Loved reading the suspenseful and engaging story. When Cyrus, a private investigator, is asked to research the mysterious suicide of a priest, he discovers the priest was, Father Ike, and his fiance, Paulina, used to work with Father Ike. Cyrus's investigation leads him to a dominatrix, Nora, who ends up helping Cyrus with the case. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a riveting story line full of twists and turns.
I reviewed a copy of the book through NetGalley.

“But even if pain is unintentional, it still hurts, doesn’t it?”

Tiffany Reisz’s storytelling always captivates from start to finish. What a fantastic story!

I loved the crime solving aspect of this story and Nora’s newfound friendship with the detective, Cyrus. Cyrus is really great, has a heart of gold, and he and Nora made me smile with their banter and sleuthing. Together, they investigate the death of a priest. It’s heartbreaking and deeply emotional.

While there’s darkness to this story, Tiffany Reisz’s signature wit shines throughout. There were many moments that made me chuckle and smile.

“If anybody needs prayer, it’s her. If she’s having tea with the devil right now, I wouldn’t be surprised.”
“Selling her soul to him?”
“Nah. If anything, he’s trying to buy his back from her.”

But what I really enjoyed and what truly got to me was how this investigation of the priest’s death and all of its underlying details brought out Soren and Nora’s deepest emotions. The way they were tested, the way they dealt with the emotions being brought to the surface, and the way their bond intensified was a mountain of intense feelings. What happens between Soren and Nora in this story is written so beautifully and with such deep, raw emotions, and it’s stunning to watch it all unfold.


Tiffany Reisz has a special way of writing that draws you in and makes you feel so deeply. And it's more than just the feelings she evokes. She write’s real characters with flaws and vulnerabilities and with each new story we fall more in love with these characters. With each book I can’t wait to get more of them.

There’s a lot that happens in this story. New friendships are formed, bonds strengthened, there’s heartbreaking, sad moments, and there’s mystery and intrigue. Sit back and enjoy as the journey continues.

“Because even if I could live without you, I would never want to.”

Helping a man she barely knows to solve a murder case.
A priest is dead, a priest that attended an engagement party just a few months back. Cyrus is a private investigator who knew Father Ike.
With only a business card to start the investigation, Cyrus teams up with a dominatrix to solve this case.

Overall:
I’m definitely at a disadvantage having not read the prior books in the series as established relationships had developed in prior books. With that said I still was able to follow along or get caught up fairly easy. Tiffany clarified and reiterated those established relationships helping to identify who everyone is. I did have to make some notes jotting down who was who and who knew who.

I felt a divide between characters. There were some strict Catholics and priests and then some who were lax in their sexual preferences. There was another divide between good and evil. When you factor in these elements it’s difficult to cast judgement. Tiffany offers compelling arguments from all sides of the spectrum.
It’s a character driven story with sin the driving force in the storyline. I was hoping the story would follow the path of this murder more than it did. Tiffany placed a heavy emphasis on building the relationships between Cyrus and Nora with the supporting cast of characters.

I do enjoy the humor mixed with this serious situation it definitely lightens up matters. I didn’t peg this as a dark humor story, yet that’s what it’s turning into. The kink topic is fun especially when combined with priests and Catholics. Tiffany toes the line of kinky sex with individuals who are priests in a nonjudgmental way.

I don’t know if Tiffany was looking for shock value with her characters sexual interests since she made it point to identify certain characters as bisexual. I enjoyed each characters originality and talents despite the sexual preferences. I felt too much emphasis was placed on these characteristics taking away from the storyline.
If I were to base this book purely off the cover I would think this is a dark sinister story about a mad priest who behaved as a monster. This cover misrepresents the story. It is by no means a dark read. In fact, it reminds me of a cozy mystery book. The crime-solvers are amateurs given that Nora is a dominatrix and Cyrus is a PI who usually helps women and children. Neither are qualified crime investigators, yet that doesn’t stop them from trying to solve the case. Had he not found Nora’s business card on the priest she wouldn’t have been involved with the case at all.

Soren can do no wrong. These characters are so multifaceted, I’m so impressed that there’s still more to know about them. There’s never the expected resolution and I love that I’m kept guessing. Never mind they are always over the top hot.

