentioning: Dialogue identifiers. Who do I know who is talking if you don't tell me?? Especially in a scene with two women; not only do I need identifiers throughout, but I need more than pronouns. I kept getting confused, and that is not where you want to be while you read!
P.S. Certain parts felt like something you would see on the r/MenWritingWomen sub....
I'm actually having a lot of conflicting feelings on this one. I liked the concept more than the execution. For once, I had a hard time getting a feel for the characters. Namely Faith, who we only see from Kal's eyes. But she seems...two dimensional. At first, she was naive and sweet and kind of easily confused. Which makes sense, considering how little time she has spent on Earth and all. But then she has moments of acting like, well, an angel, and they are so sudden and so out of character. And there's no segue! She could have come across as someone with layers and depth and this hidden side that only comes out when it has to, such as when Kal seems to be in danger, but instead, it just feels like I am reading about two people.
And why in this version of demons vs angels is sex still considered a sin, but Faith has no concern over her soulmate being a woman?? Now, I don't think either sex or homosexuality is sinful, but that isn't the point. I'm looking for continuity! And the idea of same-sex relationships is barely even touched on, let alone framed in a sinful or concerning way. Struck me as weird.
Smaller infraction, but still worth mentioning: Dialogue identifiers. Who do I know who is talking if you don't tell me?? Especially in a scene with two women; not only do I need identifiers throughout, but I need more than pronouns. I kept getting confused, and that is not where you want to be while you read!
P.S. Certain parts felt like something you would see on the r/MenWritingWomen sub....
September 16, 2022
Extremely fun, funny and sexy
Finding Faith is a witty, funny, and fun story. For a demon, Kalili has a lot of heart and a lot of jokes, and Faith is a rather badass angel. Together they make a badass (if at times incompetent) couple. I cannot wait for the next book!
Finding Faith is a witty, funny, and fun story. For a demon, Kalili has a lot of heart and a lot of jokes, and Faith is a rather badass angel. Together they make a badass (if at times incompetent) couple. I cannot wait for the next book!
September 26, 2022
This is just a huge piece of perfection that gobbles yoh up and leaves you wanting more. The depth and world building is absolutely perfect! And the trigger warning list had me ready to fall on the floor laughing.
March 6, 2023
TLDR: A demon and an angel (F/F) pursue freedom and love together, but need to stop thinking about the paperwork involved.
Before Finding Faith begins readers are provided with a rather humorous warning regarding the various topics and themes within the text. In summary, don’t read this if you’re clinging to the vestiges of modesty and morality. Expect debauchery and frivolity.
With that said, I must provide fellow lesbians with an additional disclaimer, especially as the synopsis suggests Finding Faith will be a predominantly sapphic romance. There is a substantial amount of heterosexual sex between the demonic protagonist and the various men she encounters. If you cannot stomach the thought of reading these scenes in the lead-up to the sapphic romance, spare yourself and skip this book. Everyone else, follow me to the next paragraph.
Finding Faith is set during the height of the Roman Empire and, as you might suspect, largely takes place in Rome. However, don’t expect a historical account of Rome as the presence of angels and demons has afforded the author liberties with the time period. The main character, Kalili, is a thousands-year-old demon and has grown bored with her duties and humanity. Her current assignment is to convince Octavianus to give up the pursuit of the papacy and turn to a life of sin. Unfortunately, heaven has issued a kill order on Kalili and she’s forced to flee her station before she can finish the job. But the angel sent to kill her isn’t what she imagined, and it’s not long before the pair decide they must team up if they’re going to survive.
Firstly, this is a fun, light read. Kalili is quirky and humorous and enjoys toying with almost everyone she encounters. She is, however, a terrible schemer because she leaps into action without thought. As a result, she has a tendency to get herself into tricky situations with few options for escape. Faith is more pragmatic, but she has little experience on Earth and walks around in a perpetual state of awe. So, their codependency is like the blind leading the blind. I found this endearing because it makes for some spectacularly sarcastic dialogue as their tempers flare with one another. Bear in mind, this book is light on description and heavy on dialogue. I miss the elegance of poetry in prose, but this is enjoyable as a mental palette cleanser.
However, there are several issues that need mentioning. There is a lot of “telling” and not “showing” the mechanics of hell, heaven, and the magic which is at work. I understand exposition is required for world-building, but there are many opportunities to incorporate it through action. Furthermore, the topic of paperwork and bureaucracy is brought up much too frequently. The first time is funny. The second time causes a smile. The twelfth time is groan-inducing. Additionally, there’s so much penis. So. Much. Penis. I don’t begrudge any bisexual, or any other identities, their enjoyment of the sex in this book. To each their own. But, I do wish I’d known just how much penis there would be.
So, should you read this? That depends. I like Kalili and Faith as a couple, and I enjoyed watching them throw barbs back and forth. Their relationship, new as it is, is sweet and full of promise. And I can easily see how other lesbians may enjoy it in spite of all the penis they’ll have to swallow to get there – pun 100% intended. Therefore, whether or not you should read this will depend on if you’re wanting to avoid men and if you see the culmination of the sapphic romance as being more important than having to read heterosexual sex.
Personally, I’ve lived through enough heterosexual sex in media that I’m not especially phased by it. Was it shocking to find so much of it in a sapphic romance? Yes. But, I think the story is interesting enough that I’d like to see where it goes. Maybe the second book in the series has 1,000% less penis? How will I know unless I read it? Stay tuned…
Before Finding Faith begins readers are provided with a rather humorous warning regarding the various topics and themes within the text. In summary, don’t read this if you’re clinging to the vestiges of modesty and morality. Expect debauchery and frivolity.
