Well, this certainly gets points for originality! It’s a completely fascinating storyline that – let’s be honest here – you’re either going to love or hate. The concept is not for everyone, but it makes for an interesting, unique read that I had no trouble bingeing in one sitting. I really loved this hero; he made a decision at 21 while grieving the loss of his mother, and it may not have been the right one. I empathized with Patrick, and I loved what a genuinely good guy he is. His backstory is similar to that of a playboy unwilling to open up his heart to love again… he just went about it differently, lol. Patrick and Sasha make this forbidden romance a chemistry-filled, engrossing read.
The story follows Patrick, a man who made the decision to become a priest while he was young, brokenhearted, and a little vulnerable. While that decision has felt like the right one for the last ten years, the role no long fits as well as it once did. Not only is he disheartened by the church and feeling more isolated than ever, but there’s a woman who has been testing his willpower for the last few years. The more Patrick gets to know Sasha, the more difficult it is to stay away. And since he’s taken a vow of celibacy, that comes with its own set of complications. As the two try to figure out what to do with their attraction, the lines get blurred.
First and foremost, this won’t be for everyone. It both IS and ISN’T respectful to the Catholic faith; there are definitely things about the storyline that will probably bug you if you’re religious. But I knew that going in. This is more about the forbidden element, the tension, and the right/wrong of what they’re doing. Have no doubt, this is a slow burn, but the sexual tension is there from the start. While I loved Patrick throughout, I wasn’t always as sold on Sasha. She’s dating another (dud of a) guy for much of the story, and there are a few moments that you might consider cheating. It wasn’t enough to detract from my interest in the story, but I also won’t say that I loved that element. Overall, this was a fascinating, unique romance, and well worth a read.
And one last thing: I actually kinda love the cover, because it’s just the right kind of taboo for this one-of-a-kind love story (she’s definitely either the angel or devil on his shoulder), but it also doesn’t represent our couple. Patrick’s black hair and green eyes are described so many times that they’re definitely relevant to the storyline, so… why does this illustration have brown hair and brown eyes? It’s a simple fix, and many readers will likely pick up on the discrepancy. This Father What-a-Waste is sexier than that: picture a bad boy with dark hair, a devilish grin, and devastating dimples. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this forbidden romance.
Hot Under His Collar releases on July 20th!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oHLuOn
“Andie J. Christopher made my Fleabag-loving heart sing with her edgy, witty, and heartfelt take on forbidden romance with a priest. Her scintillating and droll prose will hook you and keep you on your toes. If you like your romcoms naughty and deft, HOT UNDER HIS COLLAR is the book for you.”—Sarah Smith, author of Simmer Down
Blurb:
He’s forbidden fruit and she’s a rule follower, but their connection is something to believe in.
Father Patrick Dooley joined the clergy to fulfill his mother’s dying wish. While it once gave him purpose, he not so sure it’s his calling anymore. But it’s all he’s ever known and he’s not sure what he wants to do with his life if he decides to leave the priesthood. How can he reconcile his faith with his growing desire to live a different life?
Sasha Finerghty was content to admire Patrick from afar while she dated men who were perfect on paper and wrong in real life. But with Patrick’s church in need of funding to keep a community program afloat, she’s just the girl to solve their fundraising problem. Spending more time together only fuels Sasha’s crush on him, who finds a kindred soul in her.
The more Patrick gets to know Sasha, the easier it is for him to see a future unfolding for them. But it will take a leap of faith to turn their friendship into something more, and neither of them are quite ready to make the jump.
Hot Under His Collar releases on July 20th!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oHLuOn
About the Author:
USA Today bestselling author Andie J. Christopher writes edgy, funny, sexy contemporary romance featuring heat, humor, and dirty talking heroes that make readers sweat. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Stanford Law School, she grew up in a family of voracious readers, and picked up her first romance novel at age twelve when she’d finished reading everything else in her grandmother’s house.
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