This sounded like it was going to be a great book and I was really excited to read it, but it just was not for me. Thank you so much Net Galley for the free book.

The Original Sinners are a group that I adore. Søren, Nora and Kingsley embedded themselves way back in The Siren(Book 1 in the series) and I was hooked. The writing, the storytelling, the intriguing characters are such an addicting combination that I couldn’t wait till I got my hands on The Priest.

I will say this story was a little different in that it was a little more suspenseful in a “who done it” storyline with questioning the “what ifs” of the past. There is pure passion in the book but it is not heavy in bdsm like many of the past books.

I loved the new characters introduced and the suspenseful nature of the plot but what shinned for me was the exposing nature of Nora and Søren’s relationship. The what if’s, the whys, the what would have been, were all uncovered and discussed and left to simmer until it boiled. I had some heart palpitations but in the end, there was only one direction their relationship could go and for that, I was was immensely happy.

I do look forward to more from These Original Sinners because Søren’s future isn’t set in stone yet. But I do believe that Mercedes may have given us a hint, that’s if you believe the cards.

*advanced copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for providing me ARC in exchange for a honest review.

THE PRIEST is the beginning of a new era for Tiffany Reisz’s award-winning Original Sinners series, and the perfect jumping-on point for new readers.

What better time to read about a Catholic priest, a kinky one, but at Easter? ;-) (Sorry, not sorry.)
Nora, Soren and Kingsley, the formidable trio. I don't know if I'd outgrown them but I didn't quite feel their connection. I enjoyed meeting a couple of new characters, such as Cyrus Tremont, a private investigator who's looking into a priest's suicide. There's also a witch, a good one. In saying all that, I didn't buy the almost instant friendship between Cyrus and Nora, I thought it was too cutesy, not to mention, unlikely. And Nora was blabbering way too much about her relationship with Soren, the Jesuit priest, who was now suspended for a year.

As far as I'm concerned, Soren and Kingsley lost whatever allure they might have had in the past. It's possible I outgrew them.

The final chapters resurrected this novel, as they delved into the sexual abuse and the coverups of the Catholic Church, which also made Nora and Sore question their relationship and things that happened in the past.
I also appreciated the feminist stance, better said, the power of women sticking together.

After years of hiding their relationship, Nora and Søren were adapting well towards their newfound freedom. But as they established routines, a case pulled her into a different direction and if not careful, could derail their hard-fought relationship.

I was excited and nervous when I saw my favorite romance/erotica series is continuing with a full-length book. However, this book was not at all what I expected. Personally, I think this book could work better as a spin-off than as part of the main series because this book didn’t focus on the original characters. It was much lighter and borderline vanilla. It didn't exactly fit The Original Sinners brand. As a long time fan of the series, it was quite perturbing with the direction it’s going.

Nora will always be one of my favorite heroines. She was fun and daring as usual. This story introduced a new character Cyrus Tremont, which I liked. His encounters with anything kinky was amusing. I enjoyed the mystery and investigative elements in the story, and the culture/location added an exotic feel.

The Priest is a story of uncovering truth and breaking free. It would appeal to readers who enjoy romantic suspense.

Note: love Søren's special gift to Nora.

There is nothing like the catharsis of spending time with family when times are stressful. That’s why Nora, Soren, Kingsley and the gang have been reading therapy for years and now - when we need it most The Priest arrived. Meet Cyrus Tremont, private detective in New Orleans, as he is introduced to the world of kink and Nora. Nora finds herself a new bff and its priceless how he navigates his way through her world.

The exceptional pen of the mistress Reisz is still at the top of her game from the opening line “A priest was dead.” Fans can breathe a sigh of relief and those new can finally find out what makes the author so sickening. In the words of Beyonce “ sneeze on the beat and the beat got sicker”. To all my romance chicks, The Priest is sooo sick, yo! (get it?!) No pun intended

So, get cozy and welcome home to our friends and family of The Original Sinners.

The Priest by Tiffany Reisz

3*

A priest is found dead, by his own hand, a shot gun by his side. No note was found, but, he had made two phone calls immediately prior to his death. The first Nora, an establish dominatrix, the second to a trusted confidante asking for forgiveness.
This appeared to be an open and closed case, but the attending officer thought differently and enlisted the help of Cyrus an ex police officer, turned Private Detective. With the help of Nora they uncovered a world previously unknown to him. The story twists and turns through the world of pain, power, control and sexual fantasy and together they uncover not only the Priest secrets but also a much sinister world the implications and ramifications of which may rock the world forever.