With that said, I must provide fellow lesbians with an additional disclaimer, especially as the synopsis suggests Finding Faith will be a predominantly sapphic romance. There is a substantial amount of heterosexual sex between the demonic protagonist and the various men she encounters. If you cannot stomach the thought of reading these scenes in the lead-up to the sapphic romance, spare yourself and skip this book. Everyone else, follow me to the next paragraph.
Finding Faith is set during the height of the Roman Empire and, as you might suspect, largely takes place in Rome. However, don’t expect a historical account of Rome as the presence of angels and demons has afforded the author liberties with the time period. The main character, Kalili, is a thousands-year-old demon and has grown bored with her duties and humanity. Her current assignment is to convince Octavianus to give up the pursuit of the papacy and turn to a life of sin. Unfortunately, heaven has issued a kill order on Kalili and she’s forced to flee her station before she can finish the job. But the angel sent to kill her isn’t what she imagined, and it’s not long before the pair decide they must team up if they’re going to survive.
Firstly, this is a fun, light read. Kalili is quirky and humorous and enjoys toying with almost everyone she encounters. She is, however, a terrible schemer because she leaps into action without thought. As a result, she has a tendency to get herself into tricky situations with few options for escape. Faith is more pragmatic, but she has little experience on Earth and walks around in a perpetual state of awe. So, their codependency is like the blind leading the blind. I found this endearing because it makes for some spectacularly sarcastic dialogue as their tempers flare with one another. Bear in mind, this book is light on description and heavy on dialogue. I miss the elegance of poetry in prose, but this is enjoyable as a mental palette cleanser.
However, there are several issues that need mentioning. There is a lot of “telling” and not “showing” the mechanics of hell, heaven, and the magic which is at work. I understand exposition is required for world-building, but there are many opportunities to incorporate it through action. Furthermore, the topic of paperwork and bureaucracy is brought up much too frequently. The first time is funny. The second time causes a smile. The twelfth time is groan-inducing. Additionally, there’s so much penis. So. Much. Penis. I don’t begrudge any bisexual, or any other identities, their enjoyment of the sex in this book. To each their own. But, I do wish I’d known just how much penis there would be.
So, should you read this? That depends. I like Kalili and Faith as a couple, and I enjoyed watching them throw barbs back and forth. Their relationship, new as it is, is sweet and full of promise. And I can easily see how other lesbians may enjoy it in spite of all the penis they’ll have to swallow to get there – pun 100% intended. Therefore, whether or not you should read this will depend on if you’re wanting to avoid men and if you see the culmination of the sapphic romance as being more important than having to read heterosexual sex.
Personally, I’ve lived through enough heterosexual sex in media that I’m not especially phased by it. Was it shocking to find so much of it in a sapphic romance? Yes. But, I think the story is interesting enough that I’d like to see where it goes. Maybe the second book in the series has 1,000% less penis? How will I know unless I read it? Stay tuned…
January 25, 2024
interesting….
As much as I liked it; it was just a bit too busy with too much going on. It’s hard to get lost and tempting to keep up with all the twists and turns and dealing with the paranormal aspects.
Although, being bi, I did not want any hetero sex in the story. So, if you’re only looking for WLW only scenes within the pages, you’ll be disappointed or will have to skip through it.
Kalili and Faith are both interesting characters. The plot was enough to want to see it through. But I didn’t read this straight through like I do most books by having them read within one day. This one took several days because I put it down to read other books in between when it came to parts of the story that just lagged or was uninteresting. However, I do like the writing style, the clever dialogues, witticism and humor.
Being an ex believer and knowing the Bible pretty well, I like this spin. It’s quite probable and believable. You can really appreciate this posit if you’re a fan of the book of Genesis. This made more sense than the Bible story itself.
As much as I liked it; it was just a bit too busy with too much going on. It’s hard to get lost and tempting to keep up with all the twists and turns and dealing with the paranormal aspects.
Although, being bi, I did not want any hetero sex in the story. So, if you’re only looking for WLW only scenes within the pages, you’ll be disappointed or will have to skip through it.
Kalili and Faith are both interesting characters. The plot was enough to want to see it through. But I didn’t read this straight through like I do most books by having them read within one day. This one took several days because I put it down to read other books in between when it came to parts of the story that just lagged or was uninteresting. However, I do like the writing style, the clever dialogues, witticism and humor.
Being an ex believer and knowing the Bible pretty well, I like this spin. It’s quite probable and believable. You can really appreciate this posit if you’re a fan of the book of Genesis. This made more sense than the Bible story itself.
March 3, 2023
I had great fun with this tale of a pretty experienced demon and an almost virginal angel sent to kill the demon. I found it quite humorous, what with Below and the Head Office, and all the paperwork both require, and I also found it edgy and to my liking how sex is used to manipulate all through the book, without any kind of shame, because, well, demons, corruption, and so forth.
The one thing I took seriously from this story is the discussions between demon and angel about what's right and what's wrong, and the great deal of shades of gray that are generally found in the middle.
Just two notes:
1. Not a book for people who'd rather not read about violence, murder, sex as weapon, an another host of pretty gory topics.
2. I positively frown upon the ending, to the point I doubt I'll read the next book in the series.
The one thing I took seriously from this story is the discussions between demon and angel about what's right and what's wrong, and the great deal of shades of gray that are generally found in the middle.
Just two notes:
1. Not a book for people who'd rather not read about violence, murder, sex as weapon, an another host of pretty gory topics.
2. I positively frown upon the ending, to the point I doubt I'll read the next book in the series.
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