Ancient House of Cards by Bryan T. Clark

 

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Sebastian Morales is smart, gorgeous and has just turned 30. He is also one of the youngest priests to be assigned to the sleepy little town of Morris Colorado, nestled just below the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Born in a remote village in Spain, Father Morales’s life had been perfectly scripted as he obtained his dreams. Now in America, he is tasked with revitalizing an aging congregation. The job seems easy until he meets Ian Stephens. Ian is troubled, good looking, openly gay and trapped between his own dreams and the responsibility he feels for caring for his aging mother.

Escorting his mother to Sunday mass one morning, Ian's and Father Morales’s life intersect, changing both forever. Ian believes he has seen something in the Father’s eyes that morning, a spark, an intuition, or was he just fantasizing about the seductively alluring priest?

Ian is willing to risk it all in order to find the answer, in turn feeding his own sexual desires and causing boundaries to be questioned by everyone.

After an unforeseen yet unforgettable kiss between the two men, will an Ancient House of Cards be toppled when they are faced with the moral dilemma that neither of them can escape?
**Please be aware that it is not a HEA in the manner that you would expect**

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Ancient House of Cards is a riveting read by Bryan T Clark. There is a romance in this tale, but it's not a romance in the end. There's a happy ending, but definitely not as you'd think. 

Damn, I couldn't put this book down. It's not all hearts and roses and happily ever afters, but it's one hell of a messy ride.

First, let me say that I do not like these characters at all. They are horrible people who don't learn from their mistakes until it's almost too late. So through most of this book, you will most likely despise them too.

I'm in love with stories about priests falling in love. I don't believe in celibacy. I also personally know several priests who left the priesthood to get married. So bring on the love! Thus, not only are these books fun for the taboo nature, but also just to see them finding love is fabulous. 

But again, this isn't quite that. It isn't what you're expecting. 

Sebastian and Ian are instantly attracted to one another and struggle with their forbidden desires. What follows is messy, angsty, and also maddening. 

Good god, I wanted to punch both men at times. They hold nothing back; being together every chance they get. But there are plenty of obstacles in their way, including themselves.

In the end, the way it's wrapped up is perfect. I don't know any other way this could actually end satisfactorily. Seriously, even the reader isn't rooting for them throughout. Sometimes, things are just that messy.

And as for the title, bravo! It's perfect, just perfect.

Ancient House of Cards is not your typical read. I didn't care and couldn't put it down. But be sure to check out this Bryan T Clark read the next time you're in the mood for a unique gay fiction book. If you go into this one knowing it's a gay fiction read, and not a typical gay romance, you'll love it too.

Unforgettable Faith (Vale Valley, Season 3 #11) by Michael Mandrake

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Blurb

Father Joseph deadened himself to love, but Diego refuses to give up on romancing the ornery priest.

After Joseph spent part of his life running from captivity, he found solace in church. The only thing stopping him from true serenity is reassembling the broken pieces of his past. Fragments that cause him mental anguish and bring him to his knees.

Diego’s travels lead him to Vale Valley to pitch a product, but when he prepares to leave, his wanton desire forces him to stay put. Despite not knowing what or why, Diego surrenders to his instincts.

Wolves and tigers aren’t supposed to be buddies, so why is the attraction between them irresistible? Will they remain together regardless of issues that could tear them apart?

Unforgettable Faith is book thirteen of the popular multi-author series, Vale Valley, a small town open to everyone who needs love and a home. This is a story of chosen mates and forbidden love between two species not meant for each other.

WARNING: The book includes knotting, sex under the altar, more fun with rosary beads, sappy romance, casual drug use, flashbacks of violence, and near death.

A Summer Romance. 

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Unforgettable Faith, Michael Mandrake's contribution to Season 3 of Vale Valley, is one hell of a hot romance. 

Joseph is a priest who's fighting his attraction to Diego. They're two alphas, two different species, one a tiger, one a wolf. Both question how they are even attracted to one another.

Their story is one of secrets, confusion, heat and lust. Diego suffers from memory issues, which makes for some interesting moments. 

The writing is great, with a good storyline and a hot couple. The flow is seamless, and the development well done.

And, damn, the hot factor is high on this one. There's shifter sex, which we don't see often enough. And holy crap, more altar sex! Damn! Super hot and steamy!

I am still in awe of Unforgettable Faith. I love Joseph and Diego together, and I really love their chemistry. You need to read this one when you're in the mood for a steamy, omegaverse read.