In doing so their journey challenges Nora's own being and is one of discovery and realisation that shakes her to the core.

A griping story which I am sure will enhance the current sequence, but manages to stand alone successfully.

Reviewed by Katie Anna

@sunnybookreviews who received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

The Priest is a romantic suspense novel, that is part of a bigger series but can be read as a standalone. Not having read the other books in the series, I can attest, that yes this can certainly be read as a standalone. A lot of the characters have pasts that you would know about more if you had read the other books in the series, but not knowing all the details ddn’ take away from my enjoyment.
This book is set in New Orleans, one of my favorite places. The city always seems like another character in the book. Speaking of characters, I loved them. Nora is such a badass, and I loved her wit. Cyrus is a new character to the series and he is fantastic. I loved the way these two worked together and had such a sibling-like relationship.
The Priest is not for the faint of heart. Nora is a dominatrix and her lover is a catholic priest. The BDSM elements are certainly there, but I didn’t feel that it took over the book. I also enjoyed that Cyrus knew nothing about the BDSM scene and through his questions, the reader also was able to learn more. The Priest is really about relationships and values. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be reading more in this series.

More Søren and Nora, sign me up! I want to go visit Tiffany's mind, it's a bright colorful and twisty place but she brings such vibrant characters to life while dealing with often difficult topics you only discuss behind closed doors. Thank you for bringing things into the light. And thank you for all the dirty, filthy and creative hours of reading.

Heat Factor: As expected, there’s a lot of sex.
Character Chemistry: Nora and Cyrus have good banter. And Nora and Søren have some beautiful moments.
Plot: A priest has committed suicide; right before he killed himself, he tried to call Nora. She had never met the man, so when Cyrus the private detective starts investigating, she helps him crack the case.
Overall: Some aspects of this book are really excellent, but I would not recommend The Priest to anyone who was not already well-versed in the Original Sinners universe.

The continuing adventures of Nora Sutherlin continues! In this installment, Reisz sets up the central story around a mystery, so the frame story consists of Cyrus and Nora running around New Orleans asking questions about a priest who may or may not have been involved in the kink scene. As they do, they develop a friendship. Cyrus is completely bemused and not turned on by Nora, which is a fun and refreshing change from the sexiest dominatrix alive thing she generally has going on. Plus, I really appreciate the portrayal of an opposite-sex friendship without sexual tension (but with sex jokes). (Maybe I’m reading too many romance novels, but I can’t think of many portrayals of friendship even in non-romance that don’t eventually turn to sex.)

I thought the mystery itself was interesting enough. It’s not so well-constructed that, when the reveal hits, I was like, “OF COURSE! All the clues were right there! How did I not see it?” but it kept me engaged. Plus, it gives Cyrus and Nora a good excuse to talk to a bunch of people in sex dungeons and witchcraft stores, which, given their different perspectives on the world, makes for a fun dynamic.

Here’s the thing about The Priest, though. It’s being marketed as a good starting point for people who want to jump into the Original Sinners series, and I 100% disagree. The hard-hitting emotional moments have resonance because of the pre-established relationships between the characters. For example: Nora’s investment in the mystery of the kinky dead priest only makes sense in the context of her ongoing and complicated relationship with a kinky not-yet-dead priest. However, I will say that you don’t need to read ALL of the books. I’ve read The Siren and The Angel, and that was enough to get me a solid 90% of the backstory.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

I have always loved the dynamic of Soren, Nora and King’s relationship. So when a newbie is added to the mix it’s exciting.

Nora makes a new friend.

Cyrus is a detective looking for answers. A priest who has committed suicide last call was to Nora. Shook by this, Nora helps Cyrus with this case.

I can not go into all the happenings of this story as that would spoil it.
Just know somethings are going to come to the surface that will be difficult to read.

Perfection!! This author is my unicorn for a reason. All the stars in the world ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Soren, Nora, Kingsley, Juliette - we get them all in this one. My heart hurts at the thought of this series one day coming to an end. Luckily that is not today.

