I read and enjoyed the first book in this series but really struggled to get into this book. Moira just seemed so needy and bane gave me “pathetic”. There are so many 5 stars on this book so maybe I’m just not in the right mindset or I’ve been ruined by Pam Godwin’s books giving me the sinner guidebook.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review.

5+++ STARS!! Stasia you have done it again. The gang is back and this book was better than Christmas. It gave me everything I wanted and so much more. That cliffhanger at the end though..!!! 🔥 I need more! If you are looking for another fast paced, delicious installment in this series look no further. I absolutely adored Moira and Bane and their development. I cried with Moira, I felt her pain, the tension and angst was just chef's kiss. READ THIS!!!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Not for me unfortunately. Frankly, it was a mess imo.

Read up to chapter 18 and things didn't improve - if anything, it got wackier and weirder. Even the whole premise and intrigue of a forbidden romance with a priest pretty much died off the moment they were officially together (very early on in the book so I felt there wasn't enough tension or stakes built up).

The rest of the story felt like it didn't know what genre to be - billionaire romance, thriller suspense, marriage of convenience, assassin/mafia storyline, succession vibes in the last quarter??? The lack of direction and plot was further reinforced with random time jumps (including one right in the middle of a spicy scene lol). Even the smut couldn't save this book for me. I stopped caring around the time of the second random time jump (in which nothing plot-wise was actually happening so idk what the point of it was???).

The 'romance' had me scratching my head - there was no chemistry or connection. Lots of mentions of side characters and their individual character arcs which might be interesting to those who have read the author's prior works but the inclusion of all these other characters made me feel that this cannot be read as a standalone.

Appreciated the inclusion of various topics regarding mental health though.

Would not read again.

Overall rating: 0.25/5

The title delivers what it promises and summarises the book perfectly! I thoroughly enjoyed this dark and intense romance novel that felt like an emotional rollercoaster and kept me hooked from the start with its complex characters, suspense, intrigue, danger, sizzling chemistry and hot love scenes. I already knew Moira from the first part of the series, which I really enjoyed, and was curious to find out more about her story. Readers of the previous book „7 Days“ (previously titled „Cherry Auction“) know that Moira is a sex addict and doesn't quite have her life under control. But in the course of this book you realise that there is much more to it than that. Bane also has mental health issues brought on by his childhood with his hedonistic, controlling father. The chemistry between the two sizzles from the start and although they are totally different in nature, they are just right for each other. The other characters from the previous book and other members from the Carnal and previous events also play big roles, so I definitely recommend starting with the first installment of the series.
I can well imagine that some readers might find some scenes offensive or upsetting, that’s why I would advise reading the author's trigger warnings beforehand and taking them seriously.

Bane Blackwolf aka Father Blackwood turned to the priesthood to atone for his sinful and dissolute life under his father’s influence, to control his urges and to find peace. Nevertheless, he secretly visits Carnal in disguise and spends a hot night with Moira, whom he cannot forget afterwards and becomes obsessed with. He secretly observes her during the nights.
Since the incidents of the previous year, Moira's brother Domhn has broken off contact with her and she feels more alone and driven than before. The inner pressure, which she can only control with sex, is getting worse and worse. But after her night with dom Bane, she no longer has any satisfaction from it. On the run from a violent lover, she meets Bane again, who takes her to his parish house and begins her training in self-control and self-discipline...

If you enjoy dark BDSM romances with a lot of depth and emotion, you are sure to enjoy this book!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

Thank you Stasia Black and NetGalley for letting me read the ARC of this. My spoiler review will come once the book is released.

Why You Should Read This:
- You want a fast paced romance with smut
- You like FMC's who struggle and combat mental health
- You like your spice scenes mixed up and not similar
- You like when the FMC/MC actually like each other
- You want a FMC and MC that match each others freak

Why I gave it 4 Stars
- FMC
- FMC's character arc in the second half
- MC in the second arc
- Second arc

i honestly enjoyed this. it was like a smutty little palette cleanser and just what i was looking for.

Having not read another book from this author, I went into this book and felt like I was missing part of the story, so I wouldn't say this is a "standalone." The FMC doesn't get a great character arc; besides, everything wrong she's done is because of a mental illness diagnosis at the end of the book, and she is incredibly unlikeable. The MMC seems whiny and terrible at communication; while you think his being a priest would significantly impact the story, it doesn't. If you've read from this author before and you're invested in the characters and like her writing style, this book is definitely for you, but I wouldn't recommend it as a first read from her, 2.5 stars!

The title and cover immediately had me wanting to know what this story was about. I'm so pleased with how it unfolded. The characters are flawed but well crafted. The pacing and action moved at a great pace. I didn't want to put this book down. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Rating: 4.5⭐️
Spice: 5🌶️

Where to start…

So this is my first time reading a book from this author and I have no complaints. The book cover and name pulled my attention but the minute I read the description I was done for and had to add to my kindle 😍

5 things I loved:
1- The MMC (morally grey priest trying to hold onto the expectations of his role) / The FMC (who is portrayed as damaged yet also remains strong)
2-The background characters that don’t just stay as fleeting characters. They all play an important role in the fluidity of the storyline.
3-I just Loved Loved LOVED the introduction to multiple different mental health disorders and the research or personal experience the author must have had to portray it in a way that is realistic and doesn’t contradict the real struggles that people suffer on a daily basis.
4-I loved that I never knew what was going to come next. The story kept me gripped and questioning.
5- I just was not expecting to read about YODA😂and Father BlackWolfs witty response had me thinking about those few lines even when the book was finished.

1 aspect of the book that wasn’t fully spoken about was the tension and angst between the FMC and her brother, their situation was just brushed over and hinted at. I would have loved to see more of them together however I loved the way it ended for them.

Overall a great read 100% recommend