Body and Soul by Mario Dell'Olio

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Blurb

Raised in a strict Catholic family, Luca seemed destined for priesthood. His safe spiritual world is shattered after just one kiss with a college roommate. Luca enters a period of self-discovery as his journey of love opens his eyes to joy he never thought possible. Along with his new-found love comes unfathomable pain and self-doubt. Years later, a newly ordained bishop is at the pinnacle of his career when a chance encounter with a lover from his youth threatens to upend his prestigious career and comfortable life. His vow of celibacy and vocation are called into question as he struggles with his faith, loneliness, and need for love. How do these seemingly disparate characters come together to make sense of the unexpected twists and turns in their lives? How do they balance their bodily desires with their soul’s search for meaning?

Review 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Body and Soul is another book that just knocked me off my feet. I was completely riveted by this Mario Dell'Olio book and couldn't put it down.

This story takes place over two time periods. Brad and Luca dated back in the 1970s. The author alternates between the past and the present.

For Brad and Luca, college was a coming of age time and a time for self- discovery and self-reflection. These two roommates dated, but Brad was never perfect and Luca wanted to be a priest. They were closeted and ended on bad terms, with a whole lot of heartache and pain. 

Fast forward thirty years to 2015 and they have a second chance, if they can work things out.

Luca and Brad's relationship is beyond complex. The lengths one will go to in order to cover up their pain is insane. They are lying to themselves and to others. Both live a life of lies, pain, and hurt.

Their story illustrates the fear of ones' own sexuality and sexual desires. It captures the power of money and being obsessed with the almighty dollar. It demonstrates the power of one's fears to cause pain for oneself and for others.

The writing is good, but the author head hops at times, which is frustrating to the reader. He also tells the story in 3rd person, with multiple points of view. It's a little strange when we get the pov of a 3rd character, so just be prepared.

Overall, I found the book riveting, yet also confusing. Some of it just doesn't make sense. There's nothing for the reader to like about Brad which confused me. If you're looking for some redeeming character trait, you'll be left waiting. I was also confused by Luca dating Brad while wanting to be a clergyman. If he knew he wanted to be a priest, why bother setting himself for such pain.

In the end, Body and Soul is a complex and emotional story. It wonderfully illustrates that abuse is not always physical, while also exploring the internal struggle with being gay. I absolutely enjoyed it, despite not loving it.

Breakable Faith (Vale Valley, Season1 #8) by Michael Mandrake

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Blurb

One night equals a test of faith for Father Lance…

Trouble always finds Mateo and he’s succumbed to it several times with or without help. However, after running with the wrong kinds of people, he’s decided to turn a new leaf. His attention to detail lands him a job as a tattoo artist, making people’s dreams come true through body art. With this steady gig and his grandmother’s support, Mateo is convinced he can live mostly anxiety free.

Father Lance has always suppressed his needs to care for others. The older alpha is Vale’s most handsome and available bachelor, but Lance has no interest in hooking up. Instead, he puts all his energies into his church. Although loneliness is a constant partner, Lance refuses to let it stand in the way of his goal.

One wintery night, Lance spots a man in need of assistance and immediately calls for help. Despite Lance’s instincts crying out to the victim, he ignores those desires.

As he's being rushed to the emergency room, Mateo feels his destined mate near. Once he recovers, he’s determined to find his forever partner to build the relationship that will stabilize the young omega’s life.

Warning: On page violence and a near death experience.

Breakable Faith is the eighth book in a multi-author series about Vale Valley, a small town open to everyone in need of love and a home. Each installment can be read as a standalone

This story features a tattooed omega that has the hots for the priest. Naughtiness and general unholy thoughts are the running themes in this book. Be prepared to clutch your rosary and have a fan nearby.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Slowly introducing myself to more Vale Valley books, I was excited to re-read Michael Mandrake's Breakable Faith. And holy crap, I loved it all over again!

A romance between a priest and his much younger fated mate, it's riveting from the start. 

This story includes some danger, some abuse, and a whole lot of love. Mateo's a young man who longs for a family of his own. He struggles with convincing Lance that they will be good together. Poor Lance is stuck in his ways, has never been with anyone, and has never even been kissed. He's a man who's forced his physical desires be pushed into the back of his mind. Until Mateo.

Lance may be the older man, but Mateo's the experienced one. It's fun seeing them each provide some guidance to the other, despite their age difference. 

And holy hotness. If you're a strongly religious person, beware this one contains altar sex. Taboo much? Sure. But hot and totally fitting to the story? Absolutely.

Breakable Faith is a fabulous read. It's just fun and hot, and needs to be read in one sitting. Yes, it's that good.