Plenty of taboo and painful subjects are covered in this one. The dialogue was exceptional, as usual, the imagery - divine.

I loved the new characters and how they meshed with the old. I cried. I genuinely LOLd and I remembered why this group of make believe people own a very real place in my heart.

The Priest was....something else. I usually like Tiffany Reisz but this one just wasn’t for me. I just couldn’t connect with it,

ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been a fan of Tiffany Reisz’s stories about Nora since I first read The Siren years ago, as she is such a strong, feisty and independent women.

The Priest was the right combination of intrigue and erotica and I thorough enjoyed it. It dealt with a very sensitive subject, which I was surprised by but it was handled well.

Cyrus was an interesting addition to Noras friends and I laughed out loud at quite a few of his scenes (ex: Soren and Cyrus running together).

This was an excellent addition to this storyline and I’m excited to find out what Nora gets involved in next.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

“Don’t let him forget how loved he is. I love him and Kingsley loves him. Protect him and bring him home.”

The Priest by Tiffany Reisz was such a wonderful escape! This Author never fails to feed my eternal insatiable hunger for more Søren, Nora and Kingsley. This compelling trio is like a drug of the best kind and every book feels like coming home to loved ones. The phrase ‘an infinite onion’, could not be any more apt as layers are peeled once more, letting us further into the soul of these three magnificent characters.

“I’m still your priest, aren’t I, Little One?” he asked. She kissed his chest over his heart. She knew if she could cut his chest open and look at his heart, she’d see her name tattooed across it, right next to Kingsley’s and Fionn’s and God’s. “You’ll always be my priest.”

When a priest commits suicide, Nora is unwittingly dragged into a case of hideous revelations and personal consequences, led by PI Cyrus Tremont. All the while Søren with his powerful presence, is in the background watching out for his Little One. Prior to taking his own life, the priest attempted to call Mistress Nora. But why? Whilst in pursuit of answers, Cyrus and Nora strike up a wonderful almost sibling like friendship and both of them make significant self-realisations in search of the truth.

‘There they were, Cyrus thought, two fuck-ups with so many sins in their past, they’d need an army of priests and a five gallon bucket of holy water to absolve them both.’

I loved the mystical and pulsating setting of New Orleans, it drew me in completely and made the suspenseful dramatics that much more enticing. The vivid vibrancy was eerily charming. Whilst the cryptic case of the dead priest certainly led this story, there were epic moments of revelation of truths as well as a deep soul searching of the past between Søren and Nora. I lost count of my tears. However, the brilliant humour was still there in abundance, also. Oh and let’s not forget the heat of the trademark Tiffany Reisz kink….

“Went to Starbucks one day…Ordered a tall blond with whip. They gave me Søren.”

I don’t know how long I’ll be left satiated this time before needing my next Søren, Nora and Kingsley fix, however I can once again solidly confirm that Nora is still and most likely always will be, my all-time favourite female character. That, without everything that is intrinsically Nora, I wouldn’t have my Søren or Kingsley. It’s a testament to the magnificent writing skills of Tiffany Reisz that no matter how many books down the line, the intensity of my love for these characters never wavers nor diminishes. Rather with every book my heart, which is already fit to burst, falls even more in love. The strength of my feelings for them surge and the need to peel more layers of that infinite onion deepens.

‘It was him, Søren, and who he turned into when he let himself free with her. The master. The monster. The beautiful sadist. That was the secret she never told anyone, not even herself, that she loved him more for his cruelties than his mercies. He was kind to everyone he met. He was only cruel like this to his lovers.’

The Priest is my first read from Tiffany Reisz and my first book in the sinners series (this is actually the 9th book in the series). Although its part of a series, I had no problem following the storyline and characters in this “tension” filled mystery novel (Standalone check - pass). Loved how all the characters are matured, they knew exactly what they want. May be their characters were developed throughout the series, and are written in a mature way in this one! Loved how the author carried the story and made it effortless for me to follow. The gripping story has twists and turns, which makes this one unputdownable!! Definitely going to read the rest of the books in the sinners series and add Tiffany Reisz to TBR authors!
Thank you NetGalley, author and publisher for the ARC. This review is my own and is not influenced in any way.