How Not to Sin (Lovestrong #2) by Susan Hawke

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Blurb

One regular guy who happens to be a preacher…

Reverend Dr. Gabe Samson doesn’t think he’s better than any of the people in his church, so please don’t put him on a pedestal. While he’s never hidden the fact that he identifies as bisexual, he’s never acted on it either. Gabe isn’t happy to learn that the sole reason he was hired to pastor the LGBT-friendly church was that the ruling elders wanted a safe poster child for inclusivity—in other words, they wanted the rainbow flag without letting it fly.

Plus one easygoing, new age kinda guy…

Seth Thomas owns Holistic Healing, a metaphysical shop and yoga studio. He’s never really been a relationship kinda guy, but only because he hasn’t met the right man yet. Seth is laid back and goes with the flow. When fate drops a hot preacher in his lap, why wouldn’t he accept the gift?

Equals a pair of men who click from the start.

The two men find it almost too easy to get together, especially Gabe, who is fully embracing his bi side for the first time. Nothing in life is simple though. While Gabe and Seth are busy falling in love, they face an anti-gay hate group, a divided church, and a ruling elder who is hell-bent on sowing discord. Between Gabe’s patient wisdom and Seth’s snark, the pair fight the growing drama with the strongest weapons in their arsenal: love and humor.

This is the third book in the LOVESTRONG series about finding love and being yourself in a small town, and the third in series. Intended only for 18+ readers, this is an mm romance full of all the fun, fluff, and feels you’d want from an S. Hawke book.

Note: This isn’t a trigger warning, but please be prepared for a few instances of ignorance and hate speech, and mentions of violence. This is a romance, not a sermon—but please keep in mind that the main character is a pastor dealing with real-life issues in his church and these truths are reflected in Gabe. 

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

How Not To Sin is the second book in Susan Hawke's Lovestrong series. And it's as great as I hoped it would be.

Gabe's a bisexual pastor, who's never been with a guy before. When he falls for the yoga teacher, Seth, his life is set on a new course. Their relationship is sweet and tender, and they are wonderful as a couple, with some fun teasing.

I enjoy the religion versus Christianity conversations. This is so damn relevant right not that it makes for a good read. Gabe's views on religion are very refreshing, as he's loving and accepting, instead of being judgemental.

In typical fashion for this author, there's a whole lot of humor. My favorite scene is Loretta at the sex shop. Hysterical!

How Not To Sin is fantastic and riveting, with a great group of characters. It's hot and sexy, and am all around enjoyable read. I'm definitely loving this series so far and am excited to see what's next.

Note - If you don't like books that deal with religious homophobia, skip this one.

Breakable Faith (Vale Valley Winter Romance) by Michael Mandrake

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Blurb

One night equals a test of faith for Father Lance…

Trouble always finds Mateo and he’s succumbed to it several times with or without help. However, after running with the wrong kinds of people, he’s decided to turn a new leaf. His attention to detail lands him a job as a tattoo artist, making people’s dreams come true through body art. With this steady gig and his grandmother’s support, Mateo is convinced he can live mostly anxiety free.

Father Lance has always suppressed his needs to care for others. The older alpha is Vale’s most handsome and available bachelor, but Lance has no interest in hooking up. Instead, he puts all his energies into his church. Although loneliness is a constant partner, Lance refuses to let it stand in the way of his goal.

One wintery night, Lance spots a man in need of assistance and immediately calls for help. Despite Lance’s instincts crying out to the victim, he ignores those desires.

As he's being rushed to the emergency room, Mateo feels his destined mate near. Once he recovers, he’s determined to find his forever partner to build the relationship that will stabilize the young omega’s life.

Warning: On page violence and a near death experience.

Breakable Faith is the eighth book in a multi-author series about Vale Valley, a small town open to everyone in need of love and a home. Each installment can be read as a standalone

This story features a tattooed omega that has the hots for the priest. Naughtiness and general unholy thoughts are the running themes in this book. Be prepared to clutch your rosary and have a fan nearby.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Michael Mandrake's Breakable Faith is fantastic!

I love this romance between Mateo and the older Father Lance. It's fun to see the younger omega as the aggressive and experienced one. The age difference is a lot of fun and well explored, as Lance believes he's way too old for Mateo. As well, Lance's sexual innocence makes this a fun read.

And of course, the taboo-ish element is fun and entertaining.

There's also some suspense and mystery as they are in fear of the shifter who attacked Mateo.

Overall, I really loved Breakable Faith. It is a fantastic Omegaverse romance, as it does a great job of breaking from the